Jules: The Founding of the. Land, #2

By PB Fox

Jules is one of the last of his kind, a rabbit and human hybrid. Together with his friend Timeo, they set off to help Pip, a young Wizard in a city divided between those who support the wizards and those opposed. Soon, however, the young friends become entangled in a larger conflict. One threatening all the hybrid races. 
  The second book in the Founding of the Land series tacks over where "Lily" ended. Follow old friends and new on their latest adventure.

• Language: English
• Publisher: PB Fox
• Release date: Jul 28, 2023
• ISBN: 9798223605416

Book preview

Author’s notes

Illustrations:

This edition of Jules marks the return of character illustrations. Nine characters are represented in this edition. Two are images drawn by YxCaro with a background from Adobe express. The other seven are AI generated sometimes with new backgrounds from Adobe. The cover is a combination of the drawing from YxCaro and a photo I took. The next book in the series The Wizards of Arch will continue this experiment in using AI generated characters.

Hybrids:

For the benefit of readers new to either the Adventures in the Land or The Founding of the Land series.

Hybrids are genetically engineered crosses of human and animal that were created to serve the desires of wealthy and powerful people before most of the humans left Earth. Most hybrids therefore mature faster than humans and live shorter lives. For example Jules and Timeo in the span of a year have gone from a state in human maturity that could be described as rebellious young teens to young men and neither is yet ten years old.

I hope you enjoy this tale.

PB Fox.

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Chapter 1 Pip

Agentle breeze stirred the long grass. The sound and smell of sheep, the original sheep, not the hybrid-human kind, were fading as they moved away, meaning they were probably 200 yards from where Jules and Timeo were lying together. Jules's ears and nose were sensitive that way.

Timeo was still sleeping and would typically stay that way until true dark. He was nocturnal, being part Royal Antelope. Jules, a cross between human and Rabbit, was more flexible in his sleep and waking times. Today he would have to get his friend up early, even if he knew he wouldn’t appreciate it. 

Zohar, the strange woman that came to them on occasion, had told them they needed to enter the city before dark. The easiest way to do that, of course, would be to go to Otto’s farm. It wasn’t far, the sheep he heard were likely his, but Zohar said it wasn’t safe to do that this time. 

Jules had met Otto the last time he came here. That was also when he met Pip. Jules liked Pip; to be fair, Jules liked almost everyone unless they were aggressive like the Lions or evil like Rex had been. Pip and Timeo were different, though, special in a way. He had missed them both terribly before when he was traveling. Now for the first time, all three boys would be together. The thought made Jules smile, but only for a moment. They came because Zohar said Pip was in trouble and needed his help. She wouldn't explain further, only bringing them here in the morning and warning them to be sure and enter before dark.

Rolling over, Jules nudged his friend until he opened one eye.

It's still light out, Timeo moaned, pushing his face deeper into the grass. 

We have to get up now. It's still a good walk to get there.

Please, just five more minutes!

We have to go now!

All right, I am coming. You said they got food there, right?

Yep, just push a button, and it comes flying down and lands in a box.

I still think you’re making all this stuff up.

You'll see, now what are you doing?

Got to pee first!

There was only an hour of light left when they reached the edge of the collective. Timeo’s large eyes grew even wider as he took in the size of the city.

This place is big! Are you sure you know what way to go?

Of course, you know me; once I have been somewhere, I never forget.

The streets were crowded with people returning home from work or shopping. Many turned to watch the unusual pair as they passed, then hurried on.

Why is everyone looking at us?

These humans are not used to hybrids like the ones at the camp were. It should be a little better when we get to the Arch.

What’s the Arch again?

It’s where they teach the kids.

A school then?

Sort of, mostly for finding kids with special talents.

Your friend, Pip, has a special talent?

Yeah, about that, try not to scare him. He sometimes sets things, or people, on fire.

He burns people?

Not on purpose, mostly, it’s his talent, and he’s still learning to control it.

Are you sure I need to come? I could wait for you back in the grass. You can find me when you’re done?

Don’t worry; Pip is nice.

Ah, Jules, I think some people are following us?

I think you’re right; hurry, we don’t have far now. It’s at the end of this street.

They are getting closer!

Run! Jules grabs Timeo’s hand and pulls him forward.

Both boys take off, dodging around and sometimes under other people in front of them. Four young men and one young woman ran behind them, shouting for someone to stop them.

Why are they chasing us? Timeo asks.

I don’t know; they all have blue bands on their sleeves. Maybe they’re guards or something.

But we didn’t do anything wrong? Should we stop and talk to them?

I don’t think that’s a good idea.

Jules, was the road blocked the last time you came here?

What? No! This isn’t good!

Please tell me you have a hiding place?

Not here, not yet. See those shops. We can try to lose them in there!

As they turned towards the shops, a voice whispered in Jules's ear, Not that way, to the barrels.

An unseen hand pulled at both boys, and they dashed into the stacks of empty barrels on the side of the road. As soon as they were out of sight, a teenage boy popped out of thin air.

Wow. Was all Timeo said.

Rafe, am I glad to see you! Jules said

Shush! Not now; those people will be here soon. I can make us all invisible, but you have to be very quiet. Trust me, even though you will still see us, they can’t. We will walk right by them.

"Timeo still looked frightened as he glanced at Jules, who nodded and pointed to his ears. The sounds of several people walking softly among the barrels sent shivers through both younger boys. Rafe peeked around the corner and, walking softly, led them through the maze, at one point directly in front of two of the men that were searching for them. Once they reached the far side, Rafe brought them along the barricade until they came to an opening. On the Arch side of the barricade was a group of older men holding long poles, and one held what looked like some type of gun. They had bands of color on their arms, but it was silver. Rafe walked right up to them and let go of Jules and Timeo’s hands. Several of the men jumped back as the three boys appeared.

Dam it, Rafe, warn us before you do that! Almost gave me a heart attack!

Professor Charles, why are you out here? I mean.

I know what you mean. I am too old for fighting, and you’re right. However, we all have to do the best we can, regardless of age. Where did you find these two?

The Nits were chasing them. It was close.

Isn’t that the bunny that was here before? Didn’t he help little Pip catch that guy who tried to blow up the theater? The one you disarmed?

Jules moves forward. Yep, that’s me, Jules, and this is my friend Timeo. We came to see Pip!

I see; well, things have changed a bit since you were here, as you can tell. Rafe, you will have to take them directly to Professor Chandra.

I have to talk to her anyway, so that’s fine.

She have you out spying again? A boy your age should be chasing girls, not risking your life for this nonsense.

Like you said, we need to do what we can.

Talking back to a professor used to get you kitchen duty for a week. Professor Charles replies with a laugh. Go ahead, get them moving before more of them nits come around, and I really will have to fight."

I hear that! Come on, Jules, bring your friend. We’re going to see the boss.

It took only a few minutes before they reached a door with a sign indicating this was Professor Chandra’s office. Rafe knocked twice, paused just a moment, and then another three times. A voice from inside called out. Rafe, just one knock will do; you’re not a secret agent. Come in Then, as the door opens, she adds, Visible, please!

As the three boys step inside, a very tired-looking woman sitting behind her desk looks up from the papers she is reading.

Now, that is not what I expected today! Rafe, where did you find them!

They were in the city. The nits were after them. I hid us, and we just walked right passed them!

You concealed yourself and both of them while walking? I didn’t know you could cover other people like that?

That was the first time I tried.

Rafe got looks from everyone. The professor seemed impressed, Jules smiled, and Timeo was shocked. Professor Chandra turned to Jules.

Jules, where are Lily and Robin? Did they send you here?

No, we came on our own. To see Pip.

On your own? Last I heard, you were with the Fauns; that’s very far for two boys to travel?

Well, our friend, Zohar, helped; we were walking with her near the faun village, and she asked if we wanted to come here and visit Pip. We said yes, and then we were here.

Timeo steps closer to Jules before speaking.

Yeah, it was weird; we were in the woods, and then we weren’t; it was grass and hills. I was really tired, like I walked forever. It was daytime, though, so that might have been it.

That is interesting. And you are?

I am Timeo. I am Jules's friend.

Can we go see Pip now? Jules asks.

Yes, soon. I will have Rafe bring you, but I need to talk to him alone first. You may wait in my study, through here.

She stands and opens a door on the back wall leading to a smaller room with soft chairs. Once Jules and Timeo are inside, the door closes and locks.

Why did she lock the door? Timeo asks.

I’m not sure, but I don’t like how she’s acting. If they don’t let us out soon, well, there’s always an air vent.

Back in the office, Chandra sits down again and waves Rafe to come closer to the desk.

That room should keep the sound out but keep your voice low anyway; I can’t be sure what Jules can hear with those ears of his. Now, what did you learn before you decided to bring some of Lily’s pets into Arch?

I overheard several nits talking about some big meeting tomorrow night?

Do you have to use that word? Every time you do, all I can think about are insects! Now half of Arch refers to them by that name. I go through the whole day with insects on my mind.

Sorry, professor, but I am not going to call any group that wants me dead, Naturists!

Not all of them want to go that far. They want the program terminated, not necessarily you kids.

Some do! I have heard them!

Yes, unfortunately, you're right, and I guess I don’t blame you. I suppose calling them names is the least I would do if it were me. I just wish it didn’t remind me of bugs.

I am sure I could come up with something else, Rafe replies, smiling.

Ugh, no, let’s get back to these boys you brought in. I don’t like the fact that some unknown person supposedly was able to transport them instantly here. Just to say hello to Pip? The  most unique and, to some people’s view, dangerous of you wizards.

But we know Jules. He helped us last time he was here to stop the bombing.

Yes, I am well aware of that. And I am not saying he would intentionally harm us. However, he’s young, and it’s possible someone is putting him up to something he doesn’t realize. I would have fewer reservations if he came with Lily again.

Fewer? You don’t trust Lily either?

Rafe, these are troubled times. If we are to keep you and the rest of the Wizards safe, I can’t afford to trust anyone completely. Now I know I have been asking a lot of you lately, but now, I am afraid, you have another assignment. I want you to watch those boys. Take them to Pip but don’t let them stay without you there. Assign them a room near yours. Be their friend, and ask questions, but also find out what they say when they don’t think you’re around. If they try to leave, follow them but don’t let them see you. Do you understand?

Yes, Professor. What about the nits?

You need to find out what time and where this meeting is. Then when the time comes, I will arrange something to keep the boys busy while you go to this meeting.

Is that all?

I know it's a lot. You’re not even 15 yet. If I had any other way to do these things. Just promise me you will be careful. If it gets too dangerous. Leave at once.

I will. I promise. I think we better let the boys out of your room before they get suspicious.

You’re probably right. I keep thinking of them as small boys, forgetting that these hybrids can be much more advanced for their few years. Blast that woman for making my life more complicated.

Lily didn’t invent the hybrids. She just saved most of them.

I know! Let them out.

It didn’t take long for the boys to get to Pip’s room. Rafe knocked on the door and waited a minute before trying again harder this time. With no answer still, he knocked even louder and shouted. Pip! It’s me, Rafe. Open up!

Go away! I am busy! Pip replied from inside.

We want to talk to you.

Who’s we?

Pip, can we come in? I brought a friend. Jules said through the door.

Jules, is that you? I am coming! Hang on!

The sound of water splashing was followed by plopping wet footsteps just before the door flew open, and Pip, a very skinny boy with shaggy, sandy blonde hair and blue eyes, who obviously had been taking a bath, jumped out and embraced Jules, hugging him tightly, a puddle forming at their feet. It took a couple of seconds for Jules to realize his friend was crying on his shoulder. Jules rubbed Pip’s back and whispered in his ear. It was a minute or two before anyone else said anything. Then it was Rafe, his voice soft, taken by the show of emotion.

Pip, we should, maybe, go inside?

At the sound of his voice, Pip reluctantly let go of Jules and sniffed. Sure, come on in.

All four boys walked inside, Timeo closing the door behind him. In front of them was a large open room with a couch and several other chairs arranged around a fireplace. Two other doors could be seen, one with wet footprints leading to a bathroom, the other likely the bedroom. Timeo broke the silence as he started to chuckle, trying to hold it in, as the others were now all looking at him. Finally, he pointed at Jules, and Rafe also began to laugh.

Your fir. Timeo managed to say.

Jules glanced down as Pip took a large breath.

Jules, I am so sorry. You're soaked! I will get you a towel. I probably should get some clothes on first, though, be right back!

Jules just shrugged and, after looking around, called out to Pip while he was in the bedroom.

Wow! Pip, this is nice! Not as big as where you used to live, but nice! He said, grinning as Pip returned dressed with a towel in his hand. He was referring to the empty basement floors where Pip lived when they first met. This brought a slight smile that vanished as quickly as it came to Pip’s face. He moved to sit on the couch and waved for Jules to sit next to him. Rafe took a chair opposite them, as did Timeo.

Jules, I can’t believe you came back! When did you get here? Pip asked.

Zohar brought us most of the way. We walked the rest. Rafe helped us get inside. We were being chased. What’s going on?

At the mention of Zohar, Pip turned briefly toward Rafe before quickly turning back to Jules.

It’s been crazy here. When you left, everything was fine for a few weeks. People were nice to me, and I had more food than before. Some of the Wizards club kids didn’t like me.

That was mostly just Aurora and a few of the new kids, Rafe interjected.

Because I am younger than all of them.

No, mostly because your talent makes them all look pathetic, AND you're little. They would still hate you if you were older and bigger but probably either run away or try to make you their best friend so they would seem important.

Pip continued.

Anyway, I was happy, even though I missed you. Then things started to change. We heard about things going on in the council. Fights and stuff, it was weird, but still, most people just talked about it. Then one morning, the room where we used to meet for the Wizards club was trashed, all broken stuff inside and nasty things written on the walls.

It was those Nits, Rafe added, anger clearly showing in his voice.

We didn’t know who or why but Professor Chandra was very upset and frightened. She moved us all to her office and had security stay outside the door while she told us what was happening. She said once everyone saw the things we kids could do, people got ideas. Some want to speed up the program and make one big change like the Dwarves did. They are calling themselves rapids.  Some others got scared of us and want to stop the enhancements. They think it’s not working with nature but against it. They call themselves Naturists.

Those Nits are crazy. They want us dead! Rafe’s face was red with emotion.

Anyway, they all started putting colored bands on and fighting in the streets. It got so bad we couldn’t leave the school. They call the rest of us Archers 'cause we’re all here in the Arch.

What about your family? Can you still get out to visit them? Jules asked.

We can’t leave, at least most of us. Pip turns towards Rafe before continuing.

I was told my family is hiding because everyone knows about me, Pips says, his eyes watery and nose dripping.

Jules moves closer and puts his arm around Pip.

Don’t worry. I am sure once this is all over, you will get to see them again!

I hope so. It’s been hard. I am so glad you came back. Pip hugs Jules again.

Timeo stands and walks around the room. This is a really nice room. Do all the kids get rooms this big?

We wish! Rafe replies. Us wizards are in our own section, better than most, but still, we have single rooms. They have their own bathroom; we don’t have to share one like the regular students. Only our star here gets a room with this big main room. It used to be for the professor in charge of student affairs.

They only put me in here because of the fireplace. I guess not many rooms have one, and I need to practice my talent. It’s safer this way. Do you want to see me light the fire?

I would! Timeo answered

Rafe takes the opportunity to stand. I will let you all watch; I have seen Pip do this before. I am going to use the bathroom.

Pip looks at the wood set out in