“The children treasured the stories they were told by their mother before she died. They retold the same stories about their kingdom to their children. One child grew up and decided to write beautiful manuscripts that told all about the kingdom they fled and the life they led. The last book in the series mentioned why the family never returned. The author wrote that before she died, the Queen had warned the children not to return to the kingdom. She told them the kingdom fell during an attack and held nothing for them. In that passage of the book it also talked about what each child was given by the Queen as inheritance. They were each given special items that were explained in great detail to them. These items were magical and held invaluable worth to the descendants of the King and Queen." Charles looked at Caroline. She was listening to him intently.
When he paused, she asked, "What happened to the descendants?"
He quietly began again. "They never returned to their kingdom. The descendants of the eldest brother left the Queen's property. They became nomads using their wealth to travel around the world. In their travels they would seek treasures to add to their inheritance. The eldest brother was the author of the manuscripts that depicted the narrative of his family’s history. He wanted to leave proof for his descendants that they were the rightful heirs to their families' kingdom. This heir was given a sealed document that was signed by the King after his birth. This document entitled him to the land of the kingdom. This was kept secret because the mother didn't want the youngest siblings to challenge the eldest should they return to the kingdom. He never returned to the kingdom because he fell in love and married a lady. They were content in their travels.
“This story has one little twist. As fate would have it the King of England was related to this family. After learning about the destruction of his relatives’ kingdom, he sent a delegation with supplies to find out what had taken place. At that time they discovered the King was the only survivor. After leaving the supplies, they left him and returned to the King of England. They reported to him that his relative was the only survivor. The King was overjoyed that his relative was alive. He tried to get the King of the New Kingdom to return to England but he refused. He stated, ‘I’d rather be the King of no one than nothing.’ He decided to stay.
“The King of England made a declaration to him that supplies would be secretly sent to this location every year as long as the land was part of England. To the world he declared this land to be a part of England's territory. In the Royal Charters he secretly signed that if the rightful heir should become known he/she would gain back all the land that was lost with their rightful title. The Monarchy of England to this day still maintains this territory and awaits a rightful heir."
When he finished Caroline put her head on his shoulder and said, "That was a wonderful story Charles where do you come up with them?"
CHAPTER 71
Carson sat at his desk and looked around the office. He was glad that Bev and Charles helped him sort through the piles of paperwork. He straightened up his desk before standing to leave. As he began walking toward the door an odd parcel came through the Passageway, along with a bundle of mail. The parcel was cylindrically shaped with a red ribbon around it.
He stood looking at it, as Airabelle asked, "Aren't you going to go see what it is?" Carson walked over to the package, picked it up and opened it. The package contained a large compass with a Fleur-de-lis on its back. It had an engraved inscription that read: To the heir of the Kingdom of Caperson. May you be blessed on your journey home. Carson ran his hand over the inscription. Who had sent this? How did they know the secret? What if the rightful heir couldn't come forward? Then what? He took it over to Airabelle and Airasten.
"Amazing," Airabelle said.
Carson, without saying a word, went to get the keys for the vault. He locked the parcel away.
Airabelle said, "I hope the Council approves Caroline."
He paused before walking out and said, "I hope so for Charles’ sake."
Then Carson left the two birds and headed for the house. When he reached the porch he saw Al sitting on a chair reading the paper. Carson sank down into a nearby chair.
Al turned the corner of the paper down and said, "Howdy Carson. How have you been?"
"Just fine Al, and you?"
"Not bad. How about a mean game of chess?"
"Sounds like a mighty fine idea."
Carson went inside and came back with a chess set that was different from their usual set. They sat on the front porch playing chess. It was a hard fought game between the two of them. In the end Al made some strategic moves and said, "The King inherits his kingdom old friend." He reached over to remove Carson's last game piece.
"Good game," Carson said.
"You were a formidable foe. Until we meet again on the field of battle."
As they were putting the pieces away Al picked up the king and closely inspected it. The chess pieces were intricately carved from two distinct types of rare wood; one light, one dark. The expression on the king's face he held in his hand reminded Al of a story his sister liked to tell him. Al said, "You know my sister Catherine used to tell a story about a kingdom far away. She used our family as the characters in the story. I used to love the adventures she told about. Before she died she told me the story was real. I thought, nah, it couldn't be. You know, looking at this King reminds me that when Caroline was born I thought about retelling the stories to her, but I am just not good at storytelling. I don't believe that I could retell the stories the way Catherine did, making them come to life. She was the best. It was the way she would tell it that made it so real for a young boy."
Carson's face became serious as he looked at Al. "What kind of story Al?"
Al looked off in the distance. "You know now that I think about it, maybe she was just wanting me to remember it and retell it. That it was only real in our imagination, a tale to pass down to the next generation. That's what she meant."
Carson asked, "Al, what if it were true?"
Al looked at Carson and laughed. "Now that is funny, you believing in fairy tales? You have been reading too many of the books in your library after a hard day’s work on the farm. I never saw any proof that Catherine’s stories could be validated. No way, my friend."
Carson had an idea and said, "Al, you know when you said you weren't really good at telling stories? Why don't you write them down? Don't you think Caroline would like to read those stories Catherine would tell you?"
Al thought about this. "I don't know Carson. I'm not much good at writing either. I'd have to think about it. I wouldn't want her to think I've lost my mind."
"A little late for both of us don't you think?"
"You’re probably right about that. It was hard on me when Catherine died. Going through her things was terrible. There were so many memories in that place. I remember she had some strange things around the house. While I was packing stuff Margaret called to me and said, ‘You are never going to believe this but your sister has been collecting journals full of blank paper on the bookshelves.’ We gave some of them to Caroline. She seemed to be entertained by them. I took the rest to my house thinking someday one of the girls might use them.”
Carson could feel himself get excited and tried not to let on. “What else did she have around that old place?” he asked.
“Oh, I don’t know, not much of value. Most of it is in my basement. Margaret wanted me to get rid of it, but I just couldn’t see throwing it away. Margaret thinks I put it out in the dumpster, but I just couldn’t.
“One night I just sneaked it down there while she was over here. Thank goodness, she never goes down there. Joyce will have to deal with it when we die. The neatest thing I found was an old walking stick. It is really something. I don’t need it yet, but someday I might. I thought about selling it, but I don’t know who would buy something like that.”
Carson said, “I’d love to see it. Would you be interested in bringing it by for me to take a look at?”
&nb
sp; “You want to see it?”
“Yes, I would. As a matter of fact I wouldn’t mind buying any or all of that old stuff, if you’d be willing to part with it: journals, everything.”
Al said, “Most of the items aren’t in good condition. I will think about it. If Margaret finds out I kept all of Catherine’s stuff, she will be mad. I’m sure she would say it is just a spider trap. It’s just a bunch of old memories to me. I may be willing to part with them. Haven’t even been down there since I brought it all home.”
**********
Charles and Caroline raced down the street. When they reached the edge of the yard, Caroline skipped to the front porch. Charles followed her watching her animated motions. He shook his head as if he couldn't believe it.
Carson said, "Just in time for dinner."
Caroline had already gone past and was on her way to the kitchen. Charles stood by the railing looking at the two men. "I see you played a game. Who won?" he asked.
Al said, “I won after a hard fought battle. My king lives to rule for another day.” Charles pondered that statement before saying, “That’s good. We will all sleep a little better tonight because of it.”
Carson said, “I couldn’t agree more. Now shall we see what the ladies are up to?”
They followed Al to the kitchen.
Bev turned around at the sink and said, “Hi boys, just in time. Come on over and help yourselves.”
They took their dinner out on the back patio and ate at the picnic table. While they were eating Charles mentioned to Carson that he and Caroline had walked to the tree house.
Carson asked, “What did you think about Walter’s handy work?”
“It’s great! It looks like a real house with a tree growing out of it. Amazing!” Caroline said, “Mr. Jones, it is over the top fabulous! I’ve never seen anything like it before in my life! As Charles calls it: ‘Top of The World’.” Carson was glad they approved.
Caroline turned to Margaret. “Grandma, you’ve got to come and see how Mrs. Jones decorated the inside. You’ll love it!”
“I’d love to.”
She turned to Bev and said, “I remember when our daughters played there all the time. They loved that old place.”
“It’s not old anymore. It has been completely rebuilt. You wouldn’t recognize the place. Mom would love it too!” said Caroline.
Margaret said, “I bet she would love to hear about all the changes that were made to it. It would be fun to get her and Molly together again at the tree house. We could plan a picnic lunch like they used to.”
“That’s a great idea. I know Molly would love it!” said Bev.
Just then Cynthia came running around the house. “Nana, Paw Paw! We are here!” She came running to them and hugged them. She punched Charles on the arm. He acted like it hurt.
Bev said, “Don’t go picking on your brother now. Go fix a plate first.” Cynthia hugged Caroline before she headed into the kitchen.
Sophie was already talking to Carson as he was doing a magic trick with a quarter.
He said, “I filled up the coin jar again. I bet you can’t guess how many coins are in it. The winner gets to keep the whole jar this time!”
Sophie’s face lit up. “Whoa, the whole jar?”
“The whole jar!”
“Man, I’m going to be rich! Cynthia!” She ran to the kitchen to find Cynthia, and tell her what Paw Paw said.
Cynthia stuck her head out the door. “Sophie said whoever guesses how many coins are in the jar wins it. Is that true?”
Molly said, “That’s what Paw Paw said. I heard him.”
Cynthia did a happy dance. “Wow, a new car!”
Sophie said, “No, a new bike.”
“Car.”
“Bike.”
“Car.”
“Biiiike.”
Molly said, “No sense arguing yet, you have to win it ladies.”
Both girls stuck their tongue out at each other. They kept taunting each other about who was going to win over dinner. Molly and Jack went into the kitchen to fix their plates.
When they came out to sit with the group, Charles said, “Mom, you have got to check out the tree house! It’s awesome.”
She looked at Carson. “Really? What did you do to it? I love that old place. Joyce and I used to spend a lot of time there.”
Carson told her, “Walter wanted to fix it up. He volunteered for the job.”
Bev said, “Hey, Margaret had a good idea. Why don’t we set up a picnic there with Joyce? It will be fun. What do you say?”
“I’d love it. How about a tea party?”
Margaret said, “Even better! Joyce would love that.”
Charles raised an eyebrow. “Are you kidding me? A tea party? Good grief.” Molly asked, “Want to come?”
He shook his head. “No way. Nooo way!”
Molly looked over at Caroline. “I bet you’d like to come wouldn’t you?”
Caroline looked at Charles. “Yes, I’d love to join you at a tea party.”
Charles closed his eyes tightly and made a face. “Yuck!”
The girls started making plans. Charles and Caroline picked up their plates and returned them to the kitchen. They went outside to shoot hoops. After the girls finished their meal, they went over to bother Charles and Caroline before being called in to help with dishes and clean up. Charles was relieved.
Carson and Al went to their usual place on the front porch until they were called inside for dessert. The adults went to the family room to play Bridge. Bev brought lemon meringue pie out to Charles and Caroline. They were happy to take a break.
Charles said to Caroline, “Dessert of champions.”
“Mmm, I can see why. I bet it makes them run faster.”
“You bet! It makes me run faster.” He jumped up and ran around the yard. Caroline looked at him like he was crazy. “I think you’d better come back and sit down.”
He ran over to where she was sitting. “See what did I tell you?”
She took the last bite off her plate. “I’m impressed…”
Margaret came to the back door and called for her.
Caroline called back, “Over here Grandma.”
“Time to go.”
Caroline looked at Charles. “I wish I didn’t have to…”
“Me too.” Charles walked her into the house.
It was getting late. Margaret, Al and Caroline gathered their things and said goodbye before they left for home.
As soon as Al’s family was gone, Molly decided they should be leaving as well. She and Jack rounded up the girls, which was no easy task. They kept playing a game, running around the house. Both girls asked if they could stay the night. Bev said she didn’t care, but Molly decided that they shouldn’t. They would plan a sleepover for another night. Simultaneously the girls said, “Awwww.”
Molly put her hand on Sophie’s head and gently eased her to the door. Everyone followed them to the car and said goodbye. Molly said to Bev, “Let’s plan the tea party for the girls. A picnic in the old, or should I say the new tree house sounds like fun.” Cynthia said, “Sounds fun to me too, and no boys allowed!” Molly made a face at her as a warning.
Charles said, “Well maybe I will go now…”
Cynthia rolled her eyes. “Right, sure you will.”
Carson wanted to change the subject and said to Charles, “I doubt you will be going. You have a lot of work to do around here.” He closed the car door for Molly.
Molly rolled the window down. “Charles, make sure you are helping around here. If you’re not then you might as well come home.”
Bev said, “He’s a great help. Bye now. Come back as soon as you can. I will talk to you later about that picnic.”
They drove off for home. Once the family was out of sight, Carson, Bev and Charles stood there and looked at each other before they ran like little children in the moonlight to the office. Bev shut the door behind them. They each sat on a chair and began to discuss the
ir evening. Bev went first. She had a few stories to tell about Catherine that Margaret had shared with her.
Charles went next. He told about his visit with Caroline at the tree house. He told them he retold the shorten version of the kingdom’s story and she was a captive audience. He was excited until he saw the look on Carson’s face. Charles stopped. “Why are you looking like that Paw Paw? Did I do something wrong?”
Carson said, “No. It’s just that as Al and I were putting away the chess pieces, he looked at the King and told me that his sister would tell him stories when he was younger. I told him he should retell them… If he does no telling what kind of conclusion Caroline might make.” They were silent, thinking this through.
Bev was the first to say, “Well, when it happens, we will figure it out. Hopefully this will all be finished before he does anything with it. He hasn’t in all these years, why would he now?
“Charles did you and Caroline have anything else to talk about concerning this?” “No, nothing comes to mind.”
She turned to Carson and asked him the same thing.
“Yes,” he said. “We had a lot to discuss. Al confided in me that he sneaked Catherine’s things from her home into their basement. He didn’t throw it away like he told Margaret he would. He said, ‘Margaret doesn’t go down there. She would consider it a spider trap if she did.’ I asked him if he would consider selling any of it. He replied that he might. He also mentioned a walking stick that belonged to Catherine. Seems as if it might be special. I guess it is uniquely carved. He may not want to sell it right now, but he said he’d let me take a look at it.”
Bev and Charles were excited! Bev said, “Wow! What a great discovery. Wait until we tell Dimitrios that the Caperson estate is still intact.”
Carson said, “Not only that, but Al has more of the Sojourner Journals. He mentioned the journals Margaret found are all blank.”
The Xidoran Prophecy Page 58