Chapter 3: Dinner with the Hosts

When Bobby and Layra entered the castle, Bobby took a quick look around and saw that nothing had changed. Things were exactly as he’d remembered them, but as this was Layra’s first time seeing such a grand, imperial place, her eyes dropped as soon as she stepped inside. For her, as he guessed, it was like they were entering a whole new world, which in a way, they were. The city of Rune was among the dullest, greyest sort of place imaginable but here in the castle of Veego and LaBerge...everything was spectacular.

They were standing in the entrance hall, which alone was an impressive sight that gave you the idea that whoever lived here was living it good. The windows up along the arched ceiling were stained glass with bright, vibrant colors and pictures of all sorts. They were mostly of people playing games as Bobby now recalled. Challengers. Some were running, others were shooting what looked like a basketball into a net, though it was much larger and some were standing on that grand and familiar stadium where the Grand X took place. Bobby hoped he’d never have to step foot on that stadium again. Once was plenty enough.

As they continued along, Layra noticed the floors were marble and were built with mosaic patterns that crept their way right up the walls which made it look as though the whole place were of shapes and patterns. Dangling from above, were golden, expensive looking chandeliers that could have been worth a fortune. There were vines that snaked their way up the star railings and odd, but divine looking plants scattered about. It made the place smell fresh and welcoming. Wherever you looked, there was always something notable. The castle of Veego and LaBerge was nothing less than captivating. They soon found themselves being led up a long, curved flight of stairs that led up to a balcony high above. But what Layra soon noticed was the flags. Everywhere she looked, there were colourful flags fluttering from every level, all with the exact same colors; purple and yellow. Most of the windows were opened, which explained why the multiple flags snapped in the breeze.

“I’m pretty sure they’re the logo colors,” Bobby whispered to Layra, as if reading her mind. “You know, how people recognize them.”

When they reached the top of the stairs, Veego called out firmly, “Fourteen!”

“Fourteen?” asked Layra, puzzled. “What’s that-”

“He shows you to your rooms,” Bobby explained. “You know, kinda like what servants do. They’ve got servants all over the place. Only, the thing is, they’re dados. They’re everywhere.”

“Oh,” said Layra. “That’s, er, interesting.”

In seconds, the recognizable figure of Fourteen was at Veego’s command. He was just as Bobby remembered. He was rather small and was all dressed in white. His long sleeved shirt was dressed in white, his pants, his gloves and even his shoes. Very formal. He was bald with a casual necktie with of course, the colors of purple and yellow but what Bobby remembered most about Fourteen was that although he was a dado, a robot, a machine that in reality, had no feelings, Fourteen he believed was different.

He may not have actually jumped up with joy saying things like, “Oh, you’re going to love the room, Challenger Red!” or anything bubbly like that, but Bobby sensed that somewhere in that little machine, was a heart, if that was even possible. Most importantly, he was Bobby’s closest friend and ally while staying on Quillan and he was pleased to know he hadn’t gone anywhere. He always hoped he’d get the chance to his robo buddy again and now he’d gotten that chance. And he’d even gotten himself a name tag buttoned onto his shirt, as Bobby had asked. In thin, black, one inch letters read, “Fourteen.”

“Layra, you’ll be coming with me,” said Veego. “Thirteen shall be escorting you for this evening.”

Layra turned to leave and looked back at Bobby, smiling nervously. He waved back at her reassuringly. There wasn’t much to worry about right then.

“See you at dinner,” he said in a low voice.

He turned back to Fourteen and said, “Hey, good to see ya!”

“I was told you would be returning,” said Fourteen. “What is the reason for your sudden return?”

That’s when it came to him. Fourteen knew absolutely nothing about their quest to stop Saint Dane. He had to come up with something. Quick.

“Ya know...,” said Bobby quickly, hid mind reeling. “Layra, the girl who just left, well... she's been called here to participate in the Quillan Games and she asked me if I could tag along. Basically, it’s about the games. It’s sorta been arranged between the two of us too. I planned on meeting up with her anyway. We haven't known each other for too long, but hey, she asked me if I'd come and uh...yeah...here I am. I know I wouldn't come here on my own terms, not even close, but she's a friend and all so I wanted to help her out...pretty much."

He hoped it would work.

“Very good,” said Fourteen formally. “Now then, if you’ll just come along, I’ll show you to your room.”

Luckily dados didn’t ask questions. The simply obeyed and attended to the Challengers.

“Uh, can I just ask something?” asked Bobby.

“What is the question?” said Fourteen.

“Please say it’s not another clown room!” he pleaded. He knew he sounded childish but after his last stay in the dreaded room, he’d do anything in avoiding going back. “Sorry for sounding all whiny and all but that room’s just creepy! All those clowns were starting to get to me. Are there any other rooms available? You can’t tell me there’s not one room open?”

Fourteen thought for a moment, and then said, “Yes, I believe we have a spare room that’s clown free. Would that be good for you?”

“Yes!” Bobby exclaimed. Thank you. That’s perfect.”

“Alright,” said Fourteen. “Come with me.”

Bobby went along with his robot buddy till they found themselves at the very end of the hall, at the very last room.

“This,” said Fourteen, unlocking the door. “Is room number two hundred and eight.”

“Whoa,” said Bobby, amazed. “You’re telling me they got two hundred and seven other rooms in this place.”

“Yes,” said Fourteen, as if it were no big thing.

“That’s crazy,” said Bobby. “But yeah, this room looks great. Thank you.”

“You’re welcome,” said Fourteen, in that flat toned voice. But it never bothered Bobby. He was used to the whole robo thing.

The room may not have been among the very best, but it was certainly up to Bobby’s expectations. It was better than the Clown Room, by a long shot.

First off, there were no clowns. Anywhere. No clowns on the walls, no clowns on the shelves and no clown dolls at the foot of the bed. So far so good. The walls were striped with colors of yellow and purple and the ceiling was designed as a checkered pattern, with those same colors. There were a couple of shelves lined along the walls, with dolls, yes, but no clown dolls which was all Bobby really cared about. Most of the dolls were your ordinary looking animals, with cute puppies and kittens and rabbits and whatnot. There was every sort of animal you could imagine and even a couple of odd looking ones he guessed came from Quillan. Animals were fine by him.

There was a large oval shaped window that looked out into the enormous forest and then beyond that, the busy streets of the city of Rune. A view of the ocean would have been nice but Bobby had the idea there weren’t too many oceans there on Quillan, or if not that, any at all. All he’d seen were gray, dull streets. His bed was in the center of the room with polka dotted sheets and blankets. The pillows were solid colors of you guessed it, purple and yellow.

He jumped up on the bed and was surprised at how comfortable it was. After a good look at this new room, Bobby’s favourite thing was by far, the bed. It was a great bed and he wouldn’t mind spending a couple of nights in this room. It would be the perfect place for him to have a snack while writing his journals and sending them off to his awaiting acolytes, Mark and Courtney. He hoped he’d at least be given the privacy to do so. He promised he’d keep the journals coming and knew right then, at that very second, they were eagerly waiting, just like always.

After he put away all his things and was comfortably settled, he walked out, closed the door and strolled down the hallway, wondering which room Layra was staying in. He would have gone on looking for her but it could take hours or even days in a place with two hundred and eight rooms. The place was like a maze. He figured she was either settling into her room at that moment, or was already at the dinner table or was going to be on her way down shortly. Bobby hoped he wouldn’t have to go down and deal with those two creeps on his own. If he was with someone else, at least the two of them could put up with it together. It was nice having someone there with him. Last time, he’d been completely alone. Here, he’d have a teammate. Or at least, he hoped Layra would be a teammate. He had yet to find out who she was and why she was there.

When he entered the dining room, he saw that things were already set. The wooden table was laid out beautifully and sitting contently in the high backed wooden chairs, were Veego and LaBerge. The two were kicking back, enjoying a helping of appetizers and sipping drinks as if they were really enjoying themselves. Odds are they were. He took a look around and saw just like last time, tapestries were lined all along the walls and there was a warm light that shone in through the enormous glass stained window high up on the ceiling. It was a picture with a tall man, a challenger probably, holding a long, wooden stave in his hand and in the other, a small red ball. Bobby had no idea what the game was but didn’t really care. He had other things to deal with.

Slowly, he strolled toward the table, never taking his eyes off Veego and LaBerge.

At once, LaBerge leaped out of his chair and ran over like an excited child. Bobby stared at the goof for a second and saw he was wearing a multicoloured blazer with striped pants.

“What’s that guy’s problem with clothes?” he thought to himself. "Can that guy wear enough colour?"

His wild blonde hair was a mass of long, tight curls that bounced when he walked.

“Very good to see you, Challenger Red!” he said with a warm smile. “I hope you’ve built up an appetite.” He gave Bobby a pat on the back as if the two were suddenly old chums, catching up on old times. Yeah, right.

Bobby shrugged. “Whatever.”

LaBerge’s eyes widened.

“My dear boy,” he said, sounding hurt. “Our chiefs have just prepared a most lovely meal. We’d hope you were hungry. Do come and join us, won’t you?”

“Where’s Layra?” he demanded.

“I believe she’ll be down shortly,” said LaBerge. “I assume she’s still settling in. Now then, if you’ll just sit here, we’ll have you all-”

“Uh, no,” said Bobby quickly. “I don’t wanna sit there.”

Veego shot him a cold look. Apparently, she wasn’t in the mood for arguing.

“Why not!” LaBerge exclaimed. “This is the seat of honour! How could you not-”

“Ya well,” spat Bobby. “Maybe I don’t wanna sit there.”

Bobby shuffled over to another sit, across from where Veego was sitting and plumped down into it, staring around at the platters of food. LaBerge stared at him with a frown for a moment before going back to his own seat next to his sister.

“Whatever you wish,” he said quietly, hurrying back to his seat.

Bobby immediately began filling his plate with all the food he could. It wasn’t that he was being a pig or anything, but he always liked to fill himself up, in case he might not get the chance to eat again. Or maybe it was that he was just really, really hungry. Probably a little of both.

The food looked delicious. There were steaks and chickens, every kind of vegetable you could think of from mashed potatoes, carrots, peas and corn, squash and of course, LaBerge’s favourite, tribbun. Lots and lots of tribbun. It was an orange, odd looking veggie that had the crunchy feel of a carrot, but had the sweet, yummy taste of a melon. He shot a look at LaBerge to see if he was looking, saw that he wasn’t and grabbed a couple and dropped them on his plate. He didn’t want the goof seeing that he actually loved tribbun. He’d never hear the end of that with that guy.

He poured himself a glass of that familiar green liquid that tasted like a mix between kool aid and warm Gatorade but the longer you went on drinking it; you found it actually tasted like lemonade. Bobby took a bite of the steak and was amazed at how great the food tasted. He may not have liked sitting across him Veego and LaBerge but the food was too good to ignore.

“How’s the meal, my friend?” asked LaBerge politely, taking a sip from his goblet.

Bobby murmured, still chewing on the steak, “Good.”

LaBerge smiled and said, “I’m glad you enjoy it. I hope you’ll enjoy our desserts. We’ve picked out our very bests which I must say, are superb. I think I’ll go for a tribbun sundae. Perhaps you’d like to give it a taste?”

Veego turned around and said formally, “Ahh...here comes Layra.”

Bobby looked back and saw Layra slowly entering the room, with a touch of nervousness in her eyes. Bobby could tell she was the shy sort. She was wearing a long violet shirt that reached to about her knees, black tights and what looked like a pair of black heels. A beaded necklace of white peals hung from her neck and her curled brown hair was tied up in a ponytail. Bobby thought she looked quite beautiful, like she were dressed for a dance or an occasion of some sort, but wondered why she’d gone and dressed up. Perhaps she enjoyed dressing up. She turned her attention to Bobby, and smiled, shuffling her feet shyly. He gave her a reassuring nod and took another bite of steak.

Almost immediately, LaBerge jumped out of his seat and walked up to Layra, saying, “There you are! So glad you could attend. Do come and sit with us! We’re delighted to have you here. You’re going to love the meal!”

LaBerge may have been delighted to have guests there but Veego sure as heck didn’t look delighted. Then again, she never really looked delighted. She barely forced a smile and kept on staring down at her dish as if she didn’t want to be a part of anything Bobby or LaBerge or Layra were doing. Odds are, she didn’t care the least what they did. Or maybe she was bored with the whole thing.

Layra quietly followed LaBerge over to the table, staring hungrily around at the delicious looking dishes. LaBerge pulled out a chair next to himself, two seats from Veego and said with a smile, “Please, sit down.”

She sat down and looked over and saw she was directly across from Bobby.

“How’s the meal?” she asked him curiously.

Bobby swallowed and said, “Pretty good.” He hated to admit how great the food really was, but he wasn’t going to just lie and say, “Oh yeah, the food’s atrocious.” Layra was new to this whole experience so he was going to try his best to make her feel comfortable. Of course, he was still trying to comfort himself.

“Now don’t be shy,” said LaBerge, reaching for another helping of mashed tribbun. “There’s loads to eat. Those chiefs really go out of their way with these meals! Especially with these divine tribbun, wouldn’t you say so?”

Layra at once, began piling up her dish excitedly, with a big, freshly made steak, a scoopful of veggies, a small helping of tribbun and to top it all off, some mashed potatoes. Her favourite. She stared down at the food with wide eyes. She’d never seen such food, or so much of it. She took a big, crunchy bite of the tribbun and her eyes lit up instantly.

LaBerge chuckled and asked, “How is it?”

“This is the best thing I’ve ever tasted!” she exclaimed, taking another bite. “Can we have this every night? I can’t get over how good this is. I-It’s delicious!”

“Tribbun is a classic!” LaBerge told her, watching her devour the tribbun hungrily. “As long as I’m around, it will be at the top of the menu!”

“Uhh, you mean us,” growled Veego, glaring him straight in the eye.

 

 LaBerge shrunk back and said nervously, “Y-yes, yes,” he said with a tense gulp. “Just what I meant. E-exactly what I meant, yes."

Veego shook her head annoyingly and continued eating. LaBerge twirled his fork fretfully while occasionally turning to Layra and changing the subject. He was somewhat surprised when he saw she’d answer him back. If that were him, he’d do whatever he could to avoid “chit chat” with that freak. Obviously, he wanted to avoid his cold sister. The two may have been partners, but Veego appeared to be in control the majority of the time and was always telling her brother off to assure he kept shut. Bobby had seen that a dozen times over and had the idea he'd see it a dozen times more.

Bobby then decided it was time to open up the conversation and figure out what the deal here was. He demanded to have some answers. He needed answers. He wasn’t in the mood to be up all night wondering what to expect the following day. He liked knowing what to expect. Well, most of the time.

“So,” he began casually. “What’s the deal with these games?”

“Excuse me?” said Veego, raising a brow.

“Uh, you know what I mean,” Bobby shot back at her, losing his patience. “Layra told me she was invited her to participate in the Quillan Games. I get that. I was a Challenger here, remember? I hope you don’t expect me to be a part of this or anything. I’ve done my part!”

“Ahh, but that’s where you’re wrong,” said Veego with a devious grin. Bobby hated it when she grinned. “Layra may be in the position of being given a new name, Challenger Black, but of course we’re going to need an extra competitor. The rules you see, have changed slightly. Instead of each Challenger going about these games and obstacles independently, on their own, they’re now going to be teamed up with a partner. So you see, Challenger Red, you are going to be a part of these games along with Layra. Again. Whether you like it or not, you’re going to play. I’m sure you’ll love that.”

“What!” Bobby shouted. “That’s stupid! I’ve already played. I bet you’re just making up these rules.”

Veego shook her head and said, “These adjustments in new rulings have been made entirely by Blok. Our trustees have taken these games to a whole new level. Besides, with the annihilation of Mr. Pop, there are no limits as to what Blok can do.”

“Please tell me you’re joking,” Bobby grumbled.

“No,” said Veego, smiling coldly. “I’m not, sadly enough. Now be a good little boy and eat your tribbun. You’ll need the protein.”

Meanwhile, Layra seemed to be getting along pretty well with LaBerge. She hadn’t yet said a word to Veego and he guessed she feared her as much as he did but it was another story with LaBerge. A completely different story. Veego didn’t seem to bother much with LaBerge. But Bobby had the feeling it wasn’t just because she was being anti social or wasn’t in the mood for chit chat. Odds are, her brain was calculating and she was dealing with some serious matter, that either had to do with the upcoming games or more importantly on her watch, her trustees at the all-powerful cooperation of Blok.

Bobby sat staring around, keeping an eye on Layra and LaBerge and the longer he went on listening to the two, the more annoyed and confused he became. He’d just about had enough of LaBerge’s childish, giggly little laughs and chuckles. He wouldn’t be surprised if he found out the goof was in fact a clown at birth and was in disguise as a man who dressed in robes of wild colors and had crazy blonde hair and laughed too much. Bobby kept on telling himself the guy took too many “happy pills.”

During the meal, he showed her something Bobby remembered seeing on his last stay at the castle. It was a little toy Bobby could never understand, or make out why LaBerge found it so amusing. It was called a Runkle and the man seemed very proud of his little invention, as if he’d just created the world’s first light bulb.

“Yeah, right,” thought Bobby.

The familiar toy was shaped like a pen or the handle of a jump rope with a miniature sized button on the end. As soon as LaBerge pressed the button, out came a red propeller which flew up into the air while making a continuous tweeeeee sound. When it was high enough in the air, its power decreased and slowly and delicately flew back down as LaBerge raised the handle, locking the propeller back into place with a final click.

He clapped his hands proudly, saying, “No one can resist a game of Runkle! It’s classic!"

“Can I try?” asked Layra, staring at the toy inquisetly.

“Of course!” said LaBerge, handing her the toy with a smile. “It’s quite simple really. Not much too it, if I do say so myself. Give her a go!"

Bobby watched as Layra played with the Runkle, over and over again as if she were actually enjoying herself. He shook his head in disbelief and looked at LaBerge who watched the flying propeller like an amazed child. This was his creation after all. Layra was both pleased and amazed with the invention and chuckled as she watched it swirl into the air. LaBerge chuckled. Layra laughed. LaBerge laughed. That’s all Bobby heard from those two and that bland little toy! He felt as if his ears were already ringing with their nonstop laughter. Veego didn’t acknowledge this but he knew somewhere inside of her, she was bubbling with frustration, especially at her buffoon brother. Veego seemed to be in a huff while LaBerge was thoroughly enjoying himself.

“That’s really cool,” said Layra, handling the toy playfully. “I'd love to have one of these."

“You can have that one,” LaBerge told her, his eyes beaming. “I’ve got tons. Everyone should have a Runkle! They're a must have!"

“I don’t have one,” said Bobby with no emotion. He wanted to see LaBerge’s reaction.

LaBerge shot him a surprised look that said, “Are you kidding me?”

“What!” he shouted, his eyes widening. He leaped up out of his chair and cried, “Runkle is simply one of the greatest games here on Quillan! How can you not-”

Suddenly, Veego turned on him so viciously; Bobby thought her head was going to explode.

She hissed, “Oh, shut up! Quit acting like a baby and control yourself, ninny! You get on my nerves. Can't you ever, for once in your life SHUT UP?”

LaBerge stared at her wide eyed, with a hurt look in his eyes. He dropped his head, settled quietly back into his seat and looked away with a huge frown on his face as if he’d just been slapped for doing something behind his parent’s back. Bobby could have sworn after a long, hard look at LaBerge that the man was going to cry. No...sob. He fidgeted with his fingers while licking his lips. He was afraid to look his sister in the eye and she could easily tell. Bobby had to admit though, Veego may have been an out and out jerk, and a cold one at that, but she had a point. Her brother was annoying! Bobby couldn't forget his giddy laughs and more so, the clowns. That was one thing he and Veego had in common. They both found LaBerge outright annoying. There were no arguments there.

Layra stared at Veego, her mouth wide open. It was as if she were in utter shock that Veego had just erupted out of nowhere. Had she been building up that outburst of fury? Had she been boggling it up, trying not to erupt? What had once been a peaceful dinner was now an awkward meal and no one knew what in the world to say. Layra stared at LaBerge with soft eyes and a sympathizing frown. Did she actually feel bad for the guy? Sure seemed like it.

There was a long, uncomfortable silence. Veego went on eating as if nothing had happened. LaBerge stared around the room, his eyes darting to and fro nervously. Layra met his gaze for a quick second, and smiled reassuringly. He sniffed, rubbed his eyes and smiled weakly.

After the meal was finished and the servants were strolling about the table, collecting the dishes and taking them off to the kitchen, Veego got up and said formally, “Alright then. You two, off to your rooms.”

“When do the games begin?” asked Bobby, not wanting to know the answer.

“In a couple of days, I believe,” she said, sounding somewhat bored. She then turned and stared down at Layra and said, “And anyway, this one will be needing a good deal of rest if she hopes in succeeding in those most interesting events.”

Layra looked away. Bobby saw a touch of fear in her eyes. He didn’t blame her.

LaBerge timidly rose out of his seat and waited till both Bobby and Layra were standing. Veego remained sitting, staring about the room with that cold, unblinking stare. The women looked pissed. LaBerge turned to them and gestured for them to follow. He led them out of the dining hall and into another hall that led up to their rooms on the higher floors.

“I hope the dinner was, uh, most satisfying,” he said shakily. “Terribly sorry for the, uh, outburst. If you’re in need of anything, please don’t hesitate to ask one of our servants. Challenger Red, Fourteen has been specially assigned for your needs and Layra, I’ve asked Thirteen to be at your personal needs.”

Layra smiled and said, “Thank you.”

“A pleasure,” he said meekly. “Sleep well. Good-night.”

Bobby stared at him, saying nothing and hoped Layra would do the same. She didn’t.

As LaBerge turned for the dining hall, his head dropped, she called softly, “Night.” He turned back with a smile, nodded and continued up the stairs, playing with his Runkle while he went.

Bobby shot her a glare.

“What the hell?” he whispered. “What was all that about?”

“What do you mean?” she asked, surprised. She sounded puzzled.

Bobby raised a brow. “Uh, that guy’s an imbecile! Haven't you noticed?"

“I, uh...I should be going to bed,” she said, heading up the stairs, dodging the subject. “Night Bobby. See ya tommorow."

“Layra!” Bobby shouted. “Layra, wait!”

She kept on going.

‘Layra!” he called. “Wait! We need to talk!”

Bobby tried catching up with her but she was a fast gal and within seconds, she disappeared out of sight and Bobby was left with no choice but to head on up to his room. As soon as he was in his room, he jumped up onto his bed and dropped his head on the soft, velvety pillows, letting his mind wonder. He had a million questions and feared he wasn’t going to get answers, or answers he’d like to hear.

Worse, he still wasn’t sure who this Layra girl was or where she’d come from or if she was a traveler or an acolyte and how she knew about the travelers to begin with. That was the biggest question. Was there a specific reason she’d been chosen to participate in the Quillan Games or was it just a coincidence? But what really bugged and nagged at Bobby like an irritating pimple, was seeing her and LaBerge, getting along! Seriously! It was the oddest thing he’d seen yet. The thought made his skin crawl that anyone would actually get along with that creep as if they were old chums.

He tried telling her how LaBerge could secretly be a clown in disguise but obviously, from what he’d seen that night, she thought differently about LaBerge. What he truly feared was the clown loving creep was setting her up for failure for the upcoming games. He now had yet another issue to deal with. He had to somehow, find a way to convince Layra that Veego was not the only one they needed to fear, but LaBerge as well. He needed to use his traveler abilities of persuasion to convince her that LaBerge was involved with these deadly games and if she hoped to walk out alive, she’d have to back away from him. Immediately. And it was up to him to do that.

He was in no mood for sleep, so he got up and busied himself. He got himself comfortable and for some while, wrote his next journal to his waiting acolytes. He knew they were dying to hear what he’d heard and seen so far.

Once he’d sent the journal, he flopped back onto his bed tiredly. He was starting to wonder whether coming to Quillan was such a hot idea after all.