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Krump looked at him and nodded. "Professor, what are the coordinates to this place?"
Professor Daniels shook his head. "It’s not that easy. The Amulet here is Merlin's, and it will show us the way."
Krump nodded. "You want us to get a ship and then follow this amulet?"
"It sounds silly, but yes, that is what I’m saying. But I do know it’s located near the Bermuda Triangle."
Krump shook his head. "Professor, you understand the Bermuda Triangle is off limits."
"I don't understand why you’re hesitating," added Della.
Krump locked his eyes on the elf, and in an almost petulant tone, said, "The reason this area is off limits is because there are always multiple storms hovering around the area. There exists a magical nexus that creates all these storms, and is hazardous to anybody who tries to fly or sail there."
The Professor said, "But it can be done?"
Krump sat back in his chair for a moment. He nodded. "As you know, we do have magic users employed by us. But not of the caliber of power as the Alpha Mages. I think I do know of one person who could pilot a vessel there. He said he’s traveled to the Bermuda Triangle several times."
The Professor felt apprehensive, but Della suddenly grabbed his hand.
"When are we going?" she asked.
He didn't expect her to say that, and the words came out as if somebody else was talking. Daniel Jacobs was no man of action.
Krump said, "Don't worry. We’ve been preparing for this for years. We have a vessel that can fly there. We just hoped the place was more accessible."
Krump nodded, and Erlick appeared. His friend nodded for him to follow.
Krump said, "We have to prepare for your departure. But we have a bit of a problem."
Erlick interjected. "We need you to convince Captain James Jostler to help us."
"I thought you had everything planned," said Daniel.
"Well," Krump said, "we didn't know where we were supposed to go. Going to the Bermuda Triangle changes things."
Della asked, "What about supplies?"
"We will provide everything. We also have a group of soldiers to accompany you," Krump said. "Now, Erlick, show them their quarters."
They walked down a dimly lit corridor, the walls painted in dove white and the ground was a sandy brown.
The interior was functional, like a military base. Daniel wondered if there were soldiers or other personnel in this building. It seemed deserted.
"Erlick, what do you do for the Illuminati?"
His friend stopped at a doorway and waved his arm forward. "Now is not the time to talk about this. Here is your apartment. It’s spacious enough for two people, and I suspect you want the elf close to you."
"Thank you."
They walked inside. Daniel was pleasantly surprised at the interior of the apartment. On his left was a large space with leather couches. There was a kitchen to his right, and a dining table with a box on it. The interior was as big as his whole house. Looking forward, there were two other doorways. Erlick walked inside behind them.
"The bedrooms are the back." He pointed to a box on the table. "Professor, there is your manuscript."
Daniel nodded. "Thank you. What’s the next step?"
"When we find Captain Jostler, you and I will persuade him to take his ship."
***
DANIEL HEARD KNOCKING from the front door of his room.
At first, he thought he was in his own home. He opened his eyes and was disoriented for a few seconds. The room was dark, and he only saw the outlines of his bed and a table with a large box on it.
"Professor? Are you awake? They have brought food for us."
The door opened and light flooded inside.
"Professor?"
"Della, sorry, I'm still tired," he said.
"We have sustenance. The food smells wonderful. But I don't know what it is."
"It's fine. Please give me a few minutes."
The light turned on. It flashed in his eyes. His head hurt and his vision was blurred. He sat up on his bed, then placed his bare feet on the cold cement.
"Ouch! It's cold," he said.
He didn't see any slippers, so he tiptoed over to his clothes, which were all strewn on a chair. He put on his button-down shirt, pants, and shoes. He smelt an aroma of food: steak, baked potatoes, and fresh bread. Walking into the main living room area, he saw Della staring at a long piece of warm bread.
He’d almost forgotten they hadn't eaten breakfast or lunch.
"How long have I been asleep?"
"I'm not sure," she said. "I cannot tell the time here."
The professor took a seat and placed an empty dish next to him. He grabbed some bread and took a bite. It was still warm and flavorful.
Della also took bread and had a bite. "This food is better than your food at home."
"Hey, my salary doesn't cover a personal chef."
The elf smiled. "This personal chef is a better cook than you."
"Well, let's see."
He grabbed his fork and skewered a large steak and placed it on his plate. Della watched him. He cut a piece of the meat and ate it. The steak was delicious, and he moaned in pleasure.
"We don't eat that much meat," Della said. "But I will try."
She also cut the steak and ate it. "Wow!" she exclaimed.
They dined in silence, relishing their food. The professor suspected this could be their last good meal before they traveled. He smiled, watching Della eat.
