The Crooked Staff (The Chronicles of Will Book 1)

by Jared Campbell

  The Chronicles of Will

  Book One

  ________________________________________

  The Crooked Staff

  JARED CAMPBELL

  The Crooked Staff

  Copyright © 2016 by Jared Campbell

  All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means – electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise – without the prior written permission of the author, except for brief passages quoted by a reviewer or by another author, in which the quote is fully attributed.

  To perform any of the above, other than the exceptions, is an infringement of copyright law.

  Meizius Publishing, 2016

  www.meiziuspublishing.com

  ISBN: 1523482117

  ISBN-13: 978-1523482115

  Cover Art by Katie Reid

  ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

  Thanks to my Lord and Savior, who gave me the ability and desire to write. My only hope is that Your words are always heard over mine.

  To my incredible wife, Emely, God has used you so much to change me for the better and bring us to where we are. I can honestly say that I would not be where I am today if it were not for your unchanging love for me and devotion to God. To our three wonderful kids, you motivate me to be better every time I look into your eyes. I hope that when you're older you pick up this book and see a glimpse of how amazing God is, and how he is capable of anything, even maintaining the mysteries of the universe.

  To my parents, I would like to say thank you for all your hard work and determination. It was through hard times you gave Travis and I amazing opportunities. You instilled in our hearts a love for God and a passion to glorify Him. I hope this book makes you proud and is an example of how all your hard work paid off.

  Thanks to the rest of my family and friends who have helped shape who I am today.

  1 The Alley

  Will looked around the corner nervously, gun in hand. How did he always find himself in these messes? Why was fate always handing him these losing cards?

  Semi crouched, Will waited and listened for any movement coming down the alleyway. All he could hear was blood coursing through his veins. The sun set, putting him in the dark as he waited for the snap of a twig or the sound of a footstep coming toward him. He was wearing a tight black t-shirt and sweat pants. His short dirty blonde hair moved with the wind and his right hand gripped his revolver as if it was his only lifeline. He started to sweat; his whole body was on edge, like a mouse with his tail in a trap. His mother’s voice resounded in his mind. "It's gonna come back to bite you, honey.” The very moment he could buy a lottery ticket the itch began. His gambling problem had blossomed into a dead flower. He started taking more and more risks as the years went by; admittedly, he even joined the air force just for the risks and the adrenaline rush it gave him. He always enjoyed the idea of leaving things to chance, nothing knew his destiny. In fact, no one could have guessed what fate had in store for him.

  As he continued to stare around the dark alleyway to his left, a tall old man, nearing seven feet, walked straight for him from behind. He wore a long green wool coat and a black cap, and his shoes were shined dress shoes. The stranger reached out and placed his hand on Will's shoulder. Will jumped frantically and turned around, directing his gun at the man's neck. Realizing his abnormal height, he quickly adjusted pointing the barrel at the man’s long wrinkled forehead. The man instinctually placed his hands in the air with fear, and his jaw dropped. The man’s whole body shook as Will stoically aimed his gun. Will's bright blue eyes stared into the stranger’s. Realizing his mistake, he lowered his gun. Will’s paranoia reminded him to turn around immediately and stare back down the alleyway. A tap came to his shoulder by the shaky hands of the man he nearly shot.

  “My dear boy, is everything all right?" the stranger shakily pushed out, still recovering from the barrel that stared down his right eye. "Could I be of assistance?"

  “What!?” Will was blown away, “I almost just shot you, go away!” He realized he raised his voice and may have compromised his position. He jerked around to stare around the corner for the people after him.

  “You look like you need some help… I, I just want to help,” the stranger blurted out.

  Will took a moment and stared into the elderly gentleman’s eyes, trying to make a quick assessment of the man's intentions. The man‘s eyes opened wide for a second as if he had seen a ghost." If need be I can assist you with a place to go tonight." Will looked down at the stranger's hands and noticed a couple of books, one of which he recognized almost immediately: the Bible. Once again he turned his eyes down the alley, searching for the demons chasing him. Running off adrenaline, he weighed his options, then looked back at the elderly gentleman and, in a moment of panic, answered "Let’s go!"

  Why he chose to go with this stranger was a question he would be asking for the rest of his life. As they turned to leave the man reached out his hand, “My name is Marin, Professor Marin."

  "Will" he said guardedly.

  He took a last look down that narrow passage between the Crescent Colony Police headquarters and Lunar University. The night would be just another pitch black night on the dark side of the moon. Mars could be seen behind Earth and, for once, it looked as if the stars were in Will’s favor.

  The year is 2214 and things have changed for the people of Earth. For one thing, most are no longer on Earth. In the year 2098, the first lunar colony was built. It was a disaster. A week after its construction there was an explosion killing 137 people, a disaster that remains unexplained. But this catastrophe could not stop mankind from reaching to the stars. Sixteen colonies were created on the surface, along with several mining research outposts. Ganymede, a moon rotating around Jupiter, provided more space and resources than our moon, so a large colonization process began there in 2112. Per usual, the people of Earth fought over the new open land and it became an all-out race and war for territory. Many countries concentrated their efforts on the colonization of Ganymede. Meanwhile, countries like England and America raised their proverbial economic guns on Earth, cutting off other countries’ outstretched hands and solidifying their hold on Ganymede. As of now, it looks like an early America, filled with various races, hopes and dreams. Ganymede looked to most like the pinnacle of human civilization. Though this is not what this story is about....

  Professor Marin guided Will down Jupiter lane, a neighborhood known for the more prestigious of characters. Will looked all around; he had never been here before when he wasn't attempting to cheat someone.

  They walked for a while longer.

  "What do you want?" Will asked, realizing immediately how childish he sounded.

  "Why that's no way to speak to someone assisting you," the Professor threw out. Silence ensued. "I want nothing," the Professor continued. "You appeared to be in need of help, so I offered my assistance. Besides, it was the Christian thing to do."

  That stopped Will for a moment. A Christian? They weren't all that common these days, no churches had been built on the moon yet and everyone was more interested in getting their stake in this new frontier. "What were you doing in that alley earlier my dear boy? And why are you carrying that weapon?”

  Will paused. He felt a need to impress the elderly gentleman, though he was unsure as to why. Maybe he was going to manipulate the old goat's feelings, or maybe he had a deep, hidden respect for him.

  "I owed a guy some money," Will said.

  "It is most unwise to seek the help of a loan shark in financially difficult times. You see, like a shark, they al
ways come back to grab an extra bite." The old man smiled as if he had told a very humorous joke.

  Will stopped. "How do you know if I did a deal with a loan shark?' Will asked angrily. He looked around as if expecting an ambush.

  "I don't, I assumed it to be so when I saw a couple of men with weapons of their own circling the school where you were hiding. I just did what I felt the Lord would want." Will was knocked back again; he hadn't heard someone speak like this since his childhood.

  "So are you gonna preach to me or something? Or can I just go?" The very words sounded immature and unthankful.

  "You may leave my company whenever you like," the Professor delightfully declared. "Though, I may be able to help you more than you realize." His words held a heavy secret, though not perceived by Will.

  "No one can help me," William sputtered out. Quickly realizing how he sounded he continued, "because I don't need help."

  "Very well," the Professor rebutted.

  They arrived at a mansion at the end of the street and Will's eyes opened wide. A large three-story home stood in front of him. It was the tallest on the street and, unlike others around it, a large portion was made of wood. This was rare, as trees and wood were scarce on the moon. The front door was a dark red and had a large golden knocker.

  "Is this your place?" Will asked.

  "Yes, the Lord has blessed me with it for now."

  "Well," Will paused awkwardly. "I'll just be going now, see you around." He turned to head back the way he had come.

  "My dear boy, did you expect to arrive here and then just return back to the hole you came from? Indeed not!" the Professor said loudly and with a humph. "You will come inside and have supper with me. You are to be considered a guest and, due to my previously undeclined history of guests, I will not be expecting you to say no. So come along now."

  Will stood and stared at the Professor. He couldn't be serious; if the Professor only knew what kind of person he was letting in. He followed the Professor down a cobblestone path surrounded by a freshly cut lawn. Who lived like this?

  Upon entering the house, an elderly lady frantically ran toward the Professor. Her name was Ms. Collins and she was a slightly heavier old girl, though don't tell her that. A couple of strands of hair hung slightly out of her tight gray bun.

  "Professor Marin, there you are! I was starting to get worried. I saw that the Sun had set and when I tried calling your EP you didn't answer," she called out, full of distress.

  "Oh yes, I turned it off when I began my short sojourn in order to focus and pray. By the way, before I allow myself to be rude, this is William. Or is it just Will?"

  "Just Will and I'm sorry, your name is?"

  "Oh, Ms. Collins, I am the Professor’s maid. To what do we owe the pleasure, Mr. Will?" Ms. Collins said with a grand smile.

  "Young William will be joining us tonight for supper and staying in one of the guest rooms. Could you let Mr. Ross know to make dinner for three tonight? Also, will you begin preparing Wills room, please?" Will just stood there and shook his head, fighting a grin.

  "Three rooms?" said Ms. Collins.

  "Oh yes, Mr. Lynn will be attending dinner tonight also."

  Will was taken aback, all the new names he was hearing, the grand mansion’s architecture currently surrounding him...Where was he? As he listened to the Professor and Ms. Collins discuss the night’s events, he wanted to say that he would not be staying and that he would return home after supper. Yet something inside told him to just remain quiet and go along with the plans. He looked at Ms. Collins as she spoke. She was older, older than even the Professor. Will assumed they were not married but instead were maybe somehow related. Her clothes looked more old fashioned, like something out of the 2190s. She seemed very strong and yet she listened to the Professor and did not raise her voice once. Will also noticed the way she was treated by the Professor. He spoke kindly and softly to her, not in a demanding tone but one of grace and love. This was strange to Will, as he had been raised in a house of yellers and fighters. He felt a newfound sense of warmth and satisfaction in this house.

  2 Dinner

  Will sat in a cherry wooden chair in front of the longest and largest table he had ever seen in his life. A crystal chandelier hung awkwardly low over the middle of the table. Alongside the wall stood a bookshelf full of old leather bound books with an extreme amount of dust on them. On the table was an assortment of dishes – a king’s feast – a turkey, ham and many other foods all prepared for, at the moment, just himself and the Professor. Will was starving but the Professor’s eyes were upon him as if he were waiting to tell him something, Will sat there awkwardly waiting for the impending answer to why the room had become so quiet.

  The Professor opened his mouth and prepared to say something.

  KNOCK KNOCK!

  Will looked over at the open entrance to the dining room; in it stood three men all dressed in the same fashion as the Professor.

  "Tripp! Stanley! Saleem! I'm so delighted you could accompany me for dinner."

  All three entered, the one named Tripp came up to the Professor first to shake his hand, then Stanley and lastly the Arab named Saleem. Tripp looked the youngest of the group. Will sized him up pretty quickly. He had brown hair, glasses and stood around 5'9". Stanley was an older man with a horrible comb-over and a bit of a belly, and it was hard to notice but his eyes seemed to move around the room rather quickly as if he was assessing the situation. Paranoia? Or experience? Finally came Saleem. As he walked in, the climate of the room changed completely and took a more somber note. He was well built with a light brown beard.

  They all took their seats, and it took them a moment to notice Will, the only person who wasn't acquainted with any of them. Finally, the man named Saleem asked abruptly "Who is this?" The way he phrased it surprised Will and immediately made him feel like an outcast. What was he doing here again? Why was he invited? He started getting a little impatient as these thoughts raced through his mind.

  "This, my companions, is William Keague, the one I told you about," the Professor proclaimed.

  Wait, how did the Professor know his full name!? Not only that, why did he say he told them about him? Will hadn't left the Professor for a moment since he stopped him in the alleyway. Will tilted his head to the right and narrowed his eyes at the Professor as if challenging him to answer for his remarks. Yet the Professor sat there the same as before, but with a bit of a smile glowing. Will didn't like it, what was going on? The Professor had seemed friendly but Will knew from the streets that looks could be deceiving.

  "I lied to you William," the Professor calmly confessed with no guilt in his voice. His face had become more serious, even sullen, as if the things he were about to say held the utmost importance.

  William stayed in the same position, analyzing the movements of Professor Marin’s face. If he was lying Will would know.

  "You see, I actually have been trying to find you. You're not an easy person to locate, what with living on and off the streets, gambling for a living."

  "What is this?" Will asked sternly.

  "This, my dear Will, is a meeting. As you can see, these are my colleagues. First, Mr. Tripp Lynn," he gestured toward the man with glasses. “He is one of my most loyal friends and companions. His field of work and study is Ancient History, Pre-Diluvian to be exact. Secondly," gesturing to the man with the comb-over," this is my friend Mr. Stanley Roight. His background is one of mystery, even I don't know all of his secrets." The Professor chuckled to himself realizing how mysterious he made his colleague appear. "He is a genius when it comes to security and a self-proclaimed theologian. Finally," the Professor's face became a little more serious, almost sad, as he motioned to the Saleem from across the table. "This is Mr. Saleem Abdul Kareem, a vastly powerful and influential man. He is also the best engineer of our time. Without him, this whole project wouldn't exist." It appeared that the Professor wanted to maintain the business-like appearance to their relationship.

&
nbsp; Once again thoughts fled through Will's mind. What in God's name was he doing here with all these strangers? And why did it seem that they knew him? And what did all these strangers want with him?

  Wanting to keep his guard up, he finally asked the question, "What does any of this have to do with me?"

  The room went silent once again, displaying the importance of the matter.

  "We have been looking for someone with your skills, personality and abilities for a while now. You are the best choice for our project and to say no to our request would be a mistake."

  "What request? What in the galaxies are you talking about? I don't even know you!" Will was standing now glaring at the Professor. As soon as the red cleared, he saw the Professor sitting there with a look on his face that could make the hardest criminal cry. There was no guard up, no shield, not even a defense. It was like looking in the eyes of a child who had just been screamed at. The guilt hit Will like a ton of bricks, what had he done. This man had invited him into his house, given him food and he just yelled at him like garbage. Why didn't he put up his guard? Why didn't he raise a shield? Moments passed as William waited for some sort of defensive reaction.

  "I must apologize before I answer you Will. You see, I needed you to come tonight. You are the best choice for our plan. I only have the best of intentions for you, I promise. I do not intend to harm you. I would not have pulled you out of the skillet in turn to toss you into the fire. I will not continue this meeting unless I receive your approval. The cards are yours."

  Why? Why, why, why did the Professor have to pull the sympathy card? With all this rage inside him, Will had nowhere to channel it. Compassion set in.

  "Just tell me what's going on, what are you asking for?" Will was at a loss.