The Time Travelers' Club -- Chapter 112: Down We Go

"Somewhere in here is a concealed passageway that leads to a hidden chamber." Uncle Griff had entered the cave first and turned to Sam. "I've read about it. Searched every inch of this place, but never have found the entrance. Sam, that's where you come in."

Sam gawked at the masses of mighty rock columns that made up the cave's walls. Some looked like stair steps while others reached all the way up to the cave's ceiling. It reminded Sam of a city   The columns being the buildings standing along a river front. He remembered a trip to New York City when his parents took him on a boat ride out into the Atlantic Ocean.  He remembered the skyline and how it looked like a mish-mash of uneven stair steps.  The ceiling was rough and rocky.  Icy waters washed into the back of the cave, foaming along the rocks. Pieces of ice floated, like boats on a river, crashing into the walls.

Uncle Griff motioned to Sam, but he was still gawking.  Sam saw everyone looking at him.  All shivering from the damp cold.

“I’m sorry,” said Sam.  “This is so amazing.”

"Sam, we need you to try and recite the location incantation and see if it works for you," said Rose. "Remember you're the first one in our recent history to be able to use incantations the best."  She handed him a piece of paper with the words: Viam monstrabit. Fac iter. Ostende porta.

"You can do it," said Mrs. Steers, encouraging him.

Sam stood perfectly still and recited the incantation.  Everyone looked around in every direction, watching for a sign of movement. Nothing happened.  No rocks moved.  No hidden passage revealed itself.

“Keep trying,” said Mrs. Steers.  “It may take a couple of times.

“OK,” said Sam.  “Maybe I should face another direction?”  Sam turned around.  The wind picked up; the icy water became rougher.

“We better hurry,” said Rose.  “That storm is starting to get worse.”

Sam recited the incantation again and again.  “I don’t think it’s working.”

Just as he finished his sentence, Uncle Griff pointed to a small grotto in the furthest back corner.  There was a faint glow in the shape of an arch.  A column of dark stones began to move.  A door slowly swung open and an opening appeared in the cavern's wall.

“There!  Look there!”  Ari shouted.  Everyone turned to where Uncle Griff was pointing.

Sam’s eyes widened.  His excitement rose. “I did it.  I made the incantation work. There it is.”

Slowly and carefully, Ari and Uncle Griff climbed over to the newly exposed entrance.  Uncle Griff pulled a flashlight out of his coat pocket and shone it into the darkness.

“What do you see?” said Mrs. Steers.

“It slopes down.”  Ari went first with Uncle Griff right behind.   Everyone else climbed over to the entrance.

“This is awesome.”  Sam felt like an explorer seeking lost treasures.  His imagination went wild for a moment, day-dreaming that he had discovered the last resting place of some long-ago legendary king.

“Sam!”  Rose broke his day-dream.  “Come this way.”  Rose entered the passageway before him.  She took his hand.  Sam didn’t mind, holding her hand, as he faced the dark entrance.  Darren and Lewis brought up the rear.  Uncle Griff held up the flashlight. Darren formed a bright pink orb.  Its light reflected off the damp walls.

From somewhere, a glowing light illuminated the entire ragged passageway.  Everyone came to a stop and turned to look for the light’s source. Without thinking, Sam had formed a bright white orb about the size of a grapefruit and was holding it in his free hand.  Rose turned and shaded her eyes.

“Well done,” said Rose.  “You must be concentrating hard to keep it like that.”

Sam shook his head.  "Not really."  The orb remained steady.  Darren and Lewis looked over Mrs. Steers’ shoulders, amazed at Sam’s ability.

“Sam, come up here with me.” Uncle Griff waved him forward.  Reluctantly, Mrs. Steers let go of Sam’s shoulder and Rose let go of his hand.  Sam looked at them.

“Go ahead,” said Mrs. Steers.  “He wants you to help lead the way.”

Treating the orb like an egg on a spoon, he moved past Rose then Xavier then Ari and stood next to Uncle Griff.

“Mighty impressive there, Sam.” Uncle Griff had to shade his eyes.  He positioned Sam next to him.  “Now hold it out in front of you so we can see better.”  By now, Uncle Griff had extinguished his own orb.

Resuming the journey with Sam as co-pilot, they followed the passageway that widened and continued to slope downward. The path twisted and turned in front of them.  Stalagmites had formed over centuries.  Dripping water echoed from somewhere.  Maybe in front of them.  Maybe from another passageway.

Sam began to feel like a real explorer as he took the lead, taking the Time Travelers into a place that only a few had ever been.

The Time Travelers' Club -- Chapter 111: Spying

“They’ve docked.  They’re getting off the boat.”  Tinean held the sailor’s spyglass up to his good eye.  “I see the boy.  And there’s the old lady.  She’s hugging her satchel close.”  Tinean crawled back from the edge of the cliff where he had been looking down over the side.  He got up, with snow and ice plastered to his chest.

Dr. Herkeimer stood further back, holding tight to a walking stick he had pushed into the ground to help stabilize himself.  Each time the wind swept across the flat surface of the island; he would grasp it even tighter.  The Isle of Straffa was barren. No trees or brush grew there, unable to survive the gusts.

Standing next to a large weatherworn boulder, the rest huddled to keep each other warm.  All were dressed in warm clothes, waiting for the next blast of cold ocean air.  The dark storm clouds loomed, slowly moving inland to bring more snow and ice.

Dreda stepped forward and shouted to be heard over the wind.  “What’s going on?  It’s freaking cold out here.”  She pointed her finger at the ominous western sky.  “And that storm’s coming this way.  We’re going to be icicles in these temperatures.”

“We must wait until they're inside.  We cannot risk being seen.”  Dr. Herkeimer yanked his walking stick out of the ground and walked over to them.  “Remember to get the boy and the books.  Kill the rest.”

Vincent and Dreda looked at each other.  Without saying anything, they both knew this would not be a successful mission. Dreda held her tongue as best she could. She wasn’t sure whether to break out laughing and say “Yeah right.”

Nearby, Fan was stoic.  He had his orders.  Try and talk to the old lady or the boy.  He wasn't sure which and would have to make a last-minute judgment.

Vincent thought to himself.  The first sign of an orb coming at me, I’m surrendering.  I’m going to surrender before you know what’s happened. You madman…  I hope you’re the one that gets it first.

“Tinean!  Go down and signal when it’s time.”  Dr. Herkeimer shouted his orders.  “When you see that they found the entrance, let us know.  We’ll be waiting here.”

As always, Tinean followed orders and scuttled down the cliff on the curved pathway to the cave's walkway.  Making sure not to be seen, he crept along as best he could as icy water splashed up over the dock and up on him. Tinean grabbed the railing to keep from slipping on the ice.

The tethered fishing boat rocked back and forth, bumping against the dock.  Tinean crept along its side to make sure no one was on board.  Over the boat's edge, he could see into the cave's entrance. It was dark. He couldn’t see any movement.  Working his way around the boat and further down the walkway, he got a better view.  Now he could see the group making their way deeper into the cave.

The Time Travelers' Club -- Chapter 110: To the Cave

Uncle Griff steered the fishing boat as best he could toward the Isle of Straffa in the Hebrides off the coast of Scotland.  He held tight to the steering wheel, praying that it would get them there and back.  The waves rocked the boat back and forth.   That didn't bother him.  It was the thunderous storm brewing to the west out over the ocean.  Soon, it would be upon them.  Everyone else stayed below.

"We're in for some rocky weather," yelled Uncle Griff to Mrs. Steers who came up from below, steadying herself.  "We are going to need to move quickly.  We’re lucky.  I’ve not spotted any ice so far."

"We'll be fine," said Mrs. Steers, then mumbling to herself.  "I hope."

Down below, Xavier watched the storm clouds through a port hole as the boat chugged its way towards the coast.   Rose, gripping the wooden seat she sat on, glanced nervously over at Sam from time to time.   The pitch of the sea worsened as they approached the island dock.

"Are you sure the boat will be fine?"  Darren called to Uncle Griff, glancing back at Xavier, then to Ari.  Darren and Lewis had persuaded Trenda to let them take his place.  Trenda agreed since he had other leads to follow about more copies of the book as well as a possible location of the original scroll from Mrs. Labuler.

"You bet ya."  Uncle Griff shouted back then said a silent prayer.  Ari sat perfectly still, riding the waves and trying not to be seasick.   They journeyed their way towards Fingal's Cave.

This was it.  The time had come.  The entire Council, the Time Travelers Club chapters, and this small band had been waiting for this moment.  Huddled next to Rose, Sam would soon be put to the test.   Mrs. Steers silently prayed for his safety.   She, and everyone else in the boat, knew what the consequences could be.  It was too horrible for her to think about.

Mrs. Steers continued to hold the travel bag tight to her chest.   The strap wrapped around her shoulder.  Its contents were of high importance.   Everyone knew what was in her bag, except Sam.  All he knew was they were on their way to see where his ancestor had found the original papyrus scroll with the incantations.  The beginning of the modern-day Time Travelers Club had begun with the scroll’s translation and publication.

"So, tell me again, what are we doing?"  Sam turned to Rose.

Still gripping the seat, Rose forced a smile as a bigger wave rocked the boat.  "Well, we are going deep into Fingal's Cave to find the secret cavern where the scroll originally was hidden."

"And how long ago was that?"  Sam had read what they already knew about the cave and some of its contents, but still wanted more.

Mrs. Steers chimed in.  "We're not sure.  We know that the scroll was taken around 1833 or so, but we think that early members of the club placed some relics there in the 1500s... Maybe."

"Oh," said Sam, beginning to wish he hadn’t asked. He could tell Mrs. Steers was about to launch into her tour guide mode.

"The papyrus and other materials were placed in Fingal’s Cave by an unknown member of the club.  The hidden cavern was discovered in 1833 by someone named T. Woods. According to research, this "T. Woods" had left in 1830 to search for the cave.   He eventually found his way to Fingal's Cave where he located and entered the hidden chamber somewhere in the cave.”

Mrs. Steers paused to adjust her travel bag which was slipping down. “There is much speculation behind the history of the items stored in the cave.  There's also speculation as to who Woods was.  Some members of the club think that this is the legendary lost archives, but others argue that the real lost archives are somewhere in Northern Africa or the Middle East. Some argue the things in Fingal's Cave are the only the most important ones taken from the lost archives taken during the crusades and put there for safe keeping.”

Outside, the waves began to slam with a little more might against the sides of the boat, but that didn’t stop Mrs. Steers.  “Legend has it that sometime in the 15th century the archives were placed there for safe keeping and it’s location was then lost over the years.”

Sam glanced around, losing interest, but Mrs. Steers didn’t notice and went on.  “The origin of the name ‘Fingal’s Cave’ is a mystery. Around 250 AD there was a man called Finn MacCumhaill, also known as “Fingal”, who was possibly an Irish General.  He had something to do with the Gaels or something like that.  I forget the whole story.  I do know that the cave's name in Gaelic is “An Uaimh Bhinn.”  That means "the melodious cave."

Finally, she just stopped. Sam looked over at her.  Mrs. Steers was gazing out a pothole.   Sam turned to see the coast of the island through another port hole.

“We’ve got to dock there and walk the rest of the way.”  Bellowing down at them, Uncle Griff pointed to a landing and a wooden walkway running along the rocky coastline.  He then pointed to where it disappeared into the side the cliff.  “And there’s Fingal’s Cave.”

The Time Travelers' Club -- Chapter 109: We're Off

Early the next morning, Mrs. Steers hurried into the kitchen and opened the basement door.  She paused for a moment and looked around the kitchen.  She felt safe.  The entire East Coast Time Travelers Club as well as members of the West Coast Club and the International Council surrounded the house.  In the park across the street.  Down at the corner pretending to wait on the bus.  Upstairs.  In the front parlor.  No one taking a chance that the Doctor's gang was lurking about waiting for an opportunity to disrupt their plans.

“I can do this.”  Mrs. Steers took a deep breath and went down the steps.  Her heart raced.  Her stomach churned.  “I can do this,” she repeated over and over.

Up until a few days before, the five copies of Namvelt’s book had been scattered around the globe, but now all were sitting in her basement.  The time had come to take them to Fingal’s Cave where they would be hidden.  Safe from the world.  Years of planning had led to this moment. Years of planning, researching, waiting, following.  Praying that Sam was the one who could do it.

“We will be putting Sam’s life in jeopardy.”  She stopped at the bottom step. She got teary-eyed. “I don’t know if I can do this.  I just don’t know if I can do this…. Oh for heaven’s sake, Lottie, pull yourself together.”  She shook her head.

Along one wall, Mrs. Steers moved boxes and junk away from an old trunk.  Pulling out its key from her pocket, she unlocked it and rummaged around until she pulled out a letter-sized envelope.  In it was a small silver key.

Walking over to a nearby freezer, she opened it and moved chunks of frozen meat and bags of vegetables.  Reaching in the back, she pulled out a gray metal lockbox about the size of a twenty- piece box of chocolates.

“What if Sam doesn’t…  What if he can’t…”  Mrs. Steers lost it again.  "Stop it, Lottie.  He is the one.”  She carried the lockbox over to a workbench.  After setting it down, Mrs. Steers stared at the wall for a few moments.

She opened the lockbox and rummaged through a stack of envelopes until she found the one labeled “sc”.  After relocking it, she pulled a slip of paper out of the envelope.  On it were written a series of numbers.

Mrs. Steers went to a brick wall in the far back corner behind a gritty, rusty heating boiler.  Pulling down on what looked to be an empty light bulb socket hanging from the ceiling, a section of the brick wall beside the boiler unlatched and swung open.  Behind it was a built-in wall safe.  She bent down, looked at the number sequence, and slowly turned the dial.

“Wait.  That’s not correct. Oh, Albert!”  She spun the dial around and started over.  “Take the numbers written down and add twelve to the first, subtract twelve from the second and last add twelve to the last.”  She had to do the math in her head.

“Albert!  Why did you make this so difficult?”  She started turning the dial again.

“But I guess I can’t complain. This old wall safe has kept the books secure.”

Finally, Mrs. Steers heard a click and pulled open the safe’s door.  She reached in and picked up a canvas satchel. It held the five copies of the books, including Dr. Herkeimer’s copy and its missing pages.

“Today is the day.”  Mrs. Steers wrapped the leather strap on the satchel around her hands.  “We will be entering the place where this all started.”

Mrs. Steers went back upstairs.  Rose was standing at the back door.  Ari was stationed at the front door.

“OK.  The books are in here.”  She hugged the satchel.  Rose nodded. Ari came in.

“I can’t believe this is it,” said Ari.  “The moment that we’ve all talked about for years.  And Sam is ready?”

“He is.  I’m sure he is.  He’s just got to be,” said Mrs. Steers, rambling from nervousness.  “And Emily isn't any wiser about this.  I told her a lie. Poor dear.  I told her we would be taking Sam to a meeting with other Club members to learn more about the Club and the incantations and how to be safe and...”

“Yes, Lottie, we understand,” said Xavier, who appeared out of nowhere.  “She doesn't her only child is going to Scotland to enter a dark cave in winter weather.  All will be fine.”

Ari chimed in.  “What if we knocked her out for the day like we did the last time?”

Mrs. Steers shook her head.  “Not again.  That is why we lost Sam before and had to regain his trust.  No, this time we have to tell Sam what is going to happen.”

“That’s a lot to accept,” said Rose.  “A heavy responsibility for such a young man.”

Mrs. Steers nodded.  “Don’t worry.  I have already spoken to Mr. and Mrs. Henry.  They're taking care of Emily today.  And as for Sam, he’s already had a taste of his new life.  He might as well get used to it.”

Upstairs, Sam got ready for the trip.  A sweater, jeans, and winter boots.  Scotland in December wasn’t going to be very warm.  He put his notebook in his travel bag, put on his winter coat, scarf, and gloves, and headed downstairs.  Emily was asleep.  His Grandparents would be over soon.

Going downstairs, Sam saw Uncle Griff standing in the hallway.  “Good boy.  You know what the weather’s going to be.”  He followed Sam into the front parlor.

Xavier and Rose finished bundling up in their winter coats.  Ari looked like an oversized Eskimo.  In the back parlor, Mrs. Steers was talking to Darren and Lewis.  She held her travel bag close to her chest.

Uncle Griff took the lead. “Alright everyone, listen up.  I’ve already been there and back and have devised a plan.   We are going to have to take a boat across the channel over to the island.  It’s waiting for us at the docks.  There’ll be one hell of a cold wind when we arrive.  So brace yourselves.”

Sam buttoned the top button of his coat, preparing himself.  “Why aren’t we just going right to the cave?"

Uncle Griff looked down at Sam.  “Good question.  It's safer this way. Landing on the island or in the cave itself is too risky. Lots of rough terrain. Even though, Fingal’s Cave is a tourist destination, the island at this time of year will be cold and icy.  We can’t take any chances.  On top of that, the cave itself isn’t going to be a winter wonderland.  There’s ice.  Lots of slippery ice.  Slip ya right into freezing waters.”

“In other words, we need to be very careful,” added Xavier.  “Growing up in Norway and Sweden, I know all about slippery ice.”

Rose chuckled.  “Fall down one too many times?”

“The boat ride’s going to dangerous as well,” continued Uncle Griff.   “It’s not going to be a picnic.  Ice will be washing in from the Atlantic.  So, we’ll need everyone to keep an eye out.  I don’t want a mini-version of the Titanic on our hands.”

Everyone nodded.  Mrs. Steers looked around the room continuing to nod at each member of the Club.  They knew without any words being spoken.  Their mission was to protect Sam.  As far as they knew they weren’t aware of their plan, but no chances were to be taken. This was the moment they had all waited for.

After a brief moment, they began to crowd in around Sam with Mrs. Steers and Rose in the middle.  All hands were on Uncle Griff.

Rose leaned down.  “Sam, grab Griff’s coat.  He’s going to take us all at once.”  Sam grasped a bulky pleat in the wool coat. 

The circle was formed.  They were ready to go. In a flash, the warm cozy front parlor of the Steers’ house became a cold barren land of ice and snow-covered rocks and hills.  The wind blew hard causing everyone to hold tight.  Nearby was the back side of a stone building.  Sam could see they were just on the outskirts of a Scottish village.  A narrow dirt road was lined by stout stone buildings.  No one stirred.  A few windows had lights in them.  Further down, more modern-looking storefronts lined paved streets.

“We’re outside of town,” said Uncle Griff.  “We’ve got to work our way down to the boat docks.”

With Sam still protected within the group, they worked their way down through the village's outskirts. Uncle Griff led them between some dark storage buildings.  He stopped and motioned them to huddle against a stone wall of a small cottage.

“Stay here.  I’m going in first.”  Uncle Griff knocked on a wooden door in the wall.  Sam could see the light from inside as the door opened.  Uncle Griff spoke to an unseen person, before waving everyone to come in.  They filed into a toasty one room cottage.  Sam thought it looked like something out of Grimm’s fairy tales, like the one the seven dwarves lived in.  Everyone headed to the roaring fire to warm themselves.

Talking to Uncle Griff was a short bulky woman dressed in peasant garb.   She was speaking in such a heavy Scotch accent that Sam could barely make out her words.  Uncle Griff carried on the conversation without much trouble then he turned to the huddled group.

“The boat is ready,” said Uncle Griff.  “We just have to go out the back and down to the dock.”  He led them out the low back door, stooping as he went.   The cold air was brisk, but the snow was holding off.  The cloudy sky looked dark and dreary.

Sam stayed close to Mrs. Steers and Rose.  Both touched him, either his shoulder or his arm.  He felt as if he had secret servicemen guarding him.  It was then that he noticed that Mrs. Steers held her travel bag close to her chest, like a baby needing protection from the weather.

Down at the docks, the icy water washed against small fishing boats.  It splashed and sloshed against a stone retaining wall. At the end of the short pier was a fishing boat.  Nets flapped in the wind.   The strong odor of fish and sea water hit Sam’s nose. The rustic fishing boat rocked with the waves.

“All aboard,” announced Uncle Griff.   Moments later, they were away from the pier and heading out towards the Atlantic Ocean.   Along the skyline, dark clouds rolled.  Lightening danced sideways illuminating the clouds.

"Looks odd," said Ari to Uncle Griff.  "I've not known a snow cloud to contain lightening before."

"I suspect by its path it's coming up from the south.  Don't worry.  It'll turn into a blizzard and snow us over."  Uncle Griff snickered.

Ari shuddered. Being from the Mediterranean, he was used to warmer climates.  "Great.  I'll become a great Greek icicle."

The Time Travelers' Club -- Chapter 108: Watching Sam Again

“Sam, I want to tell you something else,” began Mrs. Steers.  “It’s important and it’s time that you knew.  It’s a sort of a confession from me.”

Sam was immediately intrigued. He never knew what Mrs. Steers might say.

“Ever wonder how I knew that your favorite jelly was strawberry?”

“Yea, I remember that day.  I had just gotten home from school,” said Sam.  “And you had a…”

Mrs. Steers nodded.  “Yes, a sandwich waiting for you.  A peanut butter and strawberry jelly sandwich. It was my way of making you wonder how she knew that about me?”  She sat back and sighed.  “And the unlocked attic door.  The box placed out in open so you would be able to find it.  The one with the newspaper with the fingerprint of Jack the Ripper.

Sam was taken aback, shaking his head.  “You mean that you put that box there?  I wondered later about that.”

“To be honest, Sam, I’ve been watching you ever since you were born.  There I said it.  That’s a load off my mind.”

After four glasses of brandy, Emily hiccupped and giggling.  “I’m shocked.  Simply shocked.  How didn’t I see that one coming?  Time-travelers into the future…” Emily mispronounced “travelers”, giggling about it.  The brandy had done its job.

Rose snickered.  Ari almost spit up his drink.  Sam’s mouth hung open.  Grandma Henry looked up at the ceiling, avoiding all eye contact.  Everyone else held their breath, trying not to burst out laughing.

Mrs. Steers, on the other hand, didn’t let the comment pass.  “Time-traveler.  We’re time-travelers.”  Mrs. Steers was stern and frank, standing like a teacher about to whack an unruly student with a ruler.

Grandma Henry tried to comfort her.  “Emily, please don’t take this so hard.  Sam had unique powers.  Lottie has talked with us about the whole thing.  We’re quite alright with it.”  There was an edge of concern in her voice, but she tried to cover it up.  Grandpa Henry just smiled and nodded in agreement, trying not to let his concern show either.

Emily managed to say. “You’ve been spying on us.”

“Yes, I have.”  Mrs. Steers sat down next to Sam.

“Really?  That’s kind of weird.”  Sam was a little unsettled by her comment.

“Yes, it is, but I did it with good purpose.” She turned and smiled at Sam. “I can still see you when you were just a few days old.  You were the pride and joy of both your Mom and Dad.  And you still are.  I remember one time when you were five years old...”

Mrs. Steers began to tell a story.  “I can still see it. Sam, you were holding on tightly to the string of a kite fluttering way up in the sky.  Your Dad had a good grip on both you and the kite string. The park was busy that day. It was late summer. The weather was perfect. Not too hot, not too cool. The partly cloudy sky brought many families to the park. You and your Dad took great pride in your homemade kite flying high above.”

"What do you think, Sam?" asked George.  "Looks like we did a great job."

"It's awesome."  Sam said in a small voice.

“For a four-year-old, you are very independent,” said Mrs. Steers.  “You have some real enthusiasm. And from what I've gathered, you're going to like what I've got to teach you.  I've got a lot of information about you, Sam Henry."

She observed his bright eyes and felt that she had found the one that the Club had been searching for.

"Sam, when you get ready… guess what I've got?" yelled Emily from a nearby picnic table. "PBSJ."

Mrs. Steers looked puzzled, but realized, as she walked over to Emily what the code meant. "Ah. Peanut butter and... ah, strawberry." Mrs. Steers turned to see a young Sam scrambling from his Dad's lap and running towards her. She didn't have time to move as he ran right through her. Mrs. Steers felt the quick change of temperature like a cold breeze. Sam didn't stop, noticing nothing.

“Your favorite sandwich,” said Mrs. Steers, jotting it down in her notebook.

Back to present-day, Mrs. Steers looked at Sam.  “That’s how I knew.  I’m surprised you didn’t put it all together sooner.  Time-traveling.”

“That’s the best way to learn about someone,” added Rose.  “But we are very respectful of privacy.  We usually don’t spy on living people.”

  Mrs. Steers continued her story.  “I spent several days watching episodes of your life, including the first few days of your life, early birthdays, and many of your adventures across the country.”  She sat down next to Xavier.

“It wasn't until you turned ten that I began to notice that I couldn't always follow you.  No matter how hard I tried, there were certain events in your life that I couldn't watch.”   Mrs. Steers took a sip of her wine. “My last successful attempt was to your Dad died.”

“You were there,” said Sam.

“I was, but you didn’t see me.  It was then that I began to believe that I was on the right trail.  I had experienced similar issues with previous generations of your family.  First your Dad, then your Grandpa Henry.”  She glanced over at him. 

Grandpa Henry raised his glass.  “Cheers to you for seeing me so much.”  Grandma Henry poked him with her elbow in his ribs.

Mrs. Steers nodded and raised her glass to acknowledge his witty response, before returning to her story.  “Then your Great-Grandpa Henry and on back for a few more generations.  I knew a lot about your ancestry to a point but seemed to have only limited information when each turned ten years old.  Not because I couldn't find it, but because I couldn't go back to watch it.

“I read about that in your notes,” said Rose.  “According to legend, most members of The Time Travelers Club could not be followed or traced after a certain age, usually between ten and twelve.  Their "cloaking" powers began to grow by then.  Most members didn't know that and some never did.  It was by pure luck that Mrs. Steers found you and your lineage.”

Xavier added to the discussion.  “Now all these years later, Sam Henry would turn out to be the Club’s best shot to secure the past as it was and should be.”

Mrs. Steers wrapped up, “That’s how I knew.  I saw you that last time at the hospital.”

Judging by the changing expressions on her face, Sam realized that she had enjoyed watching him and his Mom and Dad but was saddened when she was there at his Dad’s death.

“Wow!”  Emily was astonished.  "Now that's really creepy.  This whole story just freaks me out."  Mrs. Steers had reluctantly kept her glass full of brandy, but she had to keep Emily calm.

Grandma Henry finally got up.   “Come on Emily, let’s go upstairs.  You need to lay down.”  Taking her by the arm, Grandma Henry helped her up the stairs.

“Lottie, we understand,” said Grandpa Henry, making clear eye contact and nodding.  “Thank you for all the information.  If Emily knew what you are asking…”   He paused, glanced at Sam, then back to her.  “We understand.  Everything will be just fine.  We’ll take care of her.”

After giving Sam a bear hug, Grandpa Henry went upstairs.

“That was strange,” said Sam.  “What did Grandpa Henry mean?”

“I’ve talked to him about keeping you safe while we take care of those noodleheads.”  Mrs. Steers tried to lighten the mood by declaring.  “We are going to battle!”  She held up her fist and shook it.  Sam chuckled over her over-dramatization.

“You and Mr. Steers never had children.  Why not?”

“No that not’s true.  We had two.  A boy and a girl.  Daniel and Emma.”  Mrs. Steers looked down at the floor.

“Where are they?”  Sam asked, then added.  “Did they die?”

“Oh no, they’re not dead.  They take on very important missions for the Club.  You see they also learned to time-travel, but during these dangerous times, they stay away from here.  You see, they are very well hidden from them and others.  They do work like Albert.  They are both Rescuers.”

“Wow,” said Sam.  “Your family is really into the Club.  What do the Rescuers do?”

“Yes, we are,” said Mrs. Steers.   “There are only a few Rescuers in the Club. Their jobs are to rescue people when they are in trouble or from danger, both Club members and non-Club members.  They guard secrets.”  Mrs. Steers took a drink. “Now, you should rest.  Tomorrow, we are going on an adventure and you play a very important role. We have a big day ahead.  It’s going to be very interesting.”

Sam got excited.  “Are we going to see something unusual?  What is it?”

“We are going to Fingal’s Cave in Scotland,” said Mrs. Steers.  “Right now, the whole Club is preparing.  I want you to be here first thing in the morning.  Dress warm for very cold weather.  Seven o’clock on the dot.  Here.”

"Does my Mom know that..." Sam pushed for more information, but Mrs. Steers cut him off.

“Tomorrow.  Seven o’clock. She knows that we are going on a trip but doesn’t know any more.”

Sam gave up and went upstairs.

The Time Travelers' Club -- Chapter 107: Bringing Back the Dead

"According to some, the incantation can bring the spirit of the deceased back into the body, but it must be done immediately within moments of death.  The incantation has been known to work twice in the history of the Tempos Servos, but it takes a very powerful person of strong will to master it.”

Sitting in his reading chair in his bedroom upstairs, Dr. Herkeimer read aloud from notes he had taken from Namvelt's book about the incantation and how the original scroll had been lost.  He studied the words of the incantation, memorizing each one.    He had remained in his bedroom most of the day.  Dreda had brought lunch and soon it would be dinner time.  He read over his notes and the incantation numerous times.

Dr. Herkeimer cursed Fulop and how he had taken the battered copy of the book.  Luckily, Dr. Herkeimer had stashed his notes elsewhere, keeping them safe.  He went back and re-read the pages he had copied verbatim. 

The person can also send the spirit back out of the body.  There are issues with the incantation’s use.  The spirit will only remain if… That was where the scroll stopped.  The rest of the scroll was missing and believed to be lost, possibly destroyed.

Jumping further back, he started to read again.  This time about Ranulfus.

According to legend, Ranulfus was brought back from the dead by a descendant of Iordanus.  The exact reason for performing this incantation is unknown.  Some believe that it was to seek out information about the location of ancient scrolls which contain certain secret and powerful incantations as well as older history of their creation. There is little information about the burial location of either Ranulfus or Iordanus.  Their shields are believed to be lost.

Dr. Herkeimer reread his notes.  “Hmmm…  This doesn’t make sense.  It’s says the return from the dead incantation must be used immediately.  But this makes it sound like you can…”  He paused a moment, rubbing his chin, staring at the floor.  "This was the last chapter in the book.  No further information. What could be missing?  What other information would I need to know?"

Slamming his notes down on side table, he got up and changed from his suit jacket into a silk robe.  The boy is the key.  They’ve found one of the descendents.  I need him and the book.  A complete copy. Then I can make everything right.

Dr. Herkeimer walked over to the red chest.  Since Sam had opened it, Dr. Herkeimer had become even more protective of its contents and had the locked chest moved up to his bedroom from downstairs.

Pulling the key from his vest pocket, he unlocked it.  Running his hands along the front of the lid, he lifted it and peered down at its contents.  His eyes filled with tears. 

The Time Travelers' Club -- Chapter 106: Time to Tell Emily

“Sam,” said Emily, tidying in the kitchen.  “Mrs. Steers has asked us to join her for cake and ice cream.”  Emily drying and putting the clean dishes.  “Why ice cream in this cold weather is beyond me.”

The cuckoo in the clock announced that it was six o’clock.  They went downstairs.  In the front parlor, Grandma and Grandpa Henry were drinking wine.  Sam gave them both big hugs, excited to see them.  Mrs. Steers was offering them some gingerbread.

“What are you doing here?” said Emily.  “I thought that this was bowling night.”

“Lottie invited us,” said Grandma Henry, taking a piece of gingerbread.

Emily looked perplexed. “Really?”

“Yes, I did.”  Mrs. Steers came into the parlor with a tray of plates and silverware.  “Rose will you bring the cake.”

Rose came in carrying a simply decorated chocolate cake, followed by Xavier with a tray of more plates and glasses.

“Ah, the guests of honor,” said Xavier, looking at Emily.  “May I get you something to drink? Sam?  Emily?”

“Um,” said Emily.  “I’ll have a glass of red wine if you’ve got it.”

“I’ll take a hot chocolate,” said Sam, following Xavier to the kitchen.  Ari was making ice cream in an old wooden ice cream maker.  Sam had never seen anything like it.  It was a bucket-like machine.   Ari cranking an iron handle on top.  The grinding sound as the metal canister rushed over slush of ice and salt.

“Sam, I hope you like chocolate ice cream,” said Ari. Sam gave him an extended nod.

Ari finally produced two large bowls of homemade ice cream – one vanilla and one chocolate – which didn’t last long.  The chocolate cake and gingerbread were whittled down to crumbs.  Mrs. Steers took the floor to address the relaxed guests.

"Sam, I want to talk to you about your family."

Sam looked quizzically at Mrs. Steers.  "What do you mean?"

"Well, where you come from and how you fit into the Time Travelers Club."  Mrs. Steers hesitated for a brief moment.  "And why you have such great ability to use the incantations.   Rose has kept me informed about your mastering orbs.  I've seen you zip us to Ancient Egypt with barely reciting the words.”

Emily choked on her wine. “What are you talking about?”  She glanced at Mrs. Steers then over to the impassive Grandma and Grandpa Henry and last at Sam.  She was amazed at how nobody reacted to the peculiar things Mrs. Steers was talked about.  “What’s this about a time saving club?  Egypt?  Orbs?”

Rose quickly interjected, pointing at Emily.  "Sam will be a champion orber someday.  He just needs to control them more… Oh and learn patience."

Energized by her comment, Sam gave her a big smile.  “Do you think I will be?  A champion orber?”   His enthusiasm didn’t last long when he realized that his mom didn’t know anything about what they were talking about.  He gave her a sideways glance to see how she was reacting.

Emily was staring at Mrs. Steers, then over to Rose.

Rose didn’t hesitate.  “With your abilities, you will have no problem.”

“And don’t forget, you got to see the duel.  The duel. The one and only,” said Xavier.

Emily shook her head.  “Duel?  What duel?”

Ari and Rose both gasped and spoke in unison.  “What?”  Rose didn’t stop.  “You mean Sam saw…”

“Yep, it’s true,” said Sam, squirming in his seat and kept eyeing his mom.  “I saw them.  They were dueling.   Throwing lightning bolts at each other with a huge crowd watching.  Then…”  Sam realized that his mom was right next to him, squirming.  Emily’s head jerked from one person to another, confused, annoyed, and then just frustrated.

“Wait just one minute!” Emily stood up.  “What are you all talking about?  Sam, what is this dueling business?  And lightning bolts? And orbs?”

The room went quiet.  Everyone, including Grandma and Grandpa Henry, looked at her.

“Well, the cat’s out of the bag,” said Grandpa Henry quietly.  “We should have told you sooner, but we had no idea.  We figured that part of our family history was over.”

Grandma Henry added.   “Yes, I’m so sorry we didn’t talk about it.  It’s not something you just bring up.”

Sam looked at his Grandparents in surprise.  “You mean you know?”

Grandpa Henry leaned forward.  “Yep.  When Lottie contacted us, she only needed to say “Tempos Servos” and I knew immediately what was going on.   We wondered about you, whether you had the powers or not.”  He patted Grandma Henry’s hand.

“Go ahead and tell him, you old goat,” said Grandma Henry, waving her hand at him.  “You’re keeping him in suspense.”

“Yes, yes, my sweet potato pie.”  Grandpa Henry slapped her knee then turned to Sam.  “My Grandfather, or your Great-Grandfather, was a member of the Club.  He left the Club because of some French guy who threatened it many years ago.  At the time, my father was just a baby, and he feared that his family might get hurt.  So, he left and never spoke about his powers again.”

Emily stopped them, shaking her head and stuttering.  “Excuse me, are you losing your minds?  What are you all talking about?  I don’t understand.”

“Now Emily, it’s not that hard to understand,” said Grandma Henry, who got up and put her hand on Emily’s arm.  “Sam just became a member of the Time Travelers Club.”

Mrs. Steers chimed in.  “Emily, please forgive me for not being truthful right from the beginning.   It took some real work to get you here from Chicago.  Keeping you and Sam from making friends there.  Convincing the library to hire you here.  Then I had to get you to take the apartment.  There was definitely a bit of luck mixed in as well.”

Xavier served more cake and nudged Ari into making more ice cream.  Mrs. Steers focused her attention on Emily.

“My dear, the Time Travelers Club is an ancient group who people who have the ability to use incantations that allow… well…”  She looked around at Rose, Xavier, Ari, and Sam.  “To travel through time.  The orbs are our defenses to protect ourselves.  Sam makes them like no one else.  He has the great ability to use the incantations.”

Emily, mouth hanging open, finally snapped.  “Well, I’m dumbfounded.  Absolutely dumbfounded.”  Emily grabbed Sam and pulled him close and started to edge away.  She shook her finger at Mrs. Steers.  “First, you’ve been spying on us this whole time.  There’s got to be a law against that…  And… And… You’ve been filling Sam’s head with this time-traveling nonsense.  And these orbs…”

“Emily, you mustn’t think that we were…” said Grandma Henry, trying to console her.

“And you two going right along with all of this.”  Now shaking with fear, Emily turned on her in-laws, raising her voice.  “You’re just fanning the flames of this whole crazy nonsense.”

Emily was on the verge of breaking down.  She got teary-eyed.  Sam broke loose of her grip and spun around to look at her.  He had never seen his Mom like this.  Not even when his Dad died.

“Mom, chill out,” said Sam.  “You don’t even know anything about this.  You’re… You’re…  You’re…”  Sam searched for the right word.

Xavier helped out.  “Over-reacting?”

“Over-reacting!  What’re you expecting?  You want me to keep calm?”  Emily was besides herself, pacing back and forth like a misbehaving kid waiting outside the principal's office.

Mrs. Steers had already poured a little brandy.  “Here, drink this.  It will calm your nerves.”  Emily took the glass and drank.

Rose whispered.  “You didn’t just…”

“No, it’s only brandy this time.”  Mrs. Steers whispered back.

Grandpa Henry got up to talk to her.  “Emily, the Henry family has had these powers for generations.  We waited to see if George had the capabilities to use them, but he never showed any signs.”

Shocked, Emily stopped him.  “Wait, so you knew about this all the time? Why didn’t anyone tell me?”

“George never knew,” said Grandma Henry.  “We let it all go after Matthew was born.  We watched him as well, but no signs.  None at all.  Lottie, may I have a glass of that brandy.”

Mrs. Steers took her turn.  “You see, Sam, your ancestor, Thaddeus Woods, had left his wife to seek out the lost archives when he stumbled onto the hidden materials in Fingal's Cave.  He left the cave and traveled back to England where he was killed by another member of the Time Travelers Club. We’re not sure why, possibly to keep the Club’s existence a secret.  His wife was pregnant but he never knew it.  The wife went to live with a distant relative, a minister and his wife.  She died in childbirth and the minister raised the child under his name, Henry. I’ve only figured all of this out recently.”

Xavier, who had been quiet his whole time, finally asked a question.  “Is that why you’ve been in the archives so much?  Hoping to track down the adopted child?”

“Yes,” said Mrs. Steers.  “It has taken a lot of work to find the right one. So, Sam that brings us to you.  You are the most important member of the Time Travelers Club in its history.  We believe that you are a direct descendent of Thaddeus who in turn was a direct descendent of either Iordanus or Ranulfus.  I have figured out which.”

"Wow," said Sam.  "One of those guys is my..."  Sam stopped and started adding many "greats" before ending with grandpa.  "Which one?"

Mrs. Steers shook her head.  "Sadly, we don't know which."

By now, Grandpa Henry had poured his own brandy then refilled Emily’s glass.

“Well, well, well,” said Emily, downing the brandy with Grandpa Henry right there to fill it again.  “The things we just don’t know.”  Emily began to sway a little.

Mrs. Steers took the decanter from Grandpa Henry and studied the content level.  “Looks like we’re going to need more brandy.”

The Time Travelers' Club -- Chapter 105: Mrs. Steers and Rufus Leightstone

As usual, Rufus Leightstone stood stiff and formal in front of the fireplace in Mrs. Steers’ front parlor. Reading over his notes, he prepared for his presentation.

Mrs. Steers came in with a tray with wine glasses and a bottle of grape juice for toasting later and placed it on a side table.  She then sat down next to council member, Margery Price of Leeds, England.  Across from her sat the member from Peru, Mr. Zeferino Mirado, and the one from Eastern India, Mr. Ameretat Wani.  Standing stately behind them was the member from Ethiopia, Mrs. Sitota Tiruneh Henoke.  They all wore the traditional costume of their countries to show world-wide unity.

Eyeing everyone in the room, Sam sat in a dining chair directly across from Leightstone, waiting for the ceremony to begin.  Rose, Ari, and Xavier sat in the kitchen.

“As head of the International Council of the Tempos Servos, I, Rufus Leightstone, am glad to welcome the council members to this induction of a new member to our ranks.  It is a rare occasion that we have such a young member with abilities not seen by any other member of our recent membership.”

Sam waited patiently as Leightstone went on about the importance of the ceremony, the various projects of the International Council, and the need to protect its secrets from the general public. Leightstone finally ended his long-winded speech.

“Now, Mrs. Steers, I believe it is your turn.”  Leightstone sat down and Mrs. Steers took over his place in front of the fireplace.

“I am very excited about our newest member of the Club, Master Samuel Henry.  He is bright, intelligent, and can use the incantations better that anyone else I know.  Rose Reulen has reported that his orb skills are unmatched by any other orbers known to us.”

Mrs. Steers rattled on.  Sam’s mind wondered for a moment and before he knew it was being summoned by Mrs. Steers, who motioned for him.

“Um, Sam, would you please come here.”  Mrs. Steers motioned to him to join her.  When he stood next to her, Leightstone got up to speak again.

“Master Samuel Henry, we, the International Council, are pleased, after studying your credentials, to welcome you as a member of the East Coast Chapter of the Tempos Servos, or as it is usually referred to, The Time Travelers Club.”

Leightstone handed Sam a business card.  Sam read it.

“With this membership comes great responsibility.  You are an important part of the Club that keeps history safe.   One of our primary missions is to keep people from changing history to suit their personal needs or gains.  It is also our responsibility to maintain order within the organization.  Do you accept this responsibility, Master Henry?”

Sam still couldn’t get past being called “Master Henry,” but was able to answer.  “Yes, sir, I do.”

“Excellent.  Welcome to the Club, Master Henry.  We look forward to meeting and working with you.”  Leightstone shook Sam's hand.

After a brief round of applause, Mrs. Steers poured grape juice into the wine glasses.  Sam felt very grown-up, pretending to drink wine.  Everyone toasted him and each council member welcomed him.  The ceremony was over, and the Council members left.

Mrs. Steers gave Sam a hug.  “Congratulations, Sam.  You should be very proud to be the youngest member in the Club.  The rules are specific that you must be eighteen years old to be admitted.  Make sure you sign it and keep it safe.”

“Really?  Then why am I in?”  Sam helped her clean up by picking up the wine glasses.

“You are a special exception to the rule,” said Mrs. Steers. “You have demonstrated an unusual talent in the usage of incantations better.”

Smiling and sighing deeply, Sam paused.  His mind raced back to his orbs lessons, thinking incantations instead of speaking them out loud, turning stone to gold, and being able to view the legendary the duel.  “I have learned a lot.  And I still have more to learn.”

“We want to give you extra training so you could protect yourself.”  Mrs. Steers picked up the tray of wine glasses and headed to the kitchen.  Sam followed with the half-full bottle of grape juice.  “We’re concerned about your safety.”

“It’s Dr. Herkeimer, isn’t it?”  Sam had not mentioned the Doctor’s name since he had been kidnapped.  It was also a subject he had not yet talked about with Mrs. Steers.   Somehow, he couldn’t bring himself to think about it.

Mrs. Steers put the glasses into the sink and then turned to Sam.  Rose, Ari, and Xavier ate their lunches, but took an interest in the conversation.

“Sam, I’m so sorry that they got you. Your Mom wasn’t really there.  They tricked you into believing she was.  I can’t image what he did to you.  We don’t even know Dr. Herkeimer’s motivation.”  Mrs. Steers hugged him again.  He didn’t mind.

“He needs to be arrested and sent to prison,” said Sam.

“The Club takes care of these problems.  We never involve anyone outside of the Club.”

“What’s going to happen to him?”  Sam sat down next to Ari.

“I’m not sure.  He may just disappear for a time, but I suspect that will not be the case this time.  The rules are very clear.  He will be punished.  In the book, there is an incantation that will remove a person’s power to use them.  I’m not going to lie to you, Sam.  It is a horrible and painful incantation.  It has been used only three times.”

Ari handed Sam a chocolate chip cookie. Between bites, Sam continued questioning. “So, you can really take away someone’s power to use them?  How painful is it?”

Mrs. Steers stopped and pondered for a moment.  “I’m not sure I should tell you, but now that I’ve said that, your curiosity will just get in the way.   The incantation kills part of your soul.  You become very weak and barely alive.  It takes months to recover.  If you ever do…”

 With just a few more bites, Sam finished his cookie.  “I think I should go upstairs now.  I want to do some more reading about the Club’s history.”  With that, Sam left.

“I wonder if I said was too much,” said Mrs. Steers, wringing her hands.  “I just hope he can handle all of what is about to happen.”