Summery:  A tale about the young Benjamin Gates. When he is 10 years old he spends time with his grandfather in his last moments of life. It is the time when Ben becomes truly determined to find the Templar treasure.

Rating: PG

Fandom: National Treasure

Authors Note: Winner of a "Before They Were Stars" contest and formerly a featured story on Fanlib.

Looking up at the bed, Ben notice John stir. Ben hoped that he was going to wake up. He had been asleep since he got there and he wanted to speak with him, but he remained asleep. The doctor walked in and his father looked up. Ben knew something was wrong when he saw the doctor motion to talk to Patrick alone. Ben tried to listen from the door but he couldn't make out what they were saying.

Ben continued looking through the book while he waited for his father to come back in the room. He pulled out a small crumpled piece of paper and read what it said out loud to himself;

“The secret lies with Charlotte.”

He thought about the simple sentence staring at the small piece of paper. He was never sure what it meant and that was the problem. It was the reason John was never able to find the treasure. One simple sentence lied between his family and finding the treasure that would give honor back to the family name. Looking up he noticed a portrait of a sail boat with the name Joanna on the side. He stared at it until he heard his father enter the room again. He looked upset and Ben already knew what the doctor said. Patrick knelt down to his level and put his hand on Ben's shoulder.

“Ben, your grandfather's not going to make it.” Patrick said simply. Ben felt tears begin to fall down his face and wiped them away quickly trying to stay strong. Patrick had tears in his eyes, but he didn't dare let them flow. Ben was startled when he heard his grandfather cough. They both looked over to the bed and noticed that he was now awake.

Ben walked over to the bed and smiled at his grandfather tears still in his eyes. Patrick walked back over to the window avoiding the situation.

“There is no need to feel sad, Ben.” John said. “It is just my time.”

“But I don't want you to go.” said Ben letting the tears fall. He held the book close to his chest.

“We all have our time to go, Ben,” said John. “This is mine and I have accepted that.”

He continued to cry as Patrick walked over to the bed too. Ben sat on the side of the bed still clutching the book tight. John held out his hand and Ben took it.

“You never found the treasure.” said Ben putting the book down on the bed and wiping the tears from his face.

“It's ok, Ben,” John said noticing his son walk back towards the window, clearly not wanting to be part of the conversation. “But I know you will.”

“What if I can't figure out the clues?” Ben asked unsure of himself.

“Your a wise and brave young man, Ben.” said John squeezing Ben's hand tighter. “I know that you can do it. I know that you are meant to do this.”

“Thats enough.” said Patrick firmly. “There will be no more talk of the treasure. Ben were leaving.” Ben looked at his grandfather.

“It's alright you can go.” John said smiling at him. Ben nodded grabbing the book. He began to follow his father out the door and stopped in the doorway looking back at his grandfather.

“I'll find the treasure, Grandpa.” said Ben. “I'll find it for you.”