The Chronicles of Mayer - Beginnings

by Nicola McDonagh

  It was the first time I was in agreement with Sarah and looked around at the shuttered down shops. ‘There is a pharmacy across the road. Perhaps we can find some medicines and such like.’

  ‘Great, that’s a start. Shall we go or just stand here taking in the lovely rancid air?’

  ‘I’m with you, Sarah. Might find some drugs and bandages, you never know,’ Kevin said, wiped his spot ravaged nose and turned to us. ‘Well, come on. I could use some cream for these zits. They’re killing me.’

  He and Sarah strode off towards the store. Myself, Mike and Paul followed.

  Without hesitation, Kevin picked up an overturned plastic rubbish bin, tipped out the near liquid contents, grimaced then threw it at the window. It shattered and he stepped into the broken shards, pushing the cardboard display panels until they gave way. With a, ‘Come on then,’ he jumped down into the shop.

  Sarah was next, then Paul, Mike and I. It was dark inside but not enough to prevent us from making out rows of shelves and the prescription counter at the rear.

  ‘Go on, snatch yourself a load of towels, or tampons. Heck, get both. We don’t know when we’ll find another shop that stocks them.’ She plucked packages from the shelves and I did too, forcing as many packets into my pockets as I could. I stopped at the sound of loud banging. Looking ahead I saw Mike and Kevin kick down the door to the pharmaceutical medicines room. They hurried inside and I heard mumbles of disappointment.

  ‘Look, I have what I came for. Meet you outside,’ Sarah said and left.

  ‘Bloody useless!’ Paul threw an empty packet across the room. ‘May as well take the antihistamines and anything else that might help.’

  Mike looked at a box of painkillers lying on the floor. He picked them up and shook his head. ‘Sodding well empty. Looted to fuck. I guess they took all the good stuff before evacuating.’

  ‘Can’t really blame them. Do you have what you need, Mayer?’

  ‘Yes, Paul.’

  ‘Come on, come on, hurry up, let’s get out of this dump,’ Kevin said. He grabbed handfuls of plasters, antiseptic cream, and bandages. ‘Now!’ Paul and Mike gathered up more useful items and with less enthusiasm than when we entered, we made our way back out into the street.

  Rain fell heavier.

  We walked all leaden of foot to where the others stood huddled together by a large shop with many wooden planks nailed to the windows and doors. We put our purloined goods into the suitcases and as one gave out a heavy sigh.

  Mike rubbed the small raised nodule on his right nostril, and shook the moisture from his lank black hair. He blinked through red and swollen eyelids, raised his hand and pointed to a boarded-up store. There was a sign above it that read: Tethered For All Your Outdoor Camping Needs. ‘Somebody up there likes us. Must be a sign from heaven.’

  ‘Or Krishna,’ Arjuna said.

  Mike laughed. ‘Indeed. Still, whoever is looking over us, and I do believe someone is, they have directed us to the very place we need. Come on, let’s get kitted out properly.’

  I called to Paul and with the help of the others, we broke into the camping shop much the same way Mike and Kevin had in the chemist shop, by kicking the door until it gave way. I offered to stay with the herd, but faithful Arjuna would not let me.

  ‘You go and get me something fitting, something warm, dry and practical.’

  ‘Of course,’ I said and joined the rest inside.

  It was dark. The chief engineer, Rob, clicked on a torch and flashed it around the room. Everything was perfectly arranged as though there had never been a mighty tornado that swept across the country for many months, dying and gathering force when we least expected it.

  ‘This must have been someone’s whole life,’ Paul said and touched the neat stacks of Calor Gas camping stoves. ‘I guess they tidied up before leaving. That’s dedication. I can respect people like that.’

  ‘Can you now. Don’t move. I said, don’t move, any of you.’

  Paul covered his eyes from the intense beam of light that shone into it. ‘Sorry, we thought this place was deserted.’

  More bright light came from a woman holding a wind-up lantern. We had similar ones back at the Goshala. All lost to the flood. She stood by the man holding the torch. Both wore waterproof all-in-one green suits and held shotguns.

  ‘As you can clearly see, Son, our shop is not deserted.’

  ‘Apologies, again.’

  ‘What do you want?’

  ‘Look, Sir, let me introduce myself and my friends, first? Okay? I am Paul, the people standing behind me are fellow scientists that specialise in biology, and genetics. There are engineers and, Mayer,’ he pointed at me, ‘Mayer and her colleague, Arjuna, are Krishna cowherds from the Mahabharata Manor House. We are travelling upwards and north with what is left of the sacred herd.’

  ‘What? You’ve brought stinky cows, in here?’ The woman waved her lantern and weapon in the air.

  ‘No, no, they are outside.’

  ‘Should bloody think so too,’ she said and lowered the arm that held the gun.

  The man held up his weapon. ‘Like I said, what do you want?’

  Before Paul could answer, Sarah stepped forward. ‘Look, my friend, we are tired, hungry, dirty and wet. We just want some clothes, some tents, camping gear, you know that sort of thing, so that we can survive as best we can, this horrible journey to who the bloody hell knows where.’

  She grabbed an ankle length fur-lined hooded coat from a rack. The woman smacked her hand away and the garment fell to the floor like a tired sloth. Sarah puffed out her tiny chest and stared up into the woman’s eyes. ‘You know, we could just take what we wanted. There are more of us than you.’

  ‘We have guns, you do not. This is our stock, our lives. Get out.’ She held the gun close to Sarah’s face.

  Paul quickly intervened and gently pushed the weapon away. ‘Let me apologise for my colleague. We have walked a long way and we are tired. We didn’t know your shop was still inhabited.’

  ‘Now you do, so go.’

  ‘We don’t have to talk, Paul. Look, Mrs, whoever you are, just give us what we require. I mean, you don’t need this stuff. You’re never going to sell any of it.’

  The man shone his torch around the room. ‘This is our stock, when the floods die down and people come back, they’ll come here and buy. We are sitting on a goldmine. It will ages before anyone gets the electricity and gas going. No, you can’t have anything. Unless you have the money to pay for it.’

  ‘You, idiot.’ Sarah shook her head spraying droplets of water onto the shop owners faces. ‘No one is coming back, because they have fled. Or are dead. The water is not going to retreat. It is rising, daily. Along with it are the flies, the mosquitoes, the germs and deadly viruses that have killed most of the population. Have you seen the street outside? Where have you been?’

  The shop owner shook his head. ‘No. You are talking rubbish, political propaganda. Government jargon to scare us into giving up our livelihoods. I heard the news a few months back, Prime Minister Johnson saying that we had to stay put, pull together to weather out the storm. Well, that’s exactly what we did.’

  The man took a deep breath and clenched his jaw muscles. ‘What did he do? Disappeared with all of his Keep Britain British Cabinet. “I will provide all citizens with shelter and care. We will build a new Britannia. Those that are willing to rescind their right to land ownership, will be given special priority for re-housing.” Bollocks to that. I voted for him and all he wanted was to save the farmers. Oh, and anyone stupid enough to hand over their life savings for a chance to live in his New World Territory. Greed is what is going on here. Pure greed. No, things aren’t as bad as they say. You’ll see, the radio will be back on in a few days, the waste disposal will clear all that rot and everything will have calmed down.’

  ‘What? I don’t believe I’m hearing this. Look, there’s no government, farms are abandoned, there are no police, media, nothing. Do you understand?
No doctors, nurses, ambulances, nothing. It’s all gone. We are as good as dead.’

  As soon as Sarah stopped speaking the heavens opened with a loud thunderclap and a torrent of hailstones. They clattered against the door and windows so hard that I thought they would burst through and kill us all. I dropped to the floor as did everyone else, except for Sarah and the shop owners. When they turned at a loud bang that came from the back, Sarah picked up the discarded coat and put it on. The owners glared at her hard, and I suspect another argument would have occurred had not Arjuna entered, soaked and looking concerned.

  ‘We must find shelter. The clouds are black and full. The wind is gathering force and the cows are frightened. I had to restrain Oak with a rope and tie him to a parking meter. I don’t think he will remain tethered for long.’

  I stood and went to him. ‘We have met with some problem. The owners will not give us what we require to continue our journey.’ I did not recall Arjuna ever becoming red in the face with anger before. His eyes narrowed and his nostrils flared just like Oak when he is about to stampede.

  ‘I do not know, nor do I care what your selfish motivation is to deny fellow human beings from succour, but I do know that if you do not provide us with the items we desperately need, then we will perish. Do you wish that upon us, do you?’ His voice became shrill and he moved towards the owners with such a look of anger that they thrust their guns in front of them. Arjuna swiped them aside as if they were made of twigs.

  ‘The entire world is sinking under the weight of rancid waters. If mankind is to survive, we must prevail. The herd must survive and you will not prevent this.’ He brushed past them and began to gather clothing, tents, sleeping bags and other camping materials. Dropping objects as he plucked items from the shelves.

  ‘At last, a man of reason and courage.’ Sarah sneered at Paul and went to help Arjuna procure items.

  ‘Right then, come on Mike, let’s help ourselves.’

  One by one our group walked around the shop grabbing all manner of useful equipment including hammers and bags of nails in different sizes. Mike attempted to pick up a large tent, but let it drop with a groan. ‘Not as fit as I used to be.’

  ‘You, fit, ha!’

  ‘You’re one to cast a sodding stone, Kev, mate. At least I’ve only got one gut.’

  ‘Stop squabbling and get supplies. I swear it’s like going to a toyshop at Christmas with a couple of ten-year-olds,’ Sarah said and lifted the heavy tent with one hand.

  ‘Flipping’ hell, wouldn’t want to arm wrestle her.’

  ‘Move!’

  ‘I am, I am,’ Mike said and carried on scooping waterproof bedding and torches from the shelves. The owners pulled on sleeves, shouted and cried, but their protestations were futile. ‘We have guns, we will use them,’ the shop owner said and raised his weapon, aiming at Sarah.

  She stared at the man for a moment then marched over to him and snatched the shotgun right from his hand. He stood with a look of disbelief on his face.

  ‘Give that back, or I’ll shoot,’ his wife said.

  ‘No, not if I kill you and your pathetic husband first.’ Sarah pressed the nozzle against the man’s head. ‘Hand it over, or, I will kill him.’ The woman held out the gun and Sarah took it from her. ‘Ammo, if you please?’

  The woman went to the back of the sales counter, took a key from her trouser pocket and bent down. When she stood, she held several small boxes. ‘Here, this is all we’ve got left,’ she said and threw them at Sarah. ‘Now will you leave?’

  ‘Mayer, would you mind picking them up?’ I did and Sarah took them from me. Then she placed the shotgun into a large inside pocket of her coat. ‘Right, best get the rest of the stuff we need. Mayer, Paul, come on.’

  I nodded and began to collect essential items. Paul did not. I went to him. ‘You will not help?’

  ‘I feel sorry for them. This is wrong, Mayer. We’re taking their livelihood. Look at them cowering by their till. This is nothing short of bullying.’

  ‘They threatened us with violence first. We are in need and they are being unreasonable. They would rather kill us than relinquish something obsolete. I am no renegade, but to survive we…’

  ‘Do what must be done.’

  ‘Precisely. Will you help?’

  ‘Yes, reluctantly, I will,’ he said and unbuttoned his long coat. He put his hand into his pocket and took out a wallet. Walking over to the distraught owners he pulled out a bundle of notes. ‘Take this. I’m afraid it’s all I’ve got. There’s about fifty pounds. Here, you may as well have my credit cards too, although, I’m not sure what good they’ll do you.’

  The man snatched the money and cards from Paul’s outstretched hand. He jutted out his chin and called to the rest of us as we grabbed more clothing and gear, ‘Have you lot finished robbing us blind yet?’

  ‘Nearly. Just need, ah, the very thing,’ Mike said and opened a big Perspex case that stood on a counter near the back exit doors. He picked up a large metal object and whistled. ‘Oh, yeah, this is the deal, my friends. A Leatherman TTI. This baby has got everything you could possibly need to brave it out in the wilderness. Oh yes, this is by far the best survival tool money can buy.’

  ‘Yes, it is, and just happens to be the most expensive one. Hope you slip over and stab yourself with it.’

  ‘Charming.’ Mike opened out a nasty looking serrated knife. ‘Good luck, mate, you’ll need it.’

  Both Sarah and Rob swiped similar knives. Loaded with provisions, we left the premises.

  ***

  ‘Are you absolutely sure we are going the right way? Shouldn’t we be in Durham by now?’

  Arjuna, who held a bedraggled map in his hands, turned to Sarah and put his finger on the page. ‘Yes, I am certain. Look for yourself. We are here just outside Bishop Aukland. Durham is not so far.’

  ‘What? You fool. We’re going the wrong way.’

  ‘Not at all, we are merely taking the, well, scenic route because the A1 is water logged. Look, our final destination is up there, the Trossachs.’

  Sarah peered at the map. ‘Looks closer on paper.’ She stomped ahead leaving soggy indents in the mud that used to be tarmac. As we tramped along the A68 road, it did appear to go on forever. I too wondered if we would ever reach the place.

  ‘This stretch is getting boggy. The last landslide has blocked off most the road ahead and the herd is finding it difficult to push through the claggy earth.’ Arjuna patted Buttercup’s neck. She shook her head to get rid of the raindrops that soaked her shivering flesh.

  ‘Then we must lead them through the woods.’

  ‘Perhaps but I am loathe to do it. Reports before all went dead media-wise, said that wolves and abandoned pet dogs are roaming freely amongst the trees and forest regions.’

  As if to confirm Arjuna’s statement a high dog howl pierced through the endless pitter-pattering. The cows mooed and huddled together.

  ‘Our choices are limited the further on we walk. We are many and I doubt the hounds would trouble us.’

  Arjuna squinted as if in pain. He scratched the short bristly hair that was growing back, took a deep breath and traced his finger along the map. ‘I fear we will have no choice. The road is coming to an end soon. We are less than three miles from Hamsterley Forest. We may as well continue through it. At least it is on higher ground.’ He folded the map and put it into his trouser pocket. ‘Could you fetch Sarah? I am overcome with fatigue. My legs are heavy and…’

  I touched his arm. ‘You have stayed awake too many nights. I will bring Sarah back and I will tend to the herd when we stop to sleep. No, do not argue. You are weary. What good will you be to us or the cows if you become sick?’

  He squeezed my hand and leaned against Buttercup. Her skin rippled and she nudged his head with her nose. I walked briskly and called to Sarah, but the wind was fierce, my voice was lost. I looked back to see Arjuna surrounded by the rest of the group. He gestured in the direction of where the forest w
as and they trudged towards it.

  The engineers lead the way dragging the heavy wheeled cases that held most of our camping equipment. The others, loaded down with rucksacks, full of dried food, clothing, screws and other useful equipment, followed. I waved to Paul and pointed at Sarah. He waved back and headed off. With an effort, I sprinted on and caught up with Sarah. I touched her shoulder and she spun around.

  ‘What?’

  ‘We’re changing our route slightly and are now going through the woods.’

  She raised her eyes heavenwards. ‘Oh great. Sodding fantastic. Yet another stupid diversion. Will this journey ever end?’

  I shrugged, she brushed me aside and walked onwards as quickly as a rabbit evading a fox. I did not know how she had the strength to march like that whilst dragging baggage. We were on half rations since Kevin lost one of the food bags to a river of water when we came across a flooded patch of road a week ago. Perhaps it was her constant anger that kept her going. For she did little else but complain. That and the fact she carried the least baggage of us all.

  With darkness approaching and the wind increasing, I hurried over to Arjuna and the herd. I whispered into Bluebell’s ear, ‘Go, lead us on.’ She shook her head, snorted and began to walk on. We prodded and yelled at the cows until they reluctantly tramped across the sludgy road and up the steep bramble filled bank. Arjuna and I had to coax the cattle through the spikes and water filled trenches. Moving slowly we reached our destination and entered the dark woods.

  Wet through, a frowning, arm-folded, foot-tapping, Sarah, greeted us. Behind her stood the others, all dripping from hair to shoe, they blinked away rain and shuffled their feet. ‘Good, you’re here, finally. Shall we go on?’

  Arjuna nodded and we filed the herd past the weary folk. I kept to the rear soothing Oak from time to time when howls and growls drifted around our ears. They did not seem to be too close. I was grateful for that. For the idea of being attacked by hungry, feral dogs was not appealing. We walked for many hours until a light in the distance made us halt.