Dwellers of the New World Chapter Eighteen ( Pt 2 ) Night Time Expedition

Darkness drifted across the night sky as a thick fog travelled inland, it would get thicker as the night progressed, leaving an even more unfriendly atmosphere to the moors, to wander here was not a good idea, as it felt settled to continue into the following day. All was quiet in the barracks, just one fire over where cook did her food preparation continued glowing in the heavy gloom of the atmosphere. The only person that stirred was the guard on duty outside Gregor's cabin, as he pulled his muffler across his mouth and nose, the air so thick it was making him feel ill, but the night was long and he couldn't complain, so decided to get himself some hot stew from the pot that had been left by cook.

Across the ghostly moors, the only sound that could be heard, were the horses and carts making their way over the rough terrain. Varden – Ben – Brad and Simon rode in one cart, the ones that weren't driving each carrying torches. Tawny rested on Brad's shoulder, pleased to be with his friends. In the other cart were Addie – Dawson – Ruben – Brett and Mason. Addie had taken on the challenge of steering the horses pretty well, considering he'd never driven before, the moors were more complicated than any normal ground, he was finding the going hard and needed a rest. “I think Brad needs to take over the reigns! This is getting all too much for me.”

“Sh!” Called out Varden in the depths of the smog. “There could be guards out there.” The boy knew their torches were a give away, but if they had torches, then the guards would obviously need them too.

Pulling the horses up, Brad jumped down with Simon, they made their way over to Addie's cart. “I knew I should have driven!” Uttered Brad. “It's bad enough during the day, leave alone at night.” Climbing up and taking the reigns from Addie they continued on their way, as Addie jumped in the back, the bumpy ride making it uncomfortable for all.

After some near misses, where the carts almost toppled over into some ditches, they could once more hear the Ocean. Varden knew they were close. “Not far now – the Doom Chamber should be just up ahead near some boulders.” The boy shone the torch in the direction they were going, It was so hard to be sure exactly where the boulders were in the thickness of the fog, but as long as they took it slowly, they'd find the place eventually.

Simon turned to his father, though he was sleepy he was also excited to be allowed to go on this night time expedition for more than one reason. “Father!” He whispered, tugging on Brad's sleeve and yawning.

“What is it son?” Brad had allowed Simon to come, because they had some free time the next day and he didn't want to leave the boy behind, feeling very protective of him after hearing about the other children.

Simon coughed clearing his throat. “Well! You know the dream I told you about, back when we spent the night in that recess sheltering from the rain, and the night when I slept in Ida's wagon.?”

“Yes son!” Replied Brad bouncing around all over the place, trying to keep control of the horses and listen to Simon at the same time.

“Well! It's just like this night, but I'm falling through a fog.” He paused before continuing. “Remember when Grandmother said Tawny would be my guide?”

Brad remembered Martha's words and also the little wooden owl she gave him in his dream. He thought that maybe Simon was glimpsing life through the owl's eyes. Travellers were very superstitious and believed in animal totems and how their dreams could guide them.

“I think you're Grandmother was very wise and maybe you're right about your dreams coming true, we'll just have to wait and see if you recognise anything else.” Tawny hooted, his huge eyes stared at the boy in the torchlight, as if he understood what Father and son were talking about.

It hadn't been a hard decision to come out that night, they felt safer in the darkness, rather than leaving it to next day to travel, especially as the fog was lying so low. They had been tired, but Varden was anxious to free his friends in the Doom Chamber.

Dawson wanted to show Addie the tunnel where he'd entered the Chamber, so it was decided they'd strike while the iron was hot. Cinnamon had chosen to stay behind with the children, although she would have liked to go with them, she was tired and young Will didn't want her to go.

As the boulders came into sight, Varden jumped down from the cart, eager to see his friends, but running wasn't an option, there were too many crevices where you could twist your ankle. Taking his time with torch in hand showing the way, he stepped carefully.

Dwellers of the New World Chapter Eighteen ( Pt 2 ) Night Time Expedition Continued... | ABCtales