Free Journey Through the Mirrors by T. R. Williams Page A

Robert Tilbo at a loss for words? How can that be? You could never stop talking when we were together on the Council.”
    Mr. Perrot joined in his laughter. “I am not sure what my first question should be. I have so many to ask.”
    “I am certain we both have many stories to share and questions to pose,” Madu replied.
    “Yes,” Mr. Perrot said. “To begin with, how did you find me?”
    “Not very difficult after you and Logan emerged from hiding,” Madu said. “That was a great surprise to both my wife and me.”
    “How is Nadine?” Mr. Perrot asked.
    “Well, very well,” Madu said. Then he continued in a more serious tone, “Robert, is it true that Camden and Cassandra were murdered? It was reported that the killer was never caught. We wondered if their deaths had anything to do with their past dealings with Fendral and Andrea.”
    “Yes, Camden and Cassandra were killed, by whom we do not know.” Mr. Perrot sighed. “Much has happened over the last few years, in particular the last nine months. Simon and Andrea returned and attempted to pick up where Fendral had left off. It forced Logan and me to come forward.”
    “Yes, Simon and Andrea. Is the news of their demise accurate? It was reported they died in an accident along the Ganges River?”
    “The story spun by the authorities conceals most of the facts. But yes, they are both gone,” Mr. Perrot said. “My daughter and Logan witnessed the death of Andrea, and all three of us watched Simon die.”
    “And does your daughter know the truth? That Andrea was her mother?”
    Mr. Perrot sighed deeply. “She knows the complete story now.”
    Madu took that in before asking, “What happened to Fendral’s set of the Chronicles ? Have they been bequeathed to anyone?”
    “No,” Mr. Perrot answered. “In fact, before he died, Simon possessed three of the sets.”
    “ Three ?” Madu seemed stunned at the news.
    “Yes,” said Mr. Perrot. “The Train Set, left to him by his father; the Forest Set, which Logan unwittingly auctioned off; and . . .”
    “My set,” Madu said regretfully. “It was Simon who stole it from the Cairo Museum, wasn’t it?”
    “Yes.”
    “What has happened to the River Set? Does Babu still possess it?”
    “No,” Mr. Perrot answered. “Logan has Deya’s books under lock and key.”
    “Good,” Madu said. Both men were quiet for a moment. “Camden once told me that all four sets of the books should never be possessed by one individual. He never elaborated. Neither did Deya when I asked her. She only confirmed what Camden had told me.” Mr. Perrot knew the reason behind Camden’s warning, but he remained silent. “I see now that I was wrong in thinking that donating my books to the Cairo Museum would keep them safe.”
    There was another pause, and then Mr. Perrot continued. “Madu, why have you come forward? Why now?”
    “I have only come forward to you, Robert,” Madu replied, “and I would appreciate it if we kept it that way for now. My story is a long one, and I will need a good deal of time to relate it to you accurately. Unfortunately, I can’t do it now. But I will call you again soon.”
    “When?” Mr. Perrot asked. “There is a commemoration in honor of the original members of the Council. You must attend! Come to Washington with Nadine, and make a grand entrance. People will be shocked by your emergence.”
    “That may not be possible,” Madu said. “My work requires me to travel the world. But we will consider it. Until then—”
    “Journey with care, Madu,” Mr. Perrot said.
    The call ended, and the image of Madu disappeared. Mr. Perrot stared into space. He wasn’t sure what to think about the sudden reappearance of Madu Shata after forty years. “Is it really so shocking?” he whispered to himself. “You, too, had to disappear for that long.”
    “Mr. Perrot!” Jasper called, running into the work room. “That was Logan on the phone. There was a terrible earthquake in