Spellcast Waters

By Janet Post

A fast-paced young adult novel that will appeal to even reluctant readers, male as well as a broad female audience.
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It's a post-apocalyptic world where water covers much of the planet, magic rules, zombies walk and werewolves roam the wilderness.

When Mikey LoPinto is bitten by a werewolf and infected with

• Language: English
• Publisher: Tell-Tale Publishing Group, LLC
• Release date: Jun 1, 2018
• ISBN: 9781944056742

Book preview

Spellcast Waters

Janet Post

Spellcast Waters

©2018, Janet Schrader

Tell-Tale Publishing Group, LLC

Swartz Creek, MI 48437

All rights reserved. No portion of this publication may be reproduced, stored in an electronic system, or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopy, recording, or otherwise, without the prior permission of Janet Schrader. Brief quotations may be used in literary reviews.

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Printed in the United States of America

Chapter One

Mikey LoPinto ran like the devil was after him. He scampered down a rock slide, crossed a rushing creek, and fell, tumbling head over heels down the side of a steep mountain face covered with towering firs. At the bottom, bruised and bleeding, but still alive, so far, he picked himself up and stopped to listen. In the distance, he heard it panting softly.

The wolf was still on his trail.

He took off again, sticking to the path. The trees on each side shaded the narrow track winding through ferns and salmon-berry bushes. Mikey glanced over his shoulder and spotted the big, black animal bounding from one fallen log to another, fangs gleaming in the sunlight, a long streamer of saliva hanging from its huge jaws. The wolf cut down the side of the mountain twice as fast as he could run.

His heart pounded in his chest and he couldn’t get a decent breath. He’d heard more and more wolves were drifting closer to the settlement each day. He knew better than to go out alone, but he liked the solitude he found in the woods. Ten people lived in the small cabin he called home, eight of them girls. He couldn’t grab a moment of peace.

When he tumbled over a rotten log, the wolf was on him. He screamed and held his hands out to ward off sharp teeth. The beast grabbed his wrist and tore into the flesh. A shot rang out. The wolf let go of his hand and looked up. Mikey saw intelligence in the yellow eyes and understanding. It leaped off him and disappeared into the shadows.

You okay, Mikey? Riko Light grabbed his wrist and pulled him to his feet.

It bit me, Riko. Am I gonna die?

His best friend took his hand, turned it over, and examined the bite wounds. It’s not bleeding much. She wiped off the trickle of blood. You could be infected."

Oh god, does that mean I’m gonna grow hair all over my body and run naked through the forest?

Yuck! I certainly hope not, but we better go see Father. What were you doing out here alone?

It’s my sisters. They went through my stuff again.

Did they find your magazine stash? The ones we found in the cabin up Narrows Inlet?

Mikey was never embarrassed with Riko. She was so different. Yeah, they showed them to Mom.

***

It took an hour to walk down the mountain and follow the narrow path into the valley where the Lights lived. When the meteor hit the earth seventeen years ago, Peter Light and his wife, Mai, lived high on the mountain in a cabin built of cedar logs. Massive flooding caused by the meteor striking the planet sent the waterline of the Sechelt Inlet twenty feet higher. Icy blue water now lapped the sides of a dock fifteen feet down the mountain from the cabin.

Riko couldn’t remember life before the Apocalypse.  She’d been born two years later. Her father always expected the world to come to an end. He moved out to Storm Bay from Vancouver. The bay on Narrows Inlet was fifteen miles by boat from the town of Sechelt.

Light started stashing supplies; built a shelter for himself and Mai while he planned for the day he knew would come. A small group of like-minded hippie-types moved out to the bay and built a commune of sorts. Ten families lived on the mountain. All of them survived the asteroid hit that destroyed most of the world with cataclysmic earthquakes, huge tsunamis and floods.

Mom, Riko called as they pushed through the rough-wood door into the two-story cabin built of gigantic cedar logs.

I’m up here. Mai looked over the railing separating the loft from the main section of the house. I’m making the bed.

Where’s Father?

He’s in the meditation room.

Riko grabbed Mikey’s arm and lifted it so her mother could see. A wolf bit Mikey. He could be infected.

Oh, no, does his mother know?

I just need to speak to Father. Can I bug him, or is he dangerous? Her father had moods. That was the only way to describe him.

Go on. He’ll be fine.

The two trekked through the house, clomping across the smooth board floor in boots resoled many times with inner tubes. Riko had a pair studded with nails for hiking in rocky terrain.

Her father was in his small, A-frame behind the woodshed. Smoke from incense billowed through the half-open door. It smelled like musky flowers. She knocked politely. Father, I need to talk to you, it’s important.

He pushed open the door. What’s the matter?

Mikey got bit.

Peter Light was a tall, gaunt man with a bright red beard and long, graying hair. His pale blue eyes protruded from hollow sockets beneath crazy brows. Riko inherited the carroty hair and height, but he had her mother’s soft brown eyes. When he rolled out of the small building and stood up, she saw he wore a white verti, a sarong-like garment worn by Hindu priests.

Let me see, he ordered.

Mikey presented his wrist. Two bite marks broke the skin.

Did it bleed?

Riko shook her head. Not much.

That’s bad with all puncture wounds, but really bad with wolf bites. Did the animal seem crazy?

No, sir, he seemed, uh, you know, kind of smart. He looked at me.

Take him in the house and have your mother soak it in salty water. I’ll go get his father.

He took off toward the small settlement, his big bare feet slapping the worn surface of the path.

When he returned with Mikey’s father and two other men, Mai had Mikey’s wrist soaking in a pail of hot water and salt.

Riko, did you see the wolf?

It was big, Father. Big and black with yellow eyes. Its left ear had a piece missing. I got off a shot, but missed.

Her father’s eyebrow flew up.

I was running.

As you know, there has been a rash of turnings, he said to the men. The pack is on the move and our hunters have spotted many in the woods around Storm Bay. Three people from the Salmon Arm settlement were bitten and turned at the full moon. I heard the leader of the pack is a big black beast named Scar. That sounds like the wolf that bit you, Michael. As leader of this settlement, I must make tough decisions. I’m afraid you’re going to have to leave Storm Bay.

Wait a minute, Light. You can’t just order my boy to get out.

Riko’s father stood up and lifted his chin. He towered over the shorter man. You know very well I can, Xavier. This is my land, and you signed the articles of agreement when you came here running from the law. If Michael turns into a werewolf, it will endanger all our families. He’ll be uncontrollable and strong. I’d rather he left than have to shoot him, which you know I will do.

Xavier LoPinto’s head dropped. He’s my only boy and he’s thirteen. How’s he gonna live?

Light put his arm around the man’s drooping shoulders. He’ll survive if he can find the pack. It’s not the life you might want for him, but he’ll live.

Riko’s head was spinning. Her father just kicked her only friend out of the settlement. She turned her head and glanced at him. Mikey’s brown skin looked ashy. Her teeth ground together, a terrible habit. She always did it when she was angry. She couldn’t allow this to happen.

Light knelt beside Mikey’s chair. Son, you need to gather your things. Light took away the bucket of water. If you don’t change into a werewolf at the full moon, come home. We’ll gladly take you back.

Riko gnawed on her lower lip and took a deep breath. I’m going with him, Father. He’ll need me.

Light grabbed her by the shoulders. She was tall, but his head was at least ten inches higher than hers. I forbid it.

She lowered her gaze, and shrugged out of his grip, backing up three steps. Lifting the rifle she still carried, she pointed it at her father. You can’t stop me. Come on, Mikey. Let’s get your stuff.

Her father made a grab for the gun, and she slipped aside. What will you do if he turns into a wolf and attacks you?

Riko tilted her head to the side. She’d always known the day would come when she and her father would butt heads. They were too much alike. I’ll be prepared. It’s what you taught me.

I heard there’s a doctor in Vancouver. He’s been working on a cure.

What’s his name?

Light shook his head. That’s all I know. The city was destroyed. It’s filled with killers and crazy people. There’s no food and few safe places. Don’t go, Riko. It’s too dangerous. You’ll tear your mother’s heart out.

She took a deep breath and a quick look at her mother’s pale face. I might be fifteen, but I know seven kinds of martial arts, I can shoot the eye out of a squirrel at fifty feet, and I have my sword. You brought me up tough, Father. I’ll find the doctor and get the cure for Mikey.

Chapter Two

Load the heavy stuff into the middle, Riko told Mikey.

The boy shoved both their backpacks and a burlap sack filled with supplies into the middle of the wobbling canoe.

Riko turned to look into her father’s face. She saw the concern, and she saw his strength and his anger.

Be careful when you get to the Skookumchuck. Promise me you’ll portage around it.

Skookumchuck tidal rapids were a dangerous place. It was the only way out of the Sechelt Inlet by boat. I will, Father. Are you sure there isn’t anything else you can tell me about this doctor I’m supposed to find in Vancouver?

I know most of the city is underwater. I heard of a man who lives in North Vancouver on the side of a mountain. It might be Mt. Seymour, or it could be Grouse Mountain, I don’t know for sure, but I’d check that side of the river first.

Mai handed Riko a small bag. I put some healing herbs in here and a mustard poultice for Mikey’s wound. Put it on him before he goes to sleep tonight. It might draw out some of the poison.

The entire settlement gathered around the dock to see them off. Mikey’s mother and sisters wept all over him, his father shook his hand. When that bite turns out to be nothing, like I know it will, you come back. Full moon’s in fifteen days. We’ll be looking for you.

Riko climbed into the rear of the canoe and Mikey took the seat in the front. They waved as they struck out into the calm water of the bay. It was a rare sunny autumn afternoon. The bright blue water sparkled. Wading birds looked up from the reeds along the shallows as they paddled by with Riko steering.

When they got into the rougher water of Narrows Inlet, Riko dug in with her paddle. Even paddling as hard as they could, the current from Narrows took them into the middle of the Sechelt Inlet, a deep body of water edged by steep, tree-covered mountains. Civilization had never reached the inlet. The Indians still had settlements up and down the inlet, but the residents of Storm Bay rarely saw them.

Riko guided their boat to the far shore of Sechelt Inlet. They slowly paddled along the coastline hugging the rocks. When they reached the tidal narrows, the Indians called Skookumchuck, Riko found the portage path used by Indians for centuries and climbed out.

Let’s run the narrows, Mikey said. We can stay close to the bank. The whirlpools won’t get us.

Didn’t you hear me promise my father I’d tote this canoe and not risk it?

That don’t mean nothing. I promise my dad all kinds of things. It don’t mean I’ll keep the promises.

Riko glared at Mikey. Well, if I make a promise, I keep it. My word’s worth something.

Mikey dug the toe of his boot into the mud next to the path. You don’t have to get pissed off.

Grab your backpack and help me pick up the canoe.

They trudged in silence. The tidal rapids were in full rush. The water roared and sang as the tide changed, water rushing into the inlet from the ocean. Salty spray soaked them.

Aren’t you glad we decided to walk?

Mikey grumbled something Riko couldn’t hear. What was that?

I said we could have made it.

Riko shook her head. Mikey had a lot to learn.

They paddled past what used to be Earl’s Cove. The rising water flooded the town. Only a few trappers lived high in the mountains along what used to be Ruby Lake. They camped for the night near an old settlement of Sechelt Indians. After the sun set, Riko saw fires burning.

Want to go check out the fires?

You really want to get us killed before we even get close to Vancouver, don’t you? I’ll take first watch. You take second," Riko said.

She heated water on the small camp fire, put a few drops on her mother’s poultice and wrapped it around Mikey’s wrist. She made him drink some of her mother’s herb tea. Go to sleep. We have a long day with a lot of paddling ahead of us.

From her vantage point high on a rock, she watched her friend lie down in his sleeping bag and settle in to sleep. With her rifle over her legs, she stared into the fire imagining all kinds of weird creatures creeping up on their camp from the dark woods. She must be crazy to try to find this mysterious doctor and save her friend. But her father taught her true friends were rare, and Mikey was not only a true friend, he was her only friend.

Three days later, with the setting sun behind them sending shafts of blinding sunlight across the Strait of Georgia, they spotted Vancouver, or what was left of it. The city was for the most part half-submerged, the jutting towers of high rises sticking out of ten feet of water.

Riko pulled her binoculars, a gift from Father, out of her backpack and surveyed the flooded city. She panned the glasses left and saw structures high and dry on the west bank of the Fraser River in what was once North Vancouver. The river that once ran to the south of the city now encompassed it.

Look, Riko, there’s a bridge.

Riko pulled a map drawn by her father out of the pack. It says here that’s the Lion’s Gate Bridge.

It must have been high because it’s still standing.

Riko strained to see the bridge, barely above the water line. There are people on it. I don’t know where they’re going. The city looks flooded.

They pulled the canoe onto the west bank of the huge river. Darkness closed in fast. Mikey started to build a fire and Riko shook her head. We don’t know who lives around here or what. No fire.

But Riko, I’m cold.

I know you are. So am I, but I want to live through the night. Listen to me, Mikey. I know what I’m doing.

Yeah, your dad is the biggest asshole in Storm Bay. Me and my sisters talked about some of the stuff he made you do.

Well, he made me strong.

Riko took her sword out and laid it beside her while they gnawed on cold chunks of venison and popped dried berries. Her nerves were on edge. They only had ten more days to find this doctor and she didn’t have a clue where to start.

Mikey was asleep when the first rustlings came from up the hill. She heard steps and felt a presence. Who’s out there?

Heart pounding, Riko stood up, holding her katana sword in a two-handed grip.

When no one answered, she stepped around Mikey, keeping her face to the bushes. Come out. I know you’re there.

She saw the visitor’s boots before she saw him. The soles were worn smooth and flat. He was young, maybe a little older than her, and very handsome. She hated him immediately.

Don’t shoot. I’m just looking for some food. Got any?

I don’t have a gun pointed at you. I’m holding a sword. There’s no food to share. Go on, get out of here.

Moving quicker than anyone she’d ever seen in Storm Bay, he ducked her sword strike, got behind her, and grabbed her in his arms. He was taller than her and stronger. He stripped the sword out of her hand and turned her around.

What have we here?

He flipped her low-crowned leather hat up and took it off. Damn, you’re a girl.

She shrugged out of his grasp and stood panting. Yes, I’m a girl. Give me back my weapon.

He held the sword over his head out of her reach. Not until you promise not to kill me with it. He ran his fingers down the blade of fine Japanese steel. This thing is sharp.

Riko grabbed for her sword again and he snatched it away. She finally had to admit, he could probably keep it from her indefinitely. Forgetting the weapon, she dropped low and shoved her fist into his groin.

Damn, he grunted, and fell to his knees. The sword clattered to the ground, hitting a rock as he grabbed his injured genitals.

Riko picked it up and stood over him. Who are you?

Who the heck are you?

You’re impossible. She laid the edge of the blade against his neck. He wore an Army-green poncho made from a blanket, and a rough wool shirt under it the color of mud. When she added pressure to the blade against his throat, a thin line of blood appeared. I asked first.

The name is Oz. I live around here, and I was just scroungin’ for food. Gotta find some every day, and it’s getting’ harder and harder.

Where around here do you live . . . Oz?

I answered one, now it’s your turn.

You’re in no position to ask me anything. But I’ll be nice, this once. My name is Riko Light. Me and my friend are lookin’ for a doctor. My friend’s name is Mikey.

Oz squirmed under the blade. Let me up. I might know where you can find a doctor.

We’re not lookin’ for just any doctor. We need one that can cure a person who has the werewolf virus. My father told me he heard of one living in North Vancouver.

Oz gasped. You got bit by a werewolf? Let me up. I want out of here.

Not me, my friend. And you don’t go anywhere until you tell me what you know.

As Oz writhed under the blade, Riko reached down and flipped off his knit cap. He had long, sable-brown hair pushed back from a widow’s peak. She couldn’t see his eye color in the dark, but they looked light. His square chin had a dimple in the middle and he had another dimple in his right cheek. Promise you won’t jump me again, and I’ll let you up. But you better not run off.

I promise, he growled.

She let him get up, and he crawled to a rock and sat on it.

Mikey finally woke up. He yawned and stretched. Who’s that Riko?

I’m Oz. You the one with the disease?

You told him? How could you?

We need to find this doctor, Mikey. You think we’re just gonna luck into it? We have to ask people. He says he knows a doctor.

There’s one living under the bridge. We got us a camp a little further down Burrard Inlet.

Can you take us there in the morning?

Can you share your food with me?

Riko grabbed a handful of venison jerky out of the burlap bag and tossed it to him. He pounced on it, tearing at it like he was starved. While he ate, she noticed how sharp his cheekbones were and how thin he looked under all the layers of clothes.

This is great, he said, taking a sip from her water bladder. Where’d you get it?

I killed the deer and me and my mom dried the meat, that’s where. Don’t you know how to get your own food?

I ain’t ever seen a deer around here. The wolves drove them off, the folks living around here ate them, or the zombies got ‘em. And they must a done it way before I was born.

Mikey moved closer to Riko. Can we light a fire now?

Oz, is it safe to light a fire?

Not here. Too many walkers on the point. There’s an old cemetery down there and I heard they took it over.

What’s a walker? Mikey asked, as Riko handed Oz some of her mother’s way bread.

He bit into the thick, dark, bread made from pounded acorn flour, sunflower seeds and dried fruit. He waved the half-eaten piece. This is delicious.

Tell us what walkers are.

They started appearing about eleven yeas ago. The dead started rising out of graves all along the water. No one knows what’s causing it. They wander around at night and they kill people. The ones they kill, they steal their bodies, use the new corpse and abandon the one they had.  You don’t want to be caught by one of them.

You got a lot of werewolves in the city?

Plenty. But they’re not as big a problem as the walkers.

Will you help us find this doctor in the morning? Riko could feel fatigue creeping over her. She’d paddled so many miles in the last few days; she could barely keep her eyes open.

Sure. You fed me. We’ll hunt under the bridge and if that’s the wrong doctor, we’ll go ask my friends.

I need to get some rest, Mikey. She handed him her sword. Keep an eye on him and wake me if he does anything funny.

Oz shrugged on his knit cap. I’ll just close my eyes for a few minutes, too. Hey, wolf-boy, you stay away from me.

Mikey bared his teeth and growled. Huh, you better stay away from me.

Chapter Three

Hey, don’t eat all the bread. Riko grabbed the sack from Oz and stuffed it into her backpack. The morning dawned cold and rainy. She shrugged her pack over her shoulders and pulled a big oilskin poncho over everything.

I just wanted another piece. I ain’t ever had food that good.

Riko checked the canoe one more time to make sure it was well-hidden. She jerked another branch of leaves over the bottom and stood back to observe her