The Immortals: Book 2: Battle of the Ancients

By BENJAMIN W. SCHENK

THIS IS THE SECOND BOOK OF THE IMMORTALS! THE IMMORTALS AND THEIR ALLIES HAVE TRAVELED TO A WORLD, MILLIONS OF YEARS IN THE PAST. THE IMMORTALS MUST FACE THEIR ANCIENT ENEMIES TO STAY ALIVE. IN THIS STORY, BEJINE AND HIS FAMILY,AS WELL AS THEIR ALLIES, FIGHT TO STAY ALIVE AND TO STAY FREE IN A WORLD FILLED WITH CAVEMEN,ANCIENT HUMANS, OGRES, GIANTS AND VAMPIRES. ITIS FAST-PACED WITH DANGER AROUND EVERY CORNER,AND BEHIND EVERY TREE!

• Language: English
• Publisher: AuthorHouse
• Release date: Jan 24, 2011
• ISBN: 9781456723170

BENJAMIN W. SCHENK

My name is Benjamin Schenk. This is my eighth novel that I have written. The previous eight are called Second World (2006), Invasion of the Planet Gods (2006), The Seven (2007), The Seven: Second Invasion (2007), Dead World (2008), Immortals: Eternal War (2009), Immortals: Battle of the Ancients (2011), and Star Patrol (2011). They are all science-fiction, fantasy and Horror.

Book preview

CHAPTER 1

IN THE PREHISTORIC PAST, THE immortals and their allies are staying in the extremely large cave of the ‘house of Bejine’. Bejine and Nyssa are sitting on a large boulder just outside of the cave door. Barry and Loni walk out to them.

It looks like Enri has full use of her legs, in here, Bejine. Loni replies. I did what you said and tested her for pain. She jumped like I was stabbing her with a knife; which by the way, I was. I’m glad she heals fast.

Good. In this time-period, she needs her legs to hunt and kill. Bejine replies.

How many enemies do you have here? Loni nervously asks.

Probably as many as I had there. Bejine says. A lot of the ‘first humans’ sided with the cavemen. They and their cavemen allies will be here.

What about the Doanburs? Barry asks. Are they here, as well?

I’m hoping that what was left of the Doanburs died on Earth when we set off the ‘blood bombs’. Bejine replies. This world is dangerous enough without them.

How primitive are the ones that were left here? Andrew asks, as he walks out to them with Kendra. Will the same thing happen here that happened back in our time? Will they kill the girls or go after the capture?

The girls, in our time, were always considered as prizes for the victors. Bejine replies. The ‘first humans’ that sided with the cavemen will consider them as trophies, just like the cavemen did.

The Doanburs tried to kill a lot of them!? Barry replies. In a way, they did kill quite a few of us. A lot of us, including my wife, would be dead if they were still in our time.

Doanburs are the most savage creatures to ever live! Bejine replies. They were the very first human-like forms to exist on Earth! Unlike most of the other human species, they never evolved intellectually. That is what makes them so savage! The cavemen here, as well as the ‘first humans’, will consider the girls as trophies!

Why? Barry asks. Why do they consider them as trophies? Wouldn’t males be more valuable to them? We have more strength and we are better fighters!

I’d argue with you about the fighting. Helena says, as she walks up to her father with Enri and Tyana. Dad, shouldn’t we go hunting before it gets dark? There are a lot of people to feed in this cave!

Toan and the others brought some food from the caves on modern Earth. They went to the ‘food cave’ and brought some of the game we had killed on our last hunt! Bejine replies. That will have to do for the night. It will be dark, pretty soon, and I don’t want any of you out there until you familiarize yourself with this world.

Dad, we grew up here!? Enri argues. We lived here for millions of years.

And it’s been millions of years since any of you had to deal with the dinosaurs, let alone the other dangers of this world. Bejine replies. At sun-up, all of you can go on a hunt; but I want all of the ‘normals’ with ‘first humans’! They may be kind of used to what we had to face on modern Earth; but I don’t want them panicking if they run across the dinosaurs and the other creatures on prehistoric Earth!

Helena is about to argue with him when he glares at her. Enri and Tyana grab her arms and lead her away from the cave door.

Barry and Loni look back at the huge cave! Barry, for the first time, looks above the cave door at where the mountain seems to rise into the sky, endlessly.

Some of the others said that this is the same cave that you called home on modern Earth!? Barry remarks. But…

You’re wondering how that is possible when the cave and the mountain are so much larger than they were on modern Earth, aren’t you? Bejine asks.

It’s called erosion, Barry! Riceky says, as he and his brothers walk up to them. The Appalachian Mountains are some of the oldest in the world. Millions of years ago, they were one of the highest mountain chains on the planet! The cave where Bejine and his family grew up was ten times the size that it was on modern Earth. What you are seeing, now, is the mountain and the cave before ‘mother nature’ did her damage with millions of years of erosion! A lot of what you will see on this world is gone on modern Earth! I’m not talking about just the dinosaurs and the cavemen, either! The landscape here is pretty much untouched by erosion and the poisonings of modern Earth. You can literally drink out of the streams on this world without the danger of pollution. The fresh water streams here are more sanitary than any of the ‘bottled’ water on modern Earth. You are now on a pure world!

We’ll just have to show you which streams are safe to drink out of and to bathe in. Bejine replies. Believe me; you don’t want to get into the wrong body of water!

Why? Lyndsey asks, as she and Carla have ventured over to where the others are standing. Is the water dangerous?

Not the water, Lyndsey. Chry remarks, as she and Karrie are nearby. What’s in the water is what is dangerous. They would make your sharks and whales look like guppies.

We need to get something to eat and then get some rest. Bejine replies. Tomorrow, we will show you this world.

We have already been here, once. Barry says.

You were only here for a day, the last time, Barry. Bejine replies. We will have to show all of you how to survive on this world for more than just a day; because here, mistakes are a lot deadlier than they are in your time period.

The next day, Helena is leading a group of girls down a trail through a thick jungle. Lyndsey and Carla are behind her and Sheshine. Carla grabs Helena by her arm and stops her.

What’s wrong, Carla? Helena asks.

Do you know where we’re going? Carla asks.

Sheshine and I grew up here, Carla. Helena replies. We’re going to an area that is filled with Pterodactyl eggs. Dad gave the two of us instructions on bringing back four eggs. That’s why there are only four of us in this group! We’re to get the eggs and get back to the cave so Nyssa and Loni can prepare them for us and the rest once they get done hunting.

How are four eggs going to feed all of us? Carla remarks.

Once you see how big the Pterodactyl eggs are; you’ll know how. Helena replies.

Helena quickly stops the trailing three, as they reach the end of the trail. A clearing is before them.

Helena, why stop here? Carla asks.

We need to make sure there aren’t any Pterodactyls around before we go out there! Helena says. They are just as protective of their eggs, as your mother was of you when you were growing up. They will tear you to shreds just for getting close to their eggs!

Then what the heck are we doing here? Lyndsey nervously asks.

We have to eat, Lyndsey! Helena says. This is not modern Earth! Catching food here is extremely dangerous. There is an old saying in this time-period. You either eat or get eaten.

And we plan on doing the eating, not being eaten. Sheshine replies.

Sheshine raises her crossbow and looks over at Helena. Helena nods her head and Sheshine cautiously walks out into the clearing. A screeching noise comes from above her. Sheshine hurries back into the trail, sprinting past the other three, as she hurries back down the trail. Helena looks back at Lyndsey and Carla, in terror!

Run! Helena screams. Run as fast as you can!

Helena hurries past them! Carla and Lyndsey turn in the direction of the clearing! A huge Pterodactyl is heading straight for them! Helena runs back to them and grabs Lyndsey’s right hand, pulling her down the trail!

Get your asses moving! Helena demands. Move it or you will be that thing’s lunch!

Helena, Carla and Lyndsey suddenly pass the knelt down Sheshine. Sheshine is sitting on her right knee, her crossbow at her left shoulder and aimed at the chasing Pterodactyl! She fires and an arrow hits the Pterodactyl in the head. Sheshine dives to the right, as the Pterodactyl crashes to Earth and remains on the ground, flopping around.

Helena gets on the thrashing Pterodactyl’s back and slits its throat! She stands, smiling at where Lyndsey and Carla are standing about five feet away.

Now we can get the eggs! Helena triumphantly says.

You wanted that thing to chase us?! Carla remarks.

A mother Pterodactyl is always at its nest! Helena replies. We want the eggs; we have to take out the beast!

A short, very beautiful girl with very long dark hair, suddenly runs into the clearing! Sheshine quickly turns, her crossbow aimed at the girl and ready to fire! Helena hurries between the two girls. She glances back at the beautiful girl.

Sheshine, stop! Helena quickly says. Don’t you recognize her?

Of course I recognize her! Sheshine replies. She’s Rossoss’ daughter! He turned on daddy millions of years ago! He was one of the ‘first humans’ that went against dad and Rinone! She’s his baby daughter and that makes her our enemy!

Helena, please help me! Begs the girl. Doald’s after me!

Who’s Doald? Lyndsey asks.

Bad news if he catches us! Helena remarks. Laura, why would he be after you? Aren’t you part of the ‘first human’ rebellion?

No! Laura quickly says. They’ve held me prisoner millions of years! I tried to join you and your sisters. I was tied up, off and on, for 50 million years. I almost made it, once, about 2,000 years ago. Dad and Doald captured me and took me back through the portal to the prehistoric times. After that, I gave up hope and just did what they said.

Then why are you here, now? Sheshine suspiciously asks.

All of the rebels know that your father and his followers are back. Laura replies. I was with two of my sisters. They took their eyes off of me and I ran as fast as I could. I purposely went through the Pterodactyl’s nest because I knew they wouldn’t follow me.

Why should we believe you? Sheshine asks.

Can’t we argue about this, later?! Lyndsey nervously asks. We don’t want to get caught by this Doald guy, do we?

We sure as hell don’t! Helena says. Sheshine, all five of us need to get back to the cave and warn the rest that the rebels know we are here.

Is showing Laura where we are that smart a move, Helena? Sheshine asks. What if she is lying? She could lead the rebels to us!

I hate to admit it; but Sheshine’s got a point. Carla says. If that girl is lying, she could be leading her people to us.

An arrow suddenly hits the tree near Lyndsey! Helena quickly grabs Laura by her right arm! Sheshine fires her crossbow, just as a primitively dressed man enters the area. The man is struck down, as the crossbow-bolt slams into the man’s throat!

Run! Screams Helena. We can discuss Laura’s situation when are away from here!

The five girls hurry down the trail leading back towards their cave! They enter a clearing and come face-to-face with nine of the primitive men. Helena jumps one and slashes two of her knives across the man’s throat, killing him! A second of the men kicks the petite girl in her stomach, sending her flying off of the man. She crashes to the ground, hitting hard against her stomach and chest.

Sheshine fires her crossbow and a bolt slams into the chest of the man that kicked Helena! Sheshine quickly reloads her crossbow and is about to fire it, again, when another of the men tackles her! He quickly hits Sheshine with his fist, knocking her out!

Carla opens fire with her pistol, hitting one of the men between the eyes! Lyndsey’s scream comes from behind her! Carla turns and is about to fire her pistol when she stops. One of the primitives holds onto Lyndsey, a knife at her throat.

Laura, dressed in a long khaki cloth skirt, draws a knife from the sheath around her slim waist! She throws it into another of the primitives, as it comes up on Carla from behind! Two more of the primitives seize the petite woman, holding her fast by her arms!

Helena regains her senses, as she lies on the ground on her back. She is about to stand when the point of a spear is put against the young woman’s chest. She props herself up on her elbows and looks around at the desperate situation around her. Her eyes lock on where the primitive man is holding onto Lyndsey, the knife still at the beautiful blonde’s throat!

Stop! Helena cries out. We surrender! Just don’t hurt our friends!

Smart move, little Helena. Says a voice.

Oh God… Laura gasps.

A very slim, 5’9", blonde-haired man walks into the clearing, dressed in a long white cloak. Helena glances over at where Sheshine is starting to stir on the ground.

You better warn your sister not to move, Helena! The man says. I know my brother had some kids smart enough not to want to die!

He’s your uncle? Carla says, amazed.

Helena nods her head. Helena glances over at where Sheshine has sat up on the ground. Sheshine is about to reach for her crossbow when one of the men puts his foot on it!

Sheshine, don’t do anything stupid! Helena says. Daddy can’t help dead people.

Sheshine nervously looks at the white-cloaked man. She disappointedly nods her head.

Alright, Doald, what do you want? Asks Helena.

Laura, for one. The white-cloaked Doald says. And, as a bonus, I get one of the girls I have been after for years.

Let me guess, you are still wanting me?! Helena nervously says.

She’s your niece?! Lyndsey excitedly says.

In this time, that does not mean much! Doald says. You know what to do, Helena!

Doald smiles, evilly, at Helena. Two of the men pull Helena to her feet! Doald points at where Carla and Lyndsey are standing.

If Helena isn’t naked in the next two minutes, kill one of them! Doald demands.

Leave her alone, you son-of-a-bitch! Sheshine screams.

Gag her and tie her up! Doald angrily demands, his finger pointing at Sheshine. She is not a target! She is of no use to me!

Two of Doald’s men tie up and gag Sheshine. Doald returns his attention to Helena. Helena takes off her t-shirt in disgust. Doald glances over at where Laura is being tied up by one of his followers. He walks over and grabs the girl by her very long brown hair!

How did you escape from your sisters? Doald asks. You were supposed to be their bait for the Pterodactyls?!

When they untied me, I ran! Laura says, nervously. I saw Helena and Sheshine on the other side of the nests and went straight for them.

What happened to them? Doald angrily asks. Where are my wife and sister-in-law?

Laura shrugs her shoulders. Doald viciously slaps the girl, sending her to her knees!

Leave her alone! Carla cries out. She’s helpless!

Doald walks over to the fairly tall Carla! He smiles back at where Helena is standing, all but her shirt still on! Doald viciously slugs Carla, knocking her cold! He grabs the terrified Lyndsey and holds her in front of him, a knife at her throat!

You are supposed to be naked! Doald demands. Do I need to kill this girl to prove my point?

No. Helena sadly says, as she removes her bra. Don’t hurt my friends. I’ll do whatever you say.

Helena takes off her white knife-belt and lays it on the ground. She quickly unfastens her jeans, as she stares at where Doald continues to hold his knife against Lyndsey’s throat. She takes them off and stands in front of Doald and his five followers, in just her panties.

Two of the primitives approach her with some rope. She slowly backs away from them, her eyes locked on Doald and Lyndsey.

Take the knife away from her throat! Demands Helena. I’ve done what you said!

Everything, little Helena! Demands Doald.

Not until you remove your knife from her throat! Helena demands. I’ll fight you to the death if you hurt her! If I do that, I ruin your sacrifice!

Doald removes the knife from Lyndsey’s throat! He shoves the frightened Lyndsey into Helena’s arms. Doald throws some rope at Helena’s and Lyndsey’s feet!

Tie up the blonde, Helena! Demands Doald.

Helena nervously nods her head. She turns Lyndsey’s back to her and picks up the rope.

You know what to do, Lyndsey. Helena replies. Believe me, Doald is a killer. We don’t cooperate and we’re both as good as dead.

Lyndsey nods her head and puts her hands behind her back. Helena quickly ties them there. Doald throws her a strip of cloth.

Gag her and tie her feet! Demands Doald. You and Laura are coming with me!

Why Laura? Helena asks, as she gags Lyndsey. I thought I was one of the ones you promised to your ‘gods’?

She betrayed me and my family! She escaped her sisters and one of them is my wife! Doald says, angrily. Rossoss promised her to Je! She was to mix with him at the next full moon. If she escaped my wife, then she is more than likely dead! For that, she will be sacrificed to the ‘god of mixing’. My younger brother will just have to find another mate!

Helena nervously nods her head. She helps Lyndsey to the ground and starts tying her legs. She glances over at where another of the men is tying up Carla.

Helena stands and is about to remove her panties when another of the men forces her arms and hands behind her back. She lowers her head, as they tie her up.

Doald grabs Laura by the arm and forces her into the forest, followed by the rest of his men and the helpless Helena! Carla, not gagged, crawls over to her sister.

That guy’s nuts! Carla says, as she struggles with the ropes holding her. We’ve got to get loose or Helena and that girl are as good as dead!

Fy, By, Karrie, Jessia and Krissy hurry into the clearing! Jessia and Krissy quickly start freeing Carla and Lyndsey, as Fy and By untie Sheshine.

Doald’s got Helena! Sheshine desperately says. He’s trying to sacrifice her again!

We’ll help her! Fy says.

Before Sheshine can stop them; Fy, By and Karrie hurry into the woods after Helena and her captors! Sheshine is about to follow them when more men come into the clearing, surrounding the girls. Krissy screams and one of the men hits her over the head from behind, knocking out the petite teenager! Jessia quickly drops to her knees over her fallen sister!

One of the men throws the angry Sheshine some rope! He points at the rest of the girls!

Tie them up, Sheshine! Demands the man. You aren’t going to be helping your sisters today!

Sheshine nervously looks around at the ten men in the clearing. She disgustedly walks over to where the now freed Lyndsey and Carla are standing near Jessia and Krissy.

Leave my friends alone! Sheshine demands. It’s me and my sisters that you want! They don’t mean anything to you.

The leader of the group of men walks over to Lyndsey and grabs her by her long blonde hair! He forces a kiss on the girl’s mouth. He pushes her over to Sheshine.

Tie that one up and gag her! Demands the man. I will take the woman with me.

Doda, she’s not immortal! Sheshine says, as she starts tying Lyndsey’s hands behind her back. What good is she going to be to you?

When she loses her beauty, I will kill her! Doda says. Even a limited amount of time with such a beauty would suit me.

Sheshine suddenly tackles Lyndsey, pinning her to the ground! Carla instinctively drops down over Jessia and Krissy, protecting them with her body! Arrows fill the air above them, slaying all but Doda and two of the men!

Doda grabs Sheshine and pulls her to her feet! He puts his knife against her throat and turns in the direction that the arrows came from!

Come out or I will take off her head! Threatens Doda. Immortal or not; a good decapitation will kill her!

Messilissa, Mandi, Kim, Kendra and Cadny come out of the forest and into the clearing. The five girls lay their bows on the ground. Doda turns to Cadny!

Where’s Melalie? He demands. The two of you are twins! No twins ever go anywhere without the other one.

She died back on modern Earth! Cadny says. She’s not here!

Doda suddenly throws his knife into Kim’s chest, sending the shocked girl to the ground! Cadny angrily turns towards Doda!

What the heck did you do that for? Cadny asks.

I think you are lying! Doda says. Now, I want the ‘model’ out here or I kill another one of you!

I told you! Cadny cries out. She’s dead!

Doda glares at the girls in the clearing. One of his men suddenly grabs Kendra and shoves her to the ground! He puts the point of his spear against the fallen Kendra’s chest!

If she doesn’t come out within the next ten seconds, kill the black girl! Demands Doda, looking at his follower.

Melalie nervously walks out of the forest, her hands raised. Doda smiles at the dark-skinned beauty.

I knew you weren’t dead. Doda says. Cadny could never survive without you!

Cadny and Melalie embrace. Doda gets their attention.

Before the treaty, you were promised to me by my father. Doda says. I will take you, now.

You can take me by force, Doda; but I will hate you for eternity! Melalie replies. Is a miserable mix what you want?

With beauty like yours, I will take whatever I can get! Doda says.

Sadnie suddenly sprints into the area, ramming into the man standing over Kendra and knocking him away from the mortal girl! She slits the man’s throat and turns towards Doda, smiling. Christee hurries into the clearing, firing her crossbow into the chest of another of the men. The man continues towards her and she fires a second crossbow bolt into his forehead, killing him! The two girls triumphantly turn to where Doda is still holding onto the struggling Sheshine! Sheshine suddenly kicks Doda in the shin and breaks free of him! He turns and Bejine shoves his sword through Doda’s throat, killing him, instantly!

Dad, Doald took Helena and Laura into the woods with some of his men! Sheshine quickly says. He still wants to sacrifice her to his ‘gods’!

Chry, Jill, Andrew and Bodie walk into the clearing, as well! Bejine is about to start into the forest when Sheshine grabs his arm.

The babies and Karrie went after him! Sheshine very worriedly says.

Damn it, By was one of the ones he promised to sacrifice to his ‘gods’, as well! Bejine says. Rinone, we need to hurry!

Bejine and Rinone turn to where Ralequ, Jaseme, Nyssa, Mike and Biran have entered the clearing. Bejine points at Melalie!

I need the twins! Bejine says. Jaseme, I want you and Ralequ to continue the hunt with the rest! Rinone, the twins, Barry and I will bring back the Helena and the rest! Finish the hunt and get back to the cave!

The five hurry into the forest! Nyssa tightly hugs Mandi and turns to Biran.

Who is this Doald? Nyssa asks.

He is one of Bejine’s brothers! He was our ‘medicine man’ before the civil war! Biran replies. After the war broke out, he theorized that sacrificing some of the daughters would reunite the ‘first humans’ under the rule of the cavemen! Helena and By are two of the daughters of Bejine that he chose! Tyana and his sister, Chry, are two others! If he is successful in killing Helena and By; he will go after Tyana and Chry until he succeeds in killing them!

Deep in the forest; Doald and his five men have the naked and tied up Helena, and the tied up Laura at the edge of a large marsh! Doald forces Helena against a wooden post at the edge of the marsh and starts lashing her to it with some vines! Two of his men do the same with Laura.

You and Laura are going to be sacrificed today, Helena! Doald says. I will pray to the ‘god of the hunt’ to take you as his sacrifice! I will convince the ‘god of mixing’ to accept Laura! After that, all I will need is six more sacrifices to unite caveman and ‘first humans’, again.

Those ‘gods’ don’t exist! Helena angrily says. They are ‘false’ gods! There is only one ‘God’!

You are a fool, little Helena, just like your father! Doald says, forcefully gagging Helena with a black cloth. You will die and not go to the afterlife, because of your refusal to believe in the ‘gods’!

Fy, By and Karrie hurry into the clearing! Fy springs into one of the men and she and the man fall into the marsh! The man grabs the tiny Fy by the throat and forces her head under the marsh water!

By charges for Doald, her knife raised! Two of the men grab her by her arms, holding her fast! Karrie charges at them and is seized by the fourth man. Doald laughs, evilly, as he walks over to By. By is tearfully watching, as the man that had been attacking Fy stands from the marsh. Fy has disappeared beneath the marsh waters! She turns to Doald, struggling angrily in her captors’ grasp!

Strip By! Demands Doald. She is to be sacrificed to the ‘god of infants’!

What about this one? The man holding onto Karrie asks.

Tie her to a post! Doald demands.

Are we sacrificing her, as well? The man asks.

No. She is not one of Bejine’s daughters or one of my sisters! Her sacrifice would not appease the Gods. Doald says. We will just kill her for interfering in the rituals!

Karrie is forced against another post! She struggles, helplessly, as her hands and arms are forced behind the post and tied!

By, her shirt and bra already taken off of her, continues staring at where Fy disappeared beneath the marsh water. She doesn’t struggle, as the men take off her jeans. Doald gags her, as she turns towards him.

She is dead! Doald says. My men drowned her!

The naked By is forced against a post and she is tied up against it! He steps back, raising his sword to the sky!

Take these sacrifices that I give to you today, ‘gods of all’! Doald says.

An arrow suddenly zips through the air and into the man nearest to Karrie! The man falls into the marsh and is attacked by a prehistoric crocodile! Another arrow hits one of the men near By, killing him, as it slams into the back of the man’s neck!

Doald and his two remaining men turn in the direction of the arrows! Cadny and Melalie stand at the edge of the woods exiting into the marshland!

Get them! Doald demands. The sacrifices must be completed!

Not today, brother! Bejine angrily says, as he enters the area with Rinone and Barry.

Bejine swings his sword, decapitating one of the men as he reaches for Melalie! Rinone slashes his knife across the throat of the second man! Barry opens fire on Doald, as he is about to stab Helena with his knife! Doald is blown off of his feet and into the marsh!

Barry hurries up to Helena and pulls the gag out of the struggling girl’s mouth! Helena quickly turns towards her father!

Dad, one of them drowned Fy! Helena cries out. He forced her underwater and we never saw her come back up!

Bejine looks at where the marsh water is filled with ripples! He drops to his knees and reaches into the marsh! He fishes around, desperately, for a few seconds! He suddenly pulls the soaking wet Fy from the marsh and onto dry land!

Is she…? Barry asks.

Barry, haven’t you figured out, by now, that my girls can’t die that easily?! Bejine remarks. She is very hard to drown.

But she’s not moving?! Barry remarks, as he unties Helena.

Bejine is about to slap Fy when Melalie and Cadny hurriedly grab his arm! He glances back at his twin daughters.

We’ll snap her back to reality, daddy. Melalie replies. You could hurt her too much.

Bejine agrees and stands from the ground, walking over to the helpless Laura. Cadny sits Fy up and Melalie backhands her younger sister. Fy snaps awake, coughing up marsh water, as she does. Melalie and Cadny tightly hug her, as she quickly wraps her arms around them.

Laura, released from the pole, nervously looks at the rest. The naked Helena walks over to Laura and tightly hugs her. She glances back at her father.

She’s been trying to join up with us for millions of years, dad. Helena says. They keep catching her and keeping her away from us.

Bejine nods his head. Barry grabs his arm and points at where Doald’s body was. He is gone.

He’s immortal like we are, Barry! Bejine says. He is not that easy to kill!

Then he’ll be back?! Barry replies.

And we’ll be waiting. Bejine says, as the now freed By walks into his arms.

CHAPTER 2

AT A CAVE NEAR THE large cave; Barry and Loni are looking around it. Barry turns to Bejine, smiling.

I guess it will do. Barry remarks. There are some large moss beds near the back corner of the cave, so we can use them as our beds. In any case, I think our family would like their own place.

I agree with Barry. Loni replies. We love your family; but we would be more comfortable with our own place.

Understood. Bejine says, shaking Barry’s hand. Riceky and Dennsi checked the terrain leading to the cave. It would be pretty difficult for all of the creatures to traverse. Your family won’t have to worry about most of the beasts getting in here.

Most?! Loni asks, worriedly.

There are a few of the creatures that can traverse this area. Bejine replies. Riceky and his brothers are going to set up a barrier of sorts to make it more difficult for them; but there is no real way to stop the Pterodactyls and smaller lizards from reaching you. The one thing to know about the Pterodactyls is that they won’t attack you inside of the cave. You’re just going to have to be very aware of where they are when you exit the cave.

Not far away, Rinone and Jaseme are with Andrew and Bodie at another cave. Jennifer, Lyndsey, Carla and Kendra walk into the cave with them. Jennifer walks over to a sloped corner of the interior of the cave and has a seat on a very thick bed of moss. She smiles up at the rest, as Lyndsey and Carla venture towards another section of the cave. The two turn their attention back to Andrew and Bodie, and nod their heads.

Looks like the girls are agreeable with this cave. Andrew replies.

Good. Rinone says. I know Mike and Danry have found a small cave that is suitable for the two of them. They said that Laura was going to stay with them, for a little while. She was pretty good friends with Mike’s daughters, before they were killed.

What happened to them? Lyndsey sadly asks, as she and Carla walk back to them. Did he and Danry have families?

All of us had families. Rinone replies. Bejine and I are the only ones with surviving children, that are still with us. Some of the children of us, as well as them, have been killed or joined the rebels! Mike had eight kids and Danry had thirteen! Mike lost all of his kids in the ‘battle of the Everswamp’, and most of Danry’s joined the rebels. Some of mine and Bejine’s kids are still alive, as well; but they are with the rebels. A lot of our brothers and sisters, remain, as well. They joined some of the rebels, too. One day, we will face them, again; and then they will have to answer to us!

Rinone walks from the cave with Jaseme. Kendra takes her brother’s hand.

The more we think we understand their world; the more confusing it becomes. Kendra replies.

They have been around for millions of years. Andrew replies. I’m not sure that we will ever understand everything about them. We are probably just as confusing to them, too.

The next morning; Helena, Enri and Christee walk into the cave shared by Andrew and his group. Carla and Lyndsey meet them upon their entrance.

What’s going on? Carla asks.

Dad wants us to go on a ‘water run’. Helena replies. He wants us to split into groups and some of us to go on a ‘water run’, and some of the others to go on a ‘food hunt’.

But I thought he said we had plenty of food for a while? Lyndsey remarks.

We have meat; but we don’t have anything else. Enri says. Just like in your time, we have to have more than just meat to survive. There is plenty of vegetation and fruits that are edible even in this time-period. We can show you what is safe and what is not.

Dad wants Lyndsey and Carla to go with some of us on the ‘water run’, and he wants Kendra and Jennifer to go with some of the rest of us on the ‘food hunt’. Helena replies. Lyndsey, who do you and Carla want to be with?

I guess we’ll go with you. Lyndsey replies.

Cool. Helena says. Kendra and Jennifer can go with Christee, Kim and the babies. Enri, you and Tyana want to be with us or Christee?

We’ll go with you, I guess. Enri replies.

What about the twins? Christee asks. What are they going to be doing?

Dad is sending them after the bamboo and thatch. Helena replies. The two of them, Mandi and Syrry are going to cut it down and then some of the guys are going to bring it back to the caves later on.

What is that for? Andrew asks.

We can fashion beds out of it. Helena says, smiling. It might not be as comfortable as real beds; but it would be more comfortable than sleeping on the ground.

What are his plans for the guys? Andrew asks.

You’ll have to talk to him; but he said it was a plan he and Rinone had to fortify the caves from the cavemen, dinosaurs, and ‘first human’ rebels. Helena replies.

Later, Helena and her group are at a large river of fresh water. The water is crystal clear and the girls can see rocks at its bottom. Helena cups her hands and takes a drink of water from the stream. She smiles back at where Lyndsey and Carla are standing.

If you really want to taste the purest water you will ever have in your life; then take a swig of this. Helena says.

Carla drops to her knees over the water and cups her hands. She takes a sip and looks back at Lyndsey, smiling.

She’s right, Lyndsey. Carla says.

Enough talk. Sheshine replies, putting her gallon jug into the water and starting to fill it up. Dad wants all of us back at the caves before noon.

Why? Carla asks.

That way he can tell if something’s wrong. Helena replies. On modern Earth, we had our cell-phones so there was always a chance of calling him if we ran into trouble. Needless to say, when you are 66 million years in the past; cell-phones don’t work!

If we’re not back by noon, he’ll know to come here and look for us. Enri says. Precautions like that have kept a lot of us alive over the years.

Just dip the jugs in the stream and get them filled up. Helena says. After that, if you want to clean off a little bit; you can always get into the stream and do so.

Stream?! Lyndsey asks, looking at where the expanse of the stream is well over 100 hundred yards across. How can you call this a stream?

Everything is bigger in the ancient times, Lyndsey! Helena says, as she fills one of her jugs with water. The rivers here are so wide you can’t even see the other side.

God, I would hate to see the oceans! Lyndsey replies.

The oceans are wonderful; but we don’t dare ever go in them. Enri remarks.

Why? Lyndsey asks.

Because what is in the oceans aren’t that wonderful. Tyana nervously remarks. A Plesiosaur makes a whale look like a guppy.

Enri quickly fills one of her gallon jugs. She takes off her t-shirt and dips it into the water, soaking it. She washes her face with the wet shirt and smiles back at the rest.

Hurry up and fill your jugs! Enri says. All of us only brought two gallon jugs apiece. Twelve gallons aren’t going to last very long. We need to get those back to the caves and return with 12 more, after we check in with the ones that remained there.

She’s right, ladies. Helena says. We don’t want to be out here when twilight hits.

Why not? Carla asks, as she fills one of her jugs.

Carla, this is not just the watering hole for humans. Helena says. There are a lot of creatures that drink here, too. You don’t want to meet them!

An arrow suddenly hits Enri in the stomach! She falls backwards into the stream. Tyana hurries in after her and drags her out of the stream. Helena quickly pulls two knives from her knife belt and turns in the direction that the arrow came from.

A man walks into the clearing! Helena charges straight for him, her knives raised! More men appear, as Helena stabs her knives into the first man. Tyana reaches for where her bow lays on the ground! Arrows encircle her small right hand, as she tries to pick it up! She nervously turns, as six men stand before them, their bows aimed straight for the five uninjured girls. A seventh man, fairly large and chubby, has his arms wrapped around the struggling Helena! A slightly chubby, brown-haired girl walks into the clearing. The slightly chubby girl walks over to Helena and puts a knife to her throat!

Sheshine, if you or Tyana do anything stupid; I will kill Helena! Threatens the girl.

Sheshine nervously stands. Sheshine is angrily glaring at the large, heavy-set young man that holds onto Helena!

Let her go, Dogu! Sheshine demands. You’re going to end up crushing her!

I’ll exchange her for your clothes! Dogu says, as he holds Helena in a tight bear-hug.

Helena is about to argue with Dogu when he tightens the bear-hug on the small woman! Helena starts to lose consciousness, as Sheshine hesitates!

Now, Sheshine! Demands Dogu. Your clothes or I will crush her!

Shit. Sheshine disappointedly says, as she takes off her t-shirt.

The girl walks over to where Tyana is knelt down beside of the unmoving Enri! The larger girl pushes Enri into the stream with her feet! Tyana is about to go after Enri when the girl grabs Tyana by her blonde hair. Tyana tearfully watches, as Enri is taken downstream by the water’s rapids, floating on top of the water as she disappears from sight. The girl forces Tyana onto her stomach!

Put your hands behind your back, little Tyana! Demands the girl, as she takes some rope from her leather cloak.

Tyana nervously does as she is told. Tyana, her hands being tied behind her, is staring at where Enri has disappeared downstream.

Lyndsey suddenly runs past them! The beautiful blonde dives into the seven feet high water! She starts swimming in the direction that Enri went. The men open up with their bows-and-arrows, sending arrows into the water after the swiftly swimming Lyndsey!

Carla charges for one of the men, ramming him with her body and knocking him into the water! Another of the men hits Carla over the back of her head and knocks her out!

Enough! Demands Dogu, looking at where Sheshine is now nude and standing before them. Let the blonde go! She stays in that stream long enough; she’ll find the waterfall at the other end!

Dogu pushes Helena to the ground. Helena, still weakened from the bear-hug of the large man, looks back at him.

What now? Helena manages to gasp.

Dogu drops some rope beside of Helena! She looks back at him, frustrated.

Tie up Sheshine! Demands Dogu.

Helena weakly stands. She walks over to Sheshine and pulls her hands behind her back. Sheshine nervously glances back at her sister and then at Dogu.

Helena, we have to get out of here. Sheshine quietly says. Dogu is known for…

I know what he’s known for, Sheshine. Helena says, her voice only loud enough for Sheshine to hear, as she tightens the rope on Sheshine’s wrists. He and Taniffie must think Enri is dead or they wouldn’t have pushed her into the stream. That must mean that the ‘first human’ rebels haven’t figured out what kills us, yet.

Gag Sheshine! Demands Dogu, handing Helena a strip of cloth.

Helena reluctantly gags Sheshine. Sheshine, the gag deep in her mouth, nervously looks back at Helena.

Keep cool, She. Helena says. We’ll be okay.

Tyana, her hands now tied behind her back, is forced over to Helena and Sheshine. The large female Taniffie walks over to Dogu.

Tie up Helena and stand guard over them! Demands Dogu. They are not the ones Taniffie and I want. I know Rossoss and Budduddy want Helena and Tyana, so we can deliver one to each of them.

What about Sheshine and the other girl? Asks one of the men, as he ties up Helena.

Rape them and kill them! Demands Dogu. They are of no use to us!

What?! Helena excitedly exclaims. You can’t just kill them!

Helena is about to scream out, again, when she is gagged by a white cloth! Taniffie gags Tyana and then tears open her blouse. She kisses Tyana on the mouth.

I may be a girl; but even I can see why men are constantly falling for the daughters of Bejine! Taniffie says, hungrily looking at Helena.

Dogu and Taniffie grab Tyana and Helena and force them away from the area. One of the remaining men shoves Sheshine to the ground! The naked girl screams beneath her gag, as one of the men starts to remove his cloak! The man suddenly falls, the cloak still on and an arrow in his back! The remaining five men turn in the direction that the arrow came from!

Melalie hurries into the area, firing her bow and releasing another arrow into another of the five men! A knife is suddenly thrown into Melalie’s left thigh and she crumbles to the ground, dropping her bow as she does!

Cadny replaces her twin sister, straddling Melalie’s fallen form, as she shoots an arrow into the man’s neck, that injured Melalie. Another of the men dives into Cadny, and both he and Cadny are knocked into the deep stream!

Mandi and Syrry hurry into the area! Mandi fires her pistol, killing another of the men! A fourth man suddenly hits her from behind, knocking her out! Syrry turns and slams her knife into the fourth man and kills him! The sixth man grabs her and violently slams Syrry to the ground! Syrry tries to stand, and the sixth man drops down over her, pinning her face down on the ground. Syrry struggles, helplessly, as the man ties her hands behind her back.

He stands and walks over to where Melalie is pulling the arrow from her thigh! She looks up, as the large shadow covers her. He grabs a spear and puts it against Melalie’s chest.

Do as I say, little one, or I will kill you! Threatens the man.

Melalie nervously nods her head. The man motions towards the unconscious Mandi.

Take her clothes off and tie her up! Demands the man.

Please, leave her alone. Melalie says. She’s just a ‘normal’.

Either tie her up naked or I will kill her! Demands the man. The man she shot was my brother! I will have some sort of revenge on her!

Melalie crawls over to Mandi. She looks back at where Sheshine is on the ground, struggling with her bonds. The sixth man raises his spear over Mandi, and Melalie quickly looks back!

No! Melalie cries out. I’ll do what you said!

Make it fast before I change my mind! Threatens the sixth man.

Melalie quickly unfastens Mandi’s jeans. She pulls off Mandi’s sneakers, tears now starting to come from her eyes.

I’m sorry, Mandi. Melalie quietly says, as she takes off Mandi’s jeans. I know he’s going to rape you; but I can’t watch you die.

Melalie takes off Mandi’s panties. She glances back at the man, tears coming from her blue eyes.

Do I need to take off her shirt and bra, too? Melalie asks.

Her pants will do. The man says, throwing Melalie some rope.

Melalie nods her head and starts tying Mandi’s hands behind her back! She glances back at the man once she finishes.

Get on your stomach and put your hands behind you! Demands the man.

Melalie lies down on her stomach. She puts her hands behind her back and starts crying, as the man ties her up.

Why the tears, daughter from the ‘house of Bejine’. The man asks, as he tightens the rope on her wrists.

You are going to rape my friend. Melalie cries.

No, little lady, I am going to rape and kill your friend! The man says.

The man viciously kicks Melalie in the side of the head and knocks her out! Sheshine starts struggling, desperately, as the man turns his attention towards the helpless Mandi!

A gun suddenly goes off, blasting the man off of his feet, as a bullet slams into his chest! Sheshine and the now conscious, tied up Carla turn in the direction of the gunfire. Nyssa, Loni, Jessia and Krissy hurry into the area. Nyssa holds a smoking gun!

That’s my daughter, ass-hole. Nyssa says, dropping down beside of Mandi.

Loni and Jessia hurry over to Sheshine and Carla. They are about to free them when Krissy’s scream comes from behind them. The three women turn in that direction to find the man standing and holding onto Krissy, a knife at the petite teenager’s throat.

I shot you! Nyssa exclaims.

I’m not that easy to kill. The man says.

We know! Says a girl’s voice from behind them.

The man violently shoves Krissy to the ground, as he turns in the direction of the voice! A soaking wet Enri and a drenched Cadny stand at the edge of the large stream! Enri, a bow in her hands, fires an arrow into the man’s throat and kills him! Lyndsey sits on her knees behind them, as wet as the other two girls.

Enri and Cadny hurry over to the rest. The exhausted Lyndsey starts untying her slightly younger sister.

Get them free, ‘mom’. Enri demands. We’ll protect you!

Nyssa nods her head. Jessia quickly pulls the gag out of Sheshine’s mouth! Sheshine looks in the direction that Helena and Tyana were taken away in.

Dogu and Taniffie got away with Helena and Tyana! Sheshine quickly says. We have to help them!

You have had enough of an adventure for a day. Nyssa replies, looking at where Jessia is freeing the naked girl. Your father and some of the other men are on their trail. The babies, Chry and Karrie saw their captors and went straight for your dad. Your dad sent me, Loni and her daughters here.

By yourselves?! Sheshine asks. What if there had been more of them here?

Andrew, Bodie and Kendra hurry into the clearing. Nyssa smiles back at them, as she pulls up Mandi’s panties.

The coast is clear, Nyssa. Andrew says. The three of us will make sure nothing happens to any of you. Just get them free.

Far down the stream; Dogu and Taniffie are forcing Helena and Tyana along the side of the stream! Bejine, Rinone and Barry step out before them! Dogu quickly grabs Helena and puts his knife to her throat! Taniffie reaches for Tyana, just as Tyana shoves her way free and sends Taniffie into the now rapidly flowing stream!

Dogu watches, desperately, as Taniffie heads for the waterfall 50 yards down the stream! He stabs Helena in the back, and then in the stomach! He violently shoves her into Bejine’s arms! Dogu dives into the stream, swimming desperately for his sister! Barry opens fire, the bullets missing Dogu! Dogu and Taniffie go over the waterfall. Barry and Rinone hurry to the cliff overlooking the waterfall! There is no sign of Dogu or Taniffie at the bottom of the waterfall. Barry smiles, as he turns to Rinone. Rinone angrily turns away and walks back to where Tyana is on her knees, watching her father untie the slowly recovering Helena. Rinone pulls Tyana to her feet and cuts her hands free! He doesn’t say anything, as he walks off!

Bejine gently picks up Helena, as her wounds start to heal. Barry curiously walks back to them. Tyana, tears coming from her blue eyes, looks in the direction of the waterfall. Barry sympathetically hugs the scared girl.

They are gone, Tyana. Barry says. They went over the falls.

Did you see their bodies? Bejine asks.

No. Barry replies. But the waterfall had to have at least a 200 foot drop!

They are immortal like we are, Barry. Bejine replies. If you don’t see a body, it is best not to think of them as dead!

Rinone stormed away?! Barry remarks. Why?

Dogu and Taniffie are two of his kids! Bejine replies.

Oh God, he’s mad because I tried to kill them! Barry remarks.

No, Barry; he’s mad because you didn’t succeed! Bejine says, as he walks off with Helena in his arms.

CHAPTER 3

AT BEJINE’S CAVE; HELENA, NOW fully recovered, walks up to where her father and Nyssa are standing at the cave door. Bejine turns to the distraught girl.

What’s wrong, Helena? Nyssa asks. Are you shaken up over what has happened the last couple of days?

Nyssa, that has happened to me millions of times in my life. Helena replies. I’m upset that the girls and I didn’t get the water that daddy sent us after, earlier.

It’s too late to go out there, right now. Bejine replies.

Believe me, dad, I know how dangerous it is out there at night! Helena says. I just want the opportunity to bring back the water tomorrow.

It’s yours, Helena. Bejine replies. But you might want to consider taking some of the guys with you, this time. You were the target of almost all of the rebels in the past, and it looks like the surviving ones are still after you.

Let them come, dad! Helena says. They might have captured me the last two times; but I’m not just a helpless little girl! I can handle myself when it comes to the rebels.

I’m sure you can, honey. Bejine replies.

Helena smiles and walks back to where beds have been fashioned for the 14 girls in the main cave. She lies down on the canvas bedding that is stretched between the bamboo poles to form her bed. Helena stares up at the cave roof, as Sheshine sits on the bed next to her.

Enri and Tyana walk over to Bejine and Nyssa. Enri is carrying a small torch.

Where are you going? Bejine asks.

We’re going to use the bathroom before we turn in. Enri replies.

Make it quick. Bejine replies, looking out at the darkening skies.

We will, dad. Enri says. We know how dangerous it is out here at night, too.

Bejine glances back at where Helena is lying on her bed. Nyssa notices his worried expression.

Are you that worried about her? Nyssa asks. She said it herself, Bejine. She can take care of herself. You’ve said it, as well. She may very well be one of the greatest female warriors to ever live.

It hasn’t stopped her from getting captured and hurt, Nyssa. Bejine replies. I’m worried that she thinks she has to prove something to her sisters since she was taken both times.

They look up to her. Nyssa says. She doesn’t have to prove anything to them.

I just hope she knows that! Bejine replies.

The next morning; Helena and Sheshine walk up to their father with four gallon jugs. He is about to say something to them when Helena stops him.

I have to do this, daddy. Helena says. Please don’t try and stop me!

I was just going to tell you to take more than just the two of you to the stream. Bejine says. I don’t care who goes with you; but I don’t want just two of you out there.

We’re going to get Sadnie and Messilissa, as well as Carla and Lyndsey. Helena replies. That way, we’re doing just like you said and taking some of the ‘normals’ with us.

Take Mandi and Laura with you, as well. Bejine says. Mike said Laura was feeling isolated since she rejoined us. I’m sure you and Sheshine can make Laura feel at home.

Mandi walks up to them with some gallon jugs. Helena glances in the direction of a nearby cave.

Go get Laura, Mandi! Helena says. We’ll get the others.

The three girls walk off. Enri, Tyana, Fy and By walk up to their father.

We’re going after some of the fruit, dad. Enri says, carrying a burlap sack. And before you suggest us getting a ‘normal’; we already are. Jennifer is going to go with us.

The four girls leave the cave. Bejine glances back at where Cadny, Melalie, Christee and Kim are talking to Chry and Karrie. Melalie notices him and walks up to him.

What do you want us to do, dad? Melalie asks.

Go after some of the prehistoric rabbits. Bejine replies. Just don’t stray too far.

Where will you be? Melalie asks.

Some of the guys are going after the bigger game. Bejine replies. The rest are going after some tar from one of the tar-pits.

Tar?! Chry curiously asks, as she has walked over to them.

Caromon and Biran said they have an idea on how to keep the caves even more secure and it involved something to do with tar. Bejine replies. The best part about going through millions of years of history is seeing things that we can do with the natural resources of this time-period. Caromon and Biran have always been the scientists of the group, so I can only imagine some of the ideas that they might have, now.

Enri turns towards where the others are. Bejine quickly grabs her right arm.

Take your ‘tusk’ horn, Enri! Bejine demands. If you run into trouble and you have a chance; blow your horn and I’ll get there as fast as I can.

Later, Bejine is leading Barry, Jaseme, Rinone, Andrew and Bodie through the jungle near their caves. The five men stop near a watering hole. A small dinosaur is near it. Bejine raises his sword and glances over at Andrew and Bodie.

Do either of you think you can put a bullet in that thing’s head? Bejine asks.

Probably. Andrew replies, raising his pistol.

Probably is not good enough. Bejine replies. You miss that Raptor and you’re going to be his dinner, instead of him being ours.

Andrew and Bodie fire their guns, bullets hitting below the dinosaur’s head! The dinosaur charges straight for them! Bejine steps aside, swinging his sword, as the dinosaur crashes into the jungle. The dinosaur falls, as the sword cuts through its throat! Rinone and Jaseme quickly slam two knives into the dinosaur’s chest area and finish it off. Rinone looks up at Andrew and Bodie, in frustration, as he and Jaseme tear into the dinosaur with their knives. Andrew and Bodie are nervously looking at the fallen creature. Bejine turns to them, as he cuts the head off of the Raptor.

Both of you need to work on your marksmanship! Bejine says. Missing game on modern Earth just means it will run off! Missing game in the ancient times means you become the lunch!

Farther off, Enri and her group are in a clearing surrounded by bushes. Enri pulls an apple-like fruit from one of the bushes. She takes a bite out of it and turns to the others.

They are fresh. Enri says, smiling. Pick whatever two of our sacks will hold.

Why not feel all of them up? Jennifer asks, as she puts some of the fruit into her burlap sack.

There are some bananas not far from here. Tyana replies, helping Jennifer. We need to leave room for them.

There is not going to be any banana gathering today, Tyana! Says a female voice.

The five girls turn to find a short, pretty, dark-haired woman standing before them. Eight men come out of the forest with her. Enri is about to raise her bow, when one of the men puts the tip of his spear beneath her chin. She drops her bow to the ground, in frustration.

What do you want, Sonah? Enri asks.

The same thing I have wanted for millions of years. Sonah says, as she grabs Tyana by the arm.

Leave her alone, you sadistic freak. Enri screams.

Tie her up! Demands Sonah, pointing at Enri.

Enri struggles, uselessly, as her hands are forced behind her back and one of the men starts tying them there. Sonah shoves Tyana to the ground!

You know what to do, Tyana! Sonah says. Now, take off your clothes!

Leave her alone! Enri screams. Take me, you blood-sucker!

Jennifer’s eyes open wide upon Enri’s statement! Sonah grabs Jennifer and puts a knife against the tiny girl’s throat!

Get your clothes off or I will kill this girl! Threatens Sonah. She does not have the royal blood of Bejine’s family. Killing her would be of no great loss to any of the rebels!

Tyana, tears coming from her blue eyes, takes off her t-shirt. She tearfully looks up at Jennifer and Sonah, as she removes her bra.

Please, let her go. Tyana begs. I’ll do whatever you say.

Once you are naked, I will consider your request. Sonah says.

Fy and By start towards them. Two of Sonah’s men grab them and start tying them up. By’s frightened squeal catches Tyana’s attention. She watches, as one of the men roughly ties up her youngest sister.

Don’t be so rough with her. Tyana worriedly says. It’s me that Sonah wants.

"We may want