Fire and Ice: Tale of an Earth Child

By Lyz Sautter-Flechaus

10 year old Leon Seaver had no idea what his parents had gotten him into at this underwater school. The dcor is ancient rock, the residents include a giant octopus, and the curriculum requires everyone to pull energy from the earth. There are several obstacles, including self-doubt, which Leon must overcome as he tries to understand and use his unique connection to the earth. Perhaps the biggest problem is time for he has less than the 30 days to figure it all out

• Language: English
• Publisher: Xlibris US
• Release date: May 20, 2016
• ISBN: 9781524500269

Lyz Sautter-Flechaus

Lyz Sautter-Flechaus lives in a suburb of Reno, Nevada with her husband and their numerous animal friends both wild and domestic. She has always had an interest in environmental issues and just a few years ago, she graduated cum sum laud with a Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Management. Lyz believes that environmental issues are always presented with such a heavy-hand that creative solutions get lost. She hopes that this book entertains the reader, but also wants to spark the imagination of both young and old to solve pollution and other world problems with a fresh, innovative approach.

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Copyright © 2016 by Lyz Sautter-Flechaus.

ISBN:      Softcover      978-1-5245-0027-6

                eBook           978-1-5245-0026-9

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.

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

Certain stock imagery © Thinkstock.

Rev. date: 05/17/2016

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Contents

Dedication

Chapter One

Chapter Two

Chapter Three

Chapter Four

Chapter Five

Chapter Six

Chapter Seven

Chapter Eight

Chapter Nine

Chapter Ten

Chapter Eleven

Chapter Twelve

Chapter Thirteen

Chapter Fourteen

Chapter Fifteen

Chapter Sixteen

Chapter Seventeen

Chapter Eighteen

Chapter Nineteen

Chapter Twenty

Chapter Twenty-One

Chapter Twenty-Two

Chapter Twenty-Three

Chapter Twenty-Four

Dedication

There were three people who inspired me more than anyone else -- my brother Carl Sautter, my husband Rick Flechaus, and my best friend Pat Bentley. Without their understanding and support, this book would not have been possible. I also have to mention Vicki, Beth, Donna, Alexis, Karen, Davell, and Kathy -- as they all contributed to my imagination and well-being during the writing process, and I couldn't have asked for a better crew.

A special thanks to Rick Flechaus for the cover photo.

Chapter One

Ten year old Leon couldn't sleep. He was too excited. He was away from home in a whole new school and it was underwater! He flipped from his side to his back on the bed and stared at the ceiling of his temporary dormitory room. He could barely see the green luminescent light that danced over the ceiling's old rock and stone. He wondered where the light came from and how old this building was. A strand of his chestnut brown hair fell in his face. Impatiently, he brushed it away and sat up in bed.

He just couldn't stand it! He had to get another look out that window. Afterall, what would they do? Send him home? Not likely. His parents had told him that he had been specially chosen by the school to attend. So the worse they would do? Probably send him back to bed. Leon smiled. He could live with that, but he still didn't want to get caught.

Silently, Leon pushed the blanket off and stood up. He straightened his blue cotton pajamas and picked up his slippers from under the bed. He tip-toed past the other seven boys who were still sound asleep and slipped through the massive archway into the sitting room. He breathed a sigh of relief as he stopped for a moment and leaned against the wall.

Leon looked around the room. The fire that had burned so brightly earlier that evening in the fireplace was smoldering coals now. The once warm and inviting room was full of long dark shadows that sent shivers up Leon's spine. He put on his slippers and approached the huge, heavy, dark red curtain that covered most of one wall. He reached behind the drape and found the heavy hemp pull cord. It took all his strength, but he managed to pull it open. His arms ached from his effort so he shook them out as he walked to the front of the window and froze.

He was expecting an exciting underwater scene with colorful corals and exotic small fish. He was not prepared for the big black gaping hole with two gigantic wedge-shaped teeth surrounded by bowling ball sized suckers! It looked like the monster was coming through the glass! Leon screamed. The seven boys from his dormitory room burst through the archway, saw the monster in the window, and screamed!

The door to the sitting room flew open and Mrs. Crystal, a spry, elderly woman with her bright red hair in curlers and dressed in a fluffy pink bathrobe stormed in waving her cane in all directions.

What's all this in the middle of the night? she exclaimed, Silence!

The room fell quiet as Mrs. Crystal quickly glanced from boy to boy. Her gaze came to rest on Leon standing next to the window. Her stern face softened as a smile touched the corners of her mouth. Oh, I see you boys have met Horace.

The boys exchanged baffled looks and muttered Horace? to each other.

Leon took a step toward the window and gazed at the big, gaping, black hole stuck to the glass in disbelief. This monster had a name?

That's right, Mrs. Crystal said as she walked towards Leon and the window. Horace, our resident giant octopus. He is just as curious about you, as you are about him. She tapped the window lightly with her cane.

Horace closed his gaping mouth and pulled slightly away from the glass. Ribbons of black water swirled in front of him.

And you gave him quite a scare, scorned Mrs. Crystal. I believe he has inked himself.

The boys snickered. Mrs. Crystal spun around and glared at them. So you think that because you're humans that you are the only ones on this planet that are allowed curiosity or fear? My, my you recruits have much to learn. Get to bed, the lot of you!

The seven boys scampered back into the dormitory room. As Leon passed Mrs. Crystal, she hooked him with her cane and he came to abrupt halt. Not so fast boy, she said.

Leon swallowed hard and turned to face her. Yes ma'am?

My name is Mrs. Crystal, not ma'am. What is your name?

Leon, Leon Seaver.

Mr. Seaver, you seem to be at the heart of this. How did this happen?

I, I opened the curtains and Horace was there. Leon stammered. I didn't mean to wake up the whole school.

First off, Mr. Seaver, this is not a school. We are an institute. You'll learn all about that tomorrow in orientation. What I want to know is, what are you doing out of bed?

I'm sorry. I just wanted to look out the window and watch the fish for a while. Leon lowered his eyes to the floor. I couldn't sleep.

Hmm, I see, Mrs. Crystal said. She glanced at the window and stepped back in surprise. Leon followed her gaze and gasped.

Horace had rolled over. One of his huge complex eyes was against the glass, staring at Leon.

I've never seen him so interested in a new recruit, Mrs. Crystal said. She walked to the hemp pull cord and hooked it with her cane. She said Good night Horace as she pulled the drape shut. As for you Mr. Seaver, I expect to see you in Mrs. Tremain's office tomorrow after orientation. Now Sir, off to bed with you.

Mrs. Crystal stood by the archway and watched Leon get into bed, then she turned and walked off. The tapping of her cane and the door of the sitting room opening and closing could be heard.

Otto Crutte, the blonde-headed boy in the bed next to Leon's, slid out of bed and sat on the edge of Leon's. Name's Otto, he whispered.

Leon.

Yeah, I heard. What's with this place?

Leon sat up and faced Otto. I don't know. My folks told me this was a school. Mrs. Crystal called it an institute. I guess there's a difference.

Who knows Otto said as he shook his head. Say, do you remember how you got here?

Yeah, I flew. Why?

No, I mean, I flew too, but how'd you get underwater?

Well, I... Leon looked at Otto in disbelief. I don't remember.

Neither do I.

The sound of an opening door came from the sitting room, along with the tapping of Mrs. Crystal's cane. The boys exchanged wide-eyed looks. Otto scrambled to his bed and Leon slid down and buried his head under the covers.

Chapter Two

Leon tossed and turned the rest of the night. He had so many questions and no answers. He had just fallen asleep when a deep full tone fog horn blew. He was so startled by it that he fell out of bed. He heard muffled laughter. Breathing hard, he pushed a strand of hair out of his face and stood up. What was that? he exclaimed.

That's the alarm, said John Roth, a small sandy-haired boy with freckles in the bed across from Leon.

Alarm?

Yeah, 'alarm', as in clock, you, know, get up it's morning? added Stewart Lithmoore, a tall dark-haired boy with glasses.

Several of the other boys laughed as they continued to get dressed. Otto walked over to Leon. They told me about the fog horn last night. Thought you knew. Should have told you, sorry. Are you okay?

Leon nodded, reached under his bed and pulled out his backpack. He was surprised to see a piece of neon green duct tape stuck to the handle. He pulled the tape off and tossed it to the floor. He threw the backpack onto the bed, opened it, and pulled out a pair of blue jeans and a plaid shirt. Otto sat on the edge of his bed and put on a pair of colorful socks.

Hey John, I hear you're going home today, smirked Stewart.

John couldn't have stuffed his pajama into his suitcase any harder without ripping them. Funny, I heard it was you.

What you heard is that I'm getting a room.

Man, you should have seen it! injected Marvin Russell, a short-haired medium built boy. Stewart pulled up the coolest blue energy bolt yesterday!

It sure surprised old man Varnish, Stewart added as he jumped up on his bed and posed like a body builder. Like I said, I'll be getting a room.

He jumped off the bed as Mr. Guinn; a balding, middle-aged, rather plump little man stuck his head through the dormitory room arch. Good, good. Glad to see you're all up. Some of you will be getting rooms today. Others... His voice faltered as he tried to hide his disappointment, ...well, homeward bound. So pack your things and leave them on your beds. Let's go! Busy day! Mr. Guinn quickly waddled away.

What should we do? Otto asked Leon.

Leon shrugged. Who knows? Pack, I guess.

Leon and Otto finished packing and making their beds, and then followed the other boys through the sitting room and out into the hall. They joined several groups of children of all ages, heading towards the cafeteria.

Mind if I stick with you? Otto asked Leon.

Leon smiled. Why not? I don't know where I'm going either. We can be lost together.

The gigantic solid oak doors of the cafeteria stood open. Leon and Otto entered and stopped. Otto pulled Leon to the side as other children pushed past them. Leon couldn't believe his eyes! The extreme contrast of the room was overwhelming! The dining area was similar in design to the dormitory room with large old rocks and medieval furnishings while the cafeteria line was all 21st century stainless steel. Leon and Otto weaved their way through the ancient stone tables and intricately carved high back wooden chairs to the serving line. They waited their turn, then each picked up a stainless steel tray and a glass of juice.

They moved through the line watching the adult servers dressed in pristine white coats, hairnets, and gloves on the other side of the stainless steel counter. Leon and Otto exchanged horrified looks as they watched the first server pick up a plate, put a large spoonful of purple stuff on it, and pass the plate to the next server.

Disgusted, Leon curled up his lip and asked What is that?

Breakfast, the server replied. Keep the line moving, please.

Helena Yokomo, a slender Asian girl with long black hair, grabbed Leon's tray and pulled him down the line. Helena looked at Otto and said Hi, come on, then she gave Leon a small smile. I can tell this is your first day. First days are the definitely the hardest, she said.

They don't expect us to eat that, do they? Otto exclaimed.

Helena smiled. It's not bad. The purple stuff is like scrambled eggs, and the blue strips taste like bacon.

It looks awful, Leon said as the last server handed him a filled plate. The only thing I recognize on this plate is the toast.

Toast is easy. That's the first thing you learn how to make in the kitchen. Helena smirked. Oh, and the pink blobs are potatoes.

Leon and Otto exchanged puzzled looks. Helena picked up her tray, grabbed some eating utensils wrapped in a napkin, and walked away. Over her shoulder she said You'll get used to it. Remember, the first day is the hardest.

Who was that? Otto asked Leon as Helena disappeared into the crowd.

I don't know. I thought she was your friend, Leon said as he pushed a strand of hair out of his face.

Otto shrugged and looked around the room. How about that table over there by the fireplace?

Leon nodded and the boys made their way through the room. They got to the table, put their trays down, and sat in the ornately decorated, solid wooden chairs. They tried pulling the chairs closer to the table, but they were too heavy to move.

They stared at the roaring fire in the fireplace for a moment, then stared at their plates. Finally, Leon picked up his plate and smelt the different colored foods.

Well? asked Otto.

Smells like breakfast, Leon replied as he unwrapped his silverware, picked out his fork, and stuck it into the purple stuff. And I'm hungry...I just can't look at it.

Otto held his breath as Leon closed his eyes and put the fork in his mouth. Leon chewed slowly. His eyes popped open in surprise. Otto, it's really good, Leon said in between bites. Try it.

Otto picked up a blue strip and gingerly bit off a small piece. A smile came to his face and he happily took another much bigger bite. That girl was right. It does taste like bacon.

The full tone fog horn blew. Now what? Otto asked.

They watched the other children finish their food and take their trays to the end of the serving line. They placed the trays on a massive conveyer belt that took the trays with their empty plates and glasses through a window in a stone wall. Leon and Otto continued to watch as the other children made their way to the dining room exit.

I suppose we should follow the crowd, Leon said.

Otto nodded. They finished their food quickly and disposed of their trays on the conveyor belt. They weaved their way through the dining room and went into the hallway. They merged with the flow of bodies all heading to another set of huge open wooden doors.

It was like walking into Ancient Greece. The room was a huge round amphitheater with layered marble blocks leading down to a stage. Leon and Otto followed a group of children down a bronze metal ramp and took a seat on a marble block half-way up from the stage. Even though everyone spoke in whispers, the room was filled with loud noise.

Good morning recruits and staff, said Mrs. Tremain, a stout woman with long curly hair, who stood center stage holding a clipboard. Her voice bellowed through the room even though it was obvious that she was speaking in a normal rather soft voice. She glanced at her clipboard, adjusted her glasses, and waited for the crowd to settle. For those of you just joining us, welcome to the Institute for the Preservation of Nature. My name is Mrs. Tremain, and I am the director.

As she spoke, she walked around the stage making eye contact with everyone. Twice a day, we meet here in Delphi Amphitheater to discuss current issues that involve the Institute. The floor is open.

Mrs. Crystal rose from her seat on the other side of the room. Her bright red hair was bunched up in a massive amount of curls on top of her head. She tapped her cane on the floor and cleared her throat. Those recruits that are part of the sea creature study group need to know that this morning's field trip to the sea grotto has been postponed until this afternoon. After this meeting, report to Mr. Varnish, she said and sat down.

Several of the children moaned. A staff member nudged the sleeping Mr. Varnish, a slight old man with a scraggily gray beard. Startled, he stood up, mumbled something, and sat down.

Thank you Mrs. Crystal and Mr. Varnish. Anyone else? Mrs. Tremain asked as she looked around the room.

Mr. Herard, a sweating, nervous little man who was also a staff member, stood and started to speak.

Leon tried hard to concentrate on what Mr. Herard said in his monotone voice, something about seaweed and a submersible, but visions of Horace the giant octopus and other sea creatures in a colorful sea grotto kept tumbling through his head with some kind of blue lightning bolt that Stewart had made. What had his parents gotten him into?

...The seaweed is growing and we don't know why. We have to do something about it. Mr. Herard concluded and sat down.

Thank you Mr. Herard. We look forward to your future report, Mrs. Tremain said as she made a notation on her clipboard.

Mr. Guinn stood. I want everyone to know that the batch of recruits that we brought in last night is the last batch for this season. Let's make them feel welcome, he said, then sat down.

Last batch, oh my. Thank you Mr. Guinn. Anyone else? Mrs. Tremain asked looking around the room. Fine. If you are in the program, report to your training area. If you are a new recruit, please stay here for orientation. Staff members, you have your assignments.

Mrs. Tremain studied her clipboard. The room emptied quickly leaving thirty children scattered around the room.

Mrs. Tremain looked up from her clipboard and pointed in front of her. Would all of you please come down here to these first two rows?

Leon and Otto walked down the bronze ramp and joined the other children in front of her.

Hello, she said with a smile as she pushed her glasses up on her nose. First off, let me apologize. You should have been given some information last night, but it seems we always neglect the last batch of recruits. Please forgive us.

Mrs. Tremain walked to the edge of the stage in front of the children. The Institute for the Preservation of Nature has been around since the beginning of time. It was even part of the great legendary city Atlantis before it sank. Mrs. Tremain explained as she placed her clipboard on the ground and began to roll her hands over each other. Our forefathers lived among the citizens of the world for thousands of years after that, until mankind forced them to live elsewhere.

Leon and several other children gasped as little wisps of white shimmering light curled up from the floor and danced around Mrs. Tremain's hands.

Don't be alarmed. This is energy from the earth, Mrs. Tremain calmly explained.

Oh wow! Otto exclaimed. I know what that is! It's a sort of force field like in that movie!

No, Mrs. Tremain said with a smile. What I have here is pure energy. We do a lot of things with pure energy here.

Mrs. Tremain spread her fingers and gathered the shimmering white light into her hands. The light turned hazy mustard yellow. She rolled the yellow light into a ball and threw it at the recruits. The yellow light exploded into a fierce wind that forced the children against their marble seats and contorted their faces into hideous shapes.

The wind stopped