The New World: Crimson Winter

by Andy Skrzynski

  Water flooded her lungs, and she choked. Desperately Caru propelled herself toward the blue light of the sky.

  When she popped above the surface, a fishy-smelling spray shot from her mouth and nose. Gulping air, she hurried to Thoruk's side and hugged him tight.

  Her father squeezed her. "Thank God, you're okay! I don't know what you were thinking, girl!"

  He shook his head. "I'm just glad you're alive, and none of you got hurt."

  Nearby, the beast broke the water's plane and bobbed with the waves — lifeless. Thoruk snatched a line from the partially-submerged boat, wrapped it around the creature, and secured it to his belt.

  As tensions eased, Caru and the others slowly swam to shore. Partway there, Fox stopped and pointed at a distant tree. "Who's that?"

  Twenty Minutes Later

  After helping her father load the slimy, monster fish in his buckboard, Caru looked down. The bloody carcass stained her tawny deerskin shorts and top.

  She sniffed her hands. "Whew, I don't know if I'll ever get rid of this stink!"

  Thoruk glanced at her. "It'll come out."

  He motioned with his head. "Before you get down, hide that thing with the blanket."

  While covering the aquatic vertebrate, she noticed two fresh slashes on her father's side. "You're hurt."

  He looked at the wound. Red streams dripped from the gashes. "I've had worse. It's nothing."

  Caru had heard that perturbed tone plenty of times. She waited till her cousins started gathering the fishing gear not laying on the lake's bottom.

  "Father, what's wrong? You don't seem happy."

  He scratched his tightly-groomed, cinnamon-red beard. "I'm not. I'm upset with you. You took off when I said don't."

  "But..."

  Her father waved his arm. "Not now. We'll talk at home."

  Figuring she was in big trouble, Caru frowned as she hopped down. Thoruk latched the wagon's gate and pointed to the cluster of honeysuckle.

  "Smear those blooms on your hands. It'll help that smell. Hurry, we need to get this creature to Inquisivil so he can check it out."

  She sprinted to the honeysuckle, rubbed her palms vigorously with the fragrant flowers, and then climbed into the seat beside her father. The two boys sat on the oak planks in the rear next to the prize catch.

  A persistent bang sounded from behind Caru. She turned and spotted one of Proto's feet, bare of any footwear and pounding on the floorboards.

  He must have lost a moccasin during our rush. The dangling threads from his denim cutoffs and green, sleeveless shirt dripped in a puddle where he sat.

  Thoruk snapped the reins. "Get going, Cocoa."

  As soon as the mare jerked forward, Fox yelled. "Keep this bucket rollin'! This thing reeks — it's wicked!"

  Partway up the road and eager for any distraction to take her father's mind off her poor discretion, Caru twisted toward Proto. "Was that you making the monster dive the first time it came at me?"

  "Yeah, that's why I pounded on the boat. I needed to get its attention to encourage it to dive. I let it know there was better food below. It responded by taking off after the bait, instead of you."

  She reached and gently grabbed his arm. "Thanks. You're getting better with your powers."

  "A little bit. Mom's been helping me improve."

  Thoruk glanced toward Proto. "That's good! She's the best when it comes to talking with creatures."

  Fox smirked and wiggled his head. "Aw, if Animal Whisperer hadn't stopped that thing, I woulda."

  Caru smiled at him. "I'm sure of it."

  Shortly Afterward

  Further up the trail, Thoruk's mind replayed the skirmish with the mysterious fish. That thing must be a muclone. Somebody could have been hurt.

  He rubbed his chin. It made no sense; he was sure Zolokt was dead.

  Caru's voice broke his train of thought. "Have you ever seen that kid at the lake?"

  Gathering his thoughts, Thoruk stammered. "No. He wasn't from our village."

  Fox blurted. "Whoever it was sure looked weird — took off like a spooked buck!"

  "Yeah." Proto scrunched his face. "Those were strange markings around the eyes."

  "Like a ruckoon!" Fox laughed.

  Thoruk closed his eyes, recalling similar but different designs along the brows of many of the slain enemy on the battlefield 18 years ago. Skalags! His forehead furrowed.

  As the teens grew louder, Thoruk drew a deep breath and glanced around. "Alright, kids, quiet down."

  His gaze settled back to the road toward Ukkiville. I need to check if anybody has seen that stranger before.

  Half an Hour Later

  After returning from the lake and approaching the edge of the drawbridge over Dream Creek, Cocoa stopped. Now, what? Thoruk flicked the reins. "Come on!"

  Obviously embarrassed by her horse's hesitation, Caru snatched the worn leather straps from Thoruk's hand. "I don't know why she's scared of the bridge."

  She snapped the reins. "Get going, girl! There's nothing to be afraid of."

  The burnt-brown mare lifted a hoof and slowly set it down but refused to move forward. Caru snapped the straps harder.

  "Come on; you can do it!" Giving in to her young master's determination, the horse gingerly clomped across the thick, oak planks.

  "That's the way." Satisfied, the spry teen placed the reins in Thoruk's palms and looked straight ahead.

  Somewhat impressed with his daughter's take-charge attitude, he guided the mare into Ukkiville. Maybe it was his mood or the dark clouds rolling in, but it was the first time in quite a while that the deteriorating conditions of the older cabins struck him.

  Deeply scarred and etched with the evidence of harsh, cold winters, many of the buildings had been constructed by his father and neighbors when the village was established. Has it really been 41 years?

  The primitive lifestyle he and his people endured was rewarding if not challenging, but that was common across the globe, 68 years after the World Annihilation Period.

  Amazed at the number of settlers flocking to Ukkiville to enjoy its values and protection, Thoruk shook his head. This place is growing way too fast!

  Since the big battle, 40 new homes had been built with more on the way. Hard to imagine, but we've already got 120 cabins. Seems like everybody wants to move here after we thrashed those Skalags. Life, as it was before the battle, appeared to be a distant blur.

  Casting aside his gloomy thoughts, Thoruk focused on the abundance of lakes, trees, and fertile soil in the valley where his village resided. It was nestled near two forests, northwest of what used to be known as Riding Mountain National Park of Old Canada.

  If not for the resources around us, I'm not sure how we'd make it.

  The wooden wagon wheels creaked as they rolled toward Inquisivil's cabin. Thoruk glanced at his spunky daughter.

  Blazes! She can be such a leader at times, but why does she have to be so hard-headed?

  Apparently noticing his grin, Caru cocked her head. "What? Why the smirk?"

  "Oh, nothing — just thinking." With concern for the villagers' safety near the forefront of his mind, Thoruk turned his attention to the activities of his close friend.

  Storm should almost be done with wall's extension. We've got to complete it before there's trouble; especially now that the Skalags may be back!

  CHAPTER THREE

  Splintered Destruction

  July 7, 2093 at 8:30 pm

  Sitting comfortably with his lovely wife in their log cabin, Thoruk slowly rose from the mahogany and white cowhide couch. "It's getting cool. I better shut a few of these windows." He lumbered across the living room.

  Charilulka's deep brown eyes rose from the pages of her book and focused on him. "Tell me more about what happened at the lake today. You seemed upset at dinner."

  "Yep, I think we found a muclone — the first in more than a decade. I'll know for sure when I get Inquisivil's report."

  "How can that be?"
<
br />   "I'm not sure, but I'm going to find out." He pursed his lips.

  "If that wasn't bad enough, Caru totally ignored me and chased the creature when I told her not to. The kids could have been hurt, or worse. That's why I punished her."

  Getting up and walking to him, Charilulka squeezed his hand. "I'm sorry; I didn't mean to get you riled up before bed. Let's change the subject."

  Thoruk feigned a frown. "That's a good idea."

  She smiled. "How cold do you think it's going to get tonight?"

  "Hard to tell, but it'll be nippier than you'll like in the morning if I don't close some of the windows." Pulling the dining area's oak-encased pane shut, he latched it.

  His wife strolled to a small cedar table. The light from the candles brightened the natural streaks throughout her dark, auburn hair, a contrast strengthened by the shine of the summer's sun.

  Charilulka held her thick, wavy locks back and blew out the three candles nearest her. "I'm going to bed to read another chapter before calling it a night."

  Swinging one of the indoor shutters closed, Thoruk turned toward her. "What are you reading?"

  "Oh, a Christian romance I found in the library. It's the first novel in a series about Texas, written by Caryl McAdoo. She's a remarkable writer, and I'm discovering more than I ever imagined about life as a Texan in the Old World."

  "Texas? Mmm, home of the Freedom Defenders. Maybe you can share what you learn about the state as you finish each book?"

  "I'll do that." She peered into his eyes. "Don't stay up too late and remember to kiss the kids before coming to bed. Caru wasn't too happy about having to chop wood tomorrow."

  He scratched his head. "Alright, but it was her choice. That girl got what she deserved. Sleep tight."

  "Good night, dear."

  Growing tired after another hour passed, Thoruk entered his daughter's bedroom.

  He gazed at her and Hootulka, Fox's seven-year-old sister who was sleeping with Caru that night.

  After a second, he walked over to the young guest and pulled a blanket up to her waist. He pecked her on the brow and strolled to the other side of the bed.

  Bending over, Thoruk kissed his daughter's cheek and whispered. "Have sweet dreams and listen to me next time — you stinker."

  He quietly stepped outside the room. That Caru sure knows how to get under my skin. Why can't she be just a little like her brother?

  Truly baffled, he wondered how twins born within minutes of each other of the same blood and raised in similar environments could turn out worlds apart.

  Rarely causing any problems, Teli spent much of his time studying and helping the village's scientist, Inquisivil.

  Caru, on the other hand, was all about the moment and getting the most out of it at all costs. 'Trouble' seemed to be the moniker she strove for most.

  There were times when Thoruk wanted to whack her butt good, but then he'd remember his childhood. He stuck his foot in a fair share of trouble too, when he was her age.

  After tucking in his son, Thoruk extinguished the rest of the candles and got ready for sleep. In bed and next to his wife a few minutes later, he stared at the ceiling and prayed.

  Lord, thank you for keeping my family and friends safe. Also, for not letting that monster kill me today.

  He paused and drew a deep breath. I have something to ask of you, but please don't hold it against me. Can you give me the strength to deal with Caru — and, more importantly, do you have to make her so feisty? A little less spunk would go a long way! Ame... He drifted into a deep dream.

  Sixteen Years Earlier

  Following the large reception on an autumn day of 2077, Thoruk smiled. The fact that he and his two lifelong companions just married their sweethearts — in a joint wedding — finally sunk in.

  He hugged his new wife with one arm and looked at his best buddies, Mercivil and Stormulka. "With all the activities, we haven't even had a chance to talk. Come. Bring Drew and Blessivil, and let's chat for a while before calling it a night."

  While Charilulka clutched his left arm, Thoruk led her and the other four newlyweds to a quiet area of Ukkiville's community park. A wool blanket covered the ground near the shore of the Lake of Dreams.

  As he and the others approached, Thoruk waved his hand in a big circle. "Let's sit over here."

  Stormulka bowed. "Whatever you say, Your Highness."

  Mercivil elbowed him. "You've always got to be the clown. Cut it out! I want this to be a pleasant night."

  Thoruk chuckled. "Don't worry, Sis. Storm's just being himself. I wouldn't want it any other way."

  After he and his friends shared stories and laughs for close to a half-hour, Thoruk stood with one arm behind his back. "I'd like to make a toast."

  Under the mystic glow of a rare blue moon, he tenderly grabbed Charilulka's hand and coaxed her to rise. Revealing his surprise, he raised a jug of moonshine high.

  "To the extraordinary moon and the six of us who share your glimmer tonight. Nothing has made me happier than being married and sharing this evening with all of you."

  He took a swig and passed the libation around to his friends. Once they polished off the remains, Thoruk winked. "I think it's time to turn in and take advantage of the blue moon's magical powers."

  He led his new bride toward their sleeping quarters, a lavishly decorated tent. When he reached the entrance, he lifted Charilulka and carried her across the entry.

  After enjoying a drawn-out kiss, he carefully set her down and turned to untie the tent's flap. A thunderous roar shattered the night's air.

  Startled, he scrunched his face and jerked his head toward Wolverine Forest. His mind churned as he shifted his gaze from the thick woods to his wife and back into the dark depths of the distant trees. From the black void, two luminescent, green eyes with glowing, blood-red pupils stared at him.

  Present Day, After Midnight

  Thoruk shot upward, snapping out of his dream. Soaked in sweat with his heart racing, he stared into the dark. "Muclones! They're back!"

  After Breakfast that Morning

  Hearing a distinct, repetitive thump, Proto strolled across Caru's backyard. He spotted Hootulka, playing with her cat and some kittens at the edge of the woods not far away. Mmm, why is she here so early?

  He continued around the corner of the cabin. The object of his affection stood next to a tall pile of tree cuttings while chopping oak limbs.

  His chest pounded as he stopped and gazed at Caru. Her pink-dyed deerskin shorts and top clung to her attractive, slightly muscular figure. I wish she cared about me as much as I do her.

  Even as her cousin, he couldn't help but fall for her spunky, fun-loving nature. Why did we have to end up being related?

  Pausing for a moment, Caru set the ax aside and turned. Her mesmerizing, emerald-green eyes settled on him.

  "Hey, Muscles, you staring at me? How long have you been watching?"

  With his face warming, Proto fidgeted. "I just got here; couldn't have been more than a couple of seconds."

  He plucked a tall stalk of grass and stuck it between his teeth. "How do you do that? You always know when I'm around, even if you're looking the other way."

  She grinned. "Brain waves, Goofball! It just takes practice. I'll teach you someday."

  "Wicked! I'm not so sure I want you messing inside my head. By the way, I saw Hoot in the backyard. Awful early for visitors."

  "She slept over last night. Her family went to help some friends in another village. Storm and Blessivil didn't expect to get home until late last night."

  "What about Fox?"

  "He wasn't thrilled about it, but he went with his parents as well. I feel sorry for Hoot. I wasn't much company yesterday — punishment and all."

  Proto shooed a mosquito from his nose. "So, chopping wood is your fate — in July?"

  "My choice. It was either reduce this humongous pile of branches to firewood or clean house for a month. I'd much rather work outdoors than in a stuffy cabin was
hing dishes and sweeping floors."

  She wiped her brow. "Father was mad that I ignored him at the lake. I should have known better. I always let the excitement get the best of me, then end up paying later. You would think I'd learn."

  Proto grabbed an ax leaning against the wood stack. "I'll help. I could use the exercise."

  "Great!" Caru picked up a pruning saw. "Have you seen my shadow? She got bored watching me and wandered off."

  "Chili? She's fine. She came over to our place and was wrestling with Ice when I left."

  He positioned a medium-sized log on a stump and easily split it down the middle with one swing. While Proto continued to show off his powerful strokes, he wondered if Inquisivil had identified the monster fish. "Hey, did your father hear from Queasy yet?"

  Caru cut through a small branch of a trunk. "Nah, too early. Maybe tomorrow."

  As Proto swung the handle upward, an eerie sensation overcame him. He buckled over and held his stomach. "Ughhh, I feel horrible."

  Caru gagged, fell to her knees, and puked.

  He looked at her. "What's happening?"

  With the back of her hand, she wiped her mouth. "Not sure, but I suddenly felt si..."

  Tremendous cracking sounds deafened him, much like large limbs snapping when a felled pine strikes the ground. As Proto turned, a scream from the same direction pierced the air.

  He gasped. "What's going on?"

  While worry spread across her face, Caru dropped her saw and ran. "Hoot!"

  Proto quickly followed, surging past his buddy with the ax still in his clutches. When he reached the other side of the cabin, he found Caru's young friend, sobbing on her knees just inside the forest's edge.

  Stunned by the scene surrounding the child, Proto stood motionless and gaped. Every tree within a wide, semi-circular swath near the youngster lay shattered in splinters. What on Earth could have done this?

  The End of the Previews

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