The Time Travelers' Club -- Chapter 75: The Plan

 "Albert and Uncle Griffin," said Xavier.  "You two have been in the Doctor's house before.   Especially you Albert.  How many times?"

"Four...," said Albert at first, counting in his head.  " No... wait... five times.  I know it very well.   I would almost bet that Sam's in the front parlor.  That's the Doctor's private chamber.  And a sick one at that.  He's got all these twisted paintings of people hanging on the wall."

Rose returned with Trenda.  Everyone had now arrived at the Steers' house and assembled in the back parlor.

"Great," said Xavier pacing in front of the fireplace.  "We'll depend on you to get us in.   We need to make sure that we get Sam out safely."

Going to the parlor doorway, Xavier glanced into the front parlor.  Emily was still asleep on the sofa in the front parlor.

"How long until she wakes up?" asked Xavier, looking at Mrs. Steers.

"We have plenty of time.  She'll be out for a couple of hours."   Mrs. Steers wrung her hands.

"Great."  Xavier now circled the table, thinking while everyone else sat waiting for instructions.  He took on the role of director just like he had done in school with his plays.

"I'm quite proud of you taking on this leadership role," said Rose, then asked about the Doctor's mansion.  "Albert, are there traps?   Will we need to be concerned about hidden incantations?"

"No," said Albert.  "The main problem will be the incantation on the house that keeps people from getting out.   You can get in, but you can't use the migration spell to get out."

William Trenda chimed in.  "Interesting.   Do you know who has the power to use that?"

"I'm not sure.  I've been lucky in using conventional exits."

"I know when you rescued me, we used a back door. " Uncle Griff leaned forward and put his arms on the table.  "We should really attack during the day, not tonight.  That way the light from the incantations won't be seen."

"We're going to have to come on strong," said Mrs. Steers, as she banged her fist in her palm.

"I think we should just appear tossing orbs in every direction," added Albert.

Ari jumped in on the rapidly escalating conversation.   "I think we should be careful.  We don't want to injury each other nor do we want them to use Sam as a shield."

Their frustrations began to soar as they tossed and shot down ideas.  With one eyebrow arched, Xavier continued to pace around the table, absorbing the comments and suggestions of each person.

"I agree, but the stronger the attack..." Rose was stopped by Mrs. Steers.

"Please don't forget we have others to think about..."

Ignoring the growing mass of frustration and arguing around the table, Xavier stopped by the mantel and stared at the face of the small mantle clock.  Placing his hand out to grip the marble, he thought to himself.

If I only he had told me more about the layout of the Doctor's personal chamber.   I should have pushed him for more information.  I know the rest of the house well, but not that room. If only we had more time...

Stopping, he closed his eyes, frowning and trying to relive the entire conversation.

He told me that the Doctor's chamber doors are always locked.   We should be able to get in, but the incantation is powerful.   He didn't know who had cast it, but someone has great power to use that incantation.   I hope he's right about the windows.  I would hate myself if something happened to Sam...

"Xavier, are you alright?  What are you thinking?"  Rose was eyeing Xavier again, trying to read him.

Xavier snapped out of his deep thoughts.  Rubbing his chin, he turned back to the assembly who had stopped talking, waiting for him to develop a plan.

"Yes, I'm fine. Just thinking."  Holding his hands in a prayer position in front of his face, Xavier closed his eyes, gathered his thoughts, and then began talking.

"Ladies and gentlemen.  We are going to have to infiltrate the Doctor's mansion to rescue Sam.  We are going to have to put ourselves in a position to protect Sam from any harm.   The Doctor undoubtedly has already begun to question him.  Surely, he wouldn't force him into talking, but I wouldn't be surprised if..."

"Don't say it," said Mrs. Steers, getting emotional at the thought of Sam in the hands of those louses.  "This is all my fault."

Getting up, Albert leaned down and hugged her.  "This is not your fault.   Sam is fine.  And if the Doctor has laid a hand on him, he'll pay."  Albert stood firm, making it known without a word that he would be ready to take on Dr. Herkeimer himself.

"Albert, please remain calm," said Rose, touching his arm.  "We are in this together.  We'll all take care of the Doctor."

"Damn straight!"  Uncle Griff stood up, slamming a hand on the table.  "That sick bastard won't stand a chance when I get a hold of him."

Xavier admired his Uncle's spunk.  "Alright!  Let's do it.  Here's the plan."

Everyone listened as Xavier detailed a plan.  "Uncle Griff, Trenda, and Ari you three will be our defensive.   Lottie and Rose will find Sam and get him out.  He trusts you two, better than anyone else at the moment.  You two are to get him out."

"Don't worry," said Mrs. Steers, standing up from her chair.   "I intend to do everything I can to protect Sam."

"Albert, you be near the Doctor's chamber to help Lottie and Rose.  I will work on the front doors.   Getting them open.  They will be our main escape route... I hope."

"Now, let us be off.  Rose and Lottie in the middle of the circle," said Mrs. Steers.

Mrs. Steer and Rose huddled back to back while everyone else stood with their backs to them, forming a circle around them.  Everyone one placed their hands on each other's shoulders, so when the incantation was activated, they would move as one.

"We are the shield," said Xavier.  "Everyone be prepared to fight.  I have no idea who or what we will encounter."

Ari adjusted a strap under his woolen vest.  "I've got big Bertha right here."

"Good."  Albert snickered.  "You'll need her.  I'm glad I gave you that blade."  Albert referred to Ari's 8-inch miniature sword.

"Alright everyone... And off we go!"  Xavier recited the incantation.

In a flash, they stood in the cold unwelcoming main entryway of Dr. Herkeimer's mansion.   The richly polished black marble floor was covered with a few Turkish rugs.  Other than two Gothic-style chairs on each side of a door, there were no other furnishings.  The bare white walls made the whole entrance look like a hospital.

Albert faced a single door. Ari looked up the sweeping staircase that wound up to a second level.   Xavier faced the double-doors that led outside.