The Stinkozimus

By Wenna Kelborne

Forced to move to their gran's house when their father loses his job, the story begins when Christian witnesses a strange creature emerge from a hole beneath the garden shed. Determined to capture it Christian invites his cousins for a sleepover; thereby following a weekend of adventure and mayhem as the children make friends with the creatures whose home in a prehistoric cavern underneath the woodland comes under threat from a nearby mining site. With the help of his eccentric gran, his sister and her madcap cat; Socks; Christian and his cousins hatch a plan to save the prehistoric site. But with his dad now working for the mining company, will Christian and the children succeed in helping their furry friends save their home? And what secrets does the cavern hold?

• Language: English
• Publisher: AuthorHouse UK
• Release date: Sep 26, 2012
• ISBN: 9781477222812

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© 2012, 2013, 2014 by Wenna Kelborne. All rights reserved.

No part of this book may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted by any means without the written permission of the author.

Published by AuthorHouse 12/13/2013

ISBN: 978-1-4772-2282-9 (sc)

ISBN: 978-1-4772-2281-2 (e)

Any people depicted in stock imagery provided by Thinkstock are models, and such images are being used for illustrative purposes only.

Certain stock imagery © Thinkstock.

Because of the dynamic nature of the Internet, any web addresses or links contained in this book may have changed since publication and may no longer be valid. The views expressed in this work are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of the publisher, and the publisher hereby disclaims any responsibility for them.

To Dad, aka Toad, Mum, Rog, Lou, Nick, Will and Boo.

This book is for you.

With love always,

Toadette.

To my husband Ju,

Thanks for the inspiration of your troll-like toes!

Thanks to Becky Hill for the fab cover design and last but not least;

Thank YOU to me Cynth.

This novel is for grandparents and grandchildren all over the world.

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Christian and Erica were ordinary children who lived in a quiet cul-de-sac in the middle of a small town. Christian was nine years of age and liked going to school and meeting up with his friend, playing on his computer and riding his bike. His sister Erica who was four went to Nursery school but she liked it best when Christian played out in the garden with her. Sometimes they argued over silly things but they usually played well together. One day after school when Mum was making tea their dad came home from work with a sad face. Christian and Erica could tell something was wrong.

I’ve been made redundant, he said.

What’s that mean? asked Erica, unsure of what such a big word meant.

It means Dad hasn’t got a job anymore, explained Christian.

Mum sat down at the kitchen table, her face creased with worry lines.

How will we pay all the bills? she said. My part-time job doesn’t pay much.

Dad gave her a hug. Try not to worry. I’m sure something will come along.

Christian and Erica knew the news wasn’t good and wondered what would happen. Over the next few days Mum and Dad made lots of phone calls and started to argue. Erica and Christian sat on the stairs and listened to what was going on. What’s going to happen? she would whisper.

As he was older, Christian liked to think he had all the answers but he didn’t know so all he could say was, it’ll be alright, and hope it would all work out.

That night, long after Erica had gone to bed and he was brushing his teeth Christian heard his dad make a phone call. He was on the phone for such a long time that Christian fell asleep waiting for his dad to come up and say goodnight.

The next morning when he got up and went downstairs everyone was smiling.

Guess what? said Erica.

What? replied Christian.

We’re going to live with Gran.

Christian was really pleased. Gran lived the other side of town on the outskirts of a wood. It was their favorite place to play in the whole wide world. Over the next few days Mum and Dad began to pack all their clothes and everything they wanted to take with them into boxes. They had decided to rent their house out to friends until Dad could find another job. Finally the day came when they were ready to make the move. Christian and Erica were excited. Granny’s house had lots of rooms and a bedroom in the attic that had the best view of the whole area. That was the bedroom Christian wanted. As they drove along Erica pressed her nose against the car window and watched the countryside whizz by. She loved the green fields, tall hedges and horses grazing in the fields. The only thing she didn’t like was the bumpy lane that jolted her nose against the glass that led them to Granny’s house. There at the front door was Gran, waiting to greet them. She was a little old lady with curly, grey hair and large framed glasses that balanced precariously on the tip of her nose. Christian often wondered whether they were glued on as he couldn’t remember ever seeing her without them and they always stayed in place even when she bent over to pick anything up!

Hello my dears, she beamed as everyone got out of the car.

Hello Granny! Erica ran straight to her and gave her a huge hug. I’m so glad we’re going to be staying with you!

It will be lovely to have you. Gran peered down her bespectacled nose at her grandchildren whilst Mum and Dad started to unload all the boxes and cases from the car. Finally after what seemed like an eternity everything was unpacked and put away. Christian was especially pleased. After much arguing with Erica the attic bedroom was his! Erica’s room though not as big as her brother’s was next to Gran’s and this pleased her. She consoled herself that at least she didn’t have to walk past the big, black, hairy spiders that lurked on the stairway up to the attic. Mum and Dad’s room was at the other end of the house as it had an en-suite bathroom which pleased Mum.

When they finally gathered together for tea everyone was happy albeit slightly dirty. As it was a school night Erica and Christian had a quick tea followed by a bath. Erica had to go first so Christian decided to slip outside into the garden. It was a beautiful June evening and the whole garden was filled with the scent of wild honeysuckle from the hedge. The orchard, full of wild flowers had apple, pear and plum trees scattered down one side of the garden whilst in the centre stood two huge oak and ash trees from which hung Granny’s washing line. Gran always said she could tell what the weather would be like each year by which tree came into bud first. This year it was the turn of the oak to flower first and everyone hoped it would be a good summer. Christian wandered to the end of the garden where the old, wooden shed stood. It was a fascinating place to him; full of musty boxes and bits and pieces that had piled up over the years. It was also a great place to hide and jump out at Erica as it was in the shadiest part of the garden. It was there by the shed that he noticed something.

Hey Gran! he yelled, that hole under the shed’s come back!

Gran appeared in the doorway and squinted at the shed. That’s been there for years, she said. I keep filling it in but it keeps re-appearing.

Do you think it’s rabbits?

I think it may be moles, replied Gran staring at the mounds of flattened soil that dotted the garden.

It must have taken you ages to flatten those, observed Christian.

A very strange expression crossed Gran’s face. Don’t stay out here too long Christian. Oh and be a sweetie and bring my stockings in from off the washing line please. With that she disappeared inside.

Christian walked over to the washing line to un-peg the long, brown and well worn stockings that billowed in a stiff evening breeze. With his hands full of pegs a huge gust of wind blew one of the stockings out of his hands high into the air before dropping it right over the mysterious hole that lay in front of the garden shed!

Christian immediately chased after it and bent down to grab it before it could blow away. He gave it a gentle tug but it seemed to be stuck! He tried again but it wouldn’t budge. Wondering what it could be caught on he placed the pegs and other stockings down and grabbed the end of the stocking with both hands. He didn’t want to rip it but using all his strength he gave a mighty tug! Still it wouldn’t move. Suddenly, he was pulled face forward onto the ground! He tightened his grip but it was no good! The stocking was pulled right out of his grasp and into the hole. Cautiously, he leaned forward to look into the hole but all he could see was darkness. There was no trace of the stocking. By now it was starting to get dark and although Christian did not think himself to be very brave curiosity had got the better of him. With his heart pounding he knelt down and put his face and one arm into the hole. He couldn’t see or feel anything.

Christian, where are you? He stood up and brushed the soil from his clothes and saw Mum in the doorway silhouetted by a bright light.

What are you doing by the shed? she called.

Gran asked me to get her stockings in, he replied.

We wondered what you were doing. I thought you’d got lost!

Christian didn’t know whether to tell her what had happened but decided that until he found out what was in the hole it was perhaps best it remained a secret!

As it so happened his entrance into the kitchen was met by heated voices. He was just in time to hear Dad say, No Erica, I absolutely forbid it!

That’s so not fair! Erica stamped her foot!

What’s not fair? Christian asked.

Erica wants a kitten and I’ve said no, replied Dad.

But I’ve always wanted a cat, wailed Erica.

Dear me, what’s all the noise about? Gran walked in and pushed her glasses firmly onto her nose.

I want a kitten and Dad says I’m not allowed one! Erica stamped her foot again.

I don’t think you’re likely to get what you want doing that, said Gran sharply, then softening her face she looked at Dad.

I’d never really thought of having a cat again after poor Bobby disappeared.

That’s why I don’t think it’s a good idea, said Dad, walking across to his sulking daughter. I wouldn’t want you to go through the same thing that I went through.

Everyone had heard the story of how upset Dad had been when as a little boy growing up in this house his beloved tabby cat, Bobby had vanished mysteriously one evening.

I searched everywhere for him but I never saw him again. I wouldn’t want the same thing to happen to my princess.

I’m sorry Daddy.

Dad knelt down to the same level as his daughter who promptly gave him a hug.

But why should there be a problem if we do have a cat? asked Christian. Just because Bobby disappeared doesn’t mean it would happen again.

He’s got a point. I don’t think we’ve got foxes round here or if we have I haven’t seen any, said Mum.

I think we could do with a cat around here to keep those moles away. Christian cast Gran a quick glance.

I suppose it might keep any vermin away, retorted Gran, but there again perhaps it might not.

Christian’s ears pricked up. He was now more sure than ever that Gran was hiding something.

Well if everyone thinks it’s ok then Erica can have a kitten or even a rescued cat, said Dad.

I think that’s a lovely idea George, (which was Dad’s name) said Mum.

Well, we’re all happy now, beamed Gran, so I think it’s time you kids went to bed.

Both Christian and Erica took that as a cue to give Gran a bed time hug.

Did you remember to get my washing off the line?

Er, yes Gran, replied Christian, Only… .

Only what? Gran looked at him sharply.

It was very windy and I’m afraid one of your stockings blew away.

Oh dear, there’s nothing as annoying as a missing stocking! I hope it wasn’t one of my good ones!

I don’t think so. They had all looked worn to him.

Bath time! ordered Mum.

Will you say goodnight to us before we go to bed? Christian asked, wriggling free from Gran’s bear-like grip.

Of course sweetie. She pushed her glasses firmly onto the bridge of her nose before fixing her eyes on a large basket of washing Mum had placed by the washing machine. Were you planning on washing that now?

Yes, if that’s alright, replied Mum.

Yes, . . . . it’s fine, but I wouldn’t, . . . . erm… . put it out on the line tonight. The wind’s awfully strong tonight and it has a nasty habit of blowing everything off the line.

It can wait till tomorrow. I’m not in any rush.

True to her word, after they’d had their baths Gran tucked Erica into bed first. Then came Christian’s turn. As Gran straightened his duvet he felt a pang of guilt because he knew he hadn’t been entirely truthful about the missing stocking.

Gran, he began, about your missing stocking… .

She peered over her glasses at him. What about it dearie?

I’m sorry I lost it. He just couldn’t quite bring himself to tell her about the manic tug of war he’d had and that the stocking had evaded capture!

Oh don’t worry your head over that! I’ve got plenty of them. Now you go to sleep and I’ll see you in the morning before you go to school.

With that she switched off the bedside lamp and closed the door.

Christian lay in the dark waiting to drift off to sleep but the howling wind and tap, tap tapping of a branch against the window kept him awake. Finally the moon appeared and cast a bright shadow on the bedroom floor. Now there was nothing Christian enjoyed more than taking a midnight peek at the moon. He crept over to the window avoiding the creaky floor boards and watched as the clouds raced across the sky chased by gusts of wind. After a moment his gaze settled on the garden shed and the spot which marked the hole even though it was hidden in the dark. What could have made such a large hole? But more to the point what kind of creature would engage in a tug of war over a stocking?

He was just about to return to bed when a movement by the shed caught his eye. The moon had disappeared behind a cloud but even so he could see something jumping around the garden. For a brief moment the garden was bathed in moonlight and then Christian saw it; a strange, furry creature with huge feet jumping on molehills! A moment later the garden was once again plunged into darkness and by the time the moon had re-appeared the furry creature had disappeared and all the molehills were flattened piles of earth. Christian waited and waited but the creature had vanished. It was a long time before he drifted off to sleep.

The moment he woke up the following morning he rushed straight to the window. Everything looked the same as it had when he’d last looked except it was now the warm glow of what promised to be a sunny day. He dressed in his school uniform and walked downstairs. Everyone was already at the breakfast table and halfway through their cereal when he walked in.

Morning, said Mum and Dad in unison. Erica had her mouth full so she waved.

Good morning dear, beamed Gran. Dearie me, you look tired. Didn’t you sleep very well? As usual nothing escaped her bespectacled, eagle eyes.

The wind kept me awake, replied Christian. It was a wild night.

He so badly wanted to tell everyone about what he’d seen but realized the only one who’d believe him was Erica. Besides, he needed to find out just exactly what was living in the hole. It could be an undiscovered species of mole and if so he wanted to be credited with discovering it first. He was also sure Gran knew something about it. How could she have lived in this house for decades without spotting the furry intruder? Yes, a secret it should remain for the time being.

A plan of action was required. It was during the journey to school that he came up with an idea. What was needed was a sleep over where his cousins, Nick, Chloe and Leah could stop for the weekend. They could all camp out in tents in the garden and lay a trap for the creature. Asking Mum would be the tricky part. He would wait until after school when she was due to collect him. That way he would be able to ask when she was in a good mood and increase the chance of her saying yes.

Have a good day, said Mum who was about to take Erica to Nursery school.

Little did she know what schemes were running through her son’s head as he waved back. The entire day dragged. He couldn’t concentrate on any of his work. The teacher noticed and told him off for not working. When at the end of a tortuous afternoon the bell finally went Christian leapt off his seat and made sure he was the first one in line to be dismissed.

Go on, said Miss Carr. I can see you’re dying to be gone.

He raced over to where Mum had parked the car. Erica was inside munching a packet of crisps. Mum must be in a good mood, he thought hoping he was going to get a treat too. As it happened Mum was in a very good mood. Her bosses had agreed to give her more work. Christian listened patiently. Good timing was essential. Erica was excited because Mum had promised to take her to a cattery to pick a kitten or cat. This was his chance to strike.

If Erica’s having a cat, it’s only fair I have something too.

What would you like?

Christian couldn’t believe his luck. I would love Nick, Chloe and Leah to stay for a sleepover.

Me too, me too! Erica jumped up and down in her car seat.

Is that it? I thought you were going to ask for a new games console or high tech gadget, Mum replied, relief on her face. For a second he was tempted to ask for a new football kit but thought he would be pushing his luck.

So is it okay to ask them over then?

Yes, it’s fine as long as Aunty Susan doesn’t mind and they haven’t got anything planned.

They pulled up on the drive and Christian leaped up and down with excitement.

Steady up, what’s got into you? Dad appeared in the doorway and it was at this point Christian noticed the door was missing.

Where’s the door dad?

Over there. Dad nodded towards a work bench. I’m putting a cat flap in it for when we get a cat.

Yes and once Erica’s changed we’re going to go and look for a cat, beamed Mum. Are you coming Christian?

Well if you don’t mind I thought I might stay here and phone Aunty Susan about that sleepover.

Yes that’s fine, smiled Mum.

He ran inside, hung up his school bag and went straight to the kitchen to grab a biscuit before heading to the phone. He took a few deep breaths to calm himself then dialed the number. As luck would have it Nick answered the phone. Moments later it was all arranged. Christian could hear the excited gabble of his cousins in the background and Aunty Susan telling them to be quiet and that she expected best behavior from them or else no sleepover! She told Christian that she would phone his mum later to check what they would need to bring. It wouldn’t be much!

Christian smiled to himself and started to make plans for the weekend. He would have to find the tents and sleeping bags. Then there was the food for the midnight feast. It was unthinkable to have a sleepover without food! He was definitely going to be busy. He got changed out of his uniform. Erica and Mum had just left in the car. It would be a while before they were back so he decided to get his homework done then after tea start to find all the camping equipment. He looked out of his bedroom window and saw Gran fast asleep on a sun lounger with a newspaper spread out on her lap. To his amusement she had positioned a pair of sunglasses on top of her spectacles and both pairs teetered perilously on the end of her nose. She had also removed her stockings and placed them by the side of the sun lounger. Christian hoped she had remembered to apply sun lotion as her legs were snow white! He gazed around the garden and at the shed roof bathed in sunlight then down at the hole and across to where the flattened molehills lay. The earth had dried in the warmth of the sun but he suddenly noticed a dark patch of earth. The moles were at work again. He looked closer and saw another damp patch of earth appear followed by a tiny flash of a pink nose that paused for a moment before disappearing. Moments later another molehill appeared and another and another until Christian realized the mole was not far away from the hole by the shed. The pink nose appeared once again then all of a sudden the mole appeared. It sat bolt upright and looked at the hole.

Christian gripped the windowsill with excitement. Something must be in the hole he thought! Sure enough there was a movement but he couldn’t make out what it was. The mole knew! It gave a high pitched squeal and burrowed into the ground. From inside the hole emerged a brown, furry head. It was the creature!

It lifted its head and with a protruding snout sniffed the air. The fresh smell of damp earth caught its attention. Then it stopped in its tracks, aware of Gran’s presence. It studied her carefully but realized she was asleep and so it emerged slowly. It looked different in the sunlight. It was the size of a small child but had the appearance of a mole with the exception of its feet! They were the largest feet on a small creature Christian had ever seen. But even more amazing, it was wearing the stocking it had stolen from the previous night! Christian couldn’t believe his eyes! He stood glued to the spot. He was too afraid he might miss something to run downstairs into the garden! As it so happened the creature seemed absorbed in the fact that two of its five, huge toenails had ripped holes in the stocking. It seemed annoyed by this and jumped up and down on the spot which only made the stocking tear even more. With all five toenails now exposed it sat down and stared at its feet.

Then with a sigh of dismay it pulled the stocking off and tossed it away in disgust. This was followed by a squeak of delight as it spotted Gran’s stockings by the sun lounger. Christian knew what it was going to do and banged on the window to scare it away. Thankfully, Gran was too fast asleep to hear. The creature heard and cast a beady eyed glance up at the window. Christian darted back but a moment later leaned forward in time to watch the stockings and the creature disappear down the hole! The stocking thief had struck again!

Quick as a flash Christian ran down the stairs and was just in time to see Gran stir and place a hand down on the spot where she’d put her stockings. In a flash Christian grabbed a pair of stockings from the ironing basket and ran out with them.

Here you are! He handed them over, not wanting the theft to be made known!

Oh thank you Christian. You are a good boy. She pushed both pairs of glasses onto the bridge of her nose. My sight must be getting worse. These are odd. She took them from him and he realized that one was brown and the other was black!

Silly me! exclaimed Christian.

Gran beamed at him and got up. Christian sighed with relief. He wondered how she would have reacted if she’d seen the creature. At least he’d got a good idea how to entice the creature out of the hole but that would have to wait until Friday night. In between times there was equipment to find and homework to do!

I’m going to go and do my homework, he announced.

I’m going to start tea in a moment, replied Gran, adjusting her spectacles. Is it me or has it gone dark?

It’s definitely you Gran, Christian giggled. You’ve still got your sunglasses on!

He ran inside and caught sight of Dad fixing the door back onto its hinges with the new cat flap in place.

Nice work Dad!

Thank you son. I may just have time to do the back door before tea’s ready, replied Dad.

Christian grabbed his school bag and ran up the stairs to his room. He’d no sooner begun to pull his books out when he heard Gran talking in her cross voice. He crept to the top of the stairs to listen.

I don’t care what you say George, I do not want a cat flap in the back door!

Well I think you’re being silly. I’m sure whatever had my cat all those years ago will be long gone by now.

Maybe, but I don’t want mice and rats being dragged in. Gran sounded very determined on the matter then relenting a little she said, Why don’t we see how we get on with this new cat. I’m sure it will have to stay inside for a bit anyway until it’s settled down.

Alright. Dad didn’t sound very happy. But when it starts pestering to go outside in the middle of the night you’ll be glad of a cat flap then. Oh and another thing, what’s with the nailed up letterbox?

Er… . I nailed it shut a long time ago. It was always letting a draught in. Besides there’s a post box by the garage for the mail.

Christian was sure that Gran was lying and the real reason had more to do with keeping something out. If only he could get to find out what she knew! One thing was for sure on this matter as with any other Gran always got her own way. He smiled and crept back to his room and finally managed to start his home work.

Sometime later he heard the front door open and the sound of excited voices. Mum and Erica had returned. Christian ran downstairs and found all of his family gathered around the kitchen table. He pushed his way through and peered into the carrying box. At first he couldn’t see anything then he looked closer. A large, black cat with green eyes stared straight back at him.

He’s called Socks, announced Erica. Christian looked closer at its paws and realized they were white and did indeed look like socks.

Socks is a rescue cat. Erica fell in love with him the moment she saw him. Mum proceeded