Jack Jackson vs The Midnight Army

by Emlyn Hall

  The forces exited the city leaving a trail of fire behind them. As they climbed north and away from the city, it became clear to Jack as to the scale of devastation they had left behind.

  Jack and Bafflebod walked together arm in arm, both with huge smiles across their faces.

  "What about Clevan?" asked Jack.

  "He will be meeting us there; he knows where we are heading. He was planning to lead the Brachanids towards another forest far in the south and use fire once again to cover his tracks," said Bafflebod.

  "I hope he is OK," said Jack, his smile dipping for a moment.

  "One things for sure though," said Bafflebod.

  "What?" asked Jack.

  "He will certainly no longer be banished," said Bafflebod. The smile returned to Jack's face.

  The sun was starting to fall as they reached northern side of the forest. Hunters from the group ventured out as the rest settled down in a large meadow they had stumbled upon. The group separated up into lots of smaller gatherings who warmed themselves by the side of the hundred or so fires which Jack had busily lit with the stone.

  The hunters returned in their dozens with more than enough meat for everyone to eat happily. The meadow's soft lush grass provided a perfect mattress for all to get a good night's sleep. Jack used the stone to ensure everyone was well hidden before settling down himself and drifting into a deep and peaceful sleep.

  It took two more days of tiring walking for them all to reach the new Zephod tunnels. As soon as they arrived, Dev ordered the Zephods to immediately begin extending the tunnel system to ensure there was enough space for everybody.

  When everyone was busy, Dev walked over to Jack who was sat with Bafflebod and his father resting.

  "We are going to have to get you home, my friend. The day is drawing to an end but when morning comes we will make arrangements for you to return. On behalf of my people and those you have helped, I would like to thank you. We have no ceremonies and no medals I'm afraid, but you have my friendship and will want for nothing whenever you step into my world, young Jack. Penny has chosen very wisely; you are indeed a great carrier. But remember, this is just the beginning. For there is much that needs to happen here before we achieve peace for this world," said Dev.

  "Thank you," said Jack looking a little embarrassed.

  When darkness fell, fires were lit and everyone danced and sang at the tops of their voices. Jack had never seen anything like it. He had never felt so happy.

  Two Zephods who had been on look-out, ran back towards the tunnels. Jack overheard them talking to Dev.

  "There are riders on Cara caras approaching from the south. They may be friendly, but?" said one of them gasping for breath, Dev cut him off before he could finish his sentence.

  "Tanic, gather some of the men, we may have company."

  "Yesss sssir," hissed Tanic.

  Dev and around fifty of his new warriors ran south with the two Zephods leading the way. It wasn't long before they were returning with a number of their allies sat on the backs of a number of very tired looking Cara caras.

  Jack counted thirteen of them in total. He got up from his place beside the fire and went to meet his friend Clevan.

  Dev's face was grim. He put his arm around Jack and said, "It doesn't look like Clevan made it, Jack." Jack exhaled slowly and tears began to well up in his eyes.

  "What happened?" Jack asked.

  A young Zephod jumped down from his Cara cara and knelt down at Jack's side.

  "We rode as fast and hard as we could. The enemy are skilled on these beasts, far more so than we are. When the Brachanid horn rang out, a large number of them turned back to the city, but there were still hundreds of them in pursuit. They were gaining on us too quickly. Clevan ordered that we split up into two groups. As we pulled away from him and headed north I saw him being struck with an arrow from a Brachanid rider and fall from his ride. I don't know what happened to the rest of them, but I can't imagine that they could have made it. The enemy were too many, I am certain they would have been caught. We are lucky to have escaped."

  Jack returned to Bafflebod with a heavy heart and told him the news. The pair of them cried together for the loss of their friend.

  Dev addressed the gathering crowds who had heard word of the loss.

  "My dear friends, tonight we celebrate a victory against the Brachanids and the freedom of many of you. Tonight we celebrate, but tonight we also remember. We remember those who have fallen. We remember those who stood and fought and those who struggled and failed. It is, however, with a heart gripped with sadness that I tell you that a great leader of our people has passed. Clevan led the charge through Vassash, diverting the Midnight Army and clearing our path. He was struck with an arrow and has fallen. We have much to thank him for and much more to celebrate than be sad for. Tonight we celebrate, my friends, and tonight we honour and remember Clevan in our stories and songs."

  All of those watching applauded loudly and began to chant Clevan's name over and over again.

  Dev wandered away from the group and found a fallen tree to sit upon. He looked up into the night sky and said, "Thanks also to you, Sevvin, my brave friend. Sleep well."

  Goodbyes and Hellos

  "Jack, wake up it's time for you to go home," said Bafflebod.

  Jack pulled himself up and made his way out of the tunnel. Dev was waiting outside on the back of a Cara cara.

  "Good morning, Jack, jump aboard. These beasts travel pretty quickly and we should have you back by noon. Don't worry, I have packed a little breakfast for you to eat on the way," said Dev.

  Jack turned and hugged Bafflebod who was in floods of tears at the entrance to the tunnel.

  "Don't worry," said Jack. "I'm not dying, you know I will be back sooner than you think."

  "I know," said Bafflebod wiping the tears from his eyes. "I have never really had a friend before, so I'm really going to miss you." The pair of them embraced each other and smiled.

  "Me neither, but like I said, I will be back before you know it. Gotta go, my dad's gonna kill me," said Jack grinning. Dev held out a hand and Jack pulled himself up on to the back of the huge creature and sat nervously behind Dev. Jack waved as they galloped away.

  Sure enough, it was noon when the pair arrived at Waking Veil. The cloud of smoke from the still burning Vassash was visible in the distance.

  "We will see you again soon, young Jack. Give Penny my regards," said Dev. Jack nodded and pulled the stone out of his pocket.

  Jack drew the symbol on the surface and jumped. A second later he found himself standing in Penny's beautifully smelling garden. The birds were still singing their morning songs in the trees. Jack smiled to himself and said, "I'm home."

  Jack walked down the path and knocked on Penny's back door.

  "Jack my boy, I was wondering when we would see you again," smiled Penny.

  "How long have I been away?" asked Jack.

  "Nearly three days. Don't worry though, I told your father that you have been a little unwell and have needed your rest. Come in, we will get you cleaned up and those clothes washed before we take you home. You look like you have been dragged through a puddle," said Penny.

  Penny fixed Jack some food and washed and dried his clothes while Jack filled her in on all that had happened.

  "Great news!" exclaimed Penny when Jack had finished. "So, when are you planning on going back?"

  "Soon," said Jack. "I think I will spend a little time with Dad first, how is he?"

  "He is fine and at home now, which is where you should be. I will ask Mr Stevens to drop you home if that's OK," said Penny. Jack nodded excitedly.

  Penny smiled and walked out of the room leaving Jack to finish his cheese and pickle sandwich.

  Mr Stevens happily agreed and pulled his car up out the front of Penny's house. It was just starting to get dark as Jack stared happily out of the car window on his way home.

  Mr Stevens' car pulled up outside of Jack's gigantic old house.
It looked exactly the same as it did when he had left with his dad to go to the hospital, as did his little sleepy village of little Bottombump. The house looked exactly the same that is, apart from one subtle difference. A 'for sale' sign.

  "Thank you, Penny, thank you, Mr Stevens," said Jack. Penny smiled and winked to him.

  Jack turned and felt the butterflies rise in his stomach, he had not looked forward to holding his dad as much in his life as he did right now. He ran up the path to the huge house, up the steps and through the door (which was still off its hinges).

  "Dad!!!" shouted Jack. "I'm home!"

  The Beginning

  "I think I have got it," said Halknin drawing a complex series of symbols on the surface of the stone. A huge black portal appeared, surrounded by a violently spinning mass of dark grey and black cloud.

  "You have done it," said Siinjid stepping through.