The Scavenger, the children, and Pyros along with Flor, Skazen and Staler went to meet Cayden. James was walking like a zombie, lost in deep thought.
Staler put his hand on Cayden’s shoulder. “You look much better now.”
Cayden gasped. “I feel restless! I want to share some information regarding -”
The Scavenger nodded. “We know. We saw your video through the little pencil-like thing. You said something about Osay’s secret weapon.”
“Yes, yes!” Cayden nodded vigorously. “I recorded it so that, even if I am dead, the world gets to know about the capture of the Good Kingdom. Osay seems to be someone very evil. He is desperately searching for two Pages of Destiny. I don’t know what these Pages are and why Osay wants them. Osay derives his powers from a secret weapon. If it is taken away, he will collapse.”
The Scavenger raised his hand. “Calm down. We’ll take the secret weapon from Osay and finish him off.”
Cayden’s face had an expression of satisfaction. Staler handed him a bottle of water.
“Gentlemen, he need rest,” the doctor intervened.
As they all walked away from the medical room towards Staler’s office, there was a shout.
“OHMYGODIGOTIT!” James shrieked and jumped in excitement as he rushed towards the scientists’ chamber.
The Scavenger grinned at Staler. “I told you! Our scientist is no less than all of the scientists in the Universe put together. Let’s wait to see his solution.”
James barged into a room where the scientists were sitting around a table, talking and taking notes along with the five Greenies.
“Two space shuttles!” James said.
“What?!” Gronene said.
James sat down and discussed his plan.
It was almost two hours later that James returned to his friends.
Archer asked him, “Tell us! What’s your plan?”
James grinned. “You know what? I think I’m going to let you stew in suspense.”
“NOOOOOO!” Daniel exclaimed. “Please don’t do that again! I’m dying in anxiety here! You know I don’t deal well with suspense!”
James shrugged. “Nah. It’ll take away the fun. Let it be a surprise.”
Archer too tried to persuade James to tell them his plan, but in vain.
In the evening, they all again went to meet Cayden.
Cayden said, “I am sorry to pester you all, but this is really urgent. We need to get Osay’s secret weapon at the earliest.”
“Do you know where it is?” Archer asked.
“Of course, I know. I can lead the way,” Cayden said.
“In that case,” Daniel said, “let’s split. Half of us go to space and half of us go to get Osay’s weapon.”
Cayden shook his head. “Nope. Half of...” He counted. The Scavenger, the three children, Flor, Skazen and Pyros, and himself. “Half of eight of
us – that is four. That’s not going to happen. Not more than one can accompany me. The secret weapon has to be taken away secretly. There is no war waiting for us. But the one who goes with me should be a warrior enough to handle a small army, just in case...”
They glanced at each other.
The Scavenger spoke. “I am coming with you.”
“But why only you?” Daniel asked.
The Scavenger gestured around. “Flor is in no condition to go. Pyros isn’t a warrior. I am not sure what worth Skazen has. You children can’t go as you can’t risk being captured. I am immortal, so how can it be someone else?”
Cayden nodded. “That would be appropriate, I feel.”
The Scavenger asked, “When do we leave?”
“At once!” Cayden stood up but promptly fell. “I mean, as soon as I can. The doctors said I am okay and will be discharged tomorrow.”
James took Scavenger aside and whispered something to him. The others glanced curiously at them.
After some time, they all returned to their rooms to rest.
Next morning, the doctors discharged Cayden and cleared him for travelling.
As Daniel walked towards Staler’s office, a thought crossed his mind. He recalled how Cayden, Flor and Skazen had entered their lives. Their entry seemed too easy. Too convenient.
Daniel knocked on the door of Staler’s office. The voice of Staler came, “Come in.”
Daniel entered and found various groups having discussions amongst themselves. Cayden, Staler, Pyros and the Scavenger were discussing about ways to get Osay’s secret weapon. Skazen was tending to Flor, who wasn’t fit as yet.
Daniel sat down beside his friends.
The Scavenger got up and cleared his throat to get everyone’s attention.
“We will be leaving at once,” the Scavenger announced. “The plan is in place. Let’s hope for the best.”
They all nodded and wished Cayden and the Scavenger luck.
James took the Scavenger aside again to tell him something.
After the Scavenger and Cayden left, Staler turned to Pyros. “Let me show you around the Brentinute?”
Pyros nodded, and they left.
James stood up. “I’m going to the scientists’ chambers.”
Daniel and Archer followed James. Flor trailed behind, Skazen supporting him.
James entered the scientists’ chambers and saw that the place was buzzing with activity. Scientists and engineers were moving from place to place, carrying mechanical parts and wires and whatnot. Gronene was focusing on some formulae.
“Gronene, a minute?” James requested.
Gronene stood up and went to James, taking him aside.
“How is everything going?” James asked.
Gronene nodded. “Fine. All works are in full momentum. The solar battery will take most of the space in the shuttle. I hope you don’t have claustrophobia.” James looked around. “With some luck, I hope the plan will work.”
Gronene shook his head. “You are a genius, James. The plan will definitely work. But the more important question is... whether you and your friends will survive the trip or not.”
9
The Scavenger and Cayden were riding a
fast-moving chariot through a dense forest.
The James’s reverberated in the Scavenger’s
mind – “Don’t trust Cayden.”
The Scavenger looked sideways at Cayden, who appeared determined, looking ahead with a steady gaze.
While staring at Cayden, the Scavenger found it hard to believe that Cayden might be a traitor. For one thing, Cayden had arrived at the Brentinute in a near-death condition. He was in a coma,
