The Consortium of Muglug: The Descent Begun

By E.E. Davidson

Orri and Klever believed their whole lives that they were meant
for something more, but everyone they knew said they were
just two twins that lived in the strict care of the warden
at St. Lostobeth orphanage in the realm of first city. Until one
day they wondered out far beyond the borders of safety seeking the
forbidden Knowla berry that their peers often spoke of. Little did
they know that their lives were about to change forever when they
discovered their true purpose, leaving all they had known behind,
never to be the same again.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Xlibris US
• Release date: Aug 30, 2011
• ISBN: 9781465334848

E.E. Davidson

Born in Seattle, and raised in Michigan, she has travelled across America, learning to dream of wild things to write about as she explored and experienced life. E.E. Davidson decided to become a published author at the age of twenty four. Having been a writer her whole life, her mission is to share her stories with the world and spark the imagination in new generations, and revive it in the seasoned generations that have become too aquainted with the ways of the world, having almost forgotten what it was like to be a child who explored invented worlds far beyond their own, and the innocence in doing so; mainly to encourage everyone to live, laugh, and love, and dwell in positive energy. Currently living in Yosemite National Park, E.E. Davidson, a naturalist, has hands on experience with the natural world like the characters in her book. Having the courage to finally follow her dreams, E.E. Davidson is now the author of four books, three coming soon, and three that are works in progress in her seven book series. Firmly believing in pursuing dreams, she says: “Whether success or failure, do not be afraid to face the world, for the world surely will not be afraid to face you.”

Book preview

Copyright © 2011 by E.E. Davidson.

Library of Congress Control Number:       2011911762

ISBN:         Hardcover                               978-1-4653-3483-1

                   Softcover                                 978-1-4653-3482-4

                   Ebook                                      978-1-4653-3484-8

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the copyright owner.

This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places and incidents either are the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously, and any resemblance to any actual persons, living or dead, events, or locales is entirely coincidental.

This book was printed in the United States of America.

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Contents

Chapter 1:

Chapter 2:

Chapter 3:

Chapter 4:

Chapter 5:

Chapter 6:

Chapter 7:

Chapter 8:

Chapter 9:

Chapter 10:

Chapter 11:

Chapter 12:

Chapter 13:

Chapter 14:

Chapter 15:

Chapter 16:

Chapter 17:

Chapter 18:

Chapter 19:

Chapter 20:

Chapter 21:

Chapter 22:

Chapter 23:

Chapter 24:

Chapter 25:

Chapter 26:

Chapter 27:

Chapter 28:

Chapter 29:

Chapter 30:

Chapter 31:

Chapter 32:

Chapter 33:

Chapter 34:

Chapter 35:

Chapter 36:

Chapter 37:

Chapter 38:

Chapter 39:

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Chapter 1:

The Realm of Goth; Seeking the Knowla Berry

Just outside the border of Earthaine’s first city, Eaden, two young Muglugians searched for wild berries in the realm of Goth. There be no berries here Klever, what say we search another patch, Orri suggested impatiently, as she fiddled with her long dirty blonde hair. I don’t want to leave any spots unsearched, we did that last time and we missed out on a feast! Don’t you recall watching the Dungalies eating them? And we were so close! Klever reminded Orri sternly, sharply piercing with his big brown eyes. Besides, what have we to rush for? Klever quizzed as he struggled with the thick braided branch. . . . It’s not like we have parents that will be worried about us at all should we stroll in late. He reminded her sarcastically, as he squatted down, hunching over the thick bush, pushing aside its deep red leaves, looking for the sizeable yellow Knowla Berry. Yes, that’s true, but I don’t really care to hear the warden and her rude remarks about how we would be two less mouths to feed should we wonder too far off and get lost out here. Orri retorted quickly with a smirk as she folded her arms across her chest. You’re right, she is quite a mean old toothless witch, and I would much rather smoke some ash weed and take in the sweet stench while I lay back and relax than smell her bad breath while she speaks . . . it’s as if she knows nothing of personal boundaries, and I find it strange that she does not, for she is as old as the dust of the ground; I don’t believe I shall ever figure out why she has to lean in so close to my face to say things that do not even matter; her breath is positively revolting! How could this be when she barely has any teeth? Klever laughed heartily when he saw that Orri was rolling her eyes at him. . . . but listen, Klever started as he cleared his throat, I know you’re hungry, you needn’t pretend. I know you well sister, you’re always cranky when you are; we wouldn’t even be having this conversation if you weren’t, Klever chuckled offsetting his dimples, . . . for Muglug’s sake, don’t worry, your belly will soon be full and satisfied, he giggled playfully, as he snapped and twisted the branches. Hey, I don’t like when you say things like that. You should be more respectful to Muglug and his Father, and you don’t even smoke . . . those boys at St. Lostobeth are such a horrible influence on you! And there’s plenty to rush about for; this place is scary enough, and let’s not forget that they have no idea we’ve been sneaking to look for berries . . . Orri paused as she looked down over Klever’s shoulder with her hands on her hips. . . . and although the berries are said to be much better than what they feed us at St. Lostobeth, we need not lose track of time. That mean old warden will be counting soon, and she is bound to notice, since we’re the only ones with matching faces. I do not want to go back to hear her insults all evening! Orri crossed her arms again and sighed as Klever looked up at her and stuck out his tongue and then grinned mischievously. Hey, this was your idea you know, so maybe you should at least be brave enough to see it through, and have a bit of fun while you’re at it; we’ve never hiked out this far before and we might actually find one this time! Klever teased as he looked back at the bush and aggressively yanked at the branch, for it was stubborn, but he was more so. I’m sorry brother, perhaps you are right. We should keep looking . . . I definitely understand why you are not in a rush to get back, especially after what the warden said to us yesterday about our never having a chance to mean anything in this world. Some of the things she has said to us . . . completely rude and uncalled for. Orri said pensively, running her fingers playfully through his shoulder length, thick, dirty blonde hair, . . . you know how I get when . . ."

Shhh! The trees . . . they crackle as if a blade is whipping them. Klever stopped working at the branch, loosening his grip upon it, and looked out into the distance. Do you hear that? He said as he stiffened, for he was sure he’d heard something.

Orri nodded as she began to look frightened, wide eyed, in the direction of the sound. Don’t move, he whispered. Klever stood tall, and then took scent from the air, catching wind of an unfamiliar, yet alarming odor. Do you smell that? Klever frowned as his heart began thudding wildly in his chest and then he looked at Orri and commanded her to run. This way, RUN! He whispered loudly as they began to sprint. The berry bushes were thick and the leaves bled red on their sacks and rags, while arrows flew past them with the glow of green poison. They had been watching them, hunting, to bring them back to their caverns, just as Mevill’s puppet, king Septimus, had instructed. Orri stumbled, and Klever stopped. Are you hurt? Grab the sack on my back, hurry! The glow be gaining on us, the border of Eaden is just ahead! Come on, get up! Klever shouted as he looked at the lights moving quickly towards them. No, just go, run, leave without me Klever, or they will catch us both! The flights of their arrows are too many, Orri sobbed as she struggled to get up. It has never gotten this close before . . . ! Orri said as she managed to get up onto her knees as Klever reached out his hand for her. Don’t you dare give up Orri Antoinette! I cannot and will not leave without you! Hold on to me! Klever shouted sternly as he clinched his jaw tight, and then grabbed Orri’s arm, wrapping it around his neck, and then began footing for the border of Earthaine’s first city Eaden. He knew that if they could just reach the border that they would be protected by the Spirit of the Ancient One.

The glow had gotten closer, and they could hear gnashing of teeth, and howling, barking dogs. They had dogs; offspring hunter’s to be exact, and the creatures who chased spoke some sort of ancient language they could not understand. The arrows were relentless, but the border was just a jump ahead. We’re almost there, Klever panted, for he was determined not to give up. Orri did not answer. Klever jumped, and soon after his feet left the ground the creatures in the glow snatched Orri by the feet, yanking her from Klever’s tired shoulders. Klever! No! Orri reached for him as the little creatures pulled at her feet, arms, and hair. Stop, no, let go of me! Orri shrieked but was put to silence with a swift blow to the mouth by one in the herd of Ructi that speedily took her away in broad daylight. Like lightning, she began to disappear into the thick poisonous glow that penetrated the darkness of Goth. No!! ORRI! ORRRRIII!! Klever reached his hand into the darkness but pulled back sharply in fear, for the snarl of the massive bitches approached. His face kissed the soil as he sobbed desperately, for he could not believe that what had just happened was truly real. No, please, no . . . Klever cried out as he rocked back and forth with his hands over his ears and his hair covering his tear streaked face. The dogs snarled viciously, hungry, and deprived of food; ever so willing to taste of his flesh. One, overcome with hunger and desperation, jumped at Klever, attempting to get to him because he was but a mere few feet away; she could smell his fear; making it through, but dying of suffocation after taking only one breath and then turning into a pillar of salt. They had taken her before his very eyes. He could do nothing as he watched, helplessly, as the salivating dogs that foamed at the mouth turned away to join the fleet of tyrants retreating into the darkness. Klever was numb and sick to his stomach, and vomited as he watched them flee, but forced himself to start running. He dared not look back for the glow upon Orri’s tear streaked face was still freshly painted in his mind.

The wall had protected him because he was half way through, but Orri had not yet entered the realm of the first city. The Spirit of the Ancient One would not protect her, because they had disobeyed the commands of King Muglug’s Father who had warned them not to pursue even the knowledge of the forbidden Knowla Berry. Orri had partaken of the berry unbeknownst to Klever as they ran from the glow. Thus began the descent of the Muglugians in the land of the first city Eaden, and of all who thus did dwell on Earthaine in present, and ever after.

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Chapter 2:

The Doebek’s Cottage; A Place of Refuge

Themell do you suppose we could plant a garden with Prongjectia’s? I should be delighted to watch them grow from the nursery. They’ve always been calming to my worrisome eyes. What say you fiahen? Marria, a fair young Muglugian from the North, with big beautiful hazel eyes and hair that flowed like a river to the sea, who was with child, inquired of her young lover. I don’t suppose it would hurt anything ebste, replied Themell Doebek lovingly. Whatever my ebste should wish is my very command. He winked flirtatiously as he stood with one foot in the freshly tilled dirt, and one upon the edge of the shovel, resting his hands, crossed, upon the handle. Marria smiled graciously as she blushed, and then laid her hand upon the child inside her womb that would soon meet the world, expectedly, any day now. It’s getting late, we should call it a night my dear. Supper is upon the stove; it should be ready any time now. Marria said sweetly as she turned for the door and headed in to retire by the fireplace inside the walls of their home that had been given them by Marria’s father Ahbram. Ahbram was of the first of the Muglugians to dwell in the first city, and married lady Sarialeed of the Northern Realm of the land of Easage. Themell did as his wife said, for it was getting dark, and he could smell supper and the fragrance reminded him that he was quite hungry, for gardening always made him famished.

The wind changed its course, and the air was thick with humidity. Klever ran as fast as his little legs would carry him, unaware of the berry blood trail he had following him. He dropped, unable to sustain anymore. Klever breathed heavily, stealing air to his lungs, seemingly needing more each time. Just then, he saw something move in the darkness to his right in what looked like the beginnings of a garden; he mustard all the voice that his faculty would allow and yelped, Freta!

Soon there after a male voice called back Who’s there . . . where lay you? Moments later, Themell stumbled upon a frail childlike shadow of a body revealed by the moon light, lying with their face buried in the muddy grass. Oh . . . what has been done ecthe tuyee teeko! Grab my hand, I will give you lodge in my home, Themell said to comfort him. Klever reached, grabbing the strangers hand, and was pulled onto his feet. Moh nomyet pon Themell Doebek, qwest pon tuyeen nomyet teeko? The strong man inquired. Moh nomyet Klever. The reply barely escaped his dry lips before Klever fainted in Themell’s arms. Themell carried him inside, and laid him on the table near the fire where Marria took rest. Medokata ka! What devilry has been done unto this child? We must inurn him and make statue or he could possess hold of our child Themell! Marria gasped as she looked at the boy who lay perfectly still on the table. I will fetch a pale of water. He is not yet passed on, air yet navigates his frailty! Take rest my love, and sit. Themell commanded gently of his beautiful wife. Marria settled back in her chair by the fire with a watchful eye on Klever, and with a protective hand on her belly, trusting that her husband knew what to do.