Chapter Fifteen
Out of the Land of Gold to the City of Zinatano
As the three conquerors of the land of gold reached the last junction separating Zinatano city from the forest boundaries at the mountains on the road to Kalkulta city, they occasionally ran and leaped for joy, chanting and singing songs of freedom. Charley, Pete, and Jenny were completely oblivious to their physical appearance. When they arrived in Zinatano city and continued towards their home, the entire city had transformed. Previously rough roads were now refurbished, and there were houses everywhere with lights.
It was already late, but the city was bustling with life and activities like never before. The Tolen's three children encountered unimaginable changes that excited them but also caused confusion; they could no longer find their way or remember how to get home. Pete approached a man in front of a grocery store and asked for directions to the old gas factory in Zinatano. However, the man mistook them for lunatics due to their appearance and ignored them.
As they searched for the old gas factory on their way home, people stared, pointed, and made derogatory comments about Charley, Pete, and Jenny. They came across a gentleman sitting in front of a bar who looked like he could help. After Pete explained their situation, the man invited them to join him for supper so he could hear their story and offer assistance.
Pete quickly fetched Charley and Jenny to join the man at his table. He ordered food for the Tolen's and asked them to share their story in detail. The man, a police officer at the Zinatano headquarters, was intrigued by their tale of disappearing twenty-one years ago and their adventures in the Land of Gold. He noticed a strange glow emanating from their bodies at times, adding to the mystery.
After a meal, the man arranged for the Tolen's children to be cleaned up and provided with new clothes and accommodations in a five-star hotel. He promised to help them find their way home and make formal reports at the headquarters. The officer was deeply moved by their story and vowed to assist them.
The next day, the officer reported his encounter with the Tolen's children at the headquarters. He discovered that their case was still unresolved, and their father had passed away. The officer was saddened by the news but knew he had to inform Charley, Pete, and Jenny.
The DPO commended the officer for his actions and promised to promote him. He instructed the officer to inform the media and dispatch a search team to find Mrs. Tolen and her daughter. The officer was tasked with taking care of the Tolen's children and ensuring their safety.
As Charley, Pete, and Jenny settled into their hotel room, they made a surprising discovery of golden bars in their wardrobe. Overwhelmed with joy, they decided to keep the gold safe and inform only the officer. They planned to have the gold transferred to a bank for safekeeping.
When the officer arrived at the hotel, he was surprised to find the room cleaner finishing her work. Charley, Pete, and Jenny excitedly shared their discovery with the officer, who promptly contacted the DPO. The DPO advised transferring the gold to a bank and providing extra security for the Tolen's children.
The officer, Charley, Pete, and Jenny worked together to ensure the safety of the golden bars and the Tolen's children until they were reunited with their parents. He considered the security necessary in view of the fact the three children of Tolen's were rich in gold as their extraordinary journey continued.