Forbidden Quest (4 page)

             
"I meant no offense. You seem to have your priorities in order.  The realization that life is an upward climb doesn't appear to cause you any distress
.
It's enough for me to discern that you'll do fine with the barbarian identity
" Dr
. Strong declared, rising from his seat.
  “Tell me, how
did you meet
your friends? “

             
“Todd Hopper and I grew up together.  He has a large family, mostly brothers and his parents understood my foster parents were older and
weren’t
very active.  They let me hang out with them.  Hopper’s parents included me in there family outings.  They allowed be to feel like part of their family.  The
Tylers
loved me and cared for me, the
the
Hopper’s taught me what a real family was like.”  Jack paused for a moment then continued.  “As for Sarah, she met Hopper in college a few years ago, they
were best of friends forever then recently started dating.
 
She’s
a very intelligent, sweet kid. 
She’s
perfect for Hopper.  As for Nicole,
she’s
my friend Tom’s girl.  Tom grew up on the other side of town, where the kids all had their own brand new car at age 16 and went to Europe or Hawaii on spring break.  He’s a corporate attorney headed for greatness.  Nicole’s as full of ambition as Tom
is,
they make the perfect
political c
andidate couple.
”
 

”
Thank you,
I'll leave you to your studies, Mr. Tyler
.
It is essential you comprehend the material Shala has given you
,
If
you want to enjoy your adventure."  Extending his hand, the doctor smiled blandly. "Good night Mr. Tyler."

             
Jack rose and shook the doctor's hand. He was pleased that the interview was at

an end
.
"I've got to admit, you've peaked my interest. This place is full of character. That Olympic stadium you've got in the next room shows a lot of promise."

             
"It's all part of the adventure. I'm merely setting the mood
.
It will make the transition much easier for all of you." Dr. Strong's eyes grew dark as he glanced past Jack toward the office door.

             
The stocky little
man
stood silently waiting
as
Dr. Strong concluded the session.  "Homun will see you to your to room. I'm afraid Shala has a few tasks she must complete before tomorrow."

"The hall is furnished with several different types of exercise equipment. One of my earlier clients referred to it
as
an obstacle course. Which is indeed what it will become.
"
Dr. Strong explained
as
the others stood and watched.

             
"While you are under hypnosis the wall of netting might become a series of vines or perhaps the side of a rock cliff. The weight machine will serve as stimulus if you are required to lift or push a heavy object. The stair climber will act
as
a tree, fortress wall or perhaps a rock incline you must scale. Each of these sections will be used to enhance your experience by providing stimulus as well
as
exercise for your muscles
.
You won't be lying around for the next two days dreaming
.
You will work hard and come away

from
this adventure physically energized as well as emotionally."

             
Dr. Strong walked in front of the small group as Shala, dressed in a tight red jumpsuit silently demonstrated the use of each piece of equipment
without so much as breaking
into a sweat.

             
"There are six sections; each area has a specific purpose." The doctor continued

as they entered a small area enclosed by tall oriental screens
.
"This is where you will be

hypnotized
."

             
"Dr. Strong, Sarah has a few questions about the inducement." Todd interrupted.

He turned to find Sarah's large blue eyes peering at him from behind Todd's immense form.
 

Dr. Strong smiled softly. "Of course
my dear, I'll be happy to answer any
questions. Trust is essential between the hypnotist and his subjects. But if you could
indulge me a while longer, I believe you will find all your questions answered." He smiled at Sarah
as
if she was a small child, then turned toward Shala and nodded
as
he continued. "The session will begin shortly. First, I would ask you each to choose a cot and lay down. Shala is an accomplished flutist. She will play a soft Celtic lullaby to relax you.
The lights will be dimmed and a pastel light presentation will begin
.
While this is in progress you will hear my voice softly and slowly drawing you into a deep
hypnotic sleep."

             
"Dr. Strong, I'm sorry to interrupt again, but Sarah's been researching hypnosis,
trying to get a better understanding of what we are about to experience." Todd nodded at
Sarah encouraging her questions.

             
Sarah sat on the edge of her small cot a few feet from Dr. Strong. "It is
my understanding that each subject falls under hypnosis at a different pace, ranging from
seconds to minutes, even longer." She began in a quiet voice. 

             
"So Nicole and I could fall asleep right away, but you or Hopper could take half an hour to fall under the good doctor's spell?" Jack asked as he turned his gaze expectantly from Sarah to Dr. Strong, pleased that someone in their group seemed to have a concept of what they were doing.

             
"Normally that would be a correct assumption. Fortunately, I have developed a
mild sedative that will allow you all to relax and enjoy a quick entry into hypnosis.”  Dr. Strong answered as he gestured toward the entrance of the sleeping area were Homun stood quietly holding a tray of what appeared to be chocolate milk shakes. "Homun has mixed the sedative with a high protein vitamin supplement. It is quite delicious." Dr. Strong motioned for Homun to come forward. "As a fellow member of the medical community Miss Sims, I assure you that it is very mild and will wear off in less than 15 minutes."  The silent little man offered each of the adventurers a glass of the chocolate mixture. The sweetness of the
drink
was overwhelming. Nicole forced herself to swallow the thick liquid, making a note to recommend an alternate formula when their adventure was over. 

             
Remember this is a fantasy, nothing you experience will be real
.
However, you will take on the skills and knowledge of the character you are about to portray so as to further enjoy the illusion
.
But know this, although it is a game, if you allow your character to be killed your adventure will be concluded." Homun collected the last of the glasses.

             
"So we only get one chance?" Jack frowned, "Isn't that kind of harsh?"

             
"It adds to the adventure. After all, in reality you only have one life there are no second chances. That knowledge will encourage you to choose wisely, instead of recklessly. You will resist the temptation to rush blindly into a situation you may not fully understand. Caution is the key word here. You must study your environment carefully.  Take this adventure seriously and you will be rewarded beyond your expectations
.
"

             
"If we feel uncomfortable with the adventure, you will stop the proceedings?"
 
Sarah
asked as she pulled the thin blanket Shala had given her up to her chin
.

             
"If there is a serious problem, I will bring the person affected out of the trance. However, this is an adventure. You must prepare yourself for excitement and danger. There will be battles, creatures lurking in the night, and clever enemies who will try to befriend you, attempting to dissuade you from your chosen path. Just remember, you are prepared. Stick together and you will not fail. Each of you carries a specific ability that will see the others through to your goal. If one of you surrenders and leaves the game
the others will most likely fail."

             
"What is our goal?" Nicole asked, kicking off her shoes and lying down.

             
"There is a beautiful elf queen is imprisoned in the Cave of Sorrows. An evil elfin wizard cast a spell upon her, entombing her inside the crystalline walls of
a
cavern, deep in the bowels of the mountains. He has an army of evil elves who will be searching for you.  They are ruthless and cunning. It is entirely possible you will find them guarding the entrance to the cavern." Dr. Strong's voice shook with excitement as the hall grew dark.  "There is an ancient castle deep within the Valley of Tears in the heart of the mountains. There you will find an amulet that will enable you to release the Queen. The talisman
can only be wielded
by a being that possesses the ancient power of the mountains such as a fairy.  Once Sarah brings the talisman to life it will shatter the queen’s imprisonment
.
Nicole you must strengthen the Queen with a healing spell. Jack and Hopper must protect you and Sarah from the wicked
elves as you will be vulnerable while working your magic. Find the village near the glen when you arrive. A small boy waits there, in the stables. He will send you on your way. You will not return until your quest is completed, so do not fail."

             
"How will we know which way to go?
"
Hopper asked, wiggling his feet as
they  dangled
over the edge of the cot.

.
             
"You will lead using your Elf senses.  They will warn you of danger. The boy will supply you with a map, coins and weapons." Dr. Strong answered calmly. "A word of caution; don't be fooled by the lies of your enemies. Stay true to your quest and you will triumph. Remember in the land of fantasy, things are never what they seem."

             
Shala began to play a series of soft rolling
tones
on some sort of an ancient looking flute. The darkness filled with swirls of pastel shades. The adventurers could hear the doctor's voice softly in the background telling them to close their eyes and relax. Steadily, continuously, he lulled the tension of everyday life from their muscles. The music softened and grew faint. Dr. Strong's word grew jumbled and unclear. They felt themselves rising above their beds.  The weightlessness was exhilarating. Jack extended his hands as if he was flying through the cool black air.

             
A sudden sensation of descent frightened Nicole. She tried to open her eyes but could not. Without warning a storm of freezing winds and icy rain assaulted them
.
Todd heard Sarah scream and tried to reach for her, but the torrent froze his limbs to his side.  He cried out to her as his body became wracked with incredible pain
.
He felt his body twisting and stretching. Then there was only pain.

             
The warmth of the sun on his face woke Hopper. He jumped up from the grassy knoll where he lay and scanned the tall grass for Sarah. The trees that encompassed the hillock stood tall and protectively around them. Shining deep silvery green leaves sparkled delicately as the wind caressed
them in the bright sunlight. Everywhere he looked, clumps of emerald green brush speckled with tiny flowers of pink and purple surrounded him.

             
Spinning to take in the opposite side of the glen, Hopper saw the still form of a woman lying in the grass several meters behind him. Moving toward her, Hopper staggered in the tall grass and fell awkwardly. As his hands stretched out to catch his fall a massive, hairy hand with long black claws appeared before him
.
Hopper glanced down, and found an equally enormous pair of hairy legs ending in a huge pair of feet, hidden in dark
fur
covered boots.

             
“What . . . happened?”  Hopper stammered, gasping at the sound of his booming voice. It echoed through the clearing unnaturally deep in tone. Reaching for his face, Hopper found his head had grown to five times its natural size.  A huge protruding nose hovered above a large, wide mouth filled with long jagged teeth.

             
"Hopper?
"
Jack's amused voice came from behind him
.
"I thought elves were
short little guys in green tights."