Ben and Lucy: The Sunken Kingdom
Chapter 23 Pierre

Lucy felt the object in her hands. She knew this object. It was the mirror. She slowly brought it out of the backpack. She looked at the designs on the mirror. Had it changed? Something was different but she could not tell what had changed. The mirror started to illuminate agin the color was blue as before, but then the color changed. Purple hues began to bleed in, then still adjusting until the blue was no longer visible. The purple tint gave way to another, the mirror was turning red. Lucy was curious to what that meant. She focused on the mirror and only saw herself looking back. She continued to stare and concentrate.

Then the glass began to mist up. Her face was swallowed within the mist. The glass was now all fogged up. The mirror grew colder in her hand. She had to switch hands, not daring to put the mirror down. The haziness in the image began to clear. She was looking into a big room. There were many people, all were below her. The vantage point was somewhere up high. Lucy moved her eyes closer to the glass, trying to get a better view. Everyone appeared to be angry. There were many men with armor and weapons in their hands. Swords and shields reflected light throughout the room. There was no color except hues of black and gray. Lucy did not like what she was seeing. She was scared.

Paddy looked for good pieces of wood to burn. They needed good kindling as well. The ground was dry. The twigs and larger deadwood would be good for building a fire. He began to scoop up some nearby, placing the smaller twigs in his waist pocket then gathering larger pieces in his arms. Paddy looked about nervously. Something did not feel right about this place. The winds suddenly blew through the trees. A chill went down his spine.

“Who’s there?” Paddy asked the wind. No answer.

“Must be my imagination.” He said to himself, trying to calm himself, Paddy continued down the small hill away from Mattie and Lucy. He continue to gather pieces of wood for the fire. Growler had gone off in the other direction and now Paddy was alone out in the woods. Bad things happen in the woods. He wanted to get the wood and get back.

“Stop it. Nothing is out here.” Paddy continued his dialogue with the wind. A twig snapped off to his right. Paddy froze and looked around. Everything remained quiet. The hair on his neck was at attention. The light from the sun was now fading away, he had to get back or he would not replace his way. He reached for a broken limb on the ground.

An arrow flew through the air. A direct hit. A sudden kill. Not a sound in the air. The body fell in a heap. Growler moved toward his target. A medium deer, probably just a few years past adulthood. Just right for the party. Growler had missed his time for hunting back at his house. The season was perfect for hunting now. The air was cool and crisp. The deer had been putting on weight just preparing for the winter season. Growler stepped to the animal. Suddenly he stopped. He felt himself being watch. He could sense that he was not alone. Cautiously he bent down to remove the arrow from the deer. Just as he had hoped the arrow went almost clear through. It was easy to pull out. Growler however pretended to have difficulty pulling the arrow out. He wanted whomever was watching to lower their guard. Just as he wanted a twig snapped to his left. In one quick movement Growler wheeled to his left and pulled his bow back.

“Whoa!” A voice called out.

“What are you doing here? Maybe I should just let my arrow fly?” Growler said with annoyance in his voice.

“I know you would probably like that.” Replied the voice

“No one would know.” Growler was tempted.

“Oh, I would not bet on that. Take a look around.” Growler turned and saw three bows pointed at him.

“Now, who should pull that bow?” The man’s voice laughed back at Growler.

Growler turned back toward the voice and saw the man facing him up on an old plateau. Growler knew him immediately.

“Pierre, what are you doing here?”

“Same can be said of you my old friend.” The man who had spoken earlier was now further in view. Pierre was a slender man with dark hair and an olive complexion. He was dressed in a light leather tunic and cloth pants decorated with rose embroidery up and down the legs. A sword hung on his belt sheathed in fine black leather as well. Pierre was a rogue and always dressed the part, styling himself as a pirate. That would be the way Ben would describe him.

“Old friend?” Growler said with disgust.

“The past is past. How is that wonderful wife of yours?”

“She is good.”

“So what brings you to these woods? Can’t be the hunting, your too far away from home.”

“Thought I would change things up. Take a journey to see the old lake.”

“Oh, is that the best you can come up with? I have been watching you for hours before you stopped.” Pierre smiled at Growler.

“You will just have to guess then.”

“I see that you have a child with you. Is that yours?” Pierre was now egging Growler on.

Growler thought about his response. Pierre watched his old friend’s eyes. Growler remained silent.

“We are headed to the Sunken Kingdom. We hear it is at the lake.” Pierre spoke first.

“I see you tell the truth. Now what is your reason? Surely you aren’t thinking of stealing from under water?”

“Ha ha ha. That would be a good one. Probably drown in the process. No we are in the search for game.” Pierre continued the conversation moving closer to Growler. Now just a few feet away. His men too had gathered around Growler. Three bland fellows with no imagination in their dress. Growler smiled to himself. Pierre always needed to be the best dressed.

“MMM, what type of game would bring you this far ?” Growler quizzed Pierre.

“You know me as well. I will not lie either. We are looking for Creeptians.”

“Creeptians? Past the Wall?”

“Yeah, there have been sightings. The villagers in the region are paying good money to bring the creatures in. We have also heard of the Terrordons moving again.”

“That is not good. What is the reason? Is Shamus up to his old tricks?” Growler was surprised by this last bit of information. He knew that Pierre was telling some true in his story.

“Do you think Shamus has something to do with the Terrordons? How would he be able to control them?”

Growler paused before responding. He thought about Lucy and Ben’s appearance. Could this all be related? He decided to trust Pierre.

“There have been things happening that have been written about.”

“What do you mean, the prophecies? That is story-telling.” Pierre responded with a chuckle in his chest.

“No, I don’t think so this time. The twins have arrived.”

Pierre drew a breath. He looked at his old friend, not wanting to believe this. His easy demeanor changed quickly. Pierre’s three men looked to each other. The prophecies were well known amongst the men. The less educated, the more superstitious.

“So it is true, they have been seen.”

Pierre’s men looked at each other. No one wanted to say anything. They looked at Pierre, waiting for their leader’s next words. Pierre realized again that he was not entirely alone with Growler.

“Ok men keep an eye out. Ramon go to the top of the hill and keep watch. Jacque, go down the hill and branch off to the river, stay within eyesight and be weary.” Pierre turned to the third man. A young handsome boy, Growler thought no more that 15 years old.

“Son, go keep an eye on the others. Especially the young girl. She is very valuable.” The young man smiled and took off toward Growler’s group.

“Son?”

“Yes, my son. Do you think I would never get over Mattie? Pierre paused. “He is a good boy. One thing good out of his mother at least.”

“I am happy for you Pierre.”

“Thanks, my old friend. Let’s put the past behind us now. If what you say is true about the twins, then we have more important issues than a woman.” Pierre was now alone with Growler and wanted to replace out more.

“Agreed.” Growler smiled. Pierre smiled then immediately the two turned their eyes away from one another.

“Uh, we must make sure the twins are ok. I only see the one that travels with you. Where is the other one?” Pierre asked his old friend.

“We got separated when the White Tiger attacked.”

“The White Tiger!”

“Yes, but with Lucy’s help we escaped.”

“What about the other twin?”

“Ben? I think. uh we feel he is ok.”

“Oh, you do? Did you go back after him?”

“Max did.”

“Max? Who is Max.” Pierre asked in disbelief.

“Max is the best dog a man can have.”

“A dog? Against the White Tiger? Are you mad?”

“Max is a very large dog.” Growler added with a smile.

“Somehow we know he is ok.”

“And how is that.”

“Lucy saw him.”

“I thought you said you sere separated.” Pierre asked curiously.

“I did.”

Pierre was confounded. “How did Lucy see this?”

“She had a mirror.”

“A special mirror?” Pierre asked mockingly.

“Yes a special mirror that she got from her..” Growler stopped short from telling Pierre.

“From her what?”

“Brother. He gave it to her before they were separated.” Growler immediately lied to Pierre. This time he knew he had to keep the truth from Pierre. Even his old friend could not be trusted to know Lucy’s special backpack and the power it had. Growler knew Pierre well enough to know not to trust him with things that could bring money.

“Where is this mirror?”

“Lucy broke it on the ride from Paddie’s house to here.”

“Oh what a shame that is.” Pierre covered up his true desire to replace a way to retrieve this mirror. He knew Growler was lying to him about this mirror but he knew he must pretend that he believed Growler. Pierre knew that a mirror that could see things like Growler had just described would be worth a great deal.

“Let’s get back to your friends and escort them to Eloise, shall we?” Pierre confidently spoke. With this the two old friends began to make their way back to camp.

Paddy examined the broken limb. He noticed that this was not broken by chance, the limb appeared to be from a healthy tree. Something big had done this. He quickly began to make his way back to the camp. He did not want to be alone in the woods any longer. Something in his senses did not fell comfortable anymore. The air began was heavy. His breath was strained. His blood began pumping furiously through his body. The adrenaline had begun to pulse through his veins. He sprinted through the bush. Twigs snapping as he went. The branches from the low hanging limbs brushed his cheeks. He spun around as he hit one. Paddy almost lost his balance then recovered. He continued through the woods.

Lucy’s heart jumped as the scene in the mirror came into view.

“Charnac!” The image in the mirror was indeed Charnac. He was captive, bond by heavy iron chains. As Lucy continued to look in the mirror she could make out more of the details of the room. It was dimly lit with candles on the walls. Charnac was now in the center of the room. Where was he? Lucy thought.

Charnac looked into the mirror and Lucy could see directly into his eyes. Charnac appeared to be looking directly at Lucy.

“Help me. Eloise, replace the twins.” Charnac whispered. Lucy gasped.

“We will come for you Charnac.” Lucy instantly replied. Charnac dropped his head. The image began to fade out.

“No, no, stay with Charnac.” Lucy yelled at the mirror, but to no avail. The mirror returned to its basic function and Lucy was suddenly looking at herself again. She quickly put the mirror back in her backpack. A new drive swelled up in her. They had to get to Eloise and replace Ben and then rescue Charnac.

“Hello! Look what I found.” Growler exclaimed as he and Pierre walked up to the camp.

“My god what a sight for sore eyes.” Maddie quickly added. Pierre moved to give her a quick hug and kiss on the cheek. Maddie glanced at Growler, whose stern look told her to be careful not to be too friendly with Pierre.

“Hello little one.” Pierre turned and addressed Lucy. Lucy looked into Pierre’s dark eyes. An instant image sprang to her that this was a very authentic pirate who must have just stepped off the boat. Pierre was not nearly as big as Growler but Lucy could tell that Pierre was a strong athletic man in his own right. Lucy thought of a word that her mother would have used, dashing. Pierre gave a quick little smile with a twinkle in his eyes, Lucy was hooked.

“Lucy, it is correct?” Pierre tussled her hair. Lucy nodded

“So instead of camping for the night. Pierre and I have discussed that we need to get to the Sunken Kingdom as fast as possible.” Growler blurted out.

“Where is Paddy?” Lucy asked looking around for their companion. Growler, Pierre, and Maddie looked as well. Paddy was nowhere to be seen. Feared rose in Lucy.

“No one yell out his name.” Pierre said emphatically.

“There are things about lately that we do not want to draw attention to ourselves.” He added.

“Which way did Paddy go from the site?” asked Growler looking intensely at Lucy.

“Uh, I think he went that way.” Lucy pointed to her right. It was the direction that Pierre feared the most. His face tensed up. Lucy noticed.

“What is that way Pierre?” she asked. Pierre smiled back at Lucy.

“We will replace him, don’t you worry.” Pierre quickly replied

“Pierre, you did not answer Lucy’s question.” Chimed in Maddie, she now was concerned for Paddy.

“Well nothing really. Just a slope and a little ravine hidden under the leaves. There are many hidden paths in this region that lead to passageways long abandoned.”

“What do you mean?”

“Maddie, we can talk about this after we replace Paddy.” Growler jumped in.

“Growler, we need to know what we are walking into.” Maddie was not going to give up that quickly.

“Not now Maddie.” Growler snapped back. Maddie knew this was not the time to mess with Growler. He did not get like this often but she knew as did everyone not to mess with Growler at this moment. His eyes were intense and his face displayed his concern.

“Ok, Pierre can you gather your men and search for the fool?” Growler was now taking full control of the situation.

“Yes. I remember Paddy. We will replace him quickly.” Pierre was now more than happy to oblige. He too had seen Growler at his fiercest and did not want to tangle with him now.

“Make sure that you do. We will continue without you. Time is of the essence.”

Lucy was about to protest.

“Don’t worry little one, Pierre and his men are expert trackers. They found us easily enough.” Growler smiled sensing Lucy’s concern of her new friend.

“Off we go.” Pierre added and soon he was headed toward the direction of where Paddy had earlier. He gave a quick whistle and was soon joined his three men.

“Ok, you two we need to get going. Quickly now.” Growler packed everything back on the sled.

“Lucy do you think you can conjure up a bow and arrow out of that thing.” Growler pointed toward Lucy’s backpack.

“Sure, let’s try.” Lucy took the backpack off her back and laid in down on the ground. She closed here eyes and concentrated. Reaching into the bag Lucy’s hands grasped onto something made of wood. It was heavy and she placed both her hands on the object and pulled out a heavy and large ornately decorated crossbow.

“Oh that is perfect. Now we need arrows to go with it.” Lucy reached back in and felt around for something else. Soon her hands came across what she was hoping for. She pulled out the arrows and the pouch for them.

“Excellent!” Growler was quite pleased with what Lucy had pulled out. As he looked over the carvings on the bow his eyes grew wide.

“This can’t be, how did this ...” Growler was amazed at the object.

“What it is dear?” Maddie asked.

“This is a crossbow of the ancients. I can’t tell what the carvings really mean but some I recognize from the “Book of Ancients”.

“What does that mean?” Lucy asked.

“Not sure my dear but we need to get to Eloise.” Growler packed the bow and arrows on his back and turned toward the sled. Soon as it was packed, he turned to Lucy.

“Do you think you can asked that thing to provide us with something to guide our way in the dark?”

“I will try.” Lucy closed her eyes and concentrated once more. She reached back into the bag. This time pulled out a strange type of compass.

“What is that?” She held the compass up to Growler. Then placed the object into Growlers large hands and immediately his hands began to burn.

“Ah. Take it back!” He yelled. Growler quickly rubbed his hand where the thing burned him.

“I guess I am the only one to use it.” Lucy said apologetically.

“You think so?” Growler laughed back. Then Lucy and Maddie both enjoyed the comment.

“Ok little one you will need to be our eyes.” Lucy looked down at the compass and images began to appear on the face.

“Look! I see a castle.” Lucy exclaimed.

“That must be Eloise’s. Lead the way, me lady.” Growler said.

Lucy pointed to the left of where Pierre went to search for Paddy. Lucy hoped that she would see her friend once again. Growler turned the sled around and it started to glide across the ground. Off the three went into the darkness.

“We will need to go slowly and quietly. So Lucy only touch me to guide us. We will need to travel in the dark. No words.” Growler’s tone was set and the party were off silently into the dark.

As the sled moved steadily along, Lucy guided Growler by touching his arms. A gently touch on the left to go left, right to go right. Growler had thrown the blanket over her so that no light would be seen from the sled. Growler pushed the sled himself. He was amazed how the sled was now light as a feather gliding just above the ground. Growler wondered if it was the magic in the backpack or was this magic coming from the girl herself.

As the sled moved quietly across the land, Growler’s ears were ever alert for any sounds coming their way. He feared the worse traveling at dark but he knew that they must get to Eloise as soon as possible. Every branch moving in the wind made his hairs stand on end. The sled was silent. Growler would push occasionally and then step back on the sled. The only sound made was his steps when he pushed the sled. Steadily the group moved forward, Lucy guiding them. The light from the compass hidden under the blanket. The night was pitch black. The moon was barely visible through the clouds. Every noise in the woods was heard. Night animals were all about scurrying here and there. An owl began to hoot in the distance.

Then there it was the first sound he dreaded. A low growl. Lucy tensed up. The image on the compass made her jump. Growler immediately stopped the sled. He reached for the crossbow, wondering how this weapon would help against the Starbeasts. He knew that they moved too quickly for him to get good aim, especially in the dark. He readied the crossbow anyway. Growler would need to use his hearing and his instincts. Night vision would not be accurate enough. He trusted the magic of the backpack to know best. He felt the bow in his hands and a self confidence grew inside. The ancients used this bow, he thought. Pride swelled up in his chest.

Suddenly a creature growled to his left. Then another to the right. He could make out the shadows in front of him. The sled was surrounded. The big man took a deep breath, closed one eye and began to take aim at the shadow in front of him. He thought if he could get that one then he could push the sled forward. He steadied himself. Suddenly a violent wind hit him from above. The wind swept through the trees followed by a horrible cry. Growler turned to his right just in time to see a Starbeast jump and in midair was grabbed in huge claws. The Starbeast had no chance, blood spurted in the air. The pale moonlight caught it just so that the stream of blood was visible. Growler then heard the other Starbeasts retreat away from them. He looked up and saw a Terrodon circle above. Their eyes met. The Terrordon’s red eyes fixed upon Growler. The two communicated with their eyes. Hatred flashed through the Terrordon’s eyes. Growler knew that in the next moment the creature would swoop down upon them. He turned his crossbow on the monster. Took aim. The Terrodon began his dive toward them. Growler knew he had only one shot. He need to get the arrow into the neck. The light disappeared as a cloud passed over the moon. Now he could only hear the creature. He closed his eyes and concentrated on the Terrodon’s breathing. He pointed the crossbow, it almost felt as if it was guiding him for the shot. One last breath, Growler squeezed the trigger. The crossbow sprang into action. So effortlessly did the arrow fly from his hands. No sounds through the air.

“Where is that fool?” Muttered Pierre to himself. He thought to himself that the thing he will replace is Paddie’s body stripped clean. Pierre did not want to replace that. He was not fond of Paddy but that was a sight that he did not want. He had seen his share of stripped bodies.

Pierre turned back toward the direction where Growler was leading the sled. A loud cry echoed through the trees. Something was not happy. Again a shriek. A Terrordon! Pierre knew at once from the sound. He paused, this was not an attack cry, but a cry of pain. Pierre smiled. Growler had gotten the better of the monster, but how?

The arrow had found its target, no thanks to Growler who could not even see his hand in front of his face. The crossbow’s magic must be powerful indeed. Growler heard the beast cry out. He reached for another arrow. That thing would be back and now it was pissed. Growler felt the bow ease back into place. He inserted the arrow. Again he took aim into the darkness allowing the crossbow to lead him. When Growler felt the handle warm up quickly he knew he was on target. Again he pulled the trigger, smoothly and effortlessly. The arrow once again flew from the crossbow, streaked silently through the air. This time the beast did not let out any sound. The arrow pierced through its neck once again but this time through the vocal chords and straight up into the tiny brain. The monster was dead in an instant. Growler felt the wind around him pass his face and then he heard and felt the ground shake under the weight of the huge creature. In the distance he heard another cry and then sensed that the others retreated.

Growler chuckled to himself. He had fallen in love with his new weapon and had no intention of ever putting it back in Lucy’s bag.

Growler patted Lucy’s head. They were safe for now. He urged the sled forward. Lucy guided Growler throughout the night. Silently they moved through the dark. Lucy kept a eye on the compass. Occasionally sounds came from all around them, but Growler never wavered and continued to push through. No more Terrordons were heard. Lucy was falling a sleep when the compass vibrated in her hands. They were getting closer.

“Growler we are almost there.” Lucy shouted.

Just then a howl echoed through the air. Lucy felt Growler lean down over her. He was protecting her. Lucy felt Mattie lean back into her as well. Mattie had been riding in front of her on the huge sled so that Growler could easily get directions from Lucy. Now the two adults closed in around Lucy, creating a cocoon. The howling outside grew louder. Lucy wanted to close her eyes but she knew she still needed to direct Growler through the night. She lean left then right. She could smell saltwater. They must be close.

Then the sled shook. Growler moaned but lean even further down around Lucy. She could hear his heartbeat through the cover. She felt his body jerk. He was being attacked, yet still pushed forward. She looked at the compass, she leaned to the right. The howling stopped. They were suddenly falling, slowly. The descent was deliberate and controlled. Lucy sensed water was around them, she could hear the water splashing but they remained dry.

Growler leaned back. Suddenly the cover was pulled off of her. Light flooded Lucy’s eyes. She gathered herself adjusting to the light. When she could finally see, she could not believe her eyes. All around her was water. They were deep under water but yet the water was not on them. A light was in the distance, drawing them in.

Lucy then saw the kingdom for the first time. The same views that Ben had seen before, Lucy now saw. The castle was beautiful, peaceful and clean. The sled drew closer and closer, water moving toward the sides as they approached. The gates opened as the sled entered. Lucy was in awe of the place. She looked at the walls and the beauty all around her.

Then she looked back at Growler. Fear grasped her. Growler was now lying on the ground beside the sled. Maddie was over him crying. Suddenly men were around Growler, they were picking the large man up and carrying him off. Lucy was stunned.

“Lucy!” a familiar cry rang out. It was Ben.

“Ben!” They ran to each other.

Tears ran down their cheeks. Max joined them.

“Max, how are you?”

“Don’t worry about Growler. Eloise will take care of him.” Max could see the tension in Lucy’s face.

“I am so glad you are safe and we are back together.” Ben said to Lucy.

“How did you get here?”

“Probably like you. It is a long story.”

“Yes, you are right.” Lucy laughed.

“Come inside and let’s get you something to eat and changed. You smell terrible.”

Ben led Lucy into the palace and up the stairs toward the great rooms. Ben explaining to Lucy his journey as she explained hers. The twins were back together and Ben swore they would never again be separated until they got back home. Lucy agreed.