Ben and Lucy: The Sunken Kingdom
Chapter 7 Max

It took about thirty minutes before they had made it to a place where they could actually see the details of the tree. The two slowly realized that the one tree was really a few trees cut inside the plains. Ben stopped and took his backpack off. He reached inside the bag and pulled out something new, a sword.

“What is that for?” Lucy asked.

“I want to make sure that nothing is up there waiting for its dinner under those lone trees. I guess the backpack gave me this. I hope it does not mean we will need it.”

“Oh, Ben, I am sure it is perfectly fine. We have not even seen a bird since we left the pond.”

“That is what bothers me. Shouldn’t there have been at least some insects?”

“Ben in this land who knows if they even have insects. Now that I think about it I have not seen any at all. Have you?”

“Strange.” Ben had not noticed this before but the more he thought about this the more it troubled him. How can a land not survive without the insects, the bees, flies, etc to spread the pollen and break down all the other items in nature that is so commonplace back home.

“Look, Ben it’s beautiful, just look at the flowers. And that smell, mmmm.”

Lucy had seen the flowers surrounding the base of the trees. Flowers that blossomed in vibrant colors of yellow, red, magenta, cyan. The colors exploded against the backdrop of the green and brown hues of the grass. Something warned Ben from inside. This was like nature to lure its victims by the flashy colors and sweet smells, then once the victim has been lured in the trap springs to life and snuffs out the victims. Ben had just been studying about the various plants like the venus flytrap that secretly lure the insects in to their death.

“Lucy, stop!”

Just as Lucy stepped across the threshold where the flowers were, Ben’s alarm caused her to step back out, just in time to see the beautiful flowers swell up and reach for his sister. Ben jumped forward wielding his sword, hacking the vines that had grabbed Lucy’s legs. The blade cut through the first vines as through soft butter. A sound came forth from the plant. Hissing and screaming. Lucy was being drawn into the center of the plant. A mouth formed within the plants vines. Ben thought of the Venus flytrap, its hinged petal ready to snap shut upon her sister. Lucy was screaming. The air was filled with screams from both Lucy and the plant. As Ben hacked some vines more would reach out to grab Lucy. Lucy was being drawn closer and closer to the center. In Ben’s mind an evil smile formed on the plant anticipating the juicy Lucy. Ben moved quicker now, his reflexes kicked up a notch and he was now moving faster than he ever had. The vines were being strewn left and right of the main plant. Ben was making progress but would he make it to Lucy in time. Only a few feet separated Lucy from the terrible jaws of the plant now. Ben slashed through the remaining vines to grab Lucy just inches from the jaws. The jaws clamped down where Lucy had just been. Ben slash once more and finally Ben’s sword released her from the flower’s grip. Suddenly the flowers turned black and menacing. A roar went out from within the circle. Where there was once trees and flowers now stood a menacing plant black as death with two red markings like eyes. Ben and Lucy ran away from the plant stepping over the sheared vines that Ben had slashed earlier. The two had escaped the plant and now were back into the plains. Once far enough away the two looked back. The black plant had restored itself to the peaceful looking oasis within the plains.

“Lucy are you ok?” Ben finally spoke first.

“Yes.” Lucy said through tears.

“What was that thing?” Ben asked out loud.

“I don’t know Ben. I want to go home.” Lucy said crying.

“I know Lucy, so do I.” Ben hugged his sister like he not done for quite a while. The two remained there for some time holding each other while Lucy regained her strength. She began to clam down after a few minutes and was the first to speak.

“Ben. Let’s look at the map again and see if this thing appears on it now.”

Ben placed his sword back into the backpack and again reached inside for the map. This time the box was slightly bigger. Ben opened the map this time, as Lucy had thought the Black Plant was now marked on the map.

“Why didn’t it show this to us before?” Ben said angrily.

“It is ok now. Ben, place the map back in the backpack and ask for the map to indicate a safe place to stay tonight.”

“Great idea Lucy. Let’s also ask to indicate where there might be danger as well.” Ben was still upset at the backpack. Some magic, you would think that a little indication of danger would have been helpful. The two were starting to understand the backpacks and their powers. Ben did as Lucy suggested and of course the map obliged. There on the map was a place labeled as “Safe” that was not too far away. There were also indications of “danger areas” now. One now indicating the place where the evil plant almost ate Lucy. There was only one “safe” place on the map now and it was however further south then they had been traveling.

“Lucy this looks to be out of our way, but I think we should make the detour, don’t you?′

“Oh yes. Let’s go. I am getting tired and hungry. I don’t want to stay outside tonight.”

“Let’s reach inside the backpacks and pull some snacks out.”

“I really want to sit down and eat a full meal, don’t you?” Lucy was getting cranky.

“Yes Lucy but we can get a little snack and we need some nourishments. I don’t think the backpacks care about gourmet foods just want we need.” Ben tried to stay positive. He did not need for Lucy to shut down now. He was not confident about the backpacks providing enough protection in this new world.

“As long as it is healthy Ben.” Lucy added. Always the health nut Ben thought.

“Ok, ok. No candy bars this time. I Promise.” At the last break Ben had pulled out candy bars and other sweets. The two had enjoyed the sugary foods but now Lucy’s stomach was not in the best shape and Ben would not admit it either but he too wanted something more substantial. He wanted his mother’s cooking. Gloria Henderson was a great cook when she had the time, after George had moved the family to the country, Gloria had resumed her passion for art and had even gotten involved in the local art museum. She would get the kids off to school and then spent the day volunteering at the museum until the curator asked her if she want to join the staff. Gloria jumped at the chance. At what first started as a part time job helping in administration suddenly became more as Gloria was now looking for local art to be presented in the museum’s galleries. This time spent on her passion reduce her time at home preparing meals. Ben could really go for one of her Turkey casseroles.

He licked his lips in anticipation then reached inside the backpack as did Lucy. Ben opened his eyes and his face registered his disappointment. He knew this would be the result but he had hoped for more. The packs gave up only healthy fruits, nuts and juices. The two devoured the bananas, white grapes, and apples. Lucy had orange juice in a wooden flask while Ben had a canister of apple juice. After the food was devoured and the juice drained the two placed the empty containers back into the depths of the packs, never to see them again.

As the two made their way south the sun crept closer to the ground. The rays of sunlight were disappearing to their right. The two travelers were getting tired and anxious to replace some cover before dark. Ben looked at the map again. They were still a distance from the “safe” area but the perspective of the map had changed. They were actually closer. As Ben was about to tell Lucy to look for a …

“Look Ben, a house”.

Lucy was right there in the distance was a house quite similar to Charnac’s. The two started to run through the grass, as they did the height of the blades grew shorter. There was something comforting about the house. A stream of smoke arouse from the chimney. There was an inviting charm about the house, like their grandparents farmhouse in the midwest, just outside of St. Louis. There Ben and Lucy would visit for weeks during the summer enjoying the various wild animals in the woods and the great cooking that their grandmother would come up with each day. Pies, rolls, fresh juice and eggs. As Ben and Lucy ran closer they started to smell the same scents that they remembered from that farmhouse. Was this their imagination running wild, were they running into a trap once again. Ben thought of the black plant. His fears began to seize him. Suddenly a large dog greeted them. Ben and Lucy stopped in their tracks. After their near escape with the black plant they were now ever alert and suspicious of this new world. The dog came running toward them barking, but with tail a wagging.

“Hello, Hello, Hello” heard Lucy coming from the dog. Ben still only heard the dog barking. Lucy was not scared anymore and ran to the big beast. The dog was indeed a huge beast standing far taller than any Great Dane, nearing close to six feet tall, the dog must have been the size of a Bison in Ben’s eyes. Ben was now terrified that the beast would swallow Lucy up in a few bites.

He screamed. “Lucy, stop! Stop! Stop!” Lucy did not hear her brother’s alarms. She could understand the beast and it was welcoming her brother and her. Ben became petrified. He was going to see his sister torn apart right before him and the stupid backpack was not helping. He had stopped to reach inside for the sword. Ben was frustrated for the pack was not delivery what he thought he needed. No sword, no weapon, but instead huge bones dripping with tasty meat. Ben grew angry then the pack sealed itself shut and would not allow Ben to open it. Ben looked back at his sister convinced that he would be too late. To his surprise Lucy was riding on the back of the beast coming toward him.

“Oh wonderful little one, your brother has treats for me.”

The beast stopped in front of Ben and Lucy jumped down. The beast began to chew on the leg bones that Ben had dropped. The huge dog easily broke the large bones with its enormous teeth. Ben marveled at the size of this dog. The bones looked as if they were from an Ostrich and yet the beast before him played with the bones like his grandmother’s dog back home eats biscuit treats. No sooner had the beast sat down to enjoy his snack. He was back up again. The dog barked. Deep resonant tones bellowed from his frame. Ben, stepped back in fright.

“Oh Ben, Max will not hurt you.”

“Max, how do you know its name?” Ben was convinced that his sister had gone crazy.

“Its name? Oh how rude. I am sorry Max for my brother’s lack of manners. “

Max answered back in a language that only Lucy could understand. “No problem my new friend. He is your brother and I will allow it this time. Ha Ha Ha. “ Max chuckled to himself.

“What he really needs is for you to give him a kiss.” Lucy suggested.

“Oh, what a grand idea. That should put a little fright into him, huh?”

Lucy herself giggled at this, in spite of herself.

“What are you laughing at now?” Ben asked in an aggravated tone. Before he could react Max reached over and slobbered him with his huge tongue.

“Yuck!”

“Ha, ha , ha now look at your brother.”

“Hey, I heard that.” Ben now understand Max. How was that possible? More magic?

“Fantastic Ben, you can now talk to Max.”

“Let me introduce myself to both of you properly.” Added Max.

“I am Maximillion von Hammerlang, you can obviously call me Max.”

“Well Maximillion, it is good to meet you.” Lucy was the first to speak.

“Yeah, same goes for me. Nice to meet you Max.” Ben said reluctantly.

“Now, my two new friends, what are your names and where do you come from.?”

“Well, we are Ben and Lucy Henderson.” replied Lucy. “We are from upstate New York.”

“Interesting, I have never heard of that kingdom.”

“Oh Max, it is not a kingdom but a state in the United States of America.”

“Wow that King sounds important.”

“What King?”

“You know, America.”

“Ha ha ha, that silly old dog thinks America is a King. Ha Ha Ha.” Ben was now laughing so hard that his side began to hurt. Max did not like being made a fool. The huge dog began to growl at Ben. This quickly shut up the young boy.

“Max! Now stop that!” Lucy commanded. She was already assuming charge over the massive beast. The authority was not questioned by her new friend and Max backed down from Ben.

“Max, the United States of America is a country where we come from. There are no kings there. There were once kings in other countries but now the countries are ruled by elected officials.” Lucy explained.

“Oh so you live in a land ruled by words and not power?”

“Max, the most powerful things are all in words.”

“Ha, try to stop a wicked witch or a crazed animal with words my dear friend.” Max chuckled.

“Max, with words you can have armies of the population rise up and dethrone any king.” Lucy answered.

“Good luck with that one.” Max said sarcastically.

“Enough of this talk. We need to keep moving Lucy.” Ben interrupted.

“Yes Ben, I know.” Lucy said exasperated with her brother.

“Max, we are on a journey to replace Eloise and the…”

“Sunken Kingdom” Max completed Ben’s statement.

“Oh you know of her? Great. Maybe you can help us get there.” Lucy questioned.

“Oh no. I will not travel there. You are folly to try yourself.”

“Max, why do you say that?” Lucy was curious.

“Little one, the path there is not possible for she lives under lake Zhuluan. None that has jumped in the lake have ever returned.” Max answered with conviction.

“ Max, we must replace her. We need to get back home to our parents.” Lucy began to cry as she said this.

“Oh, my child please do not cry. I may not be able to help, but my friend who lives in the house may. Please come with me.” Max moved over to Lucy and gently nuzzled her with his huge snout. Lucy threw her arms around the neck of the massive dog. She held tight and began to cry in full force. Max began to speak, but Lucy gripped even tighter. Ben looked away. He knew how Lucy felt, his own feelings began to swell up as well. He drifted away back to their home. He could see his mother at the front door greeting his sister and him as they came home on the first day of school when they were ten. She had allowed them to come home by themselves. Lucy and he had asked to walk home alone for weeks. Each day his mother had denied them, saying they were too young. When the day finally came Ben was excited but as Lucy and he walked home they both had been nervous of the path home. He remembered seeing his mother’s face light up as they turned the corner onto their street where they could be seen from the front door. His heart had jumped at the site of her. He was also relieved that nothing had happened and now he was within her protection. Ben smiled as he thought of her. He drifted back to Lucy and Max. Gloria Henderson had communicated with the neighbors along the way and was on the phone each time the two had passed her friends houses. She was not about to let the two really walk home without knowing where they were at each moment. She wanted them to feel proud none the less.

“Ok, let’s get moving. Come on Max lead us the way.

“Oh, yes quite right.” Max replied. “Besides my two-legged friend might be able to help you.”

“So is that his house over on the hill?” Lucy pointed over to the house that Ben and she were on their way to when they met Max.

“Yes, that is their house.”

“Is there a family there? Asked Ben.

“Yes, a wonderful woman and her mate.”

“Her mate? Do you not like him?” Questioned Lucy.

“The old man is just a little tough to get used to.” chuckled Max. “You will see what I mean. I must not spoil the surprise.” Max suppressed a laugh then started off toward the house. “Come on you slow creatures.” yelled Max as he bounded toward the house.

Ben and Lucy started after the huge beast, trying to keep up. Ben and Lucy both enjoyed the way the big animal bounced his way through the high grass. As the two made their way toward the cottage on the hill the vegetation began to get more domesticated. They came to a large stone fence. Max had easily jumped over the high stones, now both Ben and Lucy struggled to climb over the fence. Ben was first and as he made it to the top he reached back for Lucy’s hand and pulled her up. Once on top of the stones Ben and Lucy both took a moment to view the surroundings from the vantage point. Looking at the cottage they could see a well managed garden with a large pile of cut wood laying next to the walls of the house, consisting of the same large stones that were used for the fence. Ben looked back over the fields in which they came. Nothing but grass to the west leading up to about one hundred yards from the cottage. There the tree line started and continued past the cottage to the east, now Ben realized that a vast dense forest lay in front of them. As he continued to look south, the tree line wrapped around the house. Ben noticed the grade of the hill started to drop, but the density of the trees blocked the view of the terrain behind them.

“Come on, you want to get there before dark?” Max shouted back to Ben.

“Yes, I’m coming. Just hold your horses.”

“Horses? Why would I hold horses? They are arrogant stupid beasts.” Max replied.

“Where we come from we ride horses.”

“Oh you would never be able to do that here.”

“And dogs are man’s best friend!” yelled Ben.

“Well my new friend at least that is accurate.” Laughed Max.

As the three approached the house. Max barked out “Hello!”