The Venturesome Race

Chapter Two:

“The Lost Scroll kind.” I answered in a soft, hushed tone tracing the tattoo of flowing orchids that wrapped themselves around my right arm and hand.

Vincent, Kira, Camille, Ruby and Roland were all just looking at me, each conveying a different emotion. Then there was Luka sat there looking rightly confused.

“Can someone explain to me what The Lost Scrolls are?” He asked looking at each of the others. It was Vincent who spoke up from his spot across the table from me.

“The Lost Scrolls are a set of 12 Ancient Scriptures that were written, separated and buried across 4 continents an exceptionally long time ago. We’re still unsure when they were written but they are at least 10,000 years old. It is still unknown if they were written by one extremely advanced civilization or 4 separate ones who co-ordinated the whole thing. Everyone thinks we will know when all 12 are unearthed but so far only 5 have ever been found.” Vincent filled it for our newest recruit, who sat there listening to him intensely.

“2 by Brynn.” Added Camille, in a rather sing song voice. Which earned her a side eye from me.

“No, we all found them. Vince helped me find the first and I wouldn’t have been able to reach the second without all of you and your amazing brains!” I exclaim clasping my hands together once more for emphasis. They all just look at me with the same melancholy expression. It was Kira who finally addressed what we were all thinking.

“Yes boss, but you almost died getting to it.” She said in a cautious slightly woeful tone. They all looked at me once again and for a moment I had no idea what to say. I let out a slow breath.

“I know and it was pretty scary, but I pulled though because of you, because my family needed me, and you know I would never go down that easily.” I let out a soft chuckle, but it felt a little too forced.

“Okay, it’s up to you boss.” Spoke Roland for the first time. That was his way for saying he was in for this if I was. He turned to cast a glance at his twin before they both nodded in some silent agreement.

“If you want to do this then me and Roland are totally in for a bit more fun around here.” She exclaimed with clear excitement.

“So, who is out latest client?” Asked Camille whilst stuffing the rest of her sandwich into her mouth.

“The White Family.” I say briskly, better to rip the band aid off. They all stop what they were doing and share glances between themselves before finally resting their eyes on me once more.

“No wonder you said it would be a huge payday.” Giggles Ruby. Probably thinking about all the clothes and shoes she can buy with her cut; I couldn’t blame the girl.

“Which scroll are they after?” Pipped up Vincent who for the past few minutes had been quietly observing and listening.

“They want they unfound Asia scroll.” I utter, the rush of adrenaline was back in full force. This was my favourite part of my job. The tingles of excitement I get every time I agree to research and locate an object. Of course, it wasn’t always object’s sometimes it was gowns, jewels, suits, artifacts, poems, books, pottery, tools, swords and even places. Anything you can think of if it is out there then I can find it for you with the help of my team.  My favourite jobs have always been the interest peaking history ones and boy was this one of them.

“Wait so you said there was 12 scattered across 4 continents, and 5 of them have been found. So where?” Asked Luka once again looking confused but more and more intrigued each minute.

“There are 3 scrolls in each continent.” I began while standing up from my spot at the dinner table. “Africa, Europe, Asia and The Americas. One of The America Scrolls was found in Mississippi by ‘The Company’ a little under 5 years ago.” I continue as I started to pace.

“One of the Asia scrolls was found by me and Vince in Nepal 3 years ago. The second Asia scroll was found in China, but no one knows who by.” I sigh with admiration.

“One of the Africa Scrolls was found in Ethiopia by ‘The company’ 2 years ago. They were busy getting that one while we were right on the tail of One of the Europe scrolls. We found it in Portugal a few months later.” Vincent finished explaining to a wide-eyed Luka, before casting a sideways glance at me.

“The Asia Scroll Vince and I found in Nepal was for The White Family and it’s what got our little finding services out there for the upper class and elite.” I inform the entire team.

“So, who is ‘The Company’?” Luka asks reluctantly, clearly worried about asking too much. I stopped my pacing while thinking of the best way to put it. Luckily, the rest of the team was ready to fill in the gaps for our newest resident.

“’The Company is bunch of stingy, emotionless robots who want to deprive the world of beauty, art and history.” Scoffs Ruby, crossing her arms over her chest whilst frowning and pushing out her rounded lips into a pout. Her comment making Camille and Roland chuckle.

“’The Company’ are a secret organisation that are funded by various countries, governments and co operations. The call themselves The Observers, quite pretentious. They have agents globally, on every continent and their job is to locate and acquire important objects, artifacts, manuscripts, books and people among other things and lock them away never to be found by anyone else all whist preaching that it’s to keep them safe etc... When they just don’t want anyone else to have them. Selfish.” Vincent informs Luka, muttering at the end.

“Okay so who’s up for a little challenge then?” I question, unable to wait any longer. Looking around the room at the 6 members of my team that had undoubtedly become family I was greeted with a chorus of yes and hell year’s.

“Great so, don’t get mad.” I start, aiming those words at Vincent. I slowly began to pace once more.

“But me and Roland may have been looking into the third Asia Scroll for a year now.” I had to practically force the confession from my throat. I could see the annoyed expression on Kira’s face and the dead eyed stare Vincent was giving to Roland, but I decided to ignore it for now and move on.

“After I spoke to Mr Glass, I decided to call one of my friends in India. That’s where I think we will find the third scroll, and there’s good news and bad news. Bad news is company agents have been spotted asking questions up there for the past 2 days. The good news is that not a lot of people are willing to talk to them, so they haven’t found anything yet. We don’t have much time, were headed to India. I want to be wheel’s up in the next 3 hours, so you guys know what to do right?” Nods followed by more words of acknowledgement.

“Great, Camille and Ruby you two will be staying here while we go to India. I need you both to do something. Kira you do what you normally do, you badass. Gentlemen why don’t you go and pack and make sure were ready to go.” I say casually with a smile coming to a halt at the end of the table closest to the girls.

“I guess I’ll go and get clearance from across the field for 3pm take off and then fuel up the jet.” Said Roland in a nonchalant tone. Both he and Luka left together towards their rooms to pack, Vincent lingered for a moment to look me in the eyes. That was his way of telling me he wants to talk when we have the time. Probably so he can try and change my mind. Kira stood and gave me a short sharp nod before heading off back towards her desk out front.

After giving the girls their sperate tasks for while me and the boys were gone, I headed to my room to pack what I thought I might need for the trip, plus some books and research notes that might come in handy. I carefully picked up my gift of appreciation for the Trible Elder I was going to see while we were in India and placed them into a box with extra care. After making sure everything is in order and killing a little bit of time it was finally time for wheels up and I was a massive bundle of nerves and restlessness. I was itching to get going.

After a gruelling nine-hour flight, which included two naps and tonnes of snacks we finally landed in India. It took us another hour to get to the hotel and by the time we reached our separate rooms we were all ready to pass out, which is exactly what I did after a quick shower. Tomorrow is bound to be a long day and I would need every bit of rest.