The Enchantments: Book 3 - The Key of Sorcen

Chapter 12: Macnish

The Hotel De Larange was busier then Simeneon had seen it that afternoon. She tried in vain to avoid the hustle and bustle of the other patrons but soon found herself being banged around like a rubber ball. It wasn't until George caught a glimpse of her troubles in the middle of the pile that he shot forth like a knight in shining armor from behind the desk and came to her defense.

Simeneon could have easily walked passed the people but something nagged at her. Something about the parchment told her where she had to start looking, but she couldn't figure it out yet.

"Excuse me Miss Enchantment but I believe I owe you a lunch." George smiled warmly.

Simeneon couldn't help but feel better, the parchment and the search could be put on hold for a few minutes at least, as it was she really needed those few minutes of distraction.

"I would be honored." She took his arm in hers and they walked together to the restaurant at the far end of the hotel.

They were seated by the waiter at a large picturesque window that overlooked the lush garden just outside the back of the main building.

"Your hotel is simply amazing George," Simeneon said enthusiastically.

George beamed; you could tell he took great pride in how his hotel looked and how others saw it, "Thank you, thank you very much."

Simeneon's face changed expression as remnants of the search drifted back into her head.

"Is there something the matter my dear?" George asked with concern.

She looked up at him and sighed, "I have a lot on my mind right now and I don't know where to begin. I had a bit of an experience just an hour ago that's left me rattled."

"If you need a sympathetic ear, I'm here." He said

Simeneon looked carefully at the concern crossing his face. She peered out amongst the blooming flowers of the garden and decided it would be nice to have someone to talk too. So off she went explaining the whole story of her parents and the searches that followed. She finally finished with the last few hours and the curator of the museum who was not really there. She showed him the parchment and explained to him that the wizard Sorcen had an aid that had traveled to New Zealand those many years ago. What she couldn't figure out was where he had hidden the pyramids after he had landed on the huge island.

George held the parchment in his hands and stared at the writings, "the answer is here in the text, I know it is, we just have to read between the lines."

"I've tried, but there is no map or description, just-" It was like a light switch had gone on in her head; she stared down at the parchment and slowly began to smile.

George saw that look, "You've figured something out haven't you?" He asked coyly.

Simeneon peered up from the table and turned the writing around so George could see it. "The answer is right there in the middle of the text!" She said excitedly.

"I'm sorry dear I don't see any location written here." He shrugged.

"It's not where, but what he says." She chimed. "Look at the line just before he talks about being with his family.

George stared for a minute at the line and suddenly his face showed he finally understood. "He says he's looking forward to the thin air, that could only be one place!"

"The mountains!" They said in unison.

Simeneon finished her meal and headed back to the elevator and to her room. The conversation was much more lively after they had figured out where the general location of the artifact was; now they had to figure out the logistics to actually getting there. George was adamant that he wanted to help and said he would make a few calls to find the best possible guide that could lead her on her search. They needed someone that knew the area like the back of his or her hands, someone with experience.