by Zuheb Alep
So he had really done it.
He had left.
The ship was sailing, leaving behind his homeland. Surprisingly, he was glad. He felt nearer to fulfilling his promise to his friends. Every hour that passed brought him nearer to Prince Adam, Kaileena and the others. He wondered how they were. Were they safe and well? He shuddered to think of them being hurt in any way.
The positive thing about this room was the food that lay around on shelves and in boxes. There were various kinds of vegetables and fruits, and meat and fish were kept in the back in the walk-in fridge. At least his new friends wouldn’t go hungry.
Musab was snoozing in another hidden corner with the purple shawl wrapped around his body. He soon woke at the sound of Benjamin’s voice and began propping up his fat body. Ruby and Hamish both sat next to him, eating pieces of apple. They had something in common; they were both hard of hearing and spoke mostly in sign language.
When they were all together, Benjamin scratched his head. Now that he was the leader, he must decide what to do.
“Well, we can’t stay here,” he said, facing his companions. “Why don’t we go out and explore? When we’re finished, we’ll come back here and tell each other anything we’ve found out. All right?”
The group nodded.
“The only problem,” Benjamin admitted, “is that we’ll stand out because of what we’re wearing. There are a few kitchen uniforms in that storage cupboard so I think it’s best we wear them. If anybody asks, say we work as porters in the kitchen and we’re on a break.”
The boys and girls got changed in two separate areas and were about to leave the room with some necessary possessions when Amberina stopped them. “Hey!” she shouted, getting their attention. When everyone looked at her, she said, “Since we’re all here together, we should have a name for our group. What do you think?”
The group looked at one another and smiled. Benjamin thought it was actually quite a good idea.
“Yes, we should have a name!” said Hamish.
“What should our group be called?” asked Musab.
“The group of power?” suggested Ruby.
“How about the heroic band of Aradia?” Kelindra offered.
“That’s not bad.”
“What about the band of the missing children of the south?”
“Too long! And we’re not missing.” Hamish shook his head at Ruby’s suggestion.
“Wait – what about the children of light?”
“I like that one.”
“But what about my one?” Ruby complained. Everybody ignored her as she only came up with stupid names.
Then Amberina raised her hand. “I was thinking of the name ‘Band of Benjamin’,” she said.
Benjamin turned scarlet.
“That’s why I stopped you all to get your attention,” Amberina continued, “to tell you that we should be called the Band of Benjamin. If it weren’t for him, we wouldn’t be here together now.”
Everyone stopped bickering. They looked at her and smiled.
“I like that!” said Musab.
“Not bad at all!” said Hamish, grinning.
“Sounds pretty good,” said Kelindra.
“Much better than mine!” said Ruby, agreeing with this.
“Me?” asked Benjamin, scratching his head. A powerful feeling swelled up in his chest, like the glorious breath of a dragon.
“Yes. So are we the Band of Benjamin?” Amberina put out her hands, ready to clap once the name was confirmed.
Everyone nodded and clapped.
Benjamin shook his head in disbelief, feeling his heart rise. Was this what power felt like? To be a leader? If so, it was a nice feeling. If only Kaileena and Prince Adam could have been here to witness it.
*
Benjamin walked through the deserted corridors alone, leaving his companions to travel as a pair and a trio. The ship was dark, old and shadowy with five decks and musty stairs leading up and down to each one. Some ancient vases were the only furnishings on the laminated wooden floors that vibrated with each throb of the engines below. The walls of the corridors were painted in dull red, and even though it was all a little staid, Benjamin thought it splendid.
It’s beautiful, he thought. The ship is wonderful!
Strolling around different areas, hoping to eavesdrop on some conversations, Benjamin reminded himself to take the utmost care. Anything he’d heard so far was unimportant or irrelevant. Thankfully, he passed the soldiers without incident and excited no attention. Once or twice someone asked him what he was doing, to which he gave a quick response and was left to go about his business.
Just then he entered a large hall, the ceiling of which was high and dim with flickering lightbulbs. It smelled strongly of roast chicken and was quite busy, but Benjamin’s attention was caught by four men in a group at a single table. Their conversation concerned children.
Like a fox in the night, Benjamin crept over near them and sat on a chair, pretending to read a newspaper that was lying around. He listened carefully.
“The organization is run by a woman, but apparently nobody knows who she is,” said one of them.
“What woman?” asked another.
“Like I said, nobody knows; but I reckon she’s the one who set up the same organization five years ago which that Goldenberry girl destroyed,” said the first man.
“Oh, yes. I remember,” said another man in armour. “I was there when it happened.”
“There was something about a Golden Fountain as well, something to do with children,” continued the first man.
“Is that a treasure?” asked the second man.
“No idea. All I know is that it’s a fountain.”
“How are the children related to this Golden Fountain?” asked a pot-bellied man with a huge black beard.
“I don’t know, but there’s a very strong connection,” replied the first man.
Benjamin’s mouth went dry. No way! he thought. So it’s true, after all? Prince Adam was right, it was more than just a dream.
“How do you know all this?” asked the third man, the soldier.
“Supreme Commander Warrick captured a kidnapper on Tuesday and got information from him. Now you know.”
“Did he say where it was, this organization?” asked the soldier.
“Of course. If he hadn’t, we wouldn’t be on this ship right now, would we?”
The others nodded in agreement.
“It’s somewhere in the Far South, below Brightlake. It’s called Halamaband or something like that. As soon as we arrive, we’re going to fly off in zeppelins that are stored down below. I heard that we’re going to ask other armies of the Aradian Empire to help us, such as the wild snow animals – ”
“Wild snow animals? What are they?” the pot-bellied man interrupted, perplexed.
“Snow leopards, snow lions, snow tigers and a few others. They can actually transform into one another. A snow lion can transform into a snow tiger or a snow leopard and so on, but the form of a snow cheetah is rarely used, I believe.”
This is getting interesting, thought Benjamin. So we’re not the only army involved.
“It seems that Colonel Rafe has an alliance with the prince of this race of animals, and because of that they’re part of the Aradian Empire too.”
“I see, and what do you call this animal race?” asked the pot-bellied man.
“Don’t know, to be honest. All I know is that they’re snow cats.”
Benjamin watched the men get up one by one, leaving behind the pot-bellied man.
Since there was nothing more to be heard, Benjamin left. He thought of searching the ship for the zeppelins that had been mentioned, but had no idea where to start. He looked at the map on the wall outside the lobby, but there was no mention of their whereabouts. That would be a
challenge, he thought. Perhaps some fresh air would suit him better at the moment. Benjamin took the stairs that led to the upper deck where cold air rushed past his face. It was freezing and the salty sea smell made him wrinkle his nose. He looked out at the vast ocean. It has been a long time since he’d travelled by boat, about five years, but it seemed even longer. He could hardly believe that he was at sea again.
He was lost in his memories when a sudden slam roused him. Benjamin turned around and saw Amberina standing on top of another flight of stairs which led to the cabins that the generals used. Benjamin remembered staying in one of those when he had accompanied Sebastian, so what was Amberina doing there, taking a risk like that? He looked at her and realised she was on the verge of tears. What had upset her? Suddenly she noticed him and gasped, turning away.
“Amberina!” he called out, but she’d disappeared. Strange girl, that one, he thought.
“Hey!”
Benjamin turned around to see Musab, looking cheerful.
“Find out anything useful?”
Musab shook his head. Pity; Benjamin would have liked to acquire some new information.
“What time do you reckon we’ll arrive at the Far South?” asked Musab.
“I don’t really know,” said Benjamin. “It’s three o’clock now. We’ve been travelling for about seven hours. Shall we go back to the supply room?”
“All right. I could do with an apple or something. I’m awfully hungry.”
As they were about to descend the stairs to the middle deck, another voice called out from behind.
“Benjamin?”
Benjamin suddenly froze. His eyes grew wide and he could feel his heart pumping with anxiety. He’d know that voice anywhere.
“Do you know him?” asked Musab, looking at the man behind them. Benjamin tried to stay frozen, hoping it might help him stay invisible, no matter how stupid that might sound.
“Benjamin!” the voice repeated.
Benjamin groaned and slowly turned around to see his brother looking at him. Sebastian’s fists were clenched and he looked angry.
“Benjamin, what are you doing here?” he said. “What is wrong with you?” He was roaring at the top of his voice. “Why can’t you stay at home with Mama and Papa? This is unbelievable!”
Benjamin cast his eyes down. He had been caught.
Three other men arrived on the scene, colleagues of Sebastian’s. Benjamin recognised Supreme Commander Warrick, a man with ginger hair. “Seb, we’ve seen land,” he said. “We’ve almost arrived at Brightlake.” On seeing Benjamin, he stopped speaking.
“He is actually here …”
“He’s on the ship …”
“Our predictions were correct …” they said, one after the other.
Benjamin was puzzled by the last remark. What predictions? he thought, but the fact that he had been caught upset him.
“I told you so,” said the Supreme Commander, nudging Sebastian.
Jordanna was next to arrive on the scene. She squinted her eyes, frowning. “Benjamin?” she muttered. “You have to be joking.”
Sebastian spun around to face her. “No, this is no joke,” he shouted. “He’s right here in front of us!”
Standing behind Benjamin, Musab frowned, unsure of what was going on. Realising that these people must be Benjamin’s siblings, he knew that they were in deep trouble.
“What are you doing here?” asked Sebastian.
Benjamin replied looking down at the floor. “I want to save Kevin, Alby and my friends.”
“I’ve got a whole army already to do that!”
“But I want to do it too! How do you expect to get into the place where the children are? It’s bound to be heavily guarded. You’re an adult; I’m a child. They’ll let me in. I’ll get them out of there. I can be bait. You have to let me come, please!”
“Do Mama and Papa know you’re here?” asked Jordanna, changing the subject.
Benjamin twisted his lips and didn’t answer.
“They don’t, do they? This is unbelievable!” she scoffed. “They should have called!” Rubbing her forehead with one hand, she sighed tensely.
Sebastian folded his muscular arms. “We’re going to arrange for a small boat to take you back,” he said.
“Do that and you’re in big trouble!” said Supreme Commander Warrick.
“I won’t allow you!” said another man, a colonel with fair hair whose name was Rafe.
“Seconded!” said the air commander, Mikael, shaking his shaggy black beard. “He’s got you to look after him.”
Sebastian’s colleagues seemed protective, as if they wanted him here, but Benjamin couldn’t imagine why. This was strange.
Sebastian shook his head with a slight scoff. “I have full responsibility for my section of the army, but now that Benjamin’s here, it’s impossible for me to fill that role.”
No one said anything. All was quiet for a moment as Sebastian paused to think. Eventually he said, “Very well, I won’t send you back. You can stay.”
Benjamin looked up joyfully. “Yes! Yes! Thank you, Seb!” he shouted.
“What? No!” said Jordanna, protesting against this decision. “Are you crazy?”
“I promise I won’t get in your way,” Benjamin continued, jumping up on his feet.
“Don’t worry, you won’t!” Sebastian retorted, destroying his hopes. “You’re staying on the ship while we go and rescue the children!”
Benjamin turned scarlet. His blood began to boil. “That’s not fair!” he shouted.
“We’re your elder siblings!” said Sebastian, poking his arm. “That means you have to listen to me and Jordanna. I don’t care if you think it isn’t fair!”
“Just because you’re my brother and sister, that doesn’t mean anything.” Benjamin was losing his cool and displaying his rebellious streak. “You can’t boss me around!”
“Excuse me?” they said in unison.
“That’s right! You heard me. If Herman was here, he’d definitely listen!” Benjamin’s confidence was rising and he was ready to go on arguing.
“What?” said Jordanna, confused. “Why bring Herman into this?”
“I’m saying you should both be more like him. Of all our family, Herman’s the only one who supports my decision. He gave me this knife!” As he spoke, Benjamin took out the long knife from the back of his shirt. This shocked everyone greatly. Putting down the knife, Benjamin continued. “You probably don’t know it but Kaileena got kidnapped yesterday because of me, and just this morning, the same thing happened to Prince Adam. I made a promise to them both that I would rescue them if they were kidnapped, and I’m going to keep it. You must let me come, please!”
Silence fell again. Warrick looked at Mikael and Rafe and they looked at him, all with raised eyebrows. When they turned towards Benjamin, he saw that their faces were full of pity as if Benjamin didn’t know what was coming to him. Jordanna didn’t know what was going on.
“What is it?” Benjamin was feeling uncomfortable at the eyes turned towards him. “Is there something else I should know?”
“No,” said Sebastian, breaking the silence. “Just go to my cabin. I’ll send someone to check on you later.”
“And take any friends that came along with you,” snapped Jordanna. Flicking her fingers, she ordered a group of female guards to escort the boys away.
Walking off with Musab, Benjamin was full of frustration; never in his life had he felt so helpless. The last remark he heard was Warrick asking Sebastian if he was satisfied. Satisfied with what?
Sebastian said nothing. He ignored his colleagues and rubbed his hand on the railings, looking out over the blue sea to regain his composure.
When Benjamin had turned the corner, he climbed up the stairs and began to worry about his other companions. How were they doing?
Had they already been caught? He looked at Musab, who was brooding like a hen. The argument Benjamin had had with his elder siblings must have been frightening for him. Benjamin had thought he’d be able to keep out of sight, but he’d been wrong. Even worse, Sebastian wasn’t going to let him join the rescue party. Well, if Sebastian and Jordanna thought they were going to prevent Benjamin from rescuing the missing children, then they were wrong. He’d do whatever it took to slip from their clutches. As he traipsed up the stairs, he berated himself for his stupidity. Seven ships were following them. Why couldn’t he have boarded any of those, rather than the one Sebastian was on?
They entered the large cabin and the guards left, locking the door behind them to prevent them from escaping. Musab went to look out the window, worrying about their situation. Benjamin sighed and was about to apologise when someone unlocked the door, came in and grabbed him, putting one hand over his mouth. Benjamin tried to free himself, but no one came to his aid. The door was firmly shut by a young female and Benjamin realised that two men were wrestling with him, trying to quieten him with their bare hands. He used his teeth and bit one of them.
“Aargh! Benjamin, stop! It’s me!”
His heart skipped a beat or two. Benjamin knew those voices. It couldn’t be – could it? Removing their orange turbans, the men revealed themselves and the young female lifted her veil. Benjamin lurched forward into a tight hug.
“Herman! I knew you’d come!” he said.
The young female was Nadine and the other man was Edgar. Benjamin embraced them joyfully.
“How did you find me?” he asked.
“When you left, we went after you,” Nadine answered. “Herman said that you would be on the ship, and when we got here we saw you exploring the corridors.”
“We wanted to talk to you, but you were on the upper deck,” Herman said. “And we didn’t dare go there as we don’t want Sebastian or Jordanna to know that we’re here. I hope you’re all right. We saw some guards locking you in here and waited till they’d left. What happened? Did the guards realise you shouldn’t be here?”