Read At Your Own Risk

They slept till dawn. Their sense of urgency seemed to have vanished with a good nights sleep. Against the rising sun to the east, the strange forest shimmered golden. Betulee realized that he had never appreciated the beauty of the forests back home.

 

“Come, let’s go,” Toolong said. He placed his hands on Betulee’s shoulders as they watched the glimmering forest. “Feeling better now?”

“Feeling great,” said Betulee with a wide grin.

They set off, with Mangkey once again perched on Toolong’s right shoulder. This time, they headed deeper into the forest.

 

For two more days, nothing around them changed. Even spaced trees, no undergrowth, no wildlife. On the third day, they encountered mist. Thick wet mist, like the mist they encountered earlier on. They continued through the mist at a steady pace. They walked in a straight line between the orderly trees, cutting through the mist like it wasn’t there. In the morning of the next day, they reached the edge of the forest. The mist was gone completely.

Before them, there were no trees. Just flat grassland that stretched for many miles. At the edge of the grassland, what appeared to be large high buildings could barely be seen. It had to be a city.

Weary to leave the forest, the trio studied the new landscape. Mangkey chattered nervously when Toolong pointed to the cityscape.

“That’s where we are going,” Toolong declared.

“To find blue tea,” Betulee added.

 

For days they walked upon the bare grassland, the sun scorching them. Was it the same sun, Betulee wondered. Probably not. Their sun back home was not so hot! They wanted to construct sun shades, but didn’t have anything in their backpacks that they could utilise. They resorted to tying clothes to their heads. Another shirt was spread out between their heads, providing some protection to Mangkey who sat below.

The grassland was truly bare, nothing grew except grass. A single species of grass. All uniform. They trampled along, feeling miserable as their “adventure” had turned into something so boring. They were also running out of food and water, but the city now appeared barely a days walk away.

 

The next day, indeed the grasslands ended. But instead of the city, they came upon what appeared to be a farm. The cityscape was further back still!

There were vegetables planted in neat rows. Familiar vegetables; cabbages, carrots and others. They spotted what appeared to be a small wood house about half a mile away. There was no one in sight.

Betulee’s heart started pounding furiously. How were they going to interact with the inhabitants of this new land? Were they hostile to strangers? Did they speak the same language? How would they explain themselves?

“Hold on,” Betulee said and he grasped Toolong’s arm. “We need a plan.”

Toolong stopped. “What do you propose?” he asked.

“I don’t know,” Betulee said frantically. “What are we going to do?”

“I don’t know either,” Toolong said. “But let’s go nearer and see.”

“What if they are not people like us?” Betulee asked.

“Bee, you worry too much!” Toolong said.

“I’m just cautious,” Betulee said. “We have no idea what’s going to happen.”

“True.” Toolong said. “But there’s no point worrying over nothing! Come lets go and get a closer look.”

 

They peered through the glass window. Inside, they could see a young girl, perhaps about twelve or thirteen, sitting alone, reading a book. Suddenly she looked up and her eyes widened in surprise. She got up and hurried to the window.

“Let’s go!” whispered Betulee. He tried to retread, but Toolong held him firmly, preventing him from leaving.

“Don’t be afraid,” he said.

They stared at the girl and she stared back at them. Then she reached out with her palm and touched the glass separating them. Then she turned and ran away.

“What now?” Betulee asked.

“I don’t know,” Toolong said.

Just a moment later, feeling his shirt being pulled from behind. He turned and saw it was the girl, her right hand pulling his shirt, as she stared at him, a wide smile on her face.

“Hello,” the girl said.

“Hello,” the boys replied.

The other side was dark and only the light wall that spanned behind them gave out light. Betulee could hardly see anything as they moved forward and he began to speak. Toolong quickly palmed Betulee’s mouth, silencing him. They were not safe yet. Toolong pointed to something. There were black shapes in front of them, just a few feet away! They quickly skirted to the left along the light wall, creeping as quietly as possible, hoping that no one would spot the light they blocked.

The wall seemed to go on forever and they entered what seemed like a forest. Eventually, dawn broke and things started to take form. The forest around them was rather thin, and the trees were evenly spaced and of the same size. There was no undergrowth and the whole forest seemed unnatural. There was no wildlife in sight, only the sounds of insects.

  Toolong led them on and on, following the light wall further and further. Unlike Mangkey who sat patiently on Toolong’s shoulder, Betulee could no longer take it. He felt exhausted and his muscles ached. He looked at Toolong and wondered how he could continue. His face was determined and his steps steady. Betulee needed a short break, just for a moment.

“Hold up,” Betulee called and slumped to the ground.

“Alright, a short break,” Toolong said. He planted his back against a tree and slid to the ground. “I’m exhausted.”

“Let me just close my eyes for a moment,” Betulee said. He shut his eyes and soon dozed off.

When he woke up, he found Mangkey sitting on his lap clutching a scrap of paper.

“I’ll be back shortly,” it read. Toolong was no where in sight although Toolong’s backpack was left beside Betulee. Betulee had no idea how long he had been asleep but he already felt refreshed. The suns rays seemed to come from the west, meaning he had slept for at least a few hours. Feeling hungry, he opened his backpack and took out some biscuits. He shared it with Mangkey who took the biscuit graciously. After eating his fill, he closed his eyes again and fell asleep. 

When he awoke again, he was surrounded by darkness. Fear gripped him He whispered Toolong’s name but there was no reply. He could still feel Mangkey sitting on him. At least he was not alone. He called Mangkey’s name and the monkey chattered softly. Needing some comfort from the darkness, he reached out and cradled Mangkey to his chest. Mangkey responded by hugging him tightly. Betulee desperately wanted to light a torch but not knowing what attention he would attract, he did not dare. His tried to think about the place he was in, but his imagination was limited. He was unable to picture the new world he was in now. He wished Toolong would return soon. What had taken him so long? What if something had happened to him? Betulee desperately fought the urge to light a torch. Just a while longer and Toolong would return, he told himself. As fear coursed through him, He questioned his own stupidity and regretted his decision to explore the mist. It was all Toolong’s fault for dragging him along! And Langley’s fault too! He wondered what had happened to Langley. Probably caught by the black figures, maybe even dead. Betulee refused to admit that the same fate could be awaiting him.

 Suddenly he heard soft footsteps. Mangkey chattered in delight and Betulee knew that Toolong had returned.

“What took you so long?” Betulee asked angrily.

“I got lost. Miscounted the steps. Had a good rest?” Toolong asked. “I’m exhausted.” He moved towards Betulee’s voice, felt around a bit and sat down beside him. Mangkey quickly jumped over and Toolong started petting him.

“What have you found?” Betulee asked.

“Nothing much.” Toolong answered.

“All that time and nothing much?” Betulee asked angrily.  “Don’t you know I was waiting for you? How could you just take of like that without telling me?”  He felt like he was about to burst.

“I’m sorry you needed a rest,” Toolong called back.

“I’m sorry I came with you!” Betulee said. He felt like crying and his voice felt like it was caught in his throat. There was a moment of silence.

“I’m sorry,” Toolong said softly. He reached over and gripped Betulee’s shoulder.

Betulee fought back his tears. “I’m sorry too,” he said.

“Thank you for coming with me,” Toolong said softly.

“Hey, not at all. I want to do this too,” Betulee said.

“Allright, I need some rest now,” Toolong said. “Don’t go exploring in case you get lost!”

Betulee could only smile as Toolong quickly dozed off. He was glad that his friend had returned safely.

Blue Tea and the  Mist

            It was tea-time. Betulee Boorad, a seventeen year old boy eagerly strolled on the soft green grass. His friend, Toolong Marisa, was already at the gazebo and Betulee called out to him. From afar, they looked quite identical. They were the same height, with neat brown hair and brown eyes. But where Toolong was chubby, Betulle was thin. Both were wearing a simple white shirt and trousers.

The weather was perfect. The sky was a brilliant blue, with white fluffy clouds obscuring the sun. Gentle sea breeze blew from the south. The Marisa mansion stood magnificent on a high cliff overlooking the sea. Betulee much preferred the Marisa mansion compared to his family mansion in town.

Betulee was eager for tea to calm his nerves. His mind was still racing from all the sums he had to do during Advanced Geometry. He had just returned from the Academy. Betulee loved tea. All sorts of tea, red tea, green tea even black tea. Some were disgusted by black tea, but not Betulee. He appreciated the unique bitter flavour of the rotted leaves. Each tea had its own character and Betulee respected that.

            Toolong invited him to sit. Layed before each of them was a little tea cup on a saucer and a small plate. The tea cup was delicate porcelain and white as snow. A silver teapot and a silver tray laden with peanut biscuits were in the centre of the fine wooden table.

            Betulee gently picked up the teapot and brought it nearer. He lifted the spout cover and savoured the smell. It was unfamiliar, but carried a pleasant sweet smell. The tea had a strange fragrance, something that Betulee had never smelled before. Betulee was puzzled and his brown eyes narrowed as he tried hard to identify the tea.

            Toolong grinned. Mangkey, the pet monkey chattered its teeth and clapped in delight from Toolong’s shoulder. Betulee shook his head, and surrendered, unable to tell what tea it was. That was a surprise as Betulee’s favourite subject was Advanced Food Chemistry and he was an expert at identifying tea. Never the less, he knew it was an excellent grade A tea.

            “Pour it,” Toolong said. Betulee lifted the teapot and steadily poured the tea into Toolong’s little teacup. A stream of blue-coloured tea flowed into the teacup. Blue tea! Betulee watched in fascination as the liquid cascaded into the cup, filling it till three quarters full. Toolong smiled as he watched the priceless expression on his friends face. Betulee was studying the liquid with an analytical gaze as he tried to guess its compositon. Mangkey continued its happy ritual and stood on its legs, clapping and chattering.

Betulee swirled the teacup and studied the delightful blue liquid. It was a light blue and sparkling against the white teacup. At the bottom, tiny blue leaves could be seen. Betulee couldn’t get over the fact that the leaves were blue and he was drinking blue tea!

A smile crept up his face as he sampled the tea. It was sweet and had a minty taste with a subtle taste he couldn’t describe. The strange taste was not overpowering but just right. A perfect balance. The blue tea was invigorating and calming at the same time and it was the best cup of tea Betulee had ever tasted.

            “Happy Birthday,” said Tooloong. “I hope you like it.”

            “Thank you,” Betulee said happily. “This is the best present yet. Where is it from?”

            Toolong shrugged. “Here,” he said. He passed Betulee a small wood box.

            Betulee took the box. His little brown eyes peered and scanned every corner of the box. It was a simple box with an old label. He struggled to read the wordings amidst the strange flower designs decorating the label.

“Alma-tea,” he read. “Finest tea in all Alendore. Wonder where’s that?”

“Strange,” Toolong said. “Never heard of that place.”

“Drinking is Living. Made from the freshest Heleira leaves. Best before 2212. 1112,” Betulee said. “2212. No, must be 1112.”

“Pass it here,” Toolong said. He took the box from Betulee and inspected it. Mangkey peered over his shoulder and pretended to read as well. “2212. Definitely,” Toolong said. “So this tea will last for another millennia. How nice.”

“Hmm. Alendore? 2212? Blue tea? Seems odd,” Betulee said. “Doesn’t it? Where did you get it from again?”

“Father’s tea-room,” Toolong said.

“Wow, precious.” Betulee said. Tooloong’s father was also a tea-collector. “He doesn’t mind?”

“Not at all,” Toolong said. “There’s more where this came from.”

“But where did this come from?” Betulee asked.

“Alendore.” Toolong answered. He picked a biscuit from the tray and passed one to Mangkey who snatched it from his fingers. “Don’t drop any crumbs on me!” Toolong ordered. Mangkey nodded and bit into the biscuit, dropping crumbs all over Toolong’s shirt. Toolong ignored the monkey and sipped his blue tea.

As Betulee drank his tea and ate the biscuits, his mind began to think. He wondered where the tea came from. He had studied tea and was an avid tea collector, but never before had he come across blue tea. Tea was commonly green. Sometimes black.  Betulee had even tasted the rare red teas made from the mythical Biere plant. Black leaves, that’s when the leaves die and rot. Then made into tea. But blue tea? There was no such thing as blue leaves! Yet he had seen them swirling in his teacup. For a moment, he thought of colouring, that the leaves were dyed, but he knew that was not possible as from what he had learned from Civil Law and the Good Citizen classes, food-additives had been outlawed centuries ago.

            The next morning, Betulee forced himself awake. He was tired, after spending the whole evening celebrating his birthday with his family and friends at the Boorad mansion. After that, he still had to study till past midnight for his Advanced Animal Studies exam.

            The morning was cool as he made his way to the Academy. He chose his usual route, passing the residential areas and the town square and eventually leading pass the botanical gardens. As he passed the labourers sweeping the town square, he was reminded how lucky he was. He wondered how he would survive, if he only swept the roads all day. But that was their fate, as decreed by the high-council. The high council were a small elite group, higher in ranking than scholars. Frankly, all the high council did was to get in their way, vetoing this idea, banning this invention, and outlawing this style of thinking, here and there, whenever it suited them. He continued his walk to the Academy.

  

After sitting for his exam, which he found too easy, Betulee went to search for his uncle and history teacher, Langley Boorad. Langley boorad was one of the top historians. Kept in Betulee’s backpack, wrapped in a sheet of linen was the box of blue tea.

At the academy, he showed his teacher the tea. Langley was a short plump man in his forties but with a youthful face. He seized the tea box and brought it under a magnifying glass.

            The magnifying glass hovered all over the box and when he finally slid the cover to the side, he gasped. He closed the box

            “This is an oddity,” Langley declared. “I’m going to date it. And have the tea leaves checked.”

            Betulee was extremely hesitant to part with his precious blue tea, but he reluctantly agreed.

 

            That afternoon, Langley came back with the results. Langley was shaking with nervousness as he handed the box back to Betulee.

            “Its really old,” Langley said. “And a real oddity. Where did you get it?” Betulee explained.

Langley eyed Betulee, then said, “Come with me.” They entered his private chamber. On his desk was a pile of books and an unfurled map of the world.

“Blue tea,” Langley began. “Do you know what this means dear boy? Tell me, how does it taste?”

            “It’s a bit sweet,” Betulee answered. “With a fresh taste, and a taste I can’t describe,”

            “Yes, yes.” Langley said. “And why can’t you describe the taste? Are you not a top scholar?” He stared at Betulee, waiting for his answer.

            “I don’t know.” Betulee said after a while. “It’s unlike anything I’ve tasted.”

            “Did you wonder why?” Langley asked. Then without waiting for an answer, he continued. “I will tell you why!”

In a shaky but determined tone, Langley slowly told Betulee what he knew. “We scholars have been kept down for far too long!” he began. “This blue tea is proof. First, the box is not wood!”

“Not wood? Then metal?” Betulee asked.

“No, its plastic.” Langley said.

Betulee gasped. Plastic had been banned centuries ago upon its discovery. No scholar was permitted to make it.

“So what does this mean?” Betulee asked.

“Either someone has been making plastic in secret,” Langley said. “or… we are not the only people in the world.”

“Langley! That’s outrageous,” Betulee said. “Only the Beasts dwell in the mist!”

“That is what we are taught to believe. It is not necessary true,” Langley said.

“Consider the blue tea.” Langley said. “Its very existence is proof! It is genuine, made from a plant with blue leaves. Nothing that we know of has blue leaves.” Then he slowly added, “It came from the mist.”

“No,” Betulee said. “Only the Beasts dwell in the mist!”

“No, Betulee dear boy,” Langley said. “That is what we are taught. It is not the truth. Open up your mind.”

“This kind of thinking is wrong,” Betulee said, refusing to accept what his uncle had said. “Only the beasts dwell in the mist,” he repeated.

Langley seemed to give up, and his voice took a weary tone. “You will one day realize the truth of this matter.” He passed Betulee back the box, and told him, “Until then, keep this a secret. Show no one, tell no one.”

            Betulee nodded. “I understand. I’m sorry Langley.” He felt guilty for not being able to trust his uncle.

            “Dear boy,” Langley said. “One day you will understand.”

 

            A few months passed. Betulee had not spoken to anyone, not even to Toolong, about the blue tea and what Langley had said. Indeed, he had almost forgotten about the blue tea as it lay buried under an intense workload of knowledge crammed into his brain. He had just completed his Advanced Geometry exam, and a look of satisfaction was on his face. As a top scholar, Betulee was expected to perform flawlessly well in the exams. He felt the pressure, but it only deepened his resolve to excel. He had breezed through the last paper, leaving not a single question blank.

He was in his tea-room at home, finally with some free time to view his tea collection. Only one final exam, two days from now. He deserved some time to relax. The tea room was small, with three high shelves on each wall. He went straight for the right shelve, where he had put the blue tea. He had not seen it since he had placed it in a high alcove months ago. He pulled the ladder close and climbed up. The alcove was empty! Strange he thought. Who could’ve taken it? He asked his parents about it, but they knew nothing. Things didn’t simply go missing. Although Betulee felt guilty over loosing the blue tea, he still told Toolong about it. Toolong was gracious not to scold him, and even offered him another box!

The next day, Toolong came empty handed. All his father’s blue tea were missing too! Where could they all have gone? Langley, Betulee thought. It had to be. He told Toolong all about what Langley had told him.

“Let’s go and see him,” Toolong declared.

           

They couldn’t find Langley anywhere. They were in the cafeteria, sipping black tea when a girl joined their table.

It was Langley’s teenage daughter, Neela, also a scholar in the academy.

“My father asked me to give this to you,” Neela said coldly. She passed him a sealed envelope.

Betulle took the envelope. “Thank you. Do you know where’s your father?”

“No,” Neela said. “But I believe that the envelope will explain it all.” 

Betulee nodded and tore the seal. Betulee began to read the letter.

“Betulee, dear boy,” he read aloud.

Toolong caught his arm and whispered, “Later.”

Betulee looked at Toolong, then realized it would be better to read the letter later.

“What?” Neela demanded. “What does it say?”

“I’ll tell you later,” Betulee said. Neela started at him with an icy gaze.

“Fine,” she said. “Make sure you do.”

  

           

Later that morning, they read the letter in the privacy of the Marisa gazebo. It was a short letter, written hurriedly in black ink.

 

Betulee, dear boy,

 

            I trust Neela has delivered this letter to you. I have said my goodbyes, and do not know if I will return. Do not tell her or my family what I have told you, or where I am going.

            I believe you have noticed the disappearance of your blue tea. Do not worry, it is safe with me. The other units, I presume they are destroyed. When I heard rumours of blue tea for auction, I had no choice but to act. By now, blue tea is a forgotten myth, something that never existed.

I have gone to explore the mist. Not knowing the truth has brought my mind to the edge of insanity. I do not know what I will find, but I expect to find the truth. Or die trying.

I wish that one day you will understand my decision. The hunger for truth and knowledge empowers me, and I will brave the mist.

I wish you never forget what I have told you. Remember that what we are taught is not necessary truth. Remember that only the truth can set us free. Remember this for the rest of your life.

           

Uncle Langley,

4/3/1102

 

            Betulee looked at Toolong. “Surely he is mad?”

            “Don’t be so quick to judge,” Toolong told his friend. “Is it not possible that something else exists out there?”

            “No,” Betulee said. “Only the beasts dwell-”

“Then what about the blue tea?” Toolong said. “It is proof!”

            “That is what Langley said.” Betulee said.

“I believe him,” Toolong said. Then he defiantly declared, “I want to explore the mist! I want to seek the truth!”

“Toolong!” Betulee said. “You have gone mad too?”

“No,” Toolong said. “Your uncle is right. Only the truth can set us free.”

“But how can you believe that there are other people out there?” Betulee argued. “Only the beasts-”

“Think,” Toolong said. “Is it not possible that other people live out there? People like us?”

Betulee shook his head. “I don’t know. I really don’t know.” The idea of other people living in the mist frightened him more than the beasts living in the mist.

“I am going into the mist,” Toolong declared excitedly. “I want to seek the truth.”

“Toolong!” Betulee uttered.

“Come with me,” Toolong said excitedly. “Let us seek the truth.”

“But the beasts!” Betulee said. “Surely they will kill us if we enter the mist.”

“Then so be it,” Toolong said defiantly. “At least I will know the truth-that the beasts dwell in the mist.” Betulee looked helplessly at his friend.

“Get packing,” Toolong said.

 

It was past midnight when Betulee and Toolong reached the edge of town. There was no one around and it was quiet except for the rumbling noises that came from the mist. Little Mangkey was sitting on Toolong’s shoulder. Each carried a heavy back pack laden with clothes, food, water and other necessities like matches, torches, blankets, pots and pans. Betulle even brought a teapot and some tea.

The two figures dressed in white stood on an empty clearing and before them was a blackness that their eyes could not penetrate. It was the forest, shrouded in mist. The sounds of the “beasts” could be heard. Low rumbling unlike the sound of any animal Betulee knew.

“Are you sure you want to do this?” Toolong asked.

“If you’re going, then so am I,” Betulee whispered back.

“Then lets go,” Toolong whispered. Toolong grasped Betulee’s cold hand and pulled him forward into the darkness. “Don’t be afraid.”

Betulee’s heart pounded and cold sweat drenched him. He felt a strange feeling like he never felt before. Not knowing what would happen next gave him a sense of urgency, excitement, fear, fun and suspense, all at the same time! It was a priceless feeling, a feeling that he liked.

They entered the mist. The mist was damp and they could hardly see. They didn’t dare light their torches incase someone spotted them. They progressed slowly, feeling their way around, stumbling around like the blind. Fear of the unknown and the darkness began to overwhelm Betulee. They could not even see one another. Toolong sensed it and gripped his hand tighter. They slowly progressed, bumping into trees, tripping on roots. Mangkey sat rock silent, trusting Toolong completely. The low rumbling got louder as they progressed on.

They rested for awhile in the darkness, sitting down on the damp earth. They were perspiring heavily despite of the cold air, and their cotton clothes were completely drenched. Betulee’s heart jumped as he felt something creep up his left leg. His throat froze and he let out a silent scream. He could not move, paralysed by fear. The thing crept up his thigh. He could feel sharp claws piercing through his cotton trousers. His muscles tensed.

“Are you okay?” Toolong asked. “Let’s continue.” Betulee failed to reply. Nothing could be seen in the complete darkness.

Toolong stood up, pulling Betulee up with him. Betulee resisted, still frozen in place. Toolong bent over, grasped Betulee’s shoulders, and pulled him to his feet. The thing slid off Betulee’s thigh. Betulee recovered.

“Yes,” Betulee said. “There was something on me!”

            “Whatever it is, its gone now,” Toolong said and he led Betulee forward. Betulee couldn’t tell how Toolong knew which way was forward, and he didn’t ask.

            Dawn crept up on them. Soon, it was bright enough to see. Betulee could see a few scratch marks and torn fibers on his trousers, a sign of the thing that had terrorized him. He had not imagined it.

            As they progressed deeper into the forest, the rumbling sound now seemed to get softer. Perhaps it was the dawn, Betulee thought. Now that he could see, he was much less afraid. The mist  still hung like a veil, allowing only a few feet of vision, but it was enough for Betulee. He could now see the trees, mostly Oake trees. Familiar and not so scary. He saw squirrels, lizards and other small animals  scurrying about and he even could hear the familiar call of birds although he saw none. The familiar animals gave him hope. If they were around, predators were not around. That was what he had learnt in Advanced Animal Behaviour class. They continued on into the mist.

            In just a few hours, the forest cleared up and they came to a clearing. In front of them were a group of  people, oddly dressed in black suits, but definitely people. They were standing infront of a small door in wall of bright yellow lights that spanned horizontically as far as their eyes could see. Betulee counted six people. Before they were spotted, Toolong quickly pulled them back into the forest.

            Hiding behind a tree, Toolong spoke. “Did you see that? Clearly that’s not from our world.”

            Betulee nodded. He was still mesmerized by the beauty of the lights. “What do we do now?”

            “We have two choices,” Toolong said. “Turn back, or carry on. Decide”

            Betulee tried to decide. In his heart, he wanted to carry on and seek the truth. But carry on to where? How were they to carry on?

            “So?” Toolong said after waiting for Betulee’s answer that didn’t come.

            “Carry on,” another voice said. Langley suddenly appeared from behind another tree. “Boys, I’m surprised to see you here.”

            “Langley!” Betulee said. “You were right.”

            “Yes, yes,” Langley said. He sat down beside them. He seemed to have lost some of his plump figure but his face was animated with excitement. “We shall carry on.”

            “But how?” Toolong asked.

            “I have been observing them for three days now,” Langley said. “They come and go through that door! We need to get though that door!”

            “But how? And what’s behind the door?” Betulee asked.

“I wish I knew.” Langley said. “There’s no way of knowing.”

“For all I know, passing through the door could mean instant death!” Toolong said. “But I am willing. For truth, I am willing.”

“How to pass through the door?” Betulee asked.

“We sneak in,” Langley said.

“How?” Betulee asked. “We could get caught.”

“This is how,” Langley said. “I will distract them and you will go through the door!”

“No,” Toolong said. “We are all going through.”

“There is no other way,” Langley said. “You boys are the future. Seek the truth out there and bring it back here one day. Let the truth set us free.”

 

It was past midnight. Betulee and Toolong waited cautiously for a sign of action. Although the bright wall illuminated the area, it was still rather dark and hard to see the black clad figures. Then the action started.

They could see Langley stroll up to the dark clad figures. Once Langley got their attention, he turned and ran. The figures started to chase him and left the door unguarded.

When they were a distance away, Betulee and Toolong quickly dashed towards the door. Toolong twisted the door handle and it turned. He gently opened the door. Betulee glanced back to look at Langley. He was surrounded by the black figures, lying motionless on the ground. For a moment, Betulee hesitated and wanted to go back and help his uncle. Toolong tugged on his hand and they both stepped through the door.