Dwellers of the New World Chapter Thirteen ( Pt 12 ) A Discovery Is Made

Introductions were made as the families got to know one another, though Kalina and Tariq were desperate to tell Evelyne and Nathen what they'd discovered. “We found those two men from yesterday,” Kalina declared sitting down next to Evelyne.

Tariq went to get a drink, filling a tankard with some warm milk, he agreed. “Yes! We followed them down into passageways that lead into the catacombs, we've never been down there before. There are hundreds of dead bodies down there placed in wooden caskets, the stench was so bad we were both nauseous. We had to be careful we couldn't be seen, so relied on the torchlight from the men we followed.” Tariq's expression changed to downcast. “You know those men were evil...we tracked them to a pit.”

At this point Kalina took her son from Evelyne and spoke. “It was horrible...we could hear the sound of moaning, someone was pleading for help, but at that point we couldn't do anything. The men started whispering and laughing out loud...something about; YOU'RE A DEAD MAN! SO STOP YOUR MOANING AND GROANING...WON'T BE LONG NOW!”

Derland broke his silence, baffled at how the couple had not been apprehended by the guards. “How come you didn't get caught?” He voiced in a higher tone.

Tariq had a feeling that question would come up, he was relieved that they weren't apprehended. “We never saw any guards when we were down there, but we followed the men back out of the tunnel, keeping a safe distance. Once they'd gone...we took a couple of torches and went back down to investigate further. There was a man down in the pit, he looked very weak, but managed to crawl over to the edge, though it was too steep for him to climb out. He saw our torchlight and called out asking for our help...he said he needed to get back to his people and that he was dying if he didn't get out.”

Both Ben and Jay glanced over an one another at the same time, both thinking the same thing. “I wonder if this man is the one we're looking for?” Questioned Ben.

“It certainly sounds like it,” replied Jay.

“What man is it that you seek?” Asked Tariq interested to know more.

“We came here on a ship called The Flying Fish. There's a young boy by the name of Varden and a girl by the name of Cinnamon. They told us of a man who came from another world called Obsidian...his name's Dawson and...”

Before Jay could continue, Evelyne interrupted. “I remember that name Obsidian from a long time ago, when you were just boys. Remember the stones and the crystal ships?”

“Yes Mother!” Replied Jay. “That's what I'm trying to tell you. There is a man trapped here from that world and he needs our help to get back.” He turned to Kalina and Tariq. “Do you think it would be possible to get this man out of the pit?”

“Yes it would be easy enough with some strong rope,” replied Tariq. “But the problem is...we don't know when the guards will be back, even though they don't stay down there all the time, someone would need to keep an eye out for anyone coming outside the tunnel.” He paused then spoke again. “In fact we would need a number of people to pass word along, it's too far down for just one person to relay a message that danger's around.”

Derland was worried that they would have no food for Liora and the others when they returned. “Look! I'm sorry to break up this meeting, but we really need to be heading back, there's food to hunt and prepare for Liora. I'm sure she's been busy all day and it will start to get dark soon.”

“Yeah! I agree,” declared Ben. “We can come back tomorrow...perhaps Liora will be able to help us, she has a number of men that could help out, once she's found a way to release the children.”

“Who is Liora?” Enquired Nathen, suddenly aware of his son's face flushing.

“She's a healer like myself,” said Jay, feeling suddenly aware of the heat exuding from his cheeks, even though it was quite chilly.

“Well!” Commented Nathen. “I can see you've managed to make yourselves at home, considering how long you've been here.”

There was a sudden silence, before Derland said, “Can we be off? Are you ready Ben and Jay.?”

The two men agreed and said their goodbyes and wished their parents well till the morrow. Both Ben and Jay had a feeling that Varden would know what to do, if only they could free him.

It didn't take them long to get back to Liora's. No sound came from her lodge and it was empty apart from the goat that bleated as they entered.

“What do you think Derland? Should we go and look for Liora?”

The man stared at the fire as it was almost out, then spoke. “No...we need to get some more firewood and hunt for some food. Liora will return when she's ready, but she'll be hungry and so will the rest of the men.”

So it was agreed and after building the fire up, Ben and Derland left the lodge in search of food, while Jay stayed behind awaiting Liora's return.

Darkness was setting in fast when the hunters returned. Derland placed their kill down near the fire. “Liora's not back yet I see?” He said, making a start on skinning the rabbits.

“No she's not!” Replied Jay. “Do you think we should go out and look for her?”

Derland didn't seem that bothered. “No...she'll be back when she's ready.” He knew Liora was quite able to take care of herself.

Very soon the food was cooking nicely and the fire was built up once more. All the three men could do now was to wait.

Dwellers of the New World Chapter Thirteen ( Pt 13 ) Preparations Coming Together | ABCtales