The Cognomina Codex by D. Eric Maikranz

Author:D. Eric Maikranz
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Blackstone Publishing
Published: 2023-01-18T21:47:34+00:00

17

Evan stared out the window of the Mercedes limousine as it passed through the rainy streets of Zurich on its route to the Hotel St. Germain. He had two long days of hopping UN aid flights, waiting for private jet charters, and this limousine ride to prepare, but now that he was only a few blocks away, he still struggled with how to tell them about everything that had happened.

His pulse quickened as the driver pulled into the curved driveway of the hotel. He exited the car and instinctively walked to the golden corded doorbell chime. Evan ran his hand over the cord and thought about the consequences of pulling it. Would they be disappointed in him that he hadn’t been able to save Clovis? How would they react to the news of another group? Would they be as excited as he was initially? How many would be interested in meeting Brevicepts and learning about her mission? How many would reject her offer and face her unknown consequences?

His vision blurred from fatigue and burden and then Poppy’s words came back to him—words she had spoken to him inside this building a lifetime ago: “Just tell them the truth.” Her words soothed him as he thought about what would happen in the next few hours. There was no turning back from the course Brevicepts had put him on. Evan pulled the cord and heard the bell inside, but the feeling in his hand was of putting a complex series of events into motion—events he could not predict nor control.

The young Mr. Pianosa answered the door and escorted him inside. “Good afternoon, sir. I took the liberty of having the staff set out a change of clothes for you. I was sure you would need to refresh yourself from your trying journey.”

“Are they all here?” Evan asked.

“Yes, I can have them ready in the grotto in one hour.”

“We can’t afford that much time. I will be down in twenty minutes to address them.”

“Very well, sir.”

evan showered and dressed quickly before grabbing the cane that rested against the foot of the bed. He stared into the faceted blue of the dragon’s sapphire eyes and took a long calming breath. “Let’s tell them together, shall we?” he said aloud.

He walked to the last room on the ground floor and stood at the false bathroom door that led to the secret grotto below. Cracking the door open, Evan could hear their collected voices floating up the stone stairs to him. He stepped down, counting the torches as he passed until he was at the opening to the grotto. All eyes turned to him in silence when he walked into the room and approached Galen, who stood next to the table that faced the judges’ panel.

“How are you, Evan?” Galen asked as he opened his arms to embrace him.

“I am tired, but all right,” Evan answered. “Why is everyone staring at me?”

“Well, they want to hear about your time with Clovis, but your message to Pianosa about assembling everyone for a message has started some rumors.

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