The guard looked around the table and said, “The Councilman from Spain asked me to not allow anyone inside the hearing until after the board voted, sir. I was just doing my job.”
This statement took Anthony back. He thanked the guard and said, “That will be all. Sir, you may go now.”
The guard mumbled to Natalie, “Sorry ma’am, just doing my job…”
Natalie didn’t say anything she stood staring at Anthony. Anthony took a deep breath and said, “We need to have order in here. You may not talk again unless you are recognized.” He hit the gavel again and said, “This meeting is called to order again.” Natalie glared at him and walked over to the podium. He watched her. She knew by law, if she as a Sojourner went to the podium he would have to allow her to speak.
Dimitrios turned to Charles and said, “My darling daughter, always making an entrance. This had better be good my dear…”
Anthony raised his chin keeping his eye on her. “Natalie, the Council recognizes you to speak.”
She smiled and said, “Thank you for recognizing me, Prime Minister.” She looked around the room, and then smiled at Charles. She looked right at her father who was curious as to what she was going to say.
The Councilman from Spain said, “A vote is on the table. I have an objection to this.”
Dimitrios said, “The vote was never recognized by the Prime Minister. The law states that a Sojourner who wants to speak at a Guidance Hearing is to be heard. The law also states if a Sojourner comes to the podium they are allowed to speak. Let her speak. Considering your alleged interference, I am surprised you are continuing to speak yourself.”
A Councilwoman from China seconded Dimitrios.
Anthony said, “Dimitrios is correct. We shall hear what she has to say. Please continue…”
Natalie stood up straight and hesitated in order to get her composure back. Dimitrios thought, this ought to be good. He knew Natalie was a very good debater and speaker. Natalie cleared her throat and in her best persuasive speaking voice she said, “The other day I learned of a situation that a young woman was in need of a suitable sponsor. I personally know of Caroline Saunders. I would like to vouch for her.”
A Councilman from Mexico said, “Young lady, we realize she is a good person. That is not what is called into question. We are not certain she should be allowed to Sojourn without a sponsor. Now Prime Minister, may we please vote?”
Natalie looked at Anthony and said, “I will not leave until I am heard. I would appreciate not being interrupted.”
Anthony said, “Ladies and Gentlemen, I will not ask you again to refrain from speaking without permission. If you do, you will be asked to leave. Your interruptions make this meeting longer. By law you are to listen to your constituents. Please continue.”
Natalie began, “I am fully aware of her situation. I understand what it means and entails to sponsor and mentor a Sojourner.” Dimitrios stood up. Natalie gave him a look that made him sit down. She continued, “I am confident that those of you who know me can attest to my reliability, maturity and ability to get the job done. I am an excellent candidate to sponsor Miss Caroline Saunders; and as of this day I consider myself her legal Sponsor. Sensei is here to testify on my behalf, should anyone question my resolve. I am of age and do hereby request as of this day, that this Council grant me permission to mentor Miss Saunders in order that I might rightfully restore her family’s legacy as Generational Sojourners. Thank you.”
Dimitrios was so stunned he didn’t say a word. He sat there in disbelief. Once he understood what had taken place he smiled at her, very proud of the woman she had become. His daughter was a woman willing to help others.
Charles couldn’t believe it; this was the miracle he was hoping for.
The Councilwoman from Monaco asked the Prime Minister, “May we quietly discuss this turn of events amongst ourselves?”
Anthony said, “You may. We shall take a break for five minutes. At that time we shall return to take a vote.”
Natalie went over to her father, Charles and his family. Dimitrios hugged her. Sensei spoke with Bev.
Dimitrios was now over the initial shock. “I had no idea you would consider taking on this role. Are you sure?”
“Yes, I am sure. I have thought about it and I am positive.”
Dimitrios was proud of her. He knew she would be the best choice to teach Caroline what she needed to know. “I will assist you in any way I can. I fully support this decision.”
When time was up Anthony called the meeting back to order. “A vote is now on the table. At this time we shall take a vote. You may vote by raising your hand when asked. All those in favor.” There was a pause. They all raised their hands except one.
“All those opposed?” The lone dissenter did not raise his hand.
“The Council recommends that Miss Saunders be granted Sojourning Status immediately, under the supervision of Natalie Kulikov, who is now her legal Sponsor and Mentor.”
Charles was so excited. He hugged Natalie.
She said, “Charles, you know you owe me one.”
“Just one? I think I owe you more than that.”
Everyone was so excited that they had made history. Anthony hit his gavel and everyone cheered. Anthony left the room and went into his office. The Council members and participants stood and discussed the events, which just took place.
Anthony emerged from his chamber and came over to congratulate Natalie. “Congratulations on making history today. You know if you had not stepped up, I believe the Council may have voted against this.”
She nodded. “I know, you’re right. I think this is the right thing to do. I believe in helping others.”
Charles was thrilled. Earlier this afternoon he had thought this might not happen; now that it had he was so excited! He kept thinking about how he was going to explain this to Caroline. His thoughts drifted to all of the adventures they would go on together. Anthony walked over and handed a small card to Natalie. Then he said goodbye to them before he went back to his gavel and struck it. “The next item on our agenda is the Hub…”
Dimitrios walked them to the door. He kissed Natalie on the cheek and whispered in her ear that he was proud of her. He mentioned to the Jones he’d come by later to discuss going forward with Charles in greater detail. Dimitrios closed the door. Natalie and Sensei walked them out, and then they went their separate ways.
Bev suggested they head back toward the office. Carson agreed, and then mentioned that he’d like to take Al’s walking stick by Nicky’s kiosk just to see if he had any thoughts about it. They made their way through the Hub. Once they made it to their Passageway entrance, Carson disappeared for a moment to retrieve the walking stick. When he returned they walked over to see Nicky. As they reached Nicky’s kiosk, they noticed that he was busy with his contraptions. He was demonstrating them to a small crowd. He saw Carson through the crowd and waved at him. Carson handed Bev the walking stick. As they neared, Nicky turned the crowd over to his wife for questions.
Nicky said, “ I don’t keep these contraptions very long. As quick as I can get them, they fly off the shelf.”
He shook Carson’s hand. “Did you get my message?”
Carson nodded. Bev and Charles looked at each other.
Airabelle said, “He’s just full of surprises, isn’t he?”
Bev leaned over to Charles and whispered, “I wonder what he’s up to now?”
She and Charles walked around the kiosk and looked at the new gadgets while Nicky and Carson talked business. Nicky’s wife came over and demonstrated some of the more interesting devices to them.
Carson watched Nicky as he demonstrated how the gadgets worked. Carson was in awe of Nicky’s resourcefulness. Nicky told Carson, “Now if you really don’t want all of them, no problem. I have other buyers.” Carson wanted the Sojourner tools and paid Nicky for all of the items that he had on hold for him. He asked Bev and Charles to join him as Nicky demonstrated the gadgets. When Nicky fi
nished he wrapped them up for Carson while they continued to discuss them.
Charles asked him, “Where do you find these contraptions?”
Nicky whispered, “Garage sales and estate sales my boy. Oh the marvelous things one can find at a sale, hidden secrets galore. To the average person an object looks like junk. To me it is treasure once I identify it’s a Sojourner’s tool. The mystery is finding out how to use them.”
Charles contemplated this, “How do you know it is a Sojourner’s tool?”
Nicky pulled out his Sojourner glasses and put them on. It was self-explanatory. “The beautiful thing is that if you happen upon a sale, with no other Sojourners present, you can clean up and make a huge profit. A true Sojourner won’t just have one Sojourner item for sale, right?”
Carson and Bev had wandered off talking together.
Nicky suddenly noticed Carson taking back Al’s walking stick from Bev’s arm. He whistled. “A man that knows his stuff.” He hurried over to where they were standing and asked if he could look over the walking stick. Carson agreed.
Nicky returned to his kiosk to get his gloves. When he came back Carson loosened the strap from his wrist and handed it to Nicky. He studied it very carefully as if it was a priceless museum piece. He deciphered the inscriptions that were carved on it.
Nicky looked up. “Do you know Forest Whisper’s Language?”
Carson said, “No. Do you?”
Nicky’s face lit up. “I was afraid you’d never ask. Of course I do. Look here.” He pointed to the symbols on the stick and read them aloud. “Here it says the Forest Spirit’s name that guides this stick is Willoughby. This particular one is a Wind Rustler; in other words its voice is heard through the wind rustling through the leaves on a tree. In the winter the strong gales that whip through the branches and the creaks of the limbs are their voices. Simply put he’s a Forest Guide for a Truth Sojourner. It was made for someone in particular. It says the name right here. The problem is it doesn’t translate very well. It is the name this stick gave the owner.” Nicky handed it carefully back to Carson and said, “It’s alive.”
Carson’s eyes flashed with uncertainty. “Alive?”
Nicky repeated, “Yes alive. Everything in the New Dimension’s forest is alive, this is no exception.”
Carson asked, “How do you know so much about these things?”
“My family comes from Forest Dwellers. It’s in my blood. A Master Whittler carved this walking stick. This person breathes life into his creations. I’ve never seen anything quite so masterfully conceived. It’s a one of a kind beauty.”
Carson made a face thinking of Al leaving it at office door unattended. He made a mental note to be more careful with it and to express its value to Al.
Bev waved to get Nicky’s attention and inquired about a bauble she liked on the kiosk shelf.
Carson said, “Go ahead and wrap it up too. We’ll take it.” He winked at Bev. He settled the bill with Nicky and thanked him.
They headed for their Passageway. Before going very far, a Journeyman stepped right into Charles’ path and knocked him down. Charles shook his head and looked the Journeyman over. The tall man was dressed in an off-white short-sleeved shirt. On the outside of his shirt he had crisscrossed brown worn leather straps across his chest and back. On his brown slacks he carried a beat up metal cylinder that hung from his belt. He wore well-traveled brown leather boots with a brushed steel toe. On his head was a medium brown hat with a khaki band around it. His tan neck was wrapped loosely with a bandana. On his left arm was a thick leather band that had a compass attached to it. The Journeyman extended a hand to Charles to help him up. “Wayland Kestrel at your service. Looking for an Adventure are you?”
Charles looked confused. “No, I don’t think so.”
“Had enough for the day then, huh?”
“I don’t recall saying that. What is going on here?”
Wayland gave Charles a friendly slap on his back. About this time Bev and Carson came over to where they were standing. Wayland whispered to Carson, “The boy is being followed. Just play along with me. I am an experienced Journeyman. I will explain later.
“So you’ve come a long way for an Adventure Tour? Well you’ve found the right person.”
Carson whispered, “By whom?”
Wayland took out his telescope and looked around the Hub. He clicked a photo of the man following them. Then he pointed in the opposite direction and told Carson to look through the telescope. He then handed it to Bev to do the same. Then Carson looked around until he saw the man in the picture. Bev had handed the telescope to Charles. He also looked through it to see who was following him.
Charles frowned. “Max.”
“Do you know the others?” Wayland asked as he adjusted the telescope. He showed pictures of other people near Max. The last picture shown was Natalie.
Charles asked, “What about her?” He handed the telescope back to Wayland. “What did she do?”
Wayland looked into the telescope to see whom Charles was talking about. “Oh her… I, um, forgot to erase this picture. She was following Max and just caught my eye. Who’s that sheila again?”
“That’s no sheila.”
Wayland smiled. “You know her?”
“Do I ever.” He showed Wayland a couple of bruises from his training session. “Well stone the crows,” Wayland gasped.
“You can say that again.”
“Crocodiles are tamer than that.”
“Uh huh. Her name is Natalie…”
Wayland interrupted him, “That’s Dimitrios’ daughter?”
“None other.”
“I’ve heard about her...” Wayland took in a deep breath and slowly let it out. Wayland turned to Carson. “I wanted to stop you before you reached your Passageway, Mate. Most Sojourners aren’t aware of this, but he has dangerous markings.”
Charles asked, “A tattoo?”
“Yes.”
“A Passage Seeker--which means he’s a thief.”
“Yes. How did you know?”
“It doesn’t matter. That isn’t the reason he is watching me.”
Wayland turned to Carson, gave him a card and said, “I saw you talking to Nicky about the walking stick. The next time you head into the Whispering Forest and need a guide I’m your man.” He pointed to the walking stick. They both looked at it.
Carson said, “Will do.”
“Life’s a journey, we serve and protect Sojourners. Good day mates and Ma’am.” He tipped his hat to Bev and left them.
As Wayland strolled around the corner, Charles said, “Natalie was right about Max.”
Airabelle said, “We all need to be more careful from now on.” They all agreed. Then she said, “I don’t think we have seen the last of that Journeyman. I don’t know if I love him or am just infatuated with him.”
She looked at Airasten. “I think our friend has eyes for Natalie.”
Charles said, “I think you’re right. He did take a picture of her. Love at first sight?”
Airasten said, “Maybe, but I think he should think twice since she is Dimitrios’ daughter.”
CHAPTER 75
Max knew that meddler Wayland had spotted him and taken a picture. Worse than that he had told the boy’s group he was watching them. He couldn’t wait to settle the score with that twerp, Charles and his Pops. He was just waiting for the right time to take them by surprise. His rage was consuming him. Max found Charles to be a clumsy and ridiculous boy. He had no idea how to defend himself; he had to let a girl do it. Where was the honor in that? Max spit. He’d strike soon, and that do-gooder Natalie would only find out after the fact, when she couldn’t do a thing about it. What was her game anyway? He’d wanted to find her for years. Then from out of the blue she appears defending this liability.
From now on he’d keep his distance so he didn’t alarm the kid. He’d have to do a better job blending in now that he had been spotted. Max could feel that he was within reach of
his goal. He wasn’t going to let that incorrigible Journeyman ruin his plans either. He’d get rid of Wayland if need be. Max knew he would have to be very careful. He didn’t really want trouble with the Journeymen. They were considered to be a loner clan, but it was known that they would take care of their members.
**********
Carson looked at Bev. “Now the question is, do we go directly to our Passageway or do we stay in the Hub longer and make sure no one is watching us?”
Bev shrugged. “Your call Carson.”
Carson looked at Airabelle. “Any thoughts?”
She looked around the Hub and said, “The Hub is actually picking up. I think it is only going to get busier. Let’s stay a little longer until the crowd makes it harder to follow us, then maybe they will leave the area.”
“All right then. Follow me,” said Carson. They decided to head toward the novelty shop district. They split up several times and went into the different shops. After they finished shopping, they ate dinner and then cautiously headed back to their Passageway. Once they entered the Passageway corridor Carson waited to make sure the door closed securely behind them.
Once inside the office they cleaned up and put everything back in its place. Going to the Hub seemed different to Charles now. They had to be cautious with Max watching their every move. Charles couldn’t figure out why Max was following him. It wasn’t like he set out to offend the guy. It was an accident they were even in his area of the Hub. It was obvious that Max wasn’t just going to let it be. Charles was faced with the reality that he may have to protect his family. He was prepared to do it if Max tried anything. Charles decided he’d better start taking this self-defense thing seriously. He would learn all he could from Natalie just in case the time came he needed it. After all not only did he have to protect his family but now he had dragged Caroline into it as well. He wasn’t about to let Max harm them.
Bev said, “Natalie is a lovely young woman. I was so surprised today when she came forward to help Caroline. She is very lucky to have Natalie as a sponsor. Natalie is the perfect choice. I think they will have a lot of fun together.”
The Xidoran Prophecy Page 60