Read Eli Arnold and the Keys to Forever Book One: It's About Time Page 24

CHAPTER TWELVE

  525 A.D.

  Harold outdid himself. I’ve been announced a few times in my life. I’ve been introduced on more than one occasion. Most notably (until now), was the introduction I received prior to winning the Samford D. Jackson Award for Excellence. The award is bestowed on those individuals who have made great strides in the fields of experimental numerical differentiation or statistical probabilities as calculated using a base eight numerical system (my mom made me enter the competition). That particular introduction was quite technical and extremely flattering. It paled in comparison to the accolades heaped upon me by Harold.

  “To his Majesty, King Aloicious Kong, defender of the realm, keeper of the peace, regulator of the royal bowling league (what is it with all the bowling?) To all the assembled Lords and Ladies, I present to thee, Sir Eli Arnold, Confuser of Dragons, Rescuer of damsels, Companion of the rich and famous, Champion of the Kingdom of Snard ...”

  And it went on and on, an endless stream of words, crafted to pay tribute and respect to me. To be honest, it made me a little uncomfortable. I’m not really sure why Harold referred to me at one point as the “Master of Disaster” or the “Knight of the Right” but I rolled with things. A few waves, some winks and some smiles — gotta keep the crowd happy.

  Introduction concluded, I finally got to relay my tale to Pat’s father. His Majesty sat at the head of a large oval table (apparently round tables were no longer fashionable since property values in Camelot had suffered a serious decline in recent years). To his left sat Pitter Pat and a few knights. Merv, several noblemen, and myself occupied the chairs to his right.

  King Kong quietly listened to my story, occasionally interrupting to ask a question or make a comment. I recounted in great detail how Brady and I defeated a spaceship full of aliens, survived the perils of a remote jungle, and how we were separated as we traveled through time. I explained how I encountered and defeated an Egyptian mummy (shut up—I didn’t say how I defeated him). Several of the Knights, snorted derisively when I described how I saved Pat from the dragon, quick to scoff at my decision to run and hide rather than to fight the beast. A sharp look from the King quelled any discussion as to my bravery. An even sharper look from Pat silenced the knights altogether.

  “Amazing!” the King exclaimed when I finished. “Simply amazing. I wish to thank thee again young Eli for saving my daughter and returning her to me unharmed. Thou shall be remembered and thy name praised for all time.”

  “No worries, your Majesty. I’m sure any one of your knights would have done the same thing given the opportunity,” I replied looking them up and down. “I’m just glad Pat is okay.”

  “Thou are much too modest, young hero. I shall reward thee for thine bravery and thee shall have the full resources of the Kingdom of Snard at thine disposal in thine quest to find thine brother and return home,” the King bellowed.

  “You’re much too kind, your Majesty. Thank you.”

  “I believe your first course of business should be to consult further with my most learned advisor, Merv. He has access to all of the kingdom’s historical books and papers and is one of the wisest men I have ever known. If anyone can find the answers you seek, young friend, it is he.”

  Merv bowed slightly toward the King, blushing at the praise.

  “Father, I also would like to assist Eli in any way I can,” Pat chimed in from the King’s elbow. “After what he hath done for me, it is the very least I can do.”

  “Agreed,” King Kong bellowed. “Thou hath much work to do, Eli. I shall not keep thee further. Should you require anything, lad, do not hesitate to ask, for I am eternally in your debt.”

  “Again, your majesty, thank you,” I replied.

  With that, Harold stepped forward and announced that court was concluded for the day. The King retired from his throne and the other occupants slowly filtered from the Great Hall.

  “Where do we start, Merv?” I asked.

  “Let’s head back to my lab and go over the information we have,” Merv replied. “Maybe we can figure out how to proceed if we put our heads together.”

  “You boys go ahead,” Pat said. “I want to make sure lunch is taken care of. I’ll meet you in a little while.”

  “Thanks, Pat. Merv and I will see you in a bit.”

  Pat smiled her amazing smile and glided from the chamber. Our plan in place, Merv and I followed the Princess out of the Great Hall and headed for the tower stairs - all seventy billion of them.