Leo Trevelion and the Lion Ring

By Ian Flint

Most people who know Leo Trevelion would agree he was an ordinary, though troubled, young man who had lost his way in life. On his 21st birthday, when the stories his grandfather used to tell him as a child start to come true, Leo's life is transformed overnight.

In a hi-tech alien world, deep below the surface of the Earth, where the highly evolved Leonisians have lived undetected for over eighty-years, a rare planetary event threatens their very existence. After escaping annihilation on their home planet, they now face attack by their old enemy the Vraegil.

The Leonisians are passivists, ill equipped for war, and their survival depends on Leonisian elder Altera, and a wise old wizard Tirwald, awakening and transforming the last survivor of a guardian race – Leo Trevelion. As Leo's mind is opened to ancient memories and magic, he is drawn further into the Leonisian world, and an adventure that involves an army of little people called the Norbun; a meeting with Dryan, Spirit of the Tree and the Soothsayers; a journey to the Ocean Layer to find the Architheus, a giant sea monster that guards the Armring of Light; and the revealing of advanced weaponry developed in secret by Altera and his scientists.

As the Vraegil appear through a wormhole that connects the two worlds, the battle for survival commences. But was it all in vain?

 

 

• Language: English
• Publisher: Ian Flint
• Release date: Apr 13, 2023
• ISBN: 9798215516973

Book preview

Ode to a Young Trevelion

May the evening stars

Shine down and guide the way

So, when the darkness of waters part

Destiny reveals the role you were born to play

A lonely journey of magic and the heart

And discovery of you and your past

––––––––

Even though home is far away

Mother Earth will be your guide I pray

Believe and you will know the path to take

Through the light of friendships found and made

And the darkness of evil intent

That preys on those who fear and do not repent

––––––––

The fate of generations dwells within you

Haunted by the shadows of those gone by

Their long cold fingers stretch out before them

Preparing you for when the time is nigh

For it is a journey you alone can take

That will lead you beyond Earth’s sky

––––––––

When your pilgrimage is finally ending

And you find the multi-layers of fate

In synchrony and in their place

Only then will destiny smile upon you and bring

The approval of the Lion Ring

For then young Leo you will have become

A true Trevelion

PART ONE

JOURNEY OF DISCOVERY

CHAPTER ONE

Destiny Calls

When Leo Trevelion woke up in hospital a couple of days ago, having been at the receiving end of an argument in a bar, he thought nothing else could happen to worsen what was an already tawdry life. But he was wrong. For having arrived back to his small flat in the suburbs of Winchester, he was greeted with an end of tenancy notice giving him one week to find alternative accommodation.

Since his parents died in a car crash a few years ago and his girlfriend left him recently, all rational thinking had stopped and was replaced by bitterness, drinking and ultimately the loss of his job.

At the age of 20, his eyes hardened by the wisdom and wariness of one who has suffered beyond his years, Leo felt he could not endure much more disappointment in his life and needed to rethink his future.

Lying on the small and uncomfortable bed in his flat staring up at the grubby ceiling, Leo starts thinking of the dreams he has been experiencing these last few days of flying over stormy seas to an isolated lighthouse. It brought back childhood memories of holidays spent visiting his grandfather who lived in a lighthouse on a small island off the Cornish Coast.

Leo had always enjoyed visiting his grandpa, there was a strange bond between them and something magical about the rotund man who told him stories of aquatic-like creatures called Vraegil and people who lived in lands far beneath the earth. He smiled inwardly as he remembered the old man with a white beard, quizzical look, and the hardened face of an ancient mariner.

One particular visit to the island remains fixed in Leo’s mind and has been haunting him since. He remembers vividly the last day of their stay at the lighthouse as if it were yesterday; a bright cloudless morning, his parents had gone for a walk, and he sat in the small round lounge with his grandfather. Leo had noticed a change of mood in the old man as he sat looking out the window, drawing deeply on his small wooden pipe before turning to face Leo. Leo my boy, I am old and saddened that I will not be around for the special event and to see you fulfil your destiny. His eyes had lost their sparkle as he looks earnestly at Leo. The family name Trevelion and your name Leo is no accident or whim, they have a meaning that you will grow to understand when you reach the age of 21. He leaned forward and took Leo’s arm, rolling up his sleeve to reveal a faint birthmark in the form of a horse. This will call you, his eyes narrowing, promise me you will listen to the call? Leo felt his grandpa’s strong grip on his arm and promised he would, though he was not sure what he had agreed to. That was the last time they spoke about it.

Leo lay back against the pillow and looked out of the small square window of his flat and dreamily watched the night close in. He allowed his thoughts to wander, realising that sooner or later he will need to wake up to keep grasp of reality, but for the time being he was happy to drift into a deep sleep.

He found himself immersed in darkness floating down into unfathomable depths as if he were being drawn downwards by a whirlpool of what appeared to be water, drifting between worlds linking the past with the present and the future. In icy darkness, he panics suddenly, and takes a sharp breath as he tries to fight his way out of the dream. He wanted to wake up, but he was consumed by the expanse of his dreamtime.

Suddenly below, there was a bright light which grew in intensity, lighting his way as he fell further through the centre of the translucent tunnel. Uncontrollably, he sped towards the light source until eventually arriving with an abrupt halt; crumpled in a heap on what appeared to be a soft liquid floor.

Above him, in the cold infinity of the tube was a golden horse with long feathery wings gliding and circling in the black void while in front of him was a white door. He stands up and walks over to the door. It opens automatically, and he can see beyond the opening his grandfather’s lighthouse lounge. On the couch, was a familiar figure puffing at his pipe. Leo struggles with his thoughts; he must be dreaming, this cannot be real, just a dream he needs to wake up from. But he is unable to do so, however hard he tries.

Hello Leo, come and sit down. All this must be very confusing, the old man said giving a reassuring smile.

But you are dead, and this is not real. Leo responds sitting opposite the image of his grandpa. I must be dreaming. I need to wake up, he said getting very agitated.

It is more a state of mind, said the mariner smiling. We have tried to create something familiar to you. Your consciousness has travelled far beyond human comprehension.

We! What do you mean? Leo questions awkwardly, still wishing he could free himself from this nightmare.

I am a channel for those that need your help, replied his grandfather while moving quickly on. All will become apparent once you have started your journey. He looks straight at Leo. Do you remember our last conversation?

Kind of, Leo digs deep into the vaults of his mind. Something about my 21st and receiving a call.

The old man laughs. Well, it is your 21st birthday tomorrow. He puffs amusingly at his pipe for a few seconds. Now show me your arm. Leo rolls up his sleeve to reveal the birthmark they had talked about years ago. See, it is calling to you, he said pointing his pipe at the horse shaped mark glowing gold.

Leo is mesmerised by the birthmark that had a silhouette of a flying horse etched deep in his skin. But what does this mean?

I mentioned your name was no accident. His eyes look earnestly at Leo. The family name Trevelion goes back through the annals of time and into legend.

Leo noticed his grandpa’s eyes had changed from their normal chestnut brown warmth to deep bluey yellow pools.

The old man continues. But there is more to it than that. He drew on his pipe once again. You see, people from distant parts, settled on a peninsular of land off the coast of Cornwall and built the City of Lion where they lived peacefully, waiting until the time came for them to return home. They were not without enemies. Vraegil followed them and after a ferocious battle, only one man escaped on horseback and rode eastward until he reached high ground. The name of that man was Trevelion. He drew again on his pipe and blew a smoke ring into the air and watches it gradually disperse above him. He is your ancestor.

Let’s get this right. said Leo in a mocking tone. There was a city called the Lion, my name is Leo and I have an ancestor called Trevelion which is also my last name! You do know how ridiculous that sounds!

I can assure you, this is very serious Leo, the old man stood up. Tomorrow is an important day, and you must travel to the Cornish Coast and rendezvous with a boat that will take you to my lighthouse. His grandpa’s eyes appear to pierce deep into his soul. You must be there by 5pm, you will be expected.

Where will I find the boat? What then? Leo felt a force compelling him to do as his grandpa says, yet he had so many unanswered questions in his head - What has the lighthouse got to do with things and why now? He thought to himself.

His grandfather gave a reassuring smile and taps Leo’s forehead with his finger which appears translucent at the tip as if penetrating his skull. Everything is locked away in here. You will know what to do at the dawn of the new day. Now go, something special is going to happen and you are a key part of it. You are not to be late; it is your destiny.

Leo stands up and walks towards the door. He glances back at the reassuring figure of his grandpa and smiles, then turns and enters the passageway. He realises that from this fateful encounter with his grandfather, life will take a path he could never have anticipated.

The golden horse descends from the whirling vortex above and lands close to Leo. Instinctively, he jumps on the animal’s back and holds tight as the stallion launches into the darkness, climbing higher and higher until the tunnel of water melts into a grey void and Leo finds himself without his mount, suspended weightlessly continuing his ascent slowly.

In his flat, Leo lay motionless on the bed breathing calmly, then suddenly opens his eyes, emerging from what he felt was a deep trance and sits up abruptly staring out the window. The sun was rising, casting a warm glow into the room and strangely he knew what he had to do and where to go.

He walks over to the bathroom and looks into a cracked mirror, his expression stony as he realises how life has taken its toll - even at his young age. The stubble on his face, scars from many a brawl and his dirty, untidy straight blonde hair. Yet, instead of feeling depressed as he normally does, he felt rejuvenated, a new lease of life that was giving him a tingle of excitement and for the first time, he had a purpose and knew what to do.

An hour later, Leo emerges clean shaven, his mane of hair well-groomed. He closes the flat door behind him. A new day, a new adventure, a new life! he says under his breath before walking off down the road never looking back, leaving his past behind him.

––––––––

Leo was pleased he had set off early in his mother’s old Ford as it took him close to five hours to travel from Winchester to the Cornish Coast. Weirdly, he knew where he was going, it was like a clear map in his mind. Finally, he turns off the main road and down a narrow track towards the sea. Apart from one farm cottage, the place becomes more uninhabited as the stone track turns to mud and the incline becomes more severe until abruptly ending.

Strange, I know where I am going, but I don’t remember ever coming this way to visit grandpa those years ago, Leo thought to himself getting out of the car, scrambling over a wooden style and down a rugged path to the bay below. He stands on the sandy beach and looks around and then down at his watch. It was close to 5pm.

Craggy cliffs encircled the small sandy bay with a rocky arch at the far end of the beach. As he walks towards the archway, Leo can hear the rushing of the sea within the cathedral like walls of the domed rock. They seem to whisper to him.

A voice in a Cornish accent penetrates the soft lull. That’s the song of the sea. Tiz calling to us. A wizened old man sitting on a rock in the shadows of the arch, stood up and clambered down to the smooth sandy beach before walking jauntily towards Leo. Awright’n aree e young lion? He did not wait for an answer. Least yer on time. Name’s Cadan.

Leo, he replies, feeling he was stating the obvious. Do you know what this is about?

Might do boy, the old fisherman replies. He points a long bony finger to the horizon. A roll of grey cloud and fog was blowing off the sea making its way towards them. We best go. Soon the beach will be beneaths the waters. Come, he beckons and leads Leo under the arch.

It was like walking through a dark cave as Leo struggled to keep up with Cadan who led the way along a small wet and slippery path. Below, the sea thunders relentlessly against the rock walls as the old seafarer strides ahead as if on a brisk walk in the countryside.

Eventually, they reach the narrow gap at the far end of the cavern. To Leo’s surprise, although the sea was rough, the left of the inlet remained dry, and all was eerily calm. An open fishing boat was moored to the rocks. It was incredibly old and had seen better days; its faded white exterior rimmed by light pitted wood.

Cadan jumps into the boat and sits on the wooden plank of a seat and picks up two oars. The boat was large enough to take three people at a pinch. Noticing Leo’s hesitation, he shouts, Get in boy, while looking over his shoulder at the weather approaching. It’s a bit more than mizzley out there. He holds the boat steady as Leo finally seats himself opposite. The lighthouse is awaitin, we must be doin' it dreckly! With that, the skeletal man pulls back on the oars and with surprising strength launches the boat towards the horizon and away from the coast.

Leo relaxes back in the boat as it cuts through the waves with speed. So, what’s so special about my grandfather’s lighthouse?

Cadan thoughtfully looks at the young, chiselled face, as he pulls the oars effortlessly against the waves. Well, my 'ansum, it started long times ago when the land came from the coast out into the seas for many a mile. The boat continues heading out to sea as the coastline fades in the background. It woz said that peoples with golden skin built their City of Lion and them lands were known as Leonisia. Magical people they were!

Lioness? Leo interrupts.

Thats be right boy. Cadan said irritably and continues. But all didn’t remain right. It woz dead of night there came a mighty storm which churned the sea ‘til a huge wave drowned all before, and the Land of Leonisia sunk below, not to be seen hereabouts. Tis said in these parts that it was the work of creatures called Vraegil.

Vraegil? Leo asks, remembering what his grandfather told him in his dream and when he was younger.

Bastardy lot them Vraegils, the old man chuckles. He changes the subject. Your grandfather’s lighthouse woz built on the only surviving rocks of Leonisia at the cable lengths end of the country. He steadies the boat with the oars as the waves get choppier. They says a single man escaped from Leonisia, riding a golden horse ahead of the wave.

Was his name Trevelion? Leo held tightly to the sides of the boat as it starts to rock precariously.

I kent membr. Cadan pulls back on the oars. But I know he woz the last of the peoples of his kind. They says he survived and spawned children and was in deep regretfullness until he died.

You say he had golden skin? Leo said trying to bring reality into the conversation.

Zackly, the mariner said fighting the waves as the sky grew darker and a fog descends. They says once on the height of land, his skin changed to the likes of the mainlanders, his children woz the same. But nobody knows where they finished. Rumour has it his body was buried on a cliff lookins out ta sea waiting to return to his folks and when Leonisia will be again.

It’s a good story, said Leo unconvinced.

Tis a true one boy. You better believe it. Cadan looks over his shoulder then starts to pull harder on the oars. We be there soon.

The fog was now very dense and there was definitely a storm brewing as the waves lash over the sides of the boat and the skies grow darker. Strangely, Leo did not feel at risk, there was something reassuring about Cadan’s presence as the man displays the stamina of ten men his size, the oars slicing the murky turbulent sea. Suddenly ahead, was the ominous darkness of land and the familiar silhouette of the lighthouse, its revolving beam of light piercing deep into the fog. The old sea dog guides his boat into a small cove and lands the craft on a narrow strip of beach lit only by the passing beam overhead.

Cadan smiles at Leo. That was a proper job! He did not stand up, just sat, and looked at Leo. Go on then. This is just the beginnin of a journey for yur.

Leo gets out of the boat. Aren’t you coming? There’s a really bad storm approaching and its already dark. He had started to like the quirkiness of the mariner and feared for his safety.

Na. This is yur destiny not mine. The old man cackles with laughter. I’se be awright.

Leo walks across the beach and finds steps leading up the rockface. He looks back to where he had left Cadan, but the old man had vanished and so too his boat. Only the old man’s crusty laughter is heard fading into the darkness.

Odd. How can he vanish so fast?  Leo thought as he starts to climb the stone steps, finally reaching the top of the cliff. He waits until the lighthouse beam returns and illuminates a small winding path before heading off to the familiar round building.

CHAPTER TWO

The Land Beneath the Sea

Leo’s grandpa always left the key under a rock close the lighthouse door, so it was of no surprise to find it still in its place. Closing the door behind him, Leo was pleased to be out of the wet and cold January weather. He made his way up the spiral stairs to the first floor and enters the lounge. It was nice and warm, and a small lamp glowed at the far end of the room as if he was expected.

Leo walks over to his grandfather’s old antique desk standing upright in one corner. He is attracted to a piece of paper on its polished surface held down by a strange looking wooden box roughly two inches in diameter and with a faint engraving of a golden horse on its dark shiny surface. Leo curiously lifts the lid of the box, but there is nothing to be found inside. He then starts reading the note written in the familiar cursive handwriting of his grandfather:

My Dear Leo

If you are reading this message, you have followed the signs that have led you here.

I have watched you grow from a small boy into a fine young man and always knew you had a destiny. You are a direct descendant of the Trevelions, guardians of the Leonisians, rulers of the City of Lion. It was peak of night, many decades ago, a thunderous storm was brought upon Leonisia and your ancestor found himself fleeing the City as a wave washed over the land until it disappeared, never to be seen again. Although his survival kept the Trevelion name from extinction, he never again saw the people he vowed to protect and eventually died with a heavy heart. To this day, his face of stone looks out to sea, tormented until the name is restored.

This night, the night of your 21st birthday, is a very special time. A long-expected and rare event will occur. You must not miss this occurrence, it will give you the opportunity to reverse what has been done in the past, freeing the people of Leonisia, and restoring the family name. This is your destiny, one that will lead you into adventure and danger.

In the box, is a ring of the purest gold forged many years ago for the soothsayers of Leonisia to help fulfil their prophecy. It has magical properties and will only answer to you.

At twelve midnight, you are to look south-west towards the horizon from the furthest point of this island and all will be revealed.

My boy - go forth and restore our name - may fortune be with you.

Your loving Grandfather

Leo puts the letter down on the desk and wonders what it all means. His eyes again rest on the box; what ring he thought to himself. He felt his arm itching and pulls back his sleeve to reveal the birthmark glowing. Strangely, the lid of the box starts to glow and pulsate in synchrony, and a compartment automatically opens to reveal a gold ring with a lion’s head, the face framed by a tangled mane draped either side of the band. The eyes were a piercing bluey yellow in colour while giving the illusion of following Leo’s stare as he takes the ring from the compartment and holds it up between his fingers. Mesmerised by the beauty of the ring, Leo feels compelled to place it on his right index finger. With a momentary glow of the lion’s eyes, the ring becomes one with Leo.

––––––––

It was just before midnight by the time Leo reached the furthest point of the island. An icy cold wind blew against his face; he clutches his jacket to keep warm and stares out to sea in what he believes is a south-westerly direction. It was dark and miserable, and he was in two minds whether or not to go back to the warmth of the lighthouse but resisted as he checks his watch. Both hands were on twelve. Dead on midnight, he thought, "might as well see if anything happens."

Far out to the horizon, a yellow light appears from the sea below. A corridor of thick dark impenetrable fog expands towards the light and away, swirling high above Leo. The wind increases in intensity, and he is forced to lean forward against its strong gusts to stabilise himself, his long blonde hair drifting behind him. Surprisingly, it was no longer bitterly cold, he felt exhilarated and started to embrace the unexpected feeling of freedom as before him the waves start to part and recede towards the far horizon, leaving a deep trench below. The Lion Ring’s eyes glow piercingly, blending with the light beneath which increases in strength, the whole trench bathed in spectral radiance. Leo looks down, his body and hands transforming in the light; his skin turning a translucent gold, fingers growing in length, legs becoming stronger by the minute, his whole muscle tone recalibrating. The billowing fog boils in the light, and he feels the wind of time blowing through him as ancestral memories invade his mind.

A great winged shadow casts along the newly formed channel below, moving over the reclaimed land. Leo looks up and realises who the shadow belongs to. Silhouetted against the glow and growing in size as it flew towards him was the winged horse he had encountered in his dream. The walls of fog finally close overhead, and the wind drops as the horse lands close to Leo. Standing lordly, the proud golden head looks down as Leo’s final transformation takes place; his body stretched taller and leaner, his clothes replaced by ethereal garments that look like armour but were deceivingly light to wear.

Leo unhesitatingly jumps on the animal’s back and with the beat of its wings, the horse launches into a power climb before descending at speed along the newly formed corridor with walls of fog and water held back by an invisible force, Leo flying in perfect fusion with his winged mount.

Below, the remnants of an old city can be seen, dark walls, cracked and crumbling with age. Leo looks in wonderment, "it must have been incredibly beautiful in its time" he reflects, then ponders on images clearing in his psyche of striking buildings with golden walls and roofs: The Lion City.

The flight to the far end of the trench was fast and short, and ends with the beating of vast wings, the horse slowing its descent until landing gently on the ground below, its golden wings illuminated by a wall of shimmering light. The stallion folds its wings and stands calmly while Leo dismounts and strokes the magnificent animal’s flank as if a deep bond had existed between them for many years.

Leo walks towards the light source and unconsciously raises his hand and places it against the solid wall of glistening luminosity. The lion ring eyes glow with intensity and as if on command, the shimmering screen becomes transparent, and he is able to walk through into a cavernous white room; at the far end a familiar circle of water with a dark grey void at its centre. The horse joins Leo, nudging him forward. Two figures emerge from the void, both have golden complexions and are elegantly tall. Their whole demeanour one of calm and insightfulness.

The older of the two with a flowing garment that had the same ethereal qualities as Leo’s, finally broke the silence. Welcome Trevelion, we have waited a long time for you to return to us. He walks towards Leo and then stops. Large bluey yellow eyes stare at Leo as if scanning every detail of his face; long rounded ears turn towards him as if not to miss a word. My name is Altera, a reassuring smile ripples across his face, and this is Zorm. We are here to greet you on behalf of our people - the Leonisians.

Why me and how do you know me? Leo asks still reeling from his experiences.

Come, I will explain later. Altera leads the way back towards the circle of grey, Zorm following silently behind.

As Leo gets closer to the liquid mass, he can see for the first time his reflection in the watery walls encircling the grey void. He too had pale bluey yellow luminous eyes and large gently rounded ears and stood about seven feet tall. His well-built frame was not overly muscular but different from the others, and like his two new friends, had a fluidity unlike any human.

Altera leads the way and walks into the void while Zorm stands behind, a long slender arm outstretched gesturing Leo to follow. You too Muzhai, Zorm said in a strangely pitched voice that was quite different from Altera. The horse rears up and jumps into the void.

Of course -Muzhai, Leo thought to himself. Another memory awakening from its slumber deep within his mind. He could vividly see the golden horse flying swiftly ahead of a torrent of water as memories from before his time flood his consciousness.

How come you all speak English, Leo continues inquisitively.

We don’t. You’re speaking Leonisia! Zorm laughs, then waves one hand and points his long slender fingers to the grey mass. Nothing to be worried about, it is only a Transportal, he said matter-of-factly.

Leo walks into the tunnel. There was a feeling of extreme acceleration around him though nothing like the chaotic descent in his dream. He emerges unscathed into another white room, with little feeling of abruptness to his journey. Altera and Muzhai are waiting for him, Zorm soon catching up as the portal closes like a camera shutter behind him.

I don’t understand, exclaims Leo looking incredulous.

Altera looks sympathetically at him. Be patient young Lion. You need time to adjust, you have travelled far beyond human comprehension. A phrase Leo recognises from his dream.

––––––––

After a long walk down a clinically white passage, they come to a dead end with only a solid wall in front of them. Altera steps forward and raises his hands high and then wide as if opening curtains and the wall starts to dissolve before Leo’s eyes revealing an incredible sight. Altera turns. Welcome to Leonisia, the Lion City.

Leo’s mouth drops with astonishment as revealed before him is a land brightly lit by stars and the lights of a city. He tries to take in the spectacle of futuristic buildings; opaque golden bubbles suspended in the sky and tethered by long tubular strands to the ground. How such constructions stay up was a mystery to him as he looks beyond and up at a sky similar to the surface of the earth. Below, in well-lit patches, blue and yellow grass covers the ground, interspersed with brightly coloured flowers of various strange shapes and sizes waving in the light breeze. In the distance are the dark silhouettes of tall trees with thin trunks, bending with each rush of wind. An almost idyllic setting, one that Leo found hard to comprehend. This time there were no ancestral memories of this city and land.

Zorm seeing Leo’s bewilderment. There is more too, he said in an excitable voice. Do you like our city?

Yes, it’s beautiful. But how come I have no memories of it? Said Leo, struggling to control the flood of ancestral memories.

Altera smiles. This city was built long after the imprint of your memories. It took us many years after the encounter with the Vraegil to rebuild and create a new home.

Leo had an instant memory of a humanoid figure with smooth green and brown skin and oversized hands, elongated head crests, ears, and purple gills across the mouth and down the jawline. Vraegil, Leo mutters instinctively.

I will tell you more later, Altera looks sympathetically at Leo while knowing the limitations of his mind to absorb so much in so little time. But first I take you to the city. It is late. Let us wait for a new day.

A glowing, semi-transparent vehicle appears from nowhere and hovers silently before landing close by. The side of the vehicle closest to Leo, dissolves in front of him revealing a modern cabin in white with purple interior lighting; a table suspended in the middle with chairs either side and strange screens front and side. Altera and Zorm gesture to Leo to board the vessel then follow soon after. Zorm sat at the table console and with his long slender fingers brought the system and side panels to life.

Incredibly, Leo was able to read the unusual hieroglyphics. What about Muzhai? Leo gestures towards the stallion grazing peacefully on the grass outside.

Do not worry, he will never be far from you, Altera replies in a mellow voice. You and he have a kindred spiritual connection from the past that cannot be broken.

Leo relaxes as the wall of the craft solidifies to the side of him. Zorm enters the final destination into the navigation system and then looks down at Muzhai growing smaller as they rise gently into the sky and are whisked silently off towards the city.

They eventually arrive at Altera’s home, and all agree it is late and that Leo should get a good night’s sleep. He did not resist, and the rest was just a blur.

––––––––

Leo had half expected to wake up again in his small flat in Winchester and to find all had been a dream. Instead, he found himself in a strange city below the earth’s surface which defies understanding.

He had awakened in a bedroom with rounded pure white walls and minimalist furniture. The bed he lay