Death Stalks the Fire Child

By John D. Hartman

Death Stalks the Fire Child is the fourth and final book of the Fire Child series. In Return of the Fire Child, T.J. grudgingly accepts his destiny as the Fire Child, protector of the Inner World, a civilization located within the core of the Earth. Along with his three teen friends, Scott, Chad and Crash, he returns to the land of his birth to battle the evil that threatens not only his world, but also the surface world where he had been raised. Pursued by a Gorgon and her legion of cats, his friends soon learn that the Inner World is a land filled with strange creatures and dangerous beasts such as the boys had never imagined.
In Quest of the Fire Child, T.J. seeks to establish himself as the protector of his world and faces new dangers from ruthless men and creatures that wish to destroy him. Once again he calls upon his three friends who, along with the wolf boy, Criton, risk their lives attempting to bring peace to a world in turmoil. It is during this time that T.J. learns that Scott is his half-brother and the bond between the two boys becomes stronger than ever as they see how their fates are intertwined.
Fortress of the Fire Child finds T.J. and his friends facing further dangers in the form of Aquatis, a ruthless shape shifter who once battled the Fire Childs father and who seeks revenge against the son. Intrigue also continues as Mathias, T.J.s arch enemy, reappears and attempts to regain the throne of Stonemass, the chief city of the Inner World. Additional danger ensues as an army of mercenaries attempts to attack the Fortress, the home of the Fire Child.
Now in Death Stalks the Fire Child, T.J. finds himself battling enemies on two separate fronts and he must rely upon the strength of his friends and their newly acquired powers to face one enemy while he faces the other. While Scott and the others hurry to protect Stonemass from a horde of mutant lizards, T.J. travels to the swampland to face the evil Slurpus who controls Liviatin, the most powerful creature the Fire Child has ever had to face.

• Language: English
• Publisher: AuthorHouse
• Release date: Oct 31, 2012
• ISBN: 9781477275054

John D. Hartman

Following the completion of the four volume fantasy series, The Fire Child, the author published his third book of short stories entitled After the Fall. His time away from novel writing provided the opportunity to develop new plot lines and characters for a totally different fantasy series beginning with Druid Island. “My sole purpose in writing fantasy novels is to entertain the reader and to capture his or hers imagination. Each tale should be like an amusement park ride in which the reader holds on to their seat anticipating what is around the next bend. Film has the advantage of being able to create special effects that flash before the reader’s eyes, whereas books need to create visual effects using only the reader’s mind and imagination. The reader should be able to ‘see’ what is taking place on the pages of the novel. For a writer, it is important not to fall into the trap of repeating old story lines or thinly disguising the same old characters.”

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© 2012 by John D. Hartman. 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   10/24/2012

ISBN: 978-1-4772-7504-7 (sc)

ISBN: 978-1-4772-7505-4 (e)

Library of Congress Control Number: 2012918215

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

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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.

CONTENTS

RECAP

ONE

TWO

THREE

FOUR

FIVE

EPILOGUE

RECAP

In the beginning, darkness covered the earth… With those words the Bible begins the story of creation. What happened following man’s banishment from Paradise forms the basis for the Fire Child fantasy adventure series.

In Book One, Return of the Fire Child, the reader was introduced to four teenage boys: Scott, Thaddeus, known as T.J., Chad and Juan, who’s nickname is Crash. Friends since grade school, although from totally different backgrounds, the boys lived a rather normal childhood until their school teacher is unexpectedly taken ill and she is replace by an elderly woman who seems to have an inordinate dislike for Scott. As the story unfolds, it is revealed that that teacher is really a mythological Gorgon who once had battled against Scott’s father when he was just a youngster. Scott’s father, Greg, is a Fire Child, one of the protectors of an area known as the Inner World. Scott learns about his father’s past and about the Inner World, which was fashioned after mankind’s fall from Paradise as the territory of exile for the originally created humans and beasts. Once they were removed from the surface of the world, a new creation, the one of which we are all a part, was begun. Unknown to the outer world, the Inner World continues to exist.

The leader of the Fire Children is called the Old One. He was the mentor to Scott’s father while the boy was growing up, but after Greg failed to destroy the Gorgon as instructed, although he did succeed in sending her back to the Inner World, it seemed as if the Old One had abandoned Greg. Greg grew up and married, rejecting his previous life as a Fire Child.

With the return of the Gorgon, however, Scott is placed in danger and Greg must take up his duties as a Fire Child once again. Moving ahead with the story, T.J. is revealed to be the son of the Old One and is also a Fire Child. Following the death of the Old One, and being pursued by the Gorgon and her legion of cat soldiers, T. J. takes his three friends into the Inner World where they meet a strange assortment of beasts and creatures, some friendly, some not. Joining them in their quest is Criton, a small boy who is really a werewolf. Criton ends up biting Chad and turning him into a werewolf like himself so that Chad can better protect himself from the dangers of the Inner World. Later, Crash is also given a special power that affects his lungs so that he is able to freeze items by breathing upon them. The boys eventually make their way to Stonemass, the capital city of the Inner World, where they do battle against the Gorgon, destroying her and her army and succeeding in establishing T.J. as the new protector of the Inner World.

At the conclusion of Book One, T.J. stays within the Inner World while his three friends return to their normal lives of the surface world.

In Book Two, Quest of the Fire Child, T.J. has given up his life in the outer World and is now living permanently within the Inner World. Following their adventures as detailed in the first book, the other three boys had returned to their regular routine within the surface world, but when danger threatens them T.J. and Criton go to protect them. Not wanting their families to face any harm, the boys return to the Inner World with T.J. where they face new dangers and an assortment of enemies, the chief one being Eurgar, who is the sister of the Gorgon who was destroyed in the first book.

Many new details are revealed about the existence of the Inner World including the fact that Criton is destined to one day unite his world with the outer one so as to restore Paradise. T.J. also discovers that his mother is still alive and had not died in childbirth as he had been previously told. He learns that she is a captive of the Gorgon and a group of hulking beasts known as the Mordraves. Scott also learns that he and T.J. are more than just friends. Due to the mingling of T.J.’s DNA with Scott’s, prior to Scott’s birth, they are really half brothers.

Book Three is Fortress of the Fire Child where a new threat appears for T.J. and his friends in the form of Aquatus, a shape shifter and a creature whose makeup is mostly water. Aquatus joins forces with Alphonse Ragweed, a ruthless thief who has plans of his own. While Aquatus leaves the Inner World to pursue Scott, Chad and Crash, Ragweed gathers an army with the hope of attacking the Fortress, home of the Fire Child. Scott manages to drive Aquatus back to the Inner World but not before his father, Greg, is severely injured and ends up in the hospital in a coma. In Book Three, the reader learns about the Dark Land, a territory that separates the Fortress from the rest of the Inner World. The beasts of the Dark Land attack Ragweed’s army, but enough of them survive so as to launch an attack against the Fortress. T.J. and his friends dispel the remnants of the army and hope that danger is behind them. Aquatus, however, mounts his own attack against the Fortress that leads to the final battle to protect the Fire Child’s home. Aquatus is foiled and his creatures destroyed, but not before they injure Scott and the other boys.

As book three ended, Scott’s father remained in the hospital in a coma following the attack of the ogre, Chad had learned that his parents were preparing to send him off to a private school and Crash discovered that during his battle with a creature called a pinepuffer he had been infected and his body was now mutating into some sort of monstrous being. In addition, the fire child’s nefarious enemy, Mathias, had made his way to Defiance to secure the assistance of Alphonse Ragweed and the toad creature, Slurpus, to plan, once again, the destruction of the Fire Child.

Book Four, Death Stalks the Fire Child, completes the Fire Child saga.

ONE

The dark waters were swirling and choppy but, for being this far out at sea, Jonas did not consider the conditions as in any way excessive or dangerous. He well knew that there were times when the rhythm of the rolling swells could catch under the hull of a ship and lift it high or rock it so hard as to cause even the most experienced of seamen to feel a sense of queasiness in his stomach and for the novice sailor it was an event not easily forgotten. This day was nothing like that, he thought thankfully as he casually hugged the rail and stared out at the black expanse of ocean before him. The truth was that he preferred the solid feel of the land under his feet for, despite his many years at sea, he was a terrible swimmer and he always had the uneasy feeling that one day he would find himself struggling for his life amid the rollicking waves.

Normally he would have preferred to remain upon the shore and allowed his younger brother to accompany this shipment of bolts of cloth and the tanned hides to market, but he had learned of the recent raids by pirates upon the merchants and decided that it would be best if he captained the ship on its voyage for he was a master swordsman and his presence would serve to bolster the courage of the crew. Although he did his best to convince the men that he did not expect trouble, they remained dubious and anxious for each had friends or family who had failed to return from their last voyage. Jonas was sympathetic to their fears and, always being a cautious one and so planning ahead, he had partnered his ship with two other merchant vessels that agreed to sail in tandem for mutual protection. It was a wise plan meant to discourage any attack by ruthless and unscrupulous brigands and no doubt would have been quite successful if the scoundrel Mathias was not out to prove a point.

I don’t like the thought of going up against three ships, Mathias, Alphonse Ragweed cautioned, counting the sails that dotted the horizon as daybreak began. We should bide our time and wait for only one. Look at their size, three masts on each, they will be fast and sleek and hold many men.

Nonsense, Mathias sneered, eager to set his nefarious plan into motion. Three ships merely mean triple the treasure. Is that not so, Slurpus?

Yes, indeed, the grotesque toad squatted covering a good portion of the afterdeck with his enormous body and he breathed heavily both from his excessive weight as well as from his own anxiety. Despite Mathias’ display of confidence, all those on board were only too well aware of his recent failures, especially with regard to his dealings with the Fire Child, and they were hesitant to place their full trust in him. Both Slurpus and Ragweed had aligned themselves with the man merely out of greed, but it was a most tenuous pact. In fact, Slurpus was well prepared to slit Mathias’ throat at the first sign of any deception on his part, something that Mathias suspected but made no comment upon.

Ragweed glanced at the bloated toad slightly perturbed by the strong odor of sweat that exuded from the bulky creature and mixed with the salty air of the sea creating a combination that was less than desirable, and he shook his head from side to side as he spoke. One of these days your heart is going to give out, Slurpus, he warned. You are much too fat.

You had better hope for my continued good health, Alphonse, the creature said as he gave a small laugh, not the least bit offended, for who else can provide ships such as mine, and there are not many who can keep you supplied with the quality merchandise that you sell so freely on the black market. You owe much of your wealth to me, as I owe much of mine to you. One can say that we are tied together, almost like brothers. He laughed once more as he saw the man grimace at such an unpleasant thought. Ah, look! the toad pointed excitedly as he scanned the ships on the horizon. That one ship is from Corthro. I recognize its flag. Odds are that it is carrying the rare spices and fine wines for which that region is well known. Such contraband can be quickly disposed of and at some very good prices. And there is no telling what treasures the other vessels may hold. I see this as a very profitable day.

Ready the men, Mathias ordered, not particularly concerned about what any of the ships may be carrying. He had not devised his plan merely to gain wealth, although such would serve his purpose so that he could outfit an army of his own when he was ready. Right now he was more interested in demonstrating the scope and viciousness of his power. One of Slurpus’ frog warriors rushed below to summon the others to gather their weapons and soon the mutant corsairs were on deck in anticipation of battle.

Are you quite sure about this, Mathias? Alphonse asked anxiously still uncertain that the scheme would work.

Trust me, Ragweed. The cargo of those ships will soon be ours and the bodies of the seamen will fill the stomach of our beast.

But what if Liviatin proves ineffectual? The crew aboard those ships will greatly outnumber us and, without question, the sleekness of their boats and the largeness of their sails will quickly outrace our craft. We will not stand much of a chance if we should be boarded.

Do not worry, Liviatin will not fail us.

I hate to sound so pessimistic, but how can you be sure that once the beast begins his attack he will not turn upon us as well? He is an incorrigible creature and cannot be trusted.

That is quite true; he is vicious and often out of control. But I hold the conch, he lifted the pink and egg shell white object slightly as if making a point, and he is well aware of it. Believe me, he will obey.

I do not like it. This is all too much of a risk. We should have outfitted more ships so to overwhelm the merchants. Slurpus could have provided a dozen small crafts and enough frogs to man them.

Bah! Ever since your failure in attacking the Fire Child’s Fortress, Ragweed, you’ve become like an old woman, one fearful of every unrecognizable shadow that springs out from the light.

Perhaps, but the foolhardiness of that disastrous expedition taught me a lot, Mathias. Nothing is as easy as one would imagine it to be, and there are always the unknowns that man has to contend with. Out of the thousand men who accompanied me on that ill-fated trek, only a handful survived. It is true as you say, since then I’ve become much more cautious and less trusting, especially of those who have far from stellar reputations.

Mathias grinned. If you mean to offend me with your words, you will not succeed. I am only too well aware of the bad luck that has plagued me and of my own shortcomings of late. Lesser men might have taken it all for a sign that it was time to retreat into a hole and stay there until one died a most ignoble death. But not me! I have escaped the fires that sought to take my life many times and I look upon each of those events as an omen that greater things are yet to come. I understand your concerns far better than you may imagine, but do not worry for my war with the Fire Child is not yet over and eventually I will be victorious. Remember that!

But what makes you think that Liviatin will obey your commands simply because you hold that fragile sea shell? It is widely speculated that its master, Aquatus, is dead, his life having been ended by the Child. Without a doubt Liviatin has heard such rumors and looks upon his newly found freedom as a most special gift and one that he has welcomed and will want to retain. What possible harm could you, a mere human, do to a creature of his size and strength? Or what could you offer him that would make him serve you?

Ah, it is quite simple. What we do is for our mutual benefit. I get what I want, the riches of the merchants, and the beast gets to satisfy his voracious appetite. Besides, he smiled, I can smash the conch at a moment’s notice, and the beast knows that I will not hesitate to do so. I made that point crystal clear when I first approached him and recruited him for our task at hand. They looked at him not understanding the importance of his words. Mathias smiled with an aura of assurance and began to explain. "You should understand that the conch is much more than a mere signaling device, as many are apt to assume. Allow me a moment to explain.

Upon hearing the reports of Aquatus’ death, I went to the Temple from which he had first appeared. I had heard much about the place and felt that there could be secrets that Aquatus had left behind which could prove to be most useful to someone of my, he hesitated for but a second, "of my particular talents. It was there that I found the conch, but I also found the scroll that Aquatus kept hidden within the Temple quite near to it that provided the entire story. A long time ago, you see, Aquatus came upon Liviatin as he was hatching from his egg and he stole him away from the others of his kind. That was during the time of the great sea war when the mighty ocean beasts were battling each other to determine who were the more powerful species and so would dominate all the others. Aquatus was most interested in the eventual outcome, but he exhibited much patience and bided his time, watching and waiting to see whom the tide of battle would favor, and only then did he select the side to which he would lend his support. Meanwhile, he schemed as to how he could gain sole control no matter which of the groups was victorious.

The beasts, the ones that were similar to Liviatin, were extremely powerful even though their numbers were relatively few, and the sea serpents and their allies against whom they battled were truly no match for them. One would have easily assumed that Aquatus would side with the stronger group, but that was not the case for he wished to have no one around with the power capable of matching his own. The sly fiend that he was, Aquatus was quick to construct a deal with the lesser creatures, stating that if he could eliminate the mighty beasts control of the seas would be turned over to him and the others would submit and do his biding. An agreement was reached after much haggling and not all the sea creatures were pleased, especially when they learned that they would be required to make an initial sacrifice that was quite costly. But if they wished success and did not want to find themselves enslaved by the much stronger group, they had few other options available to them. He paused for a moment watching as they closed the gap between them and the other ships. Knowing he still had time, he continued with his tale.

"Within view of the lesser creatures, as was agreed to, Aquatus slaughtered five of their fellow sea serpents in order to be able to take their carcasses with him to the enemy, thus demonstrating his own strength. Of course it was a ruse to get those beasts to trust him, but it was to prove most successful.

"With such an offering, Aquatus was summarily welcomed by Liviatin’s clan for they felt that his strength would surely guarantee their own success. He was quick to appropriate a leadership role as a fighter and tactician and soon, under his direction, the beasts attacked full force and drove the smaller fishes and other aquatic creatures, including the sea serpents, into the depths of the ocean where it was felt they would no longer pose a threat. Those monsters were unaware, however, that the minimal resistance that they encountered during the attack was all part of Aquatus’ plan and totally prearranged. With the war apparently won and control of the sea now theirs, the beasts began a celebration as Aquatus had anticipated they would.

Having previously gained the trust of the beasts, he knew exactly how they were vulnerable and he was well prepared to utilize that knowledge. You see, when he initially made his pact with the lesser sea creatures, he had secured a large amount of venom secreted from the glands of the poisonous lionfish and, under the pretense of celebrating with the beasts, he used that potent poison to bring about their death releasing it within the confines of the underwater cave in which they were celebrating. The only survivor of the entire species was to be the infant Liviatin for Aquatus had previously taken the fledgling back to the Temple where he kept him hidden from all the others. It was there that he used the powers given to him by the Evil One to remove the little one’s heart. He was to keep Liviatin alive and under his control by placing some of his own fluids into the creature. He held up the large seashell. The beast’s beating heart Aquatus placed within this conch where it remains to this day. Should the conch be broken and the heart pierced, Liviatin will die.

The beast is aware of that?

Oh yes, most definitely. Aquatus explained the fragile state of the beast’s life, which is why Liviatin was always subservient to Aquatus, carrying out his wishes. And now, since I hold the shell, he will do the same for me. Mathias smiled broadly. So, you see, we need not fear the beast. He brought the conch up close to his lips. Now we must delay no longer. Let the attack begin.

He blew forcibly into the shell and the harsh, hollow blare sounded loudly across the waves and made its way to the three distant ships that immediately became alert and searched the horizon until they spotted the lone boat. They wondered what the vessel was up to, but were not overly concerned for, even if it initiated an attack upon them, one ship against their three larger ones would have no success. Within minutes, however, the water around the merchant vessels began to churn and it was not long before the head of the beast appeared.

Liviatin was enormous, and as the fierce creature rose from the water, its size easily eclipsed the three ships. In appearance, from the thick neck up, the beast was little different from the prehistoric tyrannosaur rex once known to the outer world. With a huge head and muscular jaws, when its mouth opened teeth as tall and thick around as a man’s body were revealed. Its coloring was like sea algae: dark green and brown. The middle torso was also similar to a dinosaur except for its two large and powerful arms that ended in large claws that looked more like human hands for they each held five fingers which tapered to stiletto like points. The bottom portion of the beast’s body narrowed and eventually formed a fish tail that enabled it to move with incredible speed through the water, although it also had legs so that it could journey upon the land. As it towered over the first ship, it roared and snapped the masts within its jaws as if they were matchsticks and it turned and flipped its tail so as to crash down upon the deck.

What is it doing? Ragweed shouted with dismay as they watched the carnage caused by the beast. It is destroying the ship!

Slurpus jumped to his feet, which was no easy task for one his size. You’re a fool, Mathias, he cried out angrily. The cargo will be lost! That was not our plan.

I never gave a damn about your plan, Slurpus, but do not worry, Liviatin has his instructions. He will destroy the first ship merely to show his might and to cower the others. He turned to the helmsman. Set your course so that we can join them.

But the beast, sir!

Do not concern yourself. Once he wreaks his havoc upon the first ship, he will stand guard over the other two until we draw near. Liviatin is well aware that I am here and will do us no harm. Once we are close enough to board, we will issue to the remaining ships their ultimatum: they must either surrender to us without resistance or else they fall victim to the beast as did the first ship.

As they left the hospital, Scott and T.J. waited near the entrance until Scott’s mother retrieved her car. Over the last two weeks there had been a slight change in Greg’s condition that encouraged optimism, although the man continued to remain in a coma, the result of the ogre’s attack upon him. T.J. knew that in Greg’s present state there was no way that they could get him back to the Inner World and so they would have to continue to rely on the local doctors for a while longer. He shared both Scott’s and his mother’s pain and frustration, but could only bide his time. The boys were making small talk when Scott felt the vibration of his cell phone. He pulled it from his pocket, flipped it open, and heard Chad’s tearful voice.

Chad, calm down, he said hurriedly, I can’t understand you.

While he was speaking, T.J.’s phone also rang. He picked it up and heard Crash’s frantic tone.

T! Thank God. I just tried Scotty’s phone, but it was busy. I was hoping you had not yet left for the Inner World.

Crash? What’s wrong? You… you sound terrible.

I’m so sorry, T. I… I should have listened to you. I should have eaten the flower seeds like you told me, but they tasted so horrible. It’s my fault for being so foolish. Now I’m… I think I’m dying… or worse.

Dying? Wait, I don’t understand. Where… where are you?

At the park. I’ve hidden myself among the bushes near the north entrance.

Hidden? But why?

That creature that attacked me while we were battling Aquatus, you know, the one with the quills. Somehow I’ve become infected.

What do you mean infected? T.J. thoughts flashed back quickly to the pinepuffer that had struck out at Crash during his last visit to the Inner World and how the boy had been hit by several of the creature’s sharp quills. Get yourself together, Crash. You’re not making any sense. Scott heard T.J.’s side of the conversation and he told Chad to stop speaking until he could learn what was going on with Crash.

As Crash filled him in on the changes occurring to his body and the sudden appearance of the quills that were spreading so rapidly, T.J.’s mouth nearly dropped open. As the boy frantically finished, T.J. spoke, attempting to keep his tone calm so as to reassure the boy.

Okay, settle down and listen to me carefully. I’ll be there as quickly as I can. Keep out of sight and try to take it easy. There is nothing that we can do here, but I’ll get you back to the Inner World and we’ll deal with whatever has happened. Everything is going to be all right, Crash. Just hang in there. He closed his phone and looked over at Scott who had already read T.J.’s thoughts and knew the criticalness of Crash’s situation.

H… have you ever heard of anything like that happening before, T?

No, but I’m sure we can do something about it. The thing is we can’t stand around wasting time. If the infection is spreading as rapidly as Crash says, we have to hurry. He glanced at the phone still in Scott’s hand. What about Chad? What’s going on with him?

He’s in some sort of a panic. From what I can gather so far, his folks have enrolled him in an exclusive private school, one away from our town. The whole thing seems to have come as a total surprise to him and he’s freaking out. You know how emotional he can get.

T.J. closed his eyes feeling the stress of the last few months suddenly coming down heavily upon him, but he knew that his friends were depending upon him. He opened them and spoke softly. You think you can help out with Chad? I know there is probably nothing any of us can do except comfort him, but he does need someone with him at this time.

Sure, I’ll get right over there. What about you?

When you get to Chad’s place, tell him what has apparently happened with Crash and that I have to get him back to my world as quickly as I can. I’m going to call Crash’s house and have someone pick me up here and then we’ll go retrieve Crash. I’ll swing by Chad’s home and get Criton, but I won’t be able to stay. Explain that to Chad so he doesn’t think I’m ignoring his situation. Its just important that I get Crash back to the Inner World as fast as I can so we can deal with whatever is affecting him.

Scott glanced down the road and spied his mother’s automobile pulling out from the parking lot. My mom’s coming now. You want us to drive you to the park before she drops me at Chad’s?

T.J. thought about that for a second. Yeah, maybe that might be best, that way I can see exactly how bad things are. I’ll still phone Crash’s house, but I’ll have them stop at Chad’s to pick up Criton before they meet us at the park.

One of Crash’s older brothers answered the telephone. Upon hearing what T.J. had to say, however, he yelled for his father who quickly grabbed the phone from him. What is it, T.J.? What has happened to Juan?

I… I have to take him back to the Inner World, Mr. Sanchez. He picked up some sort of infection while he was there and it is just starting to spread. I… I’m not going to lie to you, it sounds quite serious. What I need is for someone to drive us to the cave so we can return to my world.

Where are you?

I’ll be at Tinmore Park with Crash. Before anyone comes for us, however, I need them to stop at Chad’s house so they can pick up Criton.

I will go myself and get the little boy and meet you at the park. There was a pause and T.J. could hear the fear in the older man’s voice. Will… will my son be okay, T.J.?

I will do everything that I can to make sure he stays well, Mr. Sanchez. I promise you.

The territory known as Scalarad was situated in the southwestern area of the Inner World. It was a desolate, arid land consisting of hard clay and grainy sand upon which little vegetation grew. It was also the headquarters for the Lizargoths, a vicious lizard like group of creatures who made their home in a series of tunnels constructed under the parched ground. They were a clan accustomed to a hard way of life and could survive for days in the desert region with no food and very little water. They were neither farmers nor tradesmen and kept alive by ransacking villages and raiding the caravans that traveled from the southern ocean to the larger towns and cities of the north. Because of the ferocity of such attacks, over the last several months the merchants found it beneficial to pay a tribute to the creatures in exchange for safe passage through the territory. While many of the Lizargoth warriors would have preferred the excitement of battle, Gilaman, the tribal chief, recognized the advantages of an uncontested source of income and he kept his warriors in check.

The army believes you grow soft, Gilaman, the leader’s second in command stated frankly. They consider it somewhat demeaning to have someone simply throw gold in one’s direction merely to ensure that their way is not fraught with danger.

And you, Kaseem, what do you believe?

The scaly red lizard laughed lightly. I suspect you have reasons for your actions and will share them only when you feel the time is right.

Gilaman laughed loudly and withdrew his sword from its sheath. You know me too well, Kaseem. He picked up a honing stone and began to sharpen his blade. Yes, I have been planning a most ambitious undertaking and soon we will have enough gold in our possession to allow us to begin.

Can you give me some hint as to what you are planning, my leader?

I can do better than that; I will show you. He replaced his sword into its sheath and stood. Come, let us go to my private chamber.

While normally walking upright while out of their burrows, the lizards enjoyed running on all fours through the narrow tunnels. It provided the opportunity to utilize their speed, something that most humans and other creatures usually overlooked. The two warriors moved swiftly and soon entered the quarters of the leader. He directed the soldier’s attention to a small table upon which a large map was displayed. Gilaman used a thick claw nail to point to a circled spot.

That is our current location, he said as his claw began to trace a path northward. As you can see, the desert extends for many miles, barren and cruel. But beyond these territories are the verdant fields and forests with their many hills and rivers and lakes. Within those areas are built the towns and cities of the so-called civilized. For centuries have the Lizargoths suffered and borne the hardships of this land, but soon we will have weapons enough to venture forth and seize a better life.

Ah, so that is why you have been hording the gold, to buy weapons.

Yes. I have already negotiated an agreement with a most unsavory character called Slurpus. Among other things, the unscrupulous toad is also an arms dealer. He assures me that he will be able to provide much of what we need, once we can meet his price.

When do you think we will go to raid the north? Kaseem asked, stunned by the boldness of Gilaman’s plan and yet anxious to begin.

Soon we will have enough gold to purchase lances and swords to arm every one of our clan from the oldest to the youngest for we do not go simply to raid those rich towns, Kaseem, we go to claim a totally new way of life for our species. Our numbers have become great over these last years, far more than anyone of the north suspects. When we start our march forward, it will take a human a half-day’s journey to reach from the beginning of our army to the back line. Fully armed, there will be no stopping us until we reach our final destination.

And where is that, my glorious leader?

Gilaman rested the tip of his nail on a large read dot on the map. There, Kaseem. There will be our new home: Stonemass.

Jonas watched the quick destruction of the first vessel in awe and knew that the swords of his sailors would do no good against the massive sea beast. He ordered his men to make ready the smaller boats with the hope of abandoning the ship before the creature turned its wrath upon them. Before the men could obey, however, one pointed in the direction of the oncoming vessel. Captain, look there. Do you think they are coming to help rescue us?

Hardly, Gadfeld. He sensed rightly that they had been caught in a trap. I would say that they are the pirates that we have been hearing so much about. I fear we have reached the end of the line.

TWO

After learning of the telephone calls, Karen, Scott’s mother, dropped T.J. at the park and headed directly for Chad’s house. Even though Scott wanted to remain to see what had happened to Crash, he realized that there was nothing that he could do and it was just as important that he go to see Chad.

It sounds as if Chad needs moral support more than anything else, Scotty, T.J. hugged his brother before he headed into the park. You’re much better at such things than I am, you know. Don’t worry about Crash. Criton and I will take care of him and get him back to the Inner World as quickly as we can. Whatever the infection is, we will find a way to cure it.

Scott nodded his head knowing that T.J. was right. I’m not exactly sure how much comfort I can provide to Chad, but, if nothing else, I’ll give him the chance to vent his feelings. He bit at his lower lip for a second and then spoke strongly. Once I get him settled down a bit and I think he’s okay, I’m coming to the Inner World. He waited for T.J. to protest, but the boy simply smiled and spoke softly.

I already guessed as much. I’ll make sure that Scrooge is waiting for you at Cherbus’ village. He’ll know where we are headed and will bring you to us. Scott nodded and got back into the car and, as they drove away, T.J. turned to enter the park. Even before Scott had left, he had heard the low menacing growl nearby and wondered if it could be Crash or merely some stray dog. He hoped that whatever had happened to Crash it had in no way affected his mind. The last thing T.J. wanted to do was to hurt his friend.

As Karen pulled into the Endicott’s driveway, Chad and Criton came running out from the house. How’s Crash? Chad asked anxiously as Scott was exiting the automobile.

I’m not sure. I didn’t get to see him. Mr. Sanchez is coming here to pick up Criton and will take him to the park so he can meet up with T.J., and then he’ll drive the three of them back to the cave.

We should go with them, Chad responded quickly.

Later, Scott said simply as they turned to see an old rusted truck pulling up along side them. Scott knelt down and quickly hugged Criton as he spoke. Mr. Sanchez will take you to the park, Criton, so that you can meet up with Thaddeus. We… we know what the pinepuffer that infected Crash was like, so you be careful.

Chad’s eyes got wide at the thought of Crash becoming like the creature that had infected him. He quickly reached for Scott’s shoulder. You… you don’t think that Crash…

I… I don’t know what is going on, Chad, Scott stood and gently pushed the little wolf boy in the direction of Sanchez’s truck and the older man reached across his seat and opened the door. Once the boy was inside, he drove away quickly.

Karen looked out of her car window at the two remaining boys. Scott, do you want me to wait here?

I… I think it best if I speak with Chad alone, mom. Why don’t you go on home and I’ll telephone you later. Now that Criton had gone, Scott could see the tears welling up in Chad’s eyes. While his mother drove away, Scott draped his arm across his friend’s shoulder and led him back into the house.

T.J. walked slowly through the rod iron archway that marked the entrance to Tinsmore Park. It was late in the morning and there were a number of older people and small children roaming around mainly by the playground area where the slides and swings were located. T.J. headed for the group of trees that bordered the small lake feeling that Crash would go there since it had always been the boys’ favorite place. He had just made his way passed three or four trees when he heard the hoarse, whispered voice.

T, is there anyone else around?

T.J. looked in the direction from which the voice had come, but saw nothing hidden within the heavy foliage. No, Crash. It’s safe for you to come out. He waited and drew in a quick breath as the boy stepped out from the cover of the bushes. Crash had removed his shirt and his entire middle torso was covered with the quills. Crash was slightly bent over and T.J. moved quickly to him, but the boy held up his hand.

Don’t get too close, T. I… I don’t know if the quills are poisonous or if they will shake loose or whatever. T.J. paused and moved more slowly. He was able to glimpse a portion of the youngster’s back and saw that it was also beginning to show signs of the sharp points protruding from the skin.

How do you feel, Crash? Are you in very much pain.

No, T, not really. It is merely uncomfortable and… and I’m really scared.

It’s okay. I’ll take care of you. He moved closer and Crash pulled back not wanting to be touched. Don’t worry, Crash. You won’t hurt me. I just want to examine these things more closely. He reached out and felt along the side of one of the quills. It was smooth and embedded within Crash’s flesh. I think it looks an awful lot worse than it really is, he said, attempting to keep his voice calm in an effort to relax his friend. Your dad is stopping at Chad’s to pick up Criton. Once they get here I’m going to take you back to the Inner World. We’ll find some way to cure you of this stuff.

You think you can, T? What… what if this doesn’t kill me but affects my mind in some way and makes me want to harm you or the others? You know how aggressive that weird creature was.

I wouldn’t worry about that too much. From what I can tell, the infection seems to have only altered your appearance. You appear healthy enough otherwise and, well, you don’t feel any hostility toward me or the others, do you?

No. I… I… he started to cry. Oh, T, this is all my fault. I should have listened to you. I should have taken the medicine like you told me, but those spores tasted so awful.

Don’t go blaming yourself for any of this, Crash. If it is anyone’s fault, it is mine for placing you in danger to begin with. He turned as he heard a door slam shut and spotted Mr. Sanchez getting out of his truck and Criton already running in their direction. As Criton drew near, T.J. grabbed him by the shoulder.

Don’t get too close, Criton. We don’t know if those quills are infected. The little wolf boy nodded his head and approached more cautiously.

Don’t worry, Crash, he said, his voice soft and sweet. You are going to be fine.

T.J. watched as Mr. Sanchez came running forward and he stepped out to meet him. Before you see Crash, Mr. Sanchez, let me prepare you. One of the creatures that attacked us while Crash was in my world was a combination of a porcupine and a puffer fish. Unfortunately, Crash came in contact with some of the quills of that monster. We thought we had removed them all, but apparently we missed one or else the venom had already entered his system causing an infection. Criton and I will take him back into the Inner World and we’ll find a way to get him back to normal. I promise you that.

I want to see him!

Yes, of course, only don’t get too close. The infection has caused his body to mutate and he… he is covered with quills. He is in no pain, but it is not a pleasant sight to look at. The older man nodded his head and T.J. allowed him to pass so that he could see his son. When he did, the man began to cry. Criton ran over quickly and wrapped his arms gently around the older man’s waist.

Don’t worry, Crash’s father, Thaddeus and I will take care of him. He will get better.

Sanchez nodded his head and placed his hand gently on the little boy’s shoulder.

I know you will, Criton. He looked over at T.J. May… may I have a couple of moments alone with Juan?

Of course. Ah, do you have a blanket or something large in your truck so that we can cover Crash? He won’t be able to get his shirt back on and we don’t want anyone seeing his… his condition.

Yes, there are several blankets draped over the seats. T.J. nodded and took Criton’s hand and led him away to the truck giving Sanchez time alone with his son.

Do you think Crash will be all right, Scotty?

Once T.J. gets him back to the Inner World, I’m sure they can do something for him. He sat across from his friend. Now, what about you, Chad? What has happened?

I… I can’t believe it, Scotty. My folks, they… his voice began to choke up as he extended his hand with the letter that he had received from the school advising him of when he was expected to report, and Scott took hold of it and read.

Oh, wow! And you didn’t know anything about this?

Nothing. Why… why didn’t they say something to me before they did this? They know how I feel about you guys. To separate us, it’s just not right. Why would they do this?

You haven’t spoken to them yet?

No, my dad is working and my mom went shopping. They don’t even know that the letter came.

Scott nodded his head and reread the letter and could understand why Chad was so upset. Not only was he being sent away to school, but he was also expected to be there in about a week’s time. He folded the letter. Tell you what, I’ll stay here until they get home and then we’ll talk to them together. Okay?

Tears streamed down from Chad’s eyes. Scotty, I don’t care what they say, I’m not going away to some private school. If… if I have to, I’ll go to the Inner World and stay there and never come back.

Let’s not even think about something like that, Chad. Let’s wait until we hear what your folks have to say.

T.J. had retrieved one of the blankets and brought it back and draped it gently over Crash’s body. He led him back to the truck and the boy climbed onto the truck bed with Criton while T.J. joined Sanchez within the cab. You know where the cave is, Mr. Sanchez. Get us there as quickly as you can.

The older man wiped his eyes as he started the engine and he pulled away and on to the main road leading out of the town. He said nothing for the first couple of miles, but could hold back no longer.

This is your fault, T.J., the words came out bitterly. Juan went with you to help you and you promised to protect him. You said he would come to no harm.

I… I am sorry, Mr. Sanchez. I did not expect anything like this to happen. He did not tell the man that part of the problem was Crash’s failure to eat the flower spores as T.J. had instructed him to do for he felt that the man was correct, what had happened was ultimately his responsibility. If there is a bright spot, it is that Crash’s health does not seem to be affected. The change is solely to his appearance. I’m sure, given time, we can do something about that.

Mr. Sanchez slowed the truck and spoke softly keeping his eyes fixed on the road and not looking at the boy. I am sorry for my words, T.J. I… I know how much you love Crash and it is wrong for me to blame you. Please, forgive me.

There is nothing to forgive, Mr. Sanchez. I have already been blaming myself.

May… may I be permitted to go with my son back to your world?

T.J. had expected the request and he slowly shook his head. No, Mr. Sanchez. I… I cannot allow you to do that. But do not worry, we will do everything we can to see that Crash gets well.

I know you will, but… but it is difficult for me to see him like that. And he is so frightened.

Mathias smiled broadly as he assessed the damage that the beast had done. The surface of the water was littered with the debris from the wrecked ship and Liviatin was occupied feasting upon the bodies of dead seamen that floated and bounced upon the ripples of the waves. Initially, several sailors had survived the attack of the beast and attempted to swim to the other ships, but the sea creature plucked them from the sea and their screams could be heard above the sound of the splashing water. It could not be any better, Mathias thought, for those aboard the other two ships looked on with horror, feeling powerless and terrified that they would be next to feel the wrath of the mighty beast.

Mathias had his ship pull close to the others and he shouted out. Ahoy! Surrender your weapons and cargo and you will have no reason to fear for your lives. The beast will stay at bay unless you attempt to flee or fight. Now, toss your weapons into one of the smaller dinghies and lower it to the water. Move to the opposite side of the ship and allow us to board.

Jonas withdrew his sword and was about to order his men to prepare for battle, but they anticipated his feelings and three burly men grabbed his arms and quickly disarmed him. We mean no disrespect, Captain, the one said slowly, but there is no way that we can battle both the pirates and the beast. While you may deem it important, the cargo is not worth our lives.

Jonas was about to curse them and call them traitors and thieves, but he heard the continuing screams of those in the water that were being harvested by the beast and he slowly nodded his head. I… I understand. Release me and do as the brigand has ordered. He turned and headed for his cabin not wanting to be on deck as his ship was boarded.

The captain and his men aboard the other ship observed all that was happening and followed suit, loading one of the smaller crafts with their weapons and lowering it into the sea. They watched Mathias and several of the pirates board the first ship and its cargo was slowly transferred to the pirates’ vessel while they awaited their own fate. Ragweed and Slurpus greedily eyed the crates and barrels that were brought aboard. Soon the entire storage area below deck, as well as the deck itself, was loaded with their misbegotten treasure. Do we have room for any of the other cargo? Ragweed asked with worry as he felt their smaller ship sink deeper into the water from the extra weight. We should have brought more ships.

Don’t concern yourself, Ragweed, Mathias said easily as he rejoined them on deck. He ordered his men to retrieve their grappling hooks to free themselves from the captive ship and he maneuvered his vessel nearer to the second craft.

Yo! All those aboard will now abandon ship. Swim to the first and join your fellow voyagers. But do it quickly before the beast’s hunger gets the best of him. The men rushed to the rails and jumped overboard and soon the second ship was empty except for its captain who stood upon the upper deck. Mathias saw him and gave a small smile. I admire your courage, captain, but do not waste your life so frivolously. Abandon your ship now so that you may live to sail on another day.

You men are fiends! the captain shouted while gripping the sword that he had retained while waiting to be boarded. I may die, but I will take several of you with me.

Such a brave fool, Mathias said under his breath as he motioned for a half dozen archers to step forward. We cannot waste time. Dispose of him, And the archers let loose their arrows and the captain fell dead upon the wooden deck. Mathias turned to Ragweed totally unconcerned about the death of the man.

I will take half of our crew aboard our new ship. Set your course to sail back to the harbor and we will follow.

Slurpus stared at the first ship that was busy taking aboard the fleeing sailors. Why not kill them all and claim that vessel as well? Slurpus asked quickly. Why leave any witnesses as to what has happened?

Ah, but we want witnesses, my warty friend. I want them to return to shore and tell everyone exactly what has occurred here. Let them spread the word that the beast is our ally and stands by our side in battle. Not only will it plant fear into every heart, but it will serve a double purpose.

And that is?

Think about it, Slurpus. After another raid or two, whenever anyone spies our flag, they will immediately believe that the beast is with us, whether it is or not. Consider how much additional territory our ships can patrol after planting such fear into the hearts of those sailors.

Ah, yes, I see what you mean. The creature gave an evil laugh. The merchants will be uncertain as to whether or not your beast is near. They will be less likely to fight and more willing to surrender their cargo.

Exactly. Now, let us be on our way.

Sanchez pulled his truck close to the hillside and Criton quickly jumped down from the truck bed and helped Crash who moved forward awkwardly. Stay in the truck, Mr. Sanchez, please, T.J. said as he opened his door to exit. You may have a few moments with Juan, but I don’t want you touching him. The man slowly nodded his head as he watched in the mirror as his son approached. T.J. ran around to the side of the truck and gave Crash a small smile. We’ll have you back in my world within a short time, buddy. Take your time saying goodbye. He turned and walked to where Criton was waiting. As he reached him, he could tell that the youngster had something on his mind. What is it, Criton?

Crash feels terrible that he did not listen to you, Thaddeus, and eat the flower seeds as you directed, but I told him that it would not have mattered.

What do you mean?

We thought that all the quills had been removed from him, but, as you said, there must have been at least one that was missed. After the attack, I asked Ariela what she knew about the different creatures that had attacked us and about the pinepuffer in particular. She assured me that the quills are not poisonous so none of us are in danger if we should touch one, but if one of the thorns becomes lodged and is allowed to be in the body too long, it will begin to rot and fester. Such a reaction will cause the organism to grow and to take over its host, as it is trying to do now with Crash. I feel that the real danger for Crash rests in the fact that he already has one other entity dwelling within his body, that of the yeti. I don’t believe his system will be able to support both of those beings. I’ve seen such things with my own people. As a werewolf, we are part human and part wolf. If a member of my pack becomes infected by another type of creature, like Crash has been, the body fights internally with one entity dueling against the other. The strain placed upon the body becomes too much and, eventually, the entire body dies.

You… you believe Crash is going to die?

He is an outer world human, so I cannot be sure, but we cannot take the chance. We must stop the infection as quickly as we can.

But how? Have you any thoughts about what can be done?

We must get him to Greybeard. Since Crash is part yeti, Greybeard may have some idea as to how we can halt the infection.

Yes, you’re right. He smiled and hugged the young boy to him. What would we do without you, Criton? I feel so dumb sometimes when it comes to the ways of the Inner World.

The little wolf boy returned the hug. It is just that you have not been in the Inner World long enough, Thaddeus, and do not know all the legends and tales that are told. That is why my grandmother said I must stay with you, so that I can help.

Your grandmother would be very proud of you, Criton. Believe me. He looked over to where Crash and his father continued to speak to each other. He hated to break them apart, but he knew that time was of the essence. Crash, he called out, it is time for us to leave.

The teen leaned forward carefully and kissed his father’s cheek and then moved to join T.J. and Criton. T.J. waved to the older man and called out.

I’m not sure how long it will take, Mr. Sanchez, but Crash will be fine.

I will pray for you all.

As the boys climbed the hillside, Sanchez watched sadly, and only when they entered the cave and were out of his sight did he start the truck and drive away with the tears flowing freely from his eyes.

T.J. quickly brought Crash up to date on what Criton had told him. It makes sense, T., the boy said struggling