Thomas the good luck sat across Aubriet and Rian in rattan chairs, all three panting and trying to catch their breath. Aubriet glanced around the darkened room, with just a small fluorescent lamp overhead. No sooner had they reached Thomas’ unmarked abode, the CCTV camera across the alley began showing the pursuers getting off their vehicle and walking briskly towards where they were. “It’s not safe here”, Thomas intoned urgently, “We need to go.” Rian did not even get a good look at Thomas’ hideout other than seeing the room contained a large wooden desk with sprawling papers and a rocking chair in another corner. Slamming the door, Thomas bade the duo follow him as they hit the alley once more, missing line of sight contact as they made a left turn and thereafter through a labyrinth of small lanes, stepping over small drains and into another part of the neighbourhood. They ducked beneath wooden poles with laundry and covering their noses in certain stretches as they attempted to shake off their pursuers in double-quick time. Glancing at his mobile phone, Thomas shook his head, and sneered. Aubriet was able to peek and clearly saw what showed on the screen –two ruffians breaking down the door of Thomas’ hideout, emerging within, and out within seconds.
With their heart rate returning slightly back to normal, Rian asked “Where are we?”. Just then, emerging from an adjacent room – a woman in her early twenties came into view. Thomas got up and affectionately led her to the duo. “Let me introduce you to my partner… in crime, Stella. She has the best connections in these parts and is the number one negotiator. We will be requiring her assistance on this project gentlemen.”
Stella was of medium build, and for intents and purposes – typical as an Asian lady goes, thought Aubriet. However, she had a penetrating gaze and yet had a way of charming and disarming that the duo admired barely five minutes into the conversation.
Presently, Stella remarked, “Aubriet – I have arranged for you to meet with the only Board Member who might be willing to give you a chance to take on the Managing Director role. The meeting will be discreet and none of us can accompany you, not even Rian.” Glancing at Rian, who gave a slight nod, she continued, “I have a rough sketch of the plan, and this requires all of us to split up and accomplish our respective tasks. Thomas will brief you on the specifics. I will start making the necessary preparations. Excuse me.” With that, Stella got up from the rattan chair, and made her way back to the adjoining room, which Rian conjectured to be a home-office.
The trio heaved and drank up the green tea which Thomas had offered when they were still huffing and puffing away. Seems like Thomas and Stella are pretty close. Aubriet observed, seeing how familiar Thomas was with the place, including where the tea bags were kept.
“Now,” Thomas said, “you both can see how precarious the situation is. They have eyes everywhere and are operating in the dark. Our best chance is to side-step their traps and gain the upper hand where they are not expecting. This includes getting the supply lines restored, solving the production issues and wooing the biggest customer back. Aubriet, you must look and act the part exactly as I tell you. So guys, here is that plan…”
* * *
The trio of Aubriet, Riadok and Tosham found themselves being twirled within the portal and opening up above a lake! They plunged headlong into the waters still befuddled and disoriented from the escape. All of them knew Sir Ector gave up his life to protect them, and Tosham felt it much more acutely. But his tears dissolved within the waters of the lake, so that by the time the three made their way out of the lake, all Aubriet could see were the red eyes of the Makidon, now with a newly found resolve – to avenge his master.
Riadok was the first to break the uneasy silence. “The teleportation worked. This is the abode of the Lady of the Lake. Tosham, I guess you are leading us to the Temple of the Galans?” Tosham nodded absent-mindedly and muttered, “We will seek an audience with the Matron and seek her blessings for Lady Estella to join us as instructed by Master Merlin.”
Riadok was stunned. The archmage had planned for a fourth person? Sheja did not reveal this to him… Aubriet was entirely clueless and kept up with Tosham and Riadok, as they made their way to the Galanic Motherhouse, an institution which accepts only female Galan apprentices – and schooled in the healing arts.
A Meeting of the Council of the Lake was a major event. Only the senior damsels of the lake and the High Priestess of the Temple were permitted to take part, and even so ~ only with prior notice from either the Lady of the Lake, or the Matron of the Temple. Aubriet, Tosham and Riadok found themselves in the great council hall flanked on the left by some thirty damsels dressed in a flowing sky-blue gown with an intricately gilded navy-blue sash and an ornamented garland headpiece in the fashion of the Greek demi-goddesses. It was a sight to behold, and this important was called because the Matron knew that Merlin was behind this.
Even so, the presence of three intruders to their sacred grounds was not a welcomed affair. In the absence of the Lady of the Lake, the council was presided by the Matron, who will decide if the galans would aid the trio. There was a fierce debate amongst the high priestesses but not reaching any consensus. At length, Aubriet decided to take a chance to break the deadlock, knowing their risk of being thrown out is very real. “Revered Matron and Lady, I seek Excalibur!”
What followed was a flurry of commotion with the Matron addressing Riadok, instead of Aubriet. “Mage apprentice – I will open a portal for you all to venture into the Talmissran desert. Seek out the Tower of Dreams where Sheja is and ask her for the Scroll of Mystic Healing in exchange for Excalibur.”
Aubriet was stunned.
“Furthermore, I agree to release Estella to aid you in Merlin’s quest.” Turning to Tosham, the matron squinted her eyes, “Makidon Tosham, I believe Estella and you two go way back … yes?” Chuckling and dismissing the council, the Matron got up and declared, “That will be all. Prepare the portal.”
Workplace Coaching Inquiry by Coach Tom: You’ve uncovered your lifetime mission. Who would you choose and how will you persuade them to join you?
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