The Game (The Game is Life, #1)

by Terry Schott

expect from a model or a movie star. As they step out of the elevator, everyone nearby stops and looks at them, as if compelled to do so. The men smile warmly; they are used to this. They nod encouragingly at each and every person, touching them lightly as they walk by. At the moment they are touched, each person closes their eyes and the look of joy on their face is indescribable in words but very evident to anyone witnessing it. The shorter man leads the way down the hallway while the taller one lingers, speaking softly to the people as he passes by and touches them. “Excuse me,” the lead man says to the nurse at the desk. His voice is like liquid copper, dripping with honey and

warmth. Instantly the nurse looks up and smiles, as if she’s experiencing ecstasy on some mild level. The man’s eyes are deepest blue with silver flecks swirling lazily around like fish in a warm pond. “I’m hoping that you can direct me to Danielle Radfield’s room, please.”

Gabriel opens the door and sticks his head out, nodding for the man in the hall to come in. He walks in smiling, his arms slightly spread and his palms turned outward. Raphael and Stephanie both look awestruck, and they each reverently sink to one knee, bowing their heads. An enormous grin is on each of their faces, which becomes apparent when the man gently touches each one on the top of their heads, and they look up at him. “Please, Children. Don’t fall down just so I can pick you up. Stand up and

Of course he won’t ask questions now. I’m ready for them. Trew slides questions into a conversation, and it’s often not until you answer them that you realize what he’s done.

“I’ve never heard of Raphael before. I received only limited info on him when we were informed that Danni had unlocked an Eternal. What’s he experienced in?” “Cults.” Brandon answered. “Cults, revolutions, and religions. If you look at every major —and most minor — religious movements in the past… five thousand years?” He looked to Michelle for clarification and she nodded affirmatively. “You will see Raphael close by. He just has a knack for it. The past thousand years he helped many historical avatars form some extremely dangerous and deadly groups.”

“Sounds like a strange grouping.” The marketing expert said from beside Nadine. “Cults, revolutions, and religions. All very different creatures.” “Not very different at all,” Brandon said. “The only real difference is the motivator for the action. A cult is a religion that doesn’t gain popular acceptance. Revolutions follow a government or policy instead of a God. Religion centres around a God that becomes accepted by enough people to gain credibility.” He nodded to Michelle and she sat down.

“Trew’s going to continue on this path, it appears. It isn’t what we planned for him before he went in. So now we get behind this as best we can and help him in all the ways we are able. “It appears he will not only finish the play in the number one position at this pace — this play could be recognized as one of the greatest sessions in the history of the Game.”

Raphael was always like a big brother to me when I first became an Eternal. He was so calm and patient, helping me discover the ropes of this job and training me to unlock my specific strengths during the training stage of initiation. I had many instructors during those first few years, but I always remember my time with Raphael fondly. Then he tried to kill me.

He’s dressed in a casual shirt and dress pants, very calm and self-confident, but not to the point of arrogance. Thousands of people cheer at him when he stands on the stage, chanting his name and applauding his message. He hasn’t let it change him, though. He believes deep in his heart that it’s the message they follow, not the man. It’s not true, they do follow the man, but I’m so glad that he's humble. I’ve seen the Power corrupt some strong people over the centuries, quickly destroying their original ideals and intent more times than I can count. It’s because he has Danielle. I don’t know what he would do without her. I don’t know what she would do

He stands looking at me, like he’s the cat and I’m the mouse. I remain calm; I won’t give him the satisfaction of losing my composure. Time is standing still. Finally he speaks. “Look, kid, I’m not a real talker, and I get off at the next floor anyway.” Can it be just a bad coincidence that we are on this elevator together? Is it possible I can swim with a great white shark and walk away? I just nod at him.