Pangaea: Jacob's Awakening

By Ross Parkes

Follow Jacob, a young fisherman’s mate who embarks on a great journey across the last remaining continent of Pangaea. From the wintry mountains of the north he will travel through the deserted wasteland and amongst ruined skyscrapers. There he meets with his allies and battles against the army of the rich. All this leads to its climatic end when Jacob reaches his destination, the Ark, a monstrous city in the sky where he will engage in war against those who seek to destroy his destiny.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Ross Parkes
• Release date: Dec 7, 2017
• ISBN: 9781370041251

Book preview

Chapter one

The full moon shone brightly within the cloudless night sky. The gaze of the Milky Way eclipsed a picturesque backdrop. Underneath the beauty of the midnight sky a small wooden fishing boat anchored against the deep dark ocean. The gentle waves rippled alongside the boat and rocked it from side to side. The chill of the icy cold wind swept across the boat, and rang a small bronze bell on top of the main cabin, a reminder to others of their presence in the darkness. Below the soggy wooden deck lay the majority of the crew, all asleep in their hammocks, wrapped in thick winter blankets to escape the grip of the ocean’s icy breath. Cigarette smoke hovered above them and stale beer soaked the floor below. Each fisherman had similar looks, bulging stomachs, powerful arms and legs, long scruffy beards and aged looks from the salty sea air.

There was one who did not sleep tonight, he was above deck slouched across the guardrail and stared into the dark abyss below them. Jacob, the youngest of the crew at eighteen, was unlike the rest. Tall, athletic with a tidier beard than the rest, he only sailed with the crew to escape the idleness of the village whence they came. He did not picture the rest of his life to be spent at the mercy of the ocean, instead his wished to travel and discover more of Pangaea. Centuries since the ice caps collapsed, and the continents collided this was the only land left. The only part of the land that Jacob knew was the barren wasteland of the north, he had never been allowed to venture any further than the boarders of bleak farms that surround his village. Years of wars with the privileged left the natives scattered across the land. The majority of the wealth was kept by the elite who occupied the enormous city in the sky known as the Ark. Jacob had never seen the Ark for himself but had heard only the stories that had been passed down from generation.

Despite the basic nature of the job it helped Jacob put food on the table for him and the older woman whom he lived with. He knew nothing of his parents only that they abandoned him from an early age and he was brought up by an old family friend.

You should get some rest boy, the captain of the crew came up beside Jacob.

I can’t sleep Cap, Jacob threw a pebble across the ocean waves. Have you never just set sail into the darkness away from land to see what’s out there?

Yes, I have often wondered what it would be like out there in the other oceans, but have you not heard the stories of sea dragons and monstrous waves? I have known of many fishermen who have sailed into the deep and not returned.

The dragons are myths, Jacob laughed. A brave wise man like you I’m surprised you have never even attempted it.

In my younger years perhaps, but I have a wife and child I dare not abandon for the sake of a few folk tales. One day boy when you captain your own boat perhaps you may dare to explore, but until then keep your head out of the clouds. Your household cannot afford to lose you just ye… Cap was stopped by a murmur he heard in front of them.

An unusually large wave crept toward them, it hit the boat and knocked them to the floor. A glow beneath the ocean followed behind the wave and circled the boat at a distance. Cap knew what this was as soon as he laid eyes on the fiery red glow, the tale of this giant fish had kept fishermen awake for many a night. A fisherman would count himself lucky to glimpse simply one in his lifetime let alone catch one, this would be Cap’s second encounter. The first in his early days as a young fisherman on a similar night he caught sight of the glow across the ocean as it quickly descended into the darkness. Since that moment he returned to the spot once a year to try to catch sight of it again, however on this occasion he had planned on getting a lot closer.

Wake the men boy, Cap muttered to Jacob.

Jacob followed orders and headed below deck to the merry sleeping men. Although it wasn’t always greeted with pleasantries waking an assembly of burly fisherman, it was one that Jacob enjoyed doing. From the murky miniature kitchen he grabbed a dirty saucepan and spoon and stood between the hammocks.

Rise and shine you miserable bastards, Jacob shouted as he hammed the spoon against the pan to which he was met with foul language from the sleeping fisherman. It’s here guys, Cap’s fish come on.

They all knew Cap had been searching for the fish for decades. Each one rolled from out their hammock fully clothed. One by one collected their boots before climbing out onto the deck. Cap had switched off all the lights expect for one attached the front of the boat. He had hoped this would attract the attention of the huge fish. Despite the lack of illumination the men could see from the light cast by the moon. The red glow continued to circle the boat with more violent waves attacking the hull. Soon the waves reached over the deck and soaked every one of them.

Prepare the nets! Cap yelled.

Long wooden poles reached over either side of the boat. Wrapped up underneath each one were heavy steal laden ropes. Cap had saved these for this very occasion. They were strong enough to halt any object in their way. Two fishermen had the duty to release these nets. To do this they had to climb along the poles and loosen them into the ocean. The first one went; he stepped up on to the ledge and grabbed hold of the pole. It was thick enough for him to pull himself up and slide across its wet surface. The net was strapped tightly with two leather straps either side. The weight of the net made it difficult for him to release. Unable to release the net with his hands he pulled out a hunting knife from his side. An easy solution would be to cut through the straps although not ideal as this would cause issues later when trying to secure the nets. He cut through the first strap loosening the net. This caused the second strap to tighten even more. It took greater force for him to slice through.

Beneath him he saw the glow swim past. For a moment he stopped and was memorised by the beauty of what he saw. The scales of this magnificent creature illuminated the surrounding sea water a seductive crimson.

Hey is something wrong? Cap bellowed.

The fisherman shook his head to regain sense of what he was doing. No Cap just a tough strap. He continued to slice into the strap until the weight of the net tore through and unravelled into the ocean. The impact of the nets violently swayed the boat. He kept a firm grip onto the pole so he would not fall. Now the net was at rest he could climb across back onto the deck.

With the first net released another of the crew was laid upon the other wooden pole but also had problems releasing his net. The seductive glow soon appeared below. He too lost his thoughts at the beauty of the light. The creature became hostile, its aggressive swimming caused larger waves to crash into the boat. The fisherman lost his grip on the pole and fell. Everyone lost sight of him.

Man overboard! another screamed.

As the creature swam past again they all saw the fisherman hanging from the pole. Cap climbed across the pole with no hesitation. He would not let one of his men fall into the dark abyss. Grab my hand, he reached the end and held his arm out. The fisherman grabbed a hold of him and held on as he was lifted back onto the pole. The creature swam closer this time surfacing and spraying them with the icy chill of the ocean sea. They both hurried along the pole and onto the deck.

Bring up the anchor and start the engine, Cap ordered. The heavy anchor was sluggishly brought to the surface as the engine started with a splutter. Cap entered the cabin and grabbed the wheel to take control of the boat.

Jacob stood behind him. So how do you plan on catching it Cap?

We have to outsmart the son of a bitch. We will simply sail in the opposite direction to it and capture him within the current, he turned the wheel against the waves and slowly increased the speed of the boat.

Over the next few minutes the speed increased, and the boat began to create larger waves than the creature could produce. It became distressed unable to swim against the stronger current. The other fisherman all mounted the sides with spears, ready to pierce its crimson scales at any available chance. The creature now swam with the boats current attempting to outpace it. They launched their first barrage of spears into the ocean. Only one spear caught the creature, just left of its fin it cut between the scales and released a surge of blood. It was hurt.

Cap was told of this first strike so slowed the engine slightly to match the creatures speed. He could now travel the same speed and finally capture his prey. A second onslaught of spears from the fishermen brought the creature to a near halt. Cap was able to position the boat around its drifting figure. This time Jacob climbed the pole to secure the nets. The creature was now trapped within the clutches of its untimely and inevitable death. Jacob yanked on the rope from underneath the pole and this closed in the net around the creature. Another fisherman wound a leaver that lifted the pole vertically. Jacob slid off the pole and on to the deck. The creature rose from out the oceans grasp and hung within the grapple of the nets. Jacob stared into its mysterious eyes as its soul slowly left its body, he was overcome with guilt when he saw the pain the creature in as it grasped at life. Cap proudly stood next to Jacob was no ounce of remorse.

The men opened a steal gate on the floor of the deck that led into the bowls of the boat where the fish were kept. They lowered the creature and laid it to rest amongst the other fish, tiny in comparison. The fish were kept fresh buy huge chunks of ice and a single generator.

Cap had finally succeeded in capturing the creature he had longed for. Despite the night sky and the tiredness of his men Cap turned the boat around and headed back to land, there was no need for him to be out there anymore. The creature was sure to offer all of them a comfortable winter.

The sun rose across the horizon. Up in the north the atmosphere was very dense, the light in the sky now came from a pale red looking sun with little heat breaking through. Winter was upon them and with it six months of thick heavy snow storms, icy wind and darkness for at least half of that time. The boat encountered small chunks of ice breaking against its hull. The brittle body of the ice boulders caused little or no damage. Tiny snowflakes fell from the pale grey sky a sign of the dark winter nights ahead.

Jacob had stayed awake with Cap the whole journey back, he had wanted to see the autumn sun rise one final time across the ocean before winter came. The sun rose from the ocean surface illuminating the sea with its pale red glow. For a moment any fish near the surface glistened against the first flickers of sunlight. This occasion had only ever been seen by a handful of fishermen, it was thought to be a signal to the end of autumn and the start of winter. Jacob was speechless he had never seen such a sight. Thousands of fish dived across the waves.

At this point the others had risen from their beds and onto the deck, they all too wanted to see the end of autumn. A spout of water burst through the waves. The flickering fish had caught the attention of a huge whale. It rose from the waters and leapt into the air, its back tumbled against the water and created a huge wave that soaked everyone on the boat. The whale was at least fifty feet long, a monstrous sight. With plenty of fish it was here to feast. Despite the fishing weapons on board they all knew better than to try to fish this huge whale. It could destroy them with one swoop of its tail. Instead they enjoyed the symbolic nature of what was unfolding.

As the sun rose higher its light reached across the sky to enlighten the land before them. Still awhile away, their village appeared from out the darkness. The morning smoke from the bakery climbed into the air. Stone build cottages blended into the dusty dull terrain. The land was hard and cold ready to battle the encroaching winter as the sunlight wrestled with the dark grey clouds that crept in from the north. Tiny snowflakes fell into Jacob’s palms. Winter did not wait too long to arrive. An ice cold chill ran itself across the deck. Everyone headed below deck to ready the boat to dock.

Cap stayed above in the cabin to steer the boat home. He had an old rusty radio to signal the harbour of their return. Within the static interference a voice replied to Cap to direct him through the floating ice field. Most of the ice he was unable to avoid and so crashed through it. The winter was only settling in so the majority of the ice had only recently formed, creating an easy path. The oak harbour reached out twenty feet into the ocean bay. It had stood for several hundred years and had remained unscathed by the endless battering of the northern sea. It was often used during the summer months by sailors from the south to trade, very little food grew from the frosted grounds of the north.

chapter two

The boat sailed into the harbour. Men were on hand to grab a hold of the rope thrown by the fishermen. The engines spluttered to a halt and the boat slowly came to a standstill. The ropes were tied to the harbour and finally their journey had ended. The steel gate on the deck was opened, and a crane lowered from the harbour to help hoist Cap’s prize catch. The unbeknown weight of the prize added extra strain to the crane with the other small fish already caught by the crew. The crane creaked as it slowly winched the fish laden net out from the bottom of the boat. The size of the prize alone would be enough to feed most of the village for a few weeks alone, this catch would make the crew the talk of the village.

The chief of the village had come out to greet Cap on his return. He had heard from others in the harbour of this legendary catch. The crane rotated and lowered the net into a cart. Everyone waiting in the harbour was taken aback by the spectacle before them. Even in its lifeless self it was still a sight to behold. In the winter morning sun they could see the creature in more detail. It had sharp scales along its spine, long whiskers pieced through its checks and had two fins each side of its body, these helped it create such velocity through the water.

A coupe of the sailors stationed at the harbour applauded Cap as he and his men climbed from off their boat. This was by far the greatest catch anyone had brought back to the village. The chief a tall powerful man with a modest outlook on life walked up to Cap and shook his hand delightfully.

Well done Captain, you have brought a blissful cheer upon the village with this historic catch. The chief could not contain his gratitude.

Don’t mention it, I was simply doing my job, Cap relied.

Nonsense Captain, you sir have far exceeded everyone’s expectations. For this year we shalt not freeze in winter’s breath. Please make sure that you and your crew join us tonight at the tavern. Together we shall celebrate this fantastic day.

The chief lifted Cap’s arm and everyone cheered and applauded. Cap did not care for the praise, he simply did what he loved. The cart of fish was taken away to the kitchens, whilst everyone else returned to their homes to prepare for the evening’s festivities. Each year before the winter set in the village held a gathering to celebrate the birth of the new winter.

Jacob returned to his home. It was near the outskirts of the village in one of the smaller cottages, unlike the rest this was made from dense oak logs. Thick fur curtains and large bear rugs helped keep in the heat released from the stone built fireplace. The cottage only had one bedroom, but this did not bother Jacob he was always more than happy to fall asleep on the couch in front of the dwindling fire. Beth who cared for him was a small attractive, petite woman with young looks despite her age. She was given a tough challenge at eighteen to take care of Jacob not long after he was born.

Jacob walked up to the cottage across the frozen path. He saw Beth’s two cows taking shelter in a dilapidated barn, whilst half a dozen chickens wandered around the grounds. He opened the door to the warmth of the fire. For the first time in six months his ears were warm without the need for his padded hat. He placed his heavy rucksack near the door and took a deep breath, he could smell Beth’s cooking, hopefully it was her delicious stew.

Good Afternoon Beth, he called to her.

Beth was stirring the stew on the cooker when he entered the room. She joyfully turned around and smiled My dear Jacob she walked up to him and lovingly hugged him. Oh you feel so cold, please quick come inside and make yourself warm. Beth lead him in front of the fireplace, she grabbed the top of his collar and helped him take his coat off.

I can take my own coat off, Jacob smiled. Beth let him take his coat off but she took it from him and hung it off the back of the front door. He removed his feet from the heavy boots and wrinkled his toes on the comforting thick rug. The feel of Beth’s home an instant relief. He took a seat next to the growling fire and rubbed his hands in the warmth.

Beth left the cooking for a moment and joined Jacob. So Jacob how was your voyage, did you catch plenty? she asked.

Have you not heard of our catch yet? He replied.

Heard? Jacob you know I don’t venture out into the village often, I have heard nothing from anyone these last few days.

Well we caught more than enough fish for the entire village and we caught something even greater.

Even greater? Beth leaned in closer.

We caught something else that none of us would have ever imagined. Cap finally caught up with his lifelong obsession. The creature that had haunted him for years, was finally removed from the claws of the ocean and in out nets.

Wow! That must have been an amazing sight.

Oh it was, I mean if a creature like that is swimming so close to our shores can you imagine the wonders that await us out there in the deepest parts of the ocean.

Beth held his hand. Don’t get any ideas Jacob. You know it’s too dangerous to sail out any further then you did.

But Beth how do we know what’s out there, from a few stories spoken around a camp fire. I want to see these for myself I want to be the one who tells these stories. I want travel over the hills below our village and go south. Beth I need to leave this village, I cannot live only for the thrill of catching fish once a year, I need to explore, and I need to see the world. He spoke with such desire; he felt like a large fish in a small pond.

Beth smiled. Jacob I understand you do but you are still young, you have many things to learn before you can travel across the land. There are many dangers south of the village just as there are west into the ocean. All I ask of you is to keep working with Cap and he will soon teach you the skills you need to leave this village. Beth got up and walked back over to the cooker to finish the stew.

Skills? You mean fishing, how exactly is that going to help my journey south across land?

He has many more skills than fishing Jacob, you have not spoken to him much have you? Beth stirred the stew and turned the cooker off. She grabbed two bowls and served the stew on the table behind her. Please Jacob have something to eat.

Jacob took his place at the table Of course I have spoken to Cap, I have been with him for the last six months. He tore a small piece of bread from the loaf on the table and sank it in the stew.

Beth swallowed a mouth full of food. I mean about him and his past, you know where he is from and what he’s about. He is one a few who has travelled across the land of Pangaea.

He has never spoken of his travels to me, Jacob grunted.

And I see you have never asked. Beth laughed.

How can I ask if I do not know?

You wanted to sail with Cap because you wanted learn and experience something away from the village, then why not simply ask him about his life. He would have told you about his many years serving for the Guardians of the Ark.

Who? Jacob asked.

They are an Army of few who protected the Chancellor of the Ark and his family. He led the Army before leaving not long after you were born. Ever since he has lived in this village and sailed the ocean. He could tell you many a story of the Ark and its wonders.

You must be lying, why would he leave such a place to settle for a small fishing village in the most northern part of the world? Jacob spoke with his mouth full.

I guess you can always ask him later at the tavern, now come on, eat up and I will run you a bath.

Whilst they had been talking Beth had already finished her bowl of stew, Jacob had barely touched his. She put her bowl in the sink and went into the bathroom to run him a bath. It had been a long time since he last had the opportunity to soak in fresh warm water. The bathroom was only small like the rest of the cottage. The bath was calved from a huge oak trunk. Such craftsmanship seemed wasted on a bath, but Jacob felt he could leave Beth something to relax in whilst he was gone over the summer months. Jacob had treated the wood with many different oils so it would stay untouched from the water.

Beth laced the water with several bath salts to soothe Jacob’s cold body. He entered the bathroom already shirtless as he awaited the warmth of the water.

Jacob your back is bruised Beth noticed as she left the bathroom.

That must be from last night capturing that creature was not exactly an easy task, Jacob spoke proudly of his battle scars.

Well make sure your rest and have a good soak, Beth closed the door and left him to relax.

Jacob undressed and tried to inspect the bruises in the mirror, despite his muscular physic he bruised very easily. The steam from the water filled the bathroom as he lowered himself in the bath. The water boiling hot but such a relief to someone who had spent many a cold night out at sea. Jacob turned the water off, lay back and shut his eyes. After six months out at sea he was finally warm and comfortable.

An hour had passed since Jacob had taken his bath. Beth knocked on the door but no answer; she opened the door slightly to see. Jacob had fallen asleep. She smiled at his peacefulness before attempting to wake him up. Jacob dear, you have been in here for an hour, I’m sure the water is cold by now.

Jacob opened his eyes with a chill from the cold water, he hurriedly climbed out the bath and into the warmth of the thick woolly robe that hung from the back of the door. The once clean dry bathroom rug was now soaked with the droplets of bath water.

I’m out Beth, Jacob replied to her.

The kettle is boiling, can I do you a tea? she asked.

Please, Jacob stared at himself in the bathroom mirror deciding whether it was worth trimming his untidy beard. Shaving became a difficult task at sea, he soon understood why most fishermen had beards. He filled the sink with warm water and start to first trim his beard before using the razor to remove any hair from his jaw. It took a while but soon his face was beard free. He walked from the bathroom to his bedroom so he could get into warm clean clothes that did not smell of the ocean air.

He returned to the roar of the fire where his cup of tea was waiting. Jacob had forgotten how good Beth’s tea tasted. During the summer months Beth managed to grow her own tea amongst other plants. Many in the village were envious of her ability to grow vegetables in what was mainly a barren land.

Drink your tea and then we can head over to the tavern if you like, Beth joined him with a cup of tea.

So have you managed to grow much during the summer?

I’m afraid not, a few tea plants and some tomatoes but the soil is becoming less fertile as the years pass. Soon enough we won’t be able to anything in the north, she took a sip from her cup.

Surely not, Jacob would not believe her.

Each year the land is colder, the snow arrives sooner and takes longer to melt away in the spring. Soon enough the snow will be here all year round.

A land of snow, that can’t be so.

Hundreds of years ago before the coming together of the continents there were great lands made from snow and ice, so it is only right they should one day return.

"In what book did you read that? I for one have never come across such