Burnt Mountain The Monster Within

By Cheryl Campbell

Thirteen-year-old Rio Kaiser’s good intentions turn into life-threatening consequences when they land her and her friends in a savage, new world hidden beneath a mountain in rural Maine. When forced to confront her fears, Rio discovers she has a special gift which might save more lives than only her own. While caught in the middle of a war between two clans of a carnivorous creatures battling for supremacy, she must learn to harness her new ability, avoid capture by the creatures hunting her, and find a way home.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Cheryl Campbell
• Release date: Jul 21, 2013
• ISBN: 9781301211838

Cheryl Campbell

Cheryl Campbell was born in Louisiana and lived there and in Mississippi prior to moving to Maine. Her varied background includes art, herpetology, emergency department and critical care nursing, and computer systems. She lives in Maine and has won awards for both her fantasy and science fiction novels.

Book preview

Second Edition Copyright 2017 Cheryl Campbell

Other Smashwords titles by Cheryl Campbell:

Burnt Mountain One in the Chamber – vol 2

Burnt Mountain Do and Die – vol 3

Burnt Mountain Rhyllia – vol 4

Burnt Mountain When Heroes Fall – vol 5

The characters, events, and location of Dublin, Maine and portrayed in this book are fictitious. Any similarity to real persons, living or dead, is coincidental and not intended by the author.

All rights reserved. Without limiting the rights under copyright reserved above, no part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in or introduced into a retrieval system, or transmitted, in any form, or by any means (electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise) without the prior written permission of the copyright owner of this book.

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This eBook is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. This eBook may not be re-sold or given away to other people. If you would like to share this book with another person, please purchase an additional copy for each recipient. If you’re reading this book and did not purchase it, or it was not purchased for your use only, then please return to Smashwords.com and purchase your own copy. Thank you for respecting the hard work of this author.

For Helen, Jed, Faith, and Michaela

Table of Contents

Copyright

Dedication

Beginning

Acknowledgements

About the Author

Sample: Burnt Mountain, One in the Chamber

1

With a sigh, Emma Kaiser shoved her hands deep into the pockets of her jeans and stared down at the murky water at the base of the rocky cliff below. She shook her head, wondering how and why she allowed herself to get dragged into her sister’s insane plan.

Jody deposited her backpack on the browned grass. She straightened the waist of her shorts before rubbing her palms against her chilled, bare legs. Stop stalling, Em. Strip.

With a slight frown, Emma glanced at her sister and delayed another moment. She wore shorts beneath her jeans, but the cold pond would give her a breathtaking jolt when she went in, regardless of what she wore.

Maine’s abundant supply of boulders ranging in size from baseballs to SUVs dotted the area around Kings Mountain. Emma’s feet stood on a massive slab of stone that exceeded the size of a vehicle. Trees and brush grew between the wider boulder seams, and Jeremy climbed the nearest, large tree overlooking the area of rock where Emma and Jody waited.

Colin removed a coiled length of rope from Jody’s daypack. He walked to the base of the tree and tossed one end up to Jeremy. Landing on rocks beneath the water’s surface by jumping straight from the top of the rock’s ledge was a potential hazard, so while Emma wished she’d stayed home, the young men discussed which tree limb to tie the rope. They could then swing out into the pond away from any threats.

November in Maine. The water will be bloody cold, Emma muttered while still eying the pond.

Jody snorted a laugh. You’ve been away from home too long. You’ve gone soft.

Emma had to agree with her sister on both counts. Jody gave her a playful shove with her elbow, and Emma smiled.

Jody stepped closer to the ledge where the rock’s edge ended. There was a 12-foot drop to the pond below. Her face twisted into a frown. Is it just me or is the water rather, um, dark?

Emma shook her head. It’s not you. The next time the three of you come up with an idea to twirl your finger over a map and pick a random place to swim in the early weeks of winter, make sure I’m not in the country.

I know you prefer living in England, but I’m glad you’re home.

I was glad to be home until I saw this pond.

You still haven’t changed out of your jeans. Backing out on the dare?

Emma considered her options. Warm, dry, and going back on her word to join the swim, or shivering, wet, and part of the pre-snow, icy jump into the pond. You think I’ll let my little sister mock me for the rest of my life? No, I’m not backing out.

Jody shrugged. Could be worse. Jeremy’s finger could have landed on a place much farther away than Kings Mountain.

This will be a miserable walk home once we’re wet.

Colin and Jeremy finished their debate on where to tie the rope, and Jeremy’s lanky frame slid along a thick tree limb while he held one end of the rope.

Jeremy likes you, Em.

"No. He likes you, but he’d never make a move to break you and Colin up. So I’m his second choice, unfortunately for me."

He’s nice.

Emma pinched her lips into a thin line and shook her head.

Not your type though.

No.

You’re not saying that because you’re in college and we’re still in high school, are you?

Emma flinched to think she’d insulted her sister. What? Of course not, Jody.

Her sister grinned.

Emma shook her head with a frown. You’re such a brat.

Jody’s smile widened. You’re an easy target.

Ladies! Once I am out of this tree, I will show you a back flip like you’ve never seen before, Jeremy said. He straddled the tree limb with long legs and big feet while his hands worked to finish tying off the rope.

Colin directed Jeremy from the base of the tree. Don’t use so many loops. Leave the rope long so we can use it to climb back up.

Jeremy nodded and re-worked his knot.

It’ll probably be a belly flop like we’ve never seen, Colin said with a laugh. He left the base of the tree to join the sisters standing near the ledge.

Jody leaned in close to her sister and whispered: Jeremy’s trying to impress you.

Shut it, Emma hissed.

Jody giggled and knelt to remove her sneakers.

Keep them on, Colin said.

Jody paused unlacing her sneakers. I can’t swim wearing shoes.

If there are sticks or rocks on the bottom, you’ll wish you’d left them on, Emma said.

Hike home in soggy shoes?

The Kaiser sisters shared many personality traits, and stubbornness was at the top of the list. Emma shrugged. Your choice.

Jody sighed and rolled her eyes while she re-tied her shoe-laces.

Colin glanced at Emma and grinned.

You’re an ass, Jody said to Colin.

I’d tell you to file a complaint, but the office is closed today, he said and chuckled.

Jeremy tossed the remaining length of rope to Colin and began sliding back down the limb toward the trunk. I’ll go first.

Jody snatched the rope from Colin’s hand with a laugh and darted past him. She squealed as she swung out high over the water, her feet kicking before she released the rope and dropped. After the splash, Jody’s head came up, and she spit dirty water from her mouth and wiped her hands over her face. Ugh, it’s gross. And cold. A violent shiver shook her body.

Emma’s moment of surprise at her sister’s brazen leap to be first in the water was replaced by sympathy. She winced at the sight of her sister and the dark streaks of water running down her face. I thought it was just the shadows that made the water look so muddy, Emma said.

Jeremy remained in the tree. "Me too. I don’t want to swim in that."

Colin outstretched his arm to grasp the upper portion of the rope. Jody, grab on. I’ll pull you in.

Jody struggled against the extra drag her shoes created in the water as she began her slow strokes toward the rope, and Emma wished she hadn’t convinced Jody to leave them on. Emma’s brow creased when a swirl developed in the pond’s water, creating a whorl of current that pulled Jody toward it.

What is that? Jeremy asked from his perch.

Emma moved closer to Colin and looked to him for an answer.

Colin shook his head and shrugged.

Emma paced at the top of the cliff. Swim faster.

Jody’s eyes widened and she slapped at the water and kicked harder to escape the current.

Colin leaned forward with his feet teetering on the cliff’s edge to shift the rope another inch closer to Jody. Stop panicking and swim, Jody.

Jeremy’s arms and legs clung to his limb, his face pale with terror. He shrieked: What is that?

Panic overcame Jody, and her arms flailed against the current as it pulled her body closer to the swirling water, which had turned into a three-foot-wide funnel. Emma took a few steps back, readying to leap from the rocky ledge to help her sister. Colin jumped first and reached Jody. With one arm around Jody, he reached for the rope with his free hand. The pair spun in the swirl of water for a second before disappearing into the funnel.

The ground trembled beneath her feet, but Emma dismissed the tremor as her own fear. Jeremy, get help!

He continued to cling to the tree, not moving.

NOW!

Jeremy flinched with her shout, nodded clumsily, and began moving down the limb.

Emma jumped.

Though her leap cleared the agitated water, the funnel pulled her in and sucked her down as quickly as it had Colin and Jody.

Jeremy dug his fingernails into the bark when the ground shook again. Once the vibration stopped, he waited for his friends to reappear. The rope was pulled taut from the limb down into the center of the funnel, but his friends didn’t emerge. Stricken with fear and certain his friends had just drowned, swallowed by some monster in the water, he didn’t notice his bladder had released.

He was certain whatever beast had consumed his friends would attack him next. Jeremy scrambled to leave the tree. In his panic he fell, but landed in the dirt. Once his feet were beneath him, his only thought was to flee.

2

Fourteen years later:

Rio Kaiser stirred a moment before maneuvering her body half out of her bed. With her legs dangling, she rubbed her face with one hand and patted the dog next to her with the other. Toby remained stretched out and undisturbed by her movements. Rio yawned and slid off the bed. Her steps steadied as she approached the small mound of clothes on the floor. She plucked out her jeans, bypassed the smelly socks, and pulled out the tee shirt closest to the top of the heap. After a quick sniff of the shirt, she dropped it back to the pile. Rio yanked open drawers in her dresser and pulled clean socks from one and a folded tee from another before heading down the hall to the toilet.

She stopped at her mother’s open bedroom door and peeked in. They were both early risers, and today her mother was already awake and out of her room. Rio noted the knot of a sheet and blanket that rested in the center of her mother’s bed.

Second time this week, Rio thought. Her mother wouldn’t talk to her about the horrible dreams that plagued her at night despite Rio’s persistent requests. There must be a way to help her.

After finishing her duties in the bathroom, Rio emerged dressed, teeth clean, and hair mostly brushed. She stopped by her room to deposit her pajamas on her unmade bed, loaded the half-filled basket with the rest of her dirty clothes, and dragged the basket down two flights of stairs to the basement. Upon re-emerging from the basement, she called for the dog. Her hiking boots and old Boston Red Sox hooded sweatshirt were in a lump on the floor by the back door where she left them the day before. She sat on the floor and pulled on her boots.

Mom, my dirty clothes are by the washer, Rio said as she laced her boots. She was answered with silence and shrugged. They often missed each other in the mornings during the summer. She stood and slipped the sweatshirt on.

Toby’s feet thundered down the stairs, and when he arrived, Rio tossed the Boxer a treat that disappeared in one swallow. She found her mother’s note in the usual place on the counter where they communicated with each other in passing.

Out for a run. -Mom

Rio wasn’t surprised by the message. Her mother left the house early to run, especially when jolted from her sleep by a nightmare. Rio flipped the paper and wrote her own message.

In the woods. R

With only the two of them in the house, signing the notes was pointless, but it was a long-standing habit neither of them abandoned. Rio gulped down her bowl of cereal as she moved through the kitchen with Toby following in her wake, eating the pieces she spilled. She chewed her final spoonful of breakfast and smiled up at the calendar hanging on the wall. Her thirteenth birthday was in a few weeks. Her mother had something planned, though Rio still hadn’t been able to pry the details from her. Given her mother’s frequent complaints about Rio’s continued use of the battered hoodie, she was certain to get a new sweatshirt out of the deal. Other than that, Rio didn’t know what other surprises might be coming.

Ready? Rio asked the dog.

Toby spun in a tight circle with excitement before racing to the back door.

She deposited her bowl on the counter and left the house with the dog. She moved past the pair of horses grazing in the field toward one of the many paths she’d created in the woods surrounding the rural home.

Rio’s mind contained a map of the trails and how far to venture from the house. Today she planned to add to her area of explored territory by finding a new spot to visit. Once deep in the forest, she turned and headed in the general direction of Burnt Mountain. She still had chores to do at home, so she couldn’t make the full hike today without bringing food and water. By intentionally leaving the house without anything to eat or drink, Rio couldn’t wander off too far or stay gone too long before returning home.

Rio quickened her hiking pace to a trot and started up the long, sloping hill, following her trail around the larger boulders partially buried in the ground. She opted to scramble over a few of the smaller ones instead of going around them. Toby zigzagged his way through the trees with his snout in the air when it wasn’t against the ground.

As she approached the top, the steepness caused her to use her hands for extra balance to finish the climb. Rio was out of breath when she reached the crest and collapsed on the ground to rest. She rolled to her back and placed her hand on her chest, feeling its quick rise and fall. With her other hand, she passed her fingers over the dead leaves and other material on the forest floor while her breathing slowed.

Toby bounded by, panting and tongue lolling, and Rio smiled. The Boxer was the goofiest and happiest dog she’d ever met. Once her breathing slowed, she sat up and called for the dog. Toby arrived in an instant and sat with her. She scratched the side of his neck and received a broad, wet tongue across her cheek.

3

Emma pushed her plate aside and picked a piece of dog hair from the cuff of her pressed white blouse.

Done with work today? Shelley Mellgren asked.

Emma nodded and took a drink of her water.

Me too. I have a few more errands to finish today before I head home.

I’ll have some more hours to work once I get home, but I’ll do them after Rio’s gone to bed.

It’s great you can do your computer geekery on your own time and mostly from home.

It is, Emma said with a nod. She straightened the front of her tightly tucked shirt and smoothed her black dress pants that matched her black shoes and socks. Emma’s neatness was a stark contrast to Shell’s blue hair, metal-band tee shirt, mangled jeans with a wide black leather belt and many-buckled boots that made her look like she’d just walked away from a rock concert.

This has been nice. I’m glad we were able to meet today, Shell.

Yeah.

Emma tapped her finger on the table. Shell’s response was polite, but her frown and creased brow indicated an unspoken problem. What’s wrong? Emma asked.

Your sleeping issues are getting worse, yes?

Emma tightened her jaw and leaned back in her chair. Years of friendship meant Shell always noticed when Emma struggled with something in her life. It also meant she couldn’t lie to her friend. With a sigh, Emma gave her answer. Yes.

Does Rio know?

Emma nodded. Like you, I’m sure she’s figured it out.

You can’t hide that level of fatigue, Em.

Obviously not. Emma’s tone was sharper than intended.

Tell her what happened to you and Jody.

And we were having such a lovely lunch together, Shell.

Stop trying to change the subject.

After a moment of squirming in her chair and stalling a bit longer by taking a sip of water, and another, Emma frowned at her friend. Shell raised one eyebrow, still waiting for a response. Emma took a deep breath and passed the palm of her hand over the back of her neck, remembering she’d made the same movement this morning at her bathroom sink after waking from her horrible dream. She swallowed hard and forced her hands to her lap.

I sometimes feel like I’m losing touch with reality, Emma said, casting her eyes down at the table. I wake up sweat-soaked, shaking, can’t catch my breath, and I’m certain my heart will explode. By the time I make it to the bathroom, I can do nothing but cling to the sink and wait for the trembling to pass! The dream is always so vivid. Jody’s sobs echo in my mind like she’s next to me again. I still have pain where her fingers dug into my arm when I forced her to leave Colin. Why can’t the past stay there? An involuntary shiver rippled through her body.

Shell waved off the approaching waiter.

Jody and I escaped, but to what end? My sister left her family and died a few years later. Emma pushed the lower part of her sleeve up to reveal the inside of her right forearm. She turned her arm toward Shell. I know it sounds crazy, but this scar feels as hot as the day I was burned. The place beneath the mountain, the things that happened there, the things we saw that killed Colin, and the fire that followed us out of that living hell and torched Kings Mountain, none of it was natural. I still don’t comprehend how you can believe such a story and not think me mad.

I can’t say I understand everything you told me about what happened to you, but you’re my friend and I believe you. Nate appreciates you telling us what happened to Colin.

I had so many questions when I learned Jody had died. I figured Nate deserved to know what happened to his brother even if it was unbelievable. Emma pulled her napkin from the table to her lap and twisted the fabric into a knot.

Em.

Emma kept her head down until her friend said her name a second time.

Why is the nightmare happening so often now? Shell asked.

Emma shook her head.

You need to talk to Rio.

She wouldn’t believe me.

I did.

You’re different.

Do you still consider going back to Kings?

Sometimes. I say I’ll go back, and I believe myself. Right up until the point that it’s time to veer off the trail, I turn and go the other way. Emma gave the napkin a vicious twist, annoyed at her weakness.

I’ll go with you.

No, Shell.

Take Rio to the mountain. Show her.

Too dangerous.

Take some precautions in case something goes wrong. You’re smart, Em. Figure it out. Rio will understand if you give her a chance. You need another ally in this besides me. Your daughter lives in your house with you and can help.

Emma sighed again.

At least think about it, Em.

I will.

"And please, for the sake of mercy, stop torturing that napkin!"

A small laugh escaped Emma’s mouth, and she placed the knotted cloth on the table again.

Think about what I said.

I will, Shell. I promise.

Thank you. With that settled, are you ready to start dating again?

Emma groaned and leaned her head back in exasperation. No!

What about Fish?

Bryan Fisher? Emma asked and looked at her friend again. No.

Fish likes you.

Fish likes anything with two X chromosomes.

True, but he’s still a good guy. You divorced a long time ago. Nothing wrong with seeing someone.

Emma fiddled with the end of her braid at her shoulder.

You’re stalling again.

I’m not dating your brother. Emma dropped her hand to the table hard enough to rattle the plates. She refused to look at the patrons turning in her direction.

Jeez, you’re testy today. The band is playing tomorrow night. You and Rio should come out.

Emma appreciated the conversation shift, and the tension between her shoulders eased a little. Rio adores your band.

I know she does!

We’ll be there.

Perfect. I gotta run. Shell waved her hand at the table and plates. You got this?

Yeah.

Shell hopped out of her chair with a grin and gave Emma a quick hug. Thanks. Next one is on me. See you tomorrow.

Yep. Tell Nate hello for me.

Will do. I’ll tell Fish you’re coming, Shell said and with a laugh, she was gone.

Emma shook her head with a small smile. Of course Shell would tell Fish; he was their drummer.

4

She’s dead.

She’s not dead.

Since she’s dead, can we keep the dog?

The voices disturbed Rio’s sleep and she stirred. She opened her eyes, startled by the upside-down, unfamiliar face of a boy hovering over her. Rio flipped to her belly and shuffled her hands and feet across the ground to scramble away from the stranger.

You OK? the boy asked.

So you’re not dead. I like your dog, the girl said.

Rio took a moment to clear her mind and calm herself after standing. Her heart’s thundering inside her chest slowed as she regained some of her wits. A teenage girl and boy she’d never seen before watched her.

The boy tilted his head and continued to watch Rio. Are you OK? I mean, Colby’s non-stop whining during our hike up this hill didn’t wake you.

Rio blinked several times. Uh.

Are you homeless and sleep in the forest often? the girl asked.

Rio’s mouth moved, but she didn’t answer. She was still trying to remember when she’d fallen asleep.

The boy rolled his eyes. Colb, don’t be so rude. I’m Sebas.

Sea bass? Given his odd name, Rio’s brow crinkled.

Sebastian. I’m Colby.

Rio stared at them. Colby had a few more freckles than Sebastian, but they had the same features and hair color. Their accent was similar to her mother’s. Her brain started working again as did her mouth. Siblings?

Colby nodded. Twins.

My name is Rio, and the useless guard dog is Toby.

I like him. Colby rubbed the seventy-pound dog’s wide head while he sat next to her foot. His tongue lolled and with the attention his short tail wiggled with the rest of his body.

Rio brushed the leaves and dirt from her jeans.

We didn’t mean to startle you, Sebastian said.

Sorry I freaked out for a bit. You’re not from around here.

Sebastian’s eyes wandered up the trunks of the tall trees around them. Accent give us away?

That and I’ve never seen you before.

We live in England. Birmingham. We arrived in Maine yesterday and decided to do a bit of exploring today, Colby said.

Here for the summer or a few days? Rio asked.

For the summer. Except— Sebastian said, his words trailing off as his eyes traveled back to meet Rio’s.

She waited for him to continue, but he remained silent.

His sister finished his sentence. We’re hopelessly lost and have no idea where we are or how to get back to the house where we’re staying.

Ah. Rio couldn’t contain her chuckle.

Go ahead. Laugh. It’s funny as long as you’re not the one lost, Sebastian said.

Peter Cole’s home. Know where it is? Colby asked.

Rio nodded.

I said the house is that way, Sebastian said and pointed. Colb says it’s that way. He moved his arm.

Wow. Um, you’re both wrong. Since you’re not finding you’re way back on your own, I’ll bring you to my house first then take you back to Mr. Cole’s. His house isn’t far from us. Rio had potential new friends near her own age and living nearby for the entire summer. She tried to keep her excitement concealed.

Us? You and the dog? Colby asked.

And my mom, Rio said and started down the slope. You’re the renters he found while he and Mrs. Cole are in Florida?

Yeah. It’s a nice house and close to the pond for swimming, but Dad didn’t realize how far out in the country he was bringing us, Sebastian said.

Rio smiled, though the siblings walked behind her and couldn’t see her face. Willy wags.

Huh? Colby asked.

It’s Maine slang. Rural areas are called the willy wags or willy wacks. I’ve heard people say both.

The middle of nowhere, Colby said.

Rio nodded and slowed her pace to walk with the twins instead of in front of them. Exactly. Dublin, Maine is a perfect example of a town in the middle of nowhere.

Shouldn’t the summertime be warmer? Sebastian asked with a frown. He rubbed his palms over his bare forearms.

We’re in the woods, so it’s always cooler. You can have my hoodie if you’re that cold.

Sebastian shook his head. I’m not freezing yet, but thanks for the offer.

The temperatures will go up as we get closer to July and August. Buy a day pack, and always carry an extra layer with you for weather changes. In your case, you should carry food, water, and a compass.

A compass won’t help. I’ll get lost even if I have a map. How long until we reach your house? I’m starved, Colby said.

Sebastian sighed and shook his head at his sister. She’s helping us not be lost. Don’t beg for food too.

Rio grinned.

Colby didn’t embarrass easily and spoke what was on her mind regardless of what her brother deemed polite or not. She slipped twice on the way down the hill, landing on her rump and sliding. Both times she was back on her feet in an instant without wiping the dirt from her palms or trousers. She didn’t care about staying clean or worrying about smudges on her clothes or face.

Sebastian kept his head up, always watching the surrounding area. The one time he had slipped, he brushed the dirt from his clothes before continuing. The twins bantered with each other during the walk to Rio’s home, but their comments never escalated to arguing.

Rio grew up as an only child, so the persistent chatter between the Sebastian and Colby intrigued her. She asked them questions as they walked and decided she liked her new friends.