Travelling On With Fently Binklecuzly

By Lorraine J Bean

Ten-year-old Fently Binklecuzly wakes up on a strange world where his destiny is foretold. Will he decipher the clues to fulfill his quest? Continue with the adventurous tale of the boy from a different world.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Lulu.com
• Release date: Apr 7, 2016
• ISBN: 9781365030550

Lorraine J Bean

Lorraine J Bean was born in Capreol, Ontario a Small northern Canadian town and lived there for fifty six years. Even as she deals with daily physical limitations (Fibromyalgia and Chronic Fatigue) she likes to keep her mind active doing Sudoku puzzles, quilting, knitting socks and playing Scrabble. After recently moving to beautiful British Columbia she was inspired to write an interesting story she had visualized. Her greatest passions are her family, her dog and ocean cruising. Bio: by T L Bean.

Book preview

Travelling On With Fently Binklecuzly

Travelling On

With

Fently Binklecuzly

By:  Lorraine J Bean

With love

For my grandchildren:  Isaac....Jake....Halle....Chelsea....Ariel

With much love and thanks to my husband Terry for cover art and computer skills.

Copyright 2016 by Lorraine J Bean

ISBN # 978-1-365-03055-0

All rights reserved.  No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted by any means-electronic, mechanical, photographic (photocopying), recording, or otherwise-without prior permission in writing from the author.

Introduction

Truth is often buried deep.  Beware the treasure that lies beneath.

Not all truths should come to light.

From: The Travellers' Creed

*********

Fently relaxed into the cocoon of heavy robes.  Beside him, the twins huddled together in sleep. 

Soft moonlight outlined Faith's white and silver cape.  She lightly held Spirit's reins.  The ghostly horse pulled the sleigh through the muffling snow, away from 'Magical Mansion'.

Sleigh-bells jingled.

Dancing white lights surrounded Hazel.  The little green-clad girl faded then disappeared.

Rachel slept on.

Fently tightened his grip around Rumbler.

Whatever happened next, his faithful dog would stay with him.

Faith looked back and smiled.

Fently yawned.

He slipped into sleep.

*********

Fently's travelling continued.

*********

Chapter-1-

FLOATING MOUNTAIN

Come on kid!  I have to get you away from these addle-vapours!

Fently stared blankly at the stranger bending over him.  A sickly yellow fog lazily swirled around. The black-bearded man looked like a demon hovering in the mist.

Look, my name is Sysco.  I'm trying to help you.  What's your name?

I'm... Fently hesitated.

I don't know.  His voice filled with panic.  I don't remember!

Heart pounding, he sat up.  Rumbler immediately started wagging his tail.  He pulled on the rope which was still wrapped tightly around Fently's wrist.

What about your dog, then?  What's his name?

I'm not sure, but I feel like I know him.  I don't understand!  What's happening?  Where am I?

Sysco helped Fently to stand.  The weird fog was not as dense as it was along the ground.

We're in Forgetful Swamp.  Listen, I only have a few minutes before my brain gets as befuddled as yours!  Just come with me and I'll explain once we're clear of this place, okay?

It was like walking through a minefield.  Vapour spouts erupted randomly along the marshy ground.  Rumbler pulled Fently around the noxious holes.  The dog's keen sense of smell alerted him to which spot would geyser.

They soon emerged into fresh, clean air.  The vile yellow fog hovered behind.

We're in the clear now.  Addle-vapours are too heavy to drift away from the swamp zone. Sysco slowed his pace.  We'll just keep going for a bit.

Fently held on to Rumbler's rope.  They tramped through low bushes, Sysco a few steps ahead.  When they reached an intricately carved wooden seat, Sysco directed Fently to sit beside him.

Lower your head between your legs and take deep, slow breaths.  Think of something you enjoy doing.

Fently followed the instructions, but he had no idea of what he liked doing.

He closed his eyes; the slow breathing calmed his mind.  A vision started to take shape in his head.  Sitting on a tree branch high above green water below.  Emerald Lake!  Fently's whole body twitched.

What's your name? Sysco suddenly demanded.

I'm Fe..... he looked up, confused.  I'm not sure.  But it feels like I almost remember.

Don't worry, the vapours are leaving your brain.  Keep on breathing like before Sysco encouraged.

Fently lowered his head.  Breathing deeply, his mind relaxed once again, but no more visions appeared.  Darkness behind his eyes.  Almost slipping into sleep.

His eyes popped open.  Leaping from the bench, he shouted:

My name is Fently Binklecuzly!  And this is Rumbler!  He grasped his canine companion in a fierce hug.

Good to hear indeed.  You have recovered from the vapours quicker than anyone I have ever seen.

Where is this place?Other people got lost in there?How did you know?  Fently asked, all in one quick breath.

Easy, lad.  Fently's rescuer offered a hand.  He made room on the bench for both boy and dog.  I will tell you of this world soon.  You must see it to believe it.

Can you tell me about the other people?  Did you save them too?

I live nearby.  When Forgetful Swamp vapours flash different colours, I know that a visitor has appeared.  I try to reach them before too much damage is done to their brain.  Addle-vapours can be deadly if inhaled for any length of time.

Deadly?  You mean we could have died in there?  Fently stroked the green fur behind Rumbler's right ear.

What I meant by deadly was total loss of memory.  Almost always forever.  Dogs aren't affected by the addle-vapours.  But you were exposed for far too long, and yet your recovery is amazing.  Perhaps youth is in your favour.

Don't YOU forget?  How do you remember things when you go in the swamp to help people?

Oh, it gets to me alright.  My brain has built up some resistance over the years, so I have a window of time before the fog takes hold of my mind.  That's why I had to get you out so fast.  The longer I stay in the swamp, the more befuddled I feel.  Can't help out if I don't remember why I'm there.

Sysco stood.

Do you feel ready to walk with me, Fently Binklecuzly?

Most people get my clan name all mixed up.  Hey!  I remember that!

Fently adjusted his shoulder sack.  Is it alright if I untie Rumbler?  Is it safe for him around here?

As long as he stays nearby.  If you trust that he will not run off, sure, go ahead and let him roam a little.

Fently undid the knotted rope from Rumbler's collar.  The Snooterdog immediately put his nose to the ground and started sniffing.

Reminds me of Magic. Sysco laughed.

Magic?

You'll see.  We'll head over to my place right now and you can meet her.

*********

Grandpa!

A boy of Fently's age leapt across the doorway of a sturdy log house.  He raced towards Sysco before suddenly stopping short when he noticed Fently.

Both boys stood still. They were of the same size and height.  Where Fently's hair was brown with a green stripe behind his right ear, the others was black with a copper streak behind the left ear.

It was like looking into a mirror that reflected different colours.

Fently broke the silence.How can I have a twin on another world?

I was pretty amazed when I saw your face once we were clear of the swamp fog.  This is my grandson Leeroy.  Sysco draped his arm across his grandson's shoulders.  I have heard the tale of certain travellers having doubles, not of their own worlds, but this is the first I have witnessed.  Leeroy, Fently landed in Forgetful Swamp.  Seems like you boys might have a few things to talk about.

Rumbler jumped up against Fently's leg and started barking.  An echoing bark sounded from a clump of brushwood.  A small, white and black dog erupted into sight.

Magic! Leeroy scooped the animal into his arms.

Are you a traveller too? Fently stared at Leeroy while reaching down.  He held Rumbler level with the other dog.  They quivered, nose-to-nose, snooting the others head.  Wagging tails made it obvious they would get along.  Both boys simultaneously allowed their companions to jump to the ground.

No, I'm not Leeroy replied, but I have met some.  My Grandpa rescued them from Forgetful Swamp, just like he did you.

Sysco headed to the log house.  Come on in boys.  Just need to sit for a bit, then I'll take Fently to see the folk at the Muzzymind Centre.

Fently and Leeroy slowly followed.

I've never been away from Floating Mountain.  What's it like to go to different worlds?  Do you always travel by yourself?

Floating Mountain Fently repeated.  Is that the name of this world?

Just this part.  You'll have to ask my Grandpa if you want to know more.  But I warn you, he's more of a 'see it for yourself' kind of guy when dealing with travellers.

Yeah, that's what he told me already.

They reached the huge log house.  A mouth-watering aroma of freshly-baked sweet-buns greeted them.

Mama went out to the back garden.  She said to help ourselves. Leeroy relaxed into a chair.  Can Fently tell me about his travels while we eat, Grandpa?

Give the lad a chance to get his bearings first!  You'll have plenty of time together when we return.

They joined Leeroy at the huge wooden table.  Sysco offered Fently the platter of sweet-buns.

There's milk or tea to go with them, Fently.  Travelling is hungry work.  Eat up.

Fently didn't need to be coaxed.  Travelling always made him very hungry.

After all, there was no telling how much time had passed between his other-world visits.

He kept his eye on Rumbler through the open door.  The two dogs ran across the front yard, darting in and out of low bushes.  Every now and again they would dash over to Magic's bowl of water and sloppily gobble a mouthful before continuing their playful chase.  They got along just fine!

The doorway darkened.

Ah, you're back. Sysco spoke to the woman that entered.  Her copper-coloured hair matched the strand on Leeroy's head.

Anexi is my daughter and Leeroy's mama he informed Fently.

He's my other-world twin! Leeroy quickly scooted around the table.  See, Mama, we look alike.  He bent over and posed his head directly beside Fently's.

Anexi tilted each of the boys' heads about.  So it would seem was all she said.

Sysco finished the introduction. This young lad's name is Fently Binklecuzly.  Quite a feat that he remembered it.  He was down in the swamp for quite some time before I spotted him.  Managed to recover well enough, I'd say.

You were gone far longer than usual Anexi responded.

She reached over and removed Sysco's hat.  His black hair was streaked with