Aided by their flashlights, the newly minted squires find the passage way just as Mr. Potts had described. They spend so much time asking each other unanswerable questions that before long, they arrive at a metal ladder leading up to the manhole cover. Tate climbs up to check it. “There’s a release mechanism for the spring. It must be heavy. Everybody ready?”
“Wait, Tate,” Schuyler says. “Remember, we must look like we found nothing down here. Look dejected.”
“I’m so hungry, that won’t be a problem,” Rebekah says.
“All right, here goes,” Tate says as he releases the spring. The manhole cover slowly swings upward about a quarter of the way. One by one, they slide through the opening, and emerge out of the darkness into the moon-lit air approximately fifteen feet from School House Road. “Weird, I’ve probably seen this manhole cover a thousand times, and thought nothing of it.” Tate and Schuyler use their legs to force the cover closed.
“Don’t look, but our friend is watching out for us from that car across the street,” Ayana says nonchalantly. “He’s sporting a nice scratch on his face.”
“Has anyone here seen razor face?” Tate begins to sing.
“Tate, since your house is nearby, let’s see if your mom can give us all a ride home,” Schuyler suggests.
“I’m sure it won’t be a problem,” he answers. “Maybe we can have something to eat while we’re at it.”
“I need to call my parents to see if it’s ok,” says Rebekah.
“Me too,” says Ayana smiling. They quickly dial from their cell phones once the coverage bars are restored.
The next morning is like most Christmas Eves in Cave Creek. Sunny and nearly 70 degrees. Schuyler is up early, keeping a promise to pay Billy a visit at the Children’s Hospital. Mrs. O’Brien has last minute shopping to do in Phoenix, so she is able to drop him off for about an hour. His pickup truck is off limits as his driver’s license has been suspended indefinitely.
As Schuyler enters Billy’s room, he immediately notices his young friend’s physical condition has worsened. Still, there is a peacefulness about him that is new.
“Merry Christmas Billy, it’s me, Schuy,” he says softly. “How ya doing my man?”
“Oh, you know, hanging in there,” Billy jokes, barely moving in his traction equipment. “I’m glad you’re here. You guys have been in my dreams. I was wondering about the quest and whether I’m really a part of it.”
“Billy, you wouldn’t believe what’s happened to us since we were here,” he says. Tears well up in Billy’s eyes, as Schuyler relates the story of Rebekah’s rescue at the Grand Canyon, and the discovery of the Knight’s chamber in Black Mountain. “You gave us the spark by telling us about your own struggles, and the visits with the light people. Up until then, we were all questioning this thing.”
Schuyler pauses while Billy struggles to take a couple of breaths. “I want to make you an honorary squire of the first Knight Quest,” Schuyler tells him as he places a white belt on the pillow below his traction device.
Tears hit the pillow. “I don’t know what to say, Schuy,” he answers. “I’ve been having more visits. They’ve been telling me that they’re proud of me, that I’ve made my contribution. I’m going home soon.”
Schuyler swallows hard, then takes a deep breath before continuing. “I know Billy. And I’m happy for you, because you won’t be in pain. You’ve accomplished your mission. We’ll take it from here – I promise. Now you get to go home.” Schuyler wipes his eyes with the back of his shirt sleeve. Schuyler holds Billy’s hand several minutes in silence. “Goodbye for now my friend,” he says gently patting the back of his hand. Billy smiles, blinking his eyes. His tears hit the white belt below him.
Minutes later, Schuyler stands in the lobby of the Children’s Hospital, staring out the window while waiting for his mother to pick him up. The past four months have been a complete upheaval of what’s important in life. That troubled kid riding the mountain bike last August in Sedona feels like a stranger to him now. He has experienced light and is learning to work his inner compass.
His thoughts turn to the Order, to carrying on for Billy, and furthering the quest. There is much to do, and many questions to be answered, but it’s a labor of love and he has a strong team. Thoughts turn to his deceased brother Kevin… mentor Colin. A large cloud passes in front of the sun, darkening the window, and the surrounding area. Instantly, his thoughts flash to Billy, several floors above him. Schuyler feels a shiver up his back, then pictures Billy swirling by, before floating upwards. His arms are spread out. He’s free. Free from pain, free to move, and he’s surrounded by the loving light. The sun comes back.
Epilogue - Hearts on Fire
“You are the light of the world... Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven.” - Matthew 5:14-16
“Okay, Schuy! The coast is clear. We should be good for a couple of hours,” urged Eli O'Brien, Schuyler's cousin visiting from Oregon. “Our parents have a lot of catching up to do and mom wants to try some line dancing. That'll serve as an effective parental shield. Now you’ve got to tell me exactly what’s going on, and what this knightly order business is all about. You’ve been keeping secrets long enough.”
Rustic Oilwood Flats near Carefree, Arizona, serves as an ideal location for Ayana, Rebekah, Schuyler, and Tate to recount their experiences to Schuyler's closest relative outside of his immediate family. Arrowhead flames rise two yards into the air from multiple outdoor fire pits, cutting through the late December desert darkness to reveal nearly a hundred holiday revelers celebrating at this western cookout establishment. Sweet smell of mesquite fills the air. Even though 'The Flats' as it's known locally, overflows with extended family, Schuyler senses it is the perfect spot to fill in Eli. A former stagecoach station south of the mountain pass to Fort McDowell, 'The Flats' has known travelers and storytellers for over a hundred years, and tonight would be no different.
"Eli, relax," Schuyler answers. "We'll get to all that. Let's grab a chili burger, and head for that fire pit furthest from the stage and dance floor, in that back corner," he says gesturing.
They form a semi-circle around Schuyler seated on benches made of sun-faded logs, positioned three feet from the roaring fire. He looks deeply into the fire with the flames reflecting on his blank face.
“Okay, Schuy, hit me with it,” Eli says.
And so he begins.
Nearly an hour later, Eli leans back and looks directly at Schuyler. “Termination point, huh? We know where that is.”
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