Chapter 3

"I assure you," Mr. Williams said, raising his voice above the crowd, "the invitations were not done randomly. I apologize to those of you who were excluded. Alexander Churchill meant no disrespect. Of all the members of Churchill clan, only a few were chosen as the most likely."

The crowd started yelling and arguing. Finally, Eric couldn't stand it anymore. He called out, "Most likely to what?"

"In you case, Eric," Ian Krum muttered right behind him, "to be a stupid American git."

His sister, Natalia, giggled. She was holding an invitation and looking very pleased with herself.

Before Eric could kick Ian in a soft spot, the gray-suited man answered. "To be beneficiaries of Alexander Churchill's will. Now, if you please, those with invitation will gather in the Great Hall."

People with invitation hurried toward the house like somebody had just yelled "Free Food"

Natalia winked at Eric. "Ciao, cousin. Must run to collect our fortune." Then she and her brother strolled up the drive.

"Forget them," Anna said. "Eric, maybe you're right. Maybe we'll inherit something." But Eric frowned. If this invitation was such a great thing, why did the lawyer look so grim? And why had Alexander included the Krums?

As he passed through the main entrance of the mansion, Eric glance up at the stone crest above the door -- a large C surrounded by four smaller designs -- a dragon, a bear, a wolf, and two snakes entwined around a sword. The crest had always fascinated Eric, thought he didn't know what it meant. All the animals seemed to glare at him, like they were about to strike. He followed the crowd inside, wondering why those animals were so mad.

The Great Hall was as big as basketball court, with tons of armor and swords lining the walls and huge windows that look like batman could crash through them any minute.

Arthur Williams stood at a table in front with a projector screen behind him, while everybody else filed into rows of seats. There were about forty people in all, including the Colts and the Krums and Aunt Ellis, who looked completely disgusted to be there -- or maybe she was just disgusted that everybody else had been invited to her brother's will reading.

Mr. Williams raised his hand for quiet. He slipped a document from a brown leather folder, adjusted his bifocals, and began to read: "I Alexander Churchill, being of sound mind and body, do hereby divide my entire estate among those who accept the challenge and those who do not."

"Whoa," Howard Colt interrupted. "What challenge? What's he mean?"

"I am getting to that, sir." Mr. Williams cleared his throat and continued: "You have been chosen as the most likely to succeed in the greatest, most perilous undertaking of all time -- a quest of vital importance to the Churchill family and the world at large." Forty people started talking at once, asking questions and demanding answers. "'Perilous undertaking'?" Cousin Rebecca shouted. "What is he talking about?" "I thought this was about money!" Uncle Jose yelled. "A quest? Who does he think we are? We're Churchills not adventurers!"

Eric noticed Ian and Natalia exchange a meaningful look. Alena Moshka whispered something in Stain Su ear, but most of the other spectators looked as confused as Eric felt. "Why don't you let Mr. Williams continue." Said a voice they all looked who said it and saw a young man in his 18 - 17 years of age, his tall consist of 6'1 in height, his hair is reddish blond, and his jade green eyes make him much more handsome. He's wearing a Rothco Camo Pullover Hooded Sweatshirt, and the sweatshirt couldn't hide his muscles inside it. Anna and Eric seeing him got happy "Charles!" This is their Big brother Charles. The reason they have au pair because their brother is still away in work that their Alexander recommended to him. They asked him what kind of job his doing but he always said that going around the world.

Anna and Eric hug Charles, and he patted their heads then they both sit down. Eric looked at the Colts smugly, who have a frown in their face specially the father and son. Even thought they are physically strong they still got thrashed by Charles when they tried to bully Anna and Eric. Then Eric noticed that Alena Moshka looked at Charles with cautious look and her eye keep twitching, Stain Su who were beside her nodded at Charles. Then Ian and Natalia acted more behave. Eric didn't know why but didn't mind it as long as they don't cause anymore problems since Charles is here.

"Ahem, It's good that you're back sir Charles, now then. Ladies and Gentleman, please," Mr. Williams said. "If you will direct your attention to the screen, perhaps Sir Churchill can explain things better than I." Eric's heart did a flip-flop. What was Mr. Williams talking about? Then a projector on the ceiling hummed to life. The shouting in the room died down as Alexander's image flickered on the screen.

He was sitting up in the bed with Sinbad on his lap. He wore a black suit, like he was a mourner at his own funeral, but he looked healthier than the last time Eric had seen him. His complexion was pink. His face and hands didn't look as thin. The video must've been made a months ago, before his cancer got bad. Eric got a lump in his throat. He had a crazy urge to call him: Alexander, it's me! It's Eric!

But of course it was just an image. He looked at Anna and saw a tear trickling down the base of her nose. Eric felt Charles gripping their shoulders.

"Fellow Churchills," Alexander said. "If you are watching this, it means I am dead, and I have decided to use my alternate will. No doubt you are arguing amongst yourselves and giving poor Mr. Williams a hard time about this contest i have instituted." Alexander gave the camera a dry smile. "You always were a stubborn bunch. For once, close your mouth and listen."

"Hey, wait a minute!" Howard Colt protested, but his wife shushed him.

"I assure you," Alexander continued, "this contest is no trick. It is deadly serious business. Most of you know you belong to the Churchill family, but many of you may not realize just how important our family is. I tell you the Churchills have had a greater impact on human civilization than any other family in history."

More confused shouting broke out. Alena Moshka stood up and yelled, "Silence! I wish to hear!"

"My relatives," Alexander's image said, "you stand on the brink of our greatest challenge. Each of you has the potential to succeed. Some of you may decide to form a team with other people in this room to pursue the challenge. Some of you may prefer to take up the challenge alone. Most of you, I'm afraid, will decline the challenge and run away with your tails between your legs. Only one team will succeed, and each of you must sacrifice your share of inheritance to participate."

He held up a manila envelope sealed with red wax. His eyes were as bright and hard as steel. "If you accept, you shall be given the first clue. These clues will lead you to a secret, which you should find it, will make you the most powerful, influential human beings on the planet. You will realize the destiny of the Churchill family. I know beg you all to listen Mr. Williams. Allow him to explain the rules. Think long and hard before you make your choice. "He stare straight into the camera, and Eric wanted him to say something special to them:

Eric, Anna and Charles, I'll miss you most of all. Nobody else in this room really matters to me. Something like that.

Instead, Alexander said, "I'm counting on you all. Good luck, and good-bye." The screen went dark. Anna gripped Eric and Charles hand. Her fingers were trembling. To Eric, it felt like they'd just lost Alexander all over again. Then everyone around them started talking at once.