Finish the Journey

By Autumn Augustyne

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• Language: English
• Publisher: Xlibris US
• Release date: Sep 17, 2010
• ISBN: 9781453560921

Book preview

CHAPTER 1

Halloween.

Many people love it. It is the holiday when children of all ages dress up in colorful costumes. They wait for the late day when the faint fragments of sunlight cast the last long shadows before night engulfs everything. The moment the last seconds of daylight disappear, children hurry out for last-minute costume decoration. Some kids wait anxiously at the door for their parents to allow them outside and fill their buckets, bags, and trash bags with candy. Kids could be this happy on Halloween, or some kids could end up not having their costumes by the time the sun sets over the horizon.

Mrs. MacAdams hustled her way to Ridgeland Middle School. Ever since the heartbreaking death of Professor Provir’s wife, she took the role of cook, housekeeper, and nanny to the Provir children. Cooper and Eme boringly waited for her at the pick-up point by the school.

Mrs. MacAdams, Cooper was excited, I really hope you didn’t forget that today is the only and last day to pick up all our costumes.

Yes, Cooper, I haven’t forgotten, but first things first, we have to pick up your brother and cousin. This is just like I said would happen, but you kids couldn’t have listened to me, could you? Now we are in a rush because you had to go and slack off, didn’t you?

Cooper closed his eyes and mentally covered his ears; she went on as if her mouth was an engine inside a car on a cross-country trip. The children knew that Mrs. MacAdams meant well, but her lectures were boring. The boys figured that it must not be easy for her to raise four young children. A Scottish widow and no children of her own, the job certainly was a handful, but she loved the children as her own, like she loved their mother.

Mrs. MacAdams parked the car in front of Tagger World. Cooper couldn’t wait to be twelve, for that was when he would be old enough to play laser tag. Tanner and his friends played in an elite, and secret, commando team.

Now you mind me and wait in the car while I get Tanner.

Mrs. MacAdams came back with Tanner wearing his camouflage uniform. Tanner always loved war movies and anything that dealt with military spy missions.

Next stop was Breton’s archery practice. Breton was very athletic. He was into swimming, running, archery, and extreme sports, unbeknownst to his uncle Richard. As long as they kept their grades above average, Professor Provir allowed them to take extracurricular activities.

Here we are children, Marvil’s Costume Shoppe. It’s about to close, so don’t dilly-dally. No exceptions, just hurry.

Cooper picked a wooden staff and a wizard cape, with crimson lining and gold celestial patterns. The iron-on-foil celestial pattern glittered in the store’s lights.

Breton wasn’t interested in wearing a costume. He preferred to dress casually. He thought costumes were overrated.

Eme was unfortunate to find any costume she liked. The shopkeeper suggested a nurse’s cape and hat since it was the only costume available in her size.

The children arrived home admiring their precious costumes, especially Cooper inside his magnificent wizard cape, twirling his wooden staff. Breton saw Cooper twirl his staff and thought it was weird. He didn’t recall a wizard carrying a wooden staff—instead a wand.

That’s not a sword, you goof! Breton said, laughing while holding Cooper’s plastic sword from last year’s Halloween.

What are you supposed to be, you’re not in a costume? Cooper made a ridiculous laugh.

I’ll show you who’s a goof!

Clang! Clang! Clash! went the two objects.

The sounds of objects colliding and crashing irritated Tanner.

Stop it, you two! chided Tanner to his brother and cousin. Tanner, the same age as Breton of twelve, was older by a few months. Quit acting like idiots before you ruin your costume.

Sir, yes, sir! Shall we spit shine your boots now, sir? snickered Breton under his breath.

As the eldest of the Provir clan, I can order you all around. Whatever I say goes. Do you have that, cadet . . . and wizard? demanded Tanner.

Ha! That’s a laugh. You giving us orders and you’re not a general! Breton smiled as he continued to thrash his sword with Cooper’s staff.

I may not be a general, but as captain of an elite commando, I outrank both of you, retorted Tanner as he admired his new green camouflage outfit with black army boots.

What’s wrong, Eme, don’t you like your costume? asked Tanner.

It’s the only one that fits me, frowned Eme as she stared at her white attire and high boots. The white hat with a red cross and cape barely made Eme look like a nurse, but it would do. Breton laughed to himself inside his mind, not wanting to hurt Eme.

I think it’s grand. Don’t worry so much about it, said Breton, trying to comfort his eight-year-old sister.

A sound of a broken plate and a loud scream were heard from the kitchen. Mrs. MacAdams apparently got quite a shock.

Cooper! I have a broom! Get over here if you don’t want your monster to have a taste of it! screamed the obviously frightened Mrs. MacAdams.

Oh, boy, are you in trouble, Eme said, looking at Cooper in horror.

Did you forget to close the terrarium? asked Tanner, certain of why Mrs. MacAdams was screaming.

Cooper got wide-eyed and left the room in a quick sprint. Eme sighed at the sight.

Rustle and bustle, and muffled screams could be heard from the kitchen. Cooper was trying to catch his pet with Mrs. MacAdams watching. After about three minutes or so, Mrs. MacAdams went from frightened to ferocious.

How many times do I have to tell you to keep that . . . that monster locked up? said Mrs. MacAdams in aftershock.

Just so long as you didn’t squash Edmond, I don’t care, mumbled Cooper under his breath as he lovingly stroked his black pet tarantula.

Cooper finished his sentence just as the sound of a car could be heard in the driveway. It was Professor Provir who was rushing out of the car, dashing across the yard as fleet-footed as a deer until he stumbled and almost fell flat on his face. The children were shocked at his actions, but then again, he was excited, for he had received terrific news.

From the upstairs balcony, the children saw Professor Provir hurry to his den and quickly made phone calls.

Uncle Richard sure is excited, commented Breton, facing Tanner with a curious look.

Don’t ask me. I’m plain clueless, shrugged Tanner, also wondering what the excitement is about.

After dinner, Professor Provir invited the children to his den.

I have wonderful news, kids, beamed Professor Provir. As you all know, I have been working and collaborating with Professor Lee about our extensive research on pre-ancient Asian culture. Professor Lee and his forensic team have asked the university to include me in the research.

China! Tanner interrupted. Dad, are you telling us you’re leaving for China?

Tanner, this is very important to me, and you know it to be true, Prof. Provir said with confidence in his voice.

Besides, I didn’t even tell you the best of my news, Professor Provir smiled. Pack your bags, kids. You are coming along to China with me. The professor held out his arms in excitement.

Looking at the children’s faces, Professor Provir wasn’t sure if the children were shocked with excitement, or about to have premature heart attacks.

Uncle Richard, are you taking Eme and I with you? questioned Breton, with a bewildered face. I doubt father would say yes.

My brother wouldn’t leave you in my care if he thought it wasn’t safe, responded Professor Provir.

Now, quickly, children. Hurry, hurry. Wash up. No time to waste, Professor Provir clapped twice as a signal for them to get moving.

Prof. Provir I have a bone to pick with you! Mrs. MacAdams stomped like a T. rex out of the kitchen.

Cooper thought he heard a T.rex like growl come from her. Regretfully, Professor Provir knew it had something to do with Cooper.

Mrs. MacAdams, I have wonderful news. The children and I will be leaving for China tonight. I know this is short notice, but you will be managing the house while we’re away for the winter.

What, but . . . Mrs. MacAdams was unable to finish her sentence before Prof. Provir interrupted.

I know the house is in capable hands, and you have the Rolodex with all the necessary numbers at your convenience.

But, Professor . . .

Now, I must make a few phone calls before we leave. I’ve asked the children to wash up, and could you help them pack afterward? Thank you, Mrs. MacAdams, you simply are a blessing.

Professor Provir closed the den behind him, grateful to escape Mrs. MacAdams’ wrath. Mrs. MacAdams puffed her cheeks at her frustration after the door was shut.

I may not wear my camouflage for Halloween, but I sure am taking it with me, Tanner told Breton as he stuffed his costume into the vast mess he called his luggage.

Breton didn’t think it wouldn’t do any harm to bring his costume from last year and did the same. As the two oldest cousins zipped up their luggage, Cooper entered the bedroom with a curious look upon spying the contents of the luggage.

Why did I see your costume in your bag? asked Cooper, cocking his head to the side as he looked at Breton.

I told Bret since I’m not wearing it for Halloween, I’m taking it with me, explained Tanner to his younger brother.

Tanner was intelligent and loved to hunt. Like Breton, he excelled in different sports. He was two years older than Cooper, and unlike his younger brother with dark brown hair, his was as black like their mother’s. Their deep blue eyes and a cleft chin were Provir traits. Their father, their cousins, and their cousins’ father all had it.

I’m still asking why? pestered Cooper, wanting the knowledge of the older boys’ reasoning.

Look, it wouldn’t hurt to bring it, would it? said Tanner in his don’t you dare pick a fight with me voice. Cooper knew not to challenge Tanner, unless he could win. As a result, he decided not to respond. He went back to his room and packed his wizard outfit to copy his almost role model of a family.

It was 9:00 p.m. when the taxi arrived. The driver honked the horn to signal that he was ready to go.

Thank you for taking care of the house while we’re away, Mrs. MacAdams. We should be back within six months, said Professor Provir as he checked his PDA. The stylus clicked on the screen before it turned off.

As the taxi driver loaded the trunk with the Provirs’ luggage, Mrs. MacAdams bent and whispered something into Eme’s ear. Eme wasn’t quite sure what Mrs. MacAdams said, but she knew there were good intentions behind Mrs. MacAdams’ reasoning.

The trip to China was long. Tanner kept himself busy reading. James Bond books were always his favorite. Meanwhile, Breton, Eme, and Cooper played cards. They reached the city of Xiao, where they met Professor Lee and his ten-year-old nephew Chen.

As both head professors started to get caught up, they refocused their attention to conversing about the project. The archeology department and the discovery of predate artifacts fascinated the scholars into a deep discussion. The children ended up with sweet free time in Professor Lee’s abode. The children, in fear of boredom, frantically tried to find something to keep their attention span intact. There were no words to describe how relieved they were when Chen told Cooper that a town outside the city was celebrating a good harvest.

That’s awesome, smiled Cooper. Will there be fireworks and men dressed in dragon costumes there?

The news of a town celebration gave Cooper an idea. He shared this idea with Tanner, Breton, and Eme. That was when he brought up what Chen had mentioned, which also gave the older boys the same idea.

This isn’t so bad after all, said Breton. It’s a good thing we packed our costumes.

I’d say. We can use our costume and still get candies, said Eme as her eyes sparkled at the thought.

The children agreed to rendezvous in Chen’s bedroom before they drew up a plan for the next night’s trip. When the time came, they gathered in Chen’s room dressed in their costumes.

Why aren’t you dressed as Tarzan? Tanner looking at Breton dressed in casual wear consisting of a buttoned-down shirt and khaki shorts.

"I am in my costume, Breton pulled down a little of his khaki shorts, showing his Tarzan loincloth, But the Chinese might think I’m in my underwear."

My older brother has a traditional Chinese outfit. You can wear that over your costume, Chen said as he walked across the room to a dresser where his older sibling kept his clothes.

Breton removed his shirt and donned on the shirt Chen loaned him.

That looks better. Now you blend in like us. If you follow me, grinned Chen, You will see the great fireworks out in the rice fields.

As the children followed Chen through the town street, Eme admired Breton’s orange-and-red attire with embroidery on its Mandarin collar.

The children followed the townspeople through a forest. Chen recognized a friend and told the others he would join with them at the celebration sight. The children, tired from jetlag, had not prepared themselves for a long trek. They lagged behind the villagers as they stopped to rest. The children decided to take a shortcut through the forest to catch up with the villagers.

Tanner mentally scorned himself, for he knew he ought to have brought a flashlight. The shortcut soon became too long to be considered a shortcut, thus making Eme think a worrisome thought.

I think we’re lost, whispered Eme.

Just a little further more, said Cooper in a reassuring voice.

Tanner, being the oldest, knew his younger brother wasn’t about to take defeat, so he encouraged the group to go on. Exhausted and cold, Eme sat on a tree stump.

I can’t go much further, and it’s getting cold, said Eme, starting to shiver from the dusk’s coldness.

Don’t fret, Eme, we’ll look for shelter and go home tomorrow when dawn breaks, explained Breton as he looked around the forest. His eyes scanned back and forth for shelter.

A few miles ahead, the children discovered a cave for shelter. It didn’t take too long before the cold mist became many small droplets of rain.

It would be best if we look for wood and build a fire, Tanner instructed.

Nodding, the older boys ran outside to try and gather some dry wood, but the light rain had already soaked what loose branches and limbs were out there. In defeat, they went back inside to explore the cave.

The cave was long with many tunnels. Tanner didn’t want anyone to get separated and lost, so he told everyone to stay close. Fortunately, Breton brought glow sticks.

While the children gathered stray twigs off the cave floor, it dawned on Tanner that no one marked their passage as they ventured deeper into the cave. Worried that they were once again becoming lost, he looked for a stone that he can use to carve a marking. Breton sensed Tanner was worried.

What’s wrong? Breton whispered in a very hushed voice.

Be quiet. I . . . I think we’re lost, again, said Tanner calmly, the stress evident in his voice.

And that’s why you’re looking for . . . ? Breton opened his hands and shrugged his shoulders, puzzled.

I’m looking for something to mark our trail as we go back, explained Tanner.

Breton, also worried, didn’t want the younger children to panic. He, like Tanner, was intelligent but playful. Unlike Eme or Cooper with dark, brown hair, his was black and wavy like Tanner.

Tanner, I see a light, shouted Cooper as he pointed toward the center of the cave.

As they scurried toward the glimmer, the light became brighter. The cave was composed of hard granite, dirt, and gravel with scattered stones that glowed in the darkest part of the cave.

What are they? inquired Eme. They’re very pretty.

I don’t know, but grab as many as you can, replied Tanner.

Hey, what are those? pointed out Cooper.

On the topside of the cave as they traveled deeper, the children saw pictures of a devastating war.

I think they’re hieroglyphics, commented Breton, looking intensely at the ceiling. He noticed there weren’t just pictures, but also unfamiliar writings that he couldn’t read.

Tanner, are these Chinese characters? asked Breton, pointing at the writings.

Tanner, who studied Chinese under their previous nanny before she moved away, was not well versed in the Chinese language; therefore, he could offer no help to the situation.

It looks Chinese, but I wouldn’t know, shrugged Tanner, hoping to be at least of some use.

As he studied the pictures, the other children were fixated on a story—a revelation between good and evil. Deeper into the cave, the story continued of three malevolent figures, and their struggle against a bird.

Tanner couldn’t help but wonder if the bird was a Phoenix. The bird seemed to have died small and weak, but had risen bigger and stronger.

Not realizing he still hadn’t found anything to mark their trail, Tanner saw Breton’s glow sticks dimming. Fear crept into Tanner’s mind. He knew it would be pitch-black if it weren’t for the glowing stones.

Fear was undeniably indefinite. Tanner felt the ground move.

Eme, shouted Breton, as he feared for the worse. Eme, Where are you?

No one heard a reply. Only the echo of Breton’s calling for Eme lingered.

Tanner felt a tremble on the cave’s floor and told Breton to stop yelling. He wasn’t sure what to make of it, but he didn’t want to find out.

Bret, whispered Tanner, Stop shouting or you might cause a cave-in.

As Tanner gave Breton a fearful look, the trembling of the ground became stronger. Loose dirt fell on the children. They continuously had to spit to get the awful taste out. If that wasn’t bad enough, the stones gave less light with each and every tremble.

Cooper felt the cave tremble too. The look on his face confirmed to Breton what Tanner had suspected—the cave was collapsing.

Tanner, what are we going to do? Eme is gone, and I don’t want to die, sobbed Cooper, shaking with fear.

Tanner, we have to find my sister, said Breton, making sure Tanner didn’t forget about Eme.

There was never a doubt that Tanner or Cooper would forget Eme. Ever since Breton and Eme’s mother died of cancer, their father allowed Breton and Eme to move from England, and live in California with their Uncle Richard. Their father, not over their mother’s death, thought it would be best they live with their American relatives.

Tanner told the others to grab onto each other’s shirt and not to let go. He also told them to move closer to the wall. Following the story line from the ceiling, Eme must have been further on ahead. Eme was too curious and probably wandered while looking at the hieroglyphics.

While slowly feeling the wall, Tanner was cautious. Questions rummaged through his head unanswered. Why didn’t Eme hear Breton call out for her? Was she that far off to hear? Was she hurt and unconscious, or did she fall into a deep hole?

Breton, also terrified, had similar questions running through his mind. He would never forgive himself if something awful happened to Eme. Breton couldn’t imagine Eme dead. He couldn’t. He wouldn’t. He would have to think positive and start acting more responsible. Like all Provirs—smart, stubborn, challenging—Breton had a playful soul that he felt connected him to Cooper and Eme. He loved Cooper and Eme equally.

Regret swelled in his heart. "I’m so sorry. Please forgive