Cycles of Life … Story 17 (Originally created 2019)

( Altered May 20 ) … The money grabbing world cannot come here. No commercials.

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Ruling of Dally and Netra.
While Bosses Away.
The Tomb.
Spring Fever.
Trip Beyond Waters.
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Intro.
… As we come into this area, we see wide open rolling plains with much rubble of what looks like old buildings. Off to one side there is a Big Old Spooky Mansion, on top of this mountain among the rolling hills, but what is odd is the mansion although old, is in perfect condition.
… In history there were written many fables of this area. But most people, even of this time, are leery of this mansion. There became much superstition of this place, for the lightening always seemed to hit the mansion and nowhere else.
… Long ago, with so much fear mounting through the decades, some organized a team and built a tall wooden fencing around this mansion, in case one stumble too near. The people felt better when that was complete, and they started coming in more often to set up homesteads. But still, nobody wished to go near this mansion, for it loomed high on this mountain among the hills.
(Add a few bats and you have the picture.)

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Cycles of life, Chapter 1

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History.
… As a norm, when more people came into mansion area, only some were allowed to stay. Many were sent away if they seemed to be a problem to the owners, behavior wise, or health wise. They would be given a trial and then watched as they wandered out into the semi-dry desert type lands, beyond the village limits.
… On the other hand, some village people were adventuresome and scoured the lands for opportunity. Some of these found mines within the hills near the mansion. Thus with the mines found, the ones that ruled wished riches, so a town sprung up in no time.
… But as we all know history, there was unrest. When it slipped out, of these mines, the people from the south were invading regularly. So the head people of mansion vicinity, rounded up the toughest people of the town and chose one to be the Tower Guard. This Guard’s job was to blow the horn when he saw strangers approaching in any numbers. Then all would run, either to safety or to weapon storage to gear up and fight. With this type of intrusion being a regular threat, the town never became too big or rich, for only a few knew where the mines were. Thus at times, as the people diminished and replenished upon this land, the few that knew the mines would die and the mines were often forgotten, until found again.
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… Then, 10 years later, more newcomers were starting to replenish this land. With no help to start up this rubbled Town, these new people called upon the city in the south, for had passed that way in coming here. So now this Village of Mines doubled its population, for the city that was trying to infiltrate this area in past, was asked to come and help! Lol!
… Well this time around they did get rich and built of concrete garnet and marble. The town prospered greatly and was getting large in its day. The town folk even acquired a couple of vehicles, as in sleighs with 4 horses, to help with chores. But still, they would certainly not allow cripples or sickly ones to stay within the town’s limits. Off they were sent with no short term leave. It was heart wrenching for some, but their town and its mines, are of priority.
… It is into 5th year and things are going smoothly. There has been some looting but often it is overlooked, for a neighbor may harvest a row of your crops by mistake. The boundaries are not set and even land that is owned, is uncertain in its size. It was stipulated that, this area here and that area over there belonged to so-and-so. If there is a discrepancy, they are told by the two judges of this town, to go farther out and get more land. Do not quibble over used land when there is new land all around us. But as time has gone on, there seemed to be more and more looting.
… With all the complaints, officials could not make judgment, for were not at the scene when it happened. We are talking of about 25 acres or more, for now each person wanted more and more land. Gardening is their livelihood and in this day you had to have extras, for the fact that hail, flash floods, locusts, rodents and even human mistakes, have to be accounted for.
… In this small town, the lawmakers of about 4 people were not always just, for whoever had the loudest voice, was ruler. So many things were hush-hush among the common persons, especially if you were sick or other rather serious situations. You had to hide and try to take care of this fact or be trialed and sent away.
… As the summer months were passing and this year’s harvest time was coming, the officials were met by angry farmers.
‘We do not wish our crops to be looted, to go to another’s profit.
Put more guards on now!’
So it was done!
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… But as time goes on it is becoming obvious even to the officials. Something had to be done! Thus they got 4 more horses and employed 4 guardsmen to be viewing the farming area. This was to the west, east, south and north, so it was certainly not fool proof. Throw a rock over there and loot over here. Of course, it was soon after this, that the looters chose to loot at night, when the guards were asleep in their beds. … So after another few growing seasons, 4-night crew have been employed on 4 new horses. But this still, had not stop the farmer’s crops from disappearing?
… Then one year, in the dark of the fall hours, there was shimmering figures in the fields. The guards would see the shimmering ghost like figments but what was more disturbing was the dark forms that seemed to be milling in and out and even through these shimmering structures. Was it good ghosts and bad ghosts? Or was it other types of creatures milling about the land?
… Well, shortly after this the guardsmen were leaving their posts, for too afraid of what they saw. Then it was stipulated that detectives were-to-be sent out to the fields with the guards. Well the detectives saw these figures as well, but they were always in the distance. Detectives even got pictures, but it did not say much of what and why these events were happening.
… It was not too long after that, that the farmers of the days, were seeing things in the fields as well. Whether it was fact or fiction, all were becoming spooked via these sightings. Thus some moved away, and many went back to their city in the south, where they didn’t have this problem. Besides, their city was larger than the mining town and offered more amenities of its time.
… Thus, as our small town was beginning to look as it did 5 years ago, a bad winter came and many were killed via plagues. Now only a few are left and they have been re-assured via the southern city, that they would not be picked on again, for the city of Tarragon did not wish the ghosts coming their way.

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Cycles of life, Chapter 2.

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Ruling of Dally and Netra.
… So now here, there are only a handful of women and kids with two government men left. Some of the women and children were not in good health but they have moved into town central, and now still had their homes standing. With some newcomers seen on the horizon this morning, the ladies and two men were able to get some of these new people to stay and plant a few seeds near town center. The soil there was rich for the horses’ droppings were everywhere.
… With the streets empty and the horses taken by who knows whom, the two men rounded up the five new men and decided to plant seeds in the streets. The water creek was still flowing from the mountain and that was all that was really needed.
… As things got underway the two government persons called a meeting and appointed the healthy ones with positions, but the two who were cripple were given a trial. Our new men were friends and had worked with these two for many years. To hear how the trial proceeded was ludicrous! Because they were not able to run a race or lift heavy things, they were ordered to leave town.
… One of the healthy newcomers called Orlando objected, and the two Government Personnel up front said, ‘Would you like to follow them? Anyone who is disruptive also will be banned from this Village.’ The Government people went on with, ‘The mines need strong people to farm and there is no room for Juvenile Slackers. If you have a problem, go to another town. There are lots out there!’
… The three new ones of Jerry Orlando and Hermes decided to keep quiet. But later when the two unwanted men were sent out of town, Orlando got together with Jerry and Hermes and they went looking for their friends, but they could not find them. Orlando was disheartened and felt, that was very cruel. He talked to his friends saying, ‘Strife, they were useful in many ways. They could wash the clothing and keep the weeds from the fields. There is much to do that does not necessitate lifting and running about.’ Orlando and Hermes along with Jerry all agreed, but they had to come back into town and face the two Governmental Persons of Dally and Netra.
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… Now Dally and Netra had been here for 10 years, and they were rugged fellows bent on becoming rich. They knew the whereabouts of the mines but did not say much of anything to our new fellows. They were fearful that new ones would find these mines and rob them, so they were on guard and had to keep control of what was happening in area. … Thus they gave Orlando and his group the third degree.
… ‘Where did you go off to?’ Orlando spoke up and replied ‘We were looking for seeds. We ventured to the west but there is no city there but lots of orchards. Where is the city you go to?’ Dally answered, ‘Ridiculous! We go south, that is the only city we know of. It is advanced so that is all that you need to know.’
(Where was Orlando’s group from?)
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Newcomers take over Incognito .
… The three new men were able to harvest a fair amount for the summertime and the ladies would be out in the fields of old, looking for seeds and any leftover tools or crops that came for a second coming. So they did survive that first summer.
… Through the late summer they did have crops for fall into winter months, but it was not enough and the men had to go out and hunt for meat. Well, rabbit and snake were not too hard to find, and the chickens had a few dozen young so a chicken or two could be had, when nothing else available.
… In the fall, two of the men Hermes and Jerry quietly went to the southern city to ask if they could buy a couple of horses for their fields. Well, that was no problem, for the people there knew what was happening and felt kind of sorry when they saw them again. Just knowing they came from the mining town in the north was enough to give a free coffee. Thus, when Hermes and Jerry got back with, Three horses and an old pull cart as a bonus, Orlando was very impressed. ‘Well done you two!’
… This Orlando seemed to be taking charge here and that was fine by the other two. They were trying to have an area of their own and work as a team, but could not let on too much, for who knows what the government persons would say or do. Besides, this land was a gold mine considering where they came from.
… Orlando was stronger and could run very fast. Being a mail-runner of past, he had many muscles and wilderness sense as well. And in time even the two government persons turned to Orlando while starting this town up again.
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… These two government officials of Dally and Netra were often stuck in the office with paperwork, or around the telegram sending messages. All had to pay taxes if they could and pay for land being used. They also had to put in for seeds and plant their share as well. With no guards or bookkeepers at this time, our town’s governmental people were very busy, and daily doings were not known to them.
… As another growing season was on the horizon, our three of Orlando Hermes and Jerry could take a breather from preparing the fields. So with this they wander about checking on area. They were unsure where the mines were but knew they were in the hills by that mansion. They did not talk of mansion for it was still new and was taboo to talk of with most others here.
… On this day, they went near the mansion area for were curious. One had thought he saw a person in the mansion yards, but whether a child or lady they were not sure. All this one knew, was the three men were together as he saw someone in the distance.
… As they came to the fencing of the mansion, which was still standing well, they noticed beyond the fencing in the distance it looked as if someone had been digging the grass. All three of Jerry, Hermes and Orlando, stood with bellies against cross-slats of thick wood as they peered and almost put their heads on other side of fencing so to see what they thought they saw. Hermes commented to the others asking, ‘Who would go into this fenced off area of our group?’ Jerry answered ‘No, I think it must have been wild animals fighting, that dug up the grass there.’ Orlando did not know and was silent.
… They decided to retreat back to the shelters they had in town area. Home sweet home, but it was shelter from the animals and people who may try to take over. Well, the winter turned bad for our three. They had no food and their three horses charged when the lightening hit the mansion in the worst spring storm they had ever seen.
… Well they have a cart and if not too full, a man can pull it with not too much trouble. Crops do not weigh much, so this will have to do for now. They had no money for more horses anyways, and government Dally and Netra were not going to reimburse them. But what helped everyone this spring into summer, was the chickens of past were still hearty and several dozen more came in this spring’s crop. So they were not too alarmed just yet. Summer was on its way, and this was a good time, with abundance of some foods.
… Well, they were doing all right and progressed a bit more as months went on, but the summer brought its own problems. Droughts. On top of that the river became a dribble. Not enough to last through the hot season. So, the ladies bundled up food for the three men and they went on the hunt for the source of the river. Government did not have a say in daily life here, for they were too busy making money somehow. So as time went by Orlando was lead chief and Jerry along with Hermes were helping.
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… On this day of adventure Orlando said, ‘Come lets go see the mansion garden first. Maybe we will meet someone there?’ So our three in their winter coats wandered toward the mansion hills. It was a climb for was not flat and as they approached, Orlando asked ‘Are you sure you are ready for this Jerry.’
… Jerry was beside him very close and was looking fearful, while Hermes was deep in thought off to one side, as almost staring at the building up above them. Jerry uttered, ‘Banshees, the closer we get to that building the more fearful it looks to me.’ ‘Yes,’ agreed Orlando, ‘no doubt it was to put fear in the people about. It may have been a ruthless overlord or the likes.’ Hermes explained, ‘Yes in ancient times that is all they had to control the people. But even today fear is an intricate part of some business structures.’
… So Orlando led the way as Hermes quietly said, ‘I have never been ruthless in my job.’ Orlando answered, ‘No Sir. That is good, for the people there did appreciate you. Its too bad things turned out the way they did.’ Jerry replied ‘Yes but it will change. Things always change given enough time.’ Hermes added, ‘Sometimes time is not a luxury in life.’
… As they got closer Jerry was trailing for sure. They walked up to the fencing where the towering mansion was close, for they wanted just to check on the mysterious garden again. And sure enough, there was progress and even some plants growing. They stood there sort of hiding from mansions view, where another fencing of lighter quality stood. Our three again stood against the rough slats for all were very curious, but they also knew that the trip they had started, was for a more pressing problem. Orlando said, ‘Don’t that beat all! But this curiosity will have to wait our trip for water men. Come!’
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… Their trip was OK at first but then as they went around into the hills it became steeper and the first mountainous cliff appeared. With that, there was a cave which Orlando saw from a distance. He shrieked ‘Great God! This may be where the mine is.’ He ran towards the opening of this cave, as a bear came out and stood on his hind legs. Well, the three men went in all different directions. This confused the bear and it went back into cave. (No doubt had cubs there.) Orlando, when far enough away, did the whistles as they had arranged, so the other two of Jerry and Hermes made their way to the whistles.
… As they joined forces again, they were a couple of hills further into the mountains. They found another cave there but were not anxious to peer in. They knew the river was close for could hear it. As was said in the history of this area, at the source of the river the water came out in torrents. It was like a spout from the peak of a hill. So when they heard the water, it became their directional guider.
… Within an hour it was loud and they were higher in these hills. They rounded a cliff and there was the mountain fountain, spewing off as normal but with less vigor. Orlando said, ‘We must find a way into this hill. The river may be blocked of something. It has lots of force but it is struggling.’ So the other two followed Orlando around to the other side.
… There was a cave there also, of which they found plenty of, in this area. They dared to look into this cave after the bear episode, but Jerry and Hermes were edging-away towards the back of Orlando, ready to high tail it in the other direction. But when Orlando disappeared into the cave, the other two had to follow. They looked at each other and daringly went in as well.
… It was a deep cavern with a large pool. The pool was the overflow of the water that was spewing from the mountain spout at their level. But with the light coming into this cave from around the spout, our three men were speechless with what they saw. They did see the Beaver and its large damn, and that was what Orlando figured was disturbing the water flow. But the real surprise was the sparkling colors all through the lower walls.
… As viewing the water lines on the walls beside them, they knew that the jewels these fellows had the privilege of sighting, would only be seen in lean years, for the water would cover them most other times. Orlando uttered ‘Holy Mackerel! We will be rich. Come fellows we must waste no time! Now is the time to harvest this mother-load, for in a few weeks this will be under water and so will we.’ Orlando turned and called, ‘Come, hurry!’ And they rushed back to town to get wet suits or the best they could get, and ready themselves for another journey with their small cart. Orlando prayed as looking into the air, ‘Oh for a horse or two!’
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… In town they tip-toed about not even letting the ladies know what was happening. Orlando felt, if government knew, they would have them mine these jewels and government would get the money, to spring up other areas. So as our three got what they needed, they headed out again hoping government wouldn’t come up-out-of-the-books, just yet.
… It was on their way back into the hills they actually saw a wild horse. They were stunned and just watched this mare as it was grazing. Well, as soon as mare saw our three men, it did an about-face, and ran with its tail in the air and its main flying about. Orlando was disappointed for felt they may have had a chance to corral the creature, but not to be.
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… They did harvest a lot of the jewels, but where to take them for funds. There was the city in the south, but it was not a leading center and it was questionable if they would have any use for these jewels. Our men were gathering up a load of chipped rock and storing it in burlap sacks near the entrance of the cave. They were heavy enough that nothing could walk off with them, and who would? So they felt secure with their storage area and carried on.
… As viewing the landscape, they saw a cliff that went quite high and felt they may see beyond the hills to find another city of greater prosperity. But as they spent the time and did actually get high into these hills, they could not see over the tops of the hills in front of them. They knew that the mansion would go much higher, and the view would be magnificent there, but who was going to take that chance?
… Orlando and Hermes spoke, then Orlando asked, ‘Gracious, what do you think?’ Hermes said, ‘Well if we got guns, we may get by if there is only a few people there.’ Orlando replied, ‘Well it is not people as in spooks. The place is haunted as far as I remember.’ Jerry uttered ‘Banshees, Count me out. I have a fear of spooks and it rode me much when I was a kid.’ Hermes answered ‘Hey Man! Why do we have to go there anyways? If we just walk over some of these hills ourselves which I will add, we may have to do so anyway, it would save us much time just to walk there now, don’t ya think?’ Orlando answered ‘Yes, well what do you think Jerry?’ ‘For Sure! I’m good with that.’ ‘Great, that is what we will do then. We must get ready for the food the ladies gave us this morning is half gone.’ ‘Yes’ agreed Jerry.
… So they walked back to mine area and pulled the cart into cave covering it with the burlap sacks to cart it off. As they were about to leave back to homestead, Orlando uttered ‘Strife, why do we not just leave cart here. It is heavy and will wear us out before we make the round trip. Besides governmental persons may see us. I do not think others will come here.’ Jerry agreed ‘Yes Sure, for by the time we get back it will be too late to see! We should wait till tomorrow now, Sir.’ ‘Yes great, we will do that. Come!’ So they wandered back to their rubble and will start fresh tomorrow, early.
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… So, they got up early but by the time they got back to their riches the cart was gone? Not a sign of anything. They were in alarm. ‘Was it the spooks!’ asked Jerry. ‘Banshees, did they know we were going or might go to the mountain?’
… Our men did not feel safe and were frustrated. That was a lot of work they put into this place for several days. So they went inside and gathered up bits of rock with some jewels in. They got a couple of old pails that were in cave for years, (or it looked like that), So they did not go home empty handed, which was good for them. The others at village were restless, for food was going to be slim this winter, again.
… Our people here began to realize, there were not enough people to start up this town. And no ambition either. It was as if it was not to be? Orlando puzzled over this. ‘But where did our great opportunity, venture to? That cart cannot have disappeared. No way!’ Orlando was going to get to the bottom of this. But they left it. Lots of threats and talking of, but not in top health so lazy and just getting by.
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… By the next spring there were only the three men and one lady. And Jerry at that was not healthy. He did not wish to go on trips, for not strong enough. Orlando thought, well it is the mansion or death. He talked it over with Hermes and both agreed. So he talked to Jerry saying, ‘Stay here and care for the lady. Do some gardening and we will be back later.’ Jerry had no energy to proclaim otherwise.
… Orlando and Hermes felt they should not say what they were going to do. It would make the other two worry. They packed up much food on their own, as the lady was getting Jerry breakfast. Orlando knew if they did not get help, Jerry would not be around. So off they were forced to go, ghosts or no ghosts.

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Cycles of life … Chapter 3.

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Invading the Mansion.
… Hermes and Orlando went back to the fencing with the plants growing. Sure enough, there was a garden started again. Orlando uttered ‘Strife, we will go to the cave first to see if our buggy is there.’ So when they went nearer there was no buggy but there was a shovel, which was not their own.
… They looked at this shovel very intently. It had hairs on it as in goat or game of some type. Hermes asked, ‘Where would herdsmen be staying other than a cave near? They even found a remnant of clothing, so they knew there were humans here somewhere. But where? Hermes answered ‘No, it could not be in the mansion!’ Look at the past history we studied when coming here. The guards and the detectives were in fear and most of the people left the area because of the spooks in the fields, or that is what the books said, Remember?’ Orlando answered, ‘Well we should see if we can get into mansion.’
… As looking toward the mansion Orlando said, ‘There is a door there.’ Hermes replied ‘But why? What will we accomplish by doing this? We might as well turn ourselves in, is what it is?’ Orlando uttered ‘Strife, Jerry is going to die very soon if we do not get a better shelter or better food. If there are humans here, it is wise we seek their help.’
… Orlando went on with, ‘Do not worry, I have strong muscles and will fight anyone to the ground. You will be safe if you stick with me.’ ‘Oh all right’ uttered Hermes, who was also quite muscular but not as demonstrative of his own abilities. Hermes added. ‘I have always been able to trust you, so one more time for old times’ sake.’ they clapped their hands upon the other and smiled.
… So the men turned and stared at the entrance to the mansion. It was a side door and was near the garden, but up the cliff a bit. Orlando went nearer the building and the grass was like hay along the granite brick wall that the mansion was built of. There were many bugs taking shelter there among the hay, that was sheltered from the cooler spring winds of the open. Orlando said to Hermes. ‘Well see … we have found much food here in the bugs. If we are starving, we must remember this patch, that may keep us alive.’
… Orlando viewed the door and it was of old wood and not that sturdy. He commented to Hermes, ‘If we have a large rock we could probably get into this building. Hermes was kind of in fear and did not answer but Orlando was determined to find help.
… They got through the fencing and Orlando found a small boulder. They climbed the hill and struck the door several times, then waited. Right away the door opened and a voice from the dark interior, said in a low pitch, ‘Be gone, this is Our Domain. We Do Not wish visitors. Leave!’ Orlando explained ‘We are in trouble. One of ours is going to die soon, do you have food for this one?’ The door closed almost tight as Orlando and Hermes, who was now 2 yards away just down the hill, patiently waited the outcome. They had nowhere else to turn.
… Then came another squeak of the door and a voice said, ‘Here take this and be gone. We will defend to the death if you try to take us over.’ Then out was thrust a parcel of food, which Hermes was able to catch on the fly, as it was speedily traveling down the hill. Orlando said, ‘We have no intention of taking over your domain here. We just need help. We have seen your garden patch. Its good you have such a shelter. Not like ours of an old poorly built wooden structure in town proper. We have a garden but with only three of us… well, now we have given up on living here. Could you help us?’ ‘No’ was replied with abruptness. And the door was being closed over. Orlando pushed the door and questioned ‘Why not, we can work together!’
… The door opened abruptly and the guy came out into the light. He was a hideous looking person, for had a hump on his right shoulder and his face had a bulge on it as well. Orlando cringed as Hermes stood back a bit more. The guy said ‘You see, even you are afraid of us. We were ban from this city many years ago and we know enough to not go back. You will ban us yourselves as time goes by. We do not wish that again. We have made our niche here, and here is where we will stay. We have given you food, now what more do you want from us?’
… Orlando agreed ‘Yes, thank you for the food. If you ever need help let us know and we will help you.’ The guy looked down and turned to go back into mansion. To this Orlando answered, ‘That is a promise sir!’ The guy went in the door and turned to say, ‘OK we will see,’ and the door closed tightly with a thud as the locking bar was being hooked up inside.
… As walking toward Hermes, Orlando whispered ‘Well they are not warriors but probably would wound us if we forced ourselves upon them. But all is OK here. Right?’ Hermes agreed ‘Yes let’s go now!’ and they wandered rather quickly, back towards town with enough food for the day.

… Later on, after Orlando and Hermes got back to their village with food mainly for Jerry, they remembered hearing of some court cases that had been tried under false accusations but were still sent away just the same. This was when our group first got near this area and didn’t know what was going on. Our two were pleased they got hold of someone and wished to retaliate for these poor hibernating mansion people. But with most in their group dead or sickly, and with no money from the riches they dug, the only true shelter within miles of here, was this spooky mansion.

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History of Basement Down Under .
… In the basement, this guy who was older and the original one who stayed here, was banned from the city limits many years ago. As most of the people up top became sick, this one down under did not die of the plague and was able to maintain basement in this huge mansion. In his mind he was going to show them all. As the group down under got larger with more of the people banned from their city, the down-under people would raid fields for food and orchards would be robbed to sell in other places, by the more normal persons of this group.
… Orlando knew some from the historic paper they studied before coming here but it did not say where these people were staying. Our two thought they had probably died out by now. But now with this info of where these people were, our two wished to make a deal with this group. They dared to go there again and said, ‘We know a cave to stay in but if you allowed us to live here, we will share the wealth with you. Orlando took a hand full of the mansion people that could walk, up into the hills on other side of their mountain. They did a little chatting but most of these basement people were pretty quiet. As they came towards the cave on this upward slope, Orlando noticed the shovel there that had goat hair on it. He asked the older basement person of this group, if the shovel was theirs? This older fellow Peters replied, ‘no.’
… Well they showed the jeweled mine within the lake they had found. The excavation was heavy work and they were hoping for some help from these people. Orlando asked the mansion people if they knew where there was a cart full of rocks but there was no answer, and most did not know what they were talking of. But some of the mansion people were interested in the glittering stones and it was arranged that they would come out to the watery mine in mid mornings for some excavating. As they got there the next morning Orlando grabbed this abandoned shovel and took it in to be used and put with their other tools. The shovel may have been a mystery but now they have another useful tool for their collection.
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… As time went on, the two government people Dally and Netra, fled to their homeland. It was a no go here for them. So our three that were left, settled into a routine and with the other’s help, they were able to stash a pile of diamonds in the cave under lock and key. Our men had to have a certain amount before this cart driver would come from a near city and take these riches away.
… Orlando was hoping that any day there would be enough, but they had come to a snag. The vein they had been so busy with in the past few months has vanished, so again they keep digging but cannot find a new vain. It’s not enough to be worth their while so they kept riches hidden out of everyone’s sight. They didn’t wish to leave the area for where would they go?
… Our men often go back to the cave and pick away in their spare time, but since the mother-load was not enough, they were looking to take up business within the southern richer city.
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… The third of our men, Jerry, did pass that next winter to the great beyond, as I’m sorry to say the others followed the next winter for they have not been seen, lately. Before they left, it was Orlando who was seen going to the mansion to take all tools and riches they had found and offer them to the mansion people. They might as well help someone. But these few people were nervous, and Orlando assured them that when he went to this other city, he would never give their location away. And to this day, with the best of anyone’s recollection, Orlando and Hermes did keep their promise. From the hearsay of these people, Orlando stayed there in their company till he parted to the great beyond, shortly thereafter. I’m sure these Mansion people will not forget these two of Orlando and Hermes.
… With the history of the wars and bad living conditions, is it any wonder that there was not another attempt to settle these areas. But the city in the south was now sending up waves of warriors and shooting all they could, for their Rulers wanted this land.
… This was back in the barbarian’s time when if you wanted a kingdom you sent your troops out to kill people and take their land by force. Thus there were wars here regularly. And of the droughts and plagues, well you know history.
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Beginnings .
… In the history as it was told; In the beginning there was a mansion that was used as a fun house of a king in ancient times. But as that era went past via a war and then a plague, most buildings were rubble. But again, as we know, this did not detour the ones who lived there in that mansion. They simply kept place up and were able to grow their own food as they could.
… These ones did not go to war and were far down in the basement of this old mansion. They had odd abnormalities, and one look at them made people squeamish, so the people of town fled regularly. Thus the bigoted Rulers of this valley continued to ban any abnormal people who came along, with the rest of the problems.
… So these outcasts, instead of staying with the general public and getting chastised while they went through the event of leaving village limits, they would sneak away and head for the hills. There they were led or followed or stumbled upon this basement, of the mansion on the mountain. The common human was very superstitious and would not go near this mansion that was known to be spooked. So the ones that had been banned from the town, eventually could hide out in that basement of the old mansion.
..As time goes on, still other fables and superstitions crept up. Most did not know these people were there and thriving. Being a fun house, these basement people often made use of the articles there. Like the shimmering materials used for the ghostly figures in the fields. Oh, they were thriving as was said, for if they needed something they managed to arrange for that something. They did not steel except if they knew the persons were bad. The Gem laden underground pool of that distant hill was the source of the small stream that ran through the basement of the mansion. The basement being low in the ground as was the pool in the Gem cave, gave the mansion people water throughout all the droughts. Most had no idea how well set up these people were, and these people were not going to let anybody know.

–

Cycles of Life … Chapter 4.

–

A New Start.
… Later thus 10 years, as that era was coming into another, Two partners in business wished to buy this no-named land and were told, it was sitting empty for many years, or they thought.
… Slowly the people started coming in but it was tough. There were no buildings to speak of, just remnants of. There were many problems with pests, and the weeds had taken over most areas. The soil was OK but many bones were found. This alarmed the owners Jack and Jason. They knew it was a place of war but they did not figure there would be many bones beneath the surface. Thus, when people did come in, they often left just as fast.
… Imagine starting your farmhouse with odds and ends of wood, from the old homestead that was bombarded and shot up. But this was not truly making them leave, nor was the rampant weeds in area, it was the bones that were often visible as they lay with edges above the surface soil. Who wants to dig and plant the food they will eat in a month or two, among the dead!
… On the day the realtors had met these two businessmen, they led them to the foothills near the mountain of area. There were no bones to be found there, so not much more was said. The realtors were emphasizing the mountain that our boys were elated by.
… In looking at a piece of land you wish to buy, you do not look at all the land when it’s of acreage size. You rely upon the realtor to give you any major tips. Could it be that the realtors did not know the land themselves. That is a slip-up on their part.
… When Jack and Jason bought these 250 acreages, they were told it had been a thriving city in places. But now with many leaving as soon as they came, our two were losing heart already, for these two were young and wanted an adventure. They were not ruthless but wanting to progress an area for their entertainment more than anything. They had many dreams when they saw this area, etched out in their local paper. They thought this would be a great place to be able to come on their vacations. It even had a mountain that could be climbed with moderate difficulty.
… Jason and Jack were doing some serious thinking after the realtor left them in the hills. But they had their buggy on the flat so were not worried of getting back.
–
… Now at this point the Basement down-under had air vents through the more rocky areas of the hills. In the mansion three young men were sitting having coffee of herbal type, that the ladies would go out and scrounge for in the hills about. This is partly why these people survived. (They live off that land. Not as a city, where often they would ship in stuff. In olden days, this often led to food poisoning and other difficulties.)
… As the people down-under were sipping this special tea and listening to the old music on this old, cranked music Box, they heard Jack and Jason above them. The three fellows of down-under at first heard something, when one got a barrel set up (of which they made wine in). Then as one climbed the barrel to near the surface where a small grating was, (3 by 3 inches) that one heard the conversation up top. ‘Jeepers, What was said? Tony asked Pall. ‘Oh new owners.’ Maybe we will get involved. There are too many of us here. We are cramped in our living now.’
… Pall got down with the help of the other two, as he was saying, ‘Orlando told me yesterday that it would not be too bad up top, if there were more people involved. Should we get involved?’ He looked to the third saying, ‘What do you think Hermes?’ ‘Well yes, but I would wait till more come in. If only 10 people, in our experience, it is not enough. Hell! I do not wish to repeat what we did those 8 years ago. Oops sorry!’
… Hermes went on with, ‘What I mean is, it was fun at the start but then very bad. There was only the two of us in the end. I went into depression when I came here. It was too much grief to see your friends die one after the other.’ Pall replied, ‘Tony, I will try! I do wish a change.’ Tony answered ‘Good, we will ask others. Maybe Phil will come also.’ Hermes replied ‘Just hold off for a bit till you know who all is there. Go up as spies. That should be right up your alley Scotty.’ Scotty just came into tunneled out room, so was surprised when he was talked to. He turned suddenly and uttered ‘Oh,’ then he went to the coffee hot pot to get a warm drink from the fire. ‘I’m not sure what you mean?’ replied Scotty to Hermes. ‘Is your age getting to you sir. Ha-Ha.’
… Hermes smiled and said, ‘Well I still have some fight in me, but I will take a back seat with this infiltration. You younger lads need to branch out, but do not hurry in till you know the terrain.’ ‘OK. Sure!’ answered Pall. The three lads met at table with Hermes still sitting there relaxing. There was a bit more discussion of rounding Phil and maybe another, to go as a group up top.
–
… Now up top, the owners Jack and Jason could not stay, for had jobs in a town toward the southeast.
(In the distant past, Orlando and Hermes along with Jerry were right in thinking of getting above the hills, because there was the city where Jack and Jason lived, but the problem was, it was miles away. It was a fairly large town and takes 4 hours by buggy. So in the past, if Orlando and Jerry had spotted this large town, it would not have done them any good. It is arranged by fate for things to happen at the right time.)
–
… So as time passed and with another 2 years of having people drift in and then leave again, these brothers were about to throw in the sponge. Jack asked, as sitting out in field among the bones there. ‘Bonkers, so what and how can we deal with this? All we need to do is dig the surface. It was said that 45 years ago all left this area. I guess that accounts for the grass and surface dirt that covers these graves.’
… Jason questioned, ‘It has to be worth our while to plough up these bones. But how the Heck?’ Jack replied, ‘If we got a plough, even a second hand one, it would pick them up.’ Jason added ‘We would also need to buy a horse or two. Good grief! With our other jobs, we have little time for such endeavors. We would have to care for these horses as well.’
… Jason paused a few minutes then spoke ‘Well, maybe if we planted as we went, it would save us much time. At least it is something constructive. Could we hire 50 workers and plant the fields, or a portion every year?’ Jack agreed with, ‘Well we would have to pay the workers.’ Jason put his head down and thought. Then he uttered, ‘Prosperous! What if we gave them a piece of the land for helping!’ Jack interrupted saying, ‘Yes, then we would not have to bail out to them.’ Jason uttered ‘Yes, that is the first positive thing we have thought of. OK I am game. But we have to buy a plough.’ ‘Well, I have some money,’ spoke Jack, ‘It would use all my money, but you could pay me back some in future, right?’ ‘Sure!’ agreed Jason, ‘We would only be going up from here.’ Jack replied ‘If we got a few people here, to farm only what we sift with the plough, then they may not leave. What they do not know will not detour them, Right?’ ‘Sure.’ replied Jason, ‘Should we start right away? It is March now.’
… Jack hesitated, ‘Well I have to get money to buy this plough and my money is in bonds at this point, but where would we buy a machine as thus? We should ask if it would work too!’ ‘Yes’ agreed Jason. ‘I get tomorrow off and will go into our town. Maybe someone can tell me where to go.’ ‘Awesome!’ replied Jack. Let me know and we can start our town tomorrow. I’ll send you a telegram first thing tomorrow.’
… But as time went on nobody wished to come. Any who had, must have told of the happenings here. Jack uttered, ‘We have soiled our fate!’ Jason answered, ‘What will we do now?’ Jack and Jason were sitting on the hills in back discussing this and wondering of selling the place again. Maybe we can get some of our money back. Jason said, ‘Let us not give up yet. There must be somebody out there who wishes a job.’
–

Back at Mansion.
… Now for the past year or two, the mansion people had cooled their heals for the onset of another winter was upon them. It is best to start a new project in springtime. Several of the elders and 10 of the younger generation were seated in the living area, just making small talk when they heard others talking. Tony replied ‘Good, the people are back and talking again. I have not heard them for a while. I do not think they live here cause they disappear for long times. Should we go out and talk to them now?’ Peters said, ‘Just listen first. Find out what is happening before you jump.’ So Calvin, another of the elders, grabbed a sturdy chair and jumped up to the grate at the top of this room. These grates were on the outside walls so the air could come into the basement from outside the mansion.
..Calvin agreed, ‘Yes! They wish to hire people for the fields.’ ‘That’s Crack!’ answered Pall, ‘We will go up and ask.’
–Calvin uttered ‘Just wait. They are not prepared themselves. Listen… they have to get money to buy machines. They will get a plough so you will be farming in high fashion. Good for you, Boys!’
… Peters was excited now. He was all for it. ‘A modern farm to work at. Boy! I wish to give a hand also if this is going to happen. Keep me informed. I will be hiking to town in south very soon. Maybe I should go there sooner? We need to get a paper to see their ad. But I do not know when. No point to go, till we know if their ad is in the paper. Please, if any know of this we must introduce ourselves in the proper ways. We do not wish to give our location away men. Never!’ ‘Right!’ agreed Calvin. ‘This is a must boys. Never say where you live. OK?’ They all agreed and will wait for further progress.
… So another few weeks passed, and the mansion people were moving up into mansion now for the spring is coming. It happened that Phil who was filled in by Tony of their plans, was watching out window and saw a few people way off in one of the fields. He was unsure what the thing was they were around, but he came away from window to make his breakfast of fresh eggs from the chickens they had trapped last week. They have no idea where these chickens came from but at this point Phil went out back, to check on them.
… Suddenly Phil heard a loud sound along with shaking of ground. He could hear the elders inside hollered with, ‘What is that?’ As the ground started shaking more, our mansion was in turmoil. Phil ran inside as many ran to windows. Then they saw a plough with 4 horses pulling it. This plough was ultramodern. (The boys must have spent all they had.) But this machine did not need humans trudging along after it. As the horses pulled this machine, its rotary turned with the force of the pull as it moved along slowly. So it was chomping and digging up the dirt leaving many bones on surface of soil.
… The mansion people could see these white articles being sifted by this machine. Tony asked Peters, ‘Please can we go out now and offer help?’ Peters thought for a minute and replied ‘OK. Do not go straight to them. Go out back and around.’ ‘Sure’ spoke Tony as he called, ‘Phil, get Scotty and Pall. Come on, we will go ask for work together.’
–
… So the 4 boys of Tony, Phil, Scotty and Pall, went out back of mansion and spent 10 minutes scurrying around from foothills. They approached watching these strangers operating this machine. As they got closer, they were alarmed at what the machine was picking up. Tony explained, ‘Just follow me as if we wish work. Come.’ So Tony sauntered in looking at the group of three people waiting on the sidelines. They were watching two others to see if machine could be fixed or if this huge machine would even work. It would run for 5 minutes then grind to a stop. It was a problem and our boys waited about half an hour before Jason and Jack noticed them.
… Jack was on seat of plough and gave a tug at the reins again, to start the horses, and as he looked up he said to Jason with great delight, ‘Oh we have more people here. They are young, but that may be better.’ Jack turned about and asked, ‘Hi, are you here to help?’ ‘Yes’ answered Tony. ‘Can we?’ ‘Sure, of course. You will get a piece of the land for your work. It will take time. Do you have transportation back to your city?’ ‘Yes’ replied Phil, ‘we will manage thanks.’ ‘Awesome’ uttered Jack. ‘Come over here.’ Phil went and they got him to sit in the plough seat.
–
… Well, back at the mansion they were elated as looking out window with spy glass. ‘He’s in the driver’s seat. Wow! How about that!’ exclaimed Peters. Orlando said, ‘Good for him. I wish them well.’ Then he went away kind of somberly.
… Calvin caught up with him and asked, ‘What is wrong?’ Orlando said, ‘It brings back memories. We had much ambition when we were out there. But we gave up and came to you. I regret that now.’ Calvin said, ‘Well why didn’t you go out there yourself? You are allowed!’ Calvin went on with, ‘Some of the elders here are too cautious. I will grant you the privilege to go out now and get working with the boys. You be their guardian?’ ‘Oh’ answered Orlando, ‘I’m getting too old. Are you sure I should?’ ‘Yes, GO!’ ‘Well all right. I will take Hermes as well!’ So Orlando full of glee, called Hermes, then grabbed his overalls from the basement and the two hurried out the back door.
… As they ran Orlando managed to get overalls on over his other clothes, but Hermes was smart for he already put his on while listening to Calvin talking to Orlando. It was a new lease on life for both and they were very happy to try again to create a homeland area.
… Well he got there and Jack uttered ‘Bonkers, another one… Two! Welcome, did you two come with the boys here?’ Orlando, not knowing what to say replied, ‘Yes I am.’ Jack replied ‘Good!’ He talked quieter saying to both, ‘I was a bit concerned, for some of these young fellows are pretty young. Thanks for attending them.’ Jack smiled at Orlando most, then turned to the crowd.
–

Times are A-changing.
… Now, they have been living in that mansion for many years and the next generation has grown up down under. This is new stock, and most did not have abnormalities. Thus, their life was getting better as time went on. And as they were moving up into the floors of mansion, they were making do also. That was a large building and could house many a person.
–
… Back in the fields Jack called, ‘Pay Attention please!’ We will take turns riding with the machine. Some of you will grab a shovel from the cart over there and start turning over the dirt so more bones are visible, but most of you will pick up bones and throw into a pile. We have to sift the bones from the soil then later we will plant the soil.’
… ‘And listen up!’ shouted Jason, ‘We have put up a tenting over there by the trees. It’s sheltered from the open field so may be warmer. So if you need to stay the night you can. There are about 20 sleeping bags there so help yourselves. But, Oh yes. Those who do spend the night, will start early in morning turning soil to bare the bones to the surface. All got that?’
… Some comments were heard, but our two businessmen of Jason and Jack did not figure many would stay the night. It was still pretty cold out in this early spring. The two owners were hoping that they could get all organized before the month was up. They had their jobs in their home city of Cochin 4 hours away to the southeast, and being businessmen of an office environment, they were very glad to get back to civilization each night, believe me. Besides most had a coal firebox in the bigger cities.
… Well, when our 4 boys of Tony Phil Pall and Scotty got home to mansion via back door, the elders were elated, and they had their first true party with homemade beer. This was a true celebration they hadn’t seen in years, for now they could claim land to expand their dwelling area. They planned to ask for the land outside their fencing to have more homes for the younger generation.
–

… As time went on the owners were pleased with Orlando. He was a good worker and had a head on his shoulders. Not like some of the younger boys. They had finished about 2 acres that could be planted for a fall crop. That was great. At least it was something. Jack and Jason then called the men together this one Friday evening. They had brought sandwiches as a treat, although most bring their lunch for the day.
… Our two businessmen sat the workers down on the grassy lands near the tents and talked to them as they ate the sandwiches. Jason said, ‘Fellows we are businessmen and have our jobs in town of Cochin to the east. I believe some of you are from there as well. But the thing is, our vacation is over and now next Monday we have our fulltime jobs. We are going to pass the baton to Orlando here. So all are to follow orders that we will relay to Orlando via telegram. If anyone objects to this arrangement, say so now. ‘No,’ was heard and they all started clapping.
… They settled down and one asked, ‘When do we get our land you have promised for our work?’ Jack answered, ‘You are sitting on it.’ Everyone muttered something. Jack said, ‘What I mean to say is, this land you are working on now, will belong to some. We will sift this soil through the winter months as we can and there will be a lot more land ready next spring. As more is prepared and planted we will partition it off in sections and give it accordingly. It will take a time but if any of you wish land to build on now, we can arrange something. Who wishes that? ‘About 5 hands went up.
… ‘Sweet,’ Jack turned to Jason to discuss situation. Jason quietly replied, ‘Well through the trees there we could give a bit of land. Jack turned to the crowd and said, ‘People, it will be in the trees there. It will only be a bit for a small dwelling but as time goes on more land will be available. You will have to bear with us. Take a look around. It is happening, yeah!’ A lot cheered with that, for in front of them was land and the big machine. Jack announced, ‘By this time next year all should have a piece of the land.’
… Before Jack and Jason left, they told Orlando, ‘Please get more people to help out here. We have to leave you in charge. There needs to be another 15 people or the town will not prosper. We have run out of places to place ads. There seems to be very few people wishing farming these days. Sorry, it is in your hands Sir.’ ‘Holy Mackerel, I will try.’ replied Orlando. Jack said, ‘Good that is all we ask thanks. We will drop by when we can.’ They shook hands and went on their ways. Hermes seemed to be in background, but he was OK with that.
–
… So the owners Jack and Jason would appear on weekends when they had no work. Orlando has partitioned off 10 lots on outskirts of property and all the boys were helping each out in building basic dwellings. These homes were built so they could be added onto very easily later. Orlando seemed to take this in his stride but Hermes was laboring. Orlando would console Hermes many times a day. Was Hermes sick?
… Orlando talked to Hermes one evening as they got settled in mansion basement again. He consoled, ‘We will find a home yet Sir. I cannot guarantee this will be it but we have much land here.’ Hermes replied, ‘That is not what is upsetting me. Its all the people there, in our city back home. Dictatorship is a ruthless regime and our friends will be subjected to many horrors. How long has it been now?’ Orlando thought a minute and then said, ‘About 10 and a half years, Sir’. Hermes just stared at Orlando.
… Orlando quietly spoke ‘Sir, they will be very used to that regime now. They may adjust as humans often do to bad situations. We have it good here now, ourselves. At least we are not locked in a dungeon.
Sir I feel we did the right thing to escape. Except for Jerry’s passing we are not too badly off.’
… Orlando paused and smiled at Hermes saying, ‘You are getting stronger physically with all the labor you are doing and I have bigger muscles also, in the arms anyway. This life we live now is good for the physical, more natural Sir.’ Orlando smiled at Hermes and said, ‘Sir, I beg of you to be calm and hold on for a while longer. We will get through this, you will see. We have friends here in the down under, and they are friends Sir! Not like some we had back in our county.’
–

Letter of Concern.
… Thus, they settled down for the night among all the persons living in that large mansion on the hill. But what Orlando did not know is that there came a letter to Hermes earlier that day. Apparently back home, there was a war raging on all the people there. Two of Hermes friends had already perished and the letter was from others asking what to do.
… Hermes got up very early next morning and went out down the main alley. He caught the mailman as he was walking to get his morning coffee to this open shed. (the only store type building of our area) Hermes followed this guy into this shop and the shop-keep asked, ‘Well Sirs, will it be coffee?’ Mailman Chip answered, ‘Yes for me, I’m not sure of this fellow, who are you again?’ ‘Oh sorry, I am Hermes, I have this letter. I wonder if you could get it out right away?’ Chip said, ‘Well I could send a telegram. Would that be acceptable?’
… Hermes thought for a minute, then replied, ‘No sir, … Oh I’m not sure,’ and Hermes broke down and cried. The two there of Chip the mailman and Lucy the shop-keep were stunned. They did not know this person well but had seem him working in the fields several times recently. Lucy asked, ‘Sir are you OK?’ Hermes settled down and said, ‘Sorry, I have friends that are in a war off in other lands. I just got a message yesterday, that two of my friends have been killed and the others want advice.’
… Lucy uttered ‘Wow, is this Addison the city in the southeast?’ ‘Yes’ answered Hermes. Lucy said, ‘Oh I know. My parents are there, and it is not good. They have no food. The officials will not let them plant anything and nothing is being shipped in neither.’ Hermes thought a minute then replied, ‘Well I guess I should not go there.’ Lucy warned, ‘Oh… do not! It will be certain death, they are in hiding there.’ Hermes commented, ‘Thanks for saving my life. But what am I to do?’ Lucy answered, ‘Well the officials will take care. There is not much us civilians can do with an official event as a war.’ Hermes spoke quietly, ‘But I am, one of those officials.’ Lucy and Chip just stared at Hermes, not knowing what he meant or which side he was on.
… Hermes did not say much more and finished his coffee and went back to mansion area. By then there were others in fields. Well, when Orlando saw Hermes, he ran toward him. ‘Where have you been. I was worried for you.’ Hermes said, ‘All is OK. I did not go home, not yet anyway. Ha-Ha, ‘ Orlando smiled but was shocked. (After all Orlando was responsible for Hermes and the last things Orlando wished, was for someone to cart Hermes off for judgment, in their city back home.)
–
… Well as the weekend came, here comes Jason and Jack for their weekend inspection. Our workers could see right away that Jack was not himself. Orlando went up to Jason and told of the progress and they were pleased. But Orlando then turned to Jack and said, ‘It must be a down time of year, for you are not the only one in the dumps. May I ask what is your problem?’ Jack answered, ‘No it is good, my parents are involved with a war and are trying to escape. But they will get themselves killed.’
… Orlando just looked in shock. Orlando asked timidly, ‘Is this a city under dictatorship?’ Jack replied ‘Yes, you have people there also?’ Orlando answered, ‘Oh that is why Hermes is depressed!’ Jack uttered ‘What?’ ‘Strife!’ replied Orlando, ‘Sorry sir, yes that is our city and we managed to escape before they got organized. We were some of the last to get out of there.’
… Now knowing what was wrong, Orlando asked, ‘Is it a serious war or a war of words?’ ‘No’ answered Jack, ‘It’s for a takeover. Apparently, the governing body has been killed or dispersed so are not there to fight. But they would probably be killed by the new dictator coming in. It is hell there right now. I cannot even try to go, and my parents are pleading with me. I’m not sure what to do?’
–

… Orlando stood wondering as he looked out onto the land with many working in the fields. He felt happy that there was in fact progress, and with all these people and more in hiding within the mansion, he has a happier outlook on life since a year or so ago. Then he suddenly thought of back home and Hermes. He turned to Jack and said, ‘Wait here, I will get Hermes.’ Jack stood there in amazement to see Orlando racing further out into field toward Hermes. (He was a Foot-runner who delivered mail in the more advanced city and knew how to travel.)
… By the time Orlando got there in the field, he was all out of breath. He said to Hermes through the puffs. ‘We have to help Jack and his family back in Addison. You know the officials there? Can’t you send a telegram as in an order to release peoples from area?’ Hermes replied ‘Yes, but I cannot guarantee they will be alive till freed from the city. There are many guards of the invaders.’ Orlando uttered, ‘Come with me. Come talk to Jack. He is at his ropes end. Come!’ And Orlando practically dragged Hermes to Jack. Jack was still standing in awe.
… Orlando told Jack. ‘Yes Hermes knows high people there and will give an order to release them from the city limits. Only thing is, Hermes cannot guarantee their safety. There are many guards there. Right Hermes?’ Hermes looked at Jack and saw a very sad person. Jack said, ‘Yes, if there is a chance. My dad said, they will probably be killed maybe even tonight, for both their neighbors were last night.’ Hermes announced, ‘Hey Man, I need to get into town right away.’
… Jason replied, ‘Just wait!’ and he ran in the other direction for the horses and buggy they just came in. He told the driver he had a passenger to go a few blocks to this town, as Jack was walking Hermes to buggy. They would get to town in 15 minutes where, at that corner coffee shop was the only telegram in area. Hermes sent a message off and they sat at a small table awaiting a reply. Lucy called. ‘You folks take a coffee on the house here please.’ And she brought over mugs of coffee from the fire pit for each. I guess she saw how dis-trot Jack was, as they solemnly sat at an empty table waiting an answer. Luckily the shop was slow for most are out in the land in daytime.
… Well before they left our small town there came an answer. Jack was so happy with Hermes, he had to sit and talk to him for three hours while Jason conducted the inspections of the day. Within that time Hermes confided in Jack and ended up saying, ‘You cannot protect all your friends, especially when they will not run from danger.’ The two fellows then made a bargain that Jack will not utter a word, not even to Jason, of the plight Hermes and Orlando are in. Jack said, ‘I will not even let anyone know you are here.’ It was agreed and they both went on with their day, quite happy to know the other. This was a very good move on Orlando’s part for the two have Jack and Jason on their side.
–

… As time went on the land was becoming well farmed and all the participants had a piece of the land. With the houses springing up in area it was looking like a village with the mansion off to one side. There were questions asked of the mansion, but nobody knew of and our people did not speak of, neither. But as more and more of the mansion people came into the open it was getting hard to go home, especially when you had a part time job in the fields. Thus one time Jason saw some of the boys go to the mansion.
… Jack came to Orlando and asked, ‘Are there people living in that mansion over there?’ Orlando asked, ‘Why?’ Jack uttered ‘Bonkers… Jason and I have seen this. I don’t mind if someone wished to live there but I thought most were afraid to go there?’ Orlando questioned, ‘Well I guess they got up nerve to stay there? It would be a wonderful place to stay. It’s the only good building about. Although I will say there are some good smaller homes built now. I think our people are taking lessons or reading upon building proper buildings.’ ‘Yes’, agreed Jack, ‘I have noticed that also. This is good! How are you doing?’ ‘Oh I am well.’ answered Orlando. ‘Hermes is doing well too, he seems to have settled down in life again. That is swell. He has his problems, and I was concerned but now all is right.’ Jack replied, ‘I also! My family is all in my town of Cochin thanks to Hermes. Please thank him for me again, it’s awesome!’ ‘Sure.’ They smiled and they went their ways.
–
… Now another few months went by and things were great. With this summer’s harvests the people were well fed, and to-boot, Jack and Jason had more money and brought freezers for wintertime. These freezers were full by early fall and Orlando made arrangements so one could sell the crops from a new store, or for now, what was a shack, beside the coffee Shop in town proper. They knew more people were winding their way into area, so it is logical to provide basic things for a small amount of money.
… And Now, there are also three places where you could shower and clean clothing. Nothing fancy but a shelter overhead and large stone sinks to wash people or clothes in. You had a shower via pulling the rope to open a rubber lid allowing water to run down upon you from the unique water source. Roof was indented so could be filled with 5 gallons of water. If you bring your own sheet to hook onto the rubber hooks above, you also had privacy.
… Jason and Jack splurged for the people here. They felt sorry for they themselves were becoming well off. Their jobs are progressing for more people are coming into Cochin from the dictatorial areas. With this situation Jack knew Hermes was high up in official business and he coaxed Jason to make some definite moves to modernize mansion area as best as they could. After all it was Orlando and Hermes that saved their families from the war.
… With this progression Orlando was able to ask Jason and Jack to give some of the older youngsters a ride into Cochin. These lads from mansion needed to get educated to a degree, for the area was becoming a growing concern. Since these young lads knew this area firsthand, they were key people to take over area later in life. Orlando, Hermes and the elders of mansion had spoken long of this event and all were hoping that Jack and Jason would take the youngsters to college on one of their trips into Cochin area.
… Well Jack and Jason were delighted for felt area would grow into big doings. This was an out for Jack and Jason also, for later they saw themselves simply working their jobs in Cochin and taking vacations in Spook’s Ville. That is the reason they ventured into owning this land in the beginning.
… When Orlando asked this question, Jack uttered, ‘Sweet! It will not be this trip but the next time we come out you have your young people ready and we will take them back to the college there.’ Jack paused and looked at Orlando. He said, ‘They may be away a few years, so prepare them for this.’ ‘Great Gracious yes!’ As waving Jack and Jason bye, Orlando said ‘I will be sure to keep things in order.’ Then he hurried off to the elders of Preston and Sandy to discuss the report. The mansion people were happy of this and thanked Orlando profusely. It was a major break for them as well.

–

Cycles of life, Chapter 5 .

–

Bad News.
… It was in the fall that year that Hermes got a letter which came to Orlando and Hermes’s New home. The Mailman Chip was very curious as well, for it had official stamps on the letter. Usually, letters were handwritten with several signing, signifying the check points they came through. Here within Orlando and Hermes home, Orlando is talking to Chip as they were sort of waiting the outcome of this letter and what it was. But once Hermes opened letter he excused himself and went into next room to read it.
… Orlando said, ‘It would be nice to get out of here and go back home but our land may not be suited to go back to.’ Chip replied, ‘I have heard sir that the town you speak of, is it Add-son? Orlando commented, Addison Heights. ‘OK’ answered Chip, ‘but I heard that there are not many people there, for they are moving or maybe escaping the area. Maybe the war will stop when there is nobody there to fight?’ Orlando smiled and said, ‘Well that is one way of looking at it! That may be good for us, but it depends on the ones taking over.’ Maybe that is what the letter is about. Oh, here come Hermes, Sh…’
… The two sat at table quietly, watching Hermes coming into room. Hermes uttered, ‘Well that was a wash!’ Orlando asked, ‘What do you mean Sir?’ Hermes went on with, ‘They said many people are leaving area but the dictator is calling in others to continue the war. Is that not the stupidest thing you ever heard of. Why would someone continue a war when they have already conquered?’ Orlando agreed, “Yeah! Well Sir, if it is only a few people we need someone to form an ambush to get them out. Then we can move in and take over. Who was this letter from?’ Hermes answered, ‘My friends there, they are guards.’ Orlando replied ‘Well telegram them and ask how many people they need for an ambush. My group in mansion are young and can fight… I mean…!’ Orlando shut his mouth fast.
… Now Chip did not hear there were people in mansion. He spoke up and asked ‘Oh, am I supposed to be delivering mail to them also?’ Hermes looked at Orlando and Orlando answered, ‘I’m not sure. Where are your bosses?’ ‘They are in Cochin Sir. That is the main check point.’ Orlando said, ‘Yes, ask them. Maybe the mansion people would wish mail? I am not sure?’
… Hermes thought things over through the night and early in morning, before others were up, he made his way to the coffee shop. He sent a telegram as soon as he could, to the guards that sent the letter, and right away got an answer back. It was an, ‘OK please sent as many as can. We have an area of three homes here and are hiding out. If we have another 20 people we would take over, no problem. Thank you Sir! Your city will be yours again.’
–
… Hermes was so excited and was hurrying out to call Orlando to round up anyone in the mansion he could. Well there was almost a collision at the shop’s front door. Orlando was in a panic for Hermes his charge was missing, again. Well at the door Orlando was upset. ‘Why do you insist on giving me a heart attack. I never know what you are up to, or if anyone has taken you away, Sir! Please do not do this again, let me know!’ Hermes said, ‘OK but I had to come. Will you round up anyone willing to fight for our city. All who come will be provided with a good living. You know the trip Sir. Help them prepare and we will leave by tomorrow if we can.’ ‘Holy!’ screeched Orlando. ‘Wow, a victory march! Wow a trip back home! Oh this is great! Thank you and sorry for being upset Sir.’ ‘It is OK Orlando, I understand.’
… Then Hermes turned and asked a fellow right near the shop entrance, if they could get a ride into the fields with the cart this guy was tampering with. ‘Certainly,’ replied this fellow. Hermes took another look at the guy and Orlando uttered a sound in shock and stood perfectly still in a stunned position. It was one of the people that were sent away when they first came here. And not only that, as Orlando and Hermes stood staring in silence as watching this fellow readying his cart with horse, he did not have a limp as he had before!
… Finally Orlando asked, ‘What happened to you?’ Morris looked at Orlando, looking at his legs and said, ‘Well I got an operation, for Gillian and I became rich. We went to a town called Cochin in the east. Well that was a trip… but we made it! By then we must have been a sight, for the people there were alarmed and helped us out. They fed us and gave us clothing. We had been traveling for days and it was mountainous terrain to boot. See, I still have good muscles from that time.’
… This fellow went on with, ‘But since then the two of us have been working in the fields there and getting good money. You know we knew herbal remedies, as we all had to, back in our city. So, we were able to heal their horses who came down with a bad virus. This was a ranch we worked at and the virus was killing a horse a day. We cured the rest of them with the 4 herbal wash. Remember that one?’ ‘No’ replied Orlando, ‘it has been a long time. Morris explained ‘It was For Strangles, Creek Sleepers and Lock Jaw and, Oh yes, Tetanus.’ ‘Yes’ agreed Orlando, ‘There were a lot of problems with horses, But why are you here?’ Morris replied, ‘Well sir, I got lonesome for back home and thought to come and ask if you had gone back. I guess not, as I see you now.’
… Orlando announced, ‘Well we are about to go back and fight for our land.’ ‘Oh I will come. I will telegram to Gillian. Gillian went into more guarding forgot lonesome also. But he has more smarts in guarding and policing as well.’ Orlando said, ‘OK you go in here, and ask to send a telegram. We will wait a ride to the fields over this way, so to tell others of our trip as well. We will all go together maybe tomorrow.’ ‘Great!’ uttered Morris as he climbed the stairs to the coffee shop, which now actually has a sign saying Lucy’s Cup Of.
.. As the morning went on they did get a cart ride to near the mansion. Orlando and Hermes volunteered to climb to mansion for most did not wish to go there. All readied themselves for a journey and met early next morning near the coffee shop for one last drink. Lucy was run off her feet. 18 people piled into her diner and there was standing room only. A few felt sorry for Lucy and her shop, for all were leaving within minutes. They talked to others in the crowd and heard that people have been coming into the outskirts of this town, so there will be a handful of persons come to her shop. We know there will be some in mansion who have health issues, but they have always been basement people, so they are OK!
–
… There was excitement in the crowd, for the trip was long and the reason was to stand up and be counted, as it were. Hermes talked to them of what will happen. He said, ‘We will meet about 10 guards outside the city. They will lead us to the right places where we will not be detected, till we are ready to charge. There are only 5 top people left and some civilians. Those are probably ready to leave but the main guard Andy, told me that we were not to talk to common persons for they are of two minds.’
… So each of our group bought a couple sandwiches as Lucy got rich. They packed their food in their knapsacks which also held their weapons for the future. And off they went by Morris’s Cart with many walking beside it. They decided to take the cart with the one horse, cause if someone became lame or was bit by snake or just sick, they would still have a ride.
… They all had knapsacks on their backs along with sleeping bags, for this trip was long, being a lot farther than Cochin. They decided after an hour’s travel to go nearer Cochin so to make a pit stop along the way. But when they got near Cochin, out from around a hill came 5 guards galloping on horses. Our people were nervous for were not sure what was to happen. Well the Guards cheered them on and escorted them into Cochin city to wait for about 20 more guards.
… Apparently Cochin has many people who had families in Addison Heights. With Morris’s telegram to Gillian in Cochin, he was eager to collect the people there. Knowing there was a revived willing group, to fight the ones who forced them to flee their city, Orlando and Hermes were very delighted. Just to look at these 40 people coming with rifles and other weapons, would make the 5 officials that were in Addison, flee to the hills themselves.
–

The Trip.
… So after a good night’s sleep and tanking up on food, off our group went. It was almost a joyous time but when trip was done, they were met by an angry crowd, who were angry at the officials. For now, the people left were being drawn in with food promises, only to be tortured. Upon hearing this, our group marched in with more caution.
… Hermes knew exactly where the troop of 10 guards were so as they surround this house they greeted, but the guards were kind of shocked to see all the people. One said, ‘Oh we will be seen if all go.’ But another guard, Hermes best friend Thor answered ‘No, we will go single file in and out through yard and bush. If we keep low and Do not make a noise, we will follow the leader to the green house down this road here. Our group will go in back yards at back and your group will go across the street to do the same. We will surround the home and ones with firearms will fire. This will force them out but we will not kill them. They need to be taken to courts about a mile away.’
… Thor turned and continued with, ‘We have a good sturdy cart here. They will fit in here or we will make them fit.’ Hermes said, ‘Oh yes, Morris has a horse here.’ ‘OK’ answered guard Thor, we have two horses for it will be heavy. 5 people weigh a lot you know.
… Well, they came to this dark green house, and it was large with three stories, there was an upstairs staircase and a basement staircase as well so there were three entrances. Jack said to Jason, ‘It’s a good thing we got extra people from Cochin.’ So they positioned themselves so all could go into home at same time and capture the few that were there. They did but there was one missing. A few of the Addison guards stayed hidden while the rest marched the 4 negative dictators down a mile to the courthouse where they were put behind bars. But as the men were retreating back to the home again, they met the other 5 guards who had caught the last dictator. This one must have been the boss for he was a loud-mouthed boorish fellow.
… Well the guards knew what to do and told our group, ‘Go on Please, all is good here.’ So as our group started back to Cochin and mansion area, they took time to check out their city of past. Hermes and Orlando were disheartened. It did not look like their nice city of Addison anymore. Most buildings were rubble and it reminded them of mansion area.
… Orlando looked at Hermes who was depressed and looking away from the rubble. Orlando said, ‘We cannot come back here now. We need to get workers to rebuild at least some of Central Addison so we can start again.’ Hermes looked at Orlando and asked, ‘Is it worth going through that again? We just went through that with mansion area. Maybe we should just stay with Jack and Jason. They do appreciate our help. They made you their leader also!’
… Hermes turned to the crowd that was following them. He said, ‘We will not come back here till this place is rebuilt. Is everyone wishing to go back to Cochin or the mansion again?’ Jack and Jason stepped up and explained ‘We have lots of room where we are and Lucy will love to see us again, I know this.’ Jason turned to Orlando and said, ‘Besides you are our leader there.’ Orlando explained ‘Well my first obligation is caring for Hermes. He is under my protection as it were.’
… Many did not know what he meant but a lot wished to go back to what was familiar. So many turned to continue walking to the west. Orlando grabbed Hermes arm and asked, ‘Are we following?’ Hermes answered, ‘Yes, I am and you should also. Come finish what we started then later we will think of going home.’ Hermes smiled at Orlando and Orlando said, ‘OK Sure.’
… Before this group of about 40 people left Addison’s outskirts, Hermes’s best friend and guard Thor came to him and said, ‘My group will stay here and etch out a living. We will try to start a town up. You go and complete that one and we will await your return Sir, you are still our leader. Hermes smiled and Orlando gawked at Hermes. Orlando at times was as loose ends when it came to Hermes. For when he wished to do something he just did it, often not aware of what could go wrong. But he was a good planner and things usually turned out right.
–

Starting Anew.
… So now our group started off again, and as they got near Cochin, all agreed to continue on to this haunted Mansion area many spoke of. The 20 people from Cochin were mainly from Addison anyway and kind of wish to remain with their own. So off went the 40 people destined for mansion area.
… But suddenly there came a team of horses with armed warriors upon them. They corralled our group and threatened to kill them right there, if they did not give them a ransom of a million bucks. Now in those days that was a huge amount. Nobody had that much in their lifetime. They all surrendered to be taken back to Addison and work as slaves to rebuild town for the dictatorial leaders. Then they were to go in Cochin and fight to the death, so these allies could take over the people there also.
… Within this team was the main dictator. (he must have escaped the handful of guards?) He was the one giving the orders to the front horsemen. He knew nobody had that kind of money and he was running out of areas where he could get people to fight his war. He wanted all the lands about, even Cochin and Mansion areas. Thus, when they asked for that kind of money, they had our team over a barrel.
… As they were being marched toward Addison again, with many in lines of rope, Orlando and Hermes were talking quietly. Orlando was saying, ‘You know the goods we have in that basement? ‘Hermes questioned, ‘I thought it was in the cave still?’ ‘No’ replied Orlando, I got them to store in mansion. Shall we speak up?’ Hermes said, ‘Do not tell them where you found the stuff. We will keep the land.’
… Jack and Jason were near and Jack asked as putting face to others, ‘What are you talking of?’ Just then a guard commanded, ‘Now stop talking there!’ So our 4 were quiet for a minute till guard was not near. Jason asked, ‘You have funds somewhere?’ Orlando replied ‘Yes but I’m not sure how much. Should we make waves?’ ‘OK’ agreed Jack as turning to Jason, ‘What else can we do? That is our land for we bought it. They cannot take that land from us. These other lands may have been bought centuries ago. But our land was bought a couple of years ago, and realtor is still alive in Cochin, I’m sure. This would stand up in a court.’ The 4 agreed and looked about for the head of the guards, not knowing that the dictator was indeed among them.
… So they bid their time and as they got to Addison City, (Again). Jason called a guard that wandered by and said, ‘We have the riches you asked for. But these are back in the area we live in. Shall we go there now?’ Guard commanded ‘Hold-on, I will ask,’ and he disappeared. Our people of 4 just stood still in fear, hoping that this would be a break for them. At least they could keep that land about mansion.
–
… As they waited with all the others, back came two warriors upon horses. They came up and cornered our group of 4 saying, ‘Who all knows of these riches?’ Our 4 agreed to go together in case there was problems. Then at least maybe one could get away. The two guards pointed their spears at them and nudged them many times to get them into a group of their own. Then they marched our 4 back to the end of parade, where the dictator was. Sure enough it was that 5th prisoner who did get away. (I wonder how?) He asked, ‘You own this land you talk of, where are riches?’ Jason and Jack looked toward Hermes and Orlando. They agreed to say yes. ‘OK then’ replied the dictator, ‘come with me.’ He went on ahead with 4 other horsemen and ordered one to stay behind our group. They made our group walk those many miles. (Of course, that is what they were attempting to do to get home, but not with such speed.) Our group had to hurry and keep up or the one behind would spear them in the rear.
… Well much time passed, but they were making good time. It was dark by the time the dictator marched them onto their mansion land. The dictator and 4 guards corralled the three while Orlando was ordered to go in and get these treasures and bring them out. So Orlando went in and the people in mansion were surprised. Orlando quietly uttered, ‘Be quiet and stay low.’ He explained in brief what was happening as others helped him get the burlap sacks of jewel laden rocks from the locked basement storage. They took them to the door inside and Orlando commanded, ‘Go into basement and stay there. Do not talk but hide.’
… When the mansion people were out of sight Orlando opened the door and asked Jack and Jason to help. They got the sacks out on the ground in front of the guards and said, ‘You need a cart to cart these off. We have a horse pulled cart which can be towed with two horses. Come we will get you this.’ The dictator was pleased with all the help, for they could have just told them, ‘Here take them and get out.’ So Orlando led them and they got the cart and helped to tie the two horses up. Then they accompanied them to near the mansion again and helped them put the 4 huge burlap sacks on the cart, of which could hold no more. Orlando showed them the bar where more ropes could be tied, to hook up the two other horses as well, if that be their wish. And the dictator with his 4 guards left very happy. As they left they hollered, ‘The other people will be released if there is sufficient moneys here.’
–
… Well, it was in the next week of this early spring that Lucy heard something. Well Lucy was in tears when the missing group quietly wandered, in a tired stupor, down the main path towards Lucy’s Cup Of. She came out of shop for heard a crowd.
… Well, she got a crowd all right. All were hungry and thirsty. They all asked for sandwiches as they all sat on the street edges looking at the new crops coming from the ground. Some actually started weeding their area they sat in, and about 10 minutes later as waiting some food, they were all weeding the garden patch. When that was about done, out came the food.
… One from mansion was in town, for at times they run out of stuff. After seeing all the people, he went hurrying back and got all that could and would dare to come, to make sandwiches. So our many people here saw the elderly from the basement. And these people did not mind a bit of abnormality. There were only two with problems now, and Lucy said, ‘You two should help me in kitchen more often. With more people coming in we need help. So long as you bathe before you come, I’m sure most would not mind.
… One walked with a limp and the other had an area that was raised as a welt on the side of their neck. It was OK for only a large birth mark, but with the tall necked uniform on, it hid most of the blemish.
… Well as time went on and with all these people here, more homes were put up before winter and most were happy to stay. They prepared to plant in spring and with the many hands, the combine will be very busy, with the chomping up of more turfs. It will be a record year, so this summer they have planned to build a true veggie shop, for the extra produce that will be sold there. If you had extra, you would have to sell it, but maybe in lean times Farmer Greg may help.
–

The Easy Life.
… Well as time went on life was becoming easier. Ample food for summer and winter freezers filled to overflowing in fall. Many were coming in also and our town was bustling about. The mansion was left alone and the people there came out once in a while. In summer they were out for days at a time helping Lucy with picnic events, for the people of this time did not mind them much. Life was more relaxed, and much knowledge was had by the common person.
… Now, as our group was getting bored with this easy life, at same time Jack and Jason in Cochin were also bored and ended up buying this property of 500 acres on speck. They are becoming rich in their endeavors, not only from Cochin city jobs but from the rent, all these people in Spook’s Ville paid. You see, our little mansion area burst into bloom, for most of the people who went on that victory trip came back to mansion area ready to start their new life. Being ample land out here, it was like a new horizon. Unlike Cochin, space was unlimited here and they felt free to pursue their dreams.
… So as our group in Spook’s Ville were doing very well, Jason and Jack were getting richer and on the lookout for another property. These two felt Orlando was a good leader and planned to keep him in Spook’s Ville.
… As time went on in Spook’s Ville, Orlando Hermes Morris and Gillian would have special meetings for they were a unit years ago. It was out of habit and friendship that they restarted these group meetings once a week, but they would always leave a space for Jerry, in remembrance of. They would discuss things happening in mansion area, but knew they had to re-name it. But they will await Jack and Jason’s return for the fall inspections before they throw names about.
… So right now there was a round of homemade wine from mansion. Many toasts were made including ones for the youngsters away in colleges and university. This wine celebration, now a common ritual, was started by Orlando for they drank the mansions basement wine many times. It was excellent stuff and Lucy’s Cup Of, served this bottled wine labeled Spook’s Winery. Lucy enjoyed this also for it put a new taste into her cooking.
… This winery partaking was a ritual that got more fruitful as the years went by. Every fall when the apples and other orchards of the west became ripe, many would go out and harvest, giving most to the mansion for their wineries. The rest went into town for pies and a few remained for the natural taste, of a good old-fashioned apple or pare crunching. With things being created as in foods and drinks, there needed to be a corner Food Store for the energetic, so to make their own meals. There were becoming more families in area and the top people had to provide a living for these folks so they would stay.
–

10th Year Jason and Jack Ruling .
… As our group got out into the fields in this early spring morning, they all knew what to do. Now most had their plot of land to plant and harvest near the dwelling they lived in. Harvest was a joint effort still, as was planting, for only one combine. The fellows have asked for another machine, but Jack and Jason seemed to be preoccupied lately, so our people of Orlando and Hermes answer all the questions with Morris and Gillian helping.
… A new combine has come up several times for some have to wait for the old and only combine in the fall, thus often their crops go bad in the fields. This year Orlando talked to them and said, ‘If you have crops ready, take a bunch by the carts we have provided you. Go to town’s veggie shop and sell them on the side. But if there is no fresh crops there to sell, give them to farmer Greg and he will sell them as can.’ This was all agreed, but Orlando and Hermes still had the problem of getting another combine.

—
More Land?
… On this day, as leaving the fellows planting in fields, Orlando and Hermes walked to near mansion. They went up to the fencing they saw, that few years back, and Hermes remembered of their struggling to see if it was human or animals that disturbed the soil. He chuckled to Orlando and asked ‘Remember?’ ‘Yes I do. But we had better telegram Jack and ask for another combine soon.’ Hermes turned to say, ‘Yes I know,’ But then he caught sight of someone coming toward them. Well both men looked and there came Jack on his way to meet them.
… Orlando shouted, ‘Hi there, what brings you out this far?’ Jack replied, ‘Well I thought I should come out here for have never been near mansion. It is looking OK, now that the residence wash the building every year.’ ‘Yes’ agreed Hermes, ‘and that should take place soon, again.’
… As all three stood looking up at mansion in front of this fencing, which was still standing well but now painted white, a wind caught them and Orlando grabbed at his tuque before it flew off. As wind died down, they silently stood there and Jack behind them said, ‘Well gentlemen we have more land now. But I also have bad news.’ Orlando and Hermes turned as Orlando asked, ‘More land? Well, there is more outside our district here! Did you want a bigger area?’
Hermes replied, ‘I think we need to concentrate on the central area more. Like for instance, another combine! The farmers are complaining Sir.’ Jack explained, ‘Yes but you men have done a good job here and it does resemble a small town now.’ Hermes smiled and agreed, ‘Yes it does, doesn’t it. I was just realizing this yesterday. Do you like it Sir?’ Jack smiled at Hermes and answered, ‘Oh yes. You have done this all yourselves.
… Jack went on with, We have been too busy with our full-time jobs, and also lately we have been out looking for more land, as in another area. We wish to own a large area but here, there are small areas within large unclaimed areas. So with many small pieces we may be able to piece them together to make a big area later. I know with your help we will win. This is why we ventured to get another area.’
… Hermes asked, ‘Where is this new land?’ Jack answered, ‘It is in the eastern area.’ Orlando questioned ‘You mean Cochin?’ ‘No!’ smiled Jack. ‘We are too busy for a large town, we start small. No it is a few miles beyond, where we took that trip to last year.’ Orlando looked at Hermes and they both started asking same question. ‘Are you sure it is not the land of our old city Addison?’ Jack questioned, ‘Well that land was already owned was it not?’ Hermes replied, ‘Well the government left area cause of the dictators but if land went up for sale, maybe the owners did not know this and it was sold improperly.’ Jack answered, ‘Well all I know is it was for sale and we bought it. You would have to talk to the one who sold it to us.’
… Hermes and Orlando looked at each other and Hermes spoke quietly to Orlando, ‘Not to worry. We will proclaim it again if it need be.’ Jason then exclaimed, ‘About the bad news, one of the young mansion lads have been kidnapped from Cochin’s University grounds.’ Orlando and Hermes looked at each other and uttered ‘Oh No! The Elders will not wish to hear this. OK,’ spoke Orlando, ‘we will deal with the Elders, thanks.’
… So Hermes and Orlando followed Jack back to the workers in crop fields to tell them the news. On the way Hermes said quietly, ‘Orlando, if Jack and Jason wish to build up our former town, that is OK with me. It needs that anyway. We will claim it later and give those two rule. They would be good fellows, knowing business as they do. They can help us run the place.’ Orlando just smiled and kept following Hermes, as he thought, Again, he knew how to get the best out of a situation. He must have an inner sense of things.
… As our small group got to the workers in the fields, Orlando had scurried off to the mansion to bring them the bad news. Preston one of the elders, replied ‘Oh have Jack and Jason left yet?’ Orlando looked at Preston and replied ‘No, they are speaking to the farmers in the fields.’ Preston said, ‘Come let’s go!’ So off went Preston with Orlando following.
–
… When these two got to the fields, where Jack and Jason were still discussing more land, Preston heard of all the progress. When he could, he asked, ‘Do you know for sure that our youngsters have been kidnapped?’ ‘Yes, Sorry’ said Jack, ‘one has but I think there was another one this morning as we left. I’m sorry for that.’ Preston asked, ‘Why would they be napping our youngsters? Why our sons?’ Orlando took a thought of this. He finally replied, ‘Yes why?’ Jason and Jack turned to the two and Jason said, ‘Well, most know we are making waves within this land. Maybe its one who objects with our progress? They would know where the sons came from by the records of the school. It may be people involved with the university itself.’ This did not offer much support for the mansion people, but Orlando’s mind was going around. Leave it to Orlando. He will find a way!
… Upon seeing Preston’s concerns and on seeing another two older persons coming out from mansion toward them, Jason replied, ‘We will look into this situation when we get back home to Cochin.’ Oh thank you, we do appreciate that. We have no way to get there or to know what to do if we did get there.’ Jack replied, ‘Well we could give you a ride there on our next trip?’ Jason explained to Jack, ‘But they would not know who to go to, as this gentleman just said.’ ‘Oh yes, sorry!’
–
… Well it was a week later that there came a ransom note to Lucy’s Cup Of, from the office telegram shop beside it. Well, there was quite a stir. Orlando rushed to the mansion and several of them came into town. What to do. We do not have 10 thousand dollars. Who are these people that they wish so much money?’ Orlando commanded ‘Come,’ and he led the elders out into the pathway along the stores. He spoke quietly, ‘Get the mansion people out into the mines in the back and we will dig some goods for these nasty fellows!’ ‘OK!’ shouted Preston and off he ran to mansion. Boy, he can go when he has to.
… Well it took them a few days and the next visit sent Jack and Jason back with the loot. They got it to the right place and saw three men there. Jason asked, ‘Why are you taunting us? We have done nothing to you?’ The ringleader said, ‘We wanted that continent beside yours and you thwarted us there.’ Another of the three came up behind the one speaking and hit him on the head. They dragged him away from the door and closed it loudly. Our two of Jack and Jason got out of there in a hurry after that episode, but they got out with much info. They went straight to their lawyer firm, which I’m sure these crooks did not know of, and sung like canaries. It is in the law now and should be straightened out in no time. Good for them. But that was not the end.
… Our poor youngsters were getting threatening letters often, within their university and also within their abode in Cochin. Thus, they were having a hard time in school and almost failed the grades. But then they became smart for themselves.
… Our lads became detectives and traced the letters to their source with evidence all along the way. So when they handed all to the lawyer firm the lawyers phoned the cops and they were all arrested within the hour. The law had been after these people for a while but could not find their hideout. It happened to be at the river’s edge near mansion, where all took place. When the summertime came, all the lads were able to come home for a nice long visit. All were happy to see them including Jack and Jason.
… After being home for three months and in all the fun atmosphere of picnics and harvesting, our lads did not wish to return to University. They only had another year to go and could do that another time. Thus Jack and Jason insisted that they should return, for Jack and Jason announced they would need many to run this area. They were able to coax the boys back, and all was well.
–

Riches.
… It was another couple of years down the road when their Spook’s Ville was getting too small. Orlando and Hermes talked to Jack and Jason many times, but they did not seem too interested. Mansion people were branching out also and wished more land. Orlando and Hermes went to mansion where they used to live. It was nice to visit the old home again.
… In the conversations while in mansion, it was one of the elders who brought up the subject again of the jewels in the basement that they have been digging up a bit at a time. Orlando said, ‘Yes and there is more in that mine as well. We should cash in on this new vein found and buy up more of the land about our area. All agreed and they went ahead and mined the caves within the mountainous hills. They found much and wondered why the people of centuries ago, did not cash in on all this wealth.
… So as more time went on, their town became larger and they now have a library with many books. There was no mention of these small mines in the history books, which they have had shipped in. They decided to learn more about area themselves, so had this encyclopedia set delivered on the history of their general area, including the area Jack and Jason have laid claim to. The university boys were of help here also, for they studied history a bit in school. It all used to belong to an older man 75 years ago.
… Orlando felt they should look into this more, so Hermes and Orlando left the general doings of their area to the elders of the mansion. This got the elders out among the people and they got a taste of ruling their area. They did well too! They even got more land for the jewels, so the outer town continued to grow outward. When Orlando contacted Jack and Jason they exclaimed ‘That was great!’ but again they did not seem too concerned? It is like they have given up Spook’s Ville area, to our two of Orlando and Hermes.

–

Cycles of life, Chapter 6 .

–

Ventures,
… One spring day, Orlando and Hermes were up early and headed to their library. They were onto something that they found three days ago. It was paper clippings of over a hundred years in the making. It had been recorded in this large historical book and was the history of a continent of which they thought they were a part of. They were unsure though, for some of the history did not match up. It talked of the mansion area as a volcanic land with much spewing forth from beneath. Orlando went on with, ‘What was this doing empty at that time? It sounds as if it was thriving a century or two ago?’ Hermes questioned, ‘Well maybe it spent many decades with squabbles between mini villages… like when we first came here?’ Orlando agreed, ‘Yes, but it was not always like that. Look here, they had expensive precious artwork and pottery 175 years ago.’

… Hermes still sitting in the library, was thinking for at least half an hour, then he leaned over to Orlando and said, ‘And it is interesting that the mansion is left standing as no other. Was that a place where the ruler lived or ruled from?’ Orlando answered, ‘Yes that could be. Its been the spooks that kept people away recently, yet when we were there, we had no problems?’ Orlando went on with, ‘And also Sir, we never got to explore those other tunnels in that basement.’ Hermes added, ‘Nor the other floors in the top of the mansion!’
–

… Well later that day with so many questions, Orlando and Hermes stopped at the mansion. Buddy, one of the elders came out of door at side mansion, just as Orlando and Hermes passed by. Buddy asked, ‘Oh Hi how are you doing?’ Hermes asked, ‘Could we talk to you of the history in this area?’ ‘Sure’ answered Buddy.
… Now Buddy was the oldest in this mansion and he never said very much of anything, but today he seemed eager to talk? Buddy took them up the stairs to the main floor and asked the cooks there to make a feast for at least 4 persons. Buddy took Orlando and Hermes up a small flight of steps into a secluded library. Our two did not know it was there and were very surprised. It had different books than the library in town. Buddy said, ‘I was talking to Jack and Jason the other day. It is strange you happen by at this time, for in about an hour they will be talking of the same subjects you wish to speak of now. We will wait them, what’s it to you?’ ‘Sure’ agreed Hermes. Buddy said, ‘You go ahead and read what you wish. It is all here. Dinner will be done in about an hour or so.’ ‘Well done, thanks!’ uttered Orlando.
… So Hermes and Orlando were like a couple of kids in a candy shop. They looked through the whole wall of books and had picked out about 10 books. Then when the small table there, was wobbling with the weight of these books, they stopped getting them down and started looking into them. There were many maps in this one book and they realized that this was a part of the continent spoken of, in the local library books. But what they did not know was the main cities were not here in their area. This area our people have cultivated, was the farming communities that fed the large cities of three.
… These cities were said to be paved in gold, but they were in an area not gone into for centuries. As far as Hermes and Orlando knew it was the area of the swamp lands of the northwest that nobody went to. Had these cities sunk through the centuries? Were they in hiding? Maybe there was deep swamps about to hide the choice cities from looters? All these thoughts came into Orlando and Hermes heads and they just got more and more confused.
… After an hour, they came out of their stupor when they heard Jack’s voice. The two had just arrived and were getting ready for the big meal. Hermes said to Orlando, ‘Hey Man, I am more confused then when I came here.’ ‘Yes me also. We still do not know where these big cities are. Not even via the maps. It is like they are of other lands? Is it written in riddles, Sir?’ ‘Hey Man’ replied Hermes. ‘Now that is a wonder! This would save the cities of gold, all right. We will have to come here again. But lets listen to what Buddy has to say about all this. Maybe he can give us another clue. Come lets go down and greet Jack and Jason.’
… So they put the books neatly in one corner hoping they would be in same place when they came back. As going down that small case of stairs Hermes turned back to Orlando and said, ‘Do not say anything of what we read. It is too confusing anyway. We will figure this out ourselves.’ They smiled at each other and continued down into the crowd.
–
… Orlando and Hermes came into the kitchen area and Jason along with Jack saw them. ‘How the heck!’ questioned Jason, ‘I didn’t know you two would be here. Who is looking after Spook’s Ville?’ Jason turned to Jack and commented something quietly. Buddy explained, ‘Well, they came earlier with the same questions you two are asking. I am not totally sure of situation but I know the swampland does exist. But it is across the water over that way.’
… Orlando asked ‘There is water to the west?’ ‘Yes or this is what the books say.’ commented Jack. All were quiet after that. Buddy started getting a picture here. He said seriously, ‘Now I will not say a word if you people are going to fight over the areas involved. We might as well break this up right now. There are far too many wars within this area in the last hundred years, and I am sure it is over the rich cities spoken of, in these history books. But let me say this, I will not be responsible for another senseless war, over lands we know nothing of. Do you understand? ‘
… Orlando and Hermes looked to Jack and Jason. All stood looking at others in silence for a good minute. Buddy then took lead. He dictated, ‘Now we will eat dinner and have a jolly time. Then later if we come to an agreement, I will discuss what I know, which I may add, this area is a lot larger than any of you think.’
… Well they did have a great dinner and it was jolly as well. Afterward Buddy took them into another room that Orlando and Hermes did not know of. It was a small room with many books also. This brought up conversation of who these books belonged to. Buddy said, ‘It must have been the people who ruled here.’ ‘They were maybe, not too bad a bunch.’ replied Hermes.
… Then Buddy uttered ‘Regardless, now lets get down to business here. I vow that all of us in this room sign a paper to the effect that whatever we find or come across in any way, we all share the wealth. What I should say is… We, means the community about. I will tell you now that this is a vast area that will need several persons to run. I say this… for many years ago we had a visitor not of his will. But if we had not taken this one in, he would have died that night from the bites he received from a wild cat. He told of an area he saw in the swampland. This guy did not wish to tango with the snakes of the swamp, so I guess he ended up coming here and tangoed with the cats of this area. That was his choice!’
… Buddy paused then with his curious smile, he dug into his pockets and pulled out an old browned creased map. He opened it carefully as saying, ‘This is a map from that fellow who died shortly after.’ Suddenly all the people of this room were surrounding Buddy, looking at this mysterious map. Where was this swamp land that was inaccessible?
… Well all studied this map, even Buddy. For this map needed studying much. It was so full of info through the drawings and pictures in corners. It was like a small history of their total area. But it was done up in ancient times when map making was an art. So as you looked and looked at all the artifacts pictured, it was hard to tell what was real or what was artistic. Also there was a major index showing 10 different lines that followed through this map. Our people figured it must have been journeys others had taken that were added with different ink. Then it was Hermes that bought up the fact that the map had to be put to rest.
… Buddy spoke up and said, ‘I will take it to one of the larger towns as Cochin and have it copied and mounted in plastic to preserve it better. It belongs on a large wall where everyone can see it.’ They all agreed, but then Jason disagreed saying ‘No, since we work in Cochin it should be us who takes it, for its life changing event.’
… Well Hermes did agree, for he couldn’t see himself traveling all that way, not even via cart. He was getting on in late 50’s and had many aches and pains. But Buddy was a lot older. He being in his 80s, is not long for this world. This was not a secret for it was written on his face as they visited this mansion. He was one of about 4 that were older and headed the world under. In another 15 years all these elders would be gone, so what better time as now to put down some general rules to follow.
… As looking at the map, Jason spoke up and said, ‘Look, there is the city of Cochin. It is in same area. He went silent and then turned to Jack. He exclaimed quietly. ‘See there. Is that not what we just bought.’ Jack uttered, ‘Bonkers, we are just re-buying a piece of this continent.’ Jack looked up to Buddy and asked, ‘Is this a continent or a country?’ Buddy answered, ‘I have no idea, but it is big enough to be a continent.’
… Well, they studied the map for the rest of that afternoon and went away dumbfounded. They all knew as they left, that there would be joint meetings to decide what the rules and governing agendas would be for this large area. They also knew they had to have many guards to care for their area. Jason and Jack both agreed that they would be putting adds in local papers of Cochin, along with Addison (for what its worth) and Tarragon alike. These ads will be for guards and many other working groups to care for their large country to be.
… So as time went on there were many people lined up for job interviews and the likes. Also, some were attending schooling in Cochin for running our area. There was a great buzz happening in our groups now, all in preparation of controlling and gaining the lands about. There will be many meetings of our top 4 with the elders as guiding hands. And of the younger generation from the mansion, they will be learning much in other lands as well. In general, our small tight-knit group will become far and widespread to prepare for a wonderful future, in this land of the oddities.
—

Cities Developing Within.
… Well after another 10 years the groundwork was laid out and people were building government buildings here and there. It was one for each large area and they had to be in likeness. So the same building was built in 4 different places. The elders were too old at this point and stayed within their mansion home. They had many visitors to feed and care for them till their day. But what they helped to set up will last for centuries.
… Before Buddy left this world, he gave the 4 of Orlando, Hermes, Jack and Jason several more maps of the actual swamps drawn by this fellow who died via the wild cat. Buddy did not let this be known till now, for our 4 top people are now older and have more sense. Jack and Jason were too young back then and they would have been off to the swampland on their own missions, no doubt getting themselves killed or wounded badly.
… And talking of the swamps, Jack and Jason with regards from Orlando and Hermes (who were now getting on as well,) got troops of guards and sent them out to draw maps and plot out those swamplands. It was done to a degree, within the 10 years and could start to unravel the way, to find those cities of gold. So Jack and Jason surrounded by many guards, scoured the last few areas within these swamplands.
… This one time they were wading in water and there was a wall of vines obstructing their view. Jack and Jason took a handful of those vines and pulled them apart to view, what was inside. Just as they saw three leopards there, the big birds in those vines started screeching louder than ever. This sent Jack and Jason running through the waters. Some of the guards there said, ‘It is OK. These cats are resting after a hunt. They are not hungry.’ The guards often learned of the habits within the wild, which saved them many scampering’s. They knew when it was the right time to invade a den or not.
… It was not but a week later when the same sort of things happened. There they were wading in water up to their waists and there was a wall of greenery hanging as a curtain. As they lifted the vines that were covering their view, there was an ancient wall which shone with gold. ‘This is it!’ uttered Jason, and the guards came in immediately, holding the foliage as our two read the scriptures on this wall.
… It translated something as thus.
–
“You must know when to rule with an iron fist or the rats will infiltrate and scurry off with your life’s nourishment, but you must also know when to rule with a soft paw, or your arms and legs will run off with your life’s blood.”
–
… It was indeed one of the cities of gold. The guards of two scampered the wall of around 15 feet high, and then to their amazement, they were perched on top overlooking an immense valley, with gold everywhere. Beautiful white marble with gold buildings all around. There was a large pool or lake in the middle with weeping trees growing about. There were 4 large buildings placed in the 4 corners of this valley. It was all under ground level, so these walls were keeping the swamps from coming into the valley. This is partly why they were not seen or found readily. You could easily get lost in here.
… As time went on they were able to check-and-rid of the wild animals in this valley of gold. The guards were posted and the foods were brought into area. The land was cultivated within their golden valley so within two years people could live there in wealth.
–
… Jason and Jack were visiting the Swamp City of Gold and were ushered in by a group of guards who guarded the perimeter of this large oases. Guard Joseph asked Jack and Jason, ‘What would like?’ Jason said, ‘We are here to meet with Orlando and Hermes. Do you know where they are at this time?’ ‘Yes come with us.’ So they were trailed about into a corner of this large 25 acre Valley.
… There was an ornate building with arches upon every window. It had three spikes into the skies and was made of white marble. The etching on this white building made it impressive. This was in fact the home of whoever would rule here. It must have had 10 bedrooms if not 9. Guards opened the doors, two on each side and ushered Jason and Jack within.
… Within were still several workers finishing up the building. And there was Orlando and Hermes talking in one corner, as Hermes finished painting the last door in the chosen three toned colors. Jack called to them and they both looked his way. ‘Hi there!’ greeted Orlando, ‘We are about done, but I didn’t know we were going to be inspected by the bosses! Ha-ha.’ Hermes agreed ‘Yes, what can we do for you two?’ Jason said ‘Well we were just discussing who would run this place. It would need to be ones who had experience. Do you know ones as this?’ They all smiled and Hermes exclaimed, ‘I would love to run this place.’ As he welled up in tears. Orlando saw this and said, ‘Holy! I will help as well.’
… By now Orlando and Hermes were older in their 60s and Jack had just told Jason earlier that these two would be best, but along with this position they could also take a break from manual labor. They all agreed, and Hermes asked if their special two guards, could come help them out here.’ Jason uttered, ‘What the Heck! Bring 10 if that be your wish! You run this place as you see fit.’ Jack answered, ‘Yes we leave it in your hands, thanks.’
… Well Hermes wished their team to be together so right away they sent a telegram to Cochin, for the Guards of Gillian and Morris to come join them. When that was complete Hermes was so happy. They finally had a kingdom worthy of keeping fit. Indeed, with Gold shimmering everywhere, it felt like a posh town, like a piece of home. With many workers wishing to stay and a bunch coming in from the advertisements put out, our two had a full-time Kingdom to run. When all was set up, they spent the rest of their days in luxury.
… Although this small group of 4 men knew who Hermes was, Hermes never did tell anyone his secret, but Orlando hinted it many times throughout this era. He was pleased with his leader, and I bet to this day he still stands guard over Hermes.
–

Progress and Changes.
… Well from here it was Jack and Jason in charge, but Spook’s Ville mansion’s generation, would soon become the right age to take over. They were of the right temperament and in time will take this country to its peek. But it was now up to Jack and Jason to guide these young fellows.
… Life here on this continent was good in many places. Now they kept livestock for food and Rabbit was their main meat. But regularly, snakes and other smaller beasts were had. Any young fellow who wanted to show his worth was sent out on a hunt. If he came back loaded he was employed in a place as needed. A person that can care for themselves in the wilderness, was a very needed fellow back in these times. As Guards or Guardians, through the swampy or more modernized areas, it was all the same story, a story of Survival!
… So in the last few years of our journey Jack and Jason, (now in their 30s) seeing that most areas were settling, went ahead and advertised the big meeting for all to attend. Within this very large area, they will have a meeting within each site. One of these such meetings was in mansion area to generally name their area and the villages within.
… The area Jack and Jason bought, was later realized through another, as a part of Hermes Kingdom, so they named it Kingdom of Hermes Estates with Addison as main city. There were many estates for it was a posh area from the overload in Cochin. Just before Orlando died (15 years later) he is the one who confided to another, of the Kingdom belonging to Hermes. The large area the dictatorial leaders took over, those several years ago.
… Now, the area of the mansion that was known as Spook’s Ville did not change, for all wished to keep the Spook’s Ville name. It fits the history well and eventually that mansion became a tourist building. But the official name of the farming area the mansion overlooked, was given the name of Orlando Flats. He was the one who led the march in the early days. The one that found the mines, the one that dared to venture into that mansion, the one that originally toiled in the farmland to start this venture. Remember Dally and Netra. Even they turned to Orlando for advice in those days. But eventually they fled area, leaving it to Orlando to pick up and run with the rest.
… So the Swampland City of Gold, that Jason and Jack originally found (with the many guards), was left in Orlando and Hermes’s care for the rest of their days. It was finally named the Kingdom of Heaven where their tombs still lay to this day.
… In this land all seems right to the world, but in other near lands there were rumors and news lines printed in many small papers. These changes in our large area did not go unnoticed, you can bet. Others wished a piece of these lands as well but not being in on things in the beginning, they had to find other ways to get involved. This was OK for most but a few wished more than that. As in olden days they would have got up in arms and gone to battle if they knew it would bring them these lands, but our group felt safe that they would not go to war, for the size of this continent was huge. Thus it stood fast.

–

Cycles of life, Chapter 7. (Section two)

–

Jack and Jason Ruling.
… Now a days as another era comes to the fore, it is Jack and Jason along with the 4 university graduates of Tony the Hero, along with Pall Phil and Scotty. Jack and Jason had been sort of preparing these young fellows to take over area. But in this meeting at hand, Jack and Jason had another query to decipher.
… They brought out the papers of old with the riddles. It said, The mountain which spewed forth riches? They read it again and it talked of the area of mansion as a volcanic land with much spewing from beneath. There was a note with this paper from Orlando and Hermes. They also found this phrase intriguing and wanted to pursue this lead. Now Jack is caught by the same phrase. Was it all the small mines of the hills about mansion? Or was there another meaning. It also spoke of slaves paving the way for brighter lands.
… This meeting was in the new building built on Main Street of Spook’s Ville. It had a large meeting room taking up most of the building. There were a few small offices on perimeter, but it was mainly a building for government. Their first City Hall?
… Within this large room is a huge table sitting 20 persons. It was rarely filled but our people have prepared for a time when this area will be grown. So they sit here, with water glasses that Lucy’s Cup Of had prepared, as they chomped out this book of riddles.
… In this meeting the young hero Tony said, ‘Well the only way to find out, is to go to the basement or attic of the mansion. I feel that the mansion is the main key of many doings of history. Why was it the only building not damaged, not even scarred! It must have become important somehow or by someone?’ Jack and Jason both agreed so said, ‘Awesome!, We can come to mansion any time you wish.’ Pall uttered ‘Fantastic, but we need to clean house first. Give us a day or two.’ ‘Sweet’ replied Jack. ‘Send us a Telegram.’
… Well Jack and Jason knew that with 4 young lads freshly out of University on a sort of holiday, and with the few elders that are left in mansion, spending their time in basement, the young lads probably had much tidying to do. So as time went by it was Pall who sent a telegram to our two in Cochin.
… Jack and Jason got ready and took a month off their jobs. This gave them much freedom, for now in most areas of their continent, they have good people organizing and guiding the populous, which is increasing yearly. All was set up good via paperwork by Orlando and Hermes through their many years here. This enabled Jack and Jason to come straight to the mansion and settle in. In this way nobody knows what is happening and they can figure and work in the quietness.
–

Tony’s Mansion Meeting.
… As Tony got our two settled, they gathered in the mansion’s secret library to start their first meeting. Jack started the conversation by saying, ‘I feel that in this book, the phrase of, The mountain spewing forth, may be workers in mines beneath ground came up with goods through the mansion. Maybe to store thus in basement or below basement which we may find soon. I am quite sure of this, cause of all the caves with the many precious gems and metals in this area. In ancient times there may have been many volcanoes here.’
… Tony announced, ‘We can look today at the basement. I know there is a corner that we do not go into but I never knew why.’ He looked to one of the older persons Preston, in the meeting. Preston answered, ‘Jiggers! I’m not sure myself. But I do remember somethings about spooks and bad things living below us. The elders did not wish to invite troubles so left that alone in venturing as well as discussions.’ Old Preston continued with, ‘I feel there is a lot of superstition surrounding this place. This may be why nobody wished to harm this building.’ (Spook Problems! Who ya goanna call? … Gloria, the little girl of story 16.)
–

Pursuing Cities of Gold.
… Jack then uttered ‘Bonkers, we go into this place and just check it out?’ Tony answered, ‘Yes of course, I would like to check it out myself, but I have also been too afraid. With you others with me, I will be the one that looks into the lion’s mouth.’ Jason uttered ‘Gees, what are we waiting for?’ So the men all headed to the basement of mansion.
… Tony stopped a minute near the living area and talked to their three ladies there. ‘Ship ahoy! We will be gone for some time. We will be exploring the underworld and If you could have a meal ready in early dinnertime we will probably really appreciate that. Thanks.’ ‘Sure’ replied Diana, ‘not to worry.’ Another said, ‘You take care!’
… So our group went down the old hallway and stairs, that were more like concrete slabs on a slant, to get to this basement. There were a couple of older people there still proclaiming the basement as the elder’s domain. They just smiled as the group of 10 young men marched by. One of the elders asked Preston if he was going to be home for dinner? ‘Charmed, I’m not sure but it’s OK, I have been invited upstairs for a dinner, after we find some answers down under.’ ‘OK Great!’ was answer, ‘Good luck all!’ (I think most in the mansion inhabitants wished answers.)
… As our group went on they went to NE of basement. This was the direction heading into the hills out back of mansion and also happened to be the corner the elders did not wish to disturb. When they got near, there were all kinds of rocks and scraps of wood placed in area and the spiders there, were enormous. Some of the men had brought gloves of a sturdy type and took the rocks, wood and webs and even the spiders, to tossed them to one side. Jason called to the two men in basement living area. He said loudly, ‘GEES, You better get some poison or spray to control these spiders or you will have them living with you.’ One answered with, ‘That is not a problem, we will get them later.’
… Well they got all the rocks and debris out of there and were standing looking at a large boulder blocking what looked like a child’s tunnel into the dirt. Three men grabbed the rock and with difficulty were able to roll it to one side, just as two bats came flying out of the small cave. All the men ducked their heads and Jason screeched. ‘Its a bat!’ Then immediately after that the two elders in basement living area screeched, ‘What the heck! You people get out of here, you are disrupting our lives.’ Pall hollered, ‘It is no picnic for us either Sir. We will go into tunnel, as soon as we can!’
… Then to our group’s surprise, here comes both the older two from mansion living area. ‘A tunnel you say?’ (Apparently they did not know this neither.) Jason thought, I wonder if anyone has been down this area? Tony standing beside Jason uttered ‘Heck, I’m going.’ Jason chimed in with, ‘I am too!’ So the two men went into this small tunnel.
… It was dark and stank. The lead Tony uttered, ‘ooh! There is water here!’ Jason said, ‘Keep going, for I hear the water.’ So on they continued. The tunnel opened up a bit so our lads could stand bent over. Well the two felt this water was the river that flowed through the small trench alongside of mansion’s basement. Tony said, ‘Shall we go on?’ But suddenly, out of the tunnel came two more of Scotty and Pall. Scotty exclaimed, ‘We are coming as well. You can’t have all the fun!’ They smiled and made moves to go on.
… So now, Tony led on as they walked bent over a few yards, to just around this rock base. It opened up to a man-made Marble Entrance with Iron Gate. Gate latch was rusted much so they squeaked the gate open enough for all to squeeze in. They ducked when a large bird swooped them. Jason uttered in alarm, ‘There are Birds here!?’ Pall answered, ‘It must be open somewhere for birds to live here.’
… As they came out from a bunch of bushes it opened up and the sun was shining in! ‘How could this be?’ asked Jason. Tony replied ‘Yes, we have all been in the hills about mansion. There is no opening that I have seen. Where is this all coming from?’ The 4 stood there pondering this whole phenomenon. … Then they all slowly went forth in wonderment. ‘How is this possible.’ Jason said, ‘We have got to get out and search the hills for this opening.’
… Then they came to a large building of Ancient Egyptian times. Or it looked thus for there were small pyramids there as well. The door to building was open and it turned out to be a library, but the books were very poor in shape. The gang spent time looking at these books but they were in another language. Tony asked, ‘What language is this?’ Pall said, ‘I will look it up.’ (I guess he knows languages.) All through this time they expected to see someone come in and talk to them, for the place was so vibrant as if a living City. Was it that sun that seemed to beat down on them so.
… Well, Scotty came across a few books that were bunched on a shelf separate from the others. He grabbed them and put in his knapsack, then went up to Jason. ‘Sir I have what we are looking for. I feel we must get out of here.’ Jason called ‘Yes, Listen up men! We are leaving but we will come back. If anyone is here, they must be sleeping.’ Most agreed and they hurried out through the iron gate again and down into that small tunnel.
… Back in the basement, Old Preston left our Group, to sit with the elders in living area. ‘Yes of course,’ replied Tony, ‘We are heading up now. Take care.’ and they left. Preston said to Sandy, ‘So did you get all the spiders?’ Sandy answered, ‘Well yes, … when those bats came we had to clean house. Dirty things, they poop like birds, all over. Thus this place got a good clean out.’ Yes’ agreed Preston, ‘this is why I asked, It looks much better!’ ‘ That’s what we intended.’ chimed Calvin.
–

History of Three Brothers .
…. Well, the others went right up into the meeting room to look through these books. Pall went into his language books and did find the language to be of Palestinian times. The others huddled about the other books, (some in English),from the ancient library down under. They found that there were three brothers who owned this land and that it, Was a Continent. But between the brothers there was competition.
… So the books read that, this area the mansion was on, belonged to the youngest brother and he was smart. He had seen how his older brothers had squabbled over how much better their land was to the other. And they were getting to the point of having wars over, to maybe ruining the other so theirs, was best. So this third brother with a bit more brains, built his kingdom underground.
… Our boys thought on, and eventually came up with a conclusion. Our group figured the third brother won their competition, for his kingdom was the most preserved of the three. The eldest brother had no kingdom that our boys figured. But in the area beyond Cochin was many larger cities and maybe that was this eldest brother’s legacy. So the middle brother would have owned the swamps. Tony said, ‘This is probably why its in the swamps, … so hard to find. It was all an act to protect their kingdoms from the other brothers.’
… Jack was quiet but taking this all in. Jack has always been the more quieter one. He finally said, after several more comments were passed around the table, ‘Bonkers Men! In my mind there are only two Kingdoms here. We are in the land of the third kingdom of the youngest brother. What was his name?’ Chisttinam was answered.
… So they got that outlined and our boys of Jack and Jason did return with others a few more times to the underworld of Third brother’s caverns, before they went back to Cochin and their jobs. But along the way there seemed to be great walls in the underworld, stopping them from going beyond a certain point. They knew there was more water, for they could hear it like a water fall. They had wished to continue with these enthralling finds but alas, the crops were many this year and Jack and Jason ended up spending the rest of their vacation, helping out with harvests.
–

While Bosses Away.
… When Jack and Jason did go back to their jobs in Cochin they were very satisfied, for there was ample food for their village this winter and they had to buy 2 more new freezers to hold those crops. They parted on a happy note and headed back to, the working days of life. It was on their way home they left the mansion people with the fact that they were going to send a telegram on mansion’s new telegram Machine within a couple of weeks. Jason had the bright idea that Cochin being so much more modernized and standing for much longer then Spook’s Ville, there had to be more info in Cochin’s history books. So Jack uttered, ‘Great! We will study the area with any books we come across. We will let you know soon.’
… But after Jack and Jason left, the young lads of Tony, Pall, Scotty and Phil, the lads got antsy and went to explore. The weather was still nice and the crops were harvested. So what to do?
… On this one day they were all having lunch around this smaller kitchen table and the discussion came up of the kids tunnel. Pall said, ‘Why don’t we go there again but this time look for a way around that rocky wall.’ Tony was all for it but said, ‘Ships ahoy! But I feel we should go outside into the hills since the weather is still good. Come on people we can look for the huge skylight there. We may get down into the City of Gold through the sky light. It would be much easier then crawling through that tunnel.’ Scotty agreed, ‘Sure, I’m for a hike.’
… So they geared up with shovel and pick and warmer clothing for their outing. They told the elders in basement that they would be gone for the day. Preston warned, ‘You be careful.’ Tony agreed ‘Yes, we will be home for dinner.’
–
… As Tony led the gang out into back yard he was monitoring the direction of which the tunnels went. But while walking the land above, as etching the underground tunnels in their minds, they found tunnel would go through one of the mountainous hills there. This first hill was large at base but was of grass and wildflowers, although at this time of year these flowers looked pretty pitiful. The 4 lads all-sort-of wandered about with no particular way to go.
… Pall went around to one side of this hill which faced away from the mansion. He saw a crawlspace there and called to the rest. ‘I knew it! Here is something here.’ Well, Phil was the one who heard and rushed around the grassy slope. There he saw Pall on hands and knees looking into this hole in ground that was almost obscured with the long hay-like grasses there. Pall turned and looked at Phil saying, ‘Come here… what do you think… Should we go into this tunnel?’ Phil who was feeling better from his flew he had this past month, said, ‘Way to go! I’ll go and you stay here and guard the entrance for me. I do not wish a bear to come in.’ They smiled and Phil ventured into this small tunnel.
… This tunnel was somewhat like the one under mansion. Very narrow and low at first then opened up to a larger tunnel that you could stand bent over in. Once Phil was standing he called Pall in. Pall noted that there was no water on this tunnels floor. Pall said, ‘Come-on lets go further.’ So they did.
… Well, they came out into the open with mountains all about. But what was more surprising was, there was a large cavern a foot away and it was the underground City of Gold. The whole of the back of this mountain had no cap on top and it was facing the direction of the sun. Pall uttered ‘As right as rain! This is how the sun came into the underground Golden City!’
… Well the two of them eyed area, trying to figure how they could use their shovels and picks to make this entrance accessible. It was far to the ground of this Golden City. Phil uttered, ‘Binding Shackles!’ Pall explained, ‘Well if we took the soil and made stairs from entrance of that outside tunnel, the slope may not be too steep to walk down into the city.’ Phil hesitated with, ‘Yes but there is rock about.’ He eyed the walls and saw that the wall at the front of this hill had no rocks in it. He said to Pall, ‘Maybe when it was excavated it had its entrance toward the mansion. That would be logical and an easy route to get into this city.’
… Phil continued with, ‘Jeepers! In those days they would have guards at all entrances. Guards were their security system back then.’ Pall explained, ‘I will go to other side and tell the rest, and we will start digging on a slant, down into the Golden City. Phil stayed in the tunnel and viewed the city for a while. He had not been near here till now, cause came down with a beastly cold.
… Well the boys spend a better part of a week digging this ramp into their Golden City. It was hard work but exciting just the same. They left the downward slant, flat for now, and decided to explore this Golden City more. What they noticed was the great rock wall that stopped them before, was still standing. All they had done was make an outside entrance to the small area they had already gotten into, through the basement of mansion. Since it was getting dusky they decided to go back and discuss this over dinner.
… So now as they ate dinner, our young mansion people discussed the problem with the major wall in the third kingdom. They remembered the fact that it said, there were volcanoes in area. Their minds turned to the city in the far west that was mentioned in the history books, buried by stone and lava. Was that more of the third kingdom or was it another kingdom, … maybe the first? ‘Why would it be so close together?’ questioned Tony. and what happened to the kingdom in the far east?’ These were the questions going around the table of food.
… As the elders of three, Sandy Preston and Calvin, sat and joined in dinner with the lads, they became engrossed within the conversations, also. Old Preston asked, ‘Well it is worthless to go to the west by yourselves, for you would not be able to dig in lava, wet or dry. It is solid rock when it dries.’ The boys agreed and started thinking of another way in. Scotty commented, ‘Maybe if we dig deep enough we could get into western city under the rock walls. But no! I guess not? It would be natural rock walls going miles into grounds.’ ‘For-pity-sakes, Even from under our mansion here, it would be a no go.’ answered Pall. They soon changed their minds and started thinking of all the buildings in this underground, near mansion.
–
… Well as time went on and winter was approaching, they were looking for stuff to do. Tony asked Jason and Jack in one of their transmissions via telegram, ‘Can we go down into the underground and do a thorough search for what is there?’ Jason and Jack agreed, ‘Yes, but be careful.’ So the next day or two was spent in the Golden City.
–

The Tomb.
… They saw this pyramid formation again beside the library and Pall tried the door. Well it did open, but they had a devil of a time to open it further. The door was so thick and heavy it took all 4 boys to budge it only an inch. That night when they came back to mansion, they asked for all the men to come help. So in time this transpired and they got the door open enough for the skinny ones to squeeze through.
… They spent about half an hour there and went through some strange looking tunnels. Then they came to a door of glass. It was easily opened and then they found a large tomb of glass. It was sitting on a white marble platform and was surrounded with many jewels large and small. Along the walls there, were two shelves encircling this cave like room. There were all kinds of dishes and vases and statues there all made of marble or granite and laden with small jewels.
… As our group were taking some of these artifacts to bring them up into mansion, they turned and looked at the back of the tomb. It had a name on it of Buchanina the Great! They still didn’t hesitate, but brought up some pottery along with other jeweled artifacts.
… Well in the next day they went down again and this time went back to the library. They looked up this name of Buchanina and found a book on this fellow. Well it was not a good find. The third brother was robbed and no doubt, killed. This Buchanina had stolen Chisttinam’s Kingdom.
… As they were discussing this within the library, they also agreed that, this area will Not be called Buchanina for sure. Then they saw a book on building tombs. They thought of the tomb next to library and Tony said, ‘Come, lets go there again.’ Pall was reluctant but Tony was all for it. He led as often does and the others followed only because they wanted to stay together in this area of the tombs.
… As they were going down this hall within this tomb area, there was a V in the path and they took the opposite path of before. But it came to a dead end! Well that was the end of that, and some of the fellows retreated, to start back.
… It was Phil that saw the uneven door frame and knew there had been a break-in, or something along that line. He called to the others and showed them what he saw. So our boys along with Old Preston found a metal rod and a large piece of plaster. ‘We will use this as leverage.’ spoke Tony, and they were able to budge the door but not get it open. Tony asked ‘Preston, do you think the other two elders would help us? Maybe even get some others also.’ Preston was not sure but said, ‘Gees! Well we have to go back now anyway, so maybe after dinner others will come.’
–
Tough Opening.
… At dinner they talked situation over. Well, all the people there wished to come. Even the ladies who said, ‘There may be many riches there like the ones you got before!’ So many followed into that tunnel, for it was winter out and too cold to go in the skylight way. As the group watched and waited their turn, there were pants and skirts in great fashion, crawling through the kids tunnel.
… They did get the tomb wall open down that long dark hallway there, but most of the ladies wished to go back then. Some of the men went back also. But Old Preston wish to help our boys further. ‘Way to go!’ exclaimed Phil and they all carried on, along this tunnel.
… This new tunnel beyond that broken wall, went way down at a steady slope. It was eerie and our boys were hesitant. They thought of the spooks and wondered if the mansion spooks, that were told of, had moved down into this hall. Preston answered, ‘No we have never been bothered by these so called ghosts? Have you?’ Phil said, ‘Well in history it was told that the mansion being a fun house, it was probably the inhabitants or spooks from here. But in another place it was told, the material that was shiny and glimmered in the light was most likely gotten from the mansion, so we assumed it was you people through the times.
… Old Preston said, Calvin Sandy and myself do not do that. I’m not sure what they are talking about but that is human imagination, not spook related. It is true that there have been sightings here but there has been nothing bad done, that I know of? ‘ Our guys puzzled this for it is written in the history books. Could they have been bias to cover something up?
… Well after another few minutes of slowly moving along this rather dark hallway, they came to a door and it was partly opened, so they peered in. Phil saw a huge map taking up an entire wall within this room. It was dark there and Pall had the candelabra. He then lit all the candles and went over to the wall. With that, Old Preston shrieked ‘Look it is the picture of our Continent. There is the mansion and this here will be the area of the buried city of lava. But look, it is called the Valley of Gold?’ They puzzled that, for if the mansion is a part of the valley of Gold, …Where is the gold!?
… They looked over toward the central map and there was the swampland. There it was called the Swamp City of Gold. Old Preston spoke saying ‘And look, Cochin is a part of another, City of Gold!’ Pall questioned, ‘But there is no gold or riches there?’ Jack and Jason would have said so!’ Phil pointed out, ‘Well people, look at the map.’ Phil went on with, ‘See the large area here, this is an outline of Cochin and all the other 5 cities that are struggling with the war torn landscape. I bet it was the first City of Gold, but the war took care of it. It may be the other two brothers bombarded the first Son.’
… Old Preston answered, ‘Yes, just because there is no evidence of gold now, does not say anything of its past. Look at the Mansion, where is the Gold there? We need to check with Cochin’s library.’ Tony said, ‘I thought Jack and Jason were going to do that. We have not heard anything of this mission. Next time they telegram us, we must ask them.’
–

Spring Fever .
… Well spring was coming and farming was in order. Our boys of Tony and Phil got restless. They could not see themselves spending the next 3 months in farming, when there was so much underground, now known of. Old Preston had come out into the farming area and was taking rule as they had in past, so Tony and Phil asked if they were really needed at this point in time. Preston asked ‘No, what are you going to do?’ ‘Phil answered ‘To look for Lava flows. Is that all right?’ ‘Charmed’ uttered Preston, ‘but like was said, you cannot dig through the lava. It is solid rock.’ ‘Yes’ answered Phil, ‘we know. We just want to explore area.’ Preston gave a nod and continued instructing the new fellows, that just came for this year’s farming.
… Well Tony and Phil turned then vamoosed before Preston changed his mind. Tony looked back at Phil and said, ‘I have been dreaming of this place the past two nights. I feel there is a major key here. Come-on I want to make enough food for a couple of days.’ ‘Great’ agreed Phil, ‘I will too! Lets pack our knapsacks also.’ So the two elated lads even packed their sleeping bags upon their backs before they left mansion. The two elders there were nosy, and wanted to know where they were going in such a hurry. Phil questioned ‘Well, Preston said we could go west, besides, we are young and we will make it. Not to worry, we will tell of all we find.’
… They left about noon and had early dinner in the orchards that were starting to come into full leaf. It was a nice change from the rugged, rocky spooky mansion they usually stayed in. They got little sleep but kept going and did see a valley before them. But it turned out to be ocean they were looking at? Phil, as standing on the edge of this mile and a half, rocky-grassy gentle -slope, going down toward the sea. Then Phil finally asked, ‘Binding Shackles! Where are the mountains talked of? Where are all the lava flows? What were the books talking of?’ Tony uttered ‘Gun Shy! I do not know? Come, lets look closely at this land.’
… Well they got deeper into area and it was slippery. They each had many miss steps, and before they both fell to the ground, they figured to go on hands and knees, and find out what was wrong. To their surprise, they found the rock there was smooth and slippery from the moss and molds that had grown upon it. Tony said loudly, ‘This is the Volcanic Lava Flow! That is why it is smooth like this!’
… They stayed crouched down for 5 minutes wondering what to do next. Phil jumped up and said ‘Come! Let’s find the edge of this.’ So they spent 15 minutes going southwest. They did eventually come to the end of that dried lava flow, but the lava had seeped into the very sod the grasses had grown from. Phil got up and was going along the lava ends there, while Tony was still on hands and knees looking at the lava filled sod. Then he jumped up and ordered, ‘Come over here. We will dig here.’ Jeepers Why? asked Phil. ‘We will dig a tunnel into the tunnels of the underground. Come-on Phil, help me. I am getting hungry. We will eat after we dig a tunnel for shelter this night.’ ‘Oh, that is good thinking.’ said Phil, as he grabbed his pick and started hacking at the sod making it easier to dig up.
… Well, after an hour they were both tired, bushed and hungry. They both flopped onto the tunnel of three feet deep and got food out of their knapsacks. After they ate and only a few minutes after, there they were both sitting there, as in a cradle, with heads nodded and sleeping. It has been quite a day so far, and tomorrow will prove to be another frantic day of adventure.
… Early the next morning as Tony opened his eyes, he saw a vision of a spaceship that had landed by the waters. He struggled to become awake and nudged Phil beside him. When Phil stirred Tony said, ‘I must be hungry for I’m seeing things. I have one more sandwich and this apple. What will we do when we eat all our food?’ Phil replied, ‘Binding Shackles, Well if we were back near mansion I would say, eat old rotten apples.’ Tony said, ‘Well that may be the nearest food we will see. Keep that in mind in case I lose mine.’ Phil asked, ‘Oh, why would you lose your mind? … Don’t be silly.’
… So the two boys ate their apples and part of a sandwich which was to be dinner. Tony grabbed the shovel that was beside him and ventured out of the hole in ground. Phil struggling to get up uttered ‘Wait, don’t shovel me out please.’ Phil got out and stood looking at Tony. Phil thought, he seemed to be in a frenzy of some kind. Phil got in beside Tony and started picking away at tunnel when he saw a big flash of light. He jumped and Tony questioned, ‘What is wrong, did I hit you?’ Phil jumped out of the hole and answered ‘No, I just saw a bolt of lightening. What would that mean?’ Tony looked shocked. After a minute he asked ‘You are seeing things as well? ‘ Maybe the spooks do not wish us to dig here?’ Phil uttered ‘Jeepers! Do not be silly. They have miles in all directions, why would they be frightening us about digging here? Besides I don’t believe in that.’ Tony looked down and continued shoveling. Time went on and they were standing in this tunnel they were digging. It was almost a yard long. As of Tony’s instructions they turned the tunnel to go in at an angle and perpendicular along with the ground above.
–
… Well as time went on and another couple of weeks of going back and forth to these lava plains, our boys were beginning to give up. The conversations the last few days included comments as, ‘Why were they doing this?’ ‘Why bother, we have a big area to care for now.’ ‘The bosses of Jack and Jason were not on their backs. This area would be run by them eventually. So what the heck!’
… Tony said ‘Please, Just a few more feet. Come-on, Our break is over.’ And Tony practically pulled Phil into tunnel again. Well our boys picked and shoveled for another 10 minutes and broke into a cave. They were both stunned to see these 5 persons standing there looking at them. But what was funny was these people were different than others. They had two, what look like pimples on their forehead, one above each eyebrow. Their movements were different as well. They moved smoother than most humans. Neither of the boys said anything but they knew these people were unique. Maybe from a country far away?
… At first it was a standoff, and nobody said anything. Then Tony said, ‘Sorry for digging your home. We could help you make this a window?’ The odd people mostly sat down again on this log in the middle of this room. The one in front of Phil said, ‘That is fine, we will not be here much longer. We are waiting for a ride. Our mission is over and we have achieved much.’
… Phil asked, ‘Did you build this cave yourselves?’ The odd spokesman answered, ‘No it was like this when we came. It was an air bubble in the lava. It’s a smooth place to sleep, you should try it sometime.’ Tony explained, ‘Oh no! We have our own city on up the hill over that way.’ But Tony has the thought of, How did they get in here. They must have transported here! Suddenly Tony froze thinking of the vision he had a week or so ago of the aliens. The spokesperson said nothing but smiled a knowing smile. Tony asked, ‘Did you find gold in this area?’ Another sitting on the log in central room asked ‘What is gold? We came for tungsten for it has a high boiling point. That is what we need to get home with.’
… The spokesperson turned quickly and growled at the one sitting on log. Tony and Phil backed up a bit. The one on log said, ‘Tupi, you scared them. Stop being boss!’ Tony replied, ‘No-no, that is good we were just leaving anyway. It was nice to know you.’ And Tony left with Phil practically pushing him out. The spokesperson came out of the hole and said, ‘Do not run away, we will not hurt you fellows.’ But Tony and Phil kept going out of tunnel which was about 5 yards now.
… When they got out of tunnels Tony uttered, ‘I’m not going there again. Those people are strange. Did you notice how they were breathing?’ Phil agreed `Yes, the sides of their neck bulged out. I was trying to look for gills but did not see any. Did you?’
… As our two were turning to leave, there were the 5 aliens standing before them. Phil asked, ‘How did you get out of that room?’ the spokesperson said, ‘Well, you would not understand but we wish to warn you. The vibrations coming from that shovel you have are not good. This belongs to people who would do you harm if they could. Be warned, but if you wish you can go now.’ Tony was curious. He asked, ‘What do you mean by doing us harm?’ The lead paused then explained, ‘They would kill, for the right shiny materials if they thought you had them. They have made caves like the one we found and are putting shiny stuff on inside, so it is brighter for them to see by.’ Phil asked, ‘Is it a gold color?’ and Tony dug out his gold luck chain and showed them the color saying, ‘Like this?’ The spokesperson uttered with surprise, ‘Yes it is just like that. We have been there but not when they were about. Beware of them, for they have come near your big building there on the hill.’
… Phil and Tony looked at each other and looked back at the group of aliens. They smiled and Tony said, ‘Well thanks for warning us. We had no idea where this shovel came from, so it is proof that they must have been near us at some point. They may have been wishing to mine the water cave.’ Phil chimed in with, ‘Yes thank you Sir. We will be careful.’
… Well from there they decided to go home with news. At least they found a tunnel to the underworld of the Western Coastal waters. When they got home, fed and had a night’s sleep, they got a hold of Jason and Jack. They told their story and Jason was curious of the Indians or other races in area. But they again did not seem to be really interested. Jack wound it up by saying, ‘Good for you two. Keep searching in the underground for the Kings of their time.’ (I guess they were as busy in their endeavors, as Tony and Phil were here.)
… Well, Tony and Phil were pleased just the same, that they had found a way into this western underground Village. They told each other that they would go there again but not till the strange people left. ‘We will give them a week.’ said Tony. Phil agreed and went out into farmland to help Old Preston and Sandy with their first harvest.

–

Cycles of life, Chapter 8.

–

Other Lands.
… So now three weeks later, the harvest was done, and Old Preston was at loose ends. He asked Sandy and Calvin to look after the home front for Preston wanted to help the young lads. But it was more a fact of protecting them. So it was again, two weeks later when Tony along with Pall, Preston and Phil, all geared up for a hike of about a day. They said their good-bys and left early one morning in the nice summery weather.
… As they came to the crest of the sloping hill down to the waters, Preston said, ‘Let’s sit here in the sun and view the area. Look at that water – how nice!’ So they sat on the grass with all the bugs and butterflies fluttering. They got out food for were hungry now. Old Preston said, ‘Well in a month or two those orchards will have plenty of fruit and we can stop there before coming here. That will give us more time to explore, when we do find this city underground.’
… As they sat in the nice warm windy summer, Preston noticed a mountain in the distance. ‘Look!’ he exclaimed, ‘That is not far away. I wonder if that is a part of our continent. The map does not go that far, only to the edge of what would be the water spoken of in the books. I wonder why it was cut off there?’ The group viewed the landscape with water flowing through then Preston continued with, ‘If you did not read the books, anyone would think there was not water nor land beyond this point. Maybe it is a way to tell others not to go there.’ Tony spoke saying, ‘Maybe it belongs to others!’ ‘Yes,’ agreed Old Preston, ‘this could well be.’
… So they continued watching and crunching on their lunch. But a few minutes later, Preston saw something else and he got out his spy glass, he had thrown into his knapsack before leaving Mansion. It turned out to be a small boat far off shore. Preston squealed, ‘It is another land, for there are people there. Look!’ and he practically threw the glass to Tony. As he did he asked, ‘And who would like an adventure before this summer is out?’ Tony after seeing the small boat, jumped up and said, ‘I would! Come-on lets prepare for the trip now!’ ‘Oh hold on Master!’ spoke Preston. ‘We are here to get into the underworld beneath the lava flow.’ ‘Oh yes!’ and Tony sat down again.
… Preston continued saying, ‘If there is a city there it will be there for the next few years, don’t you think.’ ‘Yes of course.’ answered Tony. Pall warned, ‘Besides, if it is another continent or city, and we go there, they may kick us out or jail us for some kind of rule. For if a Barbaric Community, we had better be prepared, and I for one wouldn’t go. We need to find the history books that talk of this far off land. ‘Besides’ explained Phil, ‘we have ample land now!’
… All agreed and went on eating and resting in the warm sun. But Tony knew this was the extra reason he had to pursue this area. He had a niggling within him as if someone was guiding him along. And with him seeing things regularly now, he knew it was important to pursue.
… They spent another two days there and did get into the underworld. They went searching for the huge wall that had been blocking their way. Through most of this day, they travel through this unique city with many statues and golden dishes. Eventually they did come to an area that had a waterfall and it was very restful with no inhabitants seen. As they rested up they found food and the wall as well.
… They thought for a while, seeing it was obviously closed off by humans. Why? was the questions. Maybe the mansion and its rulers were disruptive in those days and it was a way to escape them. Or maybe there was a sickness, making others barricade the sick ones within. But it was Micky-moused together with glue of some type and sand, to hide the cracks of this major wall, that partitioned off the mansion from the rest of this Western City of Gold.

… Well, they took that news back home and all wanted to go there. But it was the wrong time of year. They would wait till later, when Jack and Jason said they would come for a few months. Old Preston was the one who sent a telegram to Jason’s office and Jason responded instantly. ‘Really! Good for you people. When we get there next month, we will all go on a trip. You get other people in, to tunnel the wall out. But be careful, for they may loot the place.’ Well Tony was all for that. More rummaging was what he wished. He was becoming an adventurer for sure.
… Thus, several telegrams asking for helpers, were sent to all cities near. From that came many and Jack and Jason came shortly after. They chose 10 people to excavate the wall to open up the two sections of the underworld. This was gratifying to them, even Jack and Jason, for now they knew the kingdom of the West was opened and operating. (Within a later meeting our people figured they would eventually close it off from general public and live there themselves.)
… When they sent out advertising for the inhabitation of their farming lands above, they got a lot of people from this township called Stanbury Flats. When they interviewed the people, they got history of where they lived and how big and rich the area was. They were making their own maps by the dozens, for they would take a good sheet of paper and draw a city sketching as described from the person interviewed. They got a wide variety of info and started to know the areas outside this old map, on that cave wall.
–

Another Rescue Trip.
… With these interviews they found where this Stanbury was. It was in fact the city in the west beyond the waters. But what was alarming was, they were all poor and sickly. The young lad who came can’t be more then 10 years. He came alone, for his family had to stay to tend crops. He was so thin that Tony and Pall got food for him before he left. But as he left he fainted. They took him to a doctor who had recently come into area. It was malnourishment along with foul chemicals, and this was not the only case. When Jason and Jack heard this and later saw it for themselves, they wish to go to that island beyond the waters.
… With this Phil and Pall took their bigger cart with 4 horses into Cochin to meet Jason and Jack at work. The 4 of them scouted for boats and they did find one but it was not in good shape. They called in a helper who knew how to make boats and between them they buffed this old boat up for the waters. Since these waters were not rough as with Frost Island’s dilemma, the boat did not have to be perfect.
… So on the next visit to Spook’s Ville, Jack and Jason were able to transport this boat on top of carriage with the help of an extra 2 horses. The evening before the men journeyed, they all made sandwiches to take. It was early summer and there were still many helping hands for the crops, so Jack and Jason invited Tony and Phil to come along.
–
Trip Beyond Waters.
… Well the trip was a dream. Very calm waters and as they approached the land an hour away, they could see small huts built there. Their hearts went out to these people, for it looked like a poverty stricken place. 5 men met them on shore and they greeted well. Apparently, the little boy told all of what happened to his parents and that our guys would be helping out somehow. Tony and Pall had told the boy named Sinai, so when Sinai saw our fellows, he came with delight up to Tony and asked right off, ‘Do you have food?’ Papa scolded, ‘sh..sh..’ and sent him away. Tony replied, ‘Yes we have sandwiches here, how many are here?’ The 5 men talked together then guessed, ’19?’
… Jack and Jason only had enough for two rounds, but they will look into this area right away and decipher if they can actually be of help. If not they will have to leave them but maybe give them seeds each year. Jack just kept looking at Jason and Tony. He figured they were too far gone to be helped. None of the men knew what the government of area was like, so they were definitely winging it at this point. They may even be trespassing on this land.
… Tony called our group back to the boat as the men of tribe continued to talk in their language. Tony said as Jack arrived, ‘What and where are we going to put this stuff?’ Jason answered, ‘Heck! Just take it to shore and they will usher us into somewhere.’ So our 4 men took a big bag each and waded through the shore waves that gently flooded in. As they got to shore the 5 men were there with many smiles. They said, ‘Come !’and our men were led to the biggest hut there. (By big I mean, would fit more then two people.) ‘Come in!’ spoke this one. He seemed to speak English the best, so our people pointed all questions his way. They talked for an hour as others were feeding the 12 kids. There were more kids than adults in this village, so our people knew it was a backward community. Overpopulation! But what they found within that hour was mind bending.
–
… It goes as thus. It is a small community on the edge of another continent that was run by good people but not rich. Thus any outlying areas had to fend for themselves or come into the core and pay taxes which were rather high. Thus the rich get richer and the poor are off the map.
… Well the 5 men took Jason and the rest, into this core of the continent. It must have been a small continent for it only took them 2 days to get there? The 4 of our men were welcomed in right away but the government people sent the tribal people away. They do not wish poor in their city proper. Our boys talked strongly to them asking, ‘How can you send people away to die?’ Government commanded, ‘You do not know this area. You shouldn’t butt in where you know nothing about. It was all poor people when I came in to help. I only have so much money and cannot afford caring for any more. The ones I have here are very lucky to be alive for what you see in that small community you talk of, is what this whole place was like. There were no rules and nobody was organizing situation. I would gather, much like what you had to do, in your land. But with you, the people were absent which makes things much easier.’ ‘Yes,’ agreed Jack, ‘I can see that. With you, all the people would constantly have had their hands out crying food, food. I’m not sure I could have handled that.’ He turned to Jason and asked, ‘So, what will we do?’ ‘Jason smiled at the leader and answered, ‘Well if you wish we will care for the people near us. We have many leaders where we are, and it is a vast area. Here is small, but if you wish we can incorporate the two places and later make a big boat for ease of travel, across the calm waters there.’
–
… Well surprisingly enough this leader Jonah agreed. He broke down and almost cried. He confessed, ‘My heart is wrenched by all this but I have not the money. I could starve myself to keep another alive but that is the best I can do!’
… He must have been at his wits end for he was very happy for the help. Well this was totally surprising for our group, and this Jonah said, ‘We have three big boat that we use for a hospital and meeting buildings. But we can ready them for water and transport them your way.’ ‘Oh great, we had to come in a small rowboat, the 4 of us, and that small used boat, was hard to find.’
… Then Jack and Jason looked at each other, as Tony uttered, ‘We have lots of ri…’ Jason stopped him by saying, ‘That is … we can help you. We will explore this land and may find treasures for you. This area is riddled with caves for the mining. I’m sure we can find many mines here. And with this you can employ many for a wage so they will not be poor to dying.’ Jonah raised his eyebrows and jumped up from his flimsy stick-built chair saying, ‘You are welcomed visitors. Come, I will take you to our only kitchen. We will see what is for dinner.’
… As our men were led to this kitchen, they noticed that many of the people looked pale and seemed listless. Jack questioned, ‘They all look sick as if not getting sun?’ Jason agreed and Tony said, ‘Yes we noted that before too! What would the problem be?’
… Well, when they got to the kitchen there were many fish being cooked for dinner. Tony asked, ‘Where do you get the fish?’ Jonah asked the cook where and the reply was, ‘Well, I am told others find them often floating on the edge of shore and they just pick them up and sack them here.’ Jack and Jason quickly looked at each other. Jack asked, ‘They are dead when you get them?’ The cook explained, ‘Yes after traveling for several hour by foot, of course. But they look OK. There is no blemish of any kind. I think that cooking them over the hot flames probably kills any germs. If no germs they are fined to eat. They taste good anyway!’
… Jack and Jason turned an looked at each again. They were uneasy of this news. They do not have to be blemished if it was pollution. But where in this pristine wilderness would pollution be coming from. Jack and Jason were familiar with pollution for Cochin has a bit, but there they warn you to wash the plants well before eating them. They do not get much fish in Cochin for it is not near the waters edge. They wondered how the fish would be getting polluted, if that is the case.
… Well, all the men ate a good meal and talked of the times and ways they would meet and look for caves of this area. There are sure to be riches here!’ exclaimed Jack, But with Jason and myself having jobs back home, we will have to leave soon after.’ They said, ‘We will come again soon and give a hand.’
–
… When all got back to spook’s Ville, Jack and Jason left Tony and Phil in charge of the new land, The City of Gold underground, to guide the workers and take down that wall partition, making mansion underground a complete City of Gold. Pall and Scotty were told they could help but they were in charge of Spook’s Ville mansion area, including seeing that harvests and the likes were on time and running smoothly. So as time went by the land of lava was dug and excavated to unveil many riches.
–

… As time passed, like in a few weeks, there was a buzz in Cochin. There were people dying from the fish in the waters near. A warning went out all through Cochin but Jason and Jack knew that the land in the west would not get this message. They told their story to the health department and asked their lawyer’s firm if they could take a week of leave to warn this other, backward type continent. ‘Yes by all means,’ was the answer. So our 4 boys back home in mansion, got a message, to be ready when Jack and Jason came within the next day or two, for an emergency trip across the waters.
… Our group were ready and Tony along with Scotty were chosen to come on this trip. Scotty seems to stay out of things, and bosses Jack and Jason said he was coming on this quick trip across the river. The boat was near the west end of the underworld, so they unlocked the double doors when they got to the west and got out, taking the boat to the shore. When they got to the shore Jason uttered ‘Wait, let us study this water for a minute.’ So they all watched. This river was traveling very slowly. Jack asked, ‘Is it a lake or a river?’ They didn’t know and they didn’t even know the outline of this new continent, if-in-fact it was a continent?’ Jack said to Jason, ‘Why don’t we get Scotty and Tony to go tell the tribes and Jonah the news. In this way we can do some investigating of where this bad water is coming from. If it be a lake we are all in trouble but if a river it will be upstream where the problem lies.’ ‘Yes’ said Jack.
… So they got into the boat and rowed to the other shore. Jack agreed, ‘Just tell them not to eat fish for a few weeks, for if so, it may kill them. Then come back here and we will take a ride up the river.’ ‘OK I’m game!’ and they were off.
–
… Meanwhile Jack and Jason watched the river. As they watched they saw things floating. It was like powder bubbles. They scooped some up and put in a container, thinking that Cochin will be able to test these bits. They got many of these by the time the other two of Scotty and Tony got to shore. With this Jason said, ‘This is all we need. Let’s go back now.’ So they spent the rest of the day going to Cochin. Tony and Scotty wanted to go and the bosses agreed to allow Scotty. Being young these two boys had not seen a city before. Well they were in-for-a surprise.
… As they rode the sleigh with the 4 horses, there were more and more horses along this runway which was just a trodden path in the landscape, but never the less, very visible, from eons of time. Then came some buildings that looked small in the distance. But as these buildings grew our two young lads had their mouths open in awe. They were many feet up into the sky. ‘How did they stay up there? How do you get up into them?’ Many questions were asked and answered as they went through the outskirts of Cochin City.
… When they came to the main street, it was a traffic jam with horses going every which way. The drivers had to shout which way they were heading, and thrust their arm out into the direction they were trying to go. It was noisy confusion. It took all the passengers attention, for it was like they were talking to the passengers also, when screaming these orders. All very interesting to Scotty and Tony, but routine to Jack and Jason. They went down a few more yards and stopped in front of this two story building. Jack gave the reins to Jason while Jack got the tin bucket and walked it into this smaller place.
… The other three stayed with the horses as it started to rain for a few minutes. Jason said to the two in back. ‘There is a tarp there. Grab it and give me an end. We will keep it over us so we do not get colds.’ So there they were sitting under this tarp trying to watch all the people and what they were doing. ‘Interesting just the same. What a busy place!’
… After about 20 minutes Jack came out with a frown on his face. He said quietly to Jason, ‘Yes, the fish are poisoned by that powder. Someone is deliberately poisoning the area. We have to stop into our offices now and give them this info.’ ‘Prosperous!’ blurted Jason, and off they went only a few yards away.
… That is when both Jason and Jack went into their lawyers offices to give this info to the others. Tony and Scotty said to each other, ‘I didn’t know they were lawyers. That is a very high ranking job.’ The two were impressed with that. Scotty and Tony said a few more comments then settled down to relax a bit under this canopy. It was cozy and they almost slept before Jack and Jason came back.
… Well the two came back and just got into the carriage to sit. They both turned about and said, ‘We have an errand for us to do. Tony, you like spying? Were you the one who said that?’ ‘No, it is Scotty here who likes a bit of spying.’ ‘Well, Ship Ahoy! You will have to come with us Scotty. We need to go up the river and do some spying on where this white powder is coming from. Are you up for an adventure tomorrow?’ ‘That’s Super’ came from the two. Jack uttered ‘Awesome! we will get the rest to come also. The only thing is, we cannot be known or we may be in deep waters before we are home again. But we will not mention this to the elders, or Bonkers they will be coming too?’ ‘Yes Sir’ said Tony. They were excited now. ‘We will go home and get sleep in the mansion then start early in morning.’ ‘OK great!’
–
… Most of our people were not effected by this poisoning, for Spook’s Ville got water from the high mountain and the mansion itself got water from the gem cave. Cochin was not near the water so they had filtered water through the ground. And the swamp lands were a different water system again. But all the locations near the water out on the edges of these continents were in serious danger of dying from food poisoning. Some of the people headed into Cochin, being a large community, and I guess died there. This is how Cochin figured it out. Now they know How, but the other question is Who.
(My question would be, for how long? Maybe this is why Jonah’s continent is in ruins. Their main food is fish and at first the fish would not have much in them, but as time goes on they are getting more and more polluted. Slow death by poisoning.)
–

Another Trip with Disastrous Results.
… So our group all got to mansion and got to sleep early. In morning before sun up, they were up and raring to go. The 4 lads of Tony, Phil, Scotty, and Pall along with Jack and Jason, were off before the Elders of Mansion were up. And with the other 6 youngsters off to schooling in other cities, That saved a lot of questions you bet.
..Our group took the route over the land rather than through the tunnels, so had more light to travel by. They stopped into the food storage area in the west to gain food and water. Once they got to the double doors of the western underground, they unlocked them and took the boat from there up the river.
… They went maybe a mile up and there were inhabitants. They did not go by, but tied the boat in the bushes along the shore and got out to scan area. All got a spy glass from Jack and Jason whom had prepared for this trip. After all this was serious business and jailing would be in order if it is deliberate poisoning. But again they must find this out. They have become detectives of the populous, and right now, all their plans are put on hold.
–
… As they got out of the boat they noted that Jack had a rifle. The comment from one was, ‘Wow I feel like a criminal.’ Jack said, ‘A criminal for justice! Besides this will not kill a human but only stun them.’ Once that shock was over they snuck up into some bushes, nearer the clearing they saw humans. The last order given by Jason was, ‘Spread out!’
(In this day, no man could afford a gun here, but what’s more, these tools were hard to get a hold of. Unless it is a gang situation the common person does not see this scene.)
… Well Scotty was the brave one. He went right up near the dwelling there, just behind some bushes. As he peered through the garden fencing there, Tony was catching up behind him. ‘Ps… come back, you are too close.’ Scotty uttered ‘Sh… there is a little girl there. She is holding a teddy bear. I will get her attention.’ Scotty called ‘Hey!’ to the girl, as Tony came up behind him and pulled him to the ground. As lying on the cold ground, Scotty spoke in a gruff voice, ‘Why did you do that?’ Tony exclaimed, ‘Look over there.’ And sure enough once Scotty was right side up, there was a rough looking guy working in the dirt among the tall grasses just a yard or two away. He was not seen well, cause of the grasses but he was as real as they come. Scotty said with much relief ‘Oh, thanks!’
–
… But meanwhile they had caught the little girl’s attention and she was watching them. She started wandering out toward them, which Tony was nervous of. All she had to do was to call the man and he would be on them like glue. Well, she didn’t call, but came to them on ground and asked for food. Scotty agreed, ‘Yes we have food. Come!’ And they left Tony spying in the bush, as Scotty and the girl hurried back to the boat area.
… On the way they met Jack with rifle. Scotty said, ‘Come with us.’ Jack asked ‘Where did the girl come from?’ Scotty commanded, ‘Come to the boat!’ So the three of them went back to boat area and Scotty got out his bundle of food and gave the girl a big sandwich. She was delighted and chomped it down in no time.
… As she did the fellows were asking questions but she did not answer. Then when her sandwich was gone she said, ‘That was the first food I had all day. This guy does not feed me. Can I come with you people?’ Jack said, ‘Why certainly, Here get in!’ Scotty said, ‘What are you doing Jack?’ Jack replied, ‘I will boat her back to the double doors and tell her to go through the tunnels with a message for the ladies there.’ I will return right away. It will take half hour. Tell Jason what happened, and Oh! here is the gun, OK?’ ‘Yeah.’ uttered Scotty, handling the gun awkwardly and not knowing what to do. Then Scotty announced, ‘I will go find Jason now.’ As soon as he finished that sentence he realized he had to find Jason, so off he went as Jack got the oars out and gave one to little girl. She was a big help for knew how to row quite well. So off they went to central river where they picked up speed.
… Well, our people still here waited with gun in Jason’s hands, as this guy continued weeding the garden. Then as a half hour passed, our people heard Jack returned from taking the little girl to Mansion area. Just as this happened, here comes a horse with a man upon him. The man jumped off in a hurry and tied the horse to the bush near. He called, ‘Dillard where are you? I have news.’ Dillard jumped up from garden and turned to see him but as Dillard turned our people could not hear what was said. They could hear the horseman say, ‘Yes that is right, come to town now. We will make good time.’ Scotty whispered, ‘Well there goes our nappers.’ Jason warned, ‘Watch out! The man is looking for the little girl.’ Jack ordered, ‘Come-on, get back to the boat, we must go now!’ So they all ran back to boat and got out of there with no incidents.
… As they settled in the small boat to overflowing, Scotty uttered, ‘Well that is the end of that. They got away!’ Jack said, ‘No! They did not!’ Jason looked with a query at Jack. Jack smiled then explained, ‘That little girl was of big help. She told me the man’s name and she told me he had accomplices in Cochin and they go there often. I told her to tell our ladies in the City of Gold to get the mansion people to text a message to our firm. I wrote the message out and by now they will know whom the people are and where they live in Cochin. They may have the place surrounded already!’ All looked to Jack with smiles and hand pats on back. But as this was happening, they heard someone scream in the distance. It was from the direction they came, so Jack and Jason grabbed the oars and rowed a bit stronger to get out into mainstream, while the others helped by using their hands. … But that was not enough.
–
… Here comes about 8 men in a boat that was coming fast, for they were in the stream of the current. With that Jack and Jason both said, ‘You people go Now, we will fend them off.’ And they both jumped into the waters, with the others looking in shock. Tony explained, ‘We will not leave you here!’ Jack shouted with a nasty voice, ‘You leave us here! Now GO!’
… As our boaters got into the fast lane they saw Jack and Jason being corralled by the other boat. They hoped their two leaders would get-away, but what they saw was not a good sight.
… As our boaters got back and through the City of Gold, they paused there for a while to regain their wits. They discussed many things including what they were going to tell the mansion people. Later they continued up through mansion, and the elders there said, ‘Well you people are heroes! They have the main villains under lock and key and they know this Dillard was the perpetrator, for when they arrested the 4, Dillard had a half pound of powder on him of the very same stuff Cochin’s Chemical Department tested.
(Of course, the results would have been sent to Jack and Jason’s firm, for they were the main lawyer Group in Cochin. Thus the story was rounded up and all could get back to normal, in time.)
… As the mansion people wound up the info, one asked, ‘Where is Jack and Jason? Tony reluctantly explained, ‘They rescued us only to be nabbed themselves. The boat of 8 men got them Sir! ‘Oh No!’ replied Preston. ‘What will we do now?’ Tony replied, ‘There is not much we can do. We need to go back to Jonah’s continent with news, but in a day or two. They all continued talking through the remainder of the day. But all did relax somewhat.
–
… In a couple of days, the 4 lads took a trip to the small continent of Jonah’s. They told their story and that all is good. Tony said to Jonah, ‘But I would not eat any fish for a few weeks yet. Most are still poisoned.’ Jonah asked, ‘But what do we eat? Well, our young gang had taken a barrel of seeds as told once upon a time. The guys said, take us to your farming area and help plant and we will help you for a few hours then we must get back. It is early summer so these will grow to be stored for winter months.
… As time went on they had the fields planted and some stayed to help with harvests as others got freezers there and still others were building proper homes. There was such a rush for a few months, that nobody recognizes the place now.
–
… Meanwhile our boys had quietly returned to mansion late that day. They were puzzling as to what to do. They had got a hold of Jack’s lawyer team and told their story through telegram but not much was said except, ‘Not to worry, we will do our best to rescue them.’ Our fellows knew since hideout was here near them, they were the ones to carry out the rescue but they had to have a plan. They put up notes in stores and on other buildings in town, asking any of the mansion and towns people could help. In fact our boys were begging them to help. ‘They are our leaders here, people. Please help us rescue them.’
… Time went on and harvests were accomplished but our people were in dismay. There was no progress of how to rescue the bosses. Pall said one time, ‘Why do we not just go there via land. Keep hidden and find a loophole. They are probably kept in that barn behind the cottage there.’ ‘Yes,’ agreed Phil, ‘I feel this is right.’ Tony questioned, ‘But I do not think they would still be there. They know people in Cochin also. They must have a hideout there as well!’ Pall replied, ‘Yes but that is where they were nabbed before or their bosses anyways. They know it is more dangerous in town. I would stay away from town if I was in that situation.’ Tony explained, ‘Well there is no point in quibbling over this. We will meet with the elders tonight and see what they say.’
… They had a meeting with the elders that evening and talked it out. Elders did not wish them to go there, ‘for what if you are captured too!’ Tony said, ‘We will not get that close. We will take the spy glass and be out of sight even if it takes two days. We must get their schedule and figure when is best time to charge. Right now we do not know who is there and if they even leave the joint. We will take guns and spyglass. We will go into Cochin and buy more guns, just small ones to protect ourselves. Right Phil?… What do you say to that?’
… Phil thought for a minute then answered ‘Sure. We should not kill them for they need to go to trial. They owe us a bunch especially if they have killed Bosses!’ Pall cautioned, ‘Please do not say that! … What will we do if bosses are dead? They had all the plans and incentive.’ ‘Well,’ replied Tony, ‘Preston here is much in the know as well. We need to get Orlando and Hermes back here.’ Preston and Calvin both said in unison. ‘No they are too old now. I believe they have passed to the great beyond. Have they not, Sandy?’ ‘Yes that was a few years ago. Where have you boys been.’ ‘Well, ‘said Preston, ‘boys will be boys. Come on gang, let’s eat a good meal and be ready for tomorrow with whatever it may bring.’
… They felt confident and were all geared up with spy glass and guns each. They talked plans further and plan to not leave the main path of this hide out, if there is one there. In this way no one could say they were trespassing. So as each went to bed that night they all had their ideas in their head of what to do.
–
… In the morning the elders got much food prepared and packed the horses they were going to take. It will be only two horses for there will be two persons on each. It was not a long run for the horses, but it may be rocky. They will manage said Tony, for this is just a trial run to eye the situation. The elders encouraged them and said, ‘Spare the horses for that fast escape you may need. If the way is steep walk the horses through.’ ‘Yes’ uttered Tony, ‘we know what to do Sir.’
… Old Preston was being their mother at this point but the elders were nervous, for these lads were the only ones who knew the history of area in the recent past. They were the only ones left that were able to take this place into the future. The elders did not wish their well thought plans, to go by the wayside or to others like the criminals that have caught their bosses. They had to try and keep their land alive and in good hands.
… So the rescue group got up early and got packed up and the elders bid the lads farewell and god speed. Calvin said, last thing, ‘You know the secret entrances to this place, and you have all the keys available. If running from someone, sneak in any way you can. We will play dumb for sure!’ ‘All right,’ said the group. ‘Good idea. See you in a day or two.’ So off they went slowly on the two large horses disappearing behind bush and hill along the way till they got so small they were not detected.
–
… Through these next few days there was a flux of people coming into our area via all the advertisements of past. All were eager to help this golden community. There were people to spare, and many wished to go into mining. This was thanks to the jewels that were displayed about town. The people would come into town to do some work but when they saw the jewels that others had unearthed, that was what they wished to do. It is not till later they are told of the rules. Whatever they find goes to the community thus also to them. Maybe a bit wrong but all will benefit eventually, for it goes for improvements and upgrades, in all manner of town’s doings.
… As time went by and with about 70 miners, it was found that the continent of The Illuminating Uplands was endowed with 5 large mines which enabled our people to unearth much, making enough cash to produce proper homes for all who wished to stay on this small continent. With water and electricity newly wired in from a much more advanced, far-off continent, many of our areas made big jumps into modernization, including Stanbury Flats, Spook’s Ville, Orlando Flats and Addison Heights. Thus all the lands were becoming civilized, in leaps and bounds.
… As mansion waited word from the young lads Preston would telegram Jack’s Lawyer’s offices often. He was anxious and wishing to help, but days went by and no word. They kept getting updates via the lawyer’s offices about all the areas progressing, and this buffered the fact that the young lads were not heard from for almost a week now.
–
… As the times settled down and Christmas was on the distant horizon the lawyer’s offices sent back a message that the lawyers had incorporated Illuminating Uplands into the Three Brother’s Kingdoms. It still needed much work for the soil there along the river was not good, but time will correct all. But with the many hands that were coming into area things got done up in a hurry, and now the ferry system is a go with three moderate sized ships. Two are kept in dock at each shore with one traveling often, back and forth. It was only a 4 hour trip from city to city. That is not bad. The transit system of buggy and horse always awaited at each end and for a price, making others employed for a good fair.
… Preston sent a telegram back with, ‘How come you people are so involved with our lands? I did not think you knew much of what was happening here?’ Lawyer Canterbury replied with, ‘Well it is Jack and Jason’s request that if they were found missing or delayed, that we were to carry on with this project, for the land bureaucrats
… Preston messaged a question saying, ‘So how much longer do you think the lads will be missing?’ Reply was ‘That is hard to say, but we will wire you as soon as we hear a shimmer of anything, how’s that? ‘ Preston closed it off with ‘Yes and thank you Sir. I need to get some sleep now. I will pray too. Bye.’ Thus, the small shop beside Lucy’s Cup Of was closed up for the night as the elders headed back to mansion to sleep.
–
… Well it was a week to the day and early one morning the mansion people were awoken by the telegram machine in mansion. The story wrote out as thus,
–
Back in Cochin as it Happened
… The people within and near the jail were astounded, for as they watched these kidnappers being steered into jail, they could see something was wrong. These prisoners were weak to the point of almost stumbling about. When in jail, they were almost happy to see a bed in the cells they were placed.
… Now, out in that police station in city of Cochin, the policemen went to front desk and asked, ‘What is wrong with them?’ Jack and Jason hesitated to say much. With many cops and detectives looking our two in their faces, waiting for an answer to their puzzling questions, Jason felt he should say something. Hesitantly he said, ‘Well, that was the thing. It was either us or them. Who would be dead first? So we took the very poison they were poisoning the fish with and fed them a bit through the water they drank each day. Otherwise, we would be dead by now ourselves.’
… Jack asked quietly, ‘Will we be in trouble for doing this?’ Lieutenant Stephan explained, ‘Well it was in self-defense, or this is what will have to be proven in court.’ He looked at the two and made a judgment outline, then said, ‘But I’m sure it will be overlooked with what these people have done in past. They were wanted men and you brought them in for us. Good for you two. Thank you.’ And there became a round of applause for our two, to their great surprise.
… Lieutenant Stephan took them to the lawyers firm and two of those lawyers, took them by wagon to Spook’s Ville. Well, there was much howdy do’s and all settled into the mansion, for the guys all wished to hear what happened. So, with the odd foods about, our people perched themselves for a story or three, from these heroes, their friends.
–
… As all settled within mansion Jason went on in discussion. ‘When we saw the boat coming toward us with much speed, we jumped into the river and told Tony and the rest to go quickly! Go home! We will fend them off. Go!’
… Well as soon as the speeding boat got to within a yard, they were shooting at us and saying, ‘Stop struggling and come with us peaceably.’ If we made moves to swim away they shot their guns at us again. We had to do as they said. They hauled us into the boat and went to shore near their hideout. They took us roughly and threw us in the barn there and locked us up. We were in there for two days without food or water. I think they were trying to starve us. We were able to get out through a crack in the wall near the ground. We spend a few hours once we saw this breakage and cracked the wood more making it wider. So when we did get free, we ran for the Well that was there in the open. It was night and at this time they were probably sleeping, I’m sure.’
… ‘We saw the poison in the barn, a whole sack of it! When we saw they left a bucket filled with water right near the top of the well in ground, Jack here thought of putting some poison in the water. We did not know how much but if they were poisoned, they would be weak. This is main reason why we poisoned them. Then they would follow us like good kids. So we put very little in the water. It took that long for them to get weak. I guess we could have made it stronger but we both felt, that if we killed them, we would be killed via partners or sentenced in court. Either way it was going to be a tough decision. When we told the cops in Cochin they said, ‘It was in self defense.’
… ‘We thought of you people here often but knew that our lawyers would keep things running, and they did a good job. Thanks for your support, all. Right now though, I think I wish to sleep for the next 24 hours.’ ‘Heavens’ uttered Preston! ‘Come, we have just the room for you. Nobody will disturb you.’
… So they took the two bosses up to the top floor of the mansion and it was still pretty warm up there being a warm fall. There was a huge bed and a smaller bed and they got a choice of which to sleep in. Well it turned out to be a great reprieve.
… They could not hear anyone in the building or for that matter, outside as well, for it looked east upon the mountainous area behind mansion. With nobody in sight except the fall colored trees, it was a great rest for both. Well, they did spend 24 hours there, when there came a knock on the door, and in was brought a replenishment of much food, all for them to eat at their leisure. That was a good welcome home and they felt much better.
—

The Settling
… Well as a few days passed and all had a chance to welcome the two bosses in mansion area, Jack and Jason thanked their lucky stars you bet. They would slowly wander about area down into underground, over to Jonah’s area, and off into wherever anyone would travel. They were marveling at all the progress with the new wave of people that had come in, when they were stuck in that barn just down the river. They took it upon themselves to find who owned that area down river, for it seemed to be in the twilight zone. They were told by Cochin’s officials that it was a part of the mansion area, so Jack and Jason spent time along with the other 4 lads, setting up a store and potty area for those taking a trip down the river sightseeing or the likes. They planned out a building where people could spend the night, so to continue traveling down out to sea if that be their wish.
–
The Settlement
… Jason and Jack have suddenly settled, for they are not thinking of the amount of land in far off places but the quality of land that any may meet within each of the three brother’s areas. They plan to put the new maps up as soon as they revised them. These maps would be of total area, more as a Tourist Info Center. This was their original idea when coming here. A resort for themselves and others about. But now that the ‘About’, has become monumental and somewhat settled, the bosses felt that all places must be spruced up to introduce all who come their way.
… So with mapping the pieces of map together, that each had drawn through the years, they had an artist of more modern day paint the whole thing. It is placed on the main wall of each city hall of the continent. Jack, Jason and the gang have named the continent, Land of Conservancy and the small continent run by Jonah was named Illuminating Uplands, being with no significant mountains, but high up from the waters with cliffs at most edges.
–
… As we catch up with our group, there they were standing silently in the main meeting room of Spook’s Ville, as staring at the new map on the wall. There was their continent all mapped out for them. All they had to do was check on the areas and name them as seen fit. There may be many more tombs and underground caves all through these areas, but at this point, all were happy just to get a piece of the land.
… And now, all felt they could start their land anew so to grow along with the rest. They got the go ahead from the official land department and the land is theirs for a trial time of 5 years. If there are improvements in most venues it will become theirs to run.
–
… It was stipulated that, being this land belonged to kings in past, it must maintain any buildings of past and have that legacy represented within each area. But our groups are pleased with that and have already named areas because of that era.
… In future Jack and Jason definitely had their summer resort. They could climb the mountains or venture into the underworld or ski in the waters of the west. At this point they plan to reside in the underworld where the Pyramids are, leaving the lads of Spook’s Ville to rule up top and greet all who come into their small area called Chisttinam’s Kingdom. Jack and Jason did not claim this continent but were members of the group that conserved this continent for all to enjoy. In the future cycles of life, the small area called Chisttinam’s Kingdom will be handed down to the Mansion Brothers to carry on with.
… But this whole continent permanently belongs to the Three Brothers of history and each area is to depict the times, and the ruler of those times. With many artifacts from the tombs, that are displayed in all corners of this continent, it was a treasure to behold and certainly a time capsule of bygone years.

The End … Lynne … (Created 2016-20.) on DVD.

–

These Stories cycle every 3-4 weeks.
Story 1 + 2. Did not know how to make stories. Learned as I went.
Several events entered into Story 3 to broaden some Character’s History.
Story 3. War Town. Created before 2010. First Story.
Story 4. Rescuing Rescuers. Created before 2010.
Story 5. Two Faced Sully. Created before 2010.
Story 6. Clifton Disappearances. Created 2010. Revised 2023.
Story 7. Three Wealthy Brothers. Created 2010.
Story 8. Sweetland’s Expeditions. Created 2010.
Story 9. Scarway Surprise. Created 2011-15.
Story 10. Fat Cats and Pirates. Created 2011-15.
Story 11. Scandalous Maneuvers. Created 2011-15.
Story 12. Frost Island. Created 2011-15.
Story 13. Oh, The Tunnels We Dig. Created 2017.
Story 14. Winning Island. Created 2016-20.
Story 15. Silver Ridge Plateaus. Created 2017.
Story 16. Zone Affairs. Created 2016-20.
Story 17. Cycles of Life. Created 2016-20. 2017?
Story 18. Bermuda Desert Created 2020.
Story 19. The Hidden King. Created 2022.
Story 20. An Invisible Army.. Created 2024.
Story 21. New. The Christian’s Valley. Created 2024.