Ben and Lucy: The Sunken Kingdom

The trees around them were ripped apart. Wind blasted the ground around them. Ben could not move. What was this new danger that would even scare the White Tiger away? Just as Ben saw the creatures he was suddenly pulled from behind. Baggy caught Ben by the collar and was now dragging Ben down another hole. Back to Sylvester’s lair? At least Ben knew Sylvester’s poison would not hurt him now. Ben disappeared into the ground just as a huge foot crushed the ground he was on moments earlier. A screeched went out. The same he had heard at Charnac’s. The ground shook. Then he heard voices.

“Search the area. The boy was here. Quickly we must find him. Master will not be happy if we let him slip through our fingers once again.” The voice was deep and mean. Ben immediately did not like this person.

“Ben, hurry up. They must not find us.” Baggy was trying to break Ben’s concentration. Baggy then slapped Ben across the face. Ben shook his head. Baggy had only tapped Ben, but when a huge bear is gentle his strength is still powerful to a young boy of thirteen. Ben looked at Baggy with anger. Baggy shrugged, suggesting that he had to do it. Ben started to move.

As the trio traveled deep underground the voices faded once more. The three stopped. The darkness was only broken up by the illumination of Ben’s armbands. The brilliant blue hue was now changing back into green and slowly returning to the normal color and the brightness faded to dark. The three could no longer see.

“This might be the first time I am grateful not to be able to see in this tunnel.” Baggy stated.

“I think the danger has passed for now. I doubt we can go back that way.” Max chimed in.

“Who was that?” Max asked.

“I don’t know. I heard those screeches before back at Charnac’s house before we got away.” Ben immediately responded

“You have seen the Terrordons before?” Baggy asked Ben in amazement.

“I did not actually see them. Each time my eyes were blocked and this time I almost saw them but you dragged me away.” Ben was still angry at Baggy for slapping him.

“Well I fear that if you had seen them that would have been the last thing you ever would have seen.” Baggy responded.

“What are the Terrordons?” Ben asked quickly.

“They are evil winged creatures as large a a giant’s house. No creature has ever been able to defeat them. They are said to be from the North, but to have them this far south is very disturbing. They seem to be looking for you my boy. Any reason why?” Baggy questioned.

“No. I don’t get all this prophecy stuff. My sister and I are from America and none of this world we have ever even heard of.” Ben began to cry in the dark. Baggy reached toward him in the dark and found his little friend. He pulled the boy to him and gave him the gentlest bear hug one had ever gotten. The small boy shanked in Baggy’s arms. Baggy and Max had forgotten that Ben was still just a boy. He had grown up quickly during their travel but now the little boy returned.

“Don’t worry little one we will get you to Eloise and your sister. I feel we are close. How do you feel about that? Concentrate and let the feelings guide you.” Baggy said after a little bit of cuddling.

Ben concentrated. An image of a map came into his head. He could tell where they were and where they needed to go. He could see the direction.

“We are close. I can see it in my mind.”

“Good, you will now need to guide us there my little friend. Lead on”.

Ben took the lead. His belief grew with each step. Even in the darkness he could tell where they were going. His confidence swelled.

The tunnel was cool and damp. Ben could see in his mind a map with a small green dot. As he led the trio through the pathways, Ben could see his little green light move across the map in his mind. Baggy and Max were amazed at the pace that Ben moved through the darkness. To keep pace the three held onto each other. Ben led while Baggy held his shirt tail, Max keep up the back, gently grasping a lock of fur in his mouth from Baggy’s hindquarters. Soon the light began to drift into the tunnel. They were coming to the opening. Ben stopped.

“What is it?”

“Look at my armbands.”

Baggy and Max looked at Ben. They were in disbelief. The armbands were no longer green nor blue but a canary yellow.

“What does that mean?” Ben asked.

“I don’t know. Green was good and when we were attacked by Sylvester they were blue like when my sword was when the wolves attacked. I think this is a good thing.” Ben concluded.

“Why?”

“Just a feeling.”

“Oh that sounds good.” Baggy added with sarcasm.

“No, this feels good. The armbands feel good.” Ben was right the armbands actually were making Ben feel comfortable and safe.

“Ok, well then lead on. But to be safe let’s get your sword out.” Baggy did not want to take any chances, being attacked by wolves, large snakes, and escaping an encounter with the White Tiger and the Terrodons is nothing he wanted to experience again anytime soon.

Ben made his way slowly out of the dark tunnel, as the light flooded his view, he raised his hand to cover his eyes. As his eyes adjusted to the light he began to make out the field in front of him. Now he knew why the armbands were yellow. Before him lay a field filled with tall and brilliant sunflowers as high as small trees. The words “As high as an elephant’s eye” came to him and he smiled. He turned back to see his friends emerging from the tunnel. Their expressions were as telling. Baggy did a three-sixty looking at all the flowers. Max barked loudly with joy. After coming through the forest of despair, this was world’s away. The three hugged each other, they all knew that they must be close to the sunken garden.

Ben closed his eyes and the map image came back to him. There on the map was the green dot and yellow was encircling it. Ben focused his concentration on the map. There slightly to the north was a large blue object. The Lake around the Sunken Kingdom. They were close. Ben’s heart jumped. Soon he would see Lucy again. He began to run in the direction of the lake. Baggy and Max realized Ben was running and soon went after him.

The sleigh glided across the old wagon path. The natural earthen path with its deep ruts provided the passengers of the sleigh with a less than smooth ride. Lucy bounced back and forth. Mattie felt the little girl against her, she instinctively held the girls hand. The two females rode together in silence. The strong scent of wild flowers filled the air. The mountain in the distance was getting closer and closer, rising up, the colossal trees lining the path the road was cutting through them. The sleigh traveled a half an hour before Lucy could bear the quiet no longer.

“Growler, how far is the lake from here? Are we getting close?”

“Uh, we are still a day away, but yes we are getting closer. As you can tell the trees are coming together more.”

“Where does this road lead to? Straight to the lake?” Lucy questioned.

“We may have to veer off a little. The road winds around the mountain, but no one goes that far anymore. Most head toward the lake and stop at the River’s Bend.” Paddy quickly added.

“The River’s Bend, what is that?”

“Oh that is the last village before the mountain. It is on this side of the Kragon Wall.”

“Kragon Wall?” Lucy said attentively expecting to be told more. Growler smiled despite himself.

“Yes, it is the wall that surrounds the mountain, keeping the creatures from the North away.”

“You mean the Terrodons?”

“Oh they are just a part of the creatures that are kept away.”

“Can you tell me more about them?”

“Uh, we should stop for a break here. Paddy go search for firewood.” Growler again had interrupted Paddy before he could get started. Lucy had been curious about what is on the North side of that Mountain and these little bits of information just fueled her desire for more.

“Eloise can tell us all about the North side when we get there.” Growler added to help stop the talk.

“Lucy, can you go help Mattie set things up? I need to go search for some food.”

“You mean you are going to look for something to kill?”

“Well, yes. We need to eat and that is what I am best at. Any arguments?”

“No Growler. Be careful.” Lucy added with a beguiling smile.

Growler hastily grabbed his bow and arrow from the sled, looking back at Mattie he quickly turned and headed off away from the path into the deep vegetation that covered the ground. The thick underbrush was growing in abundance from the path covering everything. An image of kudzu from the south popped into Lucy’s head. Her family had made a trip down to Georgia a few years ago. Mr Henderson had been called to a convention in Atlanta and he brought the family down as a treat. Lucy had been amazed by the vegetation that swallowed the trees, kudzu was what they called it.

Lucy watched Growler as he disappeared into the trees. She drifted back to her own dad. Lucy’s father, George was not the outdoors type. George Henderson had worked in the office most days for 10-12 hours trying to move up the corporate ladder. The move out to the woods was a surprise for all. Lucy’s dad had come home one Friday and had this new idea to “get back to nature”. Lucy loved the idea at first. She had always loved animals and nature. Lucy never liked the flashy toys that the other girls had. They were always fussing over this brand or that brand. Lucy knew there was something different about her. Her father always seemed to be asking her to clean up and act more ladylike. She was just enjoying the outdoors. Feeling the breeze against her cheeks, the wind through her hair. The sunshine would warm her skin as her joy warmed her insides.

“Mattie, why does Growler not want to talk about the North side of the mountains?” Lucy asked politely. Mattie paused, collecting her thoughts. She took a deep breath and began.

“Lucy, there are terrible things to the north and Growler does not want to scare you. If what you said about Charnac and the attack on his house is correct, then Growler fears for your safety.” Mattie looked away, breathed deep again then turned back to face Lucy.

“The things that attacked Charnac have not been seen out of the North for quite some time.”

“You mean the Terrordons?”

“Yes, the Terrordons. They were once all over the land, but Growler’s grandfather and the other warriors in the time of the Darkness vanquished the beasts and locked them away in the Forbidden Canyon.” Mattie swallowed hard. The story of the Darkness was never mentioned lightly.

“The Time of Darkness, you mean like the Dark Ages?”

“I know not of the Dark Ages, but those were lean years for us humans in Partenia. Survival was the only thing everyone struggled with. Not like it is now in these times of peace.”

“So are you afraid that these Terrodons are loose again and that they will cover Partenia again.”

“Yes, my child that is what Growler and myself now fear. We know we must get you safely to Eloise.”

“Why me?”

“You are part of the prophecy.”

“Did Ben’s birthmark mean something?”

“Yes my dear. It is said that the coming of the twins will herald a new beginning of peace, but only after a terrible evil was released.”

“Oh that is good news, I Think.” Lucy said cheerfully.

“That only means it will signal the new beginning but first there must be a time of evil and terror.” Mattie said glumly.

“Oh.” Lucy remained silent as she exchanged glances with Mattie. Nothing needed be said. The solemn mood hung in the air, suffocating the positive energy Lucy had earlier.

Lucy reached into her pack expecting to find a table or even a picnic blanket. What she felt was something total different.

Ben ran through the high flowers, he knew the direction now. His heart was guiding him. Baggy and Max kept up with him. In the midst of the flowers one could easily get lost. The yellow flowers were dense but Ben was gliding through them as a slalom skier passing through gates on a run. Back and forth Ben went. First cutting to his left then to his right. Baggy and Max were amazed by his skill. How could a small boy maneuver through this. Had he been here before? Ben suddenly stopped. He stood and looked in front of him. His face lit up.

The flowers had separated and there in front of them lay the lake. The deep blue color was intense. The lake’s surface was as calm and still as glass. Ben could see the bottom, the water was clear. Fish swam by in schools.

“We are here at last!” He yelled.

“Now what do we do?” Baggy asked.

“We must call to Eloise and her kingdom.” Ben said without thinking.

“How?”

“Let me reach into the bag and see what I can find.”

Ben reached in. He knew what we was going to find and what he found did not disappoint him. Out he pull a horn.

“What is that?” Max asked.

“The Horn of the Deep.” Baggy added.

“You must of be strong of will and character of heart to make the horn work.” Baggy knew however that Ben would be able to play the horn. Baggy had grown used to the surprises that Ben was capable of.

“Let me try.” Ben said confidently.

Ben placed the ornately decorated white horn to his lips. As soon as his lips touched the ivory tip, the horn began to glow. Blue light from within illuminated the horn. The sound began to come forth without Ben even taking a breath. The Horn was alive in his hands as if he kissed a sleeping beauty. Soothing, melodic tones began to resonant from the horn. The air was filled with the peaceful sound. The water in front of them began to part. Steps were revealed. Ben removed his lips from the horn and the water remained parted.

“Let’s go” Ben commanded the trio without any hesitation.

Baggy, Max, and Ben began to descend the stairs into the depths of the lake. The three remained silent as they moved further into the lake. The water around them remained at a distance. Ben could see the fish swim by. As they descended deeper and deeper the fish began to get larger and larger. Baggy pointed to a huge catfish the size of an elephant. They were getting closer to the bottom. Max looked back and the water was now closing back up behind them. He felt uneasy but continued with his friends.

Lights began to come into view. The water around them was now illuminated in blue lights as well. The pathway was now lined with small yellow lights leading them further onward.

“Look” Ben finally said.

“It’s the castle.” Baggy added. His voice carrying his amazement.

In front of them was a huge castle, beautiful in its design. The water around the castle was kept at a distance as if a force was keeping the water back. The palace was white as if molded from the sand in the lake. Blue lights lit the castle from within. The path of yellow lights led past the open gates into castle and courtyard beyond. As the trio made their way closer and closer the palace arose before them. Ben could now make out flags above the tower walls. The flags were full, but where was the wind coming from? Where did the air come from down here? The flags flapped in a breeze.

“Magic” came from the air as if whispered.

Ben looked at Baggy. Baggy heard it as well. Their eyes spoke to each other without a word.The palace walls were decorated with scenes of the lake. Fish swam in schools. Large clams opened revealing huge pearls shining in the sun. Sharks, dolphins and whales swimming and playing together. Ben thought that was odd for a palace in a lake. He knew back in school that lakes were fresh water and oceans were saltwater. He reached out and put his hand in the water. He tasted the water. Salt. Interesting. This must be a bay instead of a lake, possibly an inlet from a larger body of water. A large hammerhead passed overheard. Ben smiled.

The path led straight to a high gate. The gate was up as they approached. Two guards were awaiting them as they made their way toward the palace. Ben stopped before the guards. They were huge, not as big as Growler, but still menacing.

“Welcome” a voice from within the castle walls greeted them. Ben knew it was Eloise.

“We have been waiting for you.” The beautiful Empress’ voice filled the air.

“Come this way. You three must be hungry after such a journey. Please allow my maidens to escort you to your chambers.” The voice floated in the air.

Eloise was nowhere to be seen but her voice calmed the travelers and they followed the maidens which greeted them. The huge guards left them and returned to the cattle gates. The maidens greater the new visitors, there were three maidens one for each, Baggy, Max, and Ben. The maidens were human in flowing yellow dresses that matched the color of the flowers in the fields and the lights along the path.

The three travelers were led through the inner gates of the palace and through the halls. Up staircases with white marble steps. Winding around a courtyard filled with flowers in yellow, red and violet. The staircase circled around as they ascended to a second floor. At the top of the stairs was a great hall with walls that rose high above their heads. The ceiling above them was arched and everywhere there were flowers and blue candles. The blue was the color of a summer sky. Peaceful was the word that came into Ben’s head. This place was the most peaceful place he had ever been.

The maidens led them down a hall off to the right of the staircase. The walls were decorated with blue candles and small flowering shrubs along the walls. Each maiden led the trio to their own separate room. The voice again drifted in.

“Please make yourself at home. If you need anything please ask the maidens and they will provide you with your wishes.” Take some time to freshen up and then the maidens will call upon you to join us for dinner. It is a great pleasure to welcome you to our home.” Ben smiled at Baggy as each passed into their room.

Max’s room was a den, perfect for a dog. Big comfortable rug on the floor. There were steps where he could climb to sleep up on perches. The walls were lined with images of dogs of the same breed that he was. In the center of the room was a stream that led to a small pond or lagoon where Max could jump right in. He took the invite and the water was warm and soothing. The water was not still, it had a stream effect built in the water and flowed from the center of the room to the back of the room. At the end of the room where the stream ended the level of the water got shallower. Again perfect for him to step out easily. As he stepped out a warm breeze blew over him to help dry him off. This was heaven.

Baggy stepped into his room. His room was perfect for a bear. High ceilings with a huge tree in the middle with low hanging limbs and fruits growing from the them. Berries, apples, and even Quantose fruit. A fruit grown in the Southeast region that looked similar to a Guava, but inside was a delicious honey tasting liquid. Baggy immediately reached for one. As he bit into the fruit the magnificent liquid burst out into his mouth. “MMMM, delicious.” He could not control himself.

“I am glad you like it.” A voice responded. Baggy looked around and there was his personal maiden standing at the door.

“Please enjoy yourself, but don’t eat too much. It will spoil your dinner.” Then she stepped back out the door. The door closed after her. Baggy finished the fruit and then explored his room further. Everything a bear could want. Even a den to snuggle up in to sleep, warm and dry.

Ben stepped into his room. The walls were covered with paintings depicting various battles. He quickly glanced over them. He was tired and suddenly needed a bath. As he looked about the large room, he gathered all the objects into his sight. Large wooden bed with multiple pillows and covers. Multi-colored quilted rugs covered the floor. A huge sunken bath caught his eye. He immediately walked over and pulled his shoes off. He placed his foot in. The water was already drawn and the temperature was just right. Nice and warm. He immediately stripped and stepped into the bath. He let the warm water envelope him as he sunk into the tub. He had not bathed in days and the water felt great. He saw a decanter on the side. As he expected the decanter was filled with soap. He began to clean himself as the soap hit his body a warm sensation grew in his skin. The feeling grew and soon his entire being was soothing with pleasure. He rinsed himself off and sunk back deep into the tub. Laying on the bottom of the tub with only his head above water, he laid there closing his eyes and melting away. This was pure pleasure.