Operation Cobra

Chapter 7

Author's note: So, guys, lets get a little comment action in here. What is special about all the paintings listed in this chapter? Guess in the comments below...

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Sophia's P.O.V.

I remember when I was younger, I always dreamt about travelling to other places, seeing the world, having new experiences, meeting new people. Here I am, away from family, away from friends, alone, against the world, in Italy, and having the time of my life. I must say, this has got to be one the best things that has happened to me in my entire life. Partially because I love to take pictures. Just about where ever I go, I bring my camera with me. On the way here alone, I must've taken at least 50 pictures. I haven't gotten the chance yet to take any pitures here, so I'm doing that today.

After waking up and insuring that Dixie doesn't have any more sugar for the rest of the trip, I get ready and hop down to the dining/banquet room for some breakfast. And by getting ready, I mean throwing my hair into a messy bun, putting on sweatpants and t-shirt, and running down for food. Walking through the hallway is like stepping into a whole 'nother dimension The walls have marble columns running down them every 10 feet or so. On the right are windows, grand windows like those in the Sistine Chapel. On the left are orginal paintings, all along the wall. Some I recognize from my art history class such as "Poppy Flowers" by Vincent Van Gogh, "The Storm on the Sea of Galilee" by Rembrandt, and "Nativity with San Lorenzo and San Francesco" by Caravaggio.

Y'know, there is something about all those paintings that I can't quite put my finger on, something Mrs. Kunstlehrer said... Ugh, this is going to be bothering me the rest of the trip... And it was something really important too... eh, I'll remember it later.

The carpet running through the halls was a very ornate Rococo design. Oh my goodness, I love this place. The smell of bacon wafts through the air and I'm pulled out of my thoughts. Inhaling deeply, I take the last few steps into the banquet hall and open the doors.

Ah... on the right side is a breakfast buffet. Food is piled high on trays and it seems like most of the people from the banquet are here. Out of the corner of my eye, I see Lilac waving to me from a table with Wolf and Scar. She beckons for me to come over and I wave back, smiling. Ignoring the stares, I run over to them, stealing a piece pf bacon from Wolf when I get there.

"Heyyy..." he protests with a gleam in his eye. I just wink.

"So, Lilac, how is that code panel coming? Figure it out yet?"

"Pretty good, I've just about figured it out. Give me another hour or so and I can tell ya'll what it means. Then we can go on an adventure!"

"Woohoo! Now Imma gonna get some food...." I try to take another pieve of bacon from Wolf expects it, grabs my wrist, and winks. He lets go and I run off to the buffet. Taking in all of the most heavenly smells, I grab 2 pieces of bacon, expecting Wolf to take one when I get back to the table. There are scrambled eggs and waffles and french toast and taylor ham and oatmeal and now my mouth is watering...

I take some scrambled eggs and a bagel, with some orange juice to wash it all down. Walking back to the table, I see Wolf watching my bacon. Haha, puns... Yep, I was right. As I sit down, Wolf reaches over and grabs a piece of bacon.

"Heyy--" I start, before Lilac cuts me off.

"I did it! Guys, I cracked the code!"

"Well, what does it say?!" Scar now shows an interest in the conversation.

"It says, 'everything is not what it seems... Between the Sea and Sky lies a cove, find the key, you'll find the way."

"Great! So now all we need to do is figure out that riddle, find the key, and everything will be a-okay!" I smile, fully knowing that riddle will be stick in my head the rest of the day. Out of the corner of my eye, catch Dixie walking to the library. Good for her, she doesn't seem like the type of girl that would like reading. Then again, as they say, don't judge a book by its cover.