A Pirate’s Tale by Kathy Lou Gilman

A Pirate's Story By Kathy Lou Gilman

This story is about a man named John McGee that sailed the seven seas on a pirate’s ship under the scoundrel Captain Smith. He was offered a chance to find treasure on a deserted island but found more than treasure. There was an illusionist that helped him to conquer his greatest fears and kill the captain. The crew made him the new captain and he advised the crewmates that they needed to conquer their fears by going into the cave. The illusionist advised Captain McGee that when he left the island that he would not remember where it was. McGee left and found himself in the Royal Navy and with the remembrance of the pirate ship and adventures on the island. The illusionist visited McGee, his wife, and grandchildren and offered to let them come to the island to be saved from the upcoming economic collapse. Towards the end, McGee has to decide if he wants to believe the illusionist and go to the island or to stay where he is and not be able to take care of his family.

Cast of Characters

Captain Smith-Pirate, scoundrel, and thief

-McGee-1st Mate on the pirate ship

Crewmates- Pirates on board trying to find the treasure.

Monica McGee-John McGee’s wife

Jeffrey and Keisha- McGee’s grandchildren.

Gregory- Father to Jeffrey and Keisha and son to McGee and Monica.

Illusionist-Knows all, sees all

Lolita-A sad memory of wife that illusionist had on island

-Let’s take to the sea till you find the treasure that the map could foresee. Learn of danger, romance, and mystery as you go. Wait for the captain to say, "Land Ho!

Chapter One- "Aye mate,” “According to my map, there's buried treasure hidden on the other side of the island." The first mate said, "Where is the treasure and how can we find it?” The captain paced the deck and stroked his pointy mustache from side to side. The map says, "If you can solve this riddle you will find where the gold is hidden." The first mate said with a cocky voice, "I'm pretty good at riddles how about if I give it a try?" The captain sneered and said, "If you guess incorrectly, I will have you walk the plank!" Cautiously the crew mate said, "If I guess right then what happens?" The captain shook his head, smiled and said, "McGee, if you solve the riddle you will have all the gold your arms can carry." McGee gave the captain's generous offer some thought. "Captain, I am up to the challenge. What is the riddle?"

Can you help McGee solve the riddle and help him find the buried treasure? The captain rolled out the map on the table so his mate could decipher the confusing pattern of words.

Towards the bottom of the map it said, "Written with silver and coated with spice something is hidden that's worth quite a price. Look not in the ashes but fall colors combined, for "X" marks the spot for the treasures you will find. The gold is not near Davy Jones trunk or hidden on a ship that had previously sunk. It is where you would least expecting it to be. When you are least expecting it, the treasure will show itself to thee."

Chapter Two-McGee walked off the ship and searched for something that would have fall colors and the scent of spice. Fortunately, it was a beautiful fall day and the leaves were changing to red, brown, and gold. He looked through the woods to see if he could find spices among the fall colors.

As he walked near the tall pine trees, he found his first clue for something bright and silver was reflecting in the sunlight. It was a silver pen that was sticking up in the midst of autumn leaves. He attempted to pull the pen out of the ground and smelled cinnamon and nutmeg under the leaves. Overjoyed he threw the leaves aside and found there was a storm door under the dirt and leaves that led to an underground cave. He lifted the door and saw that there were stairs that led downwards. His curiosity got the better of him until he wiped the mud and dirt off the door and read the words carved into it . McGee pondered the question, "Could this treasure be worth the risk?"

The words on the door said, "You are closer to the treasure, but you must look in this cave for stronger men than you who were vigorous and brave have tried to find the treasure but paid the ultimate price so realize the risk, please heed my advice."

Chapter Three-McGee walked cautiously down the cellar steps and could hear the boards creak under him as he walked. Towards the bottom of the steps, there was a shining gold sign that even people with limited vision could see: The sign read, "Don't believe your eyes friend and don't believe your ears, you must decide what is truth or illusion, to survive down here. When you see the tempered stain glass and the art of the Caesars combined, then you can say and be assured that the treasure will soon be thine." McGee reasoned to himself, "My ears are playing tricks on me for I hear an army coming towards me. Is this truth or illusion? Mysteriously, the cavern filled with light as he saw the skeleton army coming towards him. McGee thought what phrase he needed to say since he was in a strange predicament. Truth or Illusion, what I see can't be, but I know that the truth is sometimes hard to see....

Chapter Four-McGee felt fear and anxiety as the skeleton army started advancing towards him and McGee started running away in a hurried and frantic manner. A sign was standing near the steps and McGee thought about what appeared to be real could really be an illusion. He turned towards the army, picked up a smooth and flat rock and threw it in the direction of the skeleton leader. The army vanquished into smoke, and the rock fell on the ground. "That was an illusion," said McGee.

He walked through the cavern and noticed that he was not alone in the dark cave and he started feeling afraid again. McGee hoped that this was just another illusion and that the fear was just in his mind. On a boulder, he saw a sword and gulped when he came to the realization that he might have to use it to wardoff an attacker or something hidden in the cave. His mind went through possible scenarios with spiders, snakes, and rats that might be waiting to surprise him. Every time he thought of something fearful that might be seen or experienced, the object or thing became real and started moving towards McGee. Fear filled his heart with adrenaline as he proceeded through the cave.

McGee asked himself, “What would I normally do if I was afraid or bored? I know! I would play the fiddle!" He started visualizing his favorite instrument and the snakes, spiders, and mice disappeared, and the sword became a fiddle. "Now if I only had a bow." A bow was lying on the ground. He started tuning up and practiced playing "Sally Goodin" and "Wagon Wheel." All the anxiety and trepidation went away when he refocused on something that he loved to do. He played as he walked through the next part of the cave and met his third challenge.

Chapter Five-McGee walked through the cave, with the bow and fiddle in hand, to encounter his third challenge and obstacle. A flood of rushing water came rushing through the cave in front of him, and his choices were to either run backward, go forwards and fight the turbulent water that might eventually consume him, or find something that might save him from certain death. He thought about the obstacles he had faced and realized what helped him through was finding truth from illusion, music, and faith. He believed that his faith would help him to understand that there was a way out and followed the current that was leading towards another part of the cave. He went against the flow but eventually the rushing water lead him downwards towards an underground wonder of undiscovered relics. In the midst of the artifacts, he found the area where there were treasures from the Caesars of long ago.

Chapter Six-McGee realized that he needed to find tempered stain glass among the artifacts in order to find the treasure he was seeking. There was no stained glass where the Caesars had their statues and idols. No stained glass near fine art from earlier periods of history. McGee wondered where the stained glass would be until he looked in the windows and saw Catholic symbols in tempered glass and that the religious figures were looking at the Caesars. McGee realized that he had found the area where the treasure was. Under mountains of gold, relics, jewelry, and silver was an old metal rusted safe .A voice said, "What have you learned?" McGee looked around and said, "Who are you? Why are you talking to me?" The voice said, "I am the illusionist and the dreamer of dreams. What lesson would you say you have learned?" McGee thought for a few minutes and replied, "I learned the importance of truth and that truth is more believable than fiction. I have learned to understand if I voice my fears that I bring validity to them. I found out that faith could help you conquer anything even when we don't know the outcome." "Well," said the illusionist, "Do you have any ideas what you might find in the treasure box?" McGee thought for a moment and replied, "In my treasure box, I will learn how to be independent, brave, and at peace with myself. The illusionist said, "Open the box and wait and see you will be surprised by what could be."

Chapter Seven -The illusionist watched as McGee found The illusionist spread his hands over the box, said some magic words, and said, "Whatever will make McGee wise, independent, and brave these are the things in the box that will be saved. Whoever takes from this box, that has no right, the wealth will disappear from his sight." McGee opened the box and saw gold, silver, jewels, a large silver sword, and a treasure trove of money.

The illusionist said, "When you use this wealth, wisdom and independence will be your choice, so make good decisions how you use it. Bravery will be acquired as you go out into the world and protect what is yours." McGee said, "What if the captain and crew try to steal the treasure I found?" The illusionist said, "Then whatever the pirates take will come back to you for they cannot take what is not theirs to keep."

McGee gathered up his wealth, walked towards the ladder going towards the outside, and climbed upwards. When McGee got to the top, opened the trap door, and looked upwards, he saw some familiar faces! The captain snarled at him. The other Pirate’s stood around watching what McGee would do. The captain’s eyes squinted, then opened wide with an angry vengence. “I’m going to feed you to the crocodiles! “

Chapter Eight- "But Captain, you promised me that if I found the treasure I could have all the treasure my arms could carry!" McGee said in a perplexed and confused manner. Captain said, "I will say anything to tickle the ears to get what I want," said the captain.

McGee panicked for a moment, remembered what the illusionist said, and started smiling. Anger swelled inside the captain when he saw a big grin cross McGee's face. The pirate said in an alarming manner, "Why are you smiling? You have no reason to smile. Give me the treasure or face the consequences!" McGee said, "Let me come up to solid ground, and I will let you attempt to get the treasure I hold."

McGee stepped out of the cave and closed the circular trap door. "Now Captain Smith, give me a moment and we will fight for the treasure. The first mate pulled out a decorated silver sword out of the treasure box and noticed that it had a golden aura around it. "Sword," said McGee, "do my bidding and vanquish this evil pirate from my site." The sword obediently became a weapon of high power and fortitude. McGee picked up the sword and said, "Now Captain, tell me again how you will take my treasure and be careful what you say for it will be your last words." The other pirates gasped in amazement at McGee's newfound bravery and cunning challenge to his leader.

Chapter Nine -Captain Smith took his sword from its sheath and swung the sharp blade around from side to side, as he attempted to figure out why McGee was acting so strange. Perplexed and bewildered Captain asked, "What happened to my "whining and sniveling first mate? You must have taken a "drink of courage" since the last time I met with you!" McGee crossed his sword against the Captain's and boldly said, "I am not afraid of you anymore. Now it is you that should be afraid. Today will determine who will command the ship and crew."

The two brave men walked in a circle around each other. Crossed swords showing the showmanship and fortitude of champions in the ring. McGee stepped out of the cave and closed the circular trap door. "Now Captain Smith, give me a moment and we will fight for the treasure. The first mate pulled out a decorated silver sword out of the treasure box and noticed that it had a golden aura around it. "Sword," said McGee, "do my bidding and vanquish this evil pirate from my site." The sword obediently became a weapon of high power and fortitude. McGee picked up the sword and said, "Now Captain, tell me again how you will take my treasure and be careful what you say for it will be your last words." The other pirates gasped in amazement at McGee's newfound bravery and cunning challenge McGee crossed his sword against the Captain's and boldly said, "I am not afraid of you anymore. Now it is you that should be afraid. Today will determine who will command the ship and crew." The two brave men walked in a circle around each other and crossed swords showing the showmanship and fortitude of champions in the ring. McGee said defiantly, "Now Captain prepare to see heaven or hell. Whichever comes first!" The crew stood in amazement and watched as the swordfight and display of words continued...

Chapter 10 The captain thought to himself, "If I just intimidate McGee, the rebellious sailor will back down and I can use him as a lesson for his shipmates." The captain said in a jestful manner, "What shall I do to you when I cut and slice the rebelliousness out of you? I will have your worthless self-bowing and kissing my boots and following like the lilly-livered swine you are." McGee listened to the words that would normally have him shaking and quivering. There was a strength and courage that welled up inside McGee that has been hidden for years McGee said, "I am not afraid of you,"' as he cut into the material of the captain's shirt and drew blood. Angrily, McGee said, "No one will be afraid of you again," as he thrust his magical sword into the captain's heart.

Chapter 11 -The captain was stunned and horrified as the sword pierced his flesh and sliced through his muscles, bones, and sinew. "McGee, Captain Smith gasped, "You killed me!" Captain Smith fell backward, and McGee stood over him to make sure the captain was dead.

The crew did not know whether to be angry or to rejoice in their new freedom without a tyrant leading them. As the first mate stood over the captain, he gave his first command, "I want each one of you to go into the cave. There are 15 of you, and the ones who come out alive will be my new crew." The pirates talked among themselves in terror and wonder. Hancock, one of the new recruits said, "I shall be the first and mark my words, as sure as my name is Henry Hancock, I will come out alive." McGee said, "See that you do that and show that you can be brave and follow the signs along the way." "I will be brave and will come out with my life intact. See those other crewmen do the same."

"God is with you, Henry Hancock," said McGee as Henry climbed into the cave. Cautiously, McGee opened the trap door and said, "Don't be afraid or believe anything you see." The crew stood around the trap door and felt an eerie quiet and then heard a male shriek and scream and the sounds of an army running and chasing someone.

Seeger Poponell, a veteran pirate, said, "Why would you want the crew to go down in that dark and smelly cave? McGee sadly said, "Then I will not stop you because where your heart is that is where your treasure will remain." Hancock shook McGee's hand and said, "Thank you, McGee. If God wills, I will be back to sail once again with you." One by one seven other Pirates came out, but seven stayed in the cave facing their fears and unforgiving memories of their pasts. Each sailor had a box of their own, but they were not jealous of the other because in their boxes contained great treasure and valuable riches. Those that asked for riches, fame, and a large purse of gold, got their treasure in the same measure as the other pirates. Those that asked for character building traits and strength got items along with their riches to defeat the greatest foes they might encounter.

Seeger said, "The men and I have decided you should be our captain. You are smarter, wiser and more prosperous than other leaders we have worked under. McGee smiled and said, "I would be proud to be a captain of such a brave crew. We will come back and see if the other pirates make it out. The remaining seamen left in the cave need to conquer their fears and find freedom."

Chapter 13-One by one the pirates started to head back towards the trap door except one who could not forget his fears and was afraid to go forward. The illusionist walked with him, gave him a sword, and said to give the sword a command, and it would strike down his foes. He tossed the sword toward the hologram, and the fears disappeared.

Once more the illusionist asked what this pirates treasure would be. He said my wealth is providing for my children. They were three years old when I was dragged onto the ship. I want to see them grow up so my treasure would be seeing my children and never sailing again. The illusionist gave him a box with provisions, maps, and enough supplies for his journey. He greeted the captain and crew and the pirates cheered at their new-found freedom.

The illusionist followed the pirate, walked up the steps, opened the trapdoor, and climbed out of the cave. McGee looked at his crew and said, "Who will go with me to find adventure on the open seas?

Thirteen out of the fifteen stepped forward and stated that they would travel with their new captain. The two that wanted to go home stepped back and wondered how "their treasure" would be obtained. The illusionist stepped forward and said, "These two sailors can sail with me and head back to their destinations and the sailors that want to go with your captain will travel on the Pirate ship that helped find this island." The two pirates were confused and bewildered on how the illusionist could assist them.

The wizard of magic said with a smile, "I have always had a sailing vessel. When I became wealthy with my craft, I found this island and made it my own. I stayed because everything I desired was here." McGee was puzzled and asked, "What is here on this island that would make you not want to go back to your homeland?" The wizard replied, "McGee, there is more to this island, treasures, and wonders then mere man has discovered before."

McGee decided to challenge the illusionist and ask, "If you are gone who is to say that one of us won't take the treasure or steal from the island? There is no one to protect it if you are gone." The illusionist said, "When you leave this island you will not remember that there was an island or how you found it. I will not leave until your ship is gone with all your pirate friends." McGee pressed the wizard further and said, "What about the two that are traveling with you? What would you do if one of them turned on you?"

The wizard said, "Then they would not be able to go home, and my punishment would be worse than the Captain! The natives follow me, and they will be happy to make sure nothing is stolen from their island. McGee said, "I believe you, and we will leave the island peacefully." The illusionist said, "Good decision.”

Someday, McGee, you will be sitting with your wife and grandchildren. They will ask you if you have ever had any adventures in your life.

You will remember sailing, that you acquired money, but what happened here will be a dream. You will call it, "A Pirate's Tale," as if it never happened. McGee said, "I will remember everything from this island." The other pirates agreed among themselves that they would remember everything they learned and experienced.

The illusionist said wisely, "When each boat sails, the island, the cave, as well as my words will be wiped away from your memory." McGee said, "One more thing, how do you know that you could get back to the island? How will you remember where you are?

"Good question McGee. I carry a locket around my neck where I keep grains of island sand and a flower petal from my Lolita who I shared memories with on this island. Spending time with her was the happiest moments I have ever spent." McGee said, "And what about the captain? Will you leave his dead body here to rot?" "Surely not!, said the wizard. "As he spent his life in the sea he will die in the sea. The crocodiles and giant sea mammals have not eaten for a while. They will like the taste of the captain."

The other pirates looked at each other in disgust. One of the pirates said, "It's time to leave this island and sail to new points of call." "Yes mates," said McGee, "it is time to leave before the tide turns and the waves leave us as the captain on this beach."

The Pirates walked towards the pirate ship leaving the illusionist, the former captain, and the remaining sailors on the beach. McGee turned around and said the last goodbye, shook hands with the illusionist, and whispered, "I will not forget what I learned from you. Take care of these two men and see that your word is followed so their journey will go smoothly."

Reassuringly, the wizard said, "I will keep my word, and it will be as you say." McGee said, "Goodbye, my friend." The illusionist said, "Goodbye Captain McGee."

Chapter 14-McGee headed to Captain Smith's ship with his new crew and waved goodbye to his two friends, the wizard, and the island that I had grown to love. The former captain lay dead on the beach, and the wizard and crewmen were making a sea burial for him. Guilt and remorse filled the first mate's mind as doubts about killing the Captain and sailing away at his burial filled his thoughts. McGee said, "Captain was a wicked and evil man to all that sailed with him. May he rest in peace." The sailors opened a keg of ale and toasted the Captain and his reign of tyranny on the high seas. The pirates looked back to the island, toasted their cups and said, "To the Captain." The keg was finished and thrown overboard. McGee's stomach sank with a feeling of uneasiness as he and the crew watched the fire set to the Captain's sea burial of logs, planks, and island flowers.

Chapter 14 continued-"Then what happened Grandpa? McGee had gotten into his story and forgotten that he was sitting in his comfortable chair with his grandchildren sitting close by. McGee said, "I went to sleep, and when I woke up I was not a pirate at all, and I was on a Merchant Marine ship heading home. I asked the other sailors what had happened and how I got on the ship. The crew looked at me like I was mad." One of the young marines said, "You must have been dreaming. You have been on this vessel since we set sail months ago! You must have gotten knocked on the head! A Pirate vessel! What book have you been reading?" McGee desperately said, "Just ask my crew! They will confirm my story!" "What are you talking about?

You don’t have a crew.” The sailor chuckled and said, "Your Captain is the Commander and Chief of the Royal Navy. I have no idea what you are talking about!" The young man walked away and told the other Marines about McGee's absurd story.

Chapter 15-McGee said sadly, "I met your grandma when I got back from overseas. We fell in love and got married. I tried to find the island and the pirates that sailed with me. Your grandma was understanding and tried to sail with me to locate the island but to no avail." His grandson Jeffrey gave Grandpa McGee a hug and said, "That's alright grandpa. I have strange dreams too." Grandpa expressed in a somber tone, "This one seemed so real, and I remember every detail of the island as if it was yesterday."

Jeffrey said in a consoling tone, "We still love you, grandpa and I like hearing your stories." Grandpa's little granddaughter named Elisha, who could pass for a psychologist in training, said, "Grandpa, people have dreams when they want to be somewhere else besides the present." McGee laughed and said, "Elisha, where did you hear that? I can't believe what they teach in school these days!"

A car drove into the driveway, parked, and a door opened. The doorbell rang, and there was a knock on the door. Grandma started to open the door and greeted the visitor, but had a sick feeling about this stranger. Something didn’t seem right.

Grandma said through the door, “I don’t recognize you. Why are you here? I am not sure if I should let you in." McGee was concerned and said, "Let me see who it is, and I will give you the signal if we need to call the police." With interest and curiosity, McGee walked towards the door to see who the nightly visitor was that had his wife so concerned. McGee went to the door wearing his warm woolen robe and opened the door. A tired, old, and wrinkled man was at the door dressed in a thick winter coat, gloves, and scarf around his neck.

McGee looked at him to see if there were any recognizable features and wondered why he wanted to talk to him. "Hello?" "Can I help you?" The strange looking man said, "On the contrary sir. I have come to help you "Captain McGee!"

McGee was puzzled and said, "Why are you calling me Captain? I did not retire as a captain." McGee looked discerningly into the man's eyes and said, "Do I know you? Please tell me where do I know you from?" The man said, "Can I come in? The snow is falling, and I am freezing standing outside your house." McGee stated in a firm tone, "I warn you sir, any wrong moves and I am calling the police." "That won't be necessary. What I have to tell you will explain why you have been having strange dreams.

You have been having dreams about a pirate ship, haven't you? I will be able to help you to discern the thoughts and advise you of the adventure in front of you. In other words I will help you find your real destiny.”

McGee got defensive and said, "I really don't know what you are talking about. I have never been a captain and how would you, a complete stranger, know my destiny?" "Very well," said the older gentleman. Let me take off my coat and sit by the fire. McGee offered him a chair and sat suspiciously next to the gentleman. The man said, "Take a look at the flickering fireplace, close your eyes, and then look at me." McGee was exasperated. "I have had enough of your tricks! Who are you?"

The man gave a slight grin and said, "I am the one that you thought you would never see again, and believe it or not, I have something that I feel will be of great interest to you. Look at me carefully nears the firelight and what do you notice?" The flames started looking like interfacing patterns of lightning, flashes of light and treacherous seas. A hologram reflected in the fireplace showing a man leading sailors away from an island and waving goodbye. The grandchildren said, "Wow! We want to learn that trick."

The man said, "That was no trick children. That was your daddy when he was young." Joey laughed, "That's not my father. That's my grandpa. My dad is not that old. " McGee said in an inpatient manner, "How did you do that? Wait! Maybe I don't want to know."

The man said, "Captain McGee, I am getting old and it is time that I give someone the keys to the island. You need to know time is lost there. You could be in any century." "That's ridiculous," said McGee. "There is no island. Who put you up to this? Was it Joe down the street?" The man took off his cloak and the hat that was hiding his appearance. "Captain, let me reintroduce myself. You will remember me as the illusionist. I am about to show you that dreams really come true."

Chapter 16-John McGee was speechless yet there were so many questions he wanted to ask. His wife asked, "Who are you and what did you just do? You don't just come into someone's home and do magic in the fireplace." Ma'am with respect, I realize that you don't know me but I do know Captain McGee. He was the most honest and sincere man I met on the island."

John asked what island?" The illusionist said, I call it, "The Island of Dreams." On this desert island time stands still. You will be 20 again and as long as you stay on the island you will never age." The illusionist said in an empathic manner, "Let me show you something else that might "trigger" your memory. Do you remember following a map that led to an island and riches you could "hold in both hands?"

John McGee said in a puzzled manner, "I dreamed of a map, but it was just a dream." Impatiently, McGee became angry and stated, "Mister, there is no map! You are tried to mess with my head! What do you want? Is this for some sort of Life Insurance?" The wizard said, "I understand that you don't believe me and you have every reason to doubt what I am saying. However, I have come with proof that there is an island and that you actually followed a treasure map."

Monica, McGee's wife, said, "Enough of the games! What kind of proof are you showing us? The stranger pulled out an old rolled up parchment from his coat, rolled it out on the coffee table and looked directly at his new friends. The wizard in an unsettling and severe tone stated, "Here is your proof Mr. and Mrs. McGee."

Chapter 17-McGee looked at his grandkids and noticed that they were "taking everything in as if it was a new Reality Show on television." Grandpa McGee smiled and said, "So kids, what do you think?" Elisa shook her head back and forth, looked at her grandpa in a concerned manner and said, "Maybe you should talk to dad before you go off on an island? What if we don't see you again?"

Jeffrey said, "Are you kidding? I'm going with grandma and grandpa to this deserted island! I wanted to see the island since grandpa started telling us the story of the Pirate Tale."

Elisha was worried and said, "Dad always says, "If it's too good to be true it probably is!" Jeffrey said to the wizard in an inquiring manner, "Ok, if you are going to take grandma and grandpa to the island, what kind of animals will be there? How do we know this is not just a map that you made up to fool people?"

The wizard looked at Jeffrey, smiled, and said with a grin, "You don't know. That is when you have to trust. There are some things you may never know, but that doesn't mean they are not true." Monica, McGee's wife, was exasperated and said, "If there was an island how come, John and I didn't spot it in our travels?"

The illusionist said, "Do you remember when I stated that I wear a necklace with grains of sand, from the island and a picture of my wife who I shared days on the island with? Remember something else that might "trigger" your memory. Do you remember following a map that led to an island and riches you could "hold in both hands?" John McGee said in a puzzled manner, "I dreamed of a map, but it was just a dream." Impatiently McGee stated "Mister, there is no map! You are tried to mess with my head! What do you want?

The wizard said, "I understand that you don't believe me and you have every reason to doubt what I am saying. However, I have come with proof that there is an island and that you actually followed a treasure map." Monica, McGee's wife, said, "Enough of the games! What kind of proof are you showing us?

The stranger pulled out an old rolled up parchment from his coat, rolled it out on the coffee table and looked directly at his new friends. The wizard in an unsettling and severe tone stated, "Here is your proof Mr. and Mrs. McGee.

Grandpa McGee smiled and said, "So kids, what do you think?" Elisa shook her head back and forth, looked at her grandpa and couldn’t believe what she was hearing.

Elisha was worried and said, "Dad always says, "If it's too good to be true it probably is!" Jeffrey said to the wizard in an inquiring manner, "Ok if you are going to take grandma and grandpa to the island, what kind of animals will be there? How do we know this is not just a map that you made up to fool people?"

The wizard looked at Jeffrey, smiled, and said with a grin, "You don't know. That is when you have to trust. There are some things you may never know, but that doesn't mean they are not true.”

The illusionist had a tear in his eye and sadly said, "Lolita missed our children and longed to be with them. I crafted a boat for her to travel so she could go back to our homeland. She gave me a flower sachet with her favorite fragrance to remember her by and waved as she sailed away. That was the last I saw on my dear Lolita." Monica said, "So she sailed off the island and rapidly grew older as she sailed?

Do you know if she even made it home? "The illusionist said, "I got a note in a bottle from her months later talking about her reunion with our children and new grandchildren. She also mentioned about her undying love for me. That was the last I heard from her."

John McGee said, "That's sad. Explain to me why you choose to come now?" The old man said, "Because I heard about the economy and the healthcare system and I figured now would be a good time to look into an island where you could survive if there were an economic crisis.

Your family would never have to "want" for anything, and you could visit periods of history whenever you want. Not one boring moment on this island." At that moment the doorbell rang and Monica walked to the door and greeted Gregory, their son.

Jeffrey and Elisha ran one boring moment on this island." At that moment the doorbell rang and Monica walked to the door and greeted Gregory, their son. Jeffrey and Elisha ran to their dad and Greg wrapped both of them in his arms. Gregory noticed the stranger and said, "You have company? Who is this? Are you an old friend of dad’s?" John McGee said, "You could say that."

Monica started explaining until Jeffrey interrupted her saying, "Wait till you get a load of what this man has to say! You won't believe what he would like grandma and grandpa to do! This is better than tv! The man has an island." Gregory sat down and introduced himself. "What is your name?" "Some call me the illusionist but because I know your father you can call me Jacob Knight."

Elisha said, "He wants us to live on an island with him. " Gregory said, "You have got to be kidding! Is this the latest scam? I have heard about "If you believed this I had an island to sell in the desert,” but didn't know scammers actually went door to door and convinced people, "I want to hear this and where did you hear about my dad's dream? “

Are you expecting money to fund your adventure?" Jacob Knight said, "I have money, and I am not asking for money. Please hear me out so I can explain why I came." Jeffrey said, "Yeah dad! You have got to see what illusions this man can do in the fireplace! To think I almost missed this and stayed at home."

Monica said, "I made some tea would you like some?" Gregory shook his head and said, "After this story, I think I might need something a bit stronger." Mr. Knight said, "Your dad's dream actually happened, and now I am asking your dad, and whoever wants to come if you would like to stay on my island to avoid the upcoming economic collapse. This is my gift to you, but it will be your decision whether that you want to join me."

Chapter 18-Jeffrey turned on the television and there were news stories about able the stock market crashing and the dollar losing its value. Kim Wade, a news reporter stated that it was the worst crisis since the 1990’s with the housing market. “McGee said, “Jeffrey, turn that report up!” The family and the illusionist watched in disbelief as they saw people trying to break into the banks as their ATM cards were no longer working. People were rioting in the streets and breaking into stores. The President got on the screen and said, “We are experiencing a disaster like has never come before. I am declaring a state of martial law and no one will be allowed to be on the street past 10pm.”

The illusionist said, “McGee now do you understand why I came? Only a handful of your old crewmates are alive and they will be there on the island with their families. I think you remember Seeger. He was the first that said that he wanted to go home. His family is on the island with him.

McGee said, “This is a lot to take in but I realize that we have to do something. Can I please talk with my wife privately and decide what our best options will be?” “Certainly! Make sure that you decide soon or you might not be able to leave your home. I will give you a pocket watch. The watch will have the same grains of sand from the island. I will wait to hear from you. When you open the watch, and call my name, I will come to your door. At that point I will realize that you and your family have made a decision about future travels.

“McGee shook Jacob’s hand and said, “Until then. Good bye Jacob.” “Goodbye John. I look forward to hearing from you soon.”