Caterithina Saga Book I

By John Miller

Kevin Born is just graduating from the 5th grade. A wonderful experience for any child and the start of a long vacation before he has to start in Middle School. But his vacation takes a turn when his father tells him he is going to Summer Camp instead of being able to play in the woods behind his own house pretending he is in his own magical land of Caterithina. The Summer Camp is where he meets Brian Burnes, a boy that also knows about this land and shows Kevin how to get there physically. But instead of it being like Kevin thought it was, it turns out that there is war. It is up to both boys to stop the evil known only as Atrocious and restore peace and become the Kings that people of the land are claiming they are.

• Language: English
• Publisher: AuthorHouse
• Release date: May 19, 2012
• ISBN: 9781468597028

John Miller

John Miller's first novel, The Featherbed, received stellar reviews and earned a devoted readership upon its release in 22. Besides novels, Miller has written on culture and politics, and in his spare time he provides consulting services to local and international non-profit organizations and governments. He lives in Toronto

Book preview

Chapter One

A Mysterious Beginning

Kevin, or Kev is the main character in this story more or less. His best friend Brian plays a big part as well but that part comes later in the story. Kev is at the end of his fifth grade year and turning twelve. It was a big year for anyone’s life. He was small for his age, black hair and blue eyes and skinny like most boys his age. Kev lived with his father and older brother Josh, in a house near the woods. While the woods was very large, there were ample open spaces with room to play. Someone could easily get lost if he didn’t know the way. Kev is alone with almost no friends in the fifth grade. He was classed as the weird kid and everyone avoided him. Even the teacher kept her distance, when she could. Kev didn’t know why everyone thought he was strange.

However on this day, graduation, he was surrounded by classmates in the party and drinking juice that the teacher had brought. Everyone seemed to forget that Kev was a ‘weirdo’ and accepted him as a fellow graduate of the fifth grade. But because no one knew him that well they were now talking animatedly to Kev about themselves, what they liked and what games they played on the computer. When they asked Kev what he played, he said. By myself in the woods. They usually snickered and walked away after that, becoming bored because they didn’t know anything about the woods or playing in them. But since Josh was there, he felt better. Josh though, only said congratulations and shook his hand halfheartedly. Josh didn’t seem to want to be there. He acted as if he had always been in high school.

It made Kev feel like he was a runt and that Josh and his father were big time pals. Kev felt he was just the little guy. At times, they did all have fun together. Like last summer, when they went to the movies. But that was last summer! Ever since Josh had started his junior year, his little brother did not exist. If he could avoid him, he would.

The only reason I came here was because Dad said it would be good to see more than just him.

I’d rather you have not come if this was such a problem for you. Kev shot back looking away and crossing his arms. I might not care about your high school graduation either next year.

Good. Because you won’t be invited! Josh shot back glaring.

Will so! Dad will force you to let me come.

Josh sighed and shook his head and walked away. Then his dad appeared in the crowd of crying parents running to hug their big fifth grade graduates and hugged Kev in a tight embrace.

Was it mentioned that their dad was a hippie? Well now you know. Not the stereotypical earth hugging, pot smoking, tie-dye wearing hippie. But he had long hair down to his lower back and kept it in a pony tail and listened to the monkeys and songs about love on his headset.

Congratulations Son! his father said wrapping his arms around him and squeezing him rather than lightly tapping his back. He considered himself lucky as he watched Ricky’s parents, the smartest boy in the class in-fact as he was pulled into a giant kiss by his aunt.

Kev smiled at his dad. Thanks dad.

How does it feel to only have seven more years of school?! His father’s eyes grew large as if they were going to pop out of his head. Whoa man . . . seven years . . . you’ll be gone before I know it!

Dad, seven years is a long time.

Not as long as you think. Before you know it, you’ll be up there getting your dipl-whats its.

Diploma Dad. Josh cut in quickly before disappearing again into the crowd.

Oh yes . . . diploma. When I was graduating in 78’ . . . boy that was a fun time. I remember going to parties every night and then walking up there and grabbing it from my principal. Then this guy-

Ran naked across the field screaming ‘Go class of 1978’ . . . I know the story Dad. You’ve only told us about five billion times.

No wayyy . . . billion isn’t even a number man. Dad said looking up at the sky as if the number was going to appear out of thin air and scream I am a real number!

Actually sir, Mr. Cutting said inching up to Kev’s Dad and fixing his spectacles. Billion is a real number. There’s even a trillion!

Mr. Cutting was the oldest teacher in the entire school. He was the oldest mathematician and refused to retire. He was eighty-nine years old, had fought in World War Two, fought again in Korea, before finally going to college and becoming a math major. He taught basic math all the way up to advanced trigonometry. He tried about a year ago to teach to the last fifth grade class and failed miserably.

Dad looked mesmerized by this sudden realization of fact. Trillions?

Yes! Mr. Cutting said matter-of-factly. There are billions and billions of stars in our galaxy alone! And beyond measure of stars outside of our galaxy . . . ! His eyes grew wide as he saw he was entertaining someone at last. Everyone usually fell asleep in his class. Just as the teacher was about to explain more, the principal came up and everyone had to sit down as the students all stood by the stage.

"These students have spent five long years in school, and it is time for their next journey. They are almost adults and will walk across the stage for the final time in a few years.

We are all hoping that everyone will have that chance. After the speech they began calling last names starting with A and going all the way through the alphabet.

Kevin’s last name was Born so he was close to the front. Only his father stood up, holding a sign. His brother was not paying attention and all and had a glazed expression over his eyes staring into the sky every now and then.

Kevin grabbed the sheet he was handed. It was a laminated piece of paper that had a ribbon on it and said Congratulations new Sixth Grader!

Gee, this didn’t feel like anything. He still felt like a fifth grader. It didn’t help that after the ceremony that his brother made the comment. Now that you’re a big sixth grader, are you going to be out of pull-ups now?

Kevin’s reply was a punch in Josh’s gut. That was only one time! Four years ago! Stop bringing it up!

Josh knew this got him angry and pestered him all the way about this on the way home. Alright now Josh . . . stop. Their dad finally cut in. Kevin’s a big boy and that was only one time when he had too much to drink . . . leave him alone.

Fine. was Josh’s reply.

As soon as Kevin got out of the car he ran into the woods. His dad yelled after him but he didn’t hear him. He wanted to be alone by himself now. This was where he was happiest.

In the woods he sat in his wooden tree house twirling his wooden sword and talking to his invisible friend. He could actually hear him talk back. He didn’t tell anyone this for fear of them thinking he was even weirder and crazier.

I don’t feel any different Moby. Kev said lightly twirling the blade in his hand. I still feel like a fifth grader.

You’ll still feel like a twelve grader when you reach that grade too. Moby pointed out. Or a Eighth grader when you become a ninth grader. It doesn’t change.

How do you know? You’re not even real.

Then you’re just a crazy kid talking to yourself.

Maybe I am. Who cares? I’m all alone out here anyway. No one can hear me talk to myself. Only I can see you. So what does it matter?

Exactly. Who cares if I’m not real. I’m talking to you. You shouldn’t think that you’re weird for this. Everyone has an invisible friend whether they will admit it or not. It’s just that you can see me.

And only me. Kev pointed out. That still makes you invisible.

Point made. Moby said laughing. Anyway . . . want to play a game.

Sure. He picked up the spare sword that no one ever used and tossed it in the air. Moby caught it and twirled it around. Wish we could have real ones.

Moby replied, We’d cut ourselves . . . or you’d cut yourself as you pointed out I am just a figment of your imagination.

But you’re holding the sword Moby. If anyone saw that they would just see a floating sword.

Would they now? Moby attacked Kev and he backed away deflecting the blade. They twirled around and began to get into the duel. Kev liked attacking fast and hard using two hands. Moby was the opposite, free form and loose with one hand. They both spun around and locked and kicked off of each other.

Kev imagined that they were real swords and swore he felt it get heavier. He had to duck when Moby swung the sword. It made a thud sound as it dug into the wood. It actually sank into the wood. That was a first.

I don’t think that’s ever happened, has it Kev? Moby asked trying to pry it out of the wood. It wouldn’t budge. Kev shook his head. Your right, it’s never happened. Either I am going nuts or that sword is real now. He touched the edge of the sword. It felt like metal.

Maybe a little of both? Moby grinned lightly and laughed.

Kev grinned as well and nodded then looked at his watch. I should get back before my dad freaks out again.

Alright Kev, see you tomorrow then.

Bye Moby. Kev said and waved as he walked towards the woods exit.

Chapter Two

Summer Camp

The entire summer he would be able to play in the woods. Or so he thought. A week after school had ended Kev came home all sweaty. His father stopped him in the hallway. Guess what Kev. He said.

What Dad?

You’re going to summer camp! I can’t let you spend all summer in the woods alone. Gotta be with kids your own age. Hell maybe you’ll get a lil’ girlfriend!

He’s too young to have a girlfriend dad. The girls will push him away. Besides he’s incapable of friends.

That’s enough Josh. Be nice. Their father cut in before Kev could retaliate. You’re going even if you don’t want to. You’ll thank me by the end of the summer.

But Dad-

No buts. Go take a shower, you’re starting tomorrow.

Kev grumbled and went upstairs, took a shower and got in bed around eleven and was talking to himself.

Moby are you there.

Always Kev. Came the reply.

What do you think about the summer camp?

I don’t really know. You don’t have a choice in going or not. I’m sure it won’t be that bad Kev.

Really?

Why would it be?

Well . . . I don’t know. I have a bad habit of talking to myself . . . or well to you, out loud. Everyone stares at me and it makes me feel uncomfortable.

Well then don’t talk to me while you’re there. You’ll make new friends Kev. Some friendships you make will last forever.

Most likely not in this camp or in the sixth grade.

Meaning later on in life Kev. Moby said chuckling.

Some help you are. He grumbled.

Kev . . . came a voice outside the door. Its two A.M., stop talking to yourself and go to bed. You have a big day ahead of you. The shadow walked away and a door closed.

Alright then . . . apparently I talk loudly to myself. Goodnight Moby. Kev said turning over.

Goodnight. Moby said and disappeared.

The next day, his dad got him up at seven A.M. and told him to get dressed. We got a long drive ahead of us, son. You’re going to Camp Summer of Fun!

Where is that . . . dad?

Oh just in the middle of the woods. There’s a large lake there and other stuff for activities.

Kev’s eyes lit up. Really?!

Yes, but why would you care about the woods. You’re supposed to be caring about the other children.

Oh I will . . . maybe they’ll want to play in the woods with me! Kev suggested smiling.

His father frowned. Apparently he didn’t think that should happen. It’s a camp. There will be activities to do instead of potentially hurting yourself in the woods.

But you know I don’t get hurt Dad! I’m a really good tree climber!

Oh just hush up. You’re going to camp to hang out with the other kids. Understood?

But . . . There was no fighting it however, because within a few hours he was in the car with his father driving towards the camp. Moby was sitting next to him but of course . . . Kev couldn’t talk because his father would want to know who he was talking to.

So instead he passed notes back and forth the entire two hour trip.

He was snoring when they pulled up to the camp site. Kev jumped awake and saw several cabins dotting the campus and a very large lake followed by woods, and open landscape to the west. Moby . . . He whispered slowly. I think I found our new home.

What do you mean? Our home is in the woods. That’s where Caterithina started.

Yes, but this . . . is where we can expand it. Just look at all the room.

Kev stop talking to yourself again! His father chuckled. Kev frowned. That was a bad habit of his. Somehow he had to talk to Moby but without talking out loud. Well since it was his imaginary friend, he could just think his thoughts to Moby. That would solve it immediately.

Kev stepped out of the car and stretched, perhaps he was jumping the gun. Maybe he would call this place home soon enough. How long am I gonna be here for?

The rest of the summer! Dad said beaming as he grabbed the bags out of the car and set them down. Kev picked up the knapsack and slipped it around his neck. Where are we suppose to go? Kev asked looking around. There were a lot of cabins spread throughout the large field. But beyond the cabins there was a larger one which had a sign that read in multicolored letters Apply Here!

Guess that’s where we sign up? Kev said sarcastically. Picking up the bags they both headed for the cabin. As they got closer, they saw that the cabin had a fairly large waiting line. It looked like all kids but no parents. Excellent, that meant Kev could get away from his Dad faster.

I think I can sign myself up. Kev said smiling at his dad. All the other kids are.

Sure thing. He said smiling back and setting the bags down. Have fun Kev. Make sure to call OK?

Yes, I promise dad!He glanced at the line. It was moving slowly. One of the kids caught his eye. Not because he looked odd, but because he was wearing a symbol from Caterithina. That was very weird because Kev thought he had made the world up entirely by himself. The kid had a tattoo on his hand.

The tattoo was quite simple; the shadow of a man outlined in black holding a sword in the air. The sword itself though was white.

It wasn’t visible normally, but Kev’s was glowing red now, which was the first time it ever showed itself visible to everyone. He saw the kid, a small boy with black hair, a thin build, crisp eyebrows and green eyes look at his hand too. Then he noticed Kevin’s hand, and motioned to him. Kev nodded and slipped away from his dad as he was explaining the many dangers of the sun. Seeing he had gone, he decided that Kevin was old enough to know the dangers on his own and walked back to his car. Fortunately, the kid was near the back of the line.

My name is Brian, He said leaning forward and shaking Kev’s hand.

Kevin. Kev said staring at the tattoo. Where did you get that?

I will show you. After we check in. Brian whispered back, then he glanced at the line which had grown shorter and he hastily moved up the line and continued talking. What about you Kevin? How did you get it?

Honestly, it just appeared one day in the woods. Kev said shrugging now looking at his own tattoo.

Who’s your friend? Moby asked appearing beside Kev. Brian leapt back at this but Kev was used to the random disappearances and reappearances by now that he didn’t flinch.

Wait . . . Kev said in a barely audible whisper. You can . . . hear him?

And see him, yes. Brian said looking from Kev to Moby. So that means you can see mine too? A small elf appeared on Brian’s shoulder, and waved. The elf was wearing brilliant blue robes and a pointed hat. Hi! he said in a small squeaky voice. My name is Ion!

Hello Ion. Kev whispered slowly. Oh look! We’re next in line already!

Brian moved forward, told them his name and age. He was then assigned to cabin B-3. The same as Kev was. My name is Kevin, and I am twelve years old. The counselor nodded and told him, he too was in B-3. Kevin was then handed a small book. Don’t lose it., he said in a boring lecture voice. You have two hours available to you now before the first meeting. If you go into the woods, He got louder and actually sat up in his chair straighter. Although it did look like his neck was glued down. Stay on the trails and within sight of this cabin! Kev nodded and followed Brian out the door.

Now I can show you Brian said heading into the woods, and immediately skipped the trail.

Wait! Kev said following Brian through a rough patch. Where are we going?!

You will see pal. Brian said pushing and stepping bushes aside and stepped into a clearing. Now close your eyes and imagine you’re in Caterithina. Kev didn’t need to be told how to go into his own imaginative world, or how he knew the name, but he closed his eyes all the same. He didn’t expect anything to happen except to pretend he was there. Then there was a whooshing sound like wind and Brian said;

Open.

Kev did so and was met with a breath taking scene. A beautiful valley lay below them and small farms and towns dotting the area down below. Miles of grass spread out from their feet all the way. They were standing on a large hill that dipped down into the nearest town. A cobblestone road led down into the lower plains where wild horses were grazing. It was only now that Kev noticed his clothes were different. He had on a heavy chain mail outfit covered on top by full plate armor.

Looking to his side, Kev noticed that he had a sword on his left and a shield on his back. Slowly drawing it with his right hand, it made a shink sound as it was taken out of its sheath. It was a real steel sword! But . . . it couldn’t be. Looking over he saw Brian with the same amazed look on his face that mirrored his own. Brian’s weapon wasn’t a sword, but a very large battle hammer.

The armor matched as well right up to the coat of arms. Their tattoo.

Chapter Three

The Adventure Begins

Brian looked over at Kev and grinned. Cool isn’t it?

Kev didn’t say anything but his open jaw was explanation enough as he stared out at the small towns and farms. He looked back to his armor and flexed his muscles. The peculiar thing about this armor was it wasn’t heavy at all. Kev and Brian both had on armor that made full grown men walk slower, but Kevin, a twelve year old could walk like it was nothing. Granted it was his own imagination, so the rules of the real world need not apply here. But just where in the hell were they exactly? And how did all of this just appear? Were they really, truly in this new world?

OK, Kev said looking over to Brian. How did you do this?

Do what? Brian tore himself away from the sky. The sun was setting. Colors like he’d never seen before were stretching across like the northern lights.

This! Kev said motioning to the landscape. This didn’t happen to me when I was in the woods by my house.

You have to really see yourself here. Brian said now examining his battle hammer. I just closed my eyes, and wished I was really here . . . and I was! But, He looked around and shook his head. This wasn’t the spot, I appeared in last time. Somewhere in another village. He brought his eyes back to the landscape. Beyond the lake were mountains. Beautiful large ones that stretched across it.

Then, something rang out over the fields. A long loud, but low blast of a horn. Kev looked around to see several people on horseback. And they weren’t slowing down. As they got closer, Kev noticed that the coat of arms that was the same on the rider’s chests were the same as the one he was wearing. But they didn’t look friendly.

In fact, five men on horseback with their swords drawn was not even remotely friendly. Kev’s sword was quickly brought up into a defensive position as they got closer. The men on horseback glared at one another then conversed in another language pointing to the two boys.

They bent their heads low conversing with odd clicks and grunting. One of them looked at Kevin He was tall and muscular with dark hair and piercing green eyes. My name is Tiib’Ryan. Captain to you boys. We have never seen you in this part of our kingdom.

Tell us your names. Tiib went on. Their accents though . . . sounded American? Maybe.

I’m Kevin, and this is Brian.

Where do you hail from? One of the soldiers asked starting to circle them on his horse.

West Virginia. Kevin said looking up at them.

What country is that in?

Umm . . . We’re not really from around here, honestly. Brian said. He was still staring up at the swords and the soldier’s faces.

You are an invader then! One of the soldiers roared pointing at them.

No! Look, they wear the crest of our capital . . . We hail from the country of Zibenhorde, the very center of the continent of Caterithina. We live in the capital. But what are you doing way out here? There isn’t a town for miles . . .

What about that small one down there? Brian said pointing down towards the small village.

That is a camp. It is for soldiers on the move, son. But you both look like you’re ready for war . . . How did you get . . . He touched the armor. By the gods . . . it is xenth. That’s the most expensive armor in the land! How did you obtain that, if you haven’t been here before?

We don’t know that either. Look we don’t know how we got here. Kev spoke up. Or why we have your armor.

The one named Tiib’Ryan frowned and put his sword away. He seemed to be thinking. These boys are now under our protection. We must protect them with our lives.

Sir! One of the soldiers burst out suddenly, he obviously didn’t agree with that decision. I really don’t like that idea. What if Atrocious’s troops break through our barricade?

We are holding our own for now. General Roi said he has it under control. Besides we’re not going that way. We will get some horses and head west back to the city.

But why are we bothering to protect them? What did they do?

Nothing. Yet. Just do as I order, and protect these kids with your life.

Come, we ride now. Tiib’Ryan said looking towards the darkness behind him. I will fetch a horse for both of you and then you will ride straight behind me. He kicked his horse and it trotted down to where some were grazing in the dusk. Hooking a rein onto two of them, he brought them back.

Get on. he ordered.

Kev and Brian exchanged looks then each got on a horse.

Yaw! Tiib’Ryan yelled. At once, the seven horses took off at what seemed an unnatural speed. Brian was holding onto the reigns tightly. He didn’t like riding horses. Kev, was a natural almost, his feet were in the right places and he grabbed the reins the right way. But then, out of nowhere a streak of fire lit up the sky and slammed into the ground.

Ambush! one of the soldiers yelled as his horses reared up.

Defensive formation! Tiib’Ryan yelled drawing his sword and leaping off the horse.

What’s going on?! Brian yelled over the continuous sounds of fireballs flying over their heads.

Lord Atrocious’s troops! one of the men yelled back.

More like scouts! Tiib said twirling his weapon. He looked at Brian then at Kev. Be ready, He breathed looking around. They will charge out of nowhere, even if there is a small group. So stay on your toes.

Then no one talked, just the crackle of the fire. For a moment Kev thought they weren’t going to come, then the fire parted and several men came through, running or was it floating towards them?

Tiib’Ryan shook his sword and charged into the small force of enemies. The other soldiers followed and began engaging the enemy. Swords clanked loudly and screams of the battle echoed out over the empty fields.

Kev paused but charged headlong into the battle. His hand seemed guided as he stabbed one of the floating demons in the back. The beast yelled, and sank to his knees as the sword went in deeper.

Adrenaline pumped through him. Looking over at Brian, he saw he was into it too. Bringing up the hammer he slammed it into one of the floating beings faces. Turning back to his own battle, Kev sliced a clean cut to his opponent’s chest. Kev swung the sword again, and it slammed into another floating demon. But blood didn’t seep out. Black smoke did.

Brian smashed the last one just as more horsemen arrived and slid off unsheathing their weapons. Kev walked over to one of the fallen enemies and picked up the mask. Tiib’Ryan grabbed his hand and shook his head. No, let’s just get out of here. Sir.

What?

The sir was whispered, but Kev heard it. Why did you call me sir?

Now isn’t the time for that! He said shaking his head and standing. We need to get you both to safety.

Tiib’Ryan mounted first, then Kev, then Brian, and then rode off with their new escort. The ride to the main city was long but they passed the time mostly by talking.

Captain Tiib’Ryan, tell me, or Brian and I, who this Lord Atrocious is.

Right, as we do have some spare time, I’ll tell you. Lord Atrocious . . . is a spirit from the Dark Island, there are rumors of him being a god but it is unfounded. A wizard long ago tried to bring Atrocious over to our world to help him conquer Caterithina . . .

Who was the wizard? Brian asked.

No clue, I never got his name, plus this was ages ago. Anyhow, the wizard called the demon to our world and wanted him to help take over. Well he did do that. He attacked his master and locked him away in a tower. He then proceeded to attack the town militia and infected them. Tiib paused to wipe his forehead while holding onto the reigns still with one hand. The militia got very sick and began attacking their own town. He took off his helmet and wiped a tear away. Within hours, the town was his."

The virus, if it is a virus, turned the militia first, then the town into the first of his dreaded drig’ama army. That means dark spirit, or Darkai roughly translated. The new army decimated the countryside. We, as in Caterithina, couldn’t stop them. That . . . double bladed scythe . . . Tiib shivered. "I’ve fought him twice . . . both times he has left me the