Ben Marcus and the Staff of Power

By Jeremy Cook

When Ben receives a gift from his father, he assumes it will be just another cane to add to his collection. Little does he know that it will start a chain reaction that will lead to an incredible secret. Ben is not your typical teenage hero and when he and his professor embark on a global quest for the truth, he finds that his disability will ultimately aide him in his journey. As they are chased across the globe by a ruthless agent, they must solve a series of clues that have been in place for centuries. In the dark depths of an ancient tomb, they uncover a secret that could either unite or tear apart the region. Should they reveal their secret or continue their quest to the bitter end? This is the first book in the Ben Marcus Saga.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Jeremy Cook
• Release date: Jan 19, 2012
• ISBN: 9781465873989

Jeremy Cook

I grew up in southern New Hampshire and attended a Waldorf school until 8th Grade. It was there that I got my affinity for creative writing. I attended a Catholic High School and moved immediately to Hawaii after I graduated. I moved down to Orlando in where I was a boat skipper at JAWS, a safari driver at Animal Kingdom and overall theme park grunt. After graduating from the University of Central Florida, I entered the teaching field, during which time I graduated with a Masters in Education from Rollins College. I taught elementary school for in Central Florida before accepting a teaching job in Bern, Switzerland. I currently reside in Southern Maine.

Book preview

Prologue

Peter ran through the desert. He knew it was only a matter of time before they caught up to him. He knew they would come looking for it. How could they not? It was the true source of power and now he had it. It was his responsibility to make sure they didn't get their hands on it. His friend would have wanted it that way.

The sun beat down on him, relentless it seemed as he urged himself forward. He knew of only one place to go. One place that would be safe and one man who could help. Peter's legs felt heavy and his vision blurred as sweat dripped from his matted hair into his eyes, stinging and causing him to stumble. How much farther? How much more did he have left in him? Even through his extreme exhaustion, he felt it's power pushing him to the brink and then beyond.

Suddenly, on the horizon he saw what he longed for. The outcropping of rock was a sight that made his heart feel light. He knew he was almost three. He knew he could make it. The crevice between the rock was there clear as day and Peter slid himself through into the small, hidden cave. He sighed a deep and tired sigh. He was safe for now. No one knew of this place, no one knew how sacred it was. No one, except for Thomas. Thomas could help him. As relief fell over him, he knew all would be well for now. He knew what needed to be done, and Thomas was the one to do it. Thomas must now protect the power and the secret. It was up to him to keep it safe until it was called upon once again. It was Thomas that could keep it out of their hands. Thomas must bear the burden. As he closed his eyes, he could almost see the future unfolding before him. Now, two thousand years later, that power was about to resurface and the person wielding it was far from the one who Peter had envisioned.

Chapter 1

The alarm clock blared in Ben’s ear as he struggled to open his eyes. School was the least favorite part of his life and the alarm signaled that another day had come. And this was just one more day he would have to endure. He swung his feet down to the floor and reached for his cane that lay innocently against his bed post. He grimaced as he pulled himself to his feet, putting most of his weight on the cane. Once he was standing, he gingerly made his way across the room, towards the bathroom. The shower was a tricky ordeal. He had to use the special bars that were installed in his shower to help balance and then wash with his free hand. He had gotten pretty good at balancing in a standing position which made it much easier to wash with both hands. He had, on occasion, slipped and fell which made the process of getting up again an arduous experience. But as time wore on, he gained more strength and balance, so things got a bit easier. He caught a glance of himself in the bathroom mirror and frowned. He was tall, over six feet, and skinny. Although he was thin, he was well built in a wiry kind of way. Since he had to get around with a cane, his upper body was extremely strong. His black hair was thick and scraggly and his face was pale and a bit drawn. He didn’t wear glasses, thank God, because that would have solidified his status as a typical nerd. The only thing that really separated him from his fellow classmates was the fact that he limped and used a single cane to walk with.

Ben was not your typical high school teenager. He had been diagnosed with a rare bone disorder when he was a baby, which made the bones in his left leg weak and misshaped. When he was younger, he was confined to a wheelchair full-time, which made his school life a nightmare and his home life just slightly below horrible. He had worked very hard in physical therapy and in 4th grade; he was able to leave his wheelchair behind for good. To get around, he used a walking stick that served as his cane. He could have just as easily used a standard type of cane that everyone else would use, but Ben had to be a bit different. His father was a businessman who would bring home unique and rare canes and walking sticks from his travels abroad. His favorite was a solid ivory cane made from the tusk of an African elephant. It had some of the most detailed and intricate carvings that Ben had ever seen and it didn’t hurt that it was completely against the law to have. Some of his others included Galdalf’s staff from the Lord of the Rings movies that his dad brought from New Zealand, a totem pole cane from Alaska and long stick that resembled a joust that came from England. If all that didn’t make Ben stand out enough then his brain put him over the top. Ben was not just smart, he was brilliant. His IQ was off the charts and he was above and beyond his peers in every subject except physical education.

Ben finished getting dressed and headed downstairs for breakfast.

Good morning, how about some cereal? his mom asked with a smile.

Just a piece of toast actually, I am not really that hungry he replied. Ben was not much of a talker, or at least not small talk. He preferred to be left alone most of the time or be the one to initiate the conversation.

Is Bruce’s mom picking you up today, or are you taking the bus? his mom inquired as she dropped a plate with a piece of buttered toast down on the table.

She’s coming this morning and thank God because it looks like its going pour.

Ben had one really good friend at school and that was Bruce Taylor. He was one of the popular kids and an athlete, but he was also brilliant and one of the only kids who could rival Ben in academics. Ben felt that being friends with Bruce also gave him a pass with most of the kids at school who would cause him trouble. Everyone except for Hunter, who was the star basketball player and the school pain in the ass, pretty much left him alone. Bruce’s only hang up, as Ben saw it, was the fact that he was friends with Hunter. This angered Ben because he felt Bruce was playing both sides, but Bruce had stepped up for Ben on several occasions, so he let it go. The car horn honked and Ben grabbed his stuff and headed for the door.

See you tonight Ben called back to his mother. He wasn’t sure is she heard him, but he didn’t feel like repeating himself so he shut the door behind him and hobbled toward the car.

Chapter 2

Bruce’s family was rich beyond comprehension and their car showed it. It was a Mercedes that was imported from Germany and one of only a hundred and fifty in the country. Ben loved the car and was excited every time he got to ride in it.

Good morning Ben, Bruce’s mother Mary said as he opened the car door.

Good morning Mrs. Taylor, he replied, How are you today?

She looked in the rearview mirror. I am fine and you?

I’m here Ben replied with a touch of sarcasm. Bruce’s mother was a very nice woman who always treated Ben like a part of the family. He had stayed over at Bruce’s house dozens of times over the years and he liked the way the family treated him. As the car pulled away Bruce gave Ben a smug smile. Bruce was your typical jock and popular kid. He was shorter than Ben by six inches, but he was well built and muscular. His hair was light brown and always seemed in perfect condition. Ben made it a habit of calling him Ken as much as he could.

You ready for Friday’s trip to the science center? Bruce asked knowing the answer before the words came out.

Are you out of your mind? Ben said as he turned to look out the window. I hate field trips more than anything. I hate the science center. I hate how the school requires me to ride on a handicapped bus and I hate that Hunter Black is going to be there. He grabbed his bag and pretended to be rummaging for something.

He’s not going to bother you, trust me. Bruce said abruptly.

Are you going to hold my hand? Ben mocked, Because if you’re not, he’ll find a way to mess with me and you know it." Ben felt himself getting worked up already and it was only Tuesday.

I told him not to mess with you or I would deck him a good one, just trust me. Bruce always knew how to calm Ben down and today was no exception. Even though Ben felt better, he still sat in a huff until they pulled up the drive of the school.

Ben and Bruce attended Stone Forest Academy just outside the city limits. It was a very small, expensive private middle and high school where only the rich and intelligent were allowed to set foot. The school was set up like a college and the day to day schedule was like it as well. There were more than two dozen buildings that adorned the campus. The whole school sat on the shores of Wolf Lake which was a large, fingered lake with huge moss covered cypress trees along its green shores. The buildings resembled the architecture of Tuscany and were dotted with countless fountains and gardens. It had an on campus stadium for outdoor sports and a gymnasium for indoor. The library was bigger and contained more books that the city’s main branch and its Catholic church was the second largest in the area. The main building that contained the homerooms was like the pantheon, with its huge pillars and columns and everything was either stone or polished marble. Bruce helped Ben get out of the car and they both headed toward the main hall to homeroom. As they got to the door, Hunter came up behind them.

You ready for practice today, dork? he mocked as he elbowed Bruce in the side.

I’ll be there he replied hoping Hunter would just inquire and then leave.

Hey sticks, what’s the rush? Hunter gawked at Ben as he hobbled in the door. Hunter liked to call Ben sticks which referred to the fact he walked using a cane. Hunter reminded Ben of Biff from Back to the Future. He was big, tall and nasty as anything.

Shut up and get lost Ben snapped as he tried to move forward.

A pleasure as always Hunter said as he did a mock bow while Ben tried to limp forward as fast as he could manage. Don’t trip on anything, you know, like my foot. Hunter called as he stood watching Ben struggle down the corridor.

Don’t be a jerk Hunter, seriously. Just leave the guy alone. You know one day that kid is going to be richer that the whole lot of us, then who’ll be laughing? Bruce gave Hunter a smile and trotted off down the hallway after Ben.

They got to homeroom and scuffled to their desks. The bell was about to ring and Mr. Miller was a stickler for being ready when the bell rang.

Chapter 3

As soon as the bell rang, Mr. Miller was at the front of the class ready to begin homeroom. Ben hated homeroom, but he loved Mr. Miller. He would often hang out after homeroom to chat about things with the very educated teacher. Ben loved to learn and to be challenged. It killed him to not know the answer to things and Mr. Miller seemed to have all the answers. Mr. Miller called for silence during the pledge, the prayer and the National Anthem. Afterward everyone had to get out their agendas and make sure homework was complete and reading was done for the upcoming day of classes. This was the time of day that Ben was just able to sit and zone out. He really didn’t need to read that much. Most of the stuff he knew enough about to be a part of the discussion without actually having to read the boring material.

Fifteen minutes later the second bell rang and Ben was out the door as fast as he could hobble. Whenever he had Dr. Tanzi’s history class for first period, he never stayed to chat with Mr. Miller. The only teacher Ben liked more than Mr. Miller was Dr. Tanzi. Luckily for Ben, history was only in the next building, so it was a relatively quick trip for him. As he entered the small classroom, he saw Dr. Tanzi sitting at his desk with his usually cynical expression on his face. He was an older man, in his sixties Ben guessed, with gray hair and a bit of a belly. He had the best expressions and a wonderful sense of humor. He was one of the smartest people Ben had ever met and since he held degrees from Harvard and Dartmouth, he could see why. His history class this year was Ben’s favorite. Since it was A.P. history, they learned things that Ben knew little about, which he loved.

Morning Ben, Dr. Tanzi called out as Ben shuffled through the door.

Good Morning, how’s it going so far today? Ben said as he headed for his seat.

As good as it gets, I guess, as good as it gets Dr. Tanzi put his glasses on and grimaced as he stood. He waited at the podium at the front of the class as everyone filed in and sat at their desks. As soon as everyone was seated he grabbed a dry erase marker and wrote the word Moses on the board.

Can anyone tell me a bit about the man I wrote on the board? he inquired to the class. Anyone?

Eli, who sat at the back of class, raised his hand in the air and Dr. Tanzi called on him.

He led the Hebrews out of Egypt, he said with a tone of finality.

Right, but does anyone really know how or when it all happened? Dr. Tanzi looked around and saw that no one was really sure. Well, the story goes something like this. He cleared his throat and started pacing across the front of the room. Moses was a Hebrew boy who was placed in a basket by his mother and sent down the Nile River to escape the Egyptian armies. The soldiers were sent by the Pharaoh to kill all the Hebrew boys because of a prophecy that told of a Hebrew boy overthrowing Pharaoh. The basket was said to have washed up at the palace of the Pharaoh where he was discovered and adopted as a member of the royal family. Moses discovered later in his life that he was not Egyptian, but in fact a Hebrew, and fled into the desert. It was there it was said that he found the burning bush and was spoken to by the Hebrew God who gave him instructions to return to Egypt. He was to demand that his people be released from slavery. Moses did as he was told, but Pharaoh did not listen. Moses told Pharaoh that if he did not let his people go, that his God would rain down deadly plagues on Egypt. The worst of which was the death of the first born child of every Egyptian family. The angel of death would only pass over the doors painted with lamb’s blood. The blood symbolized that it was a Hebrew family inside. After that, Pharaoh let the Hebrews go, but followed them to the Red Sea. Moses parted the seas with the power of God and as Pharaoh’s army followed, he let the waves fall, engulfing the entire Egyptian Army.

Dr. Tanzi just looked back and smiled as they class took it all in. He talked quite fast, but the students were used to it by now.

What Pharoah was it? asked Tanya from the front row.

Most people and stories claim the Pharaoh was Ramses II, but there is no real evidence of that. Some others think it was Tutmoses IV who was the Pharaoh. Either way, most scholars agree that Moses did exist, they just are a bit shaky on the details.

The rest of the lesson was so engaging to Ben he was disappointed when the bell rang, signaling him to head for French class. As he was leaving he approached Dr. Tanzi.

How do they try to explain the parting of the Red Sea? Dr. Tanzi chuckled as he listened to Ben’s inquiry.

Some think that it was all made up and others think it was some kind of tidal phenomenon. No one will ever know, so it’s more of a belief than it is a scientific question.

Ben hated those types of things. He liked concrete evidence, not faith or belief. He walked out the door, the subject still heavy on his mind.

Chapter 4

Tel Aviv – The cell phone in Orin’s pocket vibrated and he flipped it open to listen.

The artifact has been located, the gruff, masked voice said. A store owner in Tangiers had it for sale, but it was sold. Get over there and track it down. This is a level one priority.

With that the phone went blank and Orin just flipped it closed and shoved