A. I. Evolution: The Coming of Christopher

Chapter 34

Within half an hour we are properly attired and return to the entrance of the Magic Castle to re-enter the hidden passageway again. The same guard steps out in front of us and looks us up and down approvingly. "That is much better. You look very distinguished, and I would guess that you feel more important dressed as you are now."

I can't argue with him on that point. There is something about getting dressed up in fine clothes that makes a person feel like they are someone special. "Thank you. Is Mr. Struss in the Castle today?"

"Yes, he is, and he is waiting for you and your companion to join him in the game room. I called him about your arrival while you were getting ready, and he is anxious to meet with you. Please follow me."

The big man turns abruptly and moves deeper into the Castle, forcing us to move quickly as we follow him. It is hard to keep up to him as our attention is drawn to each side of the winding passageway, because it seems that every bit of wall space and many small alcoves are filled with pictures of famous Magicians, and memorabilia from the past all the way to the present-day practitioners of the craft. The urge to stop and look at the many novelties is overwhelming, but the big man moves from one tight corridor to another through rooms both big and small, where it is obvious magic shows are presented to a select and intimate audience.

Finally, we emerge from the narrow archway into a large two-story bar, that is obviously the center of the Castle's elite members area. Our guide takes us around to the side of the wide, highly polished dark wooden bar and up the curved stairway to the second-floor balcony above the main sitting area. Situated in the back corner of the quieter space is a round poker table very similar to the one that was in Sam's basement. The thought of that night brings up the fact that my dear friend is dead, and the cause of that death is walking behind me. Wong, as if feeling my sudden distress, stops just short of the table.

I carry on to the table and step to the one remaining chair not being occupied. Will Struss stands behind the table in the very corner and reaches across to take my hand. "Thank you for coming, Christopher. Your companion can have a seat at the next table if he would like, the chair in front of you is for you though. You may notice that there is a pile of chips on the table for you to play with. I have filled my companions in on your unique ability, and they would like a presentation of your skill, if you are willing."

I sit down in the chair and look around the table. The single light in the broad shade, lights the table perfectly as it leaves the area around it in semi-darkness. The faces of the other players are only truly visible when they lean forward over the table, making them hard to read by facial expressions alone. The mood of the room has just taken on one of challenge and a predatory feel, where the card sharks could reach out and devour your confidence and money at any moment." I would like that," I respond, as I smile to ease the tension I am feeling as I sit down.

Will looks around the table, before settling his serious gaze on me. "Would you like something to drink before we start?"

I pull my chair in close to the edge of the table. "No, I am still recovering from an accident I had a few months ago."

"Yes, that truck did a number on your face and head," says Will, as he looks directly into my eyes. "From what I have heard, it is a miracle you are alive today."

"Yes, the medical techniques have advanced a long way recently, and I feel greatly indebted to them and their machines."

"I bet you do," smiles Will, before one last look around the table. "OK, let's play some poker."

Will starts and deals the cards like a person who was born with a deck of cards in his hands. I gather up my cards and with the extra Nanos that Jane had given me just days before, I had no trouble reading the rest of the players and what they thought they had in their hands, whether it was a good hand or one that they would bluff with.

The deal was at the end of its second round around the table, and I had won the majority of the hands when Will looked to the others at the table. "Do we need to go any farther, or are you convinced about what I told you he was capable of?"

The oldest person at the table, who had barely taken his eyes from me, turned to Will. "I have never seen someone read us so easily. It is as you told us, and I vote him into our group."

The others at the table all nodded their heads in turn, to add their vote to the older gentleman's. Will smiles from ear to ear. "It seems that you have made it to the highest ranks of Poker masters in the world. The five of us around this table can only play in the great poker halls around the world when the establishment allows us to. Your name will now be added to that exclusive list."

I look around the table as the absurdity of his statement settles in. "But I did not come here to be included in your group."

Will settles back in his chair. "I am fully aware of that, but now you can take advantage of the total Castles' resources and knowledge of the members, which is considerable."

I look around the table in wonder at what having connections like that could mean to me in the future. "I am honored to be part of your group then."

Will points to the gentleman beside me, a wrinkled faced man whose very presence cries out money. "Beside you on your right is Mr. Ron Volt. A billionaire who sold more multi million-dollar homes than anybody else in the world. The oldest member and the leader of our group to your left is Mr. Steward Homes, a British noblemen and adviser to the Queen of England, along with being her personal Magician." Will then goes around the table citing the titles and achievements of the group, which makes me feel small in their presence.

Will gets up from the table and addresses the rest of the players. "Thank you for attending this game today. I am sure Christopher will be around to answer any questions you might have on his abilities, but right now, I need to fill him in on the benefits of being a member of the Magic Castle."

The rest of the players shake my hand and welcome me personally into their group before either moving down to the bar area, or to the exit where we had entered moments before. Will moves around the table and takes my hand in his. "Congratulations! Why don't we retire to my private quarters here at the Castle, so we can talk about you and your needs."