Black Forest

By Alexa Mackintosh

Unknowingly, Alika and her friends, Ruth and Heather, stumble into a world they didn’t know existed and their destinies now hang in the balance. Alika's loyalties are tested when she is forced to choose between saving her friends and fulfilling an oath that she never meant to take.

• Language: English
• Publisher: BookBaby
• Release date: Aug 1, 2013
• ISBN: 9781483504285

Book preview

Gandhi

Chapter 1

I have been called a black widow as they believe I am one who kills. Some call me a fox, for they think I deceive. They say I move in the shadows and collaborate with the dark forces that walk this earth. They believe I steal the hearts of those I meet. They say I desire power. They think I’m lethal like a venomous serpent.

The rumors hold no flame to what I really am.

I’m one who seeks and I’m one who survives.

I am the Anonymous Thief.

This is the story of my past, present, and future...

Flashing back to the time my troubles began, I remember that it was a normal Friday evening in April. I was working with my dad at his hotdog stand, called Frank’s Franks. Mom and I disliked the name, but since Frank really was my dad’s name, he thought it was humorous. My dad was known for his strange humor.

It was extremely stuffy in the shop, as it was nothing but a movable trailer parked on a concrete lot at the corner of Reservoir Street and Cantrell Drive. The stoves ran continually for eight hours a day, so by the time I was done working, I smelled like I had rolled in a Big Mac that had been roasting in the sun. There was just enough room for my dad and me to maneuver around equipment, take orders, and make food.

Being shy, I usually hung around in the back cooking while my dad took the orders. We served hot dogs, hamburgers, fries, and milkshakes, a simple, but to me complete, menu.

I was fourteen going to be fifteen at the end of the summer, but my dad would let me work in the evenings after school. I was homeschooled, allowing a relatively flexible schedule though my mom made sure I completed my schoolwork before I went to the shop.

I loved watching the customers enjoy the food I’d make and it was a good way to spend the evenings out of the house. I didn’t have a lot of friends, so I didn’t go out with people my age a lot. I was the kind that hated social events and tried to stay away from being the center of attention. I would tag along quietly, listening and contemplating.

That Friday was fine and running smoothly until my dad spotted a certain man standing by the edge of the trailer. My dad normally was friendly to everyone, but this man he wasn’t.

My dad stiffened. Alika?

Yeah, dad? I asked, busy flipping a hamburger that I was going to devour when it was done. I may have been a girl, but I could out eat any guy if I wanted to. It was amazing I wasn’t three hundred pounds the way I could eat, but somehow the scales in our bathroom always evaluated me at the same weight of a hundred and fifty pounds. My mom said I was going through a growth spurt, and I think she was right, as I had shot up three inches. I was hoping I was on the downhill swing of my huge appetite and it would return to a normal size.

Stay inside until I come back. My dad ordered.

Ok, I said. My dad exited the trailer. I spotted him walking to the mysterious man, but lost sight of him when my hamburger was done and a customer arrived.

I had just finished serving the customer when my dad returned.

Who was that? I asked. I’d gotten a decent look at the person and I didn’t recognize them.

No one important; they came by to tell me something. He said, maneuvering around my question more than answering it. Ready to go home?

Already? It’s six. I said surprised. We didn’t close shop until seven.

Let’s start the weekend early. He said, already flipping on the closed sign.

My dad was uneasy the remainder of the evening, but I didn’t know why. I wouldn’t know why for a long time, but eventually I would see the reasons behind why that evening was the beginning of my troubles and not Saturday.

That mysterious man had brought trouble right to my doorstep, but all of his story and that part of my life are for another day. Just remember that it all really began then, but I was too preoccupied to realize because of the troubles that started the next day.

Chapter 2

ALIKA:

My Saturday started as usual. I woke to find my black Burmese on my head.

Sophie, off. You’re hurting me. Ouch! I said extracting her claws from my face and out of my tangled web of bed hair. She was a great cat, but not when she tried to drive me insane. I’d adopted her as a kitten from a local shelter, and from that day on we’d bonded.

Glancing at the clock I saw it was eight-thirty, a surprise considering I usually slept late. I’d planned a hike with my friends at ten, so I had plenty of time to get ready, but I hurried just to ensure I wouldn’t somehow be late. I despised being late for events.

Tossing cat and covers aside, my room exploded with my actions of dressing in jeans and deciding which shirt to wear, brushing hair and teeth, and trying to find suitable hiking shoes.

Stumbling down our old, creaking stairs, I found my mom in the kitchen with a bowl of Mini-wheat’s already waiting for me on the table. She knew how groggy and disoriented I was in the mornings. Unlike me, she was bright and cheery.

Feeling human by the time I finished breakfast, I gathered a notebook and shoved it in my survival bag. My survival bag was nothing more than an old computer bag stuffed with a pocket knife, water bottle, sweater, and a few other items I deemed necessary. I always left plenty of room for books, and as usual, two books were tucked into the spare pocket. I loved to read and my imagination sometimes caused me to daydream too much.

I ran across our patio barely stopping to hear my mom call out Make sure to be back by four!

I sped through the field that bordered the forest on the edge of our property. The morning was chilly; I could see my breath. Frost covered the ground. The sun soon would radiate across the hill and melt away any signs of the remnants of winter. By evening the day would be warm. The sky still retained a purple tinge from sunrise. Birds sang and the cows in the neighboring field munched on the new shoots of spring grass.

The day could not be more perfect. It was a beautiful day, I was going to spend it with friends, and the best part was there was no school. I ran across the small bridge at the edge of my family’s property and paused to gaze at the stream trickling across the stones below. I took a deep breath and inhaled the hint of pine needles and decaying earth.

Finding my favorite nook in the corner of my small world, I sighed. Sitting down on the rotting tree stump, I pulled a book into my lap and began to read. After awhile I got distracted and started thinking of random ideas.

I could never quite say what I meant. I could never quite get across how I was feeling. I could never be fully self-assured when around people.

I know, I sounded like a freak.

I wasn’t though. My friends, family, and classmates saw me as smart, strong, and shy. That’s what I wanted them to see though.

Inside I was shy and fearful. When I went to parties or events, a rarity in itself, I just about melted into the floor when I had to speak to someone. Forget getting me to play sports; I always messed up and lost points for the team I was on. I also had a habit of embarrassing myself constantly. I blamed it on being a fourteen year old girl, but since I had been that way my entire life, it was a lame excuse.

I had a great life on my family’s farm located a few hours outside Richmond, Virginia. We were close to two universities, James Madison University and Eastern Mennonite University, and it was assumed that I would one day attend one of them. Unfortunately, my life would go a very different direction before I graduated from college, but yet again, that is a part of my life that happened much later than the part I am now telling you. That is an element of my story for another day and another time.

Alika!

I glanced up from my daydreams. My friends, the Baileys, waited by a large oak a few feet away. How long had I been daydreaming and reading?

So which path should we take? The one leading to the right or should we head straight up the hill? I asked.

Right. Heather, Ruth’s sister, answered.

Right it is then. I said as I gathered my things and turned to enter the forest.

The Baileys were my best friends as well as my next door neighbors. We’d known each other practically our entire lives, and though almost five years separated Heather and I (I being the eldest of our band) and a little of a year between Ruth and I, we trusted each other entirely.

Ruth was an avid athlete. She competed in tournaments for soccer and a dozen other sports. Usually she never went anywhere without a good pair of tennis shoes and her chocolate hair was always tied back from her face in a ponytail as though ready for anyone to dare her to a game. As of late, her biggest complaint was glasses, as she had gotten them in the winter, and they didn’t fit her sporty, ready-to-go nature.

Heather was the opposite of her sister. Though only nine soon to turn ten in a few weeks, Heather was a perfectionist genius. She was never found without a book in hand and played one sport, volleyball. She was mature for her age and always had an answer for everything. Today her clothes were a size to large; a sign that she had recently acquired a bag of her sister’s hand-me-down items. A multicolor knit scarf and hat added to her outfit and her light brown hair had been carefully French braided.

We had gone only a short way on the path before something caught the corner of my eye. Turning, my eyes fell on a fuzzy creature that reminded me of a beaver. Perhaps I wouldn’t have normally been suspicious, but the creature was wearing a shimmering, blue waistcoat.

Guys, do see what I see? I questioned. I was hoping that I wasn’t going crazy. I had a vivid imagination, but even for me, a clothed beaver was a new one.

What? They both asked simultaneously. Jinks!

Be serious. Do you see the beaver? I asked pointing to the creature huddled near a tree not far away.

Wow... Ruth muttered behind me. That’s a cruel thing for someone to do to the poor animal. We should report it to the authorities!

I rolled my eyes. Overreacting Ruthie. I thought.

I think we don’t need to get all dramatic about it, sissy. Heather countered.

Let’s just leave it be. The beaver is probably more scared of us gawking at it than anything else. Let’s continue on our walk. I said taking the lead. Something had unnerved me about the beaver, and I just wanted to get away from it. Wishing that my friends would shut up about the beaver incident, I closed my ears to their conversation.

After about ten minutes, Heather took in my expression. Are you sick?She asked.

Sick? No, why? I asked as though I had no idea why she was asking. Without even looking in the mirror, I knew my cheeks were flushed and my hands were twitching. My actions matched my agitated thoughts. It wasn’t hard for me to think back to the previous day, the cause of my frustration.

I had been in school when it happened. Every Tuesday I met with a group of homeschoolers my age to go through our lessons as a class. I think it was my mom’s attempt to get me near others my age.

On those days we were taught by Mrs. Weaver, a squatty lady who could test anyone’s patience. Surprisingly though, she was not the cause of my irritation.

It was the end of the day. Preoccupied with gathering my books into my over laden back pack, I didn’t realize that one of my classmates was standing beside me. When I turned to leave, I almost plowed into him.

Sorry, I said awkwardly. I already felt blush rising to me cheeks.

It’s fine. He said smiling. Could I talk to you for a moment? Alone?

Stunned, I eyed him curiously. That he had said alone made me feel ten times more uncomfortable. Like usual, my brain had to sort through all the facts I knew about him.

His name was Owen Skile. I knew only basic facts about him, such as he seemed like a nice guy with a normal family of his parents, a younger brother, and older sister. We’d met about six months before at the homeschoolers group’s orientation meeting. Then he’d seemed calm and reserved, but I had quickly realized he was different. He was a prankster and always looking for ways to have fun. There was always something about him that I couldn’t place, like a sort of mystery I couldn’t explain.

I followed him outside the room making sure I didn’t drop something or trip over anything.

He didn’t say anything at first. When he did finally speak, his shoulders were tense. You live by a forest, don’t you? He asked.

I do. I said, thinking that it was the last thing I expected him to ask. It was true that our house bordered a large forest.

Did you ever see anything strange on your property?

No, I said, as at that time it was true. It appeared as if a thousand pounds dropped off his shoulders.

Good, He said. I need to ask a favor of you. Stay away from the forest. Don’t cross the creek.

I smiled. I never said there was a creek on my family’s property. I might have been a klutz, but I was sharp.

His face changed expressions entirely as he realized his mistake. Well, I just assumed.

Why should I stay away from it? Why are you telling me? I asked, knowing then that I had already planned the hike with the Baileys.

I can’t explain why; just trust me when I say you will regret it if you go near the forest. Evil lurks there.

Whatever, I said, believing him to attempt to make me superstitious.

I’m serious! He said, although in vain for I didn’t heed him. Courteously, I walked away laughing inwardly.

Now, walking beneath the trees Owen had warned me about, I wondered if maybe he had been trying to tell me something. It wasn’t everyday you spot a beaver, much less one wearing a waistcoat.

I was shaken from my thoughts when Heather suddenly stopped stone-still in the path. Ruth, unaware that Heather had halted, plowed into the back of her sister.

Hey! What’s the idea of blocking the entire path? Ruth cried out.

Heather silently raised her finger to her lips. Don’t you hear it? She questioned in a whisper.

Being extremely cautious and mindful, it only took me a second to detect something wasn’t right. Everything was still, something strange considering we were out in the middle of nature. Birds should have been chirping, but I could barely make their songs out in the distance. Squirrels should have been skittering across the ground in search of food, but they were nowhere to be seen.

Heather glanced over at me. Do you hear it? She repeated.

I shook my head.

There’s a horse near bye. She said.

Ruth laughed. Sure, and I’m positive my prince charming is riding the horse. He’ll just swoop in and gallantly carry me off. She said with her usual sarcasm and devious smile.

Heather glared at her sister. If you’re so sure it’s nothing, then why don’t you go check to see if anything’s out there?

At that, Ruth had no answer and was not about to volunteer.

I’ll go see what it is. I said. I was far from brave, but I wasn’t going to stand there all day.

I stepped off the path and into the underbrush. I walked a few feet off the path, glancing around trees and through thorny bushes. Nothing here, I declared once I was satisfied with my search.

As I spun to regroup with my friends something jerked on my arm. Before I knew what was happening, someone’s arm was securely wrapped around my waist and I was knocked off my feet. I screamed, but only seconds before a hand was clamped over my mouth. Two men appeared in my view. One grabbed my flailing legs and the other my hands.

What are you doing? Ruth said, probably wondering what I could possibly be doing to make so much scuffling noises behind a bunch of bushes. If only you knew. I thought. I had to somehow warn my friends.

For just a moment, the hand over my mouth lessened it hold. I wiggled free long enough to scream Run! before the hand immediately returned over my mouth.

Normal friends would have run, but my friends had to wait. Do you need help? Heather asked.

I rolled my eyes and set my head back against the person with the hold around my waist. Yes, I’m getting kidnapped at the moment. Would you mind running for help? I sarcastically thought.

A man’s voice bellowed, Capture the hostages.

Shocked already, I hardly noticed when half a dozen men and several horses exploded from the bushes. What I did become aware of was the shrieks of my two friends who I imagined flying down the hill at an all new world record speed.

So, what brings you in this area, girlie? The man, who had spoken earlier, said as he entered my line of sight. You may let her speak.

The hand slowly moved away from my mouth. I didn’t scream, for I could no longer hear my friends. Who are you? I asked.

Typical, the hostage has to ask who we are. I’m afraid I can’t answer that and will answer none of your questions. I would be much obliged if you would, on the other hand, answer all of my questions. Again he asked Why are you here?

I won’t answer your questions. I said.

Stubborn I see. He said bending down to my level. Refusal in my civilization is viewed as extremely rude. His hand shot out in the blink of an eye. Pressing a cold blade against my throat, he continued Keeping you alive is not a necessity and it might be best if you remember that. Bind her hands and do not gag her. Hopefully she’ll keep her mouth shut if she values her skin.

He removed the blade from beneath my neck. I was relieved to not be harmed by the weapon. While someone tied my hands behind my back, I scrutinized ever inch of the man.

He was of medium height with dark skin. I presumed he was in his fifties, as his hair was graying. A long black tunic garbed him as well as a pair of thick, leather boots. A highly-polished sword hung at his waist along with the dagger he had used against me. I wondered why he was so strangely dressed, but upon quick inspection of the other men, I realized they were all wearing identical clothes. What century did they think it was, as hadn’t tunics gone out of style in the fifteen-hundreds? Why were they all wearing black or gold?

Colonel! Someone shouted as they ran to the man.

Yes? The Colonel answered.

We have apprehended the other two.

Good, for once you bumbling idiots didn’t mistake my orders. See to it that the hostages are brought to me.

Yes, sir. The person said before hastily running off again. The colonel calmly gazed about as if it was just another day of work.

Colonel? I questioned.

He turned. Does it matter what position I hold? I would think you would already know who I am, as I wouldn’t be surprised if you are some sort of Anndalin spy, though it’s unlikely they would choose a girl for the job.

What’s an Anndalin?

It’s not a thing. It’s a place. Without answering further, he turned to my friends who were being dragged up the hill. Both girls were gagged and their hands secured.

Snap to it men. The king expects us back by midday. The colonel said to the men bustling about.

King? I asked as I was heaved to my feet. Someone continued to keep a firm grip on my arm.

He’s expecting you, and he will probably be the last person you ever meet. Unless of course he decides you’re useful. The colonel said. I didn’t understand, but it didn’t sound pleasing.

I’d heard of crazy kidnappings before, but never with people dressed in tunics. Though I wanted to get away as quick as possible, there was nothing I could do to release us from the circumstance we were in.

Our small group started forward, heading deeper into the woods with my fear mounting each step I took.

The sun was high above the trees when we finally reached our destination. The Colonel ordered the men to stop. I looked ahead but saw nothing except endless pines and oaks.

Welcome to your new, and probably permanent, home. The Colonel said. He smiled as if the thought of being home was a relief. Open the gates. He called into the heart of the forest in front of us.

Nothing happened.

Is he mad or did I miss something?

A high-pitched, shrill sound caught my attention. The birds in the branches above fluttered away. The sound reminded me of