The Two Men Who Kill To Be Carbon, Book Four: The Sabienn Feel Adventures

By Mark Barkley

In his quest to seek the occult stone, which is also sought by his Father to push the planet into war, Sabienn Feel and his brothers venture to the disputed territories of Rotnadge-Minora in Deerland.

In order to find the next clue in this journey, Sabienn needs to seek a coffee mug with the words “The World’s Greatest Dad”. This mug is a solid lead for him as a reader.

But big men with influence have other plans. A powerful and mysterious General follows Sabienn’s travel throughout the land under his military control. And his Father, the Grand Inquisitor Profound Murrlock Hyde requires that Sabienn and his brothers must die on the fateful ground of Mount Farewell.

Their deaths are to be at the hands of two men who now call themselves the Hot Cold Coal and the Diamond; the two men who kill to be carbon. One man used to be one of Sabienn’s best friends. The other man killed the woman Sabienn loved. Or did he?

The Two Men Who Kill To Be Carbon is the fourth of twelve books in the Sabienn Feel Adventures.

Interview with the Author

Q - What inspired you to write The Sabienn Feel Adventures?

A – I’ve always loved the idea of the epic journey. I’m acquainted with the book Journey to the West but was more familiar with the TV series in the 80’s based on the book called Monkey. The idea of four souls travelling across a wide expanse of geography to complete a quest appealed to me. So I planned a series of twelve books to go from one place in the south of this space colony that they live on twice removed from Earth, to end up in the north, meeting danger at every turn.

Q – Why does your main character Sabienn Feel grow wings?

A - Good question. I wanted something very drastic to occur to these people physically. Something that would be difficult to hide and offer an immediate prejudice. The idea of growing wings constantly came up for me. There’s a Pearl Jam song I found inspiring that says, “And sometimes is seen a strange spot in the sky. A human being that was given to fly”.
And in my mind’s eye, I could see this figure. Almost like the Led Zeppelin Icarus logo but with bat wings. But they couldn’t fly otherwise they’d hit the sky and the journey would be over in no time. I made them only able to swim because being submerged in water has elements of dealing with the subconscious. To me it satisfies all elements of those prophecy, fantasy, epic adventure type of stories that involve friendship and brotherhood.

Q - So, why should readers give these books a try?

A – Well I would say they were humour-filled, page-turning, epic, fantasy adventure novels which involve a quest. But then that’s what you would expect me to say. Why not try and read one of the books and let me know what you think? Some of the books are free so you’ve got nothing to lose.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Mark Barkley
• Release date: Jun 7, 2019
• ISBN: 9780463916032

Book preview

The Two Men Who Kill To Be Carbon

Book Four: The Sabienn Feel Adventures

By

Mark Barkley

©2019

Cover Design: Bonygrafi (Lina) https://www.fiverr.com/bonygrafi

Formatting: Polgarus Studio

All rights reserved. Without limiting the rights under copyright reserved above, no part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in or introduced into a retrieval system, or transmitted, in any form or by any means (electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise), without the prior permission of the copyright owner.

See more at https://markbarkley.net

Contents

1. Time Travel

2. The Road to Haarl

3. The Fine Dining Experience

4. A Man of Hard Truth

5. The ADISS Convention

6. Everyone’s Running From Someone

7. Fish In A Barrel

8. We Dig

9. ‘9999’

10. As Simple As Green and Blue

11. The Survivor

12. The Wrong Card

13. The Wedding

14. The Powerful One

15. The World’s Greatest Dad

16. The New World

17. The Honour of The Duel

18. The Rat and The Snake

19. A Man Familiar Yet Foreign

20. Rule 33

21. The Black Pig

1. Time Travel

What will we do? said the Deerland corporal. We slice your heads off. He then giggled with what Sabienn assumed was that reliable mix of alcohol and insanity. Then we stick the heads on our catapult and watch them sail over the wall.

Sabienn and his three brothers, Bray, Deep and Stork were being led up the beach in the late morning with their wrists bound in plastic ties held out in front of them. The two guards walking behind them slapped sand from their Deerland uniforms. The corporal in front was unsteady in his footing and hung on to his rifle’s shoulder strap letting it almost drag on the ground like it was some lethal toy.

In the distance, where they were walking to, was the brick wall portion of the border wall between the Lower Deerland provinces of Saddle to the north and Rotnadge-Minora to the south. Sabienn could view, even from where he was, the blood stains on the wall from people who had been lined up against it. In less than ten minutes they would be there to touch the stains themselves.

With a heavy heart, Sabienn looked around at his brothers and then the two big and clumsy-looking privates guarding them. This gamble of trying to get to Rotnadge-Minora through Saddle looks like a dead end. What was I thinking? You’ve got us all wrong, called Sabienn to the corporal. We’re here on business. I want my embassy.

You can talk soon enough, called the corporal. Or your head will. The rest of you stays here.

As the brothers walked, Sabienn stole a glance at Bray who was desperately trying to indicate his pocket. Sabienn understood immediately. Grey Cape’s last note. I gave it to Bray. Should’ve eaten it while I could. Now Grey Cape’s in danger.

See this, said the corporal, waving his arms around. This is my killing zone. Mine. From that guard house. He pointed to a distant guard point on raised stilts a few kilometres to the west. To this beach.

Well I’m going to complain about you boys, said Stork turning to address the biggest of the guards behind them. That’ll be the first thing I do when my head hits the ground on the other side of that wall. That crash tackle really hurt.

The comment brought a smile to Sabienn’s face and gave him courage. Stork’s right, he thought. We’re dead. Let’s go down swinging.

If you didn’t run when I said stop, said the big guard, I wouldn’t’ve put my shoulder into you.

Just you stay cooped up in a cargo hold full of chickens, added Stork. You need to stretch your legs. Let alone breathe.

Just shut it, said the big guard.

That guy’s got you there, Stork, said Sabienn turning to his brother. That private’s got brains. He then turned to view the back of the corporal in front. Funny how promotion always favours the idiots.

Yeah, yap it up, said the corporal halting to turn and face Sabienn. Last guy had a mouth too. Don’t expect a blindfold. I love watchin’ you people look at me while I shut you up.

Why do you boys need so many chickens? said Stork. Can’t you boys make chickens here in Saddle? You just throw lettuce on the ground, get a rooster, get a chicken and you get eggs. It’s not hard.

Sabienn turned to Bray. Bray, Saddle. What do you know?

Calmly Bray replied, "Saddle has chickens. It has dairy. It has beef and pork. It has fields of potatoes."

That’s just swell, said the corporal now becoming annoyed. You know what else it has? Clean beaches. The headless bodies get thrown to the fish.

The shorter of the two guards at the rear piped up, soberly and softly to the corporal, He’s just talking, Zee. There’s no fuss.

Keep on point, called Zee to his two charges, then indicated Sabienn. He’s working us. Zee pulled his rifle to his shoulder and addressed his troops solidly. You want to get stripes, you got to get a name. He indicated the wall. "You’ve read the reports. All the high-ups on their side. They complain about us. They complain about me. We let too many gun runners in. This stretch is the weakest link, they say. They make us look bad. Send a head over to their kid’s playground and let it rot, I say. Zee turned to the shorter of the guards. Don’t get played, Filo. Four heads sailing over the wall, they’ll know we’re doin’ our job. Break out the catapult."

With haste Filo left the group briefly and moved to a nearby object the size of a small car hidden by a tarpaulin. As he pulled the sheet away, it revealed a very basic trebuchet catapult constructed of wooden beams and ropes with a small canvas pouch for the sling. As Sabienn viewed it he believed it had the sophistication of a school science project. He then noticed colourful stickers on the main throwing beam of a Deerland musical boy band to show that this was exactly what it was.

With a shock, Sabienn’s eyes moved to the left of the device to see a makeshift chopping block of concrete tiles and a hastily flung hacksaw to the side still covered in blood. It was his belief that this was where they created their projectiles; one of which he was currently thinking with.

Casually Filo picked up from a box at the side of the catapult a cabbage in his left hand and a lettuce in his right. He looked over to the brothers and squinted at them as if to size them all up. He placed the cabbage down at his feet and put the lettuce into the sling.

Oh, come on, protested Sabienn. A lettuce? That’s just plain insulting.

As he complained, the trebuchet was released and the lettuce flung from its sling and sailed with an easy trajectory to disappear over the border wall.

Well at least they can’t complain they’re not getting a salad, piped up Stork blankly.

Line them up, Range, said Zee to the bigger of the guards. Let’s get some bullets into them.

As he stood at the brick wall, Sabienn now touched the blood stains of the previously detained. The marks were now dried on the solid vertical face now bathed in the late morning sunshine. He felt the shiver go up his spine as he realized his blood would be painted on next. Think! Hey I thought you boys had respect for your allies, said Sabienn with earnest intent. You’re looking at the finest of the Hayddland Academies.

That just makes me want to put a bullet into you more, said Zee. He then turned to Filo who had returned and presented him with a new clip. Here, Zee said, handing across the ammunition. Use the full clip.

I don’t want to get shot until I sing a song, said Bray. Sabienn looked to his brother who seemed to be still displaying a little light-headed detachment from his experience with the drugs that had him in a walking coma. Bray continued, I just fell in love with a woman last week and now I’ll never see her. But you never asked me about R-M. He enquired of Sabienn, making the reference to Rotnadge-Minora. R-M’s chief industry is tourism. Yet tourism has been weak for ten years. Why don’t they put that in the book?

Got me curly-head, said Zee, working his weapon. Let us know when your head hits the town.

And daylight saving. R-M has moved their clocks, said Bray. That’s why you boys are backward.

We’re forward, said Filo.

No, we’re behind, said Range. Of the guards, Sabienn could sense by his reply Range wasn’t comfortable with the situation.

Zee moved in and held his rifle so its muzzle was pointed directly at Bray’s forehead. Looks like you already sung your song, said Zee. And I tell you what. I’ll get four tourist maps of R-M. I’ll staple one to each of your ears. Help put the books right. Ha ha. Zee was the only one laughing. To Sabienn it wasn’t just because the joke wasn’t funny. He could sense a mood in the other two guards.

The sight of a gun pointed at Bray whom he saved from death four days ago pushed the blood back into Sabienn’s neck and he bristled and grappled again with his old friend, the unknown.

Stop. Stop! called Sabienn with annoyance. Which one?

Hold that excitement, boy, said Zee.

No no. Which one? called Sabienn, shaking his head. You’re going to staple a map to our ears. Which one?

"We’re the guard of the beach and the Saddle Tourism Board," said Zee with a smile and bringing his weapon up to point at the target speaking.

No, called Sabienn. Which one? Which ear? Which ear are you going to staple the map to?

Line it up, boys, called Zee to the four brothers.

No! called Sabienn and sat down and crossed his legs. You can shoot me sitting down. You haven’t worked anything out. He picked out Range with his eyes and directed his attention to him. You. I can talk with you. You’ve got a brain. You don’t have anything worked out here. Still directing to Range, Sabienn indicated Deep standing against the wall. This man stands tall at the Deerland War Memorial. I’ve seen him. Ramrod attention. You look at him. There’s no greater friend of Deerland.

Range, still holding his rifle at the ready, looked towards Deep with enquiring eyes.

On my honour as a wolf, said Deep calmly. Its flags were bathed in morning light. It was beautiful from the water.

Sabienn saw the words of Deep have a sway on Range. They must have been the first words Deep said in two hours but they had the effect of a native snake doctor sucking the venom from a wound.

You look at this man’s head, said Sabienn, still toward Range but referring to Deep. That noble nose. That classic jaw. This guy’s going to cut his head. Sabienn eyed towards Zee. Then staple a map to his ear. But which ear? Is it the left ear? Is it the right ear? Then he’s going to send the head over the wall. But is it going to spin to the left? Is it going to spin to the right? And now this stuff about the clocks. Is his head going back in time? Is it going into the future? You haven’t thought this. I like you, man. You’re a thinker. But you don’t know how his head’s going to fly. And you don’t know when or where it’s going to land. He then looked to Zee. And all because this guy wants to get even with someone who stopped him getting sergeant. I want to speak to your superior.

He’s working you, Range, said Zee now taking up position to shoot. Line it up, boys. Let’s get this over.

Whoah, Zee, said Filo quietly, still with his rifle ready. Last guys were Turrs. No problems there. Turrs killed my brother. But this one, I’m not feeling good.

Zee turned on Filo with some heat. You do as I say, he said. That’s an order!

An order? said Filo standing his ground. He took a brief glance at Range before replying. Let’s call it. Captain says no, they walk. It’s her call. Captain says yes. They fly. We’re all good.

Weekend warriors, called Zee to his charges. I’ll shoot ‘em myself. Zee raised his weapon to kill Sabienn first.

Hey hey, said Filo, pushing Zee’s barrel down with his own weapon. We’re talking.

I got the call, shouted Zee. I got the haul. Dragged on the coals. He indicated the catapult. You were in this. We all were in this. Now stab me in the back. He pushed Filo back with his rifle pressed against his chest. He then turned to shoot Sabienn when Range came around and swung a punch on Zee laying him out flat on the ground.

My grandpa lies in Hayddland, said Range barely puffing after the effort. Under our flags. He worked weekends.

As Zee lay there working his jaw with his hand he turned to Range. You’re busted, he said then turned to Filo. You saw that.

Filo turned to the perplexed look of the four brothers lined up against the wall. You boys see anything? asked Filo innocently.

Sabienn replied quietly, Sun. The sun was in my eyes.

Sun’s bad, Zee, said Filo to his corporal. Real hot and humid.

Sabienn, feeling only the prickling hairs on his skin without heat or humidity, turned to his brothers before speaking, May we speak with your Captain?

"You may not?" said Range, still quite hostile.

The comment pushed Sabienn back on his haunches. This can still go either way.

A pause occurred which lasted almost an eternity before Range reached to his pocket and pulled a device. The voice came on speaker for all to hear. Yeah. It was female.

Captain Till? said Range.

Make this morning better, said Till, preoccupied with something else.

We’ve company, said Range. Four Haydds. Wings. One wolf.

Two, said Sabienn, pushing his two fingers forward.

Range continued, Hitched in on the transport. Caught them running away. On the beach. Presence here unknown. Permission to execute.

Where’s Zee? said Till’s voice through the device.

Here, said Zee. I got an issue. Range hit me.

No no, said Till. No paperwork. We’re all a team. Range, bring in the prisoners. Zee, that transport? Go see a man about a bag of sugar.

I’ll send Filo, said Zee annoyed.

"No, I’d really like you to go, understand? said Till through the speaker. There was a pause. Goodbye, boys." The speaker went dead.

As soon as the Captain’s voice had disappeared, Zee was up and pushed his rifle sideways into the chest of the much larger Range. Just try it again. He held back and they stared at each other with hostile intent. Both of you, continued Zee. Weak as piss.

Without further words, the brothers were led by Range and Filo to a vehicle with a holding cage on the back. Bray, Sabienn and Stork were each helped in to the rear enclosure when Zee came along and clanged the door shut. A bemused Deep still stood on the ground outside.

You, said Zee to Deep. Keep your walking shoes on. You’re with me.

That’s not orders, said Filo.

Shut it, said Zee. He then pushed Deep still with his hands tied in the direction of the beach.

No, cried Sabienn, appalled at the turn of events. He’s with us.

His appeals fell on deaf ears as the three brothers in the cage viewed Deep staring back with defiant calm. See you soon, said Deep.

The vehicle’s batteries suddenly came to power and they were moving off. Sabienn’s fingers gripped through the cage wire as he watched his brother receding into the distance; being left behind next to a psychopath with a hacksaw and a catapult. Call the Captain, Sabienn called to the two privates in the front cabin. But the vehicle moved on up the dirt track beside the border.

He’ll be fine, said Bray beside him. As he spoke, his bound wrists delved clumsily into his pocket and he handed across the latest note received from Grey Cape. Sabienn remembered it had been handed to Bray two days ago but he had a turn with his condition and it went to his pocket.

With his bound hands, Sabienn received the paper carefully and viewed the note’s contents again but the words didn’t elicit any more clues than when he first read it. He read to himself one more time.

"Further notes. By now you would have received news that your father has ordered the death of you and your brothers. He has assigned your class-mates, the twins Cole and Shyne Dryde, who now call themselves the Hot Cold Coal and the Diamond. Your father has dubbed these men, who are in order number two and number one black wolf from your year, the two men who kill to be carbon. Be wary of them. I have seen them. They are hungry and capable. Your survival is not assured. All STL operatives have been ordered to stand down to allow the twins to seek you and kill you. This act will occur at the time of the junction of the moons on Mount Farewell. It is a time of killing. I am sorry to be the bearer of this news. Your prospects are slim.

On another note, I have a mission should you wish to accept. Your refusal would be understandable. In Trinkett, the divided city of the Minorans and Deer, there is a lawyer, Ors Layr. This man is the son of a Deerland lawyer now deceased who resided at Mission Cinnamon. This man owned a coffee mug with the words, The World’s Greatest Dad which it is believed has been passed to his son. No further details. Seek this object for a read. Once again, it’s deemed to be a solid lead in the finding of the missing stone. Once complete, proceed not to Trinkett as my last note but to Port Steer within the Province of Tory in Upper Deerland. My dog will find you. Good luck and safe travel."

This time Sabienn didn’t make the mistake of letting the note out of his sight. He crushed it small and placed it on to his tongue. Once dissolved he allowed the paper to slip down his throat. His thoughts returned to the possible fate of Deep.

Seemingly calm, Bray piped up, He’ll be OK. He’s indestructible. Sabienn heard what Bray had said but didn’t want to question Bray’s confidence. And how what he said was just wrong. It is a time of killing, continued Bray. That’s what he wrote. What does that mean?

Don’t know, said Sabienn, still looking to the rear. Bray, how’s your head?

I’m back, said Bray.

Then get your eyes up, said Sabienn with urgency. Stork, smell the air. Call anything, guys. This wasn’t the plan.

I’d like to be upbeat, called Stork. But all I smell is death. It’s wafting in over that wall. You sure you want to go there?

There’s one thing in our favour, said Bray quietly holding up his plastic ties. I’ll be able to get out of these. Sabienn looked at the gap between Bray’s wrists and knew of his double-jointed advantage.

Why didn’t you tell me? replied Sabienn.

I’m thinking as fast as I can, said Bray.

The vehicle travelled another five minutes before parking in a compound close to the border wall. The three brothers were led by Range and Filo to a holding cell.

Sabienn looked around at the dimly lit holding place. It had a high ceiling and filthy walls and the open window with bars wasn’t allowing enough natural light in. And it certainly wasn’t allowing enough natural ventilation. His nasal passages were assaulted by a foul stench, compliments of a used toilet bucket in the corner.

As he looked around, he saw that they were not alone in the cell. A man and a woman sat on the floor near the bucket wearing stained and unwashed black cloaks. The male ate an apple and watched Sabienn survey him.

I’d offer you some, the man indicated his apple held within his filthy hand. But I’m saving. The female beside him then promptly turned to the bucket beside her, gripped its sides then threw up a clear liquid emission from her mouth into it. For her, he continued. .

Sabienn turned to his brothers before responding, I think we’re good, thanks. He noted that the man with the apple spoke in a heavy Deerland accent associated with the Province of Pine Cone.

The ties were quickly cut from around their wrists by Filo and the two guards moved out and the door clanged shut. We need to speak with your Captain, said Sabienn with urgency to the guards.

Speak to me about what? said a voice from up the corridor, moving towards them. A short squat human female came into view in a neat Deerland regular uniform. Her well-pressed military jacket seemed two sizes larger to capture the full folds of her womanhood. Her voice was the same as the one Sabienn heard on the speaker device as Captain Till.

Your man, said Sabienn gripping the bars to be closer to the officer. Your corporal. He has our friend.

Report please, said Till to Range and Filo, attending the officer to the side. Range moved in to whisper into Till’s ear and Till’s expression changed to one of concern. That wasn’t my order, continued Till. There was a pause as Till surveyed his charges in silence. Filo, go. Find out what you can, she said finally.

As Filo departed up the corridor, Till turned to Sabienn, My apologies. Zee’s always been a worry. Till offered a knowing glance to Range standing next to her and Range tidied his loose long dark hair in response. With an air of care, Till turned to address the woman sitting next to her bucket. Pila, have you had time to reconsider?

Wiping the moisture from her mouth, Pila replied. I still want to see my lawyer. And I will please be addressed in my formal. Ms Blanch. Sabienn noted her accent was not rustic Pine Cone as the gentleman beside her but more sophisticated Red Bat, noting in his mind the big distance of these Provinces of Upper Deerland.

There’s no need to be this way, replied Till feeling guarded by the request. I’d just like you to see a doctor.

We want to see our lawyer too, piped up Bray spritely. There’s a Deerland Treaty to attend citizens of Hayddland. I can quote it for you.

No no, replied Till. Her hands were in front as if she were being held up by robbers. I’m aware of the understanding. Please, let’s not go there. But you people are not from here, asked Till, as if she were a long-lost friend. Are you all going to Mount Farewell?

Yes, said Sabienn uncertainly, looking to Bray and Stork.

I see, said Till to Sabienn. You’re here to kill someone but I’m sensing you don’t know why? And why Mount Farewell in particular?

It’s a cursed mountain, said the man next to Pila.

Harden up, Binn, countered Pila, turning to her partner.

At that moment, Till’s device sounded and she took the call. After a brief muffled conversation, she closed it and returned to Sabienn. We have your friend outside. Be nice now. I need to put the ties on you. She looked to Pila. All of you.

Sabienn sensed that this was unusual, a sense which was picked up by Bray. We still want a lawyer, said Bray defiantly.

Do you want to see your friend? said Till quietly.

The three brothers paused and looked at one another. Even if this is a firing squad, we die together, thought Sabienn. If Deep is indeed out there.

What’s in it for us? called Pila.

Trust me, said Till. It’s what you want.

Sabienn succumbed and presented his hands through the bars for binding. He snatched a sly look to Bray who acknowledged to do his double-jointed thing with his ties. The Deerland couple were then tied with mumbles of protestation.

Filo returned and then with the aid of Till and Range, all prisoners were then led from their cell to walk the distance to the morning sun outside.

When the bound party and their guards walked through the guard house door to the sun outside, the brothers’ spirits lifted. There before them, in the bare courtyard nearby the vehicle he had been transported in, was Deep. His hands were still bound and he stood next to Zee, who had the look of a man who was about to be patted on the head.

Quickly Sabienn assessed the ground they stood within. The compound was enclosed and the men had guns. Running was not an option.

As if to underline her power over her captives, Till left them briefly to speak with the newcomer. Zee pushed Deep in the back to go and join the other prisoners.

Sabienn gave an audible breath of satisfaction having Deep walk back into their ranks even though he was bound like them. What happened? whispered Sabienn.

We walked the beach to the transport for a bag of sugar, said Deep looking back at Zee. He threatened the airman showing I’d stowed in. Things were tense. I thought I was going to get a bullet. As he spoke, Sabienn watched as Zee passed on to Till a bulging envelope which Till placed into her inner pocket. Deep continued, So the airman gave him a bigger bag of sugar.

Seems to be how business is done here, said Stork. Good to have you back.

Having placed the envelope in her pocket, Till turned to announce to her charges, Good work, Zee. You’re in charge now. Stand down, fellows. I’ll be taking the prisoners for a walk up the wall.

Should’ve let me send their heads over, said Zee looking towards the brothers.

With affection, Till patted Zee’s cheek, When you grow up, you’ll be good at this. Till then removed Zee’s rifle and checked its readiness before placing it to her own shoulder.

I’ll come with you, said Range pulling his own rifle to his shoulder.

Stand down, said Till. Once again she walked up to Range and patted his cheek. Good boy. That’s an order. She then turned to the six bound prisoners and waved her hand towards the gate. Move, please.

Sabienn’s senses were tingling. He looked around him searching for advantages and points of trust. He saw Range looking at them leave out the gate.

Slyly Sabienn got Bray’s attention. Bray, see Range, he whispered. Bray saw Range and seemed to have an understanding. As the group moved on, he held his bound wrists up so that Range could see but not Till. He slipped his wrists from the plastic tie and let it drop to the ground but kept his hands together to give the impression he was still bound. Sabienn saw Range’s face look dismayed but he just stood there.

Keep moving, please, called Till to Sabienn and the other captives.

As they moved westward away from the compound, Sabienn looked to the northern aspect of the wall they were trying to breach to get into Rotnadge-Minora. He saw the tell-tale marks of bullet holes and blood stains on the brick surface to show that previous people who had walked this way had come to grief.

Keep going, called Till, still keeping the rifle out in front of her and pushing them further on into the cleared zone adjacent to the wall. After a while they veered to the right, away from the wall and toward a line of trees planted to hold the soil. The Captain appeared to be preoccupied with what was ahead