Sintoff: The Phantom and Its Wolf Tribe

By S. E. Thornbush

In a faraway land, the making of a true warrior begins with one simple action, an escape. Radica, the young heroine, tries to find the truth about the banished tribe members in North Toru, but is only staggered with the lengthy journey. In the face of danger, will she continue her journey with her companions, or abandon them in order to fulfil her destiny? Her only hope is to find her inner strength as her journey is filled with challenges of an unnatural kind.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Austin Macauley Publishers
• Release date: Mar 31, 2023
• ISBN: 9781528966474

S. E. Thornbush

S. E. Thornbush has been writing since she was 12, but has been telling stories since she can remember. Throughout her life, she has developed several fantastical characters and tales that have yet to be transcribed into works of fiction. She has contributed some of her work to women’s organisations, magazines, newsletters and has published non-fiction books and scientific journals. This is her first-published fictional novel.

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About the Author

S. E. Thornbush has been writing since she was 12, but has been telling stories since she can remember. Throughout her life, she has developed several fantastical characters and tales that have yet to be transcribed into works of fiction. She has contributed some of her work to women’s organisations, magazines, newsletters and has published non-fiction books and scientific journals. This is her first-published fictional novel.

Dedication

This book is dedicated to all the young readers who enjoy delving into new worlds, meeting new characters and exploring Sintoff through the eyes of the protagonist. I hope that while you read this book, you appreciate the adventure across the untamed land of Sintoff.

This book is also dedicated to my family and friends for being supportive throughout my writing career and for understanding that writing is a process that needs to be nurtured and appreciated.

Also to my family, friends and former work colleagues who all expressed an interest in the land of Sintoff.

Copyright Information ©

S. E. Thornbush 2023

The right of S. E. Thornbush to be identified as author of this work has been asserted by the author in accordance with sections 77 and 78 of the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988.

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise, without the prior permission of the publishers.

Any person who commits any unauthorised act in relation to this publication may be liable to criminal prosecution and civil claims for damages.

This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, businesses, places, events, locales, and incidents are either the products of the author’s imagination or used in a fictitious manner. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, or actual events is purely coincidental.

A CIP catalogue record for this title is available from the British Library.

ISBN 9781528930963 (Paperback)

ISBN 9781528930970 (Hardback)

ISBN 9781528966474 (ePub e-book)

www.austinmacauley.com

First Published 2023

Austin Macauley Publishers Ltd®

1 Canada Square

Canary Wharf

London

E14 5AA

Acknowledgement

A special thank you goes out to M. Jessica Thornbush, whose exceptional artistic ability inspired the current book cover, and whose eye for detail permitted in part of the editing process.

An additional thank you goes out to friends in Toronto, Pauline and Vivian, who supplied me with a journal and pen, which encouraged the first recordings of this story.

Author’s Note

Tales of faraway lands have been shared amongst people for many, many years; around bonfires, in front of fireplaces, as bedtime stories or simply as tales told to enchant children.

The tale of the faraway land of Sintoff is new to this world. However, it has finally worked its way out of the mind of the author, stirring emotions of various kinds for those who read this story, as the characters and their environment envelope the reader’s imagination.

However, one must be mindful of the dark mysticism that encompasses this story, especially the summoning of the Phantom when it is awakened from within the land of Sintoff.

Introduction

This introduction contains an insight into the mystical land and the characters therein. It is meant to shed light on each tribe and the politics of the land. This information is the key to fully comprehending each element of Sintoff, including the different tribes that have come to exist in each region. The boundaries that currently exist were not always there, and this section is meant to guide you, the reader, to appreciate the existence of the land of Sintoff and the characters therein.

Sintoff: A Diverse Land

In a fantastical world, different from the world you are familiar with, stands The Land of Sintoff. It is surrounded by four seas; The Sea of Loze to the west, The Sea of Morvikest to the north, The Dark Sea to the northeast and The Sea of Partorkest to the southeast. In this distant land, four diverse environments are sustained, distinguished by their climate.

The west contains The Land of Toru, a coastal land. Its soft sands and warm, oceanic breezes are very inviting, as well as its days and nights, which are equally long and pleasant.

Morvikest, located eastward of Toru, is a mountainous region containing many caves, tunnels, and valleys. The climate is typically pleasant with a lot of sun and warm rain. Lichen and moss grow rapidly here and are consequently considered a delicacy amongst its inhabitants.

Located to the south of Morvikest is a small-forested area called Fawtody. It is an enchanted forest, consisting of old-growth trees and wildflowers, which emit a musty smell that can enlighten travellers as they enter this unusual environment. It is hidden away with no access to any dwellers in Sintoff. Fawtody’s magic can make itself known to some, while to others it almost becomes invisible.

Continuing eastward there is The Land of Huevess, a desert environment. Huevess, unlike Morvikest, is characterised by its flat topography, which stretches for many kilometres, and is overrun by large, naturally formed sand dunes. Its nights are extremely cold, reaching a temperature of 32℃ below zero. Contrastingly, the days are excruciatingly hot, reaching a temperature of 45℃ above zero, when the sun is blazing overhead. This intense heat has been known to dry the land. Occasionally, heavy rains that cool the land bring floods, which help to nourish the scant plant population. It is, therefore, a very extreme climate, hardly sustaining any plant or animal life.

Finally, in the far east of Sintoff, there is the tropical land of Partorkest. It contains lush trees, white sand, and warm oceanic breezes. The Dark Sea feeds a large lagoon, which is regularly used by the inhabitants. Meanwhile, The Sea of Partorkest provides the warm oceanic currents that fill the land. The nights are cool but short and the days are long and fairly warm.

The Tribes of Sintoff

Souvers

Souver physical attributes are comprised of lanky bodies, grey skin, grey or brown eyes and an extensive height of six feet. Alongside these characteristics, they also have thick hair that contrasts with their thin faces, giving rise to their wild appearance. Aside from these distinct features, Souvers have an acute sense of smell and excellent night vision. These attributes are what protect them from predators. However, Souvers are not perfect, which is shown in their terrible day vision and limited hearing ability. The use of sunshades has protected them from the sun’s intense rays, but they have yet to create a mechanism to improve their hearing ability. Although, compared to humans, they are able to hear at further distances.

Costume Colour

Souvers are political creatures who have established boundaries by creating costume colours. There are three Souver tribes: Presouvers, Mesosouvers, and Coresouvers. Presouvers wear green costumes to represent the colour of Los; a liquid used by the Souvers to prevent dehydration when they cross the Huevess desert – and so the importance of Los to them is felt in their uniform colour. Mesosouvers, or Warriors, wear brown costumes to mask stains of soil and sand because of their constant work outside. This colour also acts as protection when in Huevess, as it can camouflage them. The final tribe, Coresouvers, wear red costumes, and this colour was chosen because it is easily identified and represents greatness and power. Meanwhile, Outkasts are comprised of any Souver who has been excluded or has chosen to leave their tribe. They are not assigned any colour because they believe in freedom of will. The lack of colour shows their independence from a controlling system.

Souver Responsibilities

Souvers live in Toru and Morvikest, and each tribe is given a responsibility. Presouvers form the government in Toru and Morvikest and create laws in both regions. They make all decisions and ensure that all Souvers abide by the rules they have set. If any Souver breaches the law, Mesosouvers deliver them to Presouvers who then decide whether they remain in their tribes or join the Outkasts.

Mesosouvers are the military in Toru and Morvikest and monitor that all laws are abided by. They are dispersed throughout Toru as well as in the valleys and mountaintops of Morvikest and are not easily detected because of their brown costumes. Their purpose is to serve and protect Souvers.

Coresouvers are very well respected in Toru and Morvikest because of their lineage. They have original Presouver and Mesosouver roots, which were once very powerful in Sintoff and were responsible for the production of Los and the development of the Advanced Sensory Perception Elevation Device (ASPED), which were (and still are) used for travel, and the Energy Sensory Pocket Analysing Device (ESPAD), which was (and still is) used in battle. These Presouvers and Mesosouvers were so greatly recognised that those related to them remain honoured in Toru and Morvikest. However, there are only a few Coresouvers remaining, so the Presouvers and Warriors strive to honour the last group before that lineage is lost forever. Therefore, it means that Coresouvers have the power to govern Toru and Morvikest (similar to Presouvers) or follow the Mesosouvers in the line of protection without having to provide any form of authentication or certification. This is because they have a direct lineage, and so, they have the ability to continue the work of their ancestors. In contrast, if a Presouver wanted to join the military, they would need to be trained to be a Warrior before attaining the status. This would then require some form of authentication or certification to prove that they could perform the required tasks.

Finally, the Outkast tribe has been banished to North Toru. Presouvers generally fear Outkasts because of their activist nature and wild behaviour. Therefore, to be safe, Presouvers have forced Outkasts as far away from South Toru and Morvikest as possible. Although Outkasts are ignored by Presouvers, they are still protected by Warriors. Outkasts have found a way to live well and peacefully in North Toru, where they have the freedom to do whatever they choose.

Huevers

Huevers are an extinct tribe that once lived on Huevess, a harsh environment where its dry land and extreme temperatures destroyed most plant life and drove away any potential tribal existence. Huevers lived in rock-like edifices called outcrops, which protected them from the harsh desert environment. They lived off food from the surrounding seas (The Sea of Partorkest to the south or The Sea of Morvikest to the north). Huevers ate lichen that formed in caves at the edge of The Morvikest Mountains, to the northwest of Huevess, while the consumption of small animals was also common.

Huevers were known to have their own government and law within their tribe, but the structure of their government is not known. However, due to their proximity to Morvikest and Partorkest, it was thought that they possessed similarities to Souvers and Ceprots, such as the structure of their government.

Huevers had thick green skin, long greyish-white hair, and long faces. Their eyes were blue, like the sea, and their teeth were small and sharp. They were as tall as Ceprots, reaching eight feet in height, and they had webbed feet, which they used to obtain food from the oceans, and to walk on the desert sands, promptly and effortlessly.

Todys

Todys live in Fawtody, an enchanted forest where supernatural phenomena occur regularly. They represent the energy spectrum associated with all living things and demonstrate how a strong energy balance can accomplish a great deal. Todys reach an average height of two feet and have pointy ears on their large heads, which contain a small pointy nose and chin. Their Extra Sensory Perception (ESP) level is acute from constant use, as is their psychic ability. However, not only can they read minds and predict the future, but can also make themselves invisible when they sense the presence of a predator.

There are a total of eight Todys and the colour of their costume matches the colour of their eyes and hair. Todys are all named after a colour in the magic spectrum, which they follow as it helps them to establish protection against the Phantom and its Wolf Tribe, as well as other dangers that pass through Fawtody.

Todys enjoy good food, good music and on occasion, good company.

Ceprots

Ceprots are one large tribe, which lives in Partorkest. Their government and military leader is Orcep, who is assigned the duty of governing and protecting Ceprots. Every decade, there is a government ruling where a new Ceprot is chosen to perform the duties of Orcep, regardless of their gender. Ceprots are fond of equality and do not have any gender divisions.

Ceprots’ physical characteristics differ greatly from those of the Souvers. They, for instance, can reach a height of eight feet, and their skin is dark from living out in the sunlight. Their bodies have bulging muscles from climbing trees when they desire verdert, which is their favourite fruit. They all have thick black hair and black eyes, which are sometimes hidden under their bushy eyebrows. They have square mouths, which may reveal white square teeth, contrasting with their skin colour. Unlike their menacing appearance, Ceprots are friendly when they choose to be.

Two important characteristics that Ceprots possess include excellent day vision and excellent hearing ability. However, their sense of smell is rather poor, possibly because of the size of their noses.

Ceprots live in Partorkest, which mainly comprises beaches. Older Ceprots live in mud huts near the sea, while younger Ceprots sleep in the trees on canvas hammocks. Orcep lives in a large mud hut that is protected and maintained by Ceprots but located far from them.

Ceprots are generally a lively tribe. They enjoy and encourage dancing and the consumption of tasty food, much like Todys.

The Phantom and its Wolf Tribe

Akin to the Todys, the Phantom and its Wolf Tribe are considered mythical creatures in Sintoff. The Phantom is described as an elder with a hooded cape. During the day, it carries a staff for support, but by night, it transforms into a figure formed solely by energy, floating about in the air, in search of its prey. Others describe it as an animal-like figure covered in hair with sharp claws and teeth, much like its Wolf Tribe. Its eyes are in a constant blaze and have been described as two red globes. These glowing spheres can see through the body and the soul, which is the object of its affection.

The Wolf Tribe is made up of Huevers who chose to follow the Phantom as it invaded Huevess. These Huevers hated their society, and therefore, decided on eternal life with the Phantom. The Phantom chose its followers because energy could be easily harvested from their bodies to ensure its survival, particularly during its search of prey at night. However, the Phantom could still successfully lure prey during the day when it is immobile because it can attract living organisms to the edifice where it rests. The Wolf Tribe is indispensable to the Phantom because they also help attract living organisms in the area by lulling them into a deep sleep. Once the Phantom returns, it then uses the souls of these organisms to survive. For these reasons, it is a very dangerous tribe. Ultimately, the Phantom is intent on ruling Sintoff, and in order to do that, it must destroy the existing life.

Most Souvers and Ceprots have deceived themselves about the existence of the Phantom and its Wolf Tribe. Many tales have circulated Sintoff, but the one that is known is how the Phantom and its Wolf Tribe exploited Huevers by taking their souls; using them for the purpose of its own existence. However, the tribes of Sintoff are taught to regard this creature as mystical and to remember the moral of learning to stay away from evil and avoid the land of Huevess.

That Fateful Moment in History

Souvers and Ceprots had been dear friends for many years and celebrated special events together, while sharing important technological information. When they had meetings, these were either held in Toru or Partorkest, but either way, one tribe had to cross Huevess.

One night, the Ceprots were invited to Toru for a feast to celebrate the completion of the ASPED that could be used to fly across Sintoff. It was a breakthrough for them because prior to this invention, both tribes travelled along The Sea of Morvikest in large vessels, which was a time-consuming journey. That night as the Ceprots travelled along the shore of Huevess towards Toru, one of their vessels caught on something in the water, becomming immobilised. The Ceprots were unable to identify the cause of the issue, but it was then that they heard a horrible cry…that of a wolf. Those howling sounds were inching closer to their vessels. Three Ceprots went to investigate the sound by taking