Chapter 7
The Order of Five
The darkness was suffocating. Strange noises could be heard amongst the woods but not seen. The trees acted as a blanket, preventing the moonlight from penetrating through their thick black branches. Such cover was but a wish for Jack and Grandad earlier in the afternoon sun. Now it was a curse. Yes, it had helped them escape the flying enemy, who was still unknown to Jack. But now the woods, were frighteningly scary. Each tree creaking eerily in the breeze. The wind whispered in Jacks ears, making him turn around trying to see if they had been followed. Jack didn’t like the dark, especially in a forest he envisaged to be haunted.
Walking through the darkness he stuck closely to Grandad. Even the sound of the twigs snapping below his feet made him jump. They had gotten off of their newly acquired camel and decided to walk alongside him instead. After such a daring escape, the camel was surely as tired as they were.
‘Grandad, I don’t like it. Where are we going?’ Jack said, wide eyed. His pupils now a tiny dot in his big brown eyes.
‘We need to find a spot to rest for the night. We’ll be ok.’ Grandad said as he struggled to guide them through the darkness. Arms out stretched in front of him, he attempted to feel his way amongst the trees.
‘WHAT?! I don’t want to stay in here tonight. It’s creepy.’ Jack admitted his fear.
‘Don’t be silly. You did great back there Jack. You saved my life. If you hadn’t been so brave and suggested doing what you did, then they would have gotten us. Now surely a brave lad like you wouldn’t let the dark bother him would you?’ Grandad thought he had worked his magic on Jack.
‘I don’t care how brave I am. This place would scare anyone!’ Jack said with gusto.
Laughing Grandad said ‘I have to say, I think I agree Jack. I can’t see a thing. Let’s stop here. There’s no point in walking any longer, when we don’t know where we are walking to.’ With that Grandad and Jack sat down, prepared for the long night ahead. The exhausted camel lay on the floor beside Jack, allowing Jack to rest his back and head on him.
‘Grandad, why were those people chasing us?’ Jack questioned his Grandad, who was perched up against a tree opposite him.
‘They weren’t after you Jack. In fact it’s not even me they want…’
‘But what happened in the inn? Why did they all stop talking when you walked in?’
‘Oh, you noticed that did you?’ Grandad had not thought that Jack had realised.
‘Yes.’ Jack replied, he always was more observant than people gave him credit for.
‘Well, as I told you before Jack. Some people are good and others are bad. Not just bad, evil. For thousands of years people have battled against the dark forces, trying to corrupt our world for their own power. When Regulus roamed the earth searching for the fragments of the star, some people decided to help him on his quest. People who had worshipped him before the battle against Minos, good caring people. When Zeus returned Regulus to the heavens, these people decided to continue his journey for him and swore to protect the sanctity of the star. That is why we must find the aboriginal tribe, they will have been guarding the star for thousands of years.’ Grandad explained.
‘Who are the bad people?’ Jack asked as he scanned the area, nervous in the dark.
‘When Minos fled into the depths of the underworld, he did so to regain strength. Slowly he began to recover. The damage he had already caused to the earth fuelled him and aided in his recovery. Certain areas became polluted with evil, and Minos was able to corrupt anyone who lived in these areas. Convincing the young that he had been mistreated by Zeus and his mother. That they had loved their friend Regulus more than they loved him.’
‘But why would the people believe him?’ Jack said.
‘The people were weak and tired. The land was savaged, with no water the crops would not grow. Without anything to eat or drink they prayed to Zeus for rain, but none came. Slowly they began to lose faith in Zeus. Minos exploited this and rising from the dark of the underworld he offered them help. He told the people that he loved them and always had. Minos said it was Regulus who was evil and had turned Zeus against him.’ Grandad said, Jack barely able to see him.
‘Why did Zeus not give them rain?’
‘Zeus was exhausted from the battle that had taken place. For even though he did not physically have to fight Minos, he had to use all of his power to ensure the world was not destroyed. Then once the dust had settled, he was intent on helping his good friend Regulus. This was ultimately the biggest failing of Zeus. He forgot the people.’ Grandad said glumly.
‘But he wouldn’t! Would he?’ Jack demanded to know.
‘I’m afraid he did Jack. Over time he remembered but by then it was too late. Minos had managed to trick people from all over the world. Throughout history, all of the greatest atrocities have been due to Minos control. Horrific massacres, great wars where thousands died and evil dictators ruled. They have all been as a direct result of Minos power.’ Grandad wiped away a few tears but Jack couldn’t see.
‘How can he still corrupt people Grandad?’
‘He plays on the fears of people. Working on their insecurities, he finds a weakness before exploiting it. He is very clever and has many followers.’
‘So those people were his followers?’ Jack asked.
‘Yes they were.’
‘How did they know who you are or what we are doing?’
‘They can sense the star. They know I have it on me and they want it. However they do not know I have the book. If they did I am sure they could decipher it far quicker than I can. Ultimately leading them to the remaining pieces. That is why I am going to give the book to you. It is not wise for me to keep hold of it when they are after me. If they catch me Jack, you need to follow the map in the book to reach the star. Do not worry about me, I’ll be ok. The fate of the world rests upon he who reforms the star. You need to find it before they do, even if it means leaving me.’ Grandad was speaking more serious than he normally did. Jack didn’t reply.
‘I mean it Jack. Promise me, you will try and find the star.’
‘I don’t want to.’ Jack said, with a lump in his throat.
‘Jack, promise me.’ Grandad did not give in as he walked over to Jack and placed the book on his lap.
‘Ok.’ Jack had tears running down his face. He knew he couldn’t really leave his Grandad.
Physically and mentally drained Jack fought to keep his eyes open. Scared of what creatures may be lurking in the darkness around him he was determined to stay awake. But tired and upset he could fight it no longer. His heavy eye lids closed as he fell asleep against the warm camel.