Dwellers of the New World Chapter Ten ( Pt 4 ) More Sad Farewells

Varden had slept most of the morning in Si's cave, before waking to the smell of fish cooking over the open fire. Si had been watching over the boy as he prepared the food, his long arms making it awkward to concentrate on much else but turning the fish. “How you feeling?” he said to the boy.

Varden yawned and stretched feeling the warmth of the cave fires that glowed in the darkness. “Much better...I don't ache any more and me head don't hurt so bad.”

“Well...that's good,” replied Si. “Come and get some food, there's plenty of it, I caught some fish this morning.”

Varden stood up feeling a bit wobbly, but once he started moving and stretching his legs, he felt a lot better.

Si had managed to find some large conch shells, which he used as dishes for the fish. Varden took his food and sat on one of the many rocks. Taking the first mouthful, he closed his eyes enjoying the flavours as he chewed. “Um! This is delicious,” he said not realising how hungry he actually was.

As Varden swallowed the food, he questioned Si. “Don't you ever get lonely here on your own, with no one to talk too?”

Si picked at one of his warts feeling uncomfortable at being questioned again. “No...not really,” he declared in a low whisper. “As I've told you...I'm used to being on my own, In all honesty it's more peaceful and I feel safer the fewer people that know I exist.”

Varden thought about this, then continued to ask, “does anyone else know you live here apart from me?” He picked up some more fish and began to chew.

Si's expression changed as he became agitated. “No! And I intend to keep it that way. You must not tell a soul that I'm here...do you hear me boy?”

Varden felt slightly apprehensive at the change in Si's mood. “Don't get angry...I won't say a word friend.”

“Good! Now finish your fish boy...you'll need to get going soon.” Si picked up some fish with his long scrawny fingers and began to eat too.

The boy realised that it would be a mistake to ask Si if he could stay with him, judging by his reply to the questions, so he said no more.

Varden felt sad at the prospect of returning to the cold damp forest and sleeping in a tree. He decided to ask Si another question. “I was just wondering!”

Before the boy could say any more, Si turned to him. “Yes...what were you wondering boy?”

“Well...I was just wondering if there were any more secret caves like this one...that perhaps I could make my home?”

Si lifted his long arms into the air, gesturing he flung them around. “There are lots of caves all around, but I don't know whether there are any secret ones.”

“So...how did you come across this one?” the boy enquired, taking a last bite and chewing.

Si thought about the question, then smiled. “I stumbled upon it quite by accident. I was swimming from the bay that I took you to, then I climbed over the rocks to take a rest. When leaning against a boulder it moved. I came to standing and pushed it, suddenly realising it was an entrance to a cave. Climbing in...I swam through the tunnel, which led me here and the rest you know boy.”

Varden decided that after what Si had been through as a child, he deserved to find this safe haven. Realising he'd outstayed his welcome, the boy thanked his friend for the food and bed. “Well...all I can say is, I hope if I keep searching, I can find somewhere safe to lay my head.”

“You're always welcome here boy, as long as you're careful and don't let anyone see you.”

Naked, the boy began to dress. Si had made sure to dry the boys clothes in front of the fire, for that Varden was grateful. Giving Si a hug he said his goodbyes, making his way to the entrance once more.

After Si moved the boulder, he lifted Varden up and the boy squeezed through the hole. Feet finally on the ground, the boy went to say a last goodbye, but Si had already located the boulder back in place.

Brushing himself down Varden turned and made his way towards the mouth of the cave. The wind and rain had finally ceased to leave a sunny day, to the relief of the boy. Checking around, he stepped out of the entrance and made his way along the beach heading towards the cliff face, where he'd climbed down.

Dwellers of the New World Chapter Ten ( Pt 5 ) Mysteries To Solve | ABCtales