The Time Hunters and the Sword of Ages

by carl ashmore

‘Course you don’t,’ Joe muttered sarcastically.

  ‘Up yours.’

  ‘Up yours, too.’

  ‘Now, now,’ Uncle Percy said firmly. ‘Let’s not go up anybody’s, shall we? Your Easter holidays have already started somewhat eventfully. Why don’t we let bygones be bygones, put this squabbling behind us, and try and have a nice time?’

  ‘Okay,’ Joe replied. Becky nodded.

  ‘I’ve picked up your bags from your mother’s house,’ Uncle Percy said. ‘So shall we make tracks?’ He walked off in the direction of the car park. As Joe caught up with him, he said, ‘Now, young man, what was this detention all about?’

  ‘Scrapping,’ Joe replied. ‘But it was –’

  Uncle Percy’s mouth pressed into a stern line. ‘There can be no excuses for mindless fisticuffs, Joe, regardless of what you consider a reasonable justification.’

  ‘This Year 10 bully grabbed my mate, Zammo, dragged him into the girls’ bogs and was about to flush his head down the toilet, when I stopped him.’

  Uncle Percy looked conflicted. ‘This could be a rare occasion when there may be some just cause. As Edmund Burke famously said, “All that is required for evil to flourish in the world is for good men to do nothing.” So in the spirit of Mister Burke, I hope you gave the scoundrel a good thrashing.’

  ‘I did okay.’

  ‘Just don’t go making a habit of it.’

  ‘I won’t.’

  Uncle Percy, Joe and Becky entered the visitors’ car park to see Beryl, Uncle Percy’s Hackney cab and time machine, was the last car parked there. They climbed in.

  Uncle Percy turned the ignition over and pulled onto the street.

  ‘If you’re planning on time travelling to Bowen Hall,’ Joe said. ‘You’re not gonna find a free space around Manchester to make the trip.’

  ‘Not a problem,’ Uncle Percy replied. ‘Percival Totteridge has kindly loaned us the use of his garage for said purpose. He lives in Whalley Range, so we’re not far away.’

  As they weaved through the busy streets, Becky gazed out of the window. She recalled the last time she had travelled in Beryl, her amazement at discovering the car was also a submarine, and the relentless attack by zombie sharks that left the car ravaged and devastated. Shivering at the memory, her thoughts drifted eagerly to Dan Hardman. Her heart skipped a beat. Okay, he couldn’t remember asking her out now, but at least he had, and maybe he would do so again. A glorious vision entered her head – she and Dan were eating lunch together in the school canteen, opposite Debbie Crabtree, whose fat face had turned sprout-green with envy. Just as a smile curled on her mouth, another image surfaced, tarnishing all that had gone before: Emerson Drake. Her delight turned to revulsion. Before she could stop herself, she stared at Uncle Percy and said in an icy voice, ‘Emerson Drake said you’re lying to us. What does he mean?’

  ‘What?’

  ‘He didn’t mention you by name, but he might as well have.’

  ‘And what did he accuse me of lying about?’

  ‘He didn’t say,’ Becky replied. ‘But he did say we were surrounded by a web of lies and ignorant of the truth. So … are we?’

  Uncle Percy fell silent. He looked uncomfortable. ‘And is this why he paid you a visit?’

  ‘Other than to throw Joe off a roof, he didn’t seem to have come for any other reason,’ Becky replied. ‘So … is he right? Are you lying to us about something?’

  Uncle Percy sighed. ‘Emerson Drake is a deceiver, a manipulator and he’ll use any weapon at his disposal to inflict harm on others. In this instance, it’s words.’

  ‘He said he doesn’t lie.’

  Uncle Percy gave a hollow laugh. ‘And isn’t that the biggest lie of all? Drake will stop at nothing to destroy anyone and everything that opposes him. We oppose him. We stand for everything he isn’t. And he’s trying to destroy our faith in each other. He’s trying to drive a wedge between us.’

  Joe frowned at Becky. ‘Drake’s full of crap. Stop stressing about it.’

  Becky ignored him, and looked warily at Uncle Percy. ‘You would tell us if there was something we didn’t know, wouldn’t you?’

  ‘There are many things you don’t know, Becky,’ Uncle Percy replied. ‘And many things I don’t know, either. And yes, perhaps there are some things I haven’t told you, because I don’t think it’s in your best interest to know them.’

  Becky was about to challenge when Uncle Percy continued.

  ‘As I’m sure there are things in your life you would prefer to keep from me…’

  The conversation with Dan Hardman popped straight into Becky’s head.

  ‘Now, I respect your decision on such matters,’ Uncle Percy said simply. ‘And you … you should respect mine. I don’t know exactly what Emerson Drake is referring to, if anything at all, but I do know we’re supposed to have a wonderful Easter holidays together, so let’s concentrate on that, shall we? And not on some pestilential bile spouted by a maniac…’

  Becky didn’t feel satisfied at all. ‘But –’

  Joe had had enough. ‘Cane it, will you, Becks?’ he said. ‘You keep stuff from me all the time. And if Uncle Percy doesn’t want us to know something I’m sure there’s a reason. Why’re you always poking your big conk into other people’s business.’

  Becky huffed loudly, folded her arms and slouched into the chair. ‘I don’t,’ she muttered. ‘And I haven’t got a big conk, fat head!’

  A few minutes of stony silence later, Uncle Percy drove on to the long shingle drive of a large detached house. He curved left into an open garage, far away from the roadside. Cloaked in a sudden darkness, he brought Beryl to a halt, and looked back at Becky.

  ‘Now, have we had enough of the silent treatment? We won’t have a particularly memorable time if we don’t talk to each other.’

  Becky took one look at him, his face hopeful. ‘Okay.’

  ‘Good,’ Uncle Percy said with a smile. ‘I really enjoy Easter, and I’ve got plenty of Easter treats lined up for you.’ He leaned over and typed six digits on to Beryl’s time pad. At once, a thick mist of light poured from the dashboard, illuminating the interior of the car.

  ‘Bowen Hall, here we come!’ Joe shouted joyously.

  For once, Becky couldn’t share his enthusiasm. She couldn’t shake the feeling Drake’s accusations had left Uncle Percy peculiarly troubled, distressed even. And, as far as she was concerned, he could be as slippery as he wanted, play whatever word games he chose, but there was something significant he wasn’t telling them, something that involved her and Joe. And she was determined to find out what that was. No matter how difficult it was to hear.

  *

  A moment later, Becky was staring up at Bowen Hall, its hundreds of windows glinting like polished diamonds in the high sun. At once, all thoughts of Drake dissolved, replaced by the burning excitement of the week to come. Her gaze shifted to the front door, fully expecting it to burst open, to reveal Maria, arms waggling, hurtling toward them at full pelt, Jacob limping close behind, as fast as his impaired leg would allow. But the door remained firmly shut. She was about to ask where they were when Uncle Percy seemed to anticipate the question.

  ‘Now there’s something I should tell you,’ he said gravely. ‘Maria and Jacob are away.’

  Becky’s eyes narrowed. ‘Away?’

  ‘They’re travelling.’

  ‘Time travelling?’

  ‘Yes.’

  Becky was shocked. It was the last thing she’d expected. ‘When? Where’ve they gone?’

  ‘Berlin,’ Uncle Percy replied.

  ‘When?’

  ‘Nineteen Fifty Three.’

  ‘Why?’ Joe asked.

  Uncle Percy took a solemn breath. ‘Yesterday was the anniversary of the death of their son, daughter in law and grandaughter. They return to Berlin every year for a few days to visit their grave.’

  Silence filled the car.

  ‘Why Nineteen Fifty Three?’ Joe asked.

&
nbsp; ‘They choose a different year each time they return, so they don’t bump into themselves.’

  ‘When will they be back?’ Joe asked.

  ‘Late tonight, I believe,’ Uncle Percy replied. ‘Obviously it’s a sensitive time for them, so please don’t bring the subject up unless they do.’

  ‘We won’t,’ Becky said.

  ‘Course not,’ Joe added.

  ‘But Maria did leave strict instructions you weren’t to feel sad for them,’ Uncle Percy said, managing a smile. ‘She’s looking forward to seeing you both and she intends to spoil you rotten with all kinds of edible goodies. Infact, she’s already baked an Easter Lamb cake the size of a Great Dane.’

  ‘Easter lamb cake?’ Becky said. ‘A cake made out of lamb?’

  ‘A sponge cake in the shape of a lamb,’ Uncle Percy clarified. ‘It’s called Osterlamm Kuchen, and is a very old Eastern European tradition. Quite delicious.’ He opened the driver’s door and climbed out.

  Exiting the car, Becky heard a shrill yelp and saw Sabian scamper from the nearby trees, his mother, Milly, striding majestically behind him. Sabian rushed toward her, weaving excitedly between her legs. After all that had happened at school, she couldn’t begin to express how happy she felt to see him alive and well.

  Will Shakelock followed the cats into the open. ‘A fine evening to you all.’

  ‘Hey, Will,’ Becky waved.

  Joe raced over to him. ‘Drake chucked me off a roof,’ he said as eagerly as if reporting a good football result.

  Will was lost for words.

  ‘He was at our school,’ Joe continued. ‘He used a dead Sabre tooth cub we thought was Sabian to lure us onto the roof, and then he threw me off it. I thought I was mush, but Super Becks saved the day with her googly powers.’

  Bewildered, Will glanced at Uncle Percy.

  ‘I’m afraid it’s true, William,’ Uncle Percy confirmed.

  ‘And where’s Drake now?’ Will asked.

  ‘He’s long gone,’ Joe replied. His eyes ignited as he remembered something. ‘I joined a sword fighting class in Hulme. The teacher says he hasn’t seen anything like me before. He reckons I’m a natural. Wanna test me?’

  ‘Why not?’ Will replied, smiling. ‘But first you should settle in your quarters.’

  Joe beamed. ‘Okay.’ He raced to the taxi’s boot, opened it and grabbed his suitcase. Then he and Will approached the front door, talking animatedly, neither of them pausing for breath.

  Becky grinned as she watched them disappear into the house. ‘He has, you know,’ she said to Uncle Percy. ‘Every night after school, when he’s not doing his archery, he’s been going to that sword club. And I hate to admit it, but he’s well good. No, he’s better than that, he’s brilliant. What with that and the archery, he’s become Will-lite … a spotty, smelly, irritating Will-lite.’

  ‘I’m glad he’s found a hobby,’ Uncle Percy replied, taking Becky’s suitcase out of the boot.

  ‘Yeah, but everything he’s good at is to do with violence,’ Becky replied. ‘And that’s not so good for me.’

  Uncle Percy hooked his arm into Becky’s. ‘As far as I can see, young lady, your googly powers make you just about the most powerful human being on the face of the planet. I don’t think you have any worries in that department.’

  Becky had never thought about it like that. As they walked up the high stone steps, she said, ‘Any news on the next Eden Relic?’

  ‘I’ve been doing some research,’ Uncle Percy replied. ‘But nothing concrete as yet. It seems there are more stories of powerful relics in history that just about anything else. Most are just bibble babble.’

  ‘And what about Dad?’

  Uncle Percy sighed. ‘Nothing at all, I’m afraid. However, despite Drake’s intimidatory tactics, the community is still searching as hard as ever. No one’s giving up. I promise you that.’

  With a shiver, Becky recalled Drake’s threats at the Enchantment Beneath the Sea Dance the previous Christmas. ‘That’s really kind of them.’

  ‘Not at all. They want to do it.’

  ‘And Drake’s made no attempt to hurt anyone?’

  ‘Not as yet,’ Uncle Percy replied. ‘But we have taken some measures to protect the travelling community. Rather significant measures, as it so happens.’

  ‘What kind of measures?’

  ‘I’m hoping to show you tomorrow afternoon,’ Uncle Percy replied. ‘I’ll keep it as my little secret for now, but I think you’ll enjoy it.’

  Becky recalled his enthusiasm on the phone. ‘So is that what’s “totally awesome”?’

  ‘Oh, no,’ Uncle Percy chuckled. ‘The total awesomeness shall be revealed tomorrow morning.’

  ‘And do I get a clue?’

  ‘Nope,’ Uncle Percy grinned. ‘But just one more sleep and you’re in for an absolute treat. Trust me…’

  From nowhere, Drake’s words seared her thoughts. ‘You just live quite happily … trusting those you really shouldn’t trust.’

  And for all her confusion, for all her uncle’s strange, evasive response when questioned, she knew she trusted him with all her heart. She really did.

  *

  Becky went to her room and unpacked her suitcase. She changed out of her school uniform, and into a t-shirt and jeans. Then she sent a text her mother to say they had arrived safely, before staring out of the window and surveying the grounds. It was then she heard a firm rap at the door. ‘Come in.’

  The door didn’t open.

  ‘Come in,’ she repeated.

  Still, the door remained shut.

  Surprised and somewhat puzzled, she opened it. At once, her eyes nearly popped from her skull.

  A gigantic rabbit, the size of a small cow, was standing there, its salmon pink nose twitching, its chopstick-sized whiskers quivering madly. It had a coat of silken grey fur, tiny chestnut-brown eyes, and a pair of small but floppy ears. The rabbit shuffled into the bedroom, causing her to step back with shock. Then she heard suppressed giggles from the next room.

  ‘Get out here … NOW!’ she shouted in a half laugh, half shriek.

  Uncle Percy and Joe appeared at the door, clutching their sides with laughter.

  ‘What the hell is that thing?’ Becky fired at Uncle Percy.

  ‘That, Becky, is Nuralagus Rex,’ Uncle Percy replied. ‘The largest rabbit in history. I found him on Minorca in the Messinian age, four million years ago. Isn’t he smashing?’

  Becky’s disbelief became amusement. ‘You are such a big kid!’

  ‘He’s so cool,’ Joe said. ‘Can we keep him?’

  ‘I don’t think so,’ Uncle Percy replied. ‘Barbie’s already furious at me for bringing him out of his time.’

  Becky watched as the rabbit loped over to the four-poster bed and began to nibble at her duvet. ‘And what’s his name?’

  ‘Bernie.’

  Becky laughed. ‘Bernie the Rabbit!’

  Uncle Percy grinned back at her. ‘I told you I had some Easter treats for you … this is Bernie the Easter Bunny..

  .’

  Chapter 5

  Broken Glass, Broken Lives

  The next hour passed by in a blur. Becky, Joe, and Uncle Percy stopped off at the kitchen to collect a bucket of freshly picked carrots, before taking Bernie outside to explore the grounds. He was inquisitive about everything, lumbering round happily, from tree to flower patch, munching relentlessly on an endless stream of carrots. Soon after, Will joined them, wielding two wooden swords, and an eager Joe showed him his abilities as a swordsman. Will was impressed, and to Joe’s delight, stated that Joe was as capable with a sword as any trained medieval knight.

  Becky was eager to visit the stables to see Pegasus, the winged foal, but, to her frustration, a strangely insistent Uncle Percy suggested she do that the following day.

  As the sun sank on the horizon, leaving the grounds blanketed in shade, they returned to the Hall. An enthusiastic Uncle Percy had promised to cook evening dinner, and
Becky was delighted to discover that, although he was an unparalleled genius at everything else, he couldn’t cook to save his life. He spent two hours ruining everything he touched, incinerating a roast beef joint, over-boiling broccoli and cauliflower until they liquefied into goo, and splashing gravy everywhere, until more spattered the kitchen walls than was in the pan. In the end, he admitted defeat, threw all of his culinary efforts in the bin, and slumped with a huff on to his chair, whilst Becky made everyone beans on toast.

  It was approaching eleven when Becky collapsed into bed. Exhausted, she buried her head in her pillow and curled up beneath the sheets. She fell asleep almost immediately.

  In the blink of an eye, she was awake again. The room was tar-black and the air as thick as treacle. She picked up her phone. 1.46am. She lay there for what seemed like an age, tossing and turning. Her mind began to work overtime, reflecting on all that had happened the previous day – the good and the bad: Drake’s appearance, Joe freefalling to certain death, Uncle Percy’s curious response to Drake’s accusations. She knew at once sleep was out of the question.

  Lifting herself out of bed, she went to open the window, hoping some fresh air might help. Opening the curtains, she unfastened the latch, and pushed open the window. A frail breeze stroked her face. As she stared into the blackness, a blast of light, lasting no more than a second, exploded at the edge of the forest. Simultaneously, she heard a faint cracking sound. Dumbfounded, she rubbed her eyes and looked again.

  The light had gone.

  Becky’s heart pounded over the breeze. She was in no doubt a time machine had materialised in the grounds. But who was the traveller? Uncle Percy? Barbie? Maria and Jacob returning from their trip to Berlin? But why would any of them choose to arrive in Bowen Forest? She stared at the same spot for a further few moments hoping for an answer, but all was veiled in darkness once more.

  Her mind awhirl, she stood there eager for an explanation. For an instant, she thought she’d visit Uncle Percy’s room to see if he was there or knew what was going on, but it was so late. She didn’t want to wake him if she was mistaken.

  Deep down, however, she knew she wasn’t.