Divine Deception: The Will Traveller Chronicals

By Robert James

Reincarnating as the murdered son of the Supreme One, the Will Traveller finds himself in a family squabble with a big difference. As Lord Robert, he finds that the Supreme One’s family rules the entire New World! And they do it with an iron fist. Seeing the immorality of his ‘family’, Lord Robert knows he has to bring their tyrannical reign to an end, but how? On his globetrotting mission to rally support, which takes him to fascinating cities and introduces a myriad of cultures, the Will Traveller has to keep one step ahead of his very vengeful siblings. It’s not all hard and dangerous work though, not when you have two brilliant and beautiful women to assist you, in oh so many ways!

• Language: English
• Publisher: Robert James
• Release date: Jan 26, 2013
• ISBN: 9781301899647

Robert James

Dr. Robert's life story reads very much like some of his novels. A rock 'n roll run-a-way at thirteen, he has travelled the world extensively in many professions. Blessed with many talents, Dr. Robert spent just over two decades as a performer in the music industry, before becoming an entrepreneur and creator of both audio and video productions. He holds a Bachelors in A/V and a Masters in Science Business Administration. After a major heart attack in 1998, Dr. Robert ceased his business activities, began his current career as a novelist, and also began his Doctorate in Philosophy, which he graduated in 2005 at sixty years of age. Additionally, he holds a 16 year US patent for an 'improved computer game controller', which is soon to be launched. Having started out writing a post-apocalyptic situation comedy series for television, he is now well past his millionth word of fiction.

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By Dr. Robert James

Divine Deception

Copyright © Dr Robert James 2010

Smashwords Edition

All rights reserved.

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Cover Image by Kate Andersen

Table Of Contents

Chapter One

Chapter Two

Chapter Three

Chapter Four

Chapter Five

Chapter Six

Chapter Seven

Chapter Eight

Chapter Nine

Chapter Ten

Chapter Eleven

Chapter Twelve

Free Sample of ‘Clanbirth’ (another Will Traveller)

Discover Other Works By Dr Robert James

About The Author

Acknowledgements

I wish to express my sincerest thanks to Katie James-Herbert for her tireless support and effort, to Gary Williams for preparing this book for publication, to Kate Andersen for her magnificent cover artwork and to Melanie Tyrer for her help in editing this book. This book would not have come into existence without their expertise and support.

Author’s Preface

Calling these adventures journeys has never been more justified than it is with this story. Though every Will Traveller mission has been exciting, sometimes scary and sometimes a little sexy, and this one is certainly no exception to that rule, none have been anywhere near so mentally challenging. Typically, this ‘journey’ began in some place I didn’t know, at sometime unknown to me, if, in fact, any of it occurred at all! But, I have to say that every person I’ve ‘met’ and every event that I’ve written about in this book, seem totally real to me. As usual, very little is the way it first seems, and trying to sort the bad guys, and girls, from the good ones, is just a little tricky, to say the least. Of course, my Will Traveller’s bag of tricks does tend to give one a better chance of surviving all the would-be assassinations and other lethal events.

As a ‘returned’ member of the Supreme Family, the New World’s ruling religious leaders, this adventure has me travelling all over a highly privileged world, one which has been deceived into believing that my family and I are some kind of Gods, in order to gain the Supreme One ultimate power. Curiously enough, apart from all the luxuries that go with being considered to be some kind of Devine Being, it sure does lead to some surprisingly erotic assignations. I can honestly say that I have not had more fun writing, than while I was experiencing and simultaneously writing this Will Traveller Chronical. Stumbling around without any real idea of what I was supposed to do, or, for that matter, who I was at first, this adventure has me exploring the New World. A world quite similar to parts of our own planet today.

In order to raise awareness and galvanize the people into an uprising, against my tyrannical ‘family’, I become involved with a myriad of absolutely fascinating and often extremely beautiful inhabitants, from the New World’s many, vastly different States. It’s a world where, much like ours, the people are ruled because of their own superstitions, even though they are modern and sophisticated societies. Needless to say, the despots, who are held in reverential awe by the people, are very keen to stop me, once they know of my mission. From butterflies in my stomach, to a variety of stirrings all over, for various reasons, writing this Will Traveller Chronical really did move me, literally! It also evidenced that writing is a most enjoyable occupation. My hope is that you too enjoy this ‘journey’, and that you find the people and places that make up the New World as enjoyable, interesting and entertaining as I have.

Warm regards

Dr. Robert

Chapter One

It was bright, sunny day. Far too bright for me, I had to go pull the shades and lay down next to our cat, Leo, otherwise known as ‘she who rules the double bed during the waking hours’ and close my eyes for a little while. The blissful escape into darkness, greatly aided by Leo’s deep, rhythmic purring soon had me in a state of complete and contented peace. A million miles from anywhere.

Can I help you, Sir? A very sultry voice asked out of the gloom. I shook my head, was it my eyes or had the room become very foggy? Slowly, I became aware that I was no longer lying in bed, I was now standing on a city street, and it was late at night.

Are you alright, Sir? The voice, now close beside me asked. I turned to look at her.

Even with the high heels her eyes were shoulder height, big and brown. Enough to say that once I got a good look at her, I certainly wished she could help me, any man would!

Uh, yes, well that is, I feel OKAY I replied, I just have no idea where I am, or how I got here, I admitted to the party girl, who rewarded my honesty with a beautiful smile.

Must’ve been a good party, she laughed softly. Love ya outfit, really classy, ya know?

Uh thanks, I mumbled and looked down at myself. I wore a bright red kaftan style outfit with knee high boots. Then I took a look at the people around me.

Everyone else, and there were lots of people about despite the gloominess, wore pants shirts jackets skirts and all the other normal attire you’d expect on a city street at night. Dressed as I was, I got quite a few strange looks from people passing by.

All coming back to you now, Sir? My lady of the night asked.

Not really, no, I answered, trying to recognise something around me. Buildings on both sides rose several floors up, eight maybe ten, and though there were a lot of people out and about, cars were obviously not allowed in this dimly lit plaza area. There were lots of sidewalk cafés, a few shops that were still open and quite a few strikingly attractive ladies, dressed just like my own attractive and inquisitive little friend.

You done some real heavy stuff then? The look of concern returned to her pretty face.

I’m not sure, Miss, that could be it. It seemed to be a good idea to play along with that, at least until things had become clearer to me.

Maybe you come with me and I’ll fix you up something that’ll clear ya head, what d’ya think? She invited. I patted myself down; there were soft woollen pants and a long sleeve shirt under the kaftan, but there was no pockets.

I’d love that, Miss, I replied truthfully But, unfortunately, I don’t seem to have any money on me right now, I told the girl most regretfully. An annoyed look creased her pretty features

Look, if I’m not your type, just say so, you don’t have to crap on about having no pays left, she snapped and went to turn away.

No, look sorry, I’m really confused, Miss, I apologised profusely I do think you’re very attractive, but I don’t have anything at all on me, I told her sincerely, adding I’ve checked everywhere under here, I indicated my flowing garment.

You serious? Really? The girl asked, trying to work me out. So was I! I seemed to be me, as I was a decade or so ago, but, so far, I didn’t recognise the city. The people on the streets seem to be an evenly mixed cross section of every ethnic group. But, in spite of their origins, they were all dressed in western big city style clothes.

Look, d’ya wanna sit down and talk for a while, Sir? The girl invited softening.

I thought ya was fooling around, I did, she confessed apologetically, but you’ve really lost it, hey?

I’m afraid so, Miss, I answered, becoming aware that we were attracting an increasing level of attention. I would like to sit down somewhere, I told her, adding, people are staring at us. Or, I should say, at me, I corrected myself smiling. She took my arm in both hands, pressed her body up against me and gently pushed me in the direction of an almost unlit café.

We can sit in Miko’s for a while, she told me on the way, if you’re gonna get around in an outfit like that Sir, well, she laughed prettily, people are gonna stare. She chuckled, half pushing, half leading me to a table, at the back of the dimly lit, ten table café.

I know this must sound really quite strange, Miss, I began explaining, but I haven’t got the faintest idea of where I am or who I am, I told her, hoping she could see that I meant what I said.

Well, you know you’re in Miko’s Cafe down here in the pleasure zone of the best city in the world don’t you? The stunning little lady of the night checked confidently.

Only because you’ve just told me, I replied. What’s the name of this city? I asked.

You’re kidding, surely? She asked, incredulous. I shook my head. You really don’t know you’re in Centropolis? The financial, social and creative capitol of New World? She asked, there was no mistaking her pride in this city.

A speaker under our table hummed and a voice asked, your order please? I looked at the girl blankly.

Oh well, just this once won’t hurt, she said, after hesitating and taking a long look at me. Then she put her right wrist against a blue panel on our table and ordered coffee for both of us. I looked down at my right wrist, nothing. The girl saw me do it, let out an exclamation, then reached over and grabbed my right arm.

Oh shit, she muttered and when she looked up, the curiosity had a very distinct tinge of fear.

Everyone has a pay pad, Sir, the now very serious girl told me, I never seen no-one without one before. I’m not sure I understand, Sir, she added.

I waited until the equally scantily dressed waitress had brought our coffees and left before I spoke.

I’d really love to explain, Miss, I told the girl earnestly, but I am completely blank. I don’t recognise anything, yet everything seems quite normal, I added truthfully. My pretty little pleasure girl was looking at me intently. Suddenly, she pressed a button on the table.

Yes? A deep male voice replied promptly.

It’s Babs, Danny, she said into the blue panel, ask Miko to come over will ya. I must have looked concerned, because she reached over to me reassuringly Its okay Sir, don’t tense up, she smiled intimately, putting both her hands on my left hand. In a moment, a very tall, well built man, who looked distinctly Middle Eastern came over and pulled up a chair.

What’s the problem, Babs? He asked her, as though I wasn’t there, somebody got delusions of grandeur? He glanced at me briefly then looked back to the girl smiling.

Ever seen anyone without a pay pad before, Miko, she asked almost cockily, as she used her right hand, to turn my right hand over. The effect on Miko, when he saw my blank wrist, was pretty dramatic, to say the least. He got up from his chair, stepped back and bowed his head, consciously avoiding my eyes.

You do my humble café a great honour by your presence, Excellency, his voice was now completely servile, it is the first time I have been so graced, Sir, please forgive my flippancy, he begged, head still bowed.

Then he looked up at me trying to smile though his obvious nervousness. The girl had pulled her hands back at his first surprise, now she tried to stand also; I put my hand on her arm to stop her. I motioned to the man too, but he was only willing to shuffle a step closer and bend forward.

As I have just explained to young Babs here, I explained to the cafe owner, I seem to have a little problem. Immediately, Miko’s head snapped up.

Then you are in the right place, Excellency, he assured me heartily, whatever it is, whoever it is, he allowed a sly, knowing grin, you have but to say the word, Excellency and so it shall be. he bowed his head back down, clearly awaiting my command.

The playgirl was not in a party mood now, she seemed intrigued. Miko, you’d better let Sir explain, she told him, eyes on me. The cafe owner looked at me curiously.

Do you have somewhere a little more private, Miko I asked the large, very humble man.

Of course, your Excellency, he stood straight and pulled my chair back dutifully as I rose.

Would you mind coming too, Babs? I asked the girl, going to help her with her chair. But Miko slipped deftly around me and did the honours, then he led us to a plush but dimly lit staircase. The thick carpets, velveteen wallpaper and the room itself, made it absolutely clear that I was in a high class whorehouse. Miko held the door open and the girl followed me in.

Miko closed it quietly and came over to stand beside the girl. Her attire was far more suited to this room than where I’d met her.

Miko, you seem to know who I am, I began carefully.

Of course your, Excellency, he assured me confidently.

And you don’t? I asked the provocatively dressed girl.

Well, I sorta do now, Sir, she answered nervously, I just hope I never said nothing that I shouldn’t have, she added.

What is it that your Excellency would seek from his humble servants? Miko asked me. My first thought was to repeat what I’d said to the girl, but there was a small warning voice inside me saying, go cautious. I sat in one of the satin covered chairs, over by a big bay window, and asked both of them to come closer, which they did.

There was a chair like mine and two dining style chairs that flanked a small glass topped table.

I’d be more comfortable if you’d both sit down, really, I said gently. They both chose the dining chairs and sat very properly, with their hands on the table.

Now, I truly don’t know why it is so important, I said honestly, but I must ask you both for an oath of silence, to be broken only after my death. My voice was assertive, my words were truthful, but I didn’t know why.

You may know we are bound until your death, Excellency, Miko spoke for both of them.

You will find what I must tell you of great concern, I warned.

However, alarm will serve no purpose. There is reason in all things, my voice rang with an authority I certainly didn’t feel.

So all that blank stuff Sir? Babs asked hesitantly.

All that blank stuff is the truth, young lady, I turned to face Miko. Something seems to have erased my memory, Miko, I told him in a confidential tone.

Your memory of what, Excellency? Miko asked. He seemed to think I was leading up to something, playing a game of some sort.

My memory of everything, I replied, I don’t know who I am, where I am or anything, I told him bluntly, except that she’s Babs, a working girl, you’re Miko, proprietor of a red light district café and I’m Robert, a man in his forties, wearing a bright red outfit, sitting in your house of pleasure talking to you, I explained. It was as though I’d slapped him across the face twice! First when I spoke my name, then when he realized that really was all I knew!

Your name, of course, is known to all the New World, Excellency, he finally answered, adding, but what has occurred that you should lose your memory? It can be no accident, Miko said ominously. Then, Miko looked me in the eyes; his were bright blue, despite his swarthy Mid Eastern features.

Is it possible there could be foul play in the Supreme House, Excellency? The cafe owner asked wide eyed, it seemed an unthinkable possibility to him.

I have no idea right now, Miko, I answered honestly, perhaps, if you tell me what you know, that will remind me, I suggested.

I know nothing of the Supreme House, your Excellency, Miko answered, surprised.

I mean what you do know, I pressed him, from Babs here I know this is Centropolis, capital of the New World and we are in the pleasure zone, I added smiling, which, even in my blank state, is obvious, I smiled, as I looked around, attempting to lighten things up.

The spunky good-time girl probed, you did not take anything, Sir? I mean, like I said some real strong…

Babs! Miko cut her off, annoyed at her lack of respect, but not seeming to be afraid of me.

No its okay really, I told him, I don’t think so, Babs, I answered.

Physically, I don’t feel odd in any way, just mentally blank, I told them, then stood up and looked down at Miko, You said you knew my name, I reminded him, So tell me what you know of who I am. I was using my obvious authority, but in the nicest way.

You are the Third Patriarch of the Supreme Family, Excellency, he answered stiffly.

The Supreme Family of the New World? I led with a question.

Of course, your Excellency! Again his response was formal and almost automatic.

Is the New World the entire world or just a part of it? I asked Miko. That stumped him.

There is only the New World, your Excellency, Sir, Babs courageously helped him out, and of course the uninhabited wilds, but, like, no one lives there, your Excellency Sir, the pretty, good-time girl added.

Is this what you’d expect me to be wearing? I asked Miko.

Your robes look to my eyes as those of the Supreme Family, Miko answered, then he apologised, I thought you were drunk and delusionary, when Babs first brought you in.

And you say none of us has visited the pleasure zone before? I queried Miko.

Not to my awareness, Excellency, he answered, though we do hear persistent rumours that some of our lovelier ladies are privileged to be invited, for short visits, with some of the younger members of the Family, he replied, increasing my awareness.

So how far away is my home, Miko? I asked him smiling.

Almost a day’s brisk walk, Excellency, he laughed politely, but of course, only an hour, at most, in your TTV, he added, as though I would understand the term, but I didn’t.

What are they? I asked him.

Trans Terrain Vehicles, Excellency, he answered, the Supreme Family’s transportation. One of them must have brought you to Centropolis, Miko assured me, there is no other way I know of for you to get here Excellency, he added confidently.

Could I not have walked, Miko? I asked innocently. He was astonished at the suggestion.

That you actually walk and talk with us right now is an honour bestowed on very few of our world, Excellency, Miko grew serious, I am fearful that some wrong doing is afoot, that you should find yourself unprotected in our midst. he was genuinely concerned.

Why would I need protection, Miko? I asked, is the Supreme Family unpopular?.

Oh no Sir! That’s not so at all, Babs piped up, We all love the Supreme Family, but there are always people who are jealous of your superiority, your Excellency, Sir. She was quickly adapting to the very unusual circumstances in which we found ourselves.

Does the Supreme Family govern the New World? I asked.

Oh no, your Excellency, Miko corrected me quickly, every State has its own local administration, Excellency, Miko explained,

The Supreme Family’s Patriarchs merely council and advise the State administrations on how to best work in harmony with each other, he continued, you still remember nothing, Excellency?

No, nothing, I answered, Do you know how to contact the Supreme House? I asked.

I could not even attempt to do that, Excellency, Miko replied grinning, but Centropolis Administration could, if you told them to, he replied.

And can you put me in touch with someone in Centropolis Administration? I asked.

That’s easy, Excellency, just one phone call and it is done, he responded, beginning to enjoy his role in this highly improbable episode.

Would you please make that call? I asked him and sat back down in the boudoir’s chair. Miko went over to the huge double bed and picked up a space age looking hand piece. He spoke into it, first to someone he knew, and then to someone important, both conversations were short! He had just had time to walk back over to us, after the second conversation ended, when the phone buzzed urgently. Miko went back and picked it up. He said nothing, just listened. After a minute or so, he hung up without a word.

They’ll have the Centroplis’ TTV here in a few minutes, your Excellency, he called over.

Thank you, now can you come over here quickly? I’ve got some more questions for you, Miko, I urged him. He came and sat down.

How many TTVs does the State have? I asked him quickly

Just one in each city, your Excellency, he replied.

How many do we in the Supreme Family have? I asked him.

Some say four, some say six, he answered uncertainly.

How do we keep order, Miko? That drew a blank; he shot Babs a questioning glance.

There’s never no disorder around here, your Excellency, Sir, Babs proudly proclaimed.

You both said I needed protection, remember? I reminded them..

Miko smiled, as understanding dawned.

The Supreme House guards, your Excellency, he answered.

They also get the job of taking care of the weirdos and misfits. But there’s few enough of them these days, the cafe owner added. He too, was proud of their society.

One last kick start question, O.K? They both nodded, briefly equals in the presence of someone superior, where does the Supreme Family’s wealth come from? I asked them. This time, both looked to the other for help.

The Supreme Family, your Excellency, Sir, Babs began, well, they don’t have wealth like us, the girl seemed lost for words. You and those of your family own the New World and everything and everyone in it, Miko completed the girl’s explanation. This time, I was the one who was speechless. The car had arrived.

Babs thought it best she stay behind when Miko escorted me back down the stairs to the now patron-less but crowded café. The bulk of those squashed into Miko’s wore badges saying State Security Officer, the eight out-of-uniform officials were obviously important. At least, it was clear they thought so. A stout, suited, semi bald gentleman, the group’s leader, stepped forward, completely ignoring Miko, but smiling ingratiatingly up at me. I’m Governor Ryan, your Excellency, he oozed, please allow me the honour of welcoming you to our great city, he declared with abject servility. I gave him back a tight, cold smile.

Proprietor Miko and his staff have already done that extremely well, Governor, I replied pointedly.

The security troop struggled to keep straight faces, while a couple of the Governor’s group allowed themselves a chuckle.

I’ll see that he is rightly acclaimed for his efforts, your Excellency, The Governor had become even more deferential. I held Miko’s eyes for a long moment, before allowing myself to be very respectfully led to the TTV outside. Looking like one of those super stretched limousines, except without wheels, the TTV was some kind of hovercraf. Though lit up and running, it made no sound whatsoever. There was an enormous crowd outside, all fell into a hush as soon as I exited Miko’s café. The clear area to the vehicle was almost twice as wide as the ultra long TTV and lined by a half dozen security guards on both sides. The Governor, two other men and an elegantly beautiful woman waited for me.

The four of them joined me when I got into the really luxuriously appointed vehicle. The rest, along with Miko, waved goodbye, as we moved smoothly and soundlessly away from Miko’s café and out of the crowded plaza. We travelled smoothly down a wide road, lined with multi-storeyed buildings on both sides. It was free from any other vehicles at all, there were just occasional groups of pedestrians and they didn’t seem to be in a hurry. My fellow passengers watched me silently. Perhaps they were not to speak unless spoken to.

No doubt you’re wondering how I got into your little den of inequity without a TTV, I suggested to them.

It is not for your loyal subjects to question such things, your Excellency, came Governor Ryan humble reply.

Oh come now, Governor, I became all magnanimous, perhaps it is not for you to ask, but surely, as you are only human, you would have to wonder? I asked, smiling at them all.

Your Excellency is right of course, the Governor acknowledged, it may yet be some time before we humans can be rid of our irreverent curiosity, he added apologetically. His apology for even being curious about such an inexplicable and, apparently rare occurrence, told me volumes about the situation here. I didn’t think I was going to like this ‘Supreme Family’ of mine.

How do you think I managed it? I asked all four of them, the woman was the only one to meet my eyes.

Well, she replied hesitantly, we thought you may have used your superior energy to dematerialise and rematerialise where you chose, she added, then dropped her eyes.

So you did have some discussions on the subject? I said to her smiling, then looking at the Governor, who, along with his two colleagues, gave the woman a killing look.

I’m not at all offended, Governor, I assured him. Then I turned back to her and asked pointedly, if I did dematerialized then rematerialized here, why would I need a TTV to get back there?

The woman looked back up defiantly, trying to hide annoyance.

Then how would any theory work if… she began.

Miss Proust, Governor Ryan cut the lady off sharply, Really! Then Governor Ryan turned to face me.

I do apologize, your Excellency, he almost grovelled, we are, as you yourself have said, only human.

As I have also said, Governor Ryan, it does not offend me, I responded, adding, in fact, I am amused by the lady’s hypothesis. I played my obvious role to the hilt. We were now in what was clearly suburbia, small to medium sized houses, with occasional blocks of apartments, we had still passed no traffic and now there were no pedestrians either, it seemed very dimly lit and totally still.

Will you be taking me all the way Governor? I asked the rather pompous leader.

We would be greatly honoured to do so, should you wish, Excellency, he replied, however, our instructions were to take you to North Gardens, where your TTV and the House Guard will meet us, he added, looking at me hopefully.

That sounds fine to me, proceed to North Garden, I said, enjoying the put down on this pompous, old social climber. I looked at the woman, perhaps Miss Proust can further elucidate on her theory somewhere private, while we wait, Governor, I suggested.

Of course, your Excellency, Governor Ryan’s little fantasy was crushed, as you wish so shall it be, your Excellency, he replied dutifully. I was watching the woman as I said that, and though her head and eyes were kept down, she couldn’t keep a tiny, pussycat curl of a smile from flitting across her mouth. A few minutes later we left the now darkened strip we’d been on and turned into a very softly and effectively lit, landscaped property.

The house was more a mansion, complete with a circular driveway through a circular pillared porch. The doors were opened by white suited young men and the entrance way was that of an exclusive hide-a-way hotel. As