Ben and Lucy: The Sunken Kingdom

Ben, Baggy, and Max made their way back to the river. They had gone further South than Lucy and would need to turn toward the east. Their path toward the sunken kingdom would go around the village that Lucy had visited. They would have to go east a bit further. Lucy’s path was more direct but was filled with humans. Baggy did not like to travel too close. Humans were not always so peaceful towards a bear.

The trio made themselves back to the river. They washed themselves in the cool river. The need to wash was especially strong for Ben. He had to get the stench of Sylvester’s blood off.

“Glad to get you in the river” Max joked with Ben.

“Yes, you be a smella like no other fella” Baggy chuckled.

“Alright, I am going.” Ben replied before he dove into the icy waters.

“Holy crap!” Ben exclaimed as he jumped up out of the water.

“Hey, keep it down.” Baggy tried to hush Ben down. He was getting nervous.

“Make sure you keep an eye out Max. We don’t want to be surprised by any unwanted guests.” Baggy added. Baggy wanted to settle them down. No need to alert everything in the area of their presence. Baggy was keeping his sense keen to any other visitors. Once they were finished and out on the bank, Baggy began to push the friends to get moving.

“Something tells me we must get to Eloise’s kingdom quickly.” Baggy said while looking into the woods.

“Yes, more than we know is going on.” Ben started. “Has anyone heard of Shamus Kespon?” Ben asked.

Max had never heard the name, he shook his head. Baggy paused and concentrated.

“Why do you ask?” asked Max.

“When I was out I had a vision of Charnac and he was being held captive by this Shamus dude. Very mean and scary. He was threatening Charnac and he wanted to know about the twins.”

“The twins? You mean Lucy and yourself?” Baggy replied.

“Yes. I think so. He did not know our names” Ben shrugged.

“What is this legend of the twins? Have you heard of it? Is there another set of twins?” Ben focused his stare on Baggy. He was reading his reactions. Baggy paused again, looked down as if thinking about what to say. Then he began.

“Ben, I only know of this in pieces.” Baggy reluctantly began to tell the story of what he knew of the legend.

“There is another set of twins in legend. It is said that these human twins once lived in the village where the haunted woods are now.”

“This haunted woods, is that where we just came from? Where we hid in that old trees before we met Sylvester?” Ben interrupted.

“Yes, that is the place.” Baggy answered quickly.

“I knew there was something weird back there. I heard voices.” Ben admitted.

“What? You heard voices? What kind?” Baggy was now concerned. He looked about quickly.

“It sounded like a male voice. He sounded like he knew me and was after me.”

Baggy tensed up. His eyes were now darting back and forth. The bear took a deep breath in. He was now using his strong sense of smell. If something was out there he could sense it. Baggy began to speak again.

“If this is true what you heard in your dream then we must get moving.”

“Baggy, first I need to hear about the twins. Are they linked to this?”

“Yes, I am afraid so.”

“Go on then. Baggy, tell the boy the story.” Max added.

Baggy took another sniff, when his nose told him it was clear he continued.

“Ok, but only a quick version for I fear we must keep moving. He will be after you.”

“Who is he?” Ben demanded.

“Lucan.”

Max jumped.

“Ah, so you have heard his name as well?” Baggy questioned his canine companion.

Max answered. “Yes, I have heard the name of Lucan. But nothing about twins. Tell us what you know.”

“Well many years ago twins were born in a village where the woods are now.” Baggy began to tell what he knew. As he did the other two grew closer. Baggy went on.

“The twins lived there as part of the village until one day the girl, Benita, was bullied by some of the boys of the village. It was said that five boys had trapped Benita alone in the woods along the path between the houses. The boys had circled around her and were teasing her unmercifully. It is said that Lucan and Benita because they were twins had a special bond and they could feel if either one of them were in danger.”

Ben stirred. He had felt this before with Lucy, especially during this journey. Somehow he knew Lucy was ok right now, but he also had visions and feelings about her.

“So you do feel the same way about Lucy. Mmm interesting.” Baggy was watching Ben. Baggy could sense that it was true. He knew before Ben could reply.

“Go on Baggy.” Max insisted.

“Oh, ok. Well these mean boys were teasing Benita. Calling her names like witch and crazy earth girl. They had even starting telling Benita that is was her that had been the reason that her parents had died. Benita began to cry and the boys continued their verbal assault. Well Lucan felt the fear and the pain that Benita was feeling and came to her rescue. The five boys had Benita circled and were all around her pushing and shouting at her. Lucan yelled at them and they all turned to see him rushing at them. The boys stood their ground as they were five and he was only one. What happened next was horrifying.”

“What happened?” Ben could not wait. He was tense with anticipation. Baggy paused to increase the tension. He liked to tell stories, even this one was a good one.

“The boys jumped on Lucan and of course he was not strong enough to fight them all. His sister was screaming at the boys to stop, but they did not. They continued to hit Lucan and forced him down on the ground. If only they had stopped then. Unfortunately they did not. As Lucan was being beaten and held down something inside him began to stir. His passion and hatred grew. Evil crept inside him. The magic of the twins was soon released. Lucan began to get stronger. A force within Lucan pushed the boys off of him, throwing them into the air. As they landed, they then all started to run away.” Baggy stopped.

“So Lucan and Benita were ok then?” Ben interrupted. Baggy shook his head. While looking at the ground, Baggy continued with bitterness in his voice.

“Lucan then unleashed his power. It is said that his hair became more vibrant red. The hairs on his head stuck out in all directions away from him, the power was flowing out from inside. He stood in the clearing where the boys had attacked Benita and he raised his arms into the sky. He then pointed at each boy. The first was by accident. Lucan pointed and yelled Die! Lightning flew from his fingers and struck the first boy splitting him into two. Everyone froze, even Lucan. He looked at his hands and then a devilish smile spread across his face. He was the first to realize his new power. He quickly pointed to the next boy. Again lightning, again the cry from the boy as he was blown apart. Lucan pointed to the third one and again the same result. Two were left. Benita screamed at her brother to stop. The hatred had now consumed him and he was out of control. Benita cried for Lucan not to kill them all. She stood between them and her brother. Lucan finally stopped and he did not kill the last two.”

“I thought you said hatred had consumed him but he stopped.”

“Oh he did not kill them. Right away.” Baggy paused. He closed his eyes as if he was feeling pain. Baggy opened his eyes with tears.

“What Lucan did next was the beginning of the true evil. He pointed at the fourth boy as well as a nearby tree. Lucan did not say a word, but closed his eyes and concentrated. Green light streamed from his fingers into the boy and the tree. The boy fell onto the ground still in one piece. The tree shook and immediately its leaves turned brown. Benita screamed. NO!!!! The fifth boy and Lucan looked back at the fourth victim. The boy’s arms and legs had transformed into branches. His skin had turned to bark and his head finally blossomed into green flowers. The flowers and leaves on this new creature immediately turned brown and wilted and died.” Baggy stopped and paused. He looked at Ben then at Max. Their gaze was fixed on Baggy.

What happened next?” Max asked. Baggy smiled, he knew he had them. Then he got serious again and continued.

“The fifth boy ran as fast as he could. Lucan did not go after him, but stood laughing.” Baggy stopped.

Ben looked Baggy in the eyes. Tears were welling up in Baggy’ s. Max looked around them and took in the various trees and bushes around him. The green leaves seemed to be looking back at him. Max shook his body as a stream of nervousness ran through him.

“Baggy, come on. What happened next?” Ben finally asked.

“Ben, I will continue later. We need to start moving. I fear that Sylvester may return soon. He was injured, but once he has rested he will be after us.”

“Baggy, I don’t think so.” Max added.

“Why?”

“Sylvester lost a good deal of blood and there are easier prey than the three of us. One would have to be fool-hearted to mess with the likes of us.” This made the three of them all smile.

“Does anyone know where we are?” asked Max.

“No, but I can find out.” Replied Ben. Ben reached into his backpack which thankfully remained on his back during the fall. Since the bag once closed it remained flat as if nothing was inside. The backpack remained close to Ben’s back and was very light, almost as light as another shirt. Ben laid the backpack on the ground, unlatched the snaps. He then reached his hands in looking for something that the bag might provide to him. He closed his eyes and focused on his thoughts. They needed a map of sorts that would identify where they were and to where they needed to go, the sunken kingdom. Ben fished around in the bag, nothing seemed to be there. He pulled his hands out. “That is odd, normally I can find something inside. Let me try again.” Again he reached inside, again nothing.

“Maybe you need to say something out loud.” Max suggested.

“Ok, we need to see where we are and how to get to the Sunken Kingdom.” Ben commanded of the bag.

“Finally!” Ben’s fingers were definitely holding something, but to Ben it did not feel like a map. He took his time feeling the object in his hands. His fingers feeling the texture of the object. It felt more like a cup than a map. He crinkled up his eyebrows.

“What’s wrong?” Baggy asked.

“This can’t be what I need.” Ben said agitated.

“Well pull the thing out so we can see it.”

“All right Baggy. Hold on.”

Ben then slowly began to pull the object out. It was not just a cup, but a golden chalice. Ben took his time. He realized that the chalice was full of some liquid. He made sure that he did not spill it.

“What is it?” Max asked.

“A chalice.” Ben answered.

“A chalice?”

“And it is filled with something.” Ben added.

Baggy and Max moved closer for a better look. The chalice did have something inside and the liquid was glowing blue. Ben looked inside the chalice at the liquid. A face appeared in the reflection. It was a beautiful woman. Her eyes enchanted all three of the onlookers, Baggy, Max, and Ben.

“Who is that?” Ben asked.

“I am called Eloise.” Ben jumped back and almost dropped the chalice.

“Don’t be afraid my dear boy. I am here to help.” As she spoke her elegant eyelashes danced around her emerald eyes. She was looking directly at Ben.

“I am a friend of Charnac as he has already told you. You also know already that he has been captured by Shamus Kespon.”

“How did you know that?” Ben blurted out.

“Where do you think Charnac got the backpack that you have been carrying?” Eloise said calmly.

“Um, I would guess from you?” Ben stuttered.

“Ha ha ha, you are right my clever boy.” Even Eloise’s laughter was haunting and beguiling. All three were being charmed. Baggy and Max could not even respond. They were locked on her eyes and their thoughts were on hold as if in a trance.

“I have been keeping my eyes on you and your sister.” Eloise continued.

“Lucy.”

“Yes, she is ok and on her way to my kingdom. She is guarded well. It is a blessing that the two of you were separated. No one would suspect that a single girl traveling with three adults would be one of the twins.”

“Three adults?” Ben knew about Growler and Mattie but he did not know this third adult.

“Yes, three. The third one is called Paddy if I heard correctly. I believe he was once a good friend of Mattie’s”

“That is good news.” Ben sighed at the relief that his sister was ok.

“You are the one that has been in the deepest danger. And I fear that you are still in danger.”

“Sylvester?”

“No he is of no real danger to you now. His venom is now harmless to you since you drank his blood.”

“That was by accident.”

“What is accident? Or was it prophecy?”

“What Prophecy?”

“Oh, I see Charnac did not have enough time to reveal the story.” Eloise chuckled.

“My dear boy. You and your sister have great powers. Powers that you have not realized. Do you think that everyone can speak to the animals? Only a few can.” Eloise paused to let Ben think about what she had just said. She knew that revealing all of the story to Ben now was not the best idea. Not until he and Lucy had joined back together in her palace under the lake. She knew she had to lead Ben toward her. Then she would have them both together.

“Ben, you must keep yourself hid as much as possible until you have reached the lake. Once there you will be escorted to my underwater kingdom.”

“My friends as well?” Ben looked toward both Baggy and then Max.

“Oh but of course. They will be taken care of as well.” Eloise said confidently.

“How do we get there? We don’t even know where we are.” Ben asked quickly.

“Ben when I have finished telling you about yourself and Lucy then you will need to drink the liquid in this chalice. It will give you the ability to feel your way toward me.”

“Ok, then let’s hear about us.” Ben was antsy.

“Now pay attention, all of you.” Her gaze shifted to each to them.

As Eloise began to describe the story of the twins and the prophecy, Ben drifted back to images of his own mother. How he missed her. If he ever got back home he would hug her for days. Her warmth and security would envelope him. He closed his eyes and thought of her, while he listened to Eloise.

Eloise began describing the origins of the prophecy.

“After Lucan had destroyed the village. The woods became a forbidden area. Anyone traveling near this haunted area would go clear around. The fools that did tread through this path, which I must say you followed, never were seen again.”

“Eloise, you mentioned a prophecy. Does this prophecy involved Lucan?” Ben asked.

“Oh, that was what people originally thought when the two were born and why they were given such care at first, but then when the trouble began the prophecy was forgotten.”

“So what is the prophecy?”

“It is said by the ancients that there will be a great sorrow throughout the land and amidst the sorrow, twins will arrive and vanquish the evil.” Eloise paused. “At first Lucan and Benita were thought to be the twins of the prophecy and that they would bring happiness to the world, but as you know from Baggy they did not bring joy, but only death. The prophecy had also stated that the twins are not to be fully grown but wiser than their years reveal.” Eloise again paused to allow Ben and his party to think through the facts.

“Ben, you and your sister Lucy may be those twins.” Max quickly barked.

“Oh that cannot be true. We are not any wiser than my friend Baggy here or braver than you Max.” Ben tried to be humble. Eloise then continued.

“The prophecy also states that their strength will not blossom until the two are in great peril, at the brink of an abyss the two shall rise and smite the evil.”

“What evil?” Ben said without thought.

“The prophecy of the ancients is not fully known for the details of the book of Angus Palimises has been lost for years.”

“A book? Of ancient and old writings?” Ben began to wonder about the book that Growler had in his house. He remembered that Growler keep the book hid away.

“What does this book look like?” questioned Ben.

Eloise paused and wondered about Ben’s curiosity. Could the boy have already seen this book. If he had where was it now? Had Charnac possessed the prized book? She began to think of a way to reveal this from Ben without his suspicions.

“The book would be big, for the stories of the ancients would be possessed within. The cover should be of old elaborately decorated leather with fine drawings on the outside protecting the ancient parchment containing the hand written stories inside. Do you have an idea of what I am describing?” She paused to allow Ben to speak.

“Uh, maybe. Back home we have museums that have many old books and stories from our ancients.” Ben wanted Eloise to think he was trying to relate the stories to an old version of the bibles he had seen at the city museum during one of his school trips. He thought more of the book that Growler had pulled out when Lucy and he stayed the night.

“What else about the prophecy?” Ben wanted to get back to the story.

“Who was this Angus Palimises?” Baggy chimed in.

“Angus was the first to unite the tribes of the lakes. He was the first Emperor of the Sunken Kingdom.”

“Your ancestor?”

Eloise chuckled “Yes, my father’s father ten times.”

“Wow, that is ancient.”

“Ben are you saying I am old?” Eloise asked. Ben quickly thought he had insulted Eloise and felt bad about the way he responded. He began to turn red.

“No, mam. You are beautiful.”

“Thanks young man. But enough of this. I must be quick Ben, I cannot keep this connection too much longer.” The image of Eloise was beginning to wain.

“Remember to drink the elixir within the cup. Then you must place the cup back in the backpack. This is vital. The chalice is sacred and must not fall into the wrong hands.” This last statement trailed off as the image in the cup faded completely.

“Eloise!, Eloise come back.” Ben pleaded.

“It’s too late my boy. She is gone.” Baggy commented.

“Look! Your arms!” Max barked. Ben’s armbands had begun to illuminate in a green shade.

“Quick drink!.” Max yelled.

Ben grasped the cup tightly. He had no idea what this was going to taste like. He prepared for the worse. He closed his eyes and brought the cup to his lips. As the fluid touched his lips and slid down his throat, a warmth began to fill his body. The taste was sweet and smooth. Nothing quite like he had tasted before. As Ben thought of the various possibilities the taste actually changed. Just when he thought it was a berry, it changed to honey, then sugar. He continued to drink the liquid slowly savoring each flavor. Now the liquid changed from sweet to sour. Lemons, limes, Granny Smith Apples, the flavors danced on his tongue. He was drinking joy, pure and simple. A warmth filled his body. He was feeling his body grow in strength. The energy coursed through this veins.

“Ben, look!” Max a gained barked.

Baggy was now pointing at his armbands. The green light was now replaced by a blue one, the color changing did not seem like a good thing to him.

“Quick, hide in the bushes.” Baggy motioned the three to hide amongst the Mondoberry bushed. Max was first, then Ben, finally Baggy made it under the bush. The berry bushes were thick enough that to cover the three of them. The scent of the Mondoberries was overpowering and Ben had to hold his nose. Max and Baggy were affected even more. Baggy closed his eyes in intense concentration. The sounds of crashing limbs alerted the three in the direction of the oncoming presence. Then Ben heard the heavy breathing of an animal that had been running for a long time. Ben peered through the berries to see what was in the clearing. Ben saw the animal and fear immediately filled his bones. The White Tiger!

Lucy was admiring the sights of Paddie’s village when an urge crept up inside her. There was a feeling of being watched. She exchanged a nervous glance with Mattie. Mattie could tell something was not right with Lucy. Her fears grew about the bite that Lucy had experienced. Lucy settled back down in her seat. The soft fur seats were comfortable and warm. As the sled moved through the village and began to leave the houses behind her the uneasiness that Mattie felt faded away. The village looked nice and friendly but there was something lying underneath that still worried Lucy. She looked back over her shoulder at the village. Her sight fell upon Growler who was guiding the sled. Growler smiled warmly back. Lucy quick began smiling. She trusted Growler with all her heart and knew he would protect her from anything.

For the first time since Ben and her arrived in the strange land she felt at ease. She believed everything was going to be ok and that once they made their way to Eloise they would find Charnac waiting for them with the way to get back to home. Their home back to their parents. She closed her eyes and pictured her mother and father sitting at the breakfast table waiting for Ben and her to come bounding down the stairs for breakfast. Suddenly fear gripped Lucy. What where they thinking now that their two kids were not coming down the stairs? Where had they gone? They must be worried to death. Did they think that they had been abducted? Lucy knew they had to get back home soon. Her desire to continue their journey grew in intensity. Tears welled up but she remained strong and did not allow herself to be carried away.

“Lucy, look up ahead.” Paddy was pointing to something in the clearing up ahead.

“See the mountain there? The lake where the sunken kingdom is just at the base.”

Lucy focused her view ahead. In the distant arose a majestic mountain. It rose above the line of trees now. Lucy was a amazed by the light that surrounded the peak.

“What’s that light up there?”

“That is the torchlight of the Angels.”

“The Angels? What is that?” Lucy asked Paddy.

“The legend is that above the ridge up high, on the peak live the Angels of Leolenoscius”

“Who is Leolenoscius, and who are the Angels?”

“They are the guardians of the sacred light of this land. The energy force that protects this side of the mountain.”

“This side? What is on the other side?” Paddie’s face became tight. The happiness that was there quickly vanished at the thought. He paused a little before answering.

“You do not want to go there.”

“What is there, Growler?” Lucy knew that Growler could no longer refuse anything from her. There was a love that she knew he had for her that he could not resist. Lucy thought of her own father and how she had realized early that she was his “Little girl”. Daughters and fathers share a unique relationship at times where the father will give anything to his little girl and protect her for life. That bond was now present between herself and Growler. She could feel it. She concentrated on Growler’s eyes. He looked away, trying not to meet hers.

“Lucy, now it not the time. Just trust Paddy, you do not want to go over the mountain.”

“Ok, if you promise to tell me later.”

“Yes, at the right time. I will.” Mattie and Growler exchanged glances.

“Now, who is Leolenoscius?”

“Mm, my dear child. You have never heard of Leolenoscius? What world do you come from?” Paddie exclaimed.

“Is he a god?”

“A God? You mean THE GOD!” Paddy interjected.

Growler gave Paddy a dirty look. Growler was not a devout following and had his theories about this Leolenoscius, but the way that Paddy jumped in, he knew that he was now in the presence of a believer. He now wanted to ditch Paddy as soon as he could.

“Leolenoscius, is the beloved caretaker of the world. Through his benevolence, we humans have remained the rulers of the world.”

Mattie, was now starting to feel a little uncomfortable with the passion that Paddy was now expressing.

“How does he protect the humans?” asked Lucy.

“It is the power exhibited by the Angels that keeps the evil from the north away.”

“The evil from the North? What evil?”

“The flying monsters.” Paddie blurted out without thinking.

“I said we would talk about the other side of the mountain later. Live it be!” Growler barked.

Lucy immediately began thinking of Charnac and what had happened back at his house. Were the creatures that attacked them when Parmesis was flying them away the same creatures that Paddy was talking about now? They had to be.

“Can you tell me more about the flying monsters?” she sweetly asked Paddy. Growler held his tongue this time. He was tired of trying to keep the subject off of this. He also realized that Lucy would not give up. Part of him admired her determination. She was not afraid of what might be revealed. He knew her and his pride in her grew.

Paddy was now beginning to feel his deep seated passion bubble to the top.

“The flying monsters are called Terrordons.”

“Terrordons.” Lucy repeated. Thinking to herself that the name was similar to the prehistoric reptiles back on Earth. She thought about the similarities of this place with her own back home.

“Ok, no more about this right now. Let’s get moving.” Growler interrupted the conversations and began to push the pace of the sled. Mattie looked into Growler’s face and motioned a silent thank you on her lips.

Ben quickly shoved the chalice back in the backpack. The White Tiger paused and raised its head into the air. He was trying to smell for something. Ben held his breath. The Tiger looked into the bushes where Ben was. His eyes were burning red. Fire blazed in those eyes. Fear ran through every inch of Ben’s body. The Tiger stepped toward Ben. Their eyes were locked into one another. The Tiger tensed up. He crouched down, preparing himself to pounce. Crashing tress erupted around them. The Tiger gave Ben a glance. Then jumped away into the bushes to the right. Quickly he was gone.