Chapter 4
The Council Room
Jared followed a path through a dark jungle. After a short distance, he came to a clearing. There was a solitary, white door standing upright in the center of that clearing.
As he got closer, Jared noticed that the door had a symbol of a hand, not much bigger than a man’s hand, painted on it. When he reached the door, he placed his palm on the emblem.
The moment he touched the hand symbol, the door disappeared, leaving only the door jambs, which framed the opening to a corridor. Immediately, he sensed someone or something close by, stalking him.
Jared stepped into the dimly-lit hallway and started running. He didn’t know which way he was supposed to go. All he knew was that he needed to get away.
As Jared ran, he turned left and right at random, frantically trying to find a way through the maze he was in and not knowing if his unseen stalker was catching up to him.
After turning a corner, he fell and began careening through space. A second later, he landed on his feet in a jungle—possibly the same jungle he had recently left.
A figure in a black, hooded robe, who had apparently been waiting for him, grabbed Jared by the shirt and pulled him closer. Jared had the feeling that he knew who was holding him, but he couldn’t see the man’s face because there was a misty darkness covering it.
“Give it to me,” the man demanded as he shook Jared. “I want it, now!”
Jared insisted, “I don’t have it.”
The man shook Jared even harder.
Jared woke up. His grandpa was shaking him and saying his name. “Jared. Jared.”
Jared rubbed his eyes and blinked hard once before he could focus on his grandpa’s face.
Hilcar said softly, “It’s okay. It’s me. I think you were having another nightmare.”
Jared looked around. He was lying on the floor in Paul’s room—right where he had fallen asleep. Dorn and Paul were standing nearby. Prienna had just awakened Danielle and was telling her it was time to go get dressed.
Jared felt like he had only been asleep for a few minutes and said groggily, “I was, but it was different this time,” referring to his dream.
Hilcar smiled. “That doesn’t surprise me.”
Jared furrowed his brow. “What do you mean?”
Hilcar helped Jared sit up. “Well, I told you there was a reason for your nightmare. I suspect that since you are now in Teruvisa, the reason for the nightmare has changed, so your nightmare changed.”
Jared rubbed his eyes with the heels of his hands. What kind of an answer is that? He lowered his hands and looked at his grandpa with confusion. “Either I’m still half asleep, or you’re not making any sense.”
“It’s probably a little of both.” Hilcar smiled and then went from squatting to kneeling. “Sorry. I know that sounds strange. I guess what I’m trying to say is that your dreams are trying to communicate something to you, or memories that you have been suppressing are trying to come out through your subconscious. But, I’m sure you’ll learn what they mean in the near future.”
Jared was glad to hear that, and it was nice that his grandpa was in a good mood—or at least appeared to be—especially since Jared had left his room after being told not to and had fallen asleep in Paul’s room. What changed? he wondered.
Hilcar put a hand on Jared’s shoulder and took a deep breath through his nose (which meant he was about to say something important). “Also, before we go, there’s something I’d like to apologize to you about—about how I’ve been acting. I know I’ve been standoffish since yesterday. I’ve just been very worried about you and had a lot on my mind.
“I wanted to explain everything to you but couldn’t. We, the Council that is, determined that it would be best to wait until you, Paul, and Danielle were together in Teruvisa—the best place to be to understand everything you’re about to find out—so that you could talk directly with the Judges, and they could tell you about Teruvisa and answer your questions. Well, the time has finally come.”
That’s exactly what Jared wanted to hear. All of his questions would soon be answered. “It’s okay. I understand.”
Hilcar smiled and patted Jared on the shoulder. “So, what do you say we get you to the Council room, then?”
Jared was anxious to find out about Teruvisa. “Yeah. I thought you’d never ask.”
Hilcar smiled. “Then, let’s go. Of course, you need to get dressed and have a bite to eat before we take you there. Come on.”
As Jared and Hilcar left Paul’s room, Hilcar rubbed Jared’s back. “I’m so excited and proud that you’re finally here.”
Jared didn’t know what else to say besides, “Yeah. Me, too.” Then, he went into his bedroom to get ready.
After about 15 minutes, everyone was gathered together in the hallway. The youths were escorted, at a brisk pace, back to the larger hallway. They crossed that corridor and entered another hall.
Hilcar stopped at the first door they came to. When he turned to face it, the door opened automatically. He went in, and everyone followed.
They entered a completely white room. There was a long, metal table with two equally long, wooden benches—one on either side of the table. The metal legs of the furniture were attached to the floor. Also, one end of the table and benches were against the wall opposite the entrance to the room.
Recessed slightly in that wall was a panel at the height of the tabletop. It was nearly as wide as the table but only about one-foot tall.
Prienna held a hand out to the table and benches. “Please, sit down.”
When the youths sat down, a beam of light poured out across the table from the rectangular cubby hole in the wall. When the light faded, there was a wonderful breakfast of waffles, eggs, bacon, fruits, milk, and juices.
Jared was again impressed by Teruvisa’s technology. “This place is amazing.”
Hilcar, Dorn, and Prienna turned around to leave as the youths began to eat.
On the way out, Hilcar said, “We shall be back momentarily. Stay here, please.”
Jared nodded as he stuffed a piece of waffle in his mouth.
“What do you suppose this place is?” Paul asked. “I’ve never heard of or seen anything like this before—making food appear out of nowhere—except in science fiction movies.”
“Yeah. And, it tastes good,” Jared said. “You’d never know it came out of thin air.”
Danielle tapped her fork on her waffles. “I was thinking... could it be that this is some kind of secret, government or military base where they test experimental technology?”
“It’s possible.” Jared was intrigued and lowered his fork. “What kind of experiments?”
Danielle, who was sitting opposite Paul and Jared, shrugged, “I don’t know,” and then leaned forward slightly. “But, who else would have access to the kind of money and resources it would take to build and operate all this?”
Danielle made an interesting point, and Jared couldn’t think of anyone else. “I don’t know.” Jared took a drink of orange juice and looked at Paul to see if he had a response.
“Well, no one here’s been dressed like any military or government personnel I’ve ever seen.” Paul raised his eyebrows and cleared his throat. “Could be aliens.”
Jared nearly spit out his orange juice. He wiped his mouth with the back of his hand to catch the small amount that had dribbled out.
Paul raised a hand. “Yeah, I know it sounds strange, but I’m beginning to think that everyone was right about me.”
Danielle rose up slightly, obviously bothered. “You’re not an alien, and neither are we. And, no one here is a little, green alien in disguise if that’s what you’re thinking.” She settled back down in her seat. “But, whoever is behind all this has obviously gone to a lot of work to keep this place a secret.”
Jared’s imagination took over. He envisioned his parents as being like characters straight out of a spy movie. “Maybe our parents were secret agents that
were killed in the line of duty during some dangerous, top secret mission.”
“What would that have to do with us?” Surprisingly, Danielle seemed to be considering the notion.
That wasn’t the response Jared expected. He thought she would reject the idea completely.
“I don’t know. Just guessing.” Jared tried to come up with a good explanation, and when he looked at his arm resting on the table, he joked, “Maybe the freckles on our bodies are really tattoos put on us as some kind of code to pass along secret information. Yeah. Our parents could’ve been taking us somewhere to have the code deciphered when they were killed. And, we’ve been in hiding to protect the secret message until now.” Jared took a bite of eggs.
Danielle smiled and slowly shook her head. “That’s quite an active imagination you have. That sounds a bit too strange if you ask me.”
“Strange, huh?” Jared held up another bite of eggs on his fork. “Stranger than food appearing out of thin air?”
“I just don’t agree. That’s all.” Danielle continued eating and avoided making eye contact.
Jared was hungry, and he knew he was only joking—his freckles were probably not a secret code. So, instead of arguing, he decided to just finish his breakfast. However, he continued contemplating the uncertainty of why he was in such a strange and interesting place.
As a million fantastic possibilities raced through his thoughts, he knew that his questions would be answered soon, which caused him to become more anxious to hear what the Judges would say, and he started eating faster.
As the three of them were finishing up their breakfast, the adults returned. Jared, Danielle, and Paul were escorted back to the black room with the 12 wooden double doors. Hilcar led them across the room to a door directly opposite the tunnel through which they had entered Teruvisa.
The door opened into another large hallway. About 100 feet ahead, the corridor ended at a set of huge, wooden double doors with enormous brass hinges. Also, there were two half-round, smooth, gray, stone pillars to the sides of the doors that extended all the way to the ceiling.
Jared’s anticipation grew as he and the group proceeded forward. He knew that his answers lay just beyond those doors at the end of the hallway.
A short distance before reaching the door, they went down a few steps, which were as wide as the hall, onto a landing with maroon carpeting. Once they reached this entryway, as if sensing the group of people were there, the doors swung open.
“Children, you go first.” Hilcar held a hand out to indicate that Jared, Danielle, and Paul should go ahead.
Jared walked into a sizeable room with maroon walls. Tall, stone bleachers, engraved with ornate, gold scrolling and draped with black banners, lined the sides of the room.
Council members, wearing robes of varying colors, dotted the seating areas. Everyone sat up straighter in their plush armchairs and stared intently at Jared and his two companions when they entered.
Walking at a slow, steady pace, Jared looked up and saw three huge, crystal chandeliers hanging from the ceiling. The room was magnificent, yet not overly lavish.
As Jared continued forward along the white-and-gold-marbled aisle, he became aware of just how fixed the Council members were on him, Paul, and Danielle. But, he wasn’t so concerned with why everyone was staring at him so much as he was anxious to know what was going on.
When Jared neared the center of the room, his attention was drawn to a tall, crescent-shaped platform at the end of the aisle. As with the bleachers, the top of the platform was about 15 feet above the floor, and, atop the platform, a man and a woman were seated on plush, high-backed chairs.
The man was sitting with both of his arms resting on the arms of the chair. His robe was silver with black trim. His short hair and chin beard were also silver. The woman, sitting to the man’s left, had an almost identical robe to the man’s, and her long, straight hair was silvery, as well.
When Jared and the others reached a large, black, circular area on the floor, the man raised his hand, palm out. Jared stopped. Danielle, Paul, and the three adults lined up on both sides of him.
Trying to stay focused so that he could ask the right questions, he took a deep, calming breath to control his emotions. He was feeling excited, anxious, nervous, and hesitant all at the same time.
Why isn’t anyone saying anything? he wondered as he stood before the Council and the Judges, who were all completely silent. Should I say something first?
The silver-haired man’s voice resonated throughout the hall. “Welcome.” It was a friendly yet powerful voice. The acoustics of the room carried his words throughout the Council chamber.
Well, that answers that.
The silver-haired woman spoke next. “Come here, please.” Her voice was almost melodic but at the same time commanding. Her words echoed throughout the room, as well.
Immediately, the black circle on the floor rose, elevating Jared’s group to the level of the platform and bleachers.
The man looked at the three adults. “Thank you for watching over them.”
The woman smiled, and her green eyes sparkled. “The time has finally come, Manasto.”
“Yes it has, Verissa.” Manasto nodded slowly.
The Council members cheered. Manasto raised his hand, and the room fell silent.
Jared’s eyes met Manasto’s piercing, green eyes.
Manasto addressed the young trio. “Children, I’m Manasto.” He pointed to the woman. “And, this is Verissa.” He sat up straighter in his seat and surveyed the youths.
Jared was anxious to hear what Manasto would say.
“I can see that we have your undivided attention.” Manasto smiled. “Now, I’ll explain why you’re here in Teruvisa.” His expression became more serious. “What I’m about to tell you may not be easy to hear, but you must hear it.” He leaned forward slightly. “Regardless of what you were told about the deaths of your parents, Dreggan, our enemy, was responsible.”
Jared’s jaw dropped at the unexpected announcement and wondered, Who’s Dreggan? And, how was he responsible for the death of my parents? He caused the car wreck, or he killed them? He needed more details.
Jared listened with anticipation as Manasto continued. “Your parents helped develop some important, new technology for Teruvisa, and we discovered that Dreggan was conspiring to use that technology to take control of Teruvisa. For his treasonous actions, he was banished. However, instead of leaving peacefully, Dreggan and his followers stole a piece of the new technology and started a war.”
Jared pictured in his mind that his parents were killed in some battle during the rebellion and wanted to ask specifically how his parents died, but he didn’t want to interrupt Manasto and, in some way, supposed that maybe he was afraid of the truth.
He criticized himself. That’s ridiculous. He was there to get answers, and how his parents died was exactly the kind of answer he was looking for. Still... He couldn’t bring himself to ask it. Maybe some things were better left unsaid, for the time being.
Manasto cleared his throat. “Because of the rebellion, we eventually had to abandon Teruvisa, so we never got to implement the new technology. And, that is why we have brought you three here—to finish your parents’ work.”
How can I help? Jared didn’t think he could help because he didn’t know anything about Teruvisa’s technology.
Manasto provided a partial answer to Jared’s unspoken question. “But before you can do that, you must learn as much as you can about our technology, Diestro. So, we have arranged for three Masters to train you.”
That’s exactly what Jared wanted to hear. His heart leapt. He wanted to learn the technology of Teruvisa ever since he’d arrived. Cool. But, what’s a Master?
Jared didn’t want to interrupt, but he cleared his throat and hesitantly asked, “Excuse me. But, what’s a Master?” It wasn’t a profound question, but he felt it needed to be asked anyway.
Manasto smiled. “Well, Jared, Master is
a title we give a person when he or she has achieved a certain level of expertise with Diestro.”
A Master, huh? I wonder if grandpa’s a Master. Jared asked, “So, is everyone here, including our guardians, a Master?”
Manasto indicated those present in the Council room. “Yes, we’re all Masters here.”
Jared let out a quick, “Thank you,” My grandpa is a major techno-genius. Wow! but resisted the urge to turn his head and stare at Hilcar.
Paul asked, “So, why is this new technology so important?”
Manasto nodded slowly and seemed to contemplate something briefly. “That’s an excellent question.” His tone became more elevated. “The new technology will help Teruvisa achieve ultimate greatness, and everyone will be connected to the whole and become powerful Masters...”
He suddenly stopped his passionate address and looked at the youth. “Sorry. Sometimes I get carried away. I guess finally having the three of you back here has gotten me a little excited.”
“Yes, we’re all very excited,” Verissa added as she glanced over at Manasto and smiled. “The dawning of a new Teruvisa is at hand.” She looked at the youths. “You might not understand the significance of everything you have been and will be told, but hopefully you understand that the new technology is very important.”
Jared nodded. He could tell how important it was to them. He glanced out the corner of his eye and saw that Danielle and Paul were nodding, too.
“Good.” Verissa, obviously satisfied with that response, settled back down into her chair.
“Excellent,” Manasto said contentedly. “Then, I shall continue. The fundamental thing you need to know about this new technology is that it has three components: a program that can be added to the existing systems of Teruvisa, a piece of equipment called a decoder, and,” he held up three fingers, “three special microchips.”
Jared repeated the three items to himself. Program, decoder, and microchips. Got it.
After a brief pause, Manasto went on. “Now, let me explain the importance of these three elements. First, there is the programming for Teruvisa’s systems, which was completed by your parents. I know you all have an understanding of what computer programming is, so all I’ll say about the additional program files is that, even though they are the logic and governing processes of the new technology,” he started shaking his head, “I wouldn’t consider them the key component.”
Manasto stroked his chin beard. “The next component is the decoder. The decoder is a piece of equipment that receives encrypted data, translates that data, and then transmits it to Teruvisa’s systems. The systems in turn can transmit encrypted data back through the decoder to microchips, which constitute the third piece of the new technology.”
Manasto paused, staring at Jared, Danielle, and Paul, for a moment. “An MSI, or microchip security implant, was implanted in each of your brains when you were babies. They are the only MSIs in existence and the key to the new technology.”
Jared was surprised by Manasto’s revelation. What? He blinked hard, and his head jerked side to side. He placed a hand on his head. So, what’s in my head, setting off metal detectors, isn’t a metal fragment... it’s a microchip. But, why me?
Jared let his hand slide off his head and fall to his side.
Paul asked the same question Jared had just asked himself. “Why did you put the MSIs in our brains?”
Manasto looked at Paul, Danielle, and Jared. “Well, to put it simply, you three were chosen because of your parents. For this discussion, it’s not important to know all the details of how or why you were chosen, but I guarantee that you can find out very soon.”
Jared didn’t agree. He thought he should be told right then, and then he could decide if it was important or not.
Manasto held up a finger. “However, I will tell you why we chose children to be the recipients of the first microchips: because an infant’s mind is so pure and provides a clean slate, so to speak, to work with.” He was quick to add, “But, that’s not to say the chips control you.”
Jared was glad Manasto said that the chip didn’t do anything to his brain because brainwashing and mind-reading had crossed his mind.
Manasto stroked his chin beard. “I think it would be good for you to understand a little bit more about the MSIs.”
Jared nodded in agreement, anxious to hear more about the chip in his head.
“Basically, an MSI communicates, on a subconscious level, with the brain to transmit random information that is used to constantly change and adapt Teruvisa’s systems, thus making it impossible for anyone to tamper with them.”
Jared didn’t quite grasp the technicalities of what Manasto said, but he thought he got the basic principle nailed down. “So, the MSIs keep people from hacking into Teruvisa’s systems?”
“That’s correct.” Manasto nodded and smiled.
Paul said, “You mentioned earlier that part of the new technology was stolen. You were talking about the decoder, weren’t you?”
Manasto gave a solemn nod. “Your deduction is correct. The decoder was stolen during the rebellion. And, we believe that Dreggan has recently finished developing his own program, which is ready to interface with the decoder and the MSIs. So, that means he has two of the three things he needs to take over Teruvisa and Earth.”
Jared was hit by the realization that all Dreggan would have to do is capture him, Danielle, and Paul to have all three parts of the new technology. That just leaves us. He gulped.
“However,” Manasto was quick to add, “we are confident that we can recover the decoder soon.” He held up a finger and had a serious look on his face. “And, we will not let Dreggan get the MSIs.”
Manasto sounded so certain, but Jared wondered, Can I believe him? After all, Jared, Danielle, and Paul had been lied to about their parents’ deaths. However, he looked at Manasto and inside himself and discovered that he did believe Manasto.
Jared began to think back on all that had been said since they arrived in the Council room.
When he recalled how Manasto had told them about their parents’ work and learning about Teruvisa’s technology, a thought popped into his head that made him curious about the training he was supposed to receive. “Excuse me, Manasto. You said that we’re supposed to be trained in your technology to finish our parents’ work, but I don’t see that there’s anything left to do. It sounds like once you get the decoder we just need to stand here and let the MSIs do their job.”
Manasto didn’t blink or hesitate. “We need you to turn on your MSIs.”
It had never occurred to Jared that the MSIs weren’t already turned on. “And, we will be trained how do that?”
Manasto had a hopeful gleam in his eyes as he looked at Jared, Danielle, and Paul. “Once you three get the necessary training and understand our technology, yes, you’ll be able to turn them on.
“Of course, the training won’t be easy.” Manasto’s tone was serious. “It will require focus, determination, and great effort. But, that is the only way you can turn on the MSIs. And, you must turn them on yourselves. We cannot do it for you.”
“Why not?” Jared asked, although he was pretty sure he knew what the reason was.
“Another tamper-proof measure.” Manasto had confirmed Jared’s hypothesis. “Originally, we intended to implant the MSIs in a ready state, but after the rebellion started, and it was determined that we would abandon Teruvisa, we decided it would be better to leave the chips dormant until we returned and were ready to train you to activate them.”
Paul asked, “Why can’t you just make new ones that are already turned on, and implant them in three other people?”
Manasto raised an eyebrow (Jared thought that was a strange response to Paul’s question). “We can make some more, but your parents built an additional security measure into the new technology. Initial startup of the new systems will only happen with the chips that are implanted in you three. At least one of you has to have your MSI turned on to ini
tiate the security protocols.”
After a few seconds of silence, Manasto took a deep breath. “There is one other thing I failed to mention earlier. Shortly after the rebellion started, our security system was partially crippled. We were able to modify it to work acceptably until we abandoned Teruvisa, but it is running right now at only a fraction of its capabilities.
“That, in addition to having only minimal security personnel and a small number of Council members here, leaves us vulnerable to an attack by Dreggan , who has grown more powerful with Sedroth—dark, evil, destructive technology—the opposite of our technology, Diestro. And...”
For a few seconds, Manasto seemed to be searching for the right words to say. “Somehow, Dreggan found out that the MSI implantation had been done on you three. He also intercepted a signal that you three were ready to start your training and sent one of his agents to kidnap Jared.”
Jared remembered the intruder in his bedroom and then got goose bumps, A signal? Jared had to ask about it. “Excuse me. You mentioned a signal. Are you referring to the hand vision I had?”
“Yes.” Manasto appeared to ponder something briefly and then turned his gaze back to the youths. (Jared could see that Manasto was troubled.) “Don’t misinterpret what I am about to tell you as a lack of confidence in your ability to succeed in your training, but things will be more... complicated with Dreggan interfering.
“There’s no telling what he’ll do to get the MSIs or to get revenge for the wrongs that he perceives were done to him by your parents.” His next statement sounded as if he was thinking out loud. “But, I suppose we knew that he wouldn’t just sit around when we returned.”
Jared wondered, Was that supposed to be comforting? Because finding out that Dreggan knows we have the chips in our heads and wants them is not very comforting.
Manasto pounded his fist on the arm of his chair, snapping Jared out of his thoughts. “No! We must succeed!” He took a deep breath, exhaled slowly, and then settled back into his chair. “If we don’t, the consequences are too ghastly to imagine.” He bowed his head and shook it slowly.
“Sorry. I shouldn’t have dwelt on such negative thoughts.” Manasto looked up. “Our future lies with you.” He stared at each of the youths. “And the tiny chips embedded in your heads.” Then, he lifted his head high and puffed out his chest proudly. “After 10 long years of preparation, the time has come to restore Teruvisa!”
Jared was impressed by the power and conviction in Manasto’s voice, and Jared’s whole body tingled with excitement. The Council members applauded and cheered. Jared started to get caught up in the energy that filled the room and almost felt like cheering, too.
Manasto looked around the room for a few moments, taking obvious pleasure in the joyous uproar, before raising his hand to signal everyone to calm down.
He continued with a slightly elevated tone. “Your parents gave their lives for their beliefs. If you decide to be trained, you’ll learn the importance of those beliefs. Your parents gave you a gift—a gift to help us regain what we’ve lost. It would be a shame to let their efforts have been in vain.” Manasto settled back down into his chair. “The time has come for you to choose.” His voice was calm yet bold.
Jared’s mind was going a mile a minute as he thought about his nightmare, the hand vision, everything he had been told about his parents’ deaths, the new technology, and Dreggan. He wanted to say that he would do it but screamed at himself in his head, This is crazy! It all seemed so unreal.
“How do you know we’ll even be able to turn on the brain chips?” Paul was apparently having some doubts of his own.
Manasto smiled. “I trust in the abilities of the Masters that will train you—that they will train you well. And, I believe in you three—that you will achieve your full potential.”
Jared still didn’t understand why Manasto seemed so confident. How can he be so sure?
Manasto clasped his fingers together and laid his hands on his lap. He appeared to be waiting for a response from them.
Danielle, who Jared just realized hadn’t said anything during the whole conversation up to that point, was the next to speak. “Manasto, sir?”
“Yes, Danielle?” Manasto looked eagerly at her.
She cleared her throat and continued a little louder. “We obviously have our doubts. You’ve told us that Dreggan killed our parents, and he wants to kill us to get the microchips in our heads. And we’re supposed to help you turn on this new technology, which we know nothing about? It’s very surprising to say the least. We’re just not sure what to do.”
Jared had thought that Danielle would do whatever she was asked. Even she’s not saying yes.
“Your confusion is understandable.” Manasto nodded. “We are asking you to do a lot without you understanding exactly what it is you will be volunteering to do.
“You’re at a fork in the road. Both paths have their dangers and uncertainties. So, which path do you take? You can’t proceed until you choose a path.
“I can only offer you advice as to which path I believe you should take. But, the choice is ultimately yours. You’ve come this far. The truth is waiting for you to find it. And, I would like nothing more than for you to finish your parents’ work.”
As Manasto finished speaking, Jared was flooded with determination, and his spirit soared.
But, before he could exclaim his acceptance of the call to duty, Danielle stepped forward. “I do want to know where I came from, who I am, where I fit in, and where I can go from here. At the very least, I’ve figured out that I don’t want to go backward. I will go through with the training.” After she finished, she stood tall and firm, folded her arms, and looked at Paul and Jared, waiting for them to decide if they would join her.
Jared knew he was going to accept what was being asked of him, but he couldn’t resist letting them know in his own way—with his sense of humor. “So, what are we saying here, guys?” Jared tried his hardest not to smile and give himself away.
Jared looked at Paul, who shrugged his shoulders, and then at Danielle, who raised her eyebrows. “Are we really willing to risk death? Walk into unknown dangers for something we know almost nothing about? Do whatever they ask us? Let them pick our brains and experiment with us like guinea pigs? We’re willing to go up against an evil man, even though a whole civilization has already failed to defeat him? Is that what we’re saying?” Jared smiled at his friends. “Sounds okay to me. Count me in.”
Danielle smiled back at Jared. “Great. What about you, Paul?” She looked in Paul’s direction.
Paul lifted his chin and took a deep breath. “I’ll do my best,” he said with a nod.
The three of them smiled at each other and then huddled together, putting their arms on each other’s shoulders.
The Council chamber erupted with applause and cheers.
“Now that that’s settled,” Manasto called out over the noise. “I believe it’s time for a little tour.”