Putting the Genie Back in the Bottle (Part III)

Putting the Genie Back in the Bottle

(Part III)

Kali was tempted to change his ways several times after his ordeal with Mei; however taking advantage of people was all he knew, so continued his dark path.

As his hundredth day approached Kali, thought he was too smart to be captured, and felt certain he would not fall back into the trap Nora set up for him.

Kali being clever and deceitful boarded a boat to cross the Baltic sea, feeling there was no way for Mei Li to find him.

As the sun beat down on the small ship, the captain yelled out "All hands on Deck!"

Kali's face turned red as he rushed to the deck to see what was going on; glancing out across the sea, Kali spotted what looked like a pirate ship.

Kali approached the captain gasping "what is going on?"

The captain replied that within minutes the ship will be upon them and there was two options.  He said there is a hidden cove we can make for it will be a tight squeeze, but the larger pirate ship shouldn't be able to pass through it. The other option is to surrender.

Kali opened his money pouch and told the captain "Let's go through the cove, and this" As he slightly opened his pouch "will be yours if we escape."

The captain yelled out "hard to port!" As the small ship quickly spun around towards the cove of rocks along the small island they just passed.

The pirate ship was closing fast as they raced for safety.

The pirate ship realizing what the small ship was attempting to do; immediately started firing cannon balls to slow the ship down or capsize it if they must.

Just then a cannon ball hit the small ship crippling it.  The captain yelled out again "Abandon Ship! Abandon Ship!"

The crew raced madly to the life boats, attempting to flee as quickly as possible.

Kali ran up to the captain and demanded he be put on the life boat; tossing his money bag to the captain yelling, "Keep it, just let me get out of here." The captain nodded and Kali boarded the life boat with 4 other members of the ship.

Kali felt relieved momentarily believing that he dodged an unfortunate encounter with Mei Li. Once ashore the captain said "Good work men, let's get to the hideout"

Kali followed them up the hill, yet had a gut feeling something wasn't quite right. He began doubting the captain's loyalty and not trusting him.

Mandie spoke out and asked Kali "Why are you telling me this story?"

Kali replied "Little girl, you and I have a lot in common, and I want you to know that only children can see or hear me."

Mandie nodded her head. and Kali continued his story.

As Kali approached the cave he heard a faint pounding, no it was a drumming sound. He asked the captain again. "Why are we headed into the cave?"

The captain responded "It is no concern of yours, we are going there because there secret passages and we can hide out for awhile."

Kali made a callous remark stating "you better get me to safety!"

The captain smiled saying "We will, we will."

As the sun set, the men lit torches and continued inside the cave.

Once inside the cave Kali saw 3 paths that had a glowing light around them like portals to different places.

Kali asked "where do these portals go?"

The captain laughed and said "You must choose your own path."

Kali responded "What do you mean?"

The captain replied "One is a dead end, one takes you off this island, and the last takes you to your destiny." The captain paused and said "In the end the portals take you where your destined to be."

Kali was nervous, as he heard men yelling as the pirates came closer and closer.  He said "what are your plans of escape?"

The captain had a derisory laughter as he said "I already made my choice."

Kali turned around and noticed that he was alone and there were 2 tents like he saw when he met Mei Li.  He thought to himself, that this is impossible, there is no way she could have found him.

(To be Continued)