by Warren Cain
“Hey…hey! Everyone up by the steps of the cellar…they want to talk to us…everyone to the cellar steps!” shouted a middle-aged man as he ran by.
“EVERYONE TO THE CELLAR STEPS,” more people joined in the announcement.
The crowd’s pace quickened as they all moved to the location of the cellar.
“What do you suppose is happening?” asked Linda in a concerned tone.
“Not sure,” Kirk responded as he pushed her down the street.
The crowd gathered around the opening of the cellar. Several minutes passed.
“Well, they got us all here,” commented Ron.
“There must be three hundred people,” estimated Kirk.
The crowd mumbled as they waited to see why they had been pulled from the festival.
Finally, the cellar door opened. Larry Kincaid walked out carrying a microphone.
“Ladies and gentlemen.” The voice came from speakers that had been previously placed to the left and right of Larry. “I apologize to interrupt the anniversary of your redemption, but the Order is in need of several of you at this time. At some point the Order will ask all of you to give back. I know you all have settled into your lives and are probably content with your current situation, but the Order is asking you to give back…as it gave to you. It will not be easy, but if your name is called please stay and hear us out. The rest of you can go back to the festival. I fear the battle against evil will tip in their favor if you choose not to join us.”
The crowd grew quiet as Larry pulled a folded piece of paper from his shirt pocket.
“Jerry Henderson, Linda Manchester…” Kirk squeezed Linda’s shoulder. She reached up and grabbed his hand. Larry continued, “Bill Baxton, Sherry Miller, Kirk Murphy…” Linda squeezed his hand tighter. “John Gifford and Betty Crawford. The rest of you may leave.”
Kirk and Ron exchanged a knowing glance.
“I guess I’m done here,” stated Ron.
“I guess so,” responded Kirk slowly. “Man, it was good to see you.”
“You too, Kirk,” said Ron. “Good luck with whatever the Order needs from you.”
“Thanks, Ron.” The two men exchanged a handshake.
Ron walked away.
“What do you think they need from us?” Linda asked.
“I’m not sure,” replied Kirk, “but whatever it is, count me in.”