‘Thank you. Do you have any plans for the refugees?’
‘Those people were lost the moment they left their town. I know they need to get out of here soon, before those who can’t change to cats, or mountain lions as they like to call themselves, die of old age. Do you know how long they have?’ asked Sam.
‘Not long. The older they are, the quicker the aging will affect them on this side of the border. The older ones won’t have long, probably less than a week,’ Naz said.
‘So we need a plan today,’ Sam said solemnly.
There was quiet at the table for a while, as they sat thinking of the consequences. ‘They really are a lost people,’ said Sam eventually.
‘May I ask something?’ said Vin. ‘Have you had any thoughts on Carter?’
‘I’ve been thinking about him all the time. What’s on your mind, Vin?’ said Sam
‘It seems like he’s in shock. After a battle like that, anyone would be badly affected, even battle-hardened guards like us. But for such a young man…’ Vin stopped, letting the thought sink in.
‘In our land, anyone who experiences this shock is sent off to intensive training, to get their confidence back up. Like falling off a horse. You must get straight back on.’
The four sat in deep thought, wondering how best to help Carter. Eventually Sam asked, ‘What’s a horse?’
When the sun finally touched the horizon, the sky overhead was filled with a spectrum of red, orange, and purple hues, bringing a sense of calm to the clan, who now settled at the end of the day on the Northern Plain. Kerri stood, looking out over the rolling hills, becoming more anxious as time passed and darkness drew near.
Eventually, a head appeared over the plain. When the figure climbed the next rolling hill, the shape of Carter appeared at last, and Kerri let out a sigh of relief.
‘Hey, stranger,’ she called. ‘I was starting to think you got lost.’
Carter smiled. ‘I’ve been walking.’
‘Trying to clear your head?’ Kerri asked.
‘Yes, that and other things.’
‘Will you sit with me tonight, at the meal? They’ve laid out a real feast for Naz and Vin. They’re leaving tomorrow.’
‘‘You know I’d be so happy to be the one sitting next to you, Kerri, but tonight, I really think I need to sit with my parents.’
‘Oh, that’s okay, it was just an idea,’ Kerri said, but Carter could see the disappointment in her face.
‘I’m sorry, Kerri. I need to speak with Naz and Vin before we all sit down. See you later?’
‘Sure,’ was all Kerri could say. She watched him walk back to the eating area. He looks like he’s carrying the world on his shoulders, she thought.
It wasn’t hard for Carter to pick out the towering shapes of the bears in the encampment.
Naz also saw Carter from a distance. The shape of his shoulders and the drag of his feet sent a worrying sign to the bears.
‘That boy’s got serious problems, Vin,’ Naz said quietly, and was then surprised to see Carter heading straight for them.
Carter approached the bears. As he looked up, it was clear that he wanted to talk but didn’t know how to start.
‘Hi, Carter, something on your mind?’ Vin prompted gently.
‘I heard you guys are leaving tomorrow’
‘We were thinking of making an early start. We’ll head west for a day before crossing the border,’ replied Vin.
‘Do you remember what I asked you about Holly, about not leaving her for the animals to find in spring, about taking her somewhere warm and green, to lay her in peace?’
‘Of course,’ said Vin. ‘We’ve given you our promise to try all we can. We’re guards, Carter. In our promise is our honour.’
‘I was thinking, maybe I could come with you tomorrow?’
Naz and Vin tried hard to hide their shock. They stood there, unsure of the best way to answer.
It was Naz who spoke first. ‘What’s really on your mind, Carter?’ he said.
‘It’s something I need to do, to find peace for myself.’
‘Please, leave it to us. You have our promise, we’ll do everything we can to find her,’ said Naz.
‘I know where she is, exactly,’ said Carter.
‘I’m not sure this is a good idea. Is this what you’ve been mulling over all day?’ asked Naz.
‘I can’t get it out of my mind, I have to find her,’ Carter said with desperation in his voice.
‘It’s understandable that you feel you have to make right something you think you did wrong, but this is not the way to do it, my friend,’ said Vin. ‘Give it time, and the hurt will pass.’
‘I have to find Holly. If you won’t take me, I’ll go on my own.’
‘Now wait up, my friend, we didn’t say we didn’t want to go with you, we said we don’t think it’s such a good idea. Have you spoken with your parents about this, or with Sam?’
‘That’s my next stop, but it’ll be easier to get them to support me if they know I’m travelling with you two.’
‘What about you getting home after you’ve found her?’ asked Vin.
‘I’ll deal with that later,’ said Carter.
‘I don’t think this is a well thought-out plan, my friend.’ said Vin.
‘Did you plan on coming here, to this land, when you first left to find the crystal? Or did you plan on saving all those people and bringing them here, when you were at home?’
‘That was a necessary change of plan,’ said Naz. ‘Look, Carter, if everyone agrees that you should go, we’ll be happy to travel with you. After all, company on a long trek is always welcome. But I honestly don’t think anyone will agree to your going back to the High Passes in winter.’
‘Thanks. I’ll find you before morning,’ Carter said, and turned on his heels to find his father.
Naz and Vin stood there in wonder.
‘What’s going on in his head?’ said Naz.
‘Dunno, but I’ve a bad feeling about this one, Naz,’ replied Vin.
‘We can’t allow you to go,’ said Ned Woodman.
‘We’ve only just got you back, son. We couldn’t bear to lose you again,’ said Carter’s mother.
Ned shook his head emphatically, ‘Son, you’re only 15, you’re too young to be risking your life on such a journey.’
‘How old were you when you told me you went down the river on your own, Dad?’
‘That’s was different, I knew where I was going. And there weren’t crazed apes trying to attack me.’
‘You didn’t know that,’ Carter objected. ‘And I do know where I’m going. I’ve been before and I’ll have two of the best guides to look out for me.’
‘We can’t allow this,’ said Carter’s Mum.
‘I’m really sorry it’s come to this. I hoped you’d give me your blessing. I need to go and I will, even if I have to leave on my own.’
Ned sat stunned, ‘How can you ask us to give our blessing to something which will take away our son forever?’ Ned asked helplessly.
‘It won’t be forever, I’ll be back soon. With the time being shifted when you cross the border, I’ll be back for your birthday.’
‘Don’t make fun of this, Carter,’ said his mother, now getting upset. ‘You’re too young’
‘Listen, Mum, Dad, since I crossed that border, I’ve grown up so much. Stepping through a gateway changes you in every way. I know you think I’m still your little boy, but I’m not. I’ve grown up, and this is something I need to do.’
‘Carter... Holly’s dead, she won’t be coming back.’ The sadness in Ned’s voice finally burst the banks of his mother’s tears.
‘I’m so sorry, Dad, but I’ve got to find that out for sure.’
They sat looking at each other, his father holding his mother tight while she wept again for a lost son.
‘I’m so sorry. This is something I have to do.’
After some time and a dreadful silence, Ned looked up at Carter, ‘It’s
better you go prepared than you leave without saying goodbye. I’ll help all I can.’ The resignation in Ned’s eyes nearly broke Carter’s resolve.
At his moment of greatest doubt and weakness, the cry came again, deep inside his mind, vibrating through his whole body. He felt the scream deep in his chest, touching his heart.
‘CARTER, PLEASE, HELP ME!’
‘You’re WHAT?’ shouted Kerri.
‘No way are you leaving,’ said Sam.
Carter sat at the table, looking across at Sam and Casey. Kerri sat beside him. He could feel her shaking with rage or anxiety, he didn’t know which.
‘I’ve explained it to my Mum and Dad. It’s better I go with your help than if I leave on my own. This is something I must do, Holly is there.’
‘Holly was my dearest friend,’ said Kerri, ‘I wouldn’t have left her there if she was still alive. Carter, you’ve got to accept that she won’t be coming home. The bears have promised to try to find her and take her out of the pass. Please,’ Kerri squeezed his hand. ‘Please, leave it to the bears.’
‘And if they don’t find her? I’ll be suffering all my life never knowing. We know some animals can sleep in the snow for months, all winter even, and you find them and you swear they’re dead. Why not with Holly?’
They looked at Carter, unable to give him an answer.
‘Why are you so convinced she’s still alive?’ asked Sam
‘It’s just a feeling.’
‘So you’re risking your life on a feeling?’
‘Sam, haven’t you ever put everything you have, including your life, on just a feeling?’ said Carter
‘That’s different. I’m grown up and also responsible for the clan.’
‘It’s always different for someone else, Sam, but that doesn’t make it wrong. Anyway, I was responsible for Holly.’ said Carter.
‘That’s really what this is about,’ Kerri said. ‘You feel guilty about her loss. It wasn’t your fault, Carter. You have to accept that. It was because of that dreadful storm. We all could have died that night.’ Kerri shivered when she remembered it. Sam, please help me.’
‘And your parent have agreed to help?’ asked Sam
Carter nodded his head.
‘Well, I can’t keep you under guard all day and night. If you’ve set your mind on going, I’ll do what I can. Let me speak to Naz and Vin.’
‘I’ve already spoken to them,’ Carter replied.
‘SAM! You’re letting him go?’ shouted Kerri in disbelief.
‘I can’t stop him.’
Kerri stood quickly. Knocking her stool over, she ran from the table, tears rolling down her cheeks.
‘If anything happens to you, you’re going to break her heart, and then you’ll have me to deal with,’ Casey said with menace in his voice.
‘He’s going to look for Holly,’ Kerri managed between sobs, her arms wrapped around Lulu’s shoulders.
‘I knew he was going to do this,’ Lulu said.
‘But how did you know?’
‘Kerri, he’s not stupid and he’s not crazy. Look at me and listen to me… Holly’s been calling him, I’ve heard her, and I’ve felt her trying to reach out and touch him. She doesn’t know I’m aware of her, but she’s getting inside his head. She’ll drive him mad unless he goes.’
‘No, Lu, I won’t believe it. She wasn’t breathing when I checked her. I’d never leave her there alive. Never!’
‘This is not about you, Kerri. No one will blame you for this. There’s something happening that we don’t understand yet. This is Holly’s soul that’s calling. Carter can hear it, and I do too.’
‘I can’t believe it, and I won’t let him go.’
‘Help him, Kerri, and he’ll come back safe. Fight him, and he’ll be fighting two battles.’
‘How, what can I do?’
‘Let him go, and be here for him when he gets back.’
Lulu held her tight, holding her till the sobbing stopped.
Harri Boatman stood with Naz and Vin, shaking their hands.
‘The wood is very well packed, Mr. Boatman,’ said Vin.
‘It’ll fit together smoothly enough. Big guys like you shouldn’t have any problems carrying it.’
‘Thanks Mr. Boatman,’ Naz said.
‘It’s the least I could do for my daughter. I just wish I could do more. And if you’re ever back this way, call me Harri.’
‘We’ll do everything we can to take her somewhere warm and green. I know a beautiful oak tree that looks down over the valley, just across the border. My wife can draw, I’ll have her make a picture of it and send it back with Carter. She’ll be at peace there.’
‘Thank you both.’
Sam approached Naz and Vin. He looked up and thought he saw sadness in their eyes.
‘I expect you’ll be glad to get back to your families, and home cooking.’
‘You’re right there, Sam, but we’re kinda sad to be saying goodbye. It’s been a wild trip. Not like we expected,’ said Vin.
‘Lu and I enjoyed our talk yesterday. Remember, if your boss want’s to send an envoy, they’ll be made very welcome here. And we’ll send a message as soon as the Lost People are settled. We’re working on that plan you suggested,’ said Sam.
‘You and Princess Lucinda will be written about in the Book,’ said Naz formally.
‘Next to Ran?’ Sam joked.
‘Next to the great leaders,’ Naz replied.
Lulu gave Carter a hug, and, holding his hands, took him to one side.
‘Carter, I understand why you’re doing this. I don’t understand how it’s happening, but I’ve heard Holly too. I’ve heard her calling you.’
Carter looked shocked. ‘So I’m not going mad, Lu?’
Lulu shook her head. ‘No, you’re not mad. Holly doesn’t know I can hear her, and until we understand what’s happening, it’s better that she doesn’t know.’
‘But why not, Lu? Maybe you can give her peace if she knows you’re there for her. She sounds… tortured.’
‘I know, I’ve felt it as well. I’ve felt her fear. Listen, promise me one thing, when it’s dark and silent, when you’re unsure, listen to the voice inside.’
‘I don’t really understand what you’re saying, but I hope I will. I do promise, Lu.’
She kissed him on the cheek one last time.
Kerri approached the bears. Vin, seeing her come, knelt down on the ground. Even so, Kerri still had to bend her neck to look up to look him in the eye. ‘You take good care of him, or you’ll have me to answer to,’ she smiled up at them.
Vin chuckled, remembered the lump on the head she’s given him. When he stood, Kerri wrapped her arms around them, only reaching as far as their furry bellies. Then she turned to Carter one last time.
Before she could say anything, Carter said, ‘Kerri, if there was any other choice, you know I’d want to stay here with you. It’s all I ever wanted.’
Kerri could find no words to say, afraid they’d spill out in a jumbled meaningless mess. She simply said, ‘Thanks.’
She looked at him one last time, took a deep breath, and said, ‘Don’t you make me come looking for you, Carter.’ She turned and walked away.
With a final wave, Carter and the bears turned their backs to their families and clan. With the new day rising, they cast long shadows as they walked west, towards the mountains and the unknown.
Coming soon …
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; Acknowledgements
I would sincerely like to thank everyone who helped me bring this book to fruition. The kindness, generosity, patience and good humour has at times left me stumbling for words. I have never before been in such a supportive community as the company that I have the pleasure to find myself.
I would like to thank the team of people that helped me launch this book. In all honesty, I could not have done this without you. My thanks to the Self-Publishing School for showing me how and keeping me accountable. And my thanks to Steve Windsor and his Nine Day Novel series (unaffiliated). It was by reading his work that I finally jumped, and believed I could write, even if it does Suck!
And most of all, thank you to my family, for being there.
‘I sincerely hope you enjoy reading this book as much as I enjoyed writing it.’
—Shaun L Griffiths.
About the Author
Shaun L Griffiths was born in Cardiff, South Wales. He studied Electronic Engineering at Llandaff College, graduating top of his class.
He started work with an American company, manufacturing computer Hard Disks. After five years in a “Clean Room,” never knowing the difference between night and day, he saw a light at the end of the tunnel and walked away to travel the world.
Returning to London in the 90’s, the Author worked in the City’s Financial District. He watched first hand the greed and corruption that brought once great institutions to their knees, until the City’s “re-alignment” sent him packing.
He moved to Poland, where he now lives with his family and dog in a house they built in the forest.
‘I get most of the ideas for my writing from the places around me or my memories of the places I’ve visited. When you stop to take it all in, you will remember this is a truly inspirational world.’
This is his first fiction novel. Continue to watch as the Changing Times trilogy unfolds.
An Urgent Request…
Thank you for downloading my book! I really appreciate all of your feedback and love hearing what you have to say, plus I need your input to make the next book in the series even better.
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