The Portal

By D Brittle

“Strangers will come, and upon the ruins of the mountain they will battle the beast.”-Extract from King Nerindon’s journal.

For ten years the Hunter kept them safe. For ten years he watched over them. Now the Dark Man has found them. They must be ready.

A corruption is sweeping the land. The infected roam the countryside. Raiders are on the hunt and The Dark Man is ready to unleash his army. But two sisters have the power to stop him.
Kidnapped and forced into a world of violence, Becky and Louise must find a way to stop the Dark Man from destroying everything they hold dear. With help from their family and friends, they must flee the terrors that hunt them whilst looking for answers that will help them develop their powers and save Eslana.
Their only salvation is the Hunter. A man entrusted to protect them with his very life. With no way of getting back to their own world, everyone must stand and fight.

• Language: English
• Publisher: NewGenerationPublishing
• Release date: Sep 17, 2021
• ISBN: 9781800311053

Book preview

Chapter 1

Becky sat up gripping the side of her bed. The bed covers were scattered all over the floor leaving her shivering as the sweat cooled on her body.

Light from the doorway broke the last of the dreams hold. ‘Are you okay Becky?’ her mother asked as she poked her head around the door.

Becky shielded her eyes from the light. ‘Yes mum, I’m alright; it’s just that silly dream again.’

‘Would you like me to boil some milk?’

‘No thank you.’

‘Alright, but if you need me, come wake me, okay sweetheart?’

‘Okay mum.’ Becky replied.

Her mum blew her a kiss and quietly shut the door plunging the room back into darkness.

Becky picked up her duvet and wrapped it around her. Resting her head back onto her pillows, she stared at the ceiling. For three days now she’d had the same dream and each time it always ended at the same point. The name of the woman meant nothing to her, she had even put the name into Google, but no results came up. Taking a deep breath, she closed her eyes. Tomorrow will be a better day for tomorrow was her and her sister’s birthday and she knew that her parents were planning something good for them. She had heard them whispering, planning their surprise. Uncle Jake and Uncle Mikey would also be coming round to celebrate and that made her smile. With the happy image in her mind, she quickly and peacefully fell asleep.

‘Get up sleepy head.’

Becky groaned and pushed her sister away. ‘Leave me alone it’s too early.’

‘No, it’s not, it’s nearly nine o’clock.’

Becky’s eyes snapped open. ‘Nine o’clock already!’ she stressed.

‘Yep, and mum and dad are waiting for you, so get up. Oh, and happy birthday.’

With a groan, Becky slid out of bed and stretched the last kinks from her back and shoulders. Today was her birthday and it was going to be good.

After a quick wash and change, Becky made her way downstairs. For as long as she could remember the ritual had been the same. She would walk into the kitchen and then spend ten minutes dealing with the hugs and kisses from her parents before getting onto the presents which she would have to open in front of everyone. Thankfully for her it was also her sister’s birthday, so not all the limelight would be on her.

With a hand on the door handle she braced herself and opened the kitchen door. A chorus of happy birthday rang out and she smiled as her mother smothered her with kisses. It was good to have a routine.

With the presents opened and the cards decorating the mantelpiece, preparations got underway for the barbecue. With her father outside trying to get the barbecue started and her mother, together with Louise, in the kitchen preparing the salad, she was left with door duty, and it wasn’t long before the doorbell rang.

With the guests settled outside in the sunshine the party got underway. Tom tried his best to stop the sausages from burning but failed miserably.

‘I hope you have good insurance.’ Jake said as he looked at the sausages. ‘Even the wife can cook better than you.’

‘Well, if you don’t like it love, you can always cook your dinners yourself.’ Chloe replied, which earned a nod of approval from Kirsty and Anna.

‘Watch out,’ Mikey said as a burger fell between the grills. ‘Seriously, you really are a bad chef.’

‘If you think you can do better then you’re welcome to have a go.’ Tom retorted but immediately regretted it as another burger fell between the bars and landed on the glowing coals below.

‘What and miss the chance of taking the mick out of the so-called chef. I think not’ Mikey smiled.

‘Anyway, the food is ready, so get it while it’s hot.’ Tom grumbled as he brought over a plate piled high with burgers, sausages, and chicken.

With the food being slowly devoured, the conversation turned from the weather to the birthday girls and then back to the weather.

‘Right then,’ Tom said standing up and holding his glass aloft. ‘I think a toast is in order for the two birthday girls.’

With a big cheer everyone raised their drinks and toasted the birthday girls who grew more embarrassed as another chorus of happy birthday rang out across the garden.

Becky sighed with relief as the doorbell sounded, signalling a chance to escape. ‘I’ll get it.’ she shouted as she ran to the door.

‘Hello young lady,’ the man said as the door opened. ‘I have two parcels for you today. One is for a Miss Rebecca Todd and another is for a Miss Louise Todd.’

‘I’m Rebecca.’ Becky replied as she stared at the boxes.

‘Well then this is for you.’

Becky took the small square parcel and shook it.

‘Hold on now young lady,’ the man said stopping her in mid shake. ‘You’ll have to sign for it before you can break it.’

Becky looked up. ‘Oh yeah.’ She said sheepishly and promptly signed for her parcel.

‘Now, is Miss Louise Todd about?’

‘She’s out the back with my parents, but I’m her sister.’

‘Can I trust you to deliver this parcel if I give it to you?’the man winked.

Becky smiled and accepted the other parcel.

‘Who is it?’ Becky heard her father shout.

‘The postman.’ Becky shouted back as she closed the door and walked back into the garden.

‘And what ya got there then?’ Jake asked as he tried to snatch the gifts away.

‘It’s mine.’ Becky squealed as she pulled the parcels away.

‘Hey, that one has my name on it.’ Louise stressed as she noticed the other parcel.

‘So, who are they from?’ her father asked.

‘I don’t know,’ Becky replied as she turned her parcel over. ‘There’s no tag.’

‘Well don’t keep us waiting.’ Their mother said.

Together, the girls ripped off the brown wrapping and opened the boxes.

‘Wow.’ Both girls said in unison as they pulled out two bracelets.

‘Well, they are certainly posh.’ Their mother said glancing to her husband, but the shake of his head confirmed that he did not know anything about them either.

‘Well, let us have a look then.’ Chloe said taking the bracelet from Louise.

‘The engraving is really good.’ Mikey said as he studied both bracelets.

‘He spends one summer in a jeweller’s shop eighteen years ago and he thinks he knows everything there is to know about jewellery.’ Anna retorted.

‘Well, I think it’s pretty.’ Louise said snatching back her bracelet and immediately slipping it onto her wrist. As the bracelet touched her skin a tingle ran straight up her arm making her shiver.

Becky took her bracelet back and studied it carefully. ‘So, who do we need to thank for these then?’ she asked looking at everyone gathered around the table.

No one answered.

‘Ok, so who sent them? Do we have an aunty somewhere we don’t know about?’

‘There’s no one we know about.’ Her father said as he glanced at the bracelets. ‘Perhaps you girls shouldn’t wear them until we find out who sent them.’

‘But dad.’ Louise began.

‘Your father is right,’ her mother replied, cutting her daughter off. ‘Come on, hand them over.’

Louise was about to protest but the look on her mother’s face kept her quiet. Reluctantly she took off her bracelet and handed it over.

‘Don’t worry. As soon as we find out where they have come from, we’ll give them back to you.’ Their father said as he closed the lids and took the boxes inside.

Chapter 2

It left the castle in the middle of the night. No one saw the creature leave, which was just as well, as secrecy was what it wanted. Its black skin merged with the darkness of the countryside, hiding it from spying eyes.

Stars could be seen twinkling in the night sky as the clouds parted, but the moon remained hidden, blanketing the ground in complete darkness. It liked the dark, it found hunting was always easier when it could hide in the shadows and stalk its prey. But tonight, there would be no hunting. Tonight, it had a task to do, a very important task, a task that the master had bestowed only to it, and it would not fail.

‘Remember, do not harm them. They are mine and mine only, do you understand?’ The master had said.

‘Yesss massster.’ It had replied.

‘It would be a mistake for you if you disobeyed me. Do you understand me?’

‘Yesss massster.’ It had replied.

A familiar scent caught its attention, and it came to a stop. Raising its head to the sky it sniffed the night air. The scent made its stomach grumble and its mouth fill with saliva.

Once again it sniffed the air. It knew what the scent was. It was the scent of humans, and by the strength of their odour they were somewhere close.

It longed to go hunting and smell the fear from these pathetic humans. Nothing was better than feasting at night, but the master’s mission was too important, and it feared what would happen if it failed.

Thankfully, its master had provided it with a treat before it had left. A young female had been captured roaming too close to the castle. Oh, how she had screamed as she realised her fate. Saliva dripped from its mouth, and its stomach almost roared as it remembered the girl, and her frantic death screams.

An owl called out and flew overhead, bringing the creature out of its night dream. Licking the saliva from its mouth it continued its journey. The hunt was on, and for the first time in centuries, it felt truly alive, its black heart raced inside its chest as it bounded through the countryside. Gathering up its speed it raced on through the night.

Chapter 3

‘Come on you two,’ their father shouted for the third time. ‘We’re only going for the weekend so don’t bring too much.’

Becky hated camping, but every year she was subjected to the torturous task of sleeping on a blow-up bed as her sister snored beside her for two days, just so her parents and their friends could get in touch with nature as they put it, whether she liked it or not.

‘You’ve got five minutes.’ their father warned.

‘Come on Becks.’ Louise said, startling her sister.

With a groan, Becky picked up her rucksack and walked out of her room, leaving her comfy bed behind.

‘Can I wear my bracelet this weekend?’ Louise asked as she buckled herself in.

‘What did I say last week?’ her dad replied.

‘I know but it’s only for the weekend.’ Louise argued.

‘Yeah, and if you break it then I’ll have to pay for it won’t I! Besides, I’ve left them in the house.’

A horn blast stopped the argument. ‘That’s them,’ their father said as Jake pulled up the drive. ‘Is everyone ready?’ The groan from the back seat was answer enough.

After a tedious four-hour drive of motorways and A-roads, the campsite finally came into view.

‘You can put those Nintendo’s down now. You won’t need them this weekend.’ Their mother said as the car came to a stop.

‘Speak for yourself.’ Becky mumbled as she looked out of the car window and saw the forest for the first time. The nightmares from the past week came thundering back. Images of running through a forest as red eyes stared out at her from the trees played before her eyes.

‘Are you alright?’ Louise asked as she rested her hand on her sister’s arm. ‘Hello, earth to Becky.’

‘I’m ok.’ Becky replied smiling at her sister, but she did not mean it.

Their father’s face at the window made both girls jump. ‘Come on you two, we need to get these tents up.’

‘This is a gorgeous location,’ Chloe said as the group sat around the camp, drinking and toasting marshmallows over the fire. ‘I think perhaps this is my favourite place in the whole of England.’

‘Well, it’s definitely a contender,’ Jake agreed. ‘What I like best is the open space, the fresh air and no noisy neighbours.’

‘Well, the air would be even fresher if Mikey could stop burning his marshmallows,’ Tom joked. ‘And you had the cheek to moan about my cooking.’

‘What can I say? I like them crispy.’ Mikey smiled.

‘Have you had any thoughts about those two bracelets?’Anna asked.

‘None at all.’ Tom replied.

‘Not even who sent them?’ Chloe asked.

‘We haven’t got a clue, have we?’ Tom said as he looked at his wife for a possible answer. Kirsty just shook her head and said nothing.

‘So, what are you going to do about them?’ Jake asked. ‘Somehow I don’t think Louise is going to let you get rid of it.’

‘Tell me about it,’ Tom snorted. ‘We had a bit of a discussion before we set off this morning. I told her I’d left them in the house.’

‘I take it you didn’t?’ Jake said.

‘Did you bring them?’ Kirsty asked as her husband had not replied.

Tom looked over to the tent his girls were sleeping in. ‘Well, I thought that if they were both good then I was going to give them back. I can’t see the harm in them wearing the bracelets until we figure out who sent them.’

‘But we agreed to keep the bracelets safe for now in case the girls break them.’ Kirsty said.

‘I know, but you know what I’m like when they go on and on.’ Tom said sheepishly.

‘I don’t want the girls wearing the bracelets until we find out who sent them’ Kirsty said staring at her husband.

A snicker from the others broke the tension and Kirsty turned her attention on them. ‘Something funny?’

‘Sir, no sir.’ Jake said saluting.

‘All of you can shut up and eat your marshmallows,’Kirsty growled as they all started laughing. ‘And you!’ she said turning to her husband. ‘This conversation is not over.’

The hunter settled down amongst the branches of the ash tree he had chosen for his shelter and looked out over the campsite. The night was clear, leaving the full moon to illuminate the land with its silvery light, but he did not need the moon to see in the dark.

Bats circled around his head, catching moths in mid-flight before flying away with their prizes. The hunter watched them go.

Laughter drew his attention and he stared back at the campsite. He had followed the family from their home right up to the gates of the campsite. He even watched as they set up their tents before settling round the fire. The smell of burnt caramel assaulted his senses but he did not mind, he had smelt far worse over the years.

A shiver ran down his back making the hairs on his arms stand to attention. Instinctively, he pulled his coat about him as if the night air chilled him. But the night was mild, and the leaves gave him shelter from the slight breeze. No, this chill was from the presence he could feel, and it was getting stronger.

A twig snapped on the forest floor below him, making him tense. Slowly he moved his hand down his side until his fingers rested on the dagger that was tucked into his trousers. Silently he drew the dagger and positioned himself so he could see the forest floor. Another twig snapped just to his left and immediately his eyes shot towards the sound.

Slowly he released his breath as he watched a fox raise its head and sniff the night air, its ears twitching once, twice, as it caught the sound of something moving around in the undergrowth.

The creature pounced, killing the fox in one single motion, ripping its throat out before the fox even knew it had been caught. The sudden appearance of the creature made the hunter jump and it took all his years of training just to keep hold of the dagger that threatened to slip from his grasp.

His unexpected movement drew the creature’s attention and he watched as the creature raised its bloody mouth and turn its red eyes in his direction. Holding his breath, the Hunter remained as still as possible.

The creature sniffed the night air. There was a familiar scent, but it was weak. Without making a sound, it moved towards the tree where the hunter rested. Gripping his dagger, the hunter waited. A rustle of leaves drew the creature’s attention and it pounced. A squeal was abruptly cut short as the creature killed whatever was hiding amongst the undergrowth.

The hunter slowly released his breath and then loosened the grip on his dagger as the creature moved back into the forest. Its black body blending in with the darkness of the night.

The time for action had come. There could be no more delays. The dark man had found them. How? He did not know, but he knew he had to act before it was too late.

The hunter turned his attention back to the campsite. Tonight, he would let them rest. He would keep watch in case the creature returned, but he doubted it. The creature was in the right area, but it had not found the scent of its targets and that was one thing the hunter was grateful for. Tomorrow he must act. He had already waited too long.

Chapter 4

Becky sat up shaking as the memory of her nightmare slowly faded. Taking a deep breath, she wiped the sweat from her brow. What was happening to her? Was she going mad? Was it part of becoming an adult? If so, she did not want to get older.

The sound of a fly sheet opening disturbed her thoughts. Her parents were already up which meant one thing, the hike would soon begin. Taking another deep breath, Becky unzipped her sleeping bag and stretched out her tired muscles. ‘Just get through today and it’s back home’ she mumbled to herself.

‘Right then, is everyone ready?’ Tom asked as he shouldered his rucksack.

‘Tell me again why I have to go?’ Becky complained for the tenth time.

‘Because its nature. And we always do the forest hike on the first morning. It’s tradition.’ Her father replied. ‘Besides, you used to love running through the forest and chasing the squirrels.’

‘Yeah, well I’ve grown up since then dad.’ Becky retorted.

‘And don’t I know it.’ Her father mumbled.

‘Sometimes I’m glad I don’t have kids.’ Jake said as he fell in behind the quickly disappearing Tom.

‘Yeah, but I bet you like trying though.’ Mikey said and instantly regretted it as his wife’s hand swiped the back of his head.

‘Don’t you ever think before speaking?’ Anna said as she took another swipe at her husband.

‘Only on the day I married you, my love. That took a lot of thought before saying yes.’ Anna’s foot just missed her husband’s backside as Mikey took off screaming.

‘And what’s up with you pip squeak?’ Becky asked as she playfully pushed her sister. A glint of silver caught Becky’s eye before Louise quickly pulled down her jacket sleeve. ‘And where did you get that?’

Louise looked up innocently but the look on her sister’s face told her the game was up. ‘I heard dad tell the others that he had brought them, and he was going to give them back to us if we were good.’

‘And you think that stealing it back is your way of being good?’ Becky said as she looked down at her sister’s red face. ‘I’ll tell you what. I won’t say anything as long as you don’t get caught.’

Louise perked up but Becky cut her off before she could reply. ‘But, if you do get caught don’t bring me into it, alright.’

‘I took yours as well,’ Louise said as she pulled the bracelet from her jacket pocket and handed it over.

Becky hesitantly took the bracelet but instead of putting it on she slipped it into her jacket pocket.

‘Don’t you like it?’ Louise asked.

‘I do, but it’s a bit strange how we got these presents, but mum and dad don’t know anything about them.’ Becky said as her fingers caressed the bracelet resting in her pocket.

Louise shrugged. ‘They’re only presents.’

‘Yeah, but why is mine gold and yours silver? And why do they have the same pattern on them?’ Becky continued.

Again, Louise shrugged. ‘I don’t know, and I don’t care. I like them.’

‘Come on you two.’ Their father called out as he disappeared round a bend.

‘Just keep it hidden.’ Becky said to her sister as they ran to catch up.

The forest had seemed a wonderful, peaceful place to Becky when she was younger, but now it just made her nervous. Sounds of animals rustling in the undergrowth made her tense up, but every time she looked, nothing could be seen.

Shivering despite the warmth, Becky zipped up her jacket and silently followed the others.

‘Are we there yet?’ Mikey moaned. ‘We’ve been walking for fifteen hours.’

‘Just over an hour actually and yes we are nearly there.’ Tom said pointing to a pathway that broke from the main trail.

‘Rest time.’ Jake said, pushing past Becky and Louise which earned him a slap from both.

The Overlook, or the half-way point, was a hillside ridge which looked down upon the valley and the outlying villages. On a clear day you could see the sea, but today, storm clouds blocked the view.

‘Do you think it’s going to rain?’ Chloe asked as she unrolled a blanket.

‘It can do what it wants as soon as we’re all back at the campsite,’ Jake answered as he stretched out beside her. ‘Besides those clouds are miles away.’ Rolling over he grabbed two beers from the cooler, ‘you want one?’

Jake turned to his wife, ‘Are you alright?’ he asked noticing her pale complexion. Chloe did not respond; her eyes were fixed on the trees to their left. Gently he reached out and touched her arm which made her jump. ‘And what’s up with you?’ Jake asked.

‘I thought I saw something in the trees.’ Chloe replied.

Jake followed his wife’s gaze. ‘I don’t see anything. What was it you saw?’

‘I don’t know. I could only see two red circles. Like eyes, but they seemed to be floating in mid-air. One minute they were there and then they vanished.’

‘Probably just a fox, or fairies’ Jake replied with a smile.

‘Maybe.’ Chloe mumbled but she continued to look at the trees.

Becky was also staring at the trees. She had not seen anything herself, but something just did not feel right, and it came from those trees. In fact, the whole forest seemed wrong to her.

‘Are you feeling alright Becky?’ her mother asked as she placed a hand on her forehead. ‘You’ve gone really pale.’

Her mother’s voice sounded faint and even her touch felt insubstantial, but Becky refused to give in to the nightmares. Closing her eyes, she steeled herself, feeling the blood slowly return to her face. ‘Yeah, I’m okay.’ She replied as she opened her eyes.

‘Is it the nightmares again?’ her mother asked.

‘It’s okay mum, they are only nightmares.’ Becky replied.

‘I think we should go see Dr Fallam when we get back.’ her mother said unconvinced.

‘I’m alright mum, really.’ Becky said, feeling a little better.

‘Well make sure you tell me if you are feeling unwell,’ her mother replied.

Becky took her eyes away from the trees and looked at her mother’s face. Seeing the concern in her mother’s eyes made Becky feel guilty, but what could anyone do? They were just dreams, and everyone dreamt. Reaching over, Becky gave her mother a hug. ‘Where’s Louise?’

‘She was right over there.’ Her mother replied breaking their embrace. Both turned to the trees, but Louise was not there.

‘Tom. Which way did Louise go?’ Kirsty asked.

Tom looked up with a blank look and shrugged. ‘Louise, get your bum back here now.’ He shouted.

‘I last saw her playing over there, five minutes ago.’ Anna said pointing to the trees.

‘Go find her for me.’ Kirsty said turning to her daughter.

Becky stared at the trees reluctantly.

‘Go on now,’ her mother urged. ‘The sooner you get her the sooner we can get back.’

‘Louise, I’m gonna kill you.’ Becky said under her breath as she walked up to the forest edge and peered in. Did the forest darken a little as she stepped beyond the first line of trees? Becky could not be sure. Perhaps her mind was just playing tricks on her eyes, though it did seem a little darker. Even the rays of sunlight that had managed to pierce the treetops did little to lighten the darkest parts of the forest.

‘Louise, where are you?’ her voice sounded strange inside the forest. It was so quiet. Nothing moved. ‘Louise. Come on, this isn’t funny.’ Becky walked on.

Shadows moved around her making her eyes dart back and forth searching the forest in their blind panic, but again there was nothing.

‘Louise, where are you?’ Becky stopped and listened. She had heard something; she was sure of it. ‘Louise.’ She shouted again. A faint sound carried on the wind came to her ears and she turned her head.

‘Help me Becky.’

This time there was no doubt; that was Louise’s voice. Becky stood still. Her mind was torn between going back and fetching her parents or continuing on her own through the forest. She looked behind her. Already she had lost the path, she could not see the edge of the trees, but surely that’s impossible she thought to herself. I’ve only been walking for a few minutes.

‘Help me Becky.’

Her sister’s voice, clearer this time and by the sound of it she was in pain. ‘I’m coming Louise, just keep shouting.’

‘I’m over here.’

Becky slowed her pace, something wasn’t right. It seemed like her sister’s voice but there was something not quite right with it. Perhaps it was through pain or perhaps she was scared.

‘Help me Becky.’

That was definitely her sister, wasn’t it? Becky could not take any chances and she rushed to the place where she thought her sister’s voice had come from.

Becky skidded to a halt. ‘Louise, where are you?’

‘I’m behind this fallen tree.’

Becky spun around until she spotted the fallen tree. Relief flooded through her as she saw the back of her sister’s head poking up above the tree trunk and the distinct pink coloured jogging bottoms poking out the bottom.

‘What have you gone and done?’ Becky huffed as she walked over and peered over the tree.

At first nothing registered. She could see Louise sitting with her back against the tree, but she could not understand why her sister had not turned around at her approach. In an instant, reality hit like a thunderbolt. Ropes tied Louise’s hands together and a gag was tightly wound over her sister’s mouth. Who had done this?

‘Help me Becky.’ The voice seemed to echo inside Becky’s head making her stumble back in alarm.

Becky shook the last echo of the voice from her mind. What was happening? Her sister’s muffled cries brought her back to reality. Leaping over the tree, Becky landed beside her sister and undid the gag ‘Who did this to you?’

‘W... w... watch out.’ Louise screamed, but it was too late. A branch came down on Becky’s head knocking her to the ground.

Everyone stopped as Louise’s scream echoed through the forest and into the clearing. The panic was evident for all to hear.

‘Oh my God, my babies.’ Kirsty screamed and ran into the forest before anyone else could react.

‘Kirsty,’ Tom shouted but it did no good, and soon he lost sight of his wife as she disappeared into the trees.

Kirsty ran through the forest calling out her daughter’s names, but she received no answer. The others had quickly followed and were spread out through the forest, each calling out to the girls as they searched.

‘Over here.’ Jake shouted.

‘Becky. Louise.’ Kirsty said as she rushed towards Jake. But she stopped short as Jake held up one of Louise’s trainers.

‘What’s going on?’ Tom said skidding to a halt beside Jake. ‘Where are they?’

‘I don’t know.’ Jake said handing him the single trainer.

‘Oh my God, someone’s taken them, haven’t they?’ Kirsty turned away as her breakfast came up.

‘Becky. Louise.’ Tom shouted.

‘Jake, phone the police.’ Chloe urged.

Jake fumbled in his pocket and took out his phone. ‘Shit, no signal.’ He said as he walked back and forth, holding his phone in the air.

‘Your police will do you no good.’ A voice spoke out startling everyone. ‘If you want to see your girls you need to follow me now.’

Tom turned so quickly it took the stranger by surprise and he took a step back. ‘Where are my girls?’ he spat at the man standing before him. ‘Tell us now.’ Without warning Tom rushed forward, but the man had settled himself and was prepared

Tom swung a punch as he charged, but the man easily stepped sideways, allowing Tom’s momentum to carry him on where he tripped on a stump and went flying face first into the forest floor.

‘I do not have time for this foolishness,’ the man’s voice boomed out across the forest, stopping everyone in their tracks. ‘I am an ally. I have not taken your girls but I know who has. If you want to see them again, we must hurry.’

‘If you knew who took them, why didn’t you stop them?’ Tom spat as he picked himself up.

‘Tom,’ Jake said. ‘If he knows where they are then we need to go now.’

‘Ok,’ Tom replied but his eyes were fixed on the man in front of him. ‘But let me tell you something, if you are lying to us, I’ll kill you.’

‘You aren’t seriously going to trust this stranger?’ Kirsty stressed. ‘My girls are out here somewhere and you’re taking the word of a stranger! We need the police not some bum who lives in the forest.’

‘We are wasting time,’ the man’s voice carried over the arguing. ‘Come with me or not, it doesn’t matter, but I must go after them.’

The man turned to move but Jake’s hand stopped him ‘Who are you?’

‘My name doesn’t matter right now,’ the man said trying to control his own rising anger. ‘All that matters are the girls, they are in serious trouble and unless I help them, they will be lost forever.’ The man shook himself loose from Jake’s grasp and sprang away before anyone else could stop him.

‘You’re not seriously going, are you?’ Mikey said as Jake started to follow.

‘What choice do we have? He seems to know where they are.’

‘We need to phone the police.’ Mikey called out as Jake disappeared.

‘I’m coming with you.’ Tom said breaking the tension. ‘If he knows something then we need to follow him.’

‘You can’t be serious,’ Mikey stressed again but it was too late, Tom and Jake had already disappeared into the forest. ‘I don’t believe I’m doing this.’ he mumbled as he took off after his friends.

The man set an unbelievable pace and only the sound of a twig snapping gave the man’s position away. Through the trees they ran, twisting and turning as they navigated their way between trees and over stumps. Jake could see Tom and Mickey running by his side, but what were they getting themselves in to? He was sure this stranger knew something, what that was he would find out, but for now getting Becky and Louise back safe and sound was all that mattered.

Another twig snapped, giving the man’s position away. All three turned towards the sound. On and on they raced until finally the trees cleared and there in the centre of the clearing stood the man.

‘Alright, so, where are they?’ Tom shouted as he looked around for his girls.

‘They have already gone through.’ the man replied without turning.

‘What the hell are you talking about? Speak sense.’ Tom growled turning on the man.

Without replying the man stepped forward and vanished, leaving Jake, Mickey, and Tom staring with opened mouths at the spot where the man had just stood.

‘What the hell is going on?’ Jake said as he walked forward.

‘Jake, be careful.’ Tom warned but his warning came too late as Jake vanished from his sight.

The sound of footsteps drew Tom’s attention and he turned just as the others ran into the clearing.

‘Tom, what’s going on? And where are the girls?’ Kirsty screamed.

‘He just vanished.’ Tom said, turning back to stare at the space where his friend had just stood.

‘What are you talking about?’ Kirsty said grabbing her husband’s arms. ‘Where are my girls? Where are Becky and Louise?’

At the mention of his daughter’s names, Tom’s mind cleared, and he looked into the teary eyes of his wife. ‘I honestly don’t know what’s going on or where the girls are.’

Kirsty slapped him. ‘Where are my girls, damn you.’

‘And where’s Jake?’ Chloe asked.

Tom looked between his wife and Chloe. ‘I have to go. I have to follow them.’ Embracing his wife, he ran forward and disappeared.

Kirsty stood looking at the space where her husband had just been. Her whole world had been turned upside down in the blink of an eye. Her girls had been taken and now her husband had vanished. Giving out a hysterical laugh, her legs gave way and she collapsed to the floor.

Chloe was the first to react. ‘She’s alright, she just fainted.’ she said as she checked her friend’s pulse.

‘So, does someone want to tell me what’s going on?’ Anna asked. ‘I mean, did Tom just vanish? Or am I messed up? I