Three nights were spent in the eastern, vast wild-lands of Russia, sleeping under a forest canopy that spread the width of the country. There was not a wild creature to be seen. The nights were dark and sleepless for Louis who tossed, and turned in his sleep, with visions of George the Cave Troll and Olly the Ogre devouring him while he slept. Sometimes it was not so good to have a vivid imagination; no one knew as well as Louis.
After two more days of enduring flight, and short nights of sleep: on the third day as the next morning broke, while Louis and Mr. Beamer broke camp, Louis spoke.
"Today will we finally reach Tibet and the city of Kapula, Mr. Beamer?"
"Yes I believe so Louis. The weather has been forgiving, and kind to us and that warm summer wind blowing at our backs has kept us ahead of schedule for the last two days."
Just as Mr. Beamer spoke and was about ready to mount Charlie for the day, the ground began to rumble again as it did in Centerville, what seemed so long ago. The trees above them shook, and shimmied back and forth, sending leaves and branches falling all about them.
"Run for the clearing over there Charlie, Junior!" shouted out Louis as he too broke for the opening. Is it, Mehan the Serpent...is it Mr. Beamer? He's trying to scare us...isn't he?"
As all headed for the clearing in earnest, Mr. Beamer called ahead to Louis, "Louis we are getting close to him; he is aware of us, and you're right...I believe he is trying to drive us away."
Everyone reached the safety of the clearing, standing as steadfast as possible, while the ground continued to shake and shiver. A deafening roar was heard rising up from the earth once more. All covered their ears, then silence.
"It has passed us by, the shaking, and the evil. It is heading westwards towards Centerville Mr. Beamer."
"Correct Louis, but Panthera is watching out for your friends and family as we speak. He will know what to do; he will call all to safety. As you know Louis, he is the bravest of them all. We have left your loved ones in good company, do not fear."
Louis forlornly looked westwards as he stood in the clearing, away from his friends. All he could think about was, to be brave for the others. So many people were depending on him.
Nothing else was said; only worry was found in everyone's heart.
All headed back to the campsite one last time before they took flight for the day. Everything had been packed and readied. Louis climbed aboard Junior as he rustled his plume, and exercised his broad-feathered wings. Mr. Beamer in turn mounted Charlie and off the ground they unceremoniously lifted upwards, stirring clear of the forest canopy as they climbed higher and higher, into the morning skies.
Upon reaching a height of over four thousand feet and finding the northern jet stream again, Charlie and Junior settled into a steady pace, flying again eastwards towards Tibet.
The hours passed with Charlie out front, ahead of Junior, breaking the wild winds for him. The skies were clear and blue. The forest below them gave way to mountain ranges and higher elevations. This part of the world was more rugged and wilder.
The morning gave way to mid-morning, then mid-afternoon to late afternoon.
Snows could be seen on the highest mountaintops as northern China, now came into view.
The Himalayan Mountains were a site to see as they rose before them, where they sat on the Tibetan Plateau. These were the highest peaks of the world, escalating to over twenty four thousand feet high, with over one hundred mountains strung out along her pathways. This was the wildest, uppermost, and impassable, mountain range in the world by foot, caravan, or horseback.
Upon reaching the closest eastern mountain ridge of the great range of mountains, Louis cleared his throat.
"Those mountains look a lot like the Ingnok Mountains at the North Pole and the home of Polar Gates.
"These mountains do look a lot like those Louis, you are very astute, but these mountains rise higher in elevation, are more dangerous and wild, also this is the where the great city of Kapula lays. Where the notable King Kulika lives and rules. Let me find my bearings and locate the city directly, it should come into view shortly" said Mr. Beamer.
Saying this Mr. Beamer reached into the side saddlebag on Charlie's left haunch, upon pulling out the Compass of Nubia, Mr. Beamer got lost within its operation. An eerie and strange golden light emanating from its heart, which cast a bright gold colored light, across Mr. Beamer's face that showed of consternation and deep thought, on Mr. Beamer's part.
"Are we on the right path Mr. Beamer? How much farther?" asked Junior.
"We need to travel on this path for another few hours then we will make a sharp right turn when we see the mountain range at its highest peaks. From there we will descend into the Zang Zhung culture and the full welcoming arms of their people."
Charlie looked forward without saying a word; he understood. A few more hours passed of natural flight until finally, the tallest mountain on earth was standing before them, and in plain sight.
Mr. Beamer tugged on Charlie's right rein, tightening the metal bit in his mouth. Charlie slowly turned southwards, he started to drop slowly in elevation; Junior followed suite as Louis scanned in between the clouds breaking away from them, all looking for the Lost City of Kapula high in the heart of the Himalayan Mountains.
Just as the highest mountain was directly underneath them, Louis took note of a vast city spread out before them.
The golden lost city was in site.
Louis called out.
"It's there, the great city of Kapula, I can see it Mr. Beamer, I can see it" shouted out a very excited Louis.
"It shimmers in gold," said a delighted Charlie.
"It is; is it not the most beautiful city in the world?" asked Louis.
"Look at the grand temples, the enormous city walls that surround her, Mr. Beamer, it is all so beautiful!" said Junior.
"It is very beautiful Louis, Junior, and that will be our home for the next week as you officially start you're finally training Louis", added Charlie "you will soon become enlightened and reach high-thought if your final training goes as planned.
"I like the sound of that Charlie, just imagine me, a young man of the world, enlightened and high-trained to fight the last remnants of evil on the earth. It has a real ring to it doesn't it Charlie?"
"I can see your training really has not begun, or you would not be thinking like that Louis."
"What do you mean Charlie?"
"Well from what I know about high-thought, the last thing you think about is yourself and your position in the world."
"What do you mean Charlie, what do you mean?"
"It will all become clear to you Louis after this week ends", said Mr. Beamer as he, Charlie and Junior began to circle about ever lower and lower, over the hallowed golden city walls, and golden temples seen glowing brightly in the sun, below them.
"But Mr. Beamer, Charlie..."
Lower and lower, they descended, until they were right above the city's vast golden walls.
Louis was still lost in thought from what Charlie had said, as Junior finally touched down ever so lightly into the heart of the city, onto the main city square, Charlie quickly landing behind him.
The city was a venerable "City of Gold".
There were golden walls rising to celebrated heights around them; they seemed to close down upon them as they landed: the golden reflection of their walls seemed to cover them from head to toe, stifling their breathing.
There was gold leaf covering all of the windows of the golden temples, homes, and outbuildings. The roofs were made of gold, the streets, and the even the two water towers on the outer edges of the city were all made of gold.
Louis was stupefied and most impressed.
The shimmering golden lights mixed in the yellow sunlight, reflected off the golden walls of the city blinding Louis, Charlie, Junior and Mr. Beamer. They could barely s
ee the city's residents walking about, but they could hear their footsteps clearly, as they drew closer to them. They did hear the soft soothing voices of all calling out for them, with warm, heartfelt salutations.
"Louis we have been waiting for your return to us" said one soothing voice into Louis's right ear.
Then another soft voice was heard in the other Ozymandia-Ra-Atum-Khepri, you have returned to us as the Good Book said you would", then it continued on "all is well now that you have returned to us, the earth's shaking will stop, this growing evil, dark spell around us, will soon be no more."
Someone in the large crowd that gathered around them reached out and touched Louis's hand, handing him a pair of golden glasses to wear. Louis without further thought placed them upon his nose; all became clear to him. The bright golden reflections off the walls, windows, and homes diminished, and what he saw before him was even more beautiful than he could have imagined, or had already seen.
All city folk, the inhabitants of this great city of high-thinkers could now be seen in all of their beauty and grandeur, and what grandeur it was. All selfsame wore golden glasses upon their faces, wore golden, long flowing robes, to the tops of the their toes, golden halos surrounded their hair; long and flaxen tussles hung down, free flowing, and out in all directions. Silver and golden spun ropes kept their tunics tightly held against their chests. Some wore golden turbans, covering their heads.
The inhabitants of the great city were all tall, well over seven-foot a peace, dwarfing petite Louis, and the portly Mr. Beamer where they stood. A fair young Lady appearing to be about twenty years old, reached out to shake Louis's hand. As the hand was exposed to Louis, he could see it was stark white, porcelain in color and was ever so silky smooth.
Not a day of hard labor had crossed her path.
She had perfect skin.
As Louis looked about there were hundreds of people coming forwards and inwards towards them. All had the most quizzical looks written across their perfectly hewn faces. Simply put these were the most fine-looking, and strikingly handsome people, Louis or anyone else, had ever seen before.
Some had thin perfect lips, some thick and divine. Most had blonde hair, or black hair, tied back with golden handkerchiefs, or silver ties, and all wore silver or gold moccasins over their smooth, thin feet.
There were many dark skinned people having a rare, skin tone that Louis had never seen before. There were light-skinned white ones, ones with red-skinned hues and brown ones. All the races of the world were represented, and all were magnanimous in their demeanor and countenance.
This was in Louis's mind a perfect community of perfect people. All who appeared to be happy beyond comprehension, and living in a faultless harmony with the world and everything that lies within it. He was seeing bliss written across all faces he beheld, but behind the crystal-clear, stunning eyes of all, Louis could see a glint of reservation, and uncertainty, which bothered him to no end.
He could also see doubt and worry.
Just then, the earth shook violently once more, sending all into a mild panic. The harmony of the moment quickly faded, as the earth shook for the better part of thirty seconds. Then slowly the shaking subsided then returning, back to its normal state once again.
All became quite as all cowered down at Louis's feet looking towards their pristine leader to guide them. Right then one of the tallest and most handsome of the group parted the crowd, stepping forward. He handed Mr. Beamer a pair of identical golden glasses that Louis now wore.
As Mr. Beamer placed them over his eyes to shield them from the golden rays of backscattered light shinning about them, all became clear to him in the process.
Mr. Beamer reached out his hand in friendship.
"King Kulika, it is so nice to see you again."
"Tut-ankh-Amon, it is so nice to see you as well, it has been way too long for the both of us."
"And Aswan, or do you go by the name of Raafat, now as before?" asked King Kulika "it is nice to see you looking well."
"I go by my current name now, "Charlie the Great White Horse", but you can call me by my current or past name, it does not matter."
"Too bad we do not meet under better circumstances, for as you can feel by the ground shaking below us that there is trouble brewing in the far-east once more, as we speak. The ground shakes as before in the ancient times," said King Kulika
"Yes as before, we must hurry, there is much work to do" said Mr. Beamer as he turned and waived his hand towards Louis, who was standing there quite apparent to all; taken aback, and a bit dumbfounded upon looking into King Kulika's eyes.
There was so much wisdom, sensibility, and serenity found in his eyes. Louis had never stood in the presence of one so proud and levelheaded since he first met Panthera the Great Snow Panther years back.
"King Kulika may I introduce to you, Ozymandia-Ra-Atum-Khepri. The wearer of the Bell of Amun-Ra, the holder of the Staff of Thebans and the keeper of the Bow and Quiver of Ra, the Sun God...better known to most of us, as our own Little Louis.
"Welcome to our great city of Kapula, so yes, yes, so this is the great defeater of Growlar the Ancient Cave Bear, who also changed Nebuka the Terrible our own vile orange yeti into, Nebuka the Good, and who bested "Black Jack Tilly" and "Squint-Eyed Pete" at their own games.
I could go on, and on but I believe the point has been made. It is indeed a pleasure to meet you Ozymandia-Ra-Atum-Khepri stated King Kulika as he bowed majestically in front of Louis, who was still awash in his glimmering chain mail coat, with quiver and bow slung across his slight shoulders, shield in hand, "oh and yes are you not also the breaker of the "Looking Glass", "The Burning Glass of Amun?"
Louis stuttered in his thoughts and words.
"Oh...yeah...well...ah...oh...about that...ah...sorry I guess I got kind of scared, and I kind...of...of...lost my cookies, and screamed real loud when I saw Squint smiling at me in the glass with that ugly face of his...and I guess I did break it...sorry. How did you know about that anyway?"
"I know all...I see all."
"Oh well...again...sorry...about that, really I am King..."
"We will work on your wild emotions, and timidity or nervousness; it will be a part of your future training, which we will start first thing in the morning, but tonight we dine, and celebrate your arrival Ozymandia."
Louis spoke, as only Louis or Chug could do.
"Free food again! Well you can count me in. Man oh man, the last time I had a great meal was on board the Cimmaron Cutter with Captain Legrande Legrange, now that was a meal. Let's get going then."
Mr. Beamer, King Kulika, Charlie, and Junior, all looked at Louis in disbelief, then all smiled.
Charlie spoke.
"Yes Louis, I mean Ozymandia, you are correct. A good meal and good company should be abounding, for we have had a long journey. It is time to celebrate with our old friends, and with the new friends we will soon be making."
Charlie winked at Louis
Louis smiled as wide as he could, winking back at Charlie.
All standing around the clearing began to smile as well as they rose from their crouched positions; they surrounded Louis in joy and happiness, offering praise and thanks already, to the little boy who was to be their savior.
After all exchanged fine greetings and salutations, the king waived for the traveling party to follow them back towards his personal residence deep inside the city of shimmering gold and lights. Deep inside of the Zhang Zhung culture in the land of Olmolungring.
The weary party rested in comfort and relief, upon finding their luxurious beds of gold, which the king provided them. Finely woven silk sheets, intricately made vases of wine by the bedsides, oversized goose-downed pillows were tossed about the room, bowls of fresh fruit abounded, and so on and so on. Louis could not believe his eyes, upon looking at his surroundings.
He wa
s just an old country boy, living in a farmhouse in Centerville, Indiana; he never knew a city like this existed in the world, and that he would be its guest of honor and savior one day.
Louis was given an iridescent and glistening golden robe to wear, which, was the common garb worn by all in the city, and upon his head sat a delicately crafted golden cloth turban, loosely bound. All were, free flowing and elegant to the touch, a delight to the eyes to behold. Louis never looked more resplendent and dazzling in his dressage. This highlighted his clear cobalt blue eyes, bright red hair, and apple colored freckles.
A "Boy King" was born, as was written.
After a late afternoon's rest a warm bath, and a bit of pampering by the room's porters, all headed for the vast hall at the north end of the city. The evening's feast was served inside of the thick walls of the admired golden Hall of Thinkers. There were golden high archways found about every thirty feet or so, lining the great hall, with deep broad golden windows strewn about the walls and long corridors. The ceiling height must have been over two hundred feet high by Louis's estimate, as he looked upwards upon entering the great hall.
A long low lying, marble table sat in the center of the room, with an elaborate dinner service seating of well over five hundred, spread out before him. Multiplying out before him was: long fruit plates, with strange and off-colored fruits, which Louis did not know the names of, and there were long, thin, glasses filled to the brim with multicolored and very splendiferous aged wines.
Found in the very center of the long marble table at about every twenty paces or so were; wild ducks, cooked in a tasty orange sauce, or delightfully slow-cooked pheasant under glass, lightly seasoned with thyme and rosemary, then at the farthest two ends of the table were found two large: gutted, stuffed and well-cooked pigs.
Louis took in a long deep sniff of the delectable's that were gathered before him; then licking his lips, he thought to himself. If only Chug was here. Man I would like to see the look on his face, if he saw this layout.
He missed his best friend so much.
Louis sat at the head of the table next to King Kulika, who was seated on his left; Tut-ankh-Amon was sitting to his right. Mr. Beamer as well, was dressed in golden robes and headdress. Junior and Charlie had been bathed, washed, and their feathers ruffled, looking just as clean and as refined as could be. They stood directly behind Louis, close enough to join in the conversation and take part of the evening's activities.
A fine band (sitting at the rear of the room) played as each course of the illustrious dinner was served. There were three flute players, a tambourine player, a harpist a percussionist, and a beautiful, very tall lady-vocalist who was leading the procession.
As grand speeches were given between courses by the Mayor of the city, and some of its leading citizens and as appetites and thirsts were quenched and never-ending friendships made, King Kulika finally arose from the table to speak once more. First he spoke to little Louis, then to his citizens.
"Louis, I am sure I speak for all the people of our great nation that are assembled here tonight; first off, we give thanks for this fine meal and lovely music."
All applauded sublimely, turning towards the band at the back of the room.
He continued.
"You have traveled across the far reaches of the earth to be with us here tonight, we truly appreciate your efforts, and for all that you have done so far, and for what you are about to do in the near future."
Louis looked back at Charlie, he smiled then looked about the room at all of the lovely people sitting at the low-lying tables in front of him, then out and about the long room.
King Kulika continued.
"You have come to our great city to finish your training; for you are the next generation of Ancients who have been born unto the world. The Ancients and Arions who have walked amongst us for so long are to be now returned to the earth, which bore them. They will be no more. You and your descendants will take their place."
Louis became alarmed to no end. He turned to gaze back at Charlie, quickly speaking out in dread.
"Charlie is this true...it cannot be...you can't leave me!"
Charlie's face showed it all.
"Louis what he says is true; it was written in the Good Book long ago. I cannot change my destiny, but you might be able to for me. You must be strong and listen to King Kulika now, please let him finish.
Louis was inconsolable, fright started to overtake him.
He lowered his head in distrust, as a tear began to run down one of his soft boyish cheeks. Mr. Beamer placed his hand across Louis's upturned palm then grasped his hand tightly as King Kulika spoke out, with volume once again.
"Louis and all of you sitting before me now, I am sorry but this must be because this is Charlie's fate and the fate of the other Arions, and the rest of the Ancients, it will not change. Unless...unless...Louis can succeed in outwitting Petar Deegan Aden, The Giver of Darkness and outwit Hathor the Moon Goddess, the Ruler of Light Between Darkness, the Ruler of the Blue Hour in the Valley of the Kings in ancient Egypt, at the rising of the blue moon next week at the apex, of the summer solstice. Louis is our only hope now.
As you have all noticed, the Precession of the Equinoxes has already begun. The earth's axis has started to shift already. North will soon be south, south will soon be north: all things will be upended, and found to be back to an unnatural state soon enough. The earth growls and groans as the Dark Rider Petar flies his Firebird, as we speak towards his destination with "Mehan the Serpent", the ruler of the Neither World.
Every three thousand years good and evil face each other in this distant valley. It has happened three times since recorded time, with each of the last two times, good has triumphed. I am sure none of you sitting here remember, the Dark Times, the Time of Evil. It was a time that, darkness ruled the world, as all lived in the The Blue Hour or the Bewitching Hour between dark, and light. No living things grew; no flowers, no grasses, no birds voices could be heard singing sitting on branch or flying high above. Waters were murky and cloudy, skies shadowy and gloomy, man and beast, fish and fowls were the servants of the Neither World. And above all else nor was their love in the world we knew."
"This cannot happen again!" shouted out a distressed Louis, "I will not let it happen!"
King Kulika turned swiftly back towards Louis after hearing his loud proclamations.
"I see a fire of defiance, burns in your heart, because of your love for your Charlie, it is a true love we all have for him as well, for it was he and his father with the help of Mr. Beamer, our own Tut-ankh-Amon that saved us all last time. Charlie's father gave his life on that fateful day, so long ago."
"This revelation is new to me; why was I not told of this before?" asked an impassioned Louis.
"Because we thought you might not take the journey with us if you truly knew the consequences of this trip, and the true dangers that lie ahead. Yes your Charlie and I may not return, if you fail or succeed, we understood that before we began our quest," said Mr. Beamer as he gripped Louis's hand even tighter in his.
"Then show me the light! Give me the powers I need! Give me the strength that I desire to defeat this scourge upon us now! I will stop the evil! I will stop the darkness, and I will defeat Hathor and Petar Deegan!! It will be done!!" shouted out a now more animated Louis, at the top of his thin voice.
Louis quickly rose to his feet, ripping the golden turban from his head. He threw it out, into the center of the room, his cobalt blue eyes shimmered in the glistening golden room. His hair was a flaming color of red; it was as red as the flames of hate burning deep in his newly awakened soul.
Cheers erupted around the room as Louis's speech brought them all to their feet. In turn, all threw their golden turbans into the air. Catcall, whistles, and shouts were booming, but just as the roar inside the hall reached a deafening, and far-reachin
g sound; the earth once again shook in defiance and disobedience.
The voice of Petar could be heard in the rumbles and growls from deep below inside the belly of the earth. The growls were low-pitched and darkly eerie. All covered their ears until the groans subsided once again, and the shaking all but stopped.
Louis shouted out once again.
"Your defeat is at hand Petar Deegan Aden Mehan the Serpent-Rider will fail as evil again, will fail to rule this earth!"
Again, shouts of joy were heard about the room.
"When do I begin my training King Kulika? How do I reach Shambala? I must be a High-Thinker...
"You must find your inner peace, tranquility, and happiness, for this and only with this way of thinking inside of you, will you be able to defeat your foes" said the king as he motioned for all to move forwards towards little Louis.
"Upon the rising of the new morning sun, you must find our "Shaman", he lives in a mystical kingdom hidden somewhere beyond the snow peaks of the Himalayas surrounding our city. It is written, and so it is. It lies inside the ancient texts of our people, and the ancient texts of the Kalachakra, of the Zhang Zhung culture, from the land once called Olmolungring," said the king.
"How do I find this land called Olmolungring, how do I find this mystical Shaman? Again how do I reach Shambala?"
"No one knows Louis. No one has ever been there before. The Zhang Zhung culture, and the Kalachakra teachings found inside of this culture, is your destiny and your destiny alone to discover," stated Mr. Beamer "you might be able to find the answers in the morning by reading the Book of Honorius of Thebes-The Sworn Book. We will head to our quarters tonight, and as the king said, upon the morning sun you must look for your destiny."
The crowd closed in on Louis, which drew his breath from him. The air grew hot and stale around him, his heart began to pound in his ears, and his legs grew weak. He turned to look towards Charlie, as he grew pale in color and his eyes rolled back in his head.
"I will defeat them I will beat this evil...I will...I will..."
Tut-ankh-Amon caught little Louis as he directly fainted into his arms.