Lost Lands (CHANGING TIMES Book 2)

by Shaun L Griffiths

  ‘It’s always different for someone else, Sam, but that doesn’t make it wrong. Anyway, I was responsible for Holly,’ said Carter.

  ‘That’s really what this is about,’ Kerri said. ‘You feel guilty about her loss. It wasn’t your fault, Carter. You have to accept that. It was because of that dreadful snowstorm. We all could have died that night.’ Kerri shivered when she remembered it. ‘Sam, please help me.’

  ‘And your parents have agreed to help?’ asked Sam.

  Carter just nodded.

  Sam shook his head, wishing he didn’t have to make a judgement on this. ‘I can’t keep you under guard all day and night, I can only tell you this is a really bad idea and don’t do it. If you’ve set your mind on going I know we won’t be able to stop you... I’ll do what I can. Let me speak to Naz and Vin.’

  ‘I’ve already spoken to them,’ Carter replied.

  ‘SAM! You’re letting him go?’ shouted Kerri in disbelief.

  ‘I can’t stop him,’ said Sam, helplessly.

  Kerri stood quickly. Knocking her stool over, she ran from the table, tears rolling down her cheeks.

  The cups and plates jumped in the air when Casey banged his fist down in anger. ‘If anything happens to you, you’re going to break her heart, and then you’ll have me to deal with,’ Casey said with menace in his voice.

  She found Lulu at the Riverbank. Running to her, she threw her arms around Lulu’s neck. ‘He’s going to look for Holly,’ Kerri managed between sobs.

  ‘I knew he was going to do this,’ Lulu said.

  ‘What? How did you know?’

  ‘Kerri, he’s not crazy. Look at me and listen to me … Holly’s been calling him, I’ve heard her, and I’ve felt her trying to reach out and touch him. She doesn’t know I’m aware of her, but she’s getting inside his head. She’ll drive him mad unless he goes to look for her.’

  ‘You can hear her? Why only you and Carter can hear her and I can’t?’

  ‘I don’t know, but I’m sure it’s Holly I hear. I spoke with Naz and Vin today. They told me everything that happened across the border. You know that Duma stole the Crystal from their people?’

  Kerri nodded, remembering the story the bears had told her.

  ‘Well, he had it hidden in the town when Holly, Carter, and I were kidnapped and taken there. All I can think is that it has something to do with being close to that Crystal. Naz told me it has magic powers that even they are afraid of. Nobody in their land goes near it, it’s just too powerful to resist its temptation to hold it, like forever. They keep it in a golden box and stand guard over it.’

  Kerri stared off into the far distance, remembering her journey to save them from Duma’s clutches, when everything went wrong. She shook her head, refusing to accept what she was being told.

  ‘No, Lu, I won’t believe it. She wasn’t breathing when I checked her. I’d never leave her there alive. Never! She was my best friend.’

  ‘This is not about you, Kerri. No one will blame you for this. There’s something happening that we don’t understand yet. This is Holly’s soul that’s calling. Carter can hear it, and I do too.’

  ‘I don’t believe it, and I won’t let him go.’

  ‘Help him, Kerri, and he will come back safe. Fight him, and he’ll be fighting two battles.’

  ‘How … what can I do?’

  ‘Let him go, and be here for him when he gets back.’

  Lulu held her tight, holding her until the sobbing stopped.

  * * *

  The following morning, they met on the hill outside the Meeting Area. Harri Boatman shook the hands of Naz and Vin.

  ‘The wood is very well packed, Mr. Boatman,’ said Vin.

  ‘It’s the least I could do for my daughter. I just wish I could go with you,’ said Harri.

  ‘I know, but without being able to shift, you’ll never survive,’ said Naz. ‘We’ll do everything we can to take Holly somewhere warm and green. I know a beautiful oak tree that looks down over the valley, just across our border. My friend is good at painting, I’ll have her make a picture of it and send it back with Carter. She’ll be at peace there.’

  ‘The box will fit together smoothly enough. Big guys like you shouldn’t have any problems carrying it,’ said Harri Boatman.

  ‘Thanks, Mr. Boatman,’ Naz said.

  ‘Please call me Harri, and thank you both. If you’re ever back this way, please look me up.’ He could feel his chest shaking, his grief close to bursting. He took a deep breath and turned away, before they could see the tears start for his lost daughter.

  Sam approached Naz and Vin. He looked up and saw the sadness in their eyes.

  ‘I expect you’ll be glad to get back to your families, and home cooking.’

  ‘You’re right there, Sam, but we’re kinda sad to be saying goodbye. It’s been a wild trip. Not like we expected,’ said Vin.

  ‘Lu and I enjoyed our talk yesterday. Remember, if your Boss wants to send an envoy, they’ll be made very welcome here. And we’ll send a message as soon as the Lost People are settled. We’re working on that plan you suggested,’ said Sam.

  ‘You and Princess Lucinda will be written about in the Book of Histories,’ said Naz formally.

  ‘The Book your great hero, Ran, gave you, along with the Crystal?’ Sam recalled their conversation.

  ‘The Book of Histories lists all the great leaders down through the ages. Your names will be added,’ Naz replied.

  Lulu gave Carter a hug. Holding his hand, she took him away from the others so no one could hear.

  ‘Carter, I understand why you’re doing this. I don’t understand how it’s happening, but I’ve heard Holly too. I’ve heard her calling you.’

  Carter looked shocked. ‘So I’m not going mad, Lu?’

  Lulu shook her head. ‘No, you’re not mad. Holly doesn’t know I can hear her, and until we understand what’s happening, it’s better that she doesn’t know.’

  ‘But why not, Lu? Maybe you can give her peace if she knows you’re there for her. She sounds … tortured.’

  ‘I know. I’ve felt it as well. I’ve felt her fear. Listen, promise me one thing, when it’s dark and silent, when you’re unsure, listen to the voice inside... in here,’ she said, holding her hand to his chest.

  ‘I don’t really understand what you’re saying, but I hope I will. I do promise, Lu.’

  She kissed him on the cheek one last time.

  Kerri approached the bears. Vin, seeing her come, knelt on the ground. Even so, Kerri still had to bend her neck to look him in the eye. ‘You take good care of him, or you’ll have me to answer to,’ she smiled up at them.

  Vin chuckled, remembering the lump on the head she’d given him. When he stood, Kerri wrapped her arms around them, only reaching as far as their furry bellies. Then she turned to Carter one last time.

  Before she could say anything, Carter said, ‘Kerri, if there was any other choice, you know I’d stay here with you. It’s all I ever wanted.’

  Kerri couldn’t find any words to say, afraid anything she did say would spill out in a jumbled meaningless mess. She simply said, ‘Thanks.’

  She looked at him, seeing his dark curly hair, his deep brown eyes and lopsided smile. She wanted to remember how he looked, at this moment. She took a deep breath and said, ‘Don’t you make me come looking for you, Carter.’ She turned and walked away.

  With a final wave, Carter and the bears turned their backs to their families and Clan. With the new day rising, they cast long shadows as they walked west, towards the mountains and the unknown.

  2

  Chapter Two

  The Road Trip

  THE DEATHLY SILENCE surrounded her. Turning further in on herself, she could hear the air rasping through her throat. She could hear her pulse in her ears like a pounding drum. Her thoughts echoed back and forth through her mind, like thunder bouncing off cliff walls. The cold reached into her very core, her limbs now felt as though they were burning. Onl
y the movement of her eyes told her this was no nightmare. It was horribly real. Locked in this place, unable to move... then there was a noise.

  ‘What was that?’ She strained her senses to hear... ‘There it is again! It’s coming back!’

  She could feel her heart racing in her chest. Fear gripped her stronger than any cold. She held her breath, not wanting to make any sound, her mind screaming at her BREATHE! But she didn’t want to be found by him, she didn’t want him to hear her.

  Then it came… ‘Holly,’ he whispered... ‘Holly.’

  ‘Oh no... he’s found me... please, not again!’

  Her eyes shot open but could see nothing but the whiteness of the snow covering her.

  She couldn’t hold her breath any longer, desperately trying to fill her lungs in rapid gasps. She felt the cold touch of him probing her mind. So much colder than the icy winds and snow that locked her in this tomb in the High Pass.

  She couldn’t stop her scream any longer. ‘CARTER, PLEASE HURRY!’

  The sugary voice whispered to her. So sweet but so sickly, she could feel it in her throat. A sickness from so much fear.

  ‘Not yet, my little bird … Your time will come …’

  The whispers went on and on, unending inside her head. The evil, corrupted thoughts going around and around.

  Holly lay under the snow, eyes wide open and staring out at the light, screaming for him to go away, fighting to control her own mind with the only thought she could hold onto… ‘Carter will come, he will… I know he will.’

  * * *

  The bowl of vegetables clattered to the floor where Lulu stood. They splashed over her legs and skirt and scattered across the wooden floor. Lulu stood, as if frozen. Salli quickly looked up. ‘Lu?... Lu?... is it Holly again?’

  Sam called from outside, ‘Everything okay in there?’

  ‘Fine.’ called Salli, walking to where Lulu stood transfixed.

  ‘What is it?’ she said, grasping Lulu’s hands in hers.

  ‘Mom, I heard her again, I heard her scream.’

  Salli wrapped her arms tightly around her. ‘Are you sure it’s Holly?’ Salli said.

  ‘I’m sure, Mom. She’s still calling to Carter. But I didn’t tell you yesterday, I felt something else reaching out to her as well, and it was like she was desperately trying to get away from that something or someone.’

  ‘Did you hear anyone else, any other voice?’

  ‘No, only one, but I’m sure now it’s Holly. Mom, I’m so afraid for her.’

  ‘Did you tell Kerri?’

  ‘I did, she needed to know Carter wasn’t mad.’

  Salli stood, holding her daughter close.

  Finally, she made her decision, ‘Sam,’ Salli called. ‘Will you come in here?’

  ‘I think it’s time to prepare,’ she whispered to Lulu.

  * * *

  The three travellers set off across the rolling hills. Carter, walking between the bears, had little to say but a lot to think about. Naz and Vin were content to let him talk when he felt comfortable to do so. The sun on their backs and a cooling breeze lent itself to a peaceful stroll through the hills of the Northern Plains. What little conversation there had been was mostly “getting to know you” talk. As the sun climbed towards midday, Naz and Vin relaxed with their new companion.

  They stopped to take refreshments from the supplies they’d been given. Naz unpacked the first sack and brought out the water flagon. ‘Glad to see there’s none of that Yellow Berry juice,’ said Vin.

  ‘I’ve had enough of that to last me for the rest of this trip,’ said Naz.

  ‘What’ve you got in your sack, Carter?’ asked Vin.

  ‘Roasted fish I hope. It’s my favourite.’

  ‘Your Mom takes good care of you. There’s enough food in there to feed Naz and me for a whole day! What’re you gonna eat, Carter?’

  Carter laughed for the first time that day.

  ‘That’s more like it.’ said Naz. ‘Happy travellers make for much shorter journeys. We should rest here for the afternoon. We’ll travel for a few more hours after dark, then cross the border at sunrise and make a dash for the high alps.’

  ‘Good idea, Naz, wake me when you want to move.’

  Carter rested throughout the afternoon, laying on his back watching the clouds scuttle across the sky. As he dozed, he heard Vin beside him gently snoring. He looked like a bear at peace with himself and at peace with his world. Naz, meanwhile, sat looking out over the plains, sitting guard.

  When Carter next opened his eyes, he saw Naz was watching him.

  ‘So what is going on up there, my friend?’

  ‘What do you mean?’ Carter asked.

  ‘With Holly. Why did you insist on coming when we could find her ourselves?’

  ‘Sam didn’t tell you?’

  ‘Only that you feel responsible. This is one heck of a way to overcome feelings of guilt.’

  ‘Will you believe me if I said I think she’s still alive?’

  ‘Wow, now that’s a lot to take in. Why would you be thinking something like that?’

  ‘I hear her voice, in my head.’ Carter looked at Naz, trying to see if he believed him. ‘It started in my dreams, but I’m hearing her while I’m awake now.’

  ‘It could be shock, from the battle the other day. By the way, that was a very brave plan you and Kerri came up with, drawing them apes away from the lost people.’

  ‘Thanks, Naz. I just felt that I had to do something.’

  ‘So what about these voices in your head then?’

  ‘Well, it’s not like we talk. I hear her calling for help. Sometimes screaming, sometimes it’s like someone’s trying to hurt her.’

  ‘And you hear all this?’

  ‘Yeah, it’s frightening, Naz.’

  ‘We’ll find her and sort this out.’

  ‘You know, I never said, but I am grateful you let me come along with you.’

  ‘Better you’re with us than running around on your own. Besides, that nose of yours is gonna come in handy once we cross the border and you change into that hound you have waiting inside.’

  Carter smiled again.

  ‘You’ll see. We’ll make a good team.’

  ‘Okay, Guard, on your feet,’ Naz called.

  Vin was awake instantly, rising.

  ‘I got your back, Naz. Time to move?’

  ‘Let’s get to those mountains.’

  They walked throughout the night, a low moon casting a pale blue-grey light to guide them over the undulating hills, the chill air making the march easier than during the heat of the day. At the first sign of a dark blue tinge to the east, Naz called a stop.

  ‘I reckon this is far enough,’ he said.

  ‘Looks as good as anywhere else,’ said Vin.

  Naz unpacked the black stone from the thick oilskin cloth they’d used to wrap it.

  He could feel the warmth in his hands, the pulsing that gave off a low vibration hum.

  ‘We’re closer to the border than I thought,’ said Naz.

  * * *

  ‘Okay, Carter, before we go any further, let’s be clear on the plan,’ Naz said. ‘As soon as we get real close to the border, I’ll throw the stone forwards and when it hits the ground, a Gateway should open. We go through together. If there’s any of those apes waiting on the other side, we skittle back through, strategic withdrawal it’s called, okay?’

  Carter nodded.

  ‘If we have to scarper, you go first, Vin, taking Carter with you. I’ll come rear guard. Once we’re back here, I’ll pick up the stone and chuck it clear of the border, and the Gateway’ll close.’

  ‘That’s not fair, Naz, you burnt your hands picking up the stone last time. I’ll do it.’

  ‘I got bigger hands than you, Vin, I’ll do it. But nice of you to offer. We still got the moss, Vin?’

  ‘In the sack.’

  ‘Okay. Let’s go. Remember the first sign of trouble and we hop it, I mean strategic withdraw
al. This way,’ Naz said, moving north.

  ‘Where do these Gateway stones comes from, Naz?’ asked Carter.

  ‘Well, they fall from the sky, they come with a blazing trail of fire behind them, and they come crashing to the earth. Where they really come from, I don’t know. Some say they come from the gods, but I kinda find that hard to believe. After all, why would gods want to chuck stones at us? It don’t make sense.’

  ‘So what’s your theory then, Naz?’ said Vin.

  ‘I reckon they fall from the sky because something up there’s been disturbed.’

  ‘What?’ said Vin.

  ‘Yeah, that’s what I reckon,’ said Naz. ‘Think about it. If you hit a stone with your hammer, or you drop your plate on the floor, bits go flying off in all ways. So think, what if those stars up there were to bang into each other, by accident? I’m sure bits would go flying off in all directions.’

  ‘That doesn’t sound right to me, Naz. Why would them stars bang into each other?’

  ‘Dunno, but I reckon it’s more likely than someone’s gods chucking stones at me.’

  ‘Hmm, I see your point. Have you spent a lot of time thinking about this, Naz?’ said Vin.

  ‘Come on, you’re laughing at me now, we’ve got a Gateway to open.’

  * * *

  In the early morning gloom, they could faintly see the distant hills shimmering and an opaque veil across the stars close to the horizon, showing where the impenetrable border lay. Naz walked further north, swinging the stone in a wide arc in front of him, and moving to where the stone’s humming got louder. The closer he got to the border, the hotter the stone became and the louder the humming sound emanating from it. Naz reached a point where the stone became red with the heat being given off.

  ‘Wait up, you two. I can’t hold it any longer. It’s too hot. This is as far as I can carry it,’ said Naz.

  ‘Chuck it now, Naz, quick! And be ready, anything could come at us from the other side.’

  He looked at Vin and Carter, both stood tense with anticipation. With a final nod, Naz threw the black stone at the invisible wall separating their land from the Lower Plains. They covered their eyes, ready for the flash that erupted when the stone hit the border and a glimmering circle of light expanded in front of them. Opening their eyes, they saw the tunnel they’d hoped for, opening a Gateway to the northern lands.