The Turning (The Forsaken Series Book 2)

by Phil Price

  Jake looked at the clock on the wall. “Well, it’s almost six. We have all day to get ready. I think we should head north about tea time.” Doug nodded. “That gives us about twelve hours to get everything we need. Not just weapons. Supplies. We need enough to last us.” He looked at Wilf. We have big shops here to buy food and drink. We can stock up.” He looked down at himself. “We also need to get cleaned up.” He looked at Wilf. “And maybe get you some clothes. You cannot walk around Tintagel like that. Maybe a thousand years ago, but not today. Dad, would you have something at home that Wilf could wear?”

  Doug thought about it for a moment, eyeing up the strange man from another world. “I think so. I’ll pop home, grab a shower and be back in a bit.” He gave his son a brief hug, nodded at Wilf and made his way out of the kitchen door, leaving Jake and Wilf alone.

  “What’s a shower?” Wilf asked.

  “It’s how we get cleaned up here. I have a feeling you will like it. Follow me.” Wilf obliged as Jake made his way upstairs to the main bathroom. The room was square, roughly eight foot by eight foot. There were all the usual fittings that Wilf was now eyeing with curiosity. Jake smiled, trying to push the dire situation they found themselves in to one side for the time being. “Put your clothes on the floor. I will wash them for you.” He pointed at the toilet. “That’s the loo. Sit on it and let nature take its course. Toilet roll is there,” he said pointing to the paper that was held in a chrome holder against the white tiled wall. You use that to wipe your arse when you’ve finished. Press that button on top to flush it all away.” He walked over to the shower, pointing at the lever on the wall. “Pull that silver lever towards you. The temperature is just right. There are shampoos and shower gels on the shelf,” he said pointing. You rub them in your hair and over your body. Use as much as you need. Does all that sound Okay?”

  “I think so. If I get stuck I will call you.” Wilf said with a degree of trepidation.

  “Okay. I will be in my bathroom, doing the same as you. It’s just down the landing on the right. I’m sure you will be fine. In fact, I think it will quite an experience.”

  ☨☨☨

  The horse lay dead on its side. Father Stephen could see it was old. Its back leg was broken. He surmised that it had snapped its leg and starved to death. Stephen rubbed his whiskers. The skin underneath was pale, almost grey in colour. His eyes red-rimmed. His shrinking stomach growled, his animal instinct taking hold of him. He knelt down next to the carcass, pressing his mouth next to the dead flesh. He bit down hard, breaking the dark brown skin that had already began to stiffen. Stephen pulled his head sideways, tearing a chunk of flesh and skin away from the dead horse. The human side of him wanted to gag as he chewed on the flesh. However, the animal in him greedily swallowed the food, returning to the wound to continue his feast. He knelt there for almost an hour, filling his belly with meat. He looked up as he heard noises coming from the charred forest. A pack of wolves emerged from the tree line, edging closer to Stephen and the dead animal. He could see that they were wary of him. They made whimpering noises as they slowly advanced on him. He stood, stopping the wolves in their tracks. He took two steps forward, scattering the pack in two. “I’m done. It’s all yours,” Stephen said.

  The alpha, a huge black beast bared his teeth at the vicar in reply. Why are they not ripping me to pieces? He thought as he stood there in the perpetual twilight. Can they sense evil in me? He remembered being held down and force-fed Elias’s blackened blood. Stephen could still taste the metallic tang of the thick liquid that had coated his throat. He wondered if he was now a vampire, or partially a vampire. He felt strong, his body vibrant and bristling with energy. Something in him had changed, of that he was certain. He looked about himself, feeling the pull towards the west. Ever since he’d left the cave in the side of the lone mountain, he’d felt a tug from that direction. Like an invisible strand of silk was gently coaxing him towards the mountains on the horizon. He’d obeyed the call, walking briskly through the grass lands that lay just south of the now-charred forest. The low cloud had kept the land cool and quiet as he’d walked towards his destination. Now as he stood next to the partially-eaten animal, he realised that he needed to carry on his journey. He walked slowly away from the fallen horse, keeping his red-rimmed eyes on the pack of wolves. They held their ground, their fur bristling, teeth bared. He turned away from them and headed towards the strange-looking mountains. He heard the wolves behind him, their yaps and growls carrying on the wind. They would not bother him now. They had their prize for the evening. Would he find his? Would he come across Jake and somehow find a way back home? Or was he destined to wander through this strange world for the rest of his days? Feeding off the dead beasts that littered the landscape.

  ☨☨☨

  Far to the west, across the misty seas, Tamatan walked along the pebbly beach towards a log cabin, framed by low trees. The sea lapped at the shore, the noise slightly calming the turmoil he felt within. Veltan came to the doorway, holding their son on her hip. Jake bore the same velvety green skin of his mother. He was growing fast. His slender green legs wrapped around his mother’s waist. His arms, were wrapped around her neck as he suckled greedily from her breast.

  Tamatan smiled at the sight. “I’ve brought us dinner,” he said as he unslung three sizable fish from his shoulder strap. He placed them on a large cubed rock that sat next to a makeshift fire and spit.

  “Jake is hungry,” Veltan stated. “These hurt,” she pointed at her turquoise breasts.

  “You can bathe them after dinner, my Love.” He stepped forward, planting a soft kiss on her equally soft lips. She responded to him, sliding her pink tongue into his mouth. They stood, locked together as their son fed. Eventually Tamatan broke away, his breathing slightly ragged. He stroked his son’s fine green hair, liking the feel of the wispy locks on his fingers. His red eyes shone with love and pride, making the rest of his face light up. His green head now sported two blunt horns that pointed to the sky. Each was covered with a fine green down. He felt more like the old Tamatan of years gone by. He was pleased to be home, but he knew it was to be short-lived. He looked at his sister. “I need to go away soon.”

  “Why?” she said, shocked.

  “I spoke with Sica down at the harbour. Strange things are happening across the sea.”

  Veltan’s beautiful face creased in confusion. “What things?”

  “You remember the forest?” She nodded. “You remember the humans that lived there?” Again, she nodded, remembering how they had been chased through the dark expanse of trees by a tribe of crazed beings. Tamatan continued. “Well, Sica has just returned from there. All the humans have gone. There is talk of vampires. Folk at the harbour are scared. Scared that they may travel across the sea to our land and beyond. I need to go across and see what is happening.”

  Tears appeared at Veltan’s eyes, rolling down her cheeks, making them shimmer. “Do not leave us Tamatan. We need you,” her voice cracking with emotion.

  He embraced his sister, kissing his son on his soft curls. “I will return. I promise. I just need to make sure that we are safe here. If there are vampires across the sea, they may be looking for us. I need to make sure you and Jake are safe.”

  Veltan nodded, handing her son to him. The infant gurgled and giggled as Tamatan nuzzled his neck. She walked down to the shore, her limbs moving with a languid grace that made Tamatan sigh. She was beautiful to him. He felt his skin flush as his eyes took in her naked limbs. She loosened her skirt, letting it fall on the pebbles at her feet. She walked into the grey water until it was level with her waist. She turned to her brother, dropping to her knees, letting the salty water wash over her body. She felt instant relief as the salt soothed her soreness. She sunk lower, until the water was at her neck. Tamatan could see her perfectly shaped body under the water. He wanted nothing more than to join her in the cool sea. That would have to wait until later, he thought as he cradled his son in his arms.


  “When will you go?” Veltan asked.

  Tamatan let out a long sigh. “Tomorrow at first light. Sica will take me across. He will then come back, keeping you stocked with what you need.”

  “I need you!” she exclaimed, her voice rising.

  “I know. But if the vampires come, we may need to flee. And this is our home, Veltan. Look at what we have created so far.”

  She looked past him to their home. In the short time since they had arrived, Tamatan had constructed a small, yet perfectly-formed cabin. It kept out the sea mist, keeping Jake warm on cold nights. She liked how it looked. She liked the thatched roof and wooden window shutters. Her favourite activity was taking long walks with Tamatan and Jake into the forest behind their home. Veltan loved the weird creatures that crossed their path, asking Tamatan to explain what they were. This was her home, leaving was something she could not bear to think about. “I understand,” she said in resignation. “Just promise me you will return soon.”

  “I promise my love,” Tamatan said as he looked out across the grey sea. Something out there didn’t feel right. A shiver ran down his spine as the wind suddenly kicked up, blowing foam from the breakers onto the shore. He hoped his instincts were wrong this time. He hoped the vampires were far away. Or destroyed. Either would be just fine, he thought as he walked his son back to the cabin that, he too, called home.

  Thirty-Five

  Jake killed the ignition and looked across at Wilf. He looked completely different to the wild man he’d met on a windswept rock all those months before. The Wilf sat next to him wore regular clothes. His hair was combed back, tied neatly in a ponytail, his once straggly beard combed. He looked like an old hippy or rocker, Jake thought as the sun suddenly broke through the clouds. “Right. It’s probably best that you stick close to me and not say too much. This place might freak you out. To me, it’s normal. To you, it will be very strange.”

  “What is this place called?” Wilf asked, as he looked through the windscreen.

  “Tesco’s,” Jake said as he opened his door, climbing out into the winter sun. Wilf followed suit, walking behind Jake in Doug’s shoes. They felt very comfortable, but it was taking a bit of getting used to as he awkwardly tried to keep pace with the younger man. A few minutes later Wilf was walking next to Jake, who was pushing a trolley up the first aisle of the supermarket. The older man looked at the shelves in amazement, his eyes trying to take in the thousands of strange items that filled the even stranger building. Jake in turn, was filling the trolley with various things.

  “What are those?” Wilf asked.

  “Baked beans. I have some camping equipment back at home. This kind of food is ideal for cooking outdoors. I’m not sure how long we will be over there. We cannot carry too much though,” Jake said as his leg began to throb. I need to get to church today, he thought as they turned the corner into another aisle.

  “Is there any ale in this place?” Wilf said, making the younger man smile.

  “More than you could believe. We will take a few with us.” They continued around the supermarket, gradually filling the trolley until it was almost brimming over. Jake had chosen a few nice beers for Wilf to sample, knowing it would be a world away from what he was used to. They eventually made it to the checkout near the farthest aisle. Jake started unloading the contents of his trolley onto the conveyor as the cashier was giving change to a lady, who had finished packing her shopping bags. Wilf stood there, unsure of what to do. He noticed the cashier turn and smile at him. He smiled back, noticing the intricate tattoo’s that ran up her right arm. He walked passed Jake who was oblivious to the exchange going on.

  “Nice. Where did you get that done?” He said.

  “In Truro,” She said. Jake looked up, wondering what was going on. It looked to him like Wilf was chatting up the cashier. If things were not so dire, Jake would have laughed. As it was he continued to unload the trolley, letting the older man enjoy the moment.

  “I’ve never seen one as nice as that. In my land, they are not as detailed.”

  “Where are you from?” the cashier said.

  Alarm bells went off in Jake’s head as he quickly joined the conversation. He smiled at the woman, noticing how attractive she was. She had long dark hair, olive skin, and deep brown eyes. He noted her name on her tag as he interjected. “My old friend is from The Shetland Islands. Aren’t you Wilf?”

  The older man nodded dumbly. “Aye. That’s right,” he said as he suddenly realised what Jake was doing.

  Jake tried to change tack. “Are you a local girl Wendy?”

  “Not really. I’ve been around a bit. Not in that sense mind.” She blushed slightly. “I moved down here from Worcester a few years ago. Prefer it down here. It’s more laid back.”

  Jake decided it was not good to tell her that he was also from that region. He decided to change tack again. “Can we have six bags please Wendy?” he said smiling.

  “Sure. The cheap ones or the bag for life?”

  “I think we can stretch to the bags for life,” he said, wondering just how long that life would be.

  ☨☨☨

  Tamatan made his way across the shoreline towards the small harbour. The pebble beach backed onto low trees that stretched as far as the horizon. Two small deer saw him heading their way, bolting quickly into the cover of the trees as he approached. Ahead were a few small wooden buildings, built stoutly to withstand the sea’s fury. Tamatan knew the harbour well from his time spent there as a youngling. The buildings were still the same as before. A store for traders to buy and sell from. An inn that served the traders and sailors. The fish monger’s store was already open. A stout man was hanging large strips of whale flesh over a square pit, filled with coals and wood. Tamatan could smell the pungent aroma, making his taste buds spring to life. He would purchase a few pieces for his journey. “Hail Herman,” he said as he skirted the smoking pit.

  “Tamatan! What brings you here so early?”

  “I’m taking a boat across the sea. To the forest on the other side.”

  Herman’s face changed, a look of concern spreading across his ruddy features. “I’ve heard ill news from a few sailors. Talk of vampires and ghosts over in Mantz. Why would you be heading over there? Is your brain pickled?”

  Tamatan chuckled. “Maybe. I have had contact with vampires recently. And it did not go well for them. I’m going to make sure that they are not seeking me out. And if they are, I will make sure that they do not reach these shores.”

  “Well good luck. I will give you some whale meat for your travels. Let us hope that no monsters start making their way to the Unseen Lands. I would not like to leave this place, especially if I had to venture through Pagbob. Not many folk come back out of there.”

  Tamatan knew of what Herman meant. The forest that skirted the shoreline was vast, heading inland towards foothills and mountains beyond. It was the perpetual fog that was the danger. Many folk over the ages had become lost in the grey soupy mist, never to be seen again. He was lucky. His vision seemed to cut through the fog, which had allowed him to venture far. He remembered the river that meandered through the stunted trees. How it lead higher and higher towards a vast waterfall and high plateau beyond.

  Herman cut through his thoughts. “Come back before you leave. I will give you six nice fat strips to keep you going.”

  “That is very kind of you. Let me go and find Sica. Hopefully he has risen from his slumbers.” The stout man nodded as Tamatan headed towards the fourth and final building. It was smaller than the others, with a single word above the entrance. Vesey, which meant church, or place of worship. Tamatan knew that. He knew that the shaman, Kennet, would be asleep on the front pew, his belly full of rough cyder. The ringing of the harbour bell would wake him from his slumbers, telling him that a boat needed his blessing before it set off across the misty sea. The ground rose steeply ahead of him, as he passed the last building. He skipped lightly to the top of the rise as his eyes scanned the harbour, loo
king for signs of life. Several small boats bobbed up and down on the gentle swell of the grey sea. A horseshoe-shaped structure clung to the dark rocks, jutting out into the waters. A larger ship was moored a few hundred yards from the harbour. It looked deserted, save for the birds that flew about its rigging. Traders from far-off lands, he thought as he spotted Sica’s boat at the far side of the harbour. His feet barely touched the slippery wooden planks as he made his way over. As he drew nearer he saw Sica appear from below decks.

  He caught sight of Tamatan, waving a meaty hand. “Fine morning for a journey across the sea, my friend.”

  “I hope you’ve plugged any leaks in this old wreck,” Tamatan said as he jumped from the harbour, landing lightly on the deck.

  “Never fear. She’ll not be heading to the bottom of the sea for a long while yet,” he said as he rubbed his palm over the smooth wooden wheel. Tamatan smiled at the sailor as he laid his bag on the deck. Sica was swarthy and powerfully built. Tamatan had seen him drag a whale from the shore, pulling it easily along the pebbles to Herman’s waiting blade. He was a fine seaman. He knew the waters well and could be trusted.

  “Veltan knows that you will visit. I thank you for your kindness.”

  “Think nothing of it friend. Are we still agreed on the plan? One moon’s cycle.”

  “Yes. And if I’m not there after one cycle, check again on the next new moon. If I’m not there by then. Well, you know what to do.”

  The swarthy sailor nodded solemnly. “Aye,” was all he said in reply.

  “I need to pop back to Herman to secure our dinner. It should be enough to keep us fed.”

  “No fear. Below decks I have plenty of provisions. Ale and cyder too. The sea looks fine and calm. I see no dangers out there. If we make good time, we should be there in two days.”