Trey Roberts and the Ancestor's Wish

by Lee Magnus

  Images of soccer balls darting past were interrupted by a skipping girl with bright green eyes looking back in a playful manner. “Come,” she said waiving her arms. He ran to her, then grabbed her hand just as she transformed into a wolf with an eagle head and wings that flew him away. He soared through the air in a peaceful glide thoroughly enjoying the flight.

  Flying is so wonderful. The wind in my hair, beautiful sky at my command. Wait. This is a dream and I’m still flying.

  Realizing the impossibility, he began to fall. Streaking through the clouds at a breakneck pace he plummeted to the ground. He stopped upright just before impact. The trim-bearded man faced him.

  “What do you want me to do?” Trey asked calmly.

  “I want you to see,” replied the man without moving his lips.

  Trey followed him through the thicket revealing a cloudy sun shaped wall. The man pointed. Trey turned to find the woman and child behind him. Trey approached the infant who delivered a penetrating stare. Maintaining the gaze, the child slowly grew, transforming to a boy of Trey’s size. As if looking into a mirror, Trey peered into his own eyes.

  Trey turned back to the old man who said, “Do you now understand?”

  “Yes. But how?”

  The man crouched into a back legged lunge; his front leg slowly extended toward Trey. He circled his arms in a rhythmic pattern, shifted his body forward, then suddenly pushed his hands toward Trey releasing a massive soul penetrating light. Trey awoke.

  “I know what I have to do.”

  The Key

  Trey gathered a change of clothes, the cloaking potion and left the remaining artifacts in the drawer. He placed several other items into his school pack, the disk into a zipped pocket, hesitated, then picked up the gold coin Karim gave him in Egypt. He flipped it into the air, caught it then put it in another zipped pocket. He then looked at the sword.

  “There’s no way I’ll make it into school with that. But it can’t stay here.”

  He took the sword into the back yard and buried it under a row of bushes near the fence. He then went into the kitchen to add a few bars and other non-perishable food items to his kit.

  “You’re up early,” his mom said joining him in the kitchen.

  He continued to fidget with his bag as he said, “I need to ask Mr. Hampton a few things before school starts. He’s always there early.” He looked at her and said, “I love you mom.” He held back tears as he hugged her tightly.

  “I love you too, Trey. Is everything ok? You’re acting weird.”

  “I’m fine. We just haven’t hugged lately.”

  “You sweet boy. I love you so much. I hope you have a wonderful day today.”

  “You too, Mom,” he said releasing her from the embrace.

  “Hey, um, Mom?” He fidgeted with his fingers. “Do you ever talk to dad?”

  “Oh honey. I hardly ever hear from him. He’s always travelling and doesn’t stay in contact very long.”

  “Oh. Ok.” He looked at her sadly. “Well. If you talk to him again, will you tell him I miss him?”

  Her eyes swelled – a few tears streaked down her face. She grabbed him, then hugged him tightly with her head on top of his.

  “I will, Sweetie. I’ll tell him.”

  “Thank you, Mom,” he said hugging her back.

  She released him, then said, “I’ll be at the museum late tonight, so you’ll have to fend for yourself for dinner.”

  He couldn’t look her in the eyes when he said, “I’ll be at Marcus’ for a couple days working on the project so don’t worry about me.”

  “Oh Great! Judy sure does get to see a lot of you.”

  “Yeah, his mom is great. See you later. Love you!” he said walking out the front door not knowing if he’ll ever get to hug her again.

  “Love you too!” she replied standing in the doorway.

  He glanced back one last time before turning the corner and out of sight.

  He walked up the drive, then knocked on Marcus’ door.

  When it opened, he said, “Hey, Mrs. Bouer. Can I speak to Marcus for a second?”

  “Sure, Trey. Come on in.”

  “Dude! What are you doing here before school?” Marcus said sitting in front of a big bowl of cereal when Trey entered the kitchen. His hair was disheveled, and he still had on PJ’s with decorations of various African wildlife.

  “Can we talk in your room?”

  “Yeah sure. Let’s go,” Marcus replied with obvious concern in his voice.

  Trey followed the boy with a lion printed across his back side. A bubble caption with the word Roar! protruded from the image’s mouth.

  Once in the room with the door closed Trey said, “I have to go away for a little while and just wanted you to know.” Trey couldn’t help but make an opportunistic jab at his friend’s attire. “Nice PJ’s by the way.”

  “What are you talking about?” Marcus replied disregarding Trey’s jab.

  “Remember? I didn’t tell you last time? Well, I’m telling you now.”

  “Oh. Ok. I get it. Thanks. Where are you going?”

  “I don’t really know and don’t know how to explain it.”

  “What? How do you know you’re going somewhere but don’t know where you’re going?”

  “I know. It doesn’t make sense and I’m not even sure why I’m here telling you. A lot has happened over the past couple weeks. I’m in big trouble and have to go handle it now.”

  “Trouble? Like what?”

  “You wouldn’t believe me if I told you and plus it might put you in danger.”

  “Danger? What’ve you gotten yourself into? I’m your best friend. I’ll believe anything you say.”

  “You won’t believe me. You’ll think I’m crazy and making it up.”

  “Try me,” Marcus said sincerely.

  “Fine. I’ll tell you. But you have to know that it’s all true and I’m not insane.”

  Trey then began from the day Lyza showed up to his house and finished with Tanny in the ballpark.

  “So that’s what happened,” Marcus said astonished. “It was all over the news. Are you sure you haven’t gotten mixed up with the stoners?”

  “I’m not crazy and I’d never do drugs. It’s all true. Look here’s the disk. Watch what happens when I put it on the dresser.”

  After twenty seconds Trey pulled the disk from his pocket and Marcus exclaimed, “That’s an amazing trick! How’d you do it?”

  “I told you. The story is true.”

  “The portals, flying cat and the snake? They’re all real?”

  “Yes.”

  “And people are watching me too?”

  “Yes. Just in case they try to get to me through you.”

  “And Donald knows all of this?”

  “I’m not sure what all his dad told him, but yes, he’s involved now.”

  “Ok. I believe you.”

  “Really?”

  “Yeah. You said it so it must be true.”

  “You’re the only person I trust enough to tell. Mr. Hampton knows a little but not all that I just told you. He doesn’t fully believe it. He’s still trying to find a scientific explanation for it all.”

  “Seth’s the flying cat, right?”

  “Yep.”

  “And the dragon. You have to introduce me.”

  “No way. I’m keeping you as far from this as I can. I shouldn’t even be here now. You have to keep this a secret. You can’t tell anyone.”

  “You can trust me, but if you want to keep me as your friend, you have to show me the dragon.”

  “Dude!” Trey said seriously.

  “I know. You can’t put me in danger. Whatever,” he said rolling his eyes.

  “I know I can trust you. You’re a good friend.”

  “Thanks, Trey. Please don’t die.”

  “I’ll do the best I can.”

  “I also told my mom I’d be staying with you for a few days. Please respond to her texts like you were me,”
Trey said handing Marcus his phone.

  “Sure.”

  “And….will you tell Leslie I won’t be at school today?”

  “Leslie? Why her? Ohhhhh. Ok. You and her are a thing now?”

  “No. I just told her I’d see her today. I don’t want her to worry.”

  “Yeah. Sure. I’ll tell her.”

  “Thanks, Marcus.”

  “Don’t sweat it, Kid.”

  “No. Really. I’m glad you’re my friend.”

  “I get it. I love you too. Now get out of here and go do what you have to do.”

  “I’ll let you know as soon as I’m back.”

  “I’ll be waiting.”

  “Thanks, Marcus,” he said as he hugged his best friend goodbye.

  Trey walked the lonely sidewalk toward Lownes Middle School spinning thoughts in his head. I hope Nick isn’t there. He’ll do everything he can to stop me. This is nuts. I don’t even know if it’ll work. Like Marcus said, I have to do what I have to do. I am the only one that knows what to do, but what is it really that I’m doing? I still only have pieces of the puzzle. I’ll have to figure the rest out as I go. What if it’s a trap? This is too dangerous. Maybe I just go to school and forget all this ever happened. Maybe it’ll all go away. Arggg! I’m only thirteen. Kids are supposed to worry about girls and what’s cool, not goblins and magic portals!

  He climbed the steps to the school and stopped before the double doors. “Communication is the key to fútbol as well as life,” he said, reminiscing on the words of his soccer coach.

  He jumped off the steps and sprinted to the gym where he found Coach Rafiq shooting free throws on the basketball court.

  “Hey, uh, Coach. I see planning for your history class is going well.”

  “Trey! Nice to see you! I like to come in here before school starts. It puts my mind in a state that prepares me for all the wonderful minds I get to impact.”

  He passed a ball to Trey who bounced a proper jump shot off the rim. He let it bounce away as he lied, “Coach. You think you can tell Coach Wood I won’t be a practice today or tomorrow?”

  “Yeah. Sure. What’s going on?”

  “I’m, um, going to my grandmother’s house for the weekend. I’m leaving right after school today.”

  “To your grandmother’s, huh?” he said taking in the young boy’s demeanor.

  Trey didn’t dare say anything else. He knew he was a terrible liar.

  “Sure. I’ll tell him. Good thing we have a bye week this weekend.”

  “Yeah. I thought it worked out well.”

  “Thanks for telling me.”

  “See, Coach. I did learn from your communication lesson,” he said then uncomfortably chuckled.

  “Yeah you did, Trey.” He smiled at Trey like a proud father and also frowned at the kid’s lie but while he didn’t know the reason for Trey’s deception, he didn’t let on that he knew.

  “I have to go now, Coach.” He turned to walk out before Rafiq called him back.

  “Trey,” He said tenderly.

  “Yeah, Coach?”

  “Is everything ok? Is there anything I can help with?”

  “I, I’m fine coach,” Trey stumbled. “I’m good. Thanks for asking.”

  “Ok, Trey. I’m here if you need me. I’ll see you next week!”

  “Yeah, sure. Thanks.” Trey quickly turned and left the gym before Rafiq could try to get the truth from him.

  Hearing his coach’s words chilled him. He wasn’t sure he would see Rafiq next week, or anyone for that matter. He had no idea what he was doing or what was in store for him. For all he knew only instant death awaited his next actions. He shook off the thought and pressed on with his loose plan.

  He entered the double door on the right. Turning down two halls he arrived at the science lab to find Nick reading at his desk.

  “Mr. H! You’re here,” he said anxiously.

  “Yeah. Where else should I be? I am a science teacher, or did you forget?” he replied playfully.

  “Right. Um…” Trey was nervous. He didn’t know how he would accomplish his task with Nick in the room.

  “What’s going on, Trey? Why are you here and at school so early?”

  Trey walked to the desk, noticing the ceramic box of which he picked up as he sat in a chair.

  “You still have the key and portal in the lab?” Trey said opening the box and removing the key.

  “Yeah. I haven’t moved it yet. Are you here because of the portal?”

  “No,” he replied quickly. “No. Well, maybe,” he said as he slowly folded one end of the key to where it touched about a third of the way down. The malleable metal was surprisingly easy to shape. It felt more like bending stiffened putty than metal. It held strongly after the initial bend.

  “I’ve been having these dreams lately. In each one there’s an old dark-skinned man with a trim beard. Was there a man of that description in any of your dreams?” he asked as he folded the other end of the key to touch a third of the way down the other side.

  “No. None of the dreams that led me to build the portal had any people in them. Just locations, cities, and images. What else was in the dreams?”

  “There was this old looking town and a woman and her baby. I think the village is destroyed and they all die. And an image continues to appear,” he said as he stood from the chair, then walked toward the window observing the constructed portal with his back to Nick.

  “A town and everyone dies? That’s intense.”

  “It was. I think the man was asking me to save them. I think if I don’t, I’ll die,” he said as he touched the previously bent ends together forming a circle. Trey’s eyes widened in astonishment as the key became animated in his hand and eliminated the imperfections from his manual bending.

  “It wasn’t a sun; it was an image of the key!” he mumbled quietly.

  “What was that you said, Trey? You’re acting really strange,” Nick said with significant worry in his voice. “Maybe you’ve been under too much stress. Besides, I’m not sure how you would go about saving a town from destruction, or how it could possibly relate to your life, but it is very interesting. What was the symbol? Maybe it’s something we can look up.”

  “It was a circle with two lines that separated it into three pieces,” Trey said as he turned around holding up the perfectly formed key. His heart raced. The confused teacher saw terror in the young boy’s eyes as he watched him reach for the stone portal.

  “Trey! Wait! You don’t know what you’re doing! Don’t touch that!”

  Nick leaped toward Trey but was too late as he watched the frightened boy disappear with the connection of the key to the stone.

  “Noooooooooo!” screamed Nick.

  The Librarian

  Whomp, Whomp, Whomp presaged a drop in Trey’s personal atmospheric pressure. His body twisted in the vortex. His mind merged with his stomach. Everything became clear then faded into confusion. He felt himself rushed forward then promptly stilled.

  Trey found himself minimally nauseous in a naturally lit room. A perfume of old paper and wood polish tickled his nose. He raised his hand off the stone which was flush with the floor. He rubbed his finger across the circular image on the face of the cold stone portal.

  “It worked. I actually made it. But where am I? More importantly, what do I do now?”

  He stood finding rows of neatly indexed books on stained wood shelves.

  “This must be some sort of library,” he said to himself.

  Tall wide windows on the front wall illuminated the charming area with warm sunlight. He slowly walked down a row toward an exit, unwary of beady eyes watching his every move.

  He pushed out into a bustling town where several people wearing long coats and top hats shuffled about their day. A woman in a poofy white dress passed staring at him with curious eyes. The buildings were made of intricately carved wood and stone. Shaggy haired horses with a single upward curved horn pulled carts down dirt and brick roads. Seve
ral nicely dressed people rode bicycles; dodging holes, people and other objects in their path.

  “What is this place? It’s straight out of the 1800’s,” Trey said to himself in amazement.

  He strolled down a busy street lined with carts and displays full of trinkets, foods and medicines. He turned on a side road, then after a brisk walk, arrived at a park.

  “This looks just like Lake Hapawak. The old tree! It’s even here. It’s all the same, except back home there’s a playground just on the other side of that hill. Well, the same except for the big city that surrounds it,” he said as he turned around taking in the lively metropolis.

  He stood a few minutes watching a black bird with yellow wingtips swim in the calm water. He began making his way back to the city center drawing eyes of several passerby’s.

  A small child approached and asked in an unmistakable proper English accent, “Excuse me, Sir. Could you possibly spare a few pence?” The boy reminded Trey of Tiny Tim with a soft English voice but moved around without a cane and iron frame.

  “What? What do you want?” Trey responded kindly to the small child.

  “Money, Sir. Do you have any to spare?”

  “Oh. Oh, Yeah.” Trey reached into his pocket and pulled out a few dollars. When he handed them to the boy the boy replied angrily, “What is this, Sir. I don’t need paper. I need money for food. I’m staaaavin!” He threw the bills to the ground and stormed off.

  Trey brushed away the vagrant’s attitude toward his generosity and continued walking after picking up the money. He glanced once more in the boy’s direction then accidently bumped into a man who sported a rounded reddish-brown beard and no moustache. He wore a brown hat and a casual buttoned coat.

  “Excuse me, I wasn’t looking where I was going?” Trey said apologetically.

  The man gave Trey an odd look, then kindly said in an accent that reminded Trey of a crazy Australian zookeeper he used to watch on TV, “What brings you to Roberton, Mate? Are ya lost?”