Autumn's Ravage

The strange sensation was over in an instant, but the next thing Dan could see, as he squinted to focus his vision, was the sight of a strange man leaning over him, gently tapping his cheeks with the back of his hand, to revive him from his slumber; was it a dream? It felt like a dream.

  “Wake up, you have to wake up now,” Raj sounded worried, and it shocked him to hear the panic within his own voice.

  A wave of relief swept over him as he saw Dan rub his tired eyes, but something didn’t feel right, “Raj?” Dan shook his head, and blinked his eyes quickly, trying to reconcile the sight before him.

  “It’s me Dan, I told you that our bodies would change when we entered a new realm; I like my new look, you should take a look at yourself!” Raj looked completely different, he sported a full beard, his face was taut and tanned, with high cheekbones, a strong jaw line, and piercing green eyes; his body was larger, younger, and stronger.

  Shocked at the transformation, Dan glanced at himself in amazement at his own body. He started to smile before staring at Raj, “Wow, I’m big,” he said in a deep voice, slapping his chest with his powerful thick arms.

  Dan was well over six feet tall, and dressed from head to toe in black leather, with a large thick belt tied around his narrow waist. He saw leather straps across his chest forming an elaborate harness to hold knives and other weapons, but he marveled at how his new muscular frame felt so strong and powerful. He stared at himself, amazed at the sheer size of his hands and feet, with his forearms bulging with visible veins, and wrapped in leather. Dan’s hair was long, thick, and unruly, but his vision was sharp, focused, and clear. Raj was standing beside him examining the large black canvas bags that lay within the open trunk of a large beige colored car parked nearby. “What’s in the bags?” he inquired.

  “Things we’ll need,” Raj enthusiastically unzipped the largest of the bags and glanced inside, “we’ve got weapons. Take note Dan, we should always be aware of the clues that we’re given, this will help us acclimatize and adapt faster; do you understand me? See, take a look at this, I have car keys in my hand, now where the heck did they come from? Look at this car, and tell me what you see,” he said pointing at the beige colored car.

  Dan rose to his feet and studied the car as requested, “On the door here, in white lettering, ‘Barnes & Colder’. That’s who we are, I guess?”

  “Or who we work for. Check out the glove box, and see if you can find anything useful.” Raj continued his inspection of the contents within the trunk.

  Dan opened the passenger door taking a deep breath, the air outside felt clean and pure. He glanced around taking note of his surroundings; it felt like Earth to him, under a grey and blue sky with clouds, wind, trees, roads, and buildings. He bent into the car’s passenger space and emerged in an excited state. “Whoa, look what I found!”

  Raj shouted at him, “Stop right there, and don’t move an inch,” he said waving his hand in a downward motion to get his immediate attention. “Put the gun down on the floor gently, and point it away from us both.” Dan stooped slowly, following his instructions; he gently placed the gun on the wet gravel as Raj exhaled loudly. Dan cautiously backed away from the gun, like it was a hissing Cobra about to strike. He stopped and looked at Raj.

  Raj moved closer, “This is not a game, and you’ve got a lot to learn. Is the safety on? Is that gun loaded?” Raj shook his head in disbelief, “You can’t be waving a gun around like that, and pointing it in my direction is just asking for trouble; understand?”

  Dan nodded, “Yes, I’m sorry.” His excitement was short lived as he tried to redeem himself, “I found this as well.” Dan extended his arm to present a small ivory colored business card inscribed with silver embossed writing that read, ‘Barnes & Colder, Specialist Hunters, Laran City.’

  Raj examined the card carefully, “Good work - at least we know what we’re doing now and apparently we’re supposed to be hunting something.” Raj looked around at the immediate vicinity and gesturing with his chin he said, “Let’s get into that hotel, and maybe we can learn what we’re hunting and possibly for who.”

  Grab one of these, they’re bleeding heavy,” Raj said motioning to one of the large bags. Raj retrieved the handgun, checking its safety before slamming the passenger door closed. Dan walked to the rear of the car and lifted two of the large heavy bags from the trunk with relative ease; he marveled at his newly acquired strength. Raj moved closer to Dan placing a hand upon his shoulder. Their eyes met and Raj took charge, “The Dream Cane’s placed us in front of this hotel, so we need to go inside and find out what our mission is.” Raj slammed the trunk closed and walked towards the hotel entrance leaving Dan to follow carrying the heavy bags.

  The hotel was a building made from a sandy colored stone stained with black streaks from years of pollution, weather, and wear. The front doorway was accentuated by a large stone arch, which protruded from the building making a shelter for the gold colored revolving door. Raj led the way as they both entered the hotel stepping into the reception area. The grey and white speckled floor of smooth marble was spotless and shone brilliantly. Fresh cut Lilies were displayed in a large clear vase supported by an ornately carved dark wooden table placed in the center of a large receiving area. The check in desk looked to be located beyond the flowers as Raj reached back to feel the familiar bulge of a wallet nestled deep within his back pocket. He was relieved to feel the wallet’s shape.

  Walking confidently to the reception desk he saw an attractive young blonde lady attending to the counter; she was smartly dressed in a burgundy colored jacket with gold piping around the collar and cuffs, and she greeted them both with a welcoming, wholesome smile, “Welcome to The Grafton Hotel, how can I help you?”

  Raj pushed the business card across the polished wood counter with an assured confidence. The young lady seemed flustered, embarrassed, and unsure of her next move; she retrieved the card, and inspected the text from a closer proximity. “Mr. Colder, please excuse me, I should have recognized you instantly; let me get the hotel owner right away, please excuse me, I’ll be right back,” she turned and disappeared into a door leading to a back room. Raj took note of her excitement, it was as if she’d just met a celebrity, but it didn’t escape his attention that she’d addressed him as ‘Mr. Colder.’

  Raj glanced over his shoulder. Dan was standing nervously behind him with two large bags at his feet; Raj surveyed the deserted reception area, “You’re Mr. Barnes, got it?” he whispered to his partner.

  Dan glanced sideways to make sure no one had heard before nodding his head and accepting his new name. A thin wily looking man with round-rimmed glasses wearing a cheap rumpled grey suit rushed through the door leading him to the reception desk; he was followed by the attractive blonde who’s stare never faltered, once it had come to rest upon Dan’s impressive frame.

  “Gentlemen, sorry to keep you waiting, two of our finest rooms have been prepared, as we were expecting you.” Raj smiled politely. “I’m Dave Melanger, owner of The Grafton Hotel, and may I say, we’re very pleased to have you here.” Mr. Melanger would sneak fleeting glances at them both as he hurriedly prepared the room keys and the paperwork. The attractive blonde continued to stand motionless, staring at Dan with her mouth open. “Violet,” barked Mr. Melengar, “go get the bell hop to help these gentlemen with their luggage.”

  “No need,” said Raj calmly but firmly, “we’ll carry our own equipment, if it’s all the same to you.”

  “Of course, as you wish.” Mr. Melengar carefully placed two plastic card keys upon the counter as Raj reached for his wallet. “The rooms are being paid for by the village, and of course any expenses that you incur while at the hotel. You’re both on the sixth floor and in adjoining rooms, 601 and 602. After you’ve settled in, your presence is requested in the lounge over here,” he pointed with his hand, “where Mr. Tom Jantz and Sheriff Jones will brief you on your assignment.”

  Raj nodded knowingly; he slid the room access cards from the counter t
op and followed the direction of Mr. Melanger’s outstretched hand towards the elevators. They made their way to their rooms agreeing to meet back at the elevators within five minutes. The rooms were exceptionally clean, basic, and a bit dated. Raj was focused on finding out the details of their assignment. Dan was instructed to leave the bags in Raj’s room. After Dan had explored the contents and layout of his room, he headed to the elevators; Raj was already waiting and was pacing nervously, “Listen to me, we have to play this cool. I want you to be the strong and silent type.”

  “So you want me to shut up and say nothing, leave all the talking to you,” Dan said, in an annoyed tone.

  “Just let me ask the questions, I want to find out who these people are, and why they need us here in this realm. I need to understand what we’ve been summoned here to do, get it?”

  “Yes,” he said, sarcastically.

  “Don't throw a snit Dan, wisdom never gets old. I have a bit more experience doing this than you, and we don't want to blow our cover on the first day do we?”

  “OK, let’s just find out why we’re here.”

  “OK good, we have to be a team, and remember to refer to me as Colder, only Colder.” Dan nodded as he pushed the down button to summon the elevator. It arrived within seconds, announcing its presence with a joyous ringing noise. They stood together in silence as the elevator moved from floor to floor, before it reached the lobby and opened its doors. The sight of a large man greeted them; he was dressed in a long black leather coat. He stood six feet, six inches tall, possessing a stocky build and a thick neck. He stared into the elevator and moved to one side to let the men vacate. As they walked past him Raj caught his interested stare. It was different from the celebrity stare received earlier; this was very different. This man examined every detail, every nuance; it was a knowing stare, a dangerous look that Raj was uncomfortable with. Finally the stranger entered the elevator, allowing them to walk towards the lounge and escape his scrutiny.

  Barnes & Colder walked towards the lounge pausing just before the glass entrance. They exchanged glances of solidarity with Raj leading the way. A man dressed in jeans and a black t-shirt pushed his thick arm abruptly across the lounge’s entrance hitting Raj’s chest and stopping him in mid stride. Dan had seen this from the rear and had acted with lightening speed leaping to his friend’s assistance. Dan grabbed the stocky man’s arm and bent it painfully behind his back while pinning his face firmly against the wall; he loved his new found strength and power. “Easy Barnes, you don't know your own strength,” purred Raj in a soothing, but reprimanding tone.

  The commotion attracted the attention of another man dressed similarly in jeans and a black t-shirt, “My apologies gentlemen, my man here just wanted to assure our privacy, and didn’t recognize the both of you, perhaps you can let him go?” Dan glanced at Raj who nodded his approval. Dan shoved the man to one side with ease releasing his grip on his arm. “Thank you. Perhaps you’d like to join us for a briefing, Mr. Colder and Mr. Barnes - I presume?”

  Raj looked at the confident looking man, who was motioning them to sit in an arrangement of four chairs, situated near a gas fire where one of the chairs was occupied by a portly looking man in a Sheriff’s uniform. Raj answered his question, “I’m Colder and this is Barnes,” he announced with the sweep of his hand in Dan’s direction. “And you are?”

  “Tom Jantz, head of mine security for the Asquith Mine here in Autumn. This is Sheriff Jones, the Sheriff for the Village of Autumn.” The Sheriff stumbled to his feet spilling a little whiskey from the top of his glass. He nodded before slumping back into the comfy, warm chair, supporting his drinking habit. Tom shook his head in embarrassment and invited his guests to the open chairs. They sat soaking up the fire’s warmth.

  Dan was starting to panic; he wondered what was going to happen next. How could they find out more information? Raj clasped his hands together to support his chin while leaning forward, “Mr. Jantz, Sheriff, why don't you start at the beginning, and tell us again why we’re here, and what you want us to do.”

  ‘Wow, very clever, and very direct,’ thought Dan, smiling and learning.

  Over the next two hours, the Sheriff drank, and Tom explained the circumstances leading to the Village of Autumn’s request to hire Barnes & Colder. The Sheriff was drunk, and continued to slur his words, much to the annoyance of Tom Jantz. Tom was articulate and well informed, he explained the terms of the assignment, and the payment due upon completion. He described the earlier tragedy that befell Autumn, and the local’s anguish that ‘Autumn’s Ravage’ had started again. Tom was convinced that a beast roamed the woods, which needed to be tracked, hunted, and killed. He was certain that this was not the work of a deranged degenerate transient. He described the recent killings, and the wounds inflicted upon the victims; he was brutally honest, explaining whatever did this, was unlike any animal he’d ever seen. Experts estimated that it was big, very big, and considerably larger than the largest Bear. Raj and Dan exchanged nervous glances while trying to look confident.

  The conversation started to wane as the mission became clear. An uneasy feeling of responsibility settled upon the shoulders of Raj and Dan. They knew they’d arrived with a big reputation, celebrity status, and the weight of expectation was heavy. Raj broke the silence, “My partner and I will consider your offer, and decide how best to rid you of this beast. We will rest tonight and likely talk to the residents tomorrow, to get some additional information. This will help us formulate our approach, from experience we know that meticulous planning is the key to these types of assignments,” he said confidently.

  Tom weighed the statement carefully, “Your partner doesn’t say much does he?” he said, directing his gaze accusingly towards Dan.

  “No, he’s more of a man of action,” said Raj, killing any uncertainty as Dan struggled to formulate a response. Raj rose to signal the end of the meeting, quickly followed by Dan, and then Tom. Sheriff Jones remained slumped in his chair, comfortable within his alcohol-induced glow. “We’ll contact you tomorrow,” said Raj confidently. Handshakes were exchanged as Dan followed Raj’s lead and headed towards the elevator. Sitting in the lobby of the hotel was a small-disheveled man, dressed in native Indian attire and perched upon an antique chair reading a book. He’d watched the visitors arrive and casually observed their meeting. The man seemed agitated, wanting to make an approach, but not wanting to be seen talking to the visitors from outside of the village. Raj noticed the man and immediately recognized the signals. He wanted to tell them something, perhaps warn them. As they left their guests they passed the man reading his book. Raj saw his curious gaze as he flicked his eyes above the edge of his book. Raj diverted his eyes and moved towards the elevator, the native Indian man watched his every step.

  “Come to room 601,” Raj said, in a mumbled voice as he passed the Indian.

  Raj ushered Dan into the elevator; once inside Dan sounded nervous, “Are we up for this? I mean it sounds pretty dangerous; hunting a massive beast!”

  “Relax. Remember we’re trained for this, we have instincts and skills that you’re not even aware of yet, did you see the way you pinned that guy to the wall? We hunt for a living; this is what we do. Am I hearing that you’re chickening out? We’ll face many dangers together but the Dream Cane selected us for a reason, we can do this, we can help these people.

  Raj flashed a calming look towards Dan as the elevator chimed to inform its passengers that it’s journey had completed; Dan nodded reluctantly. As they stepped out of the confines of the small elevator, Raj nervously checked the hallway in both directions. “Come with me to room 601, I suspect we’re going to have a visitor.” Raj grabbed Dan by the elbow and steered him skillfully.

  It wasn’t long before they were both inside the room, “Who are we expecting?”

  Raj fumbled for a bottle of water. “An native Indian, he looked like he needed to tell us something.”

  As if it was rehearsed, a soft knock on the door interru
pted their conversation; Raj swallowed a gulp of water and pushed his finger to his lips signaling his desire for silence. He moved to the door and looked through the peephole. The Indian man from the lobby was standing outside waiting nervously to enter. Raj opened the door and the man quickly stepped inside. Closing the door, Raj assessed the man standing before him. He was a short man of about five-foot-five inches tall with long grey hair pulled back into a braided ponytail that ran down his back. He wore black leather shoes that matched his belt sporting a large silver buckle. He wore faded blue jeans and a black t-shirt under a brown beaded vest decorated with tassels. Around his neck he wore an assortment of necklaces but they were tucked into his t-shirt at the front. He had striking pale blue eyes but they looked worried and full of concern. Raj eased the apparent awkwardness, “Looks like you needed to tell us something, please sit; we’re listening.”

  The elderly man selected an empty chair and rubbed his face, not knowing where to start, “My name is Great Bear, I’m the Indian Chief around these parts. I’ve lived in the Village of Autumn my entire life, and my forefathers lived, hunted, and worked this land, longer than people can remember. I was here and have lived through Autumn’s Ravage, and I fear that people think the cycle has started again, but I need to educate you both.” The Chief clasped his weathered hands together, and stared at the floor, not knowing where to begin. He questioned his actions, was he doing the right thing? “Have a seat, this may take a while, and I would prefer if you were both sitting for this.” He lifted his eyes to see if there was resistance to his request. Both men complied immediately, turning their chairs to face the Chief.

  “My tribe has lived here for generations, and we know the old ways, the spiritual ways. Our beliefs are based upon hundreds of years of observations, stories, folklore, and legends. They sound a little far fetched today - now that everything in our world is explained by science and mathematics. When I tell you about our beliefs, I’d like you to keep an open mind, after all, you two are not from around these parts are you?”

  Raj decided to deflect quickly, “Go on.”

  “Everything in our world vibrates in harmony, the trees, animals, people, even the rocks. Everything vibrates, resonates, and exists together; my tribe believes that this vibration - this energy, life force, and this spiritual connection, connects us all. This vibration is subtle, but if you’re trained with a keen eye you can actually see the energy emitted from objects in the form of an Aura, a color. My Father was a wise old Indian Chief, and he taught me how to see Auras. You can imagine my confusion when I saw you both, without an Aura. It’s almost as if you’re not really alive or perhaps you’re from another world?” Dan shuffled nervously in his seat.

  The Indian raised his pale eyes and stared at Raj, “I know you’re not from this realm, and I know that you’re not Barnes & Colder. You’re not the first travellers that I’ve seen, and I know you’ve been sent here to help us.” Dan shot a look towards Raj who seemed to be playing it cool. “In the midst of Autumn’s Ravage, helpers came to Autumn, that was many years ago. Afterwards the visitors returned to their realm, and we were eternally grateful. It’s the indigenous people, the Matahee tribe, which understands the realms, the chosen helpers, and the constant battle between light and darkness. I want to help you, but you have to be honest with me, I’d like you to come clean with me and save us all some time.”

  Raj leaned forward in his chair and clasped his hands between his opened knees. “That’s a pretty interesting theory, and I’m sure your tribe has some very entertaining stories, passed down from generation to generation, but we’re here to do a job. Barnes & Colder,” he said pointing at himself and his partner, “we’re hunters, hired to kill a large animal. It’s as simple as that.”

  The Chief smiled, “I expected that, and I respect you for keeping the knowledge sacred. I’m no mental case; I’m your only help around here that’s local. So you men are Barnes & Colder, the famous hunters from Laran City, is that what you’re telling me?” Both men nodded in unison. “It’s been a while since I was in Laran City, but I remember the town hall square. White folks have to go there to get their hunting licenses; I don't need one because I’m a native. I remember sitting in that square and looking at the old famous bell tower, it’s been there for hundreds of years and it’s on the city’s coat of arms. It’s a beautiful tower and a proud symbol of Laran City, but it does have an unusual clock face doesn’t it? Perhaps you can tell me why it’s so unusual, I mean, everyone from Laran City knows.”

  Dan had a belly full of butterflies, and Raj knew their cover was blown. Raj cleared his throat, “Perhaps you can tell us, as we’re not from around these parts.”

  “It only has the number six on the dial, which represents the six boroughs that comprise of Laran City, the rest of the clock positions have a simple dot with the bottom of the dial proudly showing the number six. Now that we’ve cleared that up, which realm are you from?”

  Raj exchanged glances with Dan. Dan didn't ask permission, but keeping the façade going was just plain silly, he took the leap of faith, “The Fifth Realm, and we’re here to help.”

  The Indian Chief nodded his appreciation, “I wasn’t exactly honest with you both either. I implied that you have no Aura, well that’s not exactly true. You both have brilliant white Aura’s; true and pure. I knew you weren’t from this realm, but I also knew you were sent from the light.”

  Raj took a swig from his water bottle, “How do we know we can trust you?”

  “You don't, but I didn't come here to tell you what you already know, I came here to tell you what you’re up against, and that’s where it starts to get interesting.” The Chief’s hands were old and leathery; he wore a silver ring, set with a brilliant bright blue stone. He fiddled nervously with his ring, rotating it around his finger in a deliberate fashion. “The men you’ve just met with are well meaning men, but they’re caught up in their own egos; they’re fools and simpletons when it comes to the way of the world. It's a tragic fact that modern, so-called sophisticated men, have lost their connection to the spirit world. They don't understand the connectedness of everything. In our Indian culture we refuse to lose the old ways, the collective knowledge, and our connection to all around us, even though we often appear as weird and unprogressive.”

  The Chief shifted his nervous energy from his ring to his vest tassels. “The well meaning men downstairs told you of a beast, a large animal, perhaps a Bear? The real truth is, they don't know what they’re dealing with, because they’re oblivious to the world around them. It is a beast, of sorts, but nothing like you’ve seen before, and more importantly, it’s not from this world.”

  The Chief paused to make his point clear and to let his message sink in, “My Nephew told me that he’d seen a White Wolf. That’s very important within our culture, for the White Wolf is a Spirit Wolf, a very rare and sacred animal. The ignorant scientists will talk about genetic flaws, as a way to explain the white creatures of the forest, but we Indians know better. An Albino animal is a genetic rarity of nature, rendering the poor animal pure white. This condition dulls the senses and turns the animals eyes red.” The Chief shook his head sympathizing with the animals suffering from this condition.

  “In the brutal wild of the forest, these animals are severely dis-advantaged, they try to blend in but quickly become prey. I’m not here to talk about Albino animals. I’m talking about what we Indian’s call Spirit Animals, guardians and keepers of harmony within the forest. These animals have extra keen senses, clear sharp vision, and an overly developed set of survival tools. They’re white, stripped of their normal camouflage, but you’ll never see them. So many people doubt their existence, but they only appear when they have a message to deliver. My people believe in the White Spirit animals, they herald the re-uniting of humanity, and the re-awakening of oneness. They signal a harmony of mind, body, and spirit, all living in peace, and at one with the environment.”

  The Chief raised his eyes to
gauge the level of interest and comprehension. Both men hung on every word, waiting to hear more about the beast they were to face. “The Spirit Animals keep harmony within the forest, they represent everything that’s good and pure. My ancestors knew of the other realms, other worlds. Some were dark realms, where evil is a strong force and a darker religion grips these worlds. Dark forces have greedy designs on the other realms, they aim to conquer and invade our thoughts and actions with violence, hatred, ignorance, and negativity. We are aware of the epic struggle between good and evil, dark and light. The Spirit Animals stand guard; they connect with enlightened humans as best they can. They will only present themselves to a pure soul. The most elusive animal of all is the White Wolf, the Spirit Wolf. In my culture the White Wolf is one of three directional guardians and is akin to mankind.”

  The Chief paused to underline the importance of his next point, “The Spirit Wolf has presented himself to our people to signal a time of great danger, and make us aware that an imbalance in the energy of the forest has occurred. We have a prophecy that foretells of this event. Our prophecy tells us of the arrival of a beast, and a period of great destruction, unless we act quickly. The Spirit Wolf appeared on a man-made road, far away from the safety and refuge of the forest. He wanted to be seen; he’s telling us that the dark one has arrived. The energy within the forest has changed and the animals are running scared. Soon we will see White Bear, Deer, Fox, Eagle and many unusual sights.”

  “Can the White Wolf kill this beast?” inquired Dan.

  “No. It’s already strong, feeding from the negative energy and fear that it evokes. It kills to feed but it doesn’t eat the meat. Our prophecy tells of a dark world ruled by evil and fear. When the stars align, for that brief moment, a portal opens between our realms. Over time, a few, have figured out a way to travel between realms, like yourself.” The Chief flicked his eyes upwards to meet the startled gaze of the men.

  “The dark realm has dispatched a fearsome creature, not made of flesh and blood, but dark evil energy. It feeds on fear, suspicion, and anger; it grows in power. It has one relentless goal, to find a sacred location hidden deep within the forest with deep spiritual energy and connectedness. It will use this location to open a permanent bridge between our two realms. If established, this realm will be lost to the darkness forever. Autumn’s Ravage was a false alarm, a twisted, sick, drifter, with a penchant for harming young women. This is different, but we can’t go to the authorities. They would lock us up and accuse us of spreading unnecessary fear induced by smoking the peace pipe too much. Our prophecy foretold of these deaths, the arrival of three strangers from two different realms, and a dangerous beast from the dark realm. The third stranger has arrived, and is staying here at your hotel. He’s trying desperately to blend in, just like you two, but he still looks a little lost. The good news is that he’s on your side, with a similar Aura, and mission, so you three should talk and join forces. Oh and one last thing, the prophecy is clear, the beast will be killed by someone who’s spent most of his life battling demons! From the look on your fresh faces, I suspect it's the villages’ mysterious stranger, he looks as tough as nails.” The Chief smiled mischievously.

 

  Raj was slightly annoyed at the Chief, but couldn’t poke holes in his deductive reasoning. “That’s quite a story, anything else you want to tell us?”

  “No, I think that's it for now.”

  “For now?”

  “No that's it,” said the Chief looking nervous.

  Raj stood, “Remember Chief, we’re here to help, we could simply leave you to the beast and the darkness.”

  “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to sound dis-respectful. I’m grateful that you’re both here, and I wanted to inform you that I’m available to help in any way. I also wanted to inform you of the stranger. We face an evil that no one really understands.”

  Raj glanced at Dan; he seemed tired, anxious and scared. “It’s been a long day. I think we’ll reconvene in the morning, and we’re looking forward to meeting this stranger. I’d like to know what he’s found out so far.”

  “Of course, I’ll see you tomorrow. I usually hang out at the coffee shop down the street.” The Chief turned and left the room quickly hoping he wouldn’t be seen by anyone else.

  Dan glanced at Raj, “The native Indians are more connected to the spirit world, they’re more open to receiving messages, signs, and guidance, from their dead ancestors. We have to take him seriously.”

  “For a kid, you’re pretty smart. Sometimes a prophecy can turn out to be a statement of intent.” Raj stopped abruptly, Dan had noticed the sudden movement of gossamer wings, as a small crimson colored butterfly fluttered between them. “It’s time to go, stay close to me.” Dan saw another crimson butterfly, as it drifted effortlessly by. The butterfly fluttered out of sight followed by a blinding white light that flooded the hotel room causing them both to shield their eyes. Raj held onto Dan’s arm tightly and together they were transported back to the fifth realm and the relative comfort of Raj’s apartment.

  * * * * *

  The Fifth Realm - Earth

  Chapter 10: The Library

  Westtown, Pennsylvania, U.S.A., 2014

  “Nothing sickens me more than the closed door of a library.”