The light of day continued to slowly decline, as the deepening pools of shadows expanded and started to fill the woods. Lee realized that the growing gloom in an unknown world would be much more menacing if they did not soon fabricate a makeshift shelter.
After the group had agreed upon a place that looked favorable, Lee instigated the formation of a basic shelter that took little time to erect. Using some long branches and a bevy of grasses, they worked together on fashioning a lean-to shelter at the base of a steeper hill. When finished, Lee saw that the small shelter had the added benefit of being relatively concealed.
Even with the shelter accomplished, Lee had some growing concerns as it came to light that the two women were relatively inexperienced in survival issues. He had hoped otherwise, given that they had been camping when the fog had enveloped them. As the women discovered the same general fact about Lee and Ryan, that they were not naturalists or versed in wilderness skills, a definite anxiety began to rise within the group.
Erin and Lynn’s camping and hiking experiences had involved large numbers of people, equipped with plenty of modern conveniences such as sleeping bags and waterproof tents. The majority of their excursions were into the Gorge area in the Daniel Boone National Forest, with clearly marked trails and highly trained rangers in the vicinity.
Lee and Ryan’s wilderness had always consisted of a jungle of concrete, metal, asphalt, and large numbers of people.
They were all finding themselves to be far out of their element, but Lee could see that necessity was quickly bringing them together for mutual support.
After some more conferring, it was decided that Lee’s earlier idea of using one of the women and one of the men to serve in watch shifts would be implemented. The pair on watch, as well as those sleeping, would be situated within the little enclosure, so that none of them would be left too exposed out in the open.
With the evening’s arrangements settled, they set out as a group in the waning daylight to search around the immediate area for any possible source of food. Lee did not expect instant success, but hoped that they could get some ideas for the coming day.
Lee urged the others to check into the beds of nearby creeks, suggesting that there might be the equivalent of frogs or crayfish lurking within the waters and grasses.
The others did not appear to find the idea altogether appetizing, and Erin looked entirely revolted by the suggestion. But Lee at least knew how to prepare both frogs and crayfish for consumption. He also realized that they would soon be eating tree bark if they did not find other solutions for sustenance.
The worries of the others turned out to be for naught, if just for the moment, as nothing was turned up from the couple of creeks that they probed.
Erin succeeded in discovering some mushrooms, which none of the group wanted to try. They had all heard stories about people eating the wrong kind of mushrooms, and none felt certain that what Erin had found was not one of the toxic varieties of the fungus. Lynn found some unrecognizable type of berries, which they also decided against trying for much the same reasons.
When the last vestiges of daylight finally ebbed, they all settled themselves into the enclosure with ravenous appetites harbored inside of them. Thirst overrode caution, and they drank abundantly from cold creek waters near their camping site, hoping that no contaminants were in the water. Bellies full of water helped to take a little of the edge off of them, but Lee knew that it would not be very long before solid food would become a major issue.
The night eased in upon the forest, and the sibilant sounds of insects chirping filled the woods all around them. There were only a couple of moments in which the woods went silent, which caused the group to tense at what was perhaps the passage of a larger creature nearby. Once, Lee’s head shot up in alarm at what sounded like a far-off shriek. It took some time for his nerves to settle back down.
Good fortune prevailed overall, though, as there were no major disturbances throughout the rest of the evening, enabling those who were not on watch to allow themselves to surrender to sleep. The largely peaceable night also caused those who were on watch to struggle to stay awake, especially the first pair, as all four of them were entirely exhausted at the outset of the evening.
Lee had volunteered for the onerous duty of the first shift. He knew that it would be the toughest, and in that sense the most important, as it carried the greatest risk of leaving the group vulnerable by having those on watch inadvertently falling asleep.
Lee had been joined by Lynn for the unpleasant challenge, and to his delight soon found her to be very pleasant company. Yet in their great weariness they spoke rather sparingly, and when they did it was often only to help each other remain awake.
After the first shift had ended, and they had roused Ryan and Erin to take their places, Lee could barely keep his eyelids parted. The cloak of sleep came as a very welcome mercy, and not a moment too soon. Lee’s consciousness tumbled into a dreamless sleep as he lay upon the hard, uneven ground.
The engulfing fatigue that plunged him into the dark depths of unconsciousness was not without its useful merits. He knew that otherwise he would likely have spent the entire night battling a rising tide of fears and anxieties, the greatest of which being that the sojourn that had begun that day in the peculiar forest would not be ending anytime soon.
JANUS
A few hours later, the mesmerizing sky began to dim as the sun descended towards the west. Janus was intrigued as to what kind of sunset would occur given the different hue of sky, but there were far more pressing matters at hand.
Though night was approaching, it was not yet fully dark. Janus, Derek, and Kent had been passing the time letting their bodies rest up a little.
There had been no major incidents during the past few hours. There were no signs of any sort of strange new life forms, like the creature in the grasses that Kent had startled upon their arrival. The only noises to be heard were that of the air sweeping through the high grasses, and the waters as they flowed through the channel of the river far behind them.
Growing tired with the inactivity, Janus stretched his limbs out and got to his feet slowly. Taking a deep breath, he walked well away from the others, until he was back at the river’s edge. He looked all about for any sign of the boat.
To his continued dismay, there was no clue as to what had become of the vessel, and he felt a lump in his throat as a growing anxiety gripped him. He gazed back to where the unbroken line of trees heralded the beginnings of the vast forest. As the light dimmed, the shadowy boundary looked ever more mysterious and foreboding.
It was becoming evident that sooner or later they would have to begin thinking about getting something to eat. The forest would likely serve as their most opportune place to search, perhaps offering some nuts or berries. The river before him could well be teeming with fish, but they had no poles or nets available.
There was a small victory to be had nonetheless, in that there was plenty of accessible fresh water to go around. Cupping his hands, he knelt down and scooped up some handfuls of the water and drank it. He imbibed the cool liquid with relish, even as some of it dribbled down the sides of his mouth and neck.
He took in rapid breaths after the long draughts of water, still amazed at the clean feeling of the air as it passed into his lungs. He concentrated on gathering his wits, which was the most important asset that he still had available to him in this extraordinary place. He knew that they could not sit around and wait forever, but they had absolutely no idea as to how to get back to the lake.
With a barely audible sigh, he spun about and walked back down to where Kent and Derek were still resting.
“Anything new?” Derek inquired, idly looking up into the blue-green sky.
A couple of large, black ravens flew by overhead.
“Not always the best harbinger,” Derek remarked with a rueful chuckle, watching the dark birds slowly fade into the distance.
“You mean the ravens?” Kent asked him.
“I’ll explain it sometime later,” Derek replied with a dismissive air.
Janus shook his head and frowned.
“What are you thinking about?” Derek asked him.
“Everything. Just what we do know,” Janus responded dourly. “Boat’s gone. There’s a strange forest nearby. We have no idea what has happened or how it happened. The sky is entirely different to us, and we’ve already seen an animal that is very different from anything we’ve known. My gut feeling is that none of it bodes very well.”
“We’ll have to head forth sometime and explore our surroundings. That much is obvious,” Derek declared. “We’ll look for some source of food too. Can’t assume we’ll be back home anytime soon.”
“Not far at all from what was running through my mind,” Janus said. “I wonder if there is anyone around this place, as far as people.”
Janus let his breath ebb out in a long, controlled exhalation. He stood with his hands resting on his hips, looking down at the swaying grasses caught in the early evening breezes.
Under the circumstances, the most simple of things appeared daunting.
“There are others,” a strong, deep voice intruded suddenly.
Janus whirled around, even as Derek jumped up immediately to his feet in a combative stance. Kent’s eyes snapped wide open, and he twirled around with a mien of renewed panic, as he scrambled up to his feet and stood close to Derek.
All of their eyes were fixed upon the speaker, who had somehow managed to approach them without any of them having heard or seen anything.
The one who had addressed them was a tall man of very advanced years, clothed in full-length, blue garments. A wide-brimmed hat with a low, rounded crown topped his head.
Thick white eyebrows, a mass of long white hair, and an extensive white beard were among the most prominent features of the peculiar stranger. His long, sharp nose poked out over the abundant growth of facial hair, and a lone blue eye gazed intently at the three of them. His left eye was hidden from view, fully covered by a patch.
The elderly man looked to be very calm, even amiable in manner. “I mean no harm to any of you,” he continued, before they had a chance to reply. “But there are others such as yourselves in these lands. In there!”
He extended his right arm, pointing to where the great forest began.
“There you will find others, who have gone through what you have gone through,” he proceeded. “It is where you must start.”
“Who are you?” were the first words out of Janus’ mouth.
It was pretty evident that the man represented no great threat. Janus and his companions were physically capable enough, and he knew that Derek was an exceptional fighter if a greater danger arose.
“I am… a friend… names would mean little to you now, and perhaps be more trouble than it is worth,” the old man replied. “Dire times indeed have struck this world, and there are very few that you can trust now. The violence across this world is great, and an unrivaled age begins. Everything is at stake. You must join the others who are here, who have come from your world.”
The old man’s remarks about two distinct worlds sent a deep feeling of unease rippling through Janus.
“Sounds absolutely wonderful. But perhaps you can tell us where the hell we are then,” Derek retorted sharply, agitation and sarcasm lacing his words.
The old man did not respond to Derek’s statement, nor did he seem to be offended by the curtness.
Instead, he calmly repeated his urging, “Go to the forest, and you shall find the others. I have matters of my own to attend to, but it is important that you know that others are nearby. Begin there.”
With no further instruction or comment, the old man turned casually and started to walk off in a direction parallel to the forest. Janus noticed how easy and supple his movements were for an old man, and how his robes flowed gracefully with each long stride.
Janus glanced over at Derek, and discovered that the other’s face was exhibiting the same utter confusion about the situation that he was feeling inside. Janus’ eyes reverted back towards the old man as he continued heading away from them.
Janus and Derek simultaneously shook their heads in disbelief. Janus rolled his eyes and broke into a swift trot, hurrying to catch back up to the old man.
Without breaking stride or turning, the old man snapped his right hand up as Janus neared. Janus came to an abrupt halt, as the old man stopped and turned to look at him again.
This time, the sunlight caught his right eye directly, revealing it to be a bright, sparkling blue.
“I know that you are filled with questions. But it is best to keep the questions that you have to yourself for now, as any answers I give will only multiply your questions. I assure you, in time you shall know more. And as I have indicated, in time you shall find that you also know less, as each piece of knowledge beckons to several more,” the old man told him.
The old man’s voice then took on a very purposeful, careful tone. “Here is some wisdom. You may find help from sources that you can see, and some help from sources that you cannot behold with the eyes that you see me with at this moment. See to your friends, and go find the others from your world. That is the best that you can do right now. I shall return to you soon enough.”
Janus was entirely confounded by the enigmatic words of the older man. He failed to ask the old man about the issue of worlds, which had been at the tip of his tongue when he had hastened to catch the mysterious stranger. For no explicable reason, and perhaps only because he did not know what else to do, he heeded the man’s words and pressed no further questions. He made no move to follow as the old man turned his back to Janus and resumed his walk.
A thousand questions were racing through his mind, but it was clear that the old man was not going to discuss anything further. With great reluctance, Janus turned and walked slowly back towards his two friends.
He knew that it was not a total loss. At the very least, they had encountered another person within this strange place, which was becoming more bizarre by the moment.
“I have no idea,” were the first words that he heard from Derek as he drew near to the other two.
Derek was shaking his head and looking down at the ground. When he looked back up, he had an expression of sheer bewilderment.
“I don’t even know where to begin,” Derek spat out. “Or even which way is up, or which way is down right now.”
His friend’s tremendous mystification matched his own. “I don’t either, Derek,” Janus replied. “The world is upside down.” He looked back in the direction that the old man had gone, only to find that the stranger was no longer in view. His brow furrowed for a moment, as he did not think that the old man had been walking quickly enough to travel entirely out of sight. The path that he had taken out in the open should have kept him in their sight for quite awhile.
“Who do you think that was?” Kent said, staring into the distance. Neither of the others answered him immediately.
“An old, bearded man in blue robes and a wide hat. That’s what we know. Here and gone already,” Janus finally replied, with an edge of tension to his words.
“So what did you find out? What did you ask him? Did you ask him where are we?” Kent asked.
“No closer to that answer,” Janus said with frustration. “You heard him, and know as much as I do. He warned us not to trust anyone, that things are violent here, and that there are others from our world in the forest.”
“And that we need to find them,” Derek added.
“That explains a helluva lot,” Kent quipped in irritation. “And what’s the bit about ‘our world’? So, we are in another world, aren’t we? That’s for sure, I suppose, just looking up at that sky and seeing that lizard thing earlier. Well, then, maybe we shouldn’t stay out in the open for too much longer. Where do you all propose going?”
“What about the forest?” Janus inquired.
“What about it? How can we just trust t
hat guy?” Derek asked. “Who knows what’s in there?”
“He’s the first sign of sentient life that we’ve seen in this place, and we’ve gotta move on sometime,” Janus rationalized. “The forest probably has our best hopes of finding something to eat. And if there was a threat involved with the old man, then don’t you think that it would have come upon us when we were idly sitting here, and were completely unaware of his approach to within a few feet of us? If an old man snuck up on us so easily, then anyone could have… or might yet, if we sit around here forever. That’s the way I see it.”
Derek immediately harmonized with Janus’ logic. “I’ve never been that oblivious before, having someone sneak up on me like that. You’re right, Janus, regarding your comments about the threat. But still, what reason do we have to trust him? Even he warned us not to trust anyone.”
“Maybe because we don’t know anything. And what if what he said turns out to be true? About this really being a different world? And about some others from our own world also being here, in the forest? If this unintended arrival in this world could happen to us, then it could have happened to others, right? Maybe there is a real reason why we are here,” Janus responded, though he found the sentiments incredible to fathom even as he spoke of them.
“Maybe there are others, and maybe there aren’t,” Kent interjected. “I, for one, sure as hell do not want to place my life into the hands of an old stranger… especially if this is another world.
“I don’t care if he’s the best older sneak in the universe, and could have crept up on us, and cut our throats in broad daylight, right in the middle of a barren desert plain, with us wide awake and sitting back to back looking out in every direction. You’re giving him way too much credit for trustworthiness, too soon… way too much.”
“Then I wouldn’t expect you to follow the suggestion,” Janus retorted in a more resolved tone, drawing upon a sudden dose of inspiration and willpower that rose within him. “I’ll test it out myself, and Derek can stay with you here. Right now we don’t have many, if any, options, and at some point we need to begin to understand this place.”
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