THE CHOSEN · BATTLE WITH A CERBEROSIAN PRINCE
114 115
The Chosen: Battle with a Cerberosian Prince Entering the Forbidden
It took a few moments for the team to give Theo their
full attention. Dorjee assisted in those moments to get them
to actually pay attention.
“Thank you,” said Theo, “Please gather and pack all
your belongings. We head out at 22:00 sharp.”
“We’re leaving tonight?” Ana asked.
“22:00 hours?” said Ethan.
“That’s in an hour, though. Why can’t we sleep here, and
leave in the morning?” Pippa asked.
“As you are aware, there is a target on your back,” said
Theo. “Every minute spent not moving is a minute closer
to being found. It is better to keep moving. As quickly as
we can.”
“Wait, how do you know about that time? And that we
are being chased?” TJ asked.
“I will answer all your questions when we are en route,
I promise. Right now, please conclude your goodbyes, grab
your possessions, and let us get going.”
The tone in his voice got a little sterner than it was.
Though they had only had a few moments of interaction,
Theo’s general demeanor seemed to be a pleasant one. Yet
there was an urgency about him in this moment. He wanted
them to leave, and quickly.
Everyone finished saying goodbye. They all went up to
their rooms to get the remainder of their belongings. It did
not take them long. They went through their final round
of thank you’s and goodbyes, and they reconvened in the
lobby to meet with Theo for further instructions. Given the
multitude of emotions they had been experiencing over the
past few days, it had not dawned on them that there was
more to come. And perhaps that was a good thing, as they
were focusing on the moment at hand.
Theo addressed them collectively. He thanked Dorjee
and his team for their assistance and getting the climbers to
that point. He highlighted the critical role they played in
getting the climbers ready for what they had accomplished,
and for what was to come.
“For the next part of the journey, we will be going airborne again,” Theo said.
“Airborne?” TJ responded.
“Yes, airborne. As in, taking flight. Catching some
clouds. Climbing to even higher altitudes,” Theo said,
chuffed with himself.
“I think it’s too soon to be making altitude jokes, sir,”
said Pippa.
“I apologize, Pippa. You will see that at times I have a
dry sense of humor.”
“Yeah, you do, mate,” Ethan said under his breath.
“Hey, that’s not nice,” Ana remarked.
“Well, it’s true. And I mean, he said it, not me. I just
agreed with him.”
“What’s that, Ethan?” Theo asked.
“No, nothin’, mate.”
“I don’t see any vehicles out here,” Tumi said. “How will
we be getting to the airport?”
“Well spotted, Miss…” Theo responded.
“Oh, my name is Tumi.”
“Well spotted, Tumi. We will not be going to the airport.”
“But you said we are flying,” TJ responded.
“That is correct.”
Original preview spread 54