by Phil Price
Coop cleared his throat. “We don’t know who they are. But we saw where they were holed up. A small village the east, in another forest like this one. There were many of them.”
Lars whistled, the sound almost too loud for Coop’s ears. Men appeared from the tree line, slowly moving towards the threesome. “Good. Because there are many of us. Lead us to them Coop. It’s time to take our revenge.”
Twenty-Five
Jake pulled his Pathfinder into a quiet street and killed the ignition. He checked the time on the centre console. He had thirty minutes before the doorway opened. He’d left Katherine, Alicia, and Doug a few hours before, heading north towards Birmingham. Jake’s eyes swelled with tears, remembering the look on both Katherine and his father’s faces. He promised he would be back as soon as possible, leaving instructions with Doug in case anything happened to him. He’d also showed his father the weapons that he may need if anyone showed up there while he was gone. They’d done all they could to ensure that this plan worked. He switched his phone off, locking in the glove box for when he got back. If he got back. He checked the street. It was quiet, devoid of anyone. He knew the street well. When he’d been a boy his best friend had lived in a house further down to road. It was the perfect place to leave his car. It was a leafy cul-de-sac that saw limited traffic. He climbed out of the car, heading round to the boot. Opening the tailgate, he carefully pulled out his motorbike. He’d purchased a new one when they moved to Tintagel. His mind took him back to when his old bike had been torn to pieces by two mutant whales. He‘d barely made it to safety, remembering that it was the first time he’d met Katherine. He remembered how magnificent she had looked. He smiled to himself in the darkness as the memory faded. He spent a few minutes preparing the bike. Two panniers were strapped to the rear, containing fuel cans. He wasn’t sure how far he’d be travelling. Better to be safe than sorry. Once his bike was ready he put his backpack on, securing it with a buckle around his waist. His black chinless helmet was next. It clipped snugly into place as he started his bike, heading up the road at a gentle pace. He didn’t want to attract any attention before he got to the doorway. Five minutes later he was at an all-night petrol station. He filled his bike to the brim and both fuel cans too. He paid the cashier, grabbing a chocolate bar and a bottle of fizzy drink for the journey. He checked his watch. Ten minutes to go. He was on schedule. He set off towards the doorway, stopping at a set of traffic lights at a busy junction. He sat there waiting as a car pulled up behind him. He looked in his wing mirrors.
“Fuck. That’s all I need,” he said as he looked at the policemen in his mirror. They were eying him with interest. The lights changed to green with Jake setting off at a steady pace, turning right towards Rubery. The police car followed closely. Jake could see that the officers were interested in what he was up to. And why wouldn’t they be? He was dressed in black, with a backpack on, riding along at midnight. He’d be suspicious if he were still an officer. A small island was approaching. Jake indicated left, slowing slightly. Another car was heading in the opposite direction, turning right. This could be my chance, he thought as he steered into Leach Green Lane, gunning the throttle. The police car had to give way to the other car, giving Jake a few seconds to gain a lead on them. The bike levelled out at sixty miles per hour as he navigated the windy road. Blue lights lit the road around him as he neared a junction in the road. The officers were now giving chase. He only hoped they had not taken his bike’s registration before he’d given them the slip. He turned sharply left, flying down the last stretch of road before he came to the Lickey Road. He knew that once he was there he was almost home and dry. The main road was quiet, letting Jake cross the dual carriageway, turning right towards the Hare and Hounds pub. The blue lights were flashing behind him as he neared the turn he needed. The private roadway that led into the forest. He quickly checked over his shoulder, seeing the car advancing on him at break-neck speed. He expertly guided the bike off the road and up the hill towards the dark forest above him. The car was giving chase behind him.
“They’ve got balls following me up here,” Jake said to himself. He was enjoying the thrill of the chase. He knew that the car would be no match for his bike over this terrain. The roadway was made up of mud and grass. Deep trenches had been made by the park rangers 4x4, making it very difficult for the police car to navigate. Jake turned left, twisting the throttle, sending his bike up towards his destination. The car was now several hundred yards behind him. He knew that they would probably get stuck and have to proceed on foot. He’d be long gone by then. The bike coasted the last few hundred yards, turning right into the tree line. He stopped in front of the two familiar trees, checking his watch. One minute to go. He could hear the shouts of the police officers further down the hill. They’d never reach the doorway in time to see its blue glow. The familiar wind kicked up across the forest, accompanied by a building pressure in Jake’s ears. They popped as the doorway took shape in front of him. He sat for a full minute, watching to see if anything was coming the other way. Mist spilled out from the doorway, twisting around his bike. He shivered involuntarily, noticing that the mist seemed to take on strange shapes. Almost wraith-like. He pulled the cross from his jacket pocket, it instantly glowing in his hand, dissipating the swirling mist around him. Torch light a few hundred yards away told Jake that his friends were close by. He needed to go. The doorway started blinking in the darkness as he coaxed the bike forward, across the void. He seemed to get stuck, an invisible resistance slowing him almost to a stop. He revved gently, sending the bike through the doorway into the other forest. Into another world.
Twenty-Six
Tony and Kenneth sat on a straw mattress, locked inside a small cell. Tony sported a large red lump on his head that had started to swell. Kenneth was unscathed, save for a few bruises here and there. They both lay there in silence, lost in their own thoughts. It had all happened so fast. They had entered the catacombs under the forest, gingerly making their way into a stone passageway. Then it had all kicked off. They had both stood fixated as a vampire had appeared in front of them. She stood there at the entrance to an ante-chamber, hands on hips, her eyes glowing in the darkness. The two men were rooted to the spot, unsure of what to do. Just as Kenneth started to raise his cross towards her, Guzman had crashed into them from behind, sending them flying into the walls. Tony had hit his head on the wet black rock, losing consciousness. Stephen had the wind driven from his lungs by the impact of hitting the cave wall. He’d gone down hard, groggily aware that he was being dragged along the floor. Karaa and Guzman deposited the pair in a small dank cell, locking the iron door behind them. When they came to they had inspected the door, amazed at the padlock and wrought iron bars that held them captive. Now as they lay there, both men pondered their fate.
“What time is it?” Tony asked, for the umpteenth time.
Kenneth looked at his watch. “Just after midnight,” was his short reply. Sounds filtered through the darkness towards them, making the men stand up. The torches that adorned the walls offered scant light to them. The four figures were almost on top of them before they saw them.
Both men stood, mouths agape as Elias walked up to the bars. “Welcome. It seems that you’ve already met Eduardo and Karaa. Allow me to introduce you to another member of our family.” He stood aside as a figure shuffled forward. Her eyes shining brightly in the gloom.
“Oh, holy fuck!” Kenneth said, as Alison approached them.
She smiled at him, a brief flicker of recognition in her eyes. “AAAAAAAAHHHHHH,” she screamed as she hurled herself at the bars. She shook them, the noise deafening in the confines. Both men fell backwards, landing on the mattress. Another scream sent shivers through them as they watched frozen in horror.
“Easy now Alison. All in good time.” Elias cooed.
Kenneth rose to his feet, walking towards the bars. “What have you done to her you fucking monster?”
Elias stepped forward. “Watch your ton
gue, priest. You’re far from home. It’s not wise to upset me.”
“Do you really think I give a shit?” Kenneth was getting more and more angry. He pointed at Eddie. “That piece of filth killed my wife. I’ve got nothing to live for. Do you really think I care what happens to me?”
“What about your friend? Do you care what happens to him?”
Tony tried to look defiant. “I chose to be here. Whatever happens, happens.”
Elias appraised Tony, suddenly curious. “Why are you here? I’ve not seen you before?”
Tony looked up at the giant before him. “I’m a police officer. I’ve been investigating murders back home. I know now by looking at you, that you’re Mr Smeets. The same Mr Smeets that killed a defenceless woman last year in Birmingham. Am I correct?”
“Guilty as charged. Although I am far from your justice now, lawman. It looks like you’ve discovered something that you shouldn’t have.”
“You killed Darren too.” Tony’s words carried venom as he spat them out.
“Yes, I did. He got in the way of my work. A worthy adversary I might add. Killing him gave me no pleasure. If that is any consolation to you?”
“Yes it is. It means that when I kill you, I’ll not enjoy it either.”
Elias laughed. “I give you credit for having fight in you, Human. However, I think you’re in no position to be issuing threats. We will leave you now. We have things to do.” Elias threw Kenneth’s pack through the bars. “You have some food in there to keep your strength up. You may need it.” Suddenly Eddie drew in a sharp breath, causing everyone to look at him.
Elias looked at the stocky vampire, whose eyes had rolled back into his skull. “What is it Eddie? Eddie was lost somewhere beyond sound. “EDDIE!” Elias barked.
He snapped back to attention. “He’s back. Jake is back. I can smell him. He’s close by.”
Elias smiled, turning to the two men in the cell. “It looks like your friend is here to save you. This is an unexpected turn of events. If he is here, then his family is mine to take.” Elias turned to the three vampires. “Alison. Keep a watch over these two. You should get no trouble from them. But if you do, you can have some fun.” Alison hissed through her teeth at Kenneth, bringing goose flesh to his arms. “Eddie, Karaa. Don’t kill Jake. Either capture him and bring him here. Or make sure that he does not pass through the doorway to his world. Because that is where I am heading once it opens. To bring some new family members back with me.”
Kenneth exploded, grabbing the bars, shaking them. “YOU LEAVE THEM BE, YOU FUCKING MONSTER. IF YOU HURT THEM SO HELP ME GOD I’LL KILL YOU!”
Elias reached through the bars, grabbing Stephen by the throat, pulling him close. “I will personally take great pleasure in turning both of them. And I will let you watch.” A rage filled Kenneth as he reached through the bars, grabbing Elias by the throat. To everyone else in the chamber, Elias was a giant. To Kenneth he wasn’t. He was only a few inches taller than the vicar, who was a bear of a man in his own right. He suddenly realised that for some unknown reason, he felt stronger than before. Like a new-found power had flooded his body. His fingers dug into the cold flesh of Elias’s neck, the tips buried deep. The giant vampire looked into the vicar’s eyes. It was at that moment that Kenneth saw a hint of uncertainty in the red glare. Like the vampire was suddenly unsure of his strength. He let out a roar, shoving him backwards across the cell. Kenneth bounced off the rock, staying on his feet.
Elias, clearly flustered by the exchange, turned to his kin. “Watch them Alison. Eddie, Karaa. You know what to do. I have a long journey ahead of me.” He turned and walked out of the chamber, leaving the five of them stood in silence.
☨☨☨
Jake lifted his bike up the two steps, rolling it into Wilf’s old house. He wheeled it into the main living area, leaning it against the wooden wall. He wanted to keep it close by just in case he needed to make a quick escape. Pulling his lighter from his pocket, he lit the candles that were positioned around the room, bathing it in a warm glow. He opened his pack on the table, taking out two large wooden crosses and a pack of black cable ties. He quickly made four loops from the ties before walking out onto the porch with his hands full. Jake secured the crosses to the wooden uprights in front of the door. He was satisfied with his warning system. He went back inside and went through his pack again. His sawn-off shotgun was placed on the table with a dull clunk. He then pulled out his cartridge belt, laying it next to the shotgun. Next out of his pack was his new Glock-17 9mm handgun. He’d acquired it from one of his former police colleagues in return for a favour. He chose it because of its reliability. It would never jam or misfire. It would even work underwater. Plus, it was compact. It had a magazine in the stock, along with four spares. He had enough firepower to start a mini war if needed. He laid it on the table, along with the black leather belt holster. Four stakes, two large bottles of holy water, and two metal crucifixes completed his arsenal. He unscrewed one of the bottles, taking a few large gulps. He would apply some water to his leg too, before setting off. A few yawns told Jake that he was tired. It felt fairly safe in the house. He closed the front door, placing a chair in front of it. He did the same with the rear door. As he walked through the house he noticed some smashed furniture, along with a piece of paper on the floor. He picked it up, walking over to the table where he sat down. The small piece of paper was scrunched up. Jake carefully opened it to reveal a receipt. A receipt from a supermarket, in Birmingham.
“What the hell is this doing here?” Jake said out loud. Is this Father Stephen’s? he thought. He read through the contents of the receipt, a growing unease settling in his stomach. Donuts and cream cakes were listed, along with lager and shave gel. This is not Father Stephens. But who else would has been here? He put the piece of paper into his back pocket, his mind wandering to realms beyond practicality. His brain felt woolly, his head heavy. He crossed his arms on the table, resting his head in the crook of his elbow. Within ten deep breaths he was asleep, as the forest came alive all around him.
☨☨☨
Eddie and Karaa stood in the tree line next to the clearing. They could see a warm glow shining out from one of the windows in the main house. They moved right until they could make out a figure on the other side of the glass.
Eddie smiled, his teeth popping out from under his lips. He hissed. “There is not a sweeter smell in any land than Jake. But we cannot take him. Elias wants him alive.”
Karaa looked as the human’s head disappeared from view. “I’m so thirsty. He smells so good.”
“All in good time. We will have him eventually. But first we must have sport. We are playing a game. Elias’s game. Come.” They slowly made their way through the tree line until they were ready to scoot across the grass to the house. Eddie caught Karaa’s arm, pulling her back into the forest.
“What is it?” She looked at Eddie.
He looked pensive. “Someone else is coming. Many of them. Come with me.” She watched as he jumped high into a tree, landing lightly on a thick branch. She followed suit, landing with barely a sound. They watched as several figures appeared from the west. Mostly men. One huge woman was with them. Karaa tried to pluck a thought from the back of her memory. It eluded her though, just out of her reach. Eddie sniffed the air. “They were your kin. I know the smell. They must be back looking for revenge. They are looking for us. But they will find him instead.”
“What shall we do?” Karaa asked.
“We watch from the shadows. The darkness is our friend. Whatever happens, we will report back to Elias as soon as we can.” They sat in silence as the throng of people below circled the main house.
Lars and Coop stood near the window, peering in at the sleeping form at the table. They moved back a few steps to speak.
“Is it another one?” Coop said. He was excited, his heart pounding in his chest.
“I don’t think he is. The skin is too healthy. I think he could be a wanderer, resting up for
the night.”
“So, what do we do about him?”
Lars looked down at Coop and smiled. “We enjoy a late feast is what we do.”
☨☨☨
Jake woke with a start, a noise close by bringing him out of his sleep. He looked up, his face red, eyes bleary. The front door was still closed. Everything seemed normal. He looked around the room then out of the window. Nothing seemed out of the ordinary. His head started to sink back to the table when he heard another sound. Creaking of wood beyond the front door. Jake stood up slowly and quietly. He clipped the holster onto his trousers, slipping the handgun inside. He checked through the window again. He saw movement in the shadows, confirming that someone or something was out there. He quickly buckled the cartridge belt around his waist, pumping the shotgun ready for action. The door creaked open, pushing the chair into the front wall. Jake stood, shotgun aimed at the door as a tall man entered the room. He reminded Jake of a Viking warrior. He barely made it under the door. His shaven head and grey beard gave him a commanding presence. He was dressed in animal skins, his boots scuffing on the floor boards as he entered. In his hand, he held an axe. It was double headed and looked to Jake like it was well-used. A cold seeping dread descended over him as he looked at the man in front of him.
He addressed Jake. “Who are you? Why are you here?” It was direct. No punches pulled.
“My name is Jake. I’m from another place. I’m here to save my friend. Who are you?”
“Lars. Of the Cravens. I’m here for the monsters that took my sister from me.”
A boy entered the room and stood next to Lars. He was an adolescent, probably fifteen or sixteen Jake thought. He was a fair looking boy, who seemed out of place in Amatoll. In his hand, he held a long spear. He turned to Lars. “I’ve not seen him before.”