by B. C. Harris
I look at Capurni, hoping he will take the lead in the conversations we are about to embark on.
He smiles at me in a manner that suggests he is ready to begin.
“Let’s talk about your mission,” Capurni says, somewhat matter-of-factly. “I’m not sure what Emily has already told you so let me start from the beginning.
The reality is that I haven’t said very much to my classmates. Back in my basement, I simply told them that some people on another planet needed our help.
The frivolity of riding on the zelans quickly dissipates. I know that the thought of something unexpected in itself often creates anxiety. There is a concerned look on the faces of my classmates, except for Drew who looks like nothing could ever trigger any kind of emotional response from him.
Although my classmates agreed to join me on this journey, they are now going to find out about some very real dangers that we will face. I wonder if they will all want to participate once Capurni provides the details of what he wants us to do. I’m beginning to wonder if this is something I really want to do.
Capurni starts again, “About two-thousand years ago, some of my ancestors traveled to Tamor from another planet named Drapesia. They came here because Drapesia was being destroyed by climate change and a massive war.”
Capurni stands from his chair and walks to the center of the room. Although he doesn’t look anything like my favorite teacher Ms. Kelly, for an instant he reminds me of her.
“Two-thousand years ago, twelve brave Drapesians and their leader first stepped onto this planet. They established a small community called Shinti in the Red Mountains. Over hundreds of years, this community grew into a great civilization.”
Capurni pauses. There are no questions.
Jasmin is now leaning against Drew. I feel a twinge of jealousy.
“Approximately one-thousand years ago there was a rebellion in Shinti. After the rebels were defeated, they were exiled to a large valley known as the Land of Shade. Shade is located on the far side of the Red Mountains. The Land of Shade became a prison for the defeated rebels.”
Capurni pauses for any questions, but once again there aren’t any.
“After the rebellion, the leaders of Shinti decided to create this secret underwater water where it was hoped that future generations could live in peace without anyone ever disturbing them.”
“Does anyone still live in Shinti?” Michael asks.
“No,” answers Capurni. “After Lattisan was created, all the inhabitants of Shinti moved here. Shinti is now an abandoned world in the Red Mountains.”
“With streets paved with gold,” I add.
“Are you kidding me?” Jamie says.
“No,” says Capurni. “Emily is quite correct. Part of your mission will take you to Shinti so you will have an opportunity to see the fabulous wealth that was left there.”
Jamie and Michael look at each other with huge smiles on their faces.
“I don’t understand the location of the places you are talking about,” Jasmin says.
Capurni smiles at Jasmin, acknowledging her concerns as he walks over to a wall.
Using his finger he draws two large circles on the wall as though he is using a marker on a whiteboard.
In the first circle, he writes a big “D” and in the second he writes a big “T”.
Taking a step or two towards us, he says, “The ‘D’ represents the planet Drapesia where some of my ancestors came from 2,000 years ago. The ‘T’ represents Tamor which is the planet they came to and the planet where we are right now.
Capurni turns back to the wall and draws what look like waves with a huge sphere underneath them and the letter “L” inside the sphere. Next, he draws mountains beside the waves. Above the first part of the mountains, he prints the word Shinti, and on the far side of the mountains he prints the word “Shade”.
Capurni points to the letter “L”. He says, “This is where we are at the moment in Lattisan.”
As Capurni continues to tell my classmates more about Shinti and Lattisan, my mind starts to wander. Even though I’m sitting on one of the chairs in the otherwise barren room, I have a great view through one of the windows that overlooks this incredible underwater world.
It’s difficult for me to believe that the emerald I’m wearing around my neck was possibly used to create this fabulous world. As I cradle the emerald in my hand, I shudder at the thought of being responsible for such an awesome power. Although I often dreamed about living a life of adventure, this is beyond my wildest imagination. I have already survived attacks by ferocious animals and a hideous man. I’ve even saved my mother’s life.
Unfortunately, I’m no longer risking only my life; I’m about to endanger the lives of four of my classmates. I’m about to take them on a mission that we might not survive.
Capurni says something about Kienda using his emerald. I turn my attention back to the conversation in time to hear Jamie say, “Is it possible that Emily’s emerald and the emerald that Kienda possessed are somehow related?”
“Great insight, Jamie. Actually I believe that Emily’s emerald and the emerald that Kienda had are the same emerald.”
“But,” Jasmin says, “Emily’s emerald belongs to her mother. How could her mother possibly have an emerald that once belonged to someone from another planet?”
“The answer to that question,” Capurni says, “is a mystery still waiting to be solved.”
I notice that the others are looking at my emerald. I’m not sure whether they’re admiring it or whether they’re frightened by it.
“What’s our mission?” Michael asks.
I wonder how the others will respond after they learn the details of our task.
“We believe that the Shadites have been drilling a tunnel through the mountains so they can escape from the Land of Shade. If this is the case, we are worried that they might have an army. If so, we’re sure they would seek revenge on Lattisan even if it takes them some time to find us. We are a peaceful nation. We have no way to defend ourselves.”
“No army?” Michael says.
“No army and no weapons,” Capurni replies.
“How would they find Lattisan?” Jamie asks.
“That’s an excellent question, Jamie. Unfortunately, the tunnel that we believe is being cut through the mountains opens to a long canyon that leads directly to the lake where Lattisan is located. If thousands and thousands of Shadite soldiers accidently arrive on the shores of our lake, it would only be a matter of time before they discover our underwater world.”
“What does this have to do with us?” Jasmin asks. “We certainly can’t help you fight against the Shadites. We’re just teenagers.”
“We’re not asking you to fight the Shadites.”
“That’s good,” Jasmin quickly says, although she doesn’t look relieved.
“What we are asking you to do is travel into the Land of Shade to observe what is happening there.”
“Travel into Shade?” Jasmin says. “Are you crazy? Isn’t this something you should be doing yourself?”
Capurni pauses as though he’s reflecting on what Jasmin said.
“You’re correct. This is something we should be doing ourselves. The problem we have is that there is no one in Lattisan who physically resembles the people who live in the Land of Shade. On the other hand, all of you look like some of the people in Shade. You could spy for us and discover if the Shadites are drilling a tunnel through the mountains. You could also find out if they have an army. Once you have this information, you can return back here and your mission will be over.”
“Count me out,” Jasmin says strongly. “There’s no way I’m going into a strange country to be your spy.”
Capurni nods at Jasmin as though he accepts her decision.
Drew, who has been his normal quiet self throughout our discussions so far, says, “Count me in. I’ll go with Emily into the Land of Shade.”
Jasmin looks like Drew just shot her. Her eyes are wide. Her mou
th is ajar.
“Me too,” Jamie says.
“And me as well,” adds Michael.
I note that I’m the only person who hasn’t agreed or disagreed to participate in the mission, although I guess that everyone assumes that I have already consented to be a part of it.
“What will you do if we discover that the Shadites are drilling a tunnel through the mountains?” Michael asks.
“That’s a question that we’re still attempting to answer. At the current time, my best guess is that we would show Emily how to use her emerald to destroy the tunnel, but that could change once we have more information.”
My classmates look at me as though I’m a superhero. I think they are slowly becoming aware of the great power I possess.
“Once we’re in the Land of Shade, how will we know where to find the tunnel they might be drilling?” Michael asks. “You have already said that Shade is a large place.”
“I will give you a map to help you find the tunnel. Using a device that measures sound waves we have determined the exact location where we believe the tunnel is being drilled.”
There’s a brief pause before Jamie says, “So we use Emily’s emerald to travel to the Land of Shade, explore whether they are drilling a tunnel through the mountains, determine whether they have an army, then use the emerald to travel back here and tell you what we found.”
The manner in which Jamie summarizes our mission makes it sound like we will be taking a leisurely walk in a park.
“Not exactly,” Capurni says with concern evident in his voice.
“Not exactly?” I say. “What did Jamie miss?”
Capurni stares at me briefly before he continues, “Unfortunately, Emily will not be able to use her emerald on this mission.”
Not use my emerald? How could we possibly reach the Land of Shade without using my emerald?
“What do you mean we will not be able to use my emerald?”
Capurni looks at each of us before turning back to me. “It would be far too dangerous for you to take the emerald with you. If any of the Shadites noticed the emerald, they would attack you to gain possession of it. Even if you were able to use the emerald to defend yourself, the Shadites might torture your friends until you gave them the emerald. You will have to travel to the land of Shade without using the emerald. You will have to leave it here with me.”
This changes everything. Suddenly, I have no desire to help Capurni. How can he possibly expect us to travel through the dangerous Red Mountains to reach the Land of Shade?
Is this a trick to steal my emerald? Why didn’t Capurni tell me this before? I feel like he deceived me into accepting this mission.
“How can we reach the Land of Shade without using the emerald?” Jamie asks, showing more courage than I would have expected from him.
Capurni says, “I think it would be easier if I show you instead of trying to explain this to you.”
- 22 -
MISSION PREPARATION
Something very unusual begins to occur in our room.
“What’s happening?” Jasmin asks nervously.
“The room is translucing,” Capurni replies. “In another minute, we will find ourselves in a virtual world that represents the first part of the route that leads to the Land of Shade. This will help to prepare you for your mission.”
As the room begins to evolve into a barren rocky landscape, I catch a look of apprehension on the faces of my four classmates. A terrible shriek fills the air. I almost faint from the horrible bloodcurdling cry.
“Turn the sound down,” Capurni says, although I can’t see who he is talking to. The ugly noise disappears.
“What was that?” Jasmin asks, her voice shaking like a leaf in a hurricane.
“That was the scream from one of the creatures you might face on your journey through the mountains. As you look around, you can see how bleak the path will be when you first enter the mountains. The creatures in this area cannot be trusted. One minute, they might be friendly and the next, they might attack you.”
“What a horrible place,” Jasmin remarks, her words echoing my thoughts.
Is this going to be one of those times when I should be more assertive? Should I be the person who says no to this mission before it even begins?
“How will we get past them?” Jamie asks, demonstrating his unanticipated courage once again.
I’m beginning to realize that Jamie is far braver than I would have ever expected him to be.
“You’re going to have to be smarter than them,” Capurni says. “I believe that Emily has chosen a team that can defeat any enemies that you might face. In addition, when you begin to travel through the mountains, you will be met by two of Emily’s other friends to help you.”
What other friends? Who is he talking about?
Suddenly there are two unusual creatures that I recognize flying above us.
“A yellow two-headed fish with blinking lights,” Michael exclaims.
“And a weird flying kangaroo,” Jasmin adds.
It’s Radwin and Frank, I say to myself.
“The two-headed fish is Radwin,” I say with enthusiasm, “and the kangaroo-like creature is Frank. I’m so happy to see you both again. I see that your head is now healed, Radwin.”
“I’m surprised when neither of them responds to me.
“Emily, for now these are only virtual representations of your two friends, so they can’t talk,” Capurni explains.
My schoolmates are speechless as they stare at the doadling and kabinga hovering nearby.
“Are they really coming with us on the mission?” I ask.
“Absolutely,” Capurni replies. “They can fly ahead and warn you of any dangers you might be approaching. As well, Radwin could provide some light in dark caves or tunnels. When I’m finished talking to you about your mission, you will meet them at the beginning point of your journey.”
For the first time in the last hour or so, I find myself smiling. I’m beginning to feel a little more confident about our mission. Frank and Radwin will be a great help.
“How will Frank and Radwin know where to find us?” I ask.
“They have been given a map showing them where to meet you. And knowing that Frank has a fear of flying over large lakes, the map gives them a way to reach the Red Mountains without having to fly over any large bodies of water. As I speak, Radwin and Frank are already on their way there.”
“Will you also be giving us a map to show us how to get through the mountains to reach the Land of Shade?” Jamie asks.
“Yes,” Capurni says. “Radwin has been given a map that will lead you through the mountains. First of all, you will travel to Shinti. Next, the map will show you a route that leads from Shinti to the Land of Shade.”
“I have a question,” Michael says.
“Yes?”
“If you’re going to give us a map that shows a route into the Land of Shade, then why haven’t the Shadites ever used this passage to escape? If there’s a route leading into Shade, there must be a route leading out of it.”
“Excellent question. In your travels to Shade you will discover three doors in either caves or tunnels. Each door was created one-thousand years ago. To open any of the doors, you will have to solve a puzzle that will be found on the door. The final door leading into Shade was created so that it’s invisible to the Shadites. They don’t know it exists so they can’t use it to escape.”
“How will we find it?” Jasmin asks.
I wonder if Jasmin’s question infers that she has now decided to come on the mission.
“The door will be visible to you when you reach the outside of Shade, but once you’re inside Shade it will become invisible. As soon as you get to the other side of this final door, you will have to find some way to mark the spot so you know exactly where it is when you are ready to leave Shade. I have also marked its location on the map that you will have.”
Capurni’s words clearly suggest that we could get trapped in Sh
ade if we fail to remember where the last door is located.
“If we get in trouble,” I say, “can we use sensergy to tell you we need help?”
Capurni shakes his head. “No. Once you begin your path through the mountains, the huge rock walls will block any form of communication.”
“Sensergy? What’s that?” Jasmin asks.
“Sensergy?” I reply, “is a form of thought communication that some of the people on Tamor can use to talk to each other.”
“Cool,” Michael says in a manner that suggests he understands what I’m saying. “My comic books are full of stories about people using their thoughts to communicate with others.”
I continue, “Once we’re in the mountains, will we be completely on our own?”
“Yes,” Capurni says, a little anxiety in his voice. “Once you enter the mountains, there will be no way for you to communicate with me.”
Although I’m once again having second thoughts about the expedition, Jasmin jumps into the conversation before I can say how I feel.
“Capurni, how dangerous is this mission?”
He looks at her with empathy.
“This is an extremely risky mission. You may be attacked by ferocious creatures. You will face the unknown over and over. And if any of you are captured in the Land of Shade, you will likely be brutally tortured. Being captured in Shade would likely be the worst thing that could ever happen to you.”
I feel a collective shudder throughout the room. Even Drew doesn’t look so cocky anymore.
Before any of us can respond to Capurni’s terrible warning, a strong wind blows through the room. There is a faint screaming in the background once again. Although this is a virtual world that has been created to help us experience our mission, it seems so real. It feels like we are in the mountains. I shudder. If this pretend experience is frightening me, how will I ever deal with the actual journey through the mountains?
“Imagine that you are now at the beginning of your expedition,” Capurni says. “Your initial task is to find a cave that leads to the first door. I want everyone to look closely at the rocks around you to see if you can discover the entrance to a cave.”