Clash Of Worlds

By Philip Mcclennan

Growing up in an orphanage as a boy, James has no memory of his parents. He has always wondered who he truly is. Why was he given up? Where does he come from? And why is he able to do phenomenal things? James possesses remarkable abilities, skills that no other person is capable of. That is nobody but Chad, another boy he encounters in the orphanage.

The two become inseparable and set out on a quest to discover why it is they can do the things they can do. However, their skills do not go unnoticed. After the appearance of a strange man dressed in white, a man who displays the same unearthly skills as they do, James and Chad attempt to track down the mysterious figure. It is a task that proves not so difficult, however, the man seems intent on destroying them both.

As James struggles to combat a much superior foe, Chad’s behaviour becomes increasingly erratic. As his past comes back to haunt him, James must not only face a seemingly unbeatable enemy, and contain an increasingly unstable friend, but he must also answer the riddles of a girl in his dreams. This mysterious girl comes from an apparently mystical world, a place that seems somehow familiar.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Philip Mcclennan
• Release date: Mar 27, 2016
• ISBN: 9781311815187

Philip Mcclennan

Philip was born and raised in Liverpool, England. He began writing comic books at a very young age, taking inspiration from his favourite computer game franchise Final Fantasy. He writes sports articles for various magazines and websites.Philip achieved a BA Hon's in Film and Screen Studies at Liverpool John Moores University. He also enjoys reading fantasy, thrillers and horror fiction, as well as autobiographies. His first novel, Clash Of Worlds, is the first book of a planned trilogy.He loves travel, art, football and chocolate. After originally wishing to be a film director and scriptwriter, and also spending far too many years of his life in higher education and dithering, he has decided to reorient his priorities and focus on writing fantasy and suspense.

Book preview

Clash Of Worlds Philip McClennan

CLASH OF WORLDS

by

Philip McClennan

This book is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents are the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual events, locales, or persons, living or dead, is coincidental.

Copyright © 2015 by Philip McClennan. All rights reserved, including the right to reproduce, distribute, or transmit in any form or by any means.

Cover Design: James, GoOnWrite.com

Foreword

I didn’t see myself as being a writer growing up; it was never my ambition. I did write some Sonic the Hedgehog comics when I was small, but that was more the ramblings of a child rather than any creative genius on my part. Like many kids, I had wild dreams. I wanted to be an astronaut at first, and then a footballer. Neither was a viable nor realistic dream. On a football pitch, I am like an ice skater trying to skate without the skates, and as for being an astronaut…well, there’re most likely aliens in space and I don’t think they and I would get along.

The first time I think I had an interest in anything story based was discovering the computer game Final Fantasy VII, a role-playing game for the Playstation computer console. The game was ahead of its time in terms of in-depth storytelling and it was the first computer game I ever became emotionally invested in. There and then I decided I’d like to make films one day. Even as a youngster I knew that was a pipe dream, something that would most likely never happen, but still, a boy can dream.

Then I grew up and stepped into the real world. When you become an adult, sometimes it is easy to forget your dreams and ambitions as it becomes quickly apparent that money makes the world go around.

So there I went, jumping from job to job. From telesales, to call centres, to banks, I earned my way in life, earning cold hard cash for the first time. I didn’t earn a lot, but it paid the bills so what did I care? Besides, I still had money to drink beer and watch football! Life was good. Then a curious thing happened…I started to get bored.

Somewhere along the line, I cannot remember clearly when, or how, something ignited my creative juices. After my grand plan of becoming a successful businessman failed, I decided I’d try and do something I had an actual interest in. I always had ideas for stories, from a very young age.

I have always been a fan of realistic, real-world action like James Bond and Die Hard. I am also a huge fan of realm fantasy (Lord Of The Rings springs to mind here). When I began my planning for this novel, I was really stuck in two minds.

The idea of writing a purely Fantasy story has always appealed to me. Fantasy is an escape from the real world, a place where any dream can be realized. Fantasy really does bring out the child in me I think. Then there was another part of me that wanted to write an action novel, a story based in a realistic, everyday world setting. Explosions, government agents, traveling all over the world, stories like that have always intrigued me.

Undecided, I originally began writing this novel as two separate stories, an action, and a fantasy. Then somewhere down the line (probably after a couple of glasses of wine too many), I decided to merge the story into one. I thought it would be interesting to write a story that combines the aspects of the realistic, everyday world life, with the fantastical world of realm fantasy.

As the story progresses, the chapters, and the characters involved in them may be thousands of miles apart geographically, and sometimes they will not even be in the same world as each other. However, despite the distance between the regions, and the vast difference in setting they lay within, most of the events tend to be happening simultaneously.

In Clash Of Worlds, the realm of Earth is based on the real, everyday place we live in. It is not an exact replica, however, only simply my version of it. The other realms in the story are worlds created purely by the weird place that is my mind. Although located millions of miles apart in space, there is a gateway that leads between the realms. At certain points within the novel, the story arcs of the characters in each of the different realms crossover, combining the fantasy elements of the story, with the real world, which was my intention when I first began this book.

So here I am, a finished novel, all ready to go. Some people have asked me how I managed to do it. The truth is…I don’t know! I just sat down every so often at my computer and started to write. Don’t get me wrong; I didn’t just make things up as I went along. I knew the beginning of the story and the end…but that’s it. The rest I wrote on the fly, just like I am doing now writing this blog. Other people ask me where do I get my ideas from? Again, the answer to this is…I don’t know! I do not consider myself a smart person. I am not a genius, far from it. I consider Doctors or Scientists to be geniuses; I simply type words up on my computer from time to time…that’s it.

It has been a long journey, and many times I almost gave up hope I’d ever finish the manuscript. That in itself is a victory for me. Whether or not Clash Of Worlds does well or flops horribly is irrelevant. The achievement of its completion is enough fulfilment for me. Hopefully, you will enjoy the story that has been concocted from the very strange place that is my mind. For those of you that do not end up enjoying it, I have some bad news for you…I’m writing a sequel. Apologies in advance!

Prologue

In the beginning, darkness moved across the face of the deep, and the Creator willed there to be light. He invited the light from the darkness. He called the light day and the darkness night. Trenkenth, the Creator of all things, could form a world as easily as an artist drawing a painting with a brush. His imagination conjured the most exotic and also the vilest of realms, and his sheer thought and will, brought these worlds into existence. Upon his journeys across the cosmos, Trenkenth manufactured two realms in particular, a decision he would come to regret. The two worlds differ in every way one could possibly imagine. The Creator positioned the worlds close together, like neighbouring moons. He created them with the intention that they would become the greatest of allies, but the events that transpired after their creation ensured Trenkenth’s dream would not be realised. The first was the realm of Underworld.

In Underworld, the people are slaves to the king of the dark land, Kanto. Some of the inhabitants live their lives in hiding, whilst others follow the king, although they do this more out of fear rather than loyalty. A section of the Underworld is cut off from the rest. This place is known as the land of the damned, a place where the undead or the cursed are said to wander. However there is no rest for their souls as even in death, they are slaves to the dark king of the Underworld. The entire world is prison like, ruled under the brutal regime of martial law. The king uses the power of telekinesis to control the minds of his people. This power enables him to have telepathic links with any being, anywhere, allowing him to attack the subconscious of any Underworld native by simple thought alone. The world is a dark place by nature, a shadow world that harvests evil doers. Its inhabitants are generally dark willed by nature and serve the king unconditionally until their dying day.

The second of these realms created by Trenkenth is the neighbouring world of Alexandria. The land is the complete opposite of its counterpart. A tropical paradise, the world is full of life and represents what is good. Free will and opinion are encouraged on the world compared with the dictatorship rule of Underworld. The king of Alexandria, Zeris, cares deeply for his people and he rejoices with them in times of celebration, as well as consoling them in times of hardship. The people are his children and he is their father.

Due to their opposite nature, the two worlds have been locked in eternal conflict, over time growing to become hated enemies. Ever since, both realms remained uneasy at the looming presence of their neighbour. After decades of tension, the two worlds finally embraced the inevitable and the war to end all wars began. Much blood was spilt and millions of lives were lost in the battles over the years. Many other worlds and kingdoms became dragged into the conflict causing bloodshed on an unholy scale. The death and despair caused as a result of this enraged the god Trenkenth for the very universe he had worked to build had become threatened. The angered Creator set his sights on the two warring realms. What followed next began a chain of events that would ensure that all worlds would never be the same again…

Chapter 1: The Aftermath

A sea of bodies lay scattered over the battlefield. The smell of death loomed ominously around the endless wastelands. Survivors, what few that remained, wandered around scattered as they looked for signs of life. Smoke filled the field from which the battle had taken place, the last remnant of the fires that burnt violently only a short time ago. The fading light suddenly turned into darkness no quicker than the blinking of an eye. The broken body of a man crawled across a pile of burning rubble. A large broadsword was edged halfway through his back. The man left a trail of blood as he crawled, desperately looking for someone to help him, or perhaps someone to put him out of his misery. His prayers were answered when the remainder of the sword was pushed through his body aggressively. The man laid motionless, brought to his swift death by the large man now standing over him. It was Auron, the General of the Alexandrian armies.

Auron was tall in appearance, around six feet and four inches to be exact. His hefty build was indeed that of a war general. His long red and black trench coat blew in the wind but was severely ripped from the long battle that he had just endured. His face was bloody, but this was not his own blood. It was the blood of a hundred, or maybe even a thousand slain Underworld men. Auron wiped the blood off the copper skin of his face. His cheekbones looked like they were made of granite and his deep brown eyes were serious. Auron wasn’t in great shape now. He was heavily fatigued from battle. This had been the mother of all wars after all. A war that had caused the destruction of two worlds, a war that had resulted in the death of billions. He pulled the sword from a fallen body. The steel was smeared in blood. Auron looked up at the sky, at this newfound darkness that had overcome the area in no time at all. It’s over, he thought to himself. A flash of lighting struck the lands in the distance, setting the sky alight briefly. That is no ordinary lightning bolt. Auron’s stern facial expression changed to a more concerned look. The King…

A flash of white light lit up the window inside a large tower. The lighting brightened up the previously dark brick walls of the room. As the lighting faded, dim candlelight remained the only source of visibility. Two men lay knelt down on one knee. They both appeared battered and bloody. The two men were kings of two different realms, the lands of Alexandria and Underworld. That is, they used to be two different realms, not anymore. The two worlds had forcefully merged together to become one, less than an hour ago, with devastating effects. The merging of two realms had resulted in the effective destruction of a whole world in itself and this was a fact that both kings knew only too well.

Before the two knelt kings was a dark hooded figure, a creature that looked down mercilessly on the two fallen men. Small lighting sparks omitted from the outline of the hooded figure and the air around him seemed disturbed, almost as if all of him wasn’t there. The two kings shared a glance as an awkward tension filled the air. After a few moments of silence, the figure began to speak.

I should kill both of you here and now!

The two men remained bowed, too afraid to speak or even look up at the hooded figure.

From this day forth your world is banished from all the others. The bloodshed you have caused will not be allowed to continue.

The two kings did not move…daren’t not move.

You can do with this new world as you please. Continue your meaningless battle for control and doom yourselves, it matters not to me anymore.

The hooded figure revealed an old wooden staff from beneath his cloak and held it out at the two men. I take from both of you your first born sons, they will play no further part in this. Their destiny shall lay away from this land.

Zeris, the King of Alexandria, dressed in white and golden plated armour, of which was blood stained from battle, looked up toward the hooded figure. Not my son! he pleaded, floods of tears began to flow from his eyes and down his cheeks.

Red eyes glowed from within the hood of the strange figure and Zeris quickly bowed his head in fear. He knew he could do nothing but obey for this was no simple hooded figure at all; this was Trenkenth, the Creator of all things. It was he who had merged the two worlds of Alexandria and Underworld together. It was he who had stepped in and brought a halt to this forbidden war, a war that would surely have ended in the total annihilation of both realms had it continued. The other king, Kanto remained cold and silent. He knew his place. Kanto was the ruler of the Underworld. He was dressed in dark thin attire, unlike the amour of his counterpart, showing off big broad shoulders. He had long dark and white hair and the blackest eyes, the devil’s eyes. Kanto cared little for the safety of his people and regarded them as nothing more than sacrificial lambs, stepping stones in his ultimate goal of seizing control of the Alexandrian realm. Kanto did, however, care for his own safety. He knew it would be unwise to speak out against Trenkenth, the very being that created both realms in the first place.

Kanto was cunning, he knew to bide his time. He was an opportunist, and recognised a way to use this situation to his advantage, whilst at the same time gaining sympathy for himself. He offered the Alexandrian king a truce, an end to the conflict. A way for the two worlds to co-exist in a dominion now brought together into a single realm. With Trenkenth looking on, Zeris agreed to the truce, a pact that would ensure the safety of his people and more importantly his own life. The pair shook hands. The Creator was unimpressed, firmly believing that neither would keep their word.

You are both to meet me within the wilderness in one day’s time, there you shall bring your sons to me. It would be wise of you to heed my warning, for failure to do so will be met with fatal consequence. With those words the creator vanished in an instant.

With only the two kings remaining in the room, the pair slowly raised to their feet. Here they stood, two mortal enemies, two rulers who had fought an endless war spanning years against each other. Now they finally stood face to face, with no one but each other for company. There was an awkward silence between them, neither unsure quite how to act. They were fierce warriors, not to mention deadly enemies, however now was not the time for battle. Well, this was the case for Zeris anyhow. Kanto, however, was not one to let an opportunity like this slip by. The dark king slowly slipped his right hand into the back of his belt and reached for a small dagger. He was about to pull it out when Auron appeared from a stairway at the back of the room.

My King! Auron said to the king of Alexandria, making his way to Zeris’ side with haste upon seeing who he had for company.

Kanto released the grip of his dagger. He knew he was outnumbered and outmatched now. He could take on Zeris alone, or even Auron for that matter, but despite his great skill he was no match against the two mightiest fighters the realm of Alexandria had ever produced.

Auron drew his sword. My King we can end this now, once and for all, said the head of the Alexandrian armies. He had lost thousands of comrades in the war and many of their deaths were fresh in his memory. Auron took aim at the king of the Underworld.

Kanto acted quickly, sensing the danger. Remember our truce my dear Zeris. You agreed to it before Trenkenth himself. He will be most displeased if you go back on your word now.

Zeris pondered for a moment. He also shared Auron’s hatred for the king of the Underworld and nothing would please him more than ending his life here and now.

We need to put an end to the conflict once and for all, for the survival of our people. If there is more bloodshed then neither of us will have a kingdom left. Kanto continued.

Auron interrupted him. I’ll slay him now, Underworld will fall and the war will be at an end! Auron prepared to strike the dark king down.

Zeris quickly held out his arm preventing Auron for lashing out. No, my friend, the battle is over.

Auron looked outraged. Sire he’s lying, this is Kanto, he has never spoken a word of truth in his life. Let me kill him now. Let me put an end to the pain and suffering he has inflicted on our people. Auron attempted to strike his enemy down and Zeris again blocked Auron’s advances.

Kanto remained cool and still during the pair’s argument. He knew Zeris cared deeply for his people, and that if Auron struck him down, the Creator would punish his people further. He knew that Zeris would not risk that outcome.

My dear friend, Kanto has offered a truce, an end to the fighting. A truce that Trenkenth himself witnessed.

It was almost a plea from the king. They had been through a lot together Zeris and Auron. The men had been young soldiers in the Alexandrian army back in the times before Zeris came to the throne. They trusted each other, they were best friends, and Auron was his chief adviser, a man whom he trusted with his life. Auron looked on at Kanto, all the hatred he felt towards Underworld, a realm that had caused so much destruction to his beloved Alexandria came to the forefront. His grip tightened on his sword, the anger swelling through him almost reduced him to tears.

Zeris put his arms on both his shoulders. Auron, trust me, my friend, it is over.

Auron reluctantly withdrew his sword.

Touching, said Kanto coldly, who remained stood very calmly with both hands folded behind his back.

The Wilderness was a treacherous place. As its name suggested, it was an area of nothingness, thousands upon thousands of miles of derelict wasteland. The Wilderness was an area full of the most fierce and unforgiving creatures within the entire realm. The Creator had kept the Wilderness intact when merging the two worlds together. He knew both worlds feared the area. He placed the wilderness at the new world’s centre, separating the now joint kingdoms of Alexandria and Underworld. Trenkenth was also wise enough to have the entire area covered with fading light. To the regular person, this would be the equivalent of sunrise or sunset conditions, a time in which the light is dimming. This was far more significant to the people of both worlds. Trenkenth did everything for a reason, and this was no different. You see Alexandria and Underworld were mirror reflections of one another, direct opposites as different as daylight and darkness.

The realm Alexandria was a world of continuous daylight, whilst its counterpart Underworld was a world of eternal darkness. The Alexandrians genetic makeup enabled them to utilize their abilities to their maximum potential during daylight, whilst becoming jaded and fatigued during darkness. Underworld was the direct opposite, their inhabitants excelled in darkness. By having a fading light zone cast into the wilderness ensured neither world would have an advantage, each of their abilities would be cancelled out. The Creator knew this would keep the temptation for the worlds to invade each other to a minimum. However in truth, he cared little about the fate of either world now. Trenkenth was not one to annihilate an entire world just because they had disobeyed him. He had faith in lower beings, as he called them. He wanted them to find the answers on their own, rather than enforcing his own direct intervention. He did, however, wish to punish both worlds for the chaos and bloodshed that they had caused. And so the time came. The two kings appeared at the location Trenkenth had requested. Each accompanied by their close aids and each with a small child. The location was at the foot of two mountains, in a valley around sixty feet wide. The two groups came across a large stone-like structure.

The structure was made of the oldest stone they had ever seen, having the look of something that had stood since the beginning of time. It arched up to form a doorway that raised over fifty feet high. Thirty huge steps led up to the gateway opening and either side of the entrance were two statues. Both of them stood as if guarding the gate, and everyone present felt as if the two figures, which wielded a large stone broadsword apiece, were watching them.

Father, what is that? a small boy whispered from behind the middle-aged woman who accompanied Kanto. The woman was Harriet, the most powerful sorceress in the whole of Underworld. She wore a purple dress robe that matched the colour of her eyes, as did the purple ruby that glimmered on her neck. She wielded a small marble staff, which gave her unyielding power, second only to the king himself. She held the boy’s hand as he looked on in fear. The small boy was Kanto’s son, Shadow. He was six years old and had thick brown hair. The poor boy had never been so afraid in his entire life. His dark brown eyes showed his fear.

Be silent, Kanto replied bluntly to his son, not even caring to turn around and look at him as he spoke.

Zeris, who stood only a few feet away looked on, almost feeling sorry for the poor boy. Zeris also had a small child with him, his own son Valentine whom he held by the hand. Valentine, who was around five years old and who had the golden hair his mother once had, remained silent, too afraid to speak at the sight of the two stone like guards peering down at him. Auron was stood not too far behind his king. His left hand was firmly on the handle of his undrawn sword, which was ready to be unleashed at any moment. Auron did not like this situation one bit. He hated what was about to transpire, he hated that he was stood in the wilderness, without the protection of the sun that powered the Alexandrians, but most of all, he hated the fact he was stood alongside his most bitter enemies.

Auron had no love for Harriet, the Underworld Sorceress who stood alongside Kanto. Harriet had been a key member of Kanto’s order and had orchestrated the death of many a comrade of his. Auron would sooner have drawn his sword and struck the pair down. Kanto, who stood calmly with his arms folded behind his back, was fully aware of Auron’s building anger.

Something bothering you Master Auron? said Kanto with a smirk.

Shut up! Auron snapped back, the grip on his sword tightened.

Kanto began to laugh. Such a temper! What’s the matter? Feel like avenging a few of your dead friends? Kanto looked smug.

Auron began to shake, struggling to contain his hatred.

Do you have any idea how many of them I killed with my own hands? mocked the king of the Underworld.

Auron interrupted him. Shut up, I’m warning you!

Auron stop! said Zeris, stepping between them. Zeris hated Kanto’s words as much as Auron did, but the king had to look at the bigger picture. A battle here would begin a war once again, a war that would end both worlds. Although he hated the Underworld king, the consequences were far too great. Auron calmed a little after his king’s words.

Harriet now began to laugh. Do not worry my king, she said to Kanto. He is exactly what you said he was, a coward.

COWARD?

Auron drew his sword; Harriet quickly pointed her staff to meet Auron. Fire began to appear from the end of the staff, almost as if a magical spell was forming.

Suddenly a huge bolt of lightning struck the gate and the two stone statues began to move. The stone creatures seemed to come to life and they both looked down at the group whose attention was quickly taken from each other, towards the stone figures who were now most definitely gazing upon them. As the smoke cleared from the lightning bolt, a cloaked figure could be seen standing in the middle of the gateway. It was the same cloaked figure that had humbled both kings only a day earlier. It was Trenkenth, the Creator of all things. All present began to look concerned, especially the two small boys who hid behind the adults. All were fearful except for Auron, who looked more intrigued than afraid.

The time has come, Trenkenth said from the top of the steps. Bring them to me. The god referred to the two boys, the pair he intended to exile from this world.

The boys began to tremble. Zeris held his son tight, rubbing the hair on top of his head. It’s ok son, he said to the boy softly. Remember, you’re a hero. You have saved your people. Be strong!

Kanto showed no such concern for his son. He remained stood still, arms folded behind his back as was his way, not evening looking at his son. He turned to Harriet. Take the boy to him.

Kanto had no desire to get any closer to Trenkenth than he already was. He felt the Creator had more distaste in his heart for him than the other king, and he honestly felt uncomfortable at the thought of being so close to someone that could strike him down at any moment.

Harriet looked less than thrilled at the prospect of coming face to face with Trenkenth and was hesitant.

Take Him! Kanto said with a more dominant tone in his voice.

Harriet feared the Creator, but she had also learned over the years, much to her misfortune, that to defy her king only led to pain and suffering. She reluctantly took the boy named Shadow by the hand and led him to the foot of the first step which led upwards toward the large gateway.

Auron walked up to Zeris’ son Valentine and knelt down before him. Auron realised this was the last time he would likely ever see the child of whom he had grown fond of over the years. The boy had tears in his eyes and Auron wiped one of them away with his hand. Auron gave an Alexandria salute by putting his fist to his chest. The salute was rarely used, only given to the bravest of warriors. He then looked into the eyes of the boy. Be strong little one, may all of Alexandria be with you. Auron rose to his feet and looked up at the Creator, and then to the two stone guardians who, not even for a second, had taken their eyes off him. I cannot defeat them. Auron knew he was powerless to save the boy and, therefore, stood back.

Zeris walked his son to the foot of the step, alongside Harriet and Shadow.

Auron and Kanto stood side-by-side, a little further back.

You coward, Auron muttered under his breath to Kanto without looking at him.

Kanto, who in turn didn’t look at Auron either, smirked, clearly gaining a little satisfaction from Auron’s disgust of him.

Zeris and Harriet began to slowly ascend the large stone steps, holding their respective child by the hand. They passed several fire torches upon the stairway as they slowly advanced. With each step they took, it was as if the giant stone guardians grew. The size difference between them and the creatures became even more apparent. However, in the middle of them, lay the most formidable figure of them all, the Creator, who had now revealed his large wooden staff from beneath his dark cloak. The group eventually reached the top of the stairway when the god began to speak.

Stop where you are, Trenkenth commanded.

The quartet quickly halted in their tracks. The Creator gazed upon each of the four that were stood in front of him, carefully observing each of them for the same amount of time before moving on to the next. All of them felt as if the god-like being was looking deep into the depths of their souls. A cold shiver went down each of their bodies. The two small boys were frozen to their spots, unable to speak, think or even breathe.

The god looked at the two boys and raised his hand that emerged from deep within his cloak, Come to me.

Valentine grabbed onto Zeris in fear. The man tried desperately to comfort his son. Harriet pushed Shadow in the Creator’s direction; the force of the push knocked the boy to the floor, right at the feet of the Trenkenth. Shadow, lying on the floor, slowly looked up at cloaked figure, who picked the boy up and placed an arm on his shoulder. The Creator now set his sights on the other child. Zeris held his son, trying hard to keep his own emotions together. I must be strong for my boy.

Zeris release the child now, commanded Trenkenth, who was beginning to lose patience with the Alexandrian king.

The two mammoth stone creatures raised their large swords up high and pointed the tips down in the direction of Zeris. The king and his son Valentine looked up at the guardians. I have to let him go. Zeris looked at his son. It is time Valentine, I will always be with you here, said Zeris, who pointed to the boys heart. The king gestured over in the direction of the Creator, Go on.

Valentine nodded and slowly approached Trenkenth, taking his place at his side.

Kanto, Zeris, Auron and Harriet looked on as the Creator raised his staff. Lightning began to form in the sky above. They all looked up at the gathering storm. A huge lightning bolt appeared and struck the top of Trenkenth’s staff. Then he slammed his staff down hard, sending out a spray of white light that blinded everyone in the area. As the light faded, Trenkenth and the two boys were gone, and the guardians were stood motionless by the edge of the gateway, silently watching on.

Zeris looked up at the empty gateway one last time. My son, please forgive me.

Chapter 2: A New World

Rain poured down hard against the pavement causing a rippling effect on the puddles that scattered here and there. A black leather boot stepped into one of the puddles causing the water to disperse. A man in a large black trench coat and a grey hat walked two small boys down a dimly lit street way. Several of the street lamps on the road were broken meaning the narrow road was scarcely lit. Even those that worked flickered on and off, lighting the street for a few moments before casting it into darkness once more. Either side of the narrow road was a long row of terraced houses. The man walked the boys along the street a little further before coming to a halt outside one of the houses. The front door had a golden plate towards the top of it with the words ‘Bel Grave Orphanage’ engraved on it. The man reached for the door and gave it three loud knocks. The door remained closed. He knocked again three times. A hatch on the door opened up revealing an old looking woman. She looked carefully at the man before closing the hatch over. The sound of several bolts being unlocked could be heard from the other side of the door. The woman opened up the door and stood at the entrance staring at the man and then down at the two boys.

I have a delivery, said the man.

The woman looked down at the boys, who looked totally bewildered as to what was going on. The old woman looked at the man once more. Let me see your papers.

The man reached into the inside pocket of his trench coat and pulled out a set of documents. He handed them over to the old lady who read through them as best she could in the dimly lit doorway. After a few moments, her attention went from the documents to the two boys.

Come with me, she said to them.

They all entered the orphanage apart from the man who departed immediately without so much as saying goodbye. The woman took the boys coats off and threw them into a nearby basket before leading them down a long corridor. Darkness filled the corridor apart from the odd glimpses of moonlight that shone through small windows in the distance. They reached a large door at the end of the corridor and came to a stop. The lady reached into her pocket, revealing a rusty old metal key. She put the key into the lock and turned it slowly before opening the door.

Inside the room were several rows of small beds. The old woman pointed into the room. Inside.

The two youngsters looked at each other, a mixture of confusion and fear was edged on their faces.

Go on, urged the woman, in a not too pleasant manner.

Reluctantly, the boys began to walk into the room. The woman walked in behind them and closed the door.

Follow me, she said and began to walk down the middle of the room.

The two boys hurried after her and the three of them walked, beds either side of them. The boys curiously looked around the room. They began to notice movement from a few of the beds. Inside the beds lay small boys; some of who had been woken up by the old lady and the two boys when they entered. A few of the boys began to whisper to each other from inside their beds.

The old lady picked up on the whispers. Go back to sleep, she told all of them.

The boys did exactly what the lady asked of them and put their heads on their pillows. Some even hid beneath the covers, afraid of the consequences should they not obey.

The old lady and the two boys reached the far end of the room. In the corner stood two empty beds. The woman pointed to them.

Go to sleep, she said in a tone that offered no argument.

The boys did as they were bid and got into bed. The woman walked back down the room and to the door, which she shut behind her. The sound of a key turning in the door lock could be heard.

One of the boys, who had blond hair, lay on the bed trembling in fear. The other boy, who was in the bed next to him and had darker hair, picked up on the fact the boy was scared.

Hey are you ok? the dark haired boy said.

The blond haired boy nodded, although he looked anything but ok.

I’m Chad, what’s your name? the dark hair boy asked.

James, the blond haired boy replied.

Another boy from across the room whispered over to the pair. You’d best go to sleep, if they catch you talking we’ll all be in for it.

There was genuine fear in his voice. Chad and James put their heads on their pillows and closed their eyes, although neither of them slept much that night.

Several weeks passed, then before the boys knew it, several months, and then years. James and Chad were now ten years old and were still in residence at Bel Grave orphanage. They had grown to call the place home, if you can call it a home that is. The boys lived under the strictest of rules in the orphanage. They did their own washing, cleaning and sometimes even cooking. The slightest hint of disobedience was met with severe punishment. Countless numbers of boys had been struck with a wooden cane or whipped with a leather belt as a means of punishment to teach them some manners. The staff kept the boys of the orphanage in line with fear. This brought them closer together, and they thought of each other as brothers because of it. Chad had become a leader of sorts to the boys. He was the oldest after all, if only by a few months. Long after their curfew, the boys would sneak out of bed and cause mischief. They would play games such as hide and seek or knock door run. Knock door run was especially fun when they knocked on Mrs Garner’s bedroom. She was the head of the orphanage and was the old lady who first opened the doors to Chad and James four years ago. Not that the boys could remember that day. It seemed such a long time ago.

One night, after the lights had gone out, the boys slipped out of their beds as they usually would. Did you get it? Chad said to Roger, who at six years old was the youngest of the group. Roger nodded and held out a metal paper clip. Chad smiled.

Yes, Roger! Chad held his hand up and Roger gave him a high five. Chad took the paper clip and tossed it to James who caught it. You’re the lock pick, do your thing.

Piece of cake, James replied, who tiptoed his way to the door. James knelt down and stuck the paper clip in the key lock of the bedroom door, which was always locked after hours. James’s tongue came out and pressed over his top lip and concentration filled his young face as he attempted to pick the lock with the clip.

Chad began to get a little agitated by the delay. Come on, hurry it up!

James did not appreciate the interruption. Shut up, I’m going as fast as I can. Just at that exact moment the lock clicked open. James turned and grinned at Chad.

Took you long enough, Chad said with a hint of sarcasm.

The group of boys, ten of them in number, quietly made their way out of the bedroom and headed down the corridor. Chad led the way, being able to see surprisingly well despite the lack of light.

Come on, this way, Chad said.

One of the boys bumped into an artificial plant bush that was up against a wall, knocking it to the floor.

Chad turned around unimpressed. Watch where you’re going, you’ll wake them up.

Sorry, stuttered Chris who was the boy at the back of the pack. Chris was always messing up. He seemed to get caught the most when the boys would get up to no good, and Chris had felt the wrath of Mrs Garner more than anyone else. He always spoke with a stutter and the orphanage staff would mock him in a demeaning manner. The small boy had lost a lot of confidence as a result.

You sure you know where you’re going? I can’t see a thing, said James, who was directly behind Chad.

Yeah it’s this way, Chad assured him. Chad opened up a door in the hallway, which led to a dining room. He noticed the light switch and flicked it on. The sudden light caught the rest of the boys off guard and they quickly lifted their hands to shield their eyes.

What are you doing, leave the light off! James said, clearly worried that one of the orphanage staff may notice the light coming from the room.

Don’t worry about it, I know what I’m doing, Chad replied who looked totally composed and calm. Come on, everyone inside and close the door behind you.

The group entered the dining room and closed the door. In the centre of the room was a large dining table with numerous chairs around it. The table could easily seat around twenty. In the far corner of the room was where the kitchen was located and that was the direction Chad was headed. Chad gestured with his arm, almost like an army sergeant might command his troops across a battlefield. The group of boys followed him in, making their way over to the kitchen. The kitchen was set off from the back of the dining room. The boys walked through it, their small heads barely making it over the height of the cooker and the grill. All except for Chad, who was an inch or two taller than the rest. Chad spotted the refrigerator and smiled. He quickly rushed over to it and opened the refrigerator door. Inside was a vast amount of treats such as biscuits, chocolate and crisps. These, of course, were for the staff. The boys had never been given treats like this when it was time to eat. All they ever seemed to get was soup or very disgusting mash and peas. However, James and Chad had discovered this refrigerator a few months earlier and the boys always sneaked to the kitchen for treats every few days. The boys were very careful too. They would only take small amounts; just enough to not arouse suspicion. However tonight was different because this time Chad spotted something he hadn’t seen in the refrigerator before. It was a huge chocolate sponge cake.

Look at that, Chad said bursting with excitement.

James peered into the fridge and looked at the cake. The pair looked at each other and smiled. Chad took it out and put it on the dining table. All the boys looked on in awe.

Well, what are you waiting for? Don’t just look at it, tuck in boys!

And the boys did just that. They grabbed pieces of cake and shoved it in their mouths with their bare hands. The boys began to laugh and giggle as they ate, talking with their mouths full with chocolate smeared all around their lips.

Chad sat on the big chair at the end of the table and just for a moment, Chad felt as tall as a king. You know boys, this is the life isn’t it? He said in triumph.

Suddenly the boys heard movement from upstairs as if someone was up and about. Then they began to hear footsteps walking down the stairs.

Quick turn the light off, James said to Peter, who was the closest boy to the kitchen door.

Peter was the chubbiest of the boys and it still took him several moments to make his way to the light switch and turn it off. With the light off, the boys frantically looked for somewhere to hide. Roger hid behind the cooker, Peter and his brother Paul hid behind the curtains, James hid underneath the table. All the boys found somewhere to hide apart from Chad, who had to go right next to the dining room door from which they had first come in. If the door were to open, the door would cover him from sight, so he thought that a safe enough place.

Footsteps could be heard from the corridor outside. The footsteps began to get louder and most definitely closer. Chad, who was right next to the door, could hear the sound of steps better than