Dwellers of the New World Chapter Seventeen ( Pt 5 ) Continued...

Morning was almost coming to an end by the time the others were ready to set off, but still the fog hadn't lifted, which would probably make the journey more difficult. Ben had tethered the horses to the carts. Cinnamon and young Will sat up front with Varden, who decided he was driving, though Addie was settled in the back, but was concerned that the boy wasn't capable of handling the horses in the foggy conditions, but Varden said he knew the moors like the back of his hand, so Addie conceded; but was on hand if needed. Ruben – Bret and Mason sat in the back of the other cart with Dawson, while Ben steered Rainbow and Bracken. Ben knew the terrain would get rough, but everything would be okay, as long as they didn't bump into Gregor's men, who patrolled the moors.

As they travelled Dawson thought about his wife Laura and their two children, it broke his heart to think he might never see them again. “Supposing we can't get back home?” He proclaimed to Mason.

Mason wasn't too bothered, he'd been on many expeditions, they'd always found a way of returning to Obsidian. “Oh! I wouldn't worry too much, I'm sure with all the help we're getting, there'll be a way.”

But Dawson knew the tunnels led to a dead end and Addie couldn't remember the way he'd arrived on the Wild Whistling Isle. To Dawson, it seemed like a one way ride, but he also thought perhaps when he felt better, he'd also feel more optimistic about their situation.

Varden had been telling him about the magical pool of water that healed the sick, at first Dawson was of the opinion the boy was making it up, though he did begin to wonder, and was anxious to experience this magical place, wondering if it would heal his diabetes. How wonderful it would be to become a fitter man, able to take on more responsibility! He thought to himself.

Varden was finding it quite easy to drive the horses, it was only when they reached the moors, that things began to get treacherous, there were so many ditches, that at one point the wagon nearly turned over, but Cinnamon managed to keep them on track, much to Varden's relief.

The fog of the early morning was now beginning to lift and although cold, the sun shone for the rest of the trip. Varden became nervous as the sky cleared, he knew it was easier for them to be seen.

“Keep your eyes open Cinnamon, look out for any guards – and you young Will.” The boy and girl were nervous, but with Addie in the back watching for anyone stalking around, nobody had been seen.

By late afternoon they reached the beach where Varden's friend Si dwelt. It concerned the boy as to whether the creature would accept him bringing a stranger, but also Varden wondered how they'd get Dawson into the cave.

As they came to a stop, Varden climbed down from the wagon. “I think I should go down on my own first, see if Si's there, and hope that he allows me to bring Dawson along.”

“I agree!” Replied Ben, happy to sit and wait. “We'll keep a watch out while you're gone.” As they sat patiently, Varden disappeared down the cliff to the beach, having no idea they were being watched by one of Gregor's guards further up on the moor.

The sound of the Ocean hitting the rocks, made Varden even more nervous at the thought of swimming around the bay and how they'd get Dawson into Si's cave, this was something he'd not anticipated, as he'd forgotten how only a small boy such as himself was able to fit through the gap in the wall.

Striding out along the beach, he remembered the boys that were chased by Bracus and his men and kept an eye out for anybody that might be lurking nearby. Finally; he reached the entrance to the cave, taking one last look left and right, he entered like some great adventurer, hardly believing he'd actually sailed across the Ocean. Creeping into the darkness, all seemed quiet as he made his way to the wall and began knocking with a pebble he'd picked up. There was no reply. “Maybe I have the wrong cave – or maybe he's not in!” He thought! Speaking out loud to himself.

Knocking again, he called out. “Si! Are you there? It's Varden – can I come in?” Still there wasn't any reply. Feeling down, the boy turned to walk away, wondering what he should do now, when a voice came out of the gloom.

“Boy! Is that really you?”

Quickly Varden turned and approached. “Si! Yes it's me Varden. I need to speak with you.”

Si's voice came back. “Well – you'd better get in here quick, before anyone sees you.” Swiftly; Si stuck out his long arms through the gap in the wall and pulled the boy through.

On the other side Varden was now sitting, legs astride and brushing himself off. Coming to standing, he felt the sudden burst of heat from the fire. “Phew! It's kind of hot in here, ain't it?”

“It's always a welcome sight to see you boy! Gotta keep them home fires burning with Winter here.” He said jokingly and laughing. Si could see the boy had grown slightly since he last saw him. “So! How have you been boy? It's been a long time since you were here.”

Varden didn't know where to begin, but decided to tell Si of his journey. “I've been on a long voyage with some friends, we've come a long way from an Island called Wild Whistling Isle.” He paused catching his breath, before continuing. “One of the men we went to search for, his name's Dawson had been taken prisoner by your Father, then he was put on a ship and sent over to the Island where he was kept a prisoner in the catacombs. We managed to free him, but he's very ill and suffers with a condition he calls diabetes, he needs some items he calls tablets to survive.”

Si began to get a picture of what the boy was about to ask. “Well then; I suppose you're going to ask me if I'll let you bring him here to bathe in my pool?”

“Yes!” Replied Varden. “How did you know?”

“Oh! It was just a wild guess, but I think it will be difficult, he'll have to come in from the other entrance, which means swimming around the bay and climbing over the rocks. Do you think he can manage that? You know how difficult it is.”

“We'll get him around that bay somehow;” declared Varden. “We have to.” Something puzzled the boy. “How come you don't mind me bringing strangers to your cave, when you were so against it before?”

Si grinned. “Well boy, I feel kind of responsible, as it was my father who caused all this trouble. I also trust you – I don't think you'd bring anyone here that was a friend of my father's.” Si paused, touching one of the many warts on his arm and squeezing it till the pus oozed out. It always upset Varden when he did this, but the boy said nothing about it.

Si gave him a warning. “Just please be careful, Gregor has men watching everywhere. I hear they've been looking for a girl for days now.”

“That'll be Cinnamon!” Announced Varden. “She came with us and is up on the cliff with the others.”

Si looked concerned at Varden's words. “You'd better keep someone on watch out, if Gregor finds out about my cave, I'll be taken prisoner, even if I am his son.”

“That was the other thing I wanted to tell you about. I know you'll find this hard to believe, but Dawson and four other men come from another world called Obsidian, I think they can help bring peace and harmony to our world and get rid of your father Gregor, it's just a matter of time.”

Si wasn't so sure. “You're such an optimist boy – I only hope you're right.”

Dwellers of the New World Chapter Seventeen ( Pt 6 ) Master Plan | ABCtales