Lost in time: Circles of Time / Warriors of Swastika

By Anton Schulz

An exciting action-packed sci-fi tale about a young man from the 20th century who is randomly thrust by the Time Gate into the distant past. He finds himself in a primitive society of hunters and ferocious warriors. In this place and time, his modern knowledge seems utterly useless at first glance. Only the most basic instincts in his blood and an indomitable will to live can benefit him.

The story is filled with the tension of hunting wild animals, but also the struggle for life against the locals. Here, life is literally a battle. Just as he finally finds a way to survive in this harsh era, makes friends, and even finds true love, he is sent back to his future to stop a new threat.

A ruthless former Nazi, Eduard Beck, is searching for the Time Gate. He intends to use it to reverse the natural course of history and resurrect the eternal Third Reich alongside Hitler.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Anton Schulz
• Release date: Apr 13, 2024
• ISBN: 9798224450046

Book preview

Prologue

A tall, slender man stood at the cave entrance, his white hair falling onto his shoulders. His face was well-formed with slightly protruding cheekbones, beautiful, almost aristocratic features. An aquiline nose lent him a vigilant look, yet a multitude of fine wrinkles made him appear kindly. The most striking aspect of him were his eyes: bright blue, benevolent, radiating intelligence. At first glance, they inspired trust. Though his face bore the marks of age, his body was as firm as that of an athlete. His broad shoulders hinted at great strength, and muscular veins bulged beneath the white robe that reached halfway down his calves. His sleeves were rolled up, revealing strong, veiny arms and broad hands. Hands capable of gently caressing a child, assisting a woman or animal in labor, drawing, healing, and also of drawing a bowstring and taking life.

The summer solstice - the longest day of the year, deeply ingrained in many folk traditions. Today was just like any other year, yet different. He had waited 130 years for this day. The previous night he couldn't sleep, reflecting on his life, or rather, his two lives. His previous life felt like a distant haze. 130 years! And yet, the past returns. Time moves in circles. Tomorrow, one of those circles will close. Tomorrow!

He gazed thoughtfully at the landscape below him. The valley was tranquilly cradled by a river, known as the Rapid. Though its serene flow might deceive a stranger, the truth was that during prolonged rains and especially during spring thaw, a tremendous volume of water cascaded down from the hills, roaring and sweeping away everything in its path. The foamy, muddy water tore chunks of earth from the banks, its roar audible for hundreds of meters around. The surroundings were nearly entirely forested except for a wide swath of charred earth where a forest fire had raged years before. This part of the land resembled a gloomy black cemetery, almost eerie in appearance. Hundreds of burnt trees stood tall like crosses on a massive graveyard. Crosses - the word had no place here, especially at this time. At the valley's opposite end stood a small cottage, cheerily smoking from its chimney.

Teacher.

A deep male voice snapped him out of his reverie.

He turned and smiled involuntarily. Had he encountered this creature in his previous life, he might have screamed and definitely would have tried to flee.

Teacher, the man repeated. the red crystal begins to awaken.

The tall man - the Teacher approached him. Gently, he placed a hand on the crystal, feeling its slight vibration. The energy of the sun's rays it had harnessed was palpably radiating from it. Yes, he had waited 130 years for this day. The circle is closing. One last step remained. He looked at his companion.

Are you ready? he asked quietly.

Yes, the man replied promptly, giving the Teacher a thoughtful look. They had discussed the events they were about to face countless times. Sometimes it felt as if he had already lived through it all, seeing it in his dreams. He could not afford to make a mistake. From the Teacher, he knew that many lives depended on it, not his, but the lives of people in another time. He sighed. He would surely manage. Born a hunter, he wielded a bow as if it were part of his body. Yet, the sight of the Teacher took all his courage away. He noticed a tear in the corner of the Teacher's eye. He had never seen the man cry. He had lived with his people for a very long time. One of his ancestors had found the Teacher injured in the forest many years ago. He brought him home, healed him, and protected him. When he recovered, he became their Teacher. Today, after so many winters, when the bones of his grandfather and father had long been swallowed by the earth, this man was still here. And probably always would be. It seemed he was immortal. Could someone live so long?

The Teacher once again caressed the crystal. His hand trembled slightly. He had awaited this moment for so long, yet he dreaded it. Initially, anger consumed him. He desired nothing more than to avenge the man who had sent him from the twentieth century to this time. Hatred was all that kept him alive. When he realized he would never return, despair engulfed him. Since then, much had happened. He understood that he had to start a new life. He transformed this society according to his vision. He changed, too. Over the years, the hatred evaporated. He became a different person. Part of his mind told him not to fear, all these events had already occurred. Otherwise, he wouldn't be here. But the worm of doubt remained, what if? Can the future be influenced, or is it preordained? He engaged in endless debates with himself, trying to dispel the dark cloud of fear. Fear for a future that was his past. He shook his head, as if to drive out the dark thoughts. Now was not the time! The problem was, he didn't know the exact circumstances of his arrival. He turned to his friend.

It's time to go, he murmured almost inaudibly.

The younger man nodded decisively, turned, and without a word, left the cave.

Chapter 1.

He had been waiting in the underbrush for several hours, his senses fully alert. Born and raised in the forest, he knew its every quiet sound. He had the patience of a hunter. He had been there since sunrise. The clear sky began to gather storm clouds exactly as the Teacher had said. It was beginning. He shivered, yet did not entertain any doubts. The forest gave him confidence. Since the crystal had awakened yesterday, it felt like several winters had passed. He felt the weight of responsibility on his shoulders.

A sharp lightning bolt split the sky, followed by a deafening thunderclap. A downpour began. Another lightning struck an old oak about 100 steps from him. The tree split in two, one part fell and started to burn. The burning oak - the Teacher had mentioned this too. It wouldn't be long now. Suddenly, hell broke loose. Lightning bolts crisscrossed the sky from all directions. It seemed they struck in a certain circle, continually narrowing. Thunder sounded incessantly, like a demonic roar. He thought his hearing would fail, or he would succumb to madness. He wanted to run. But he knew he couldn't. Too much was at stake. The lightning converged into a single circle of light about twenty steps in diameter. It shone brightly for a moment, then went out. At that moment, all sounds ceased. The storm ended, the sky was clear again, a perfectly beautiful day. All that remained on the meadow was a charred black circle. If not for that, he might have thought it all an illusion. In the center of the circle lay a figure. It was a man. He tentatively tried to stand. Eventually, he managed and looked around in confusion.

Yes, he had been waiting for this man. Uncertainty left him. He pulled an arrow from his quiver and placed it on the bowstring. He gently drew the string and waited. He almost smiled.

The burning in my lungs. I gasped for air and coughed. Struggling, I raised my head. I lay in some sort of burnt land. Around me was a charred circle. Confused, I looked around, my memory completely blank. Slowly, I sat up. The surroundings were quite alien, yet not entirely. The hills seemed somehow familiar, though they were densely wooded. I had come to my senses. I was dirty with ash, and besides a few items, I had nothing on me. Then, loneliness hit me. Alone in a strange land without a map, compass, and especially without friends. Alone! The realization hurt. To that were added two previously unknown feelings. Fear and hunger. I felt adrenaline rising in my body. Suddenly, it seemed I could see much clearer. My hearing sharpened. In the distance, I heard a crackling. I looked in that direction and saw a huge oak split by lightning into two parts. One lay on the ground, and here and there, flames flickered, not extinguished by the rain. My nose was full of the scent of burnt wood, but when the wind blew, I caught another scent. It was the smell of roasted meat, fat, sweat, and something else. Blood! My hair stood on end, and goosebumps covered my body.

Driven to the edge, I turned against the wind. A faint buzzing sounded.

– Hit the ground! – a calm voice popped into my mind. Inappropriately calm!

I threw myself to the ground. Something whistled over my head. It stuck in a tree about four meters behind me. An arrow! Death! It vibrated slightly for a moment. Another lodged close to my hand. I pulled it out of the ground and ran in the opposite direction. Another buzzing, then silence. Terrible silence. I stopped. I didn't know where to run. Though I was more guided by instinct than reason, I didn't want to risk running straight into the arms of death. For death was likely what awaited me here. Driven to the extreme, ancient instincts awakened within me. Instincts suppressed by civilization for millennia, taught away from birth, yet present as the very essence of being. Suddenly, it became clear. I would run, kill the attacker, or be killed. Run, but where? Is the enemy alone, or does he have a companion? If so, maybe I'm running to my doom. Yes, but staying here means the same! I need a weapon! I looked at the arrow I had been clutching in my hand all this time. It was beautifully crafted, about a meter long. The metal tip showed remnants of dried blood. Animal? Human? At this moment, it didn't matter. If I hadn't thrown myself to the ground in time, it could have been mine. The body of the arrow, thick as my pinkie, ended in black feathers. The entire arrow was blackened by ash, a perfect deadly weapon. Yes, but without a bow, it was useless! I decided, with one motion I broke it into a third. A soft snap sounded. Startled, I jumped, in that silence it rang like a thunderclap.

Idiot, you should have known, now he'll definitely find me! ran through my mind. But there was no time for self-pity or curses. Quickly, I tucked the remaining part of the arrow with the tip into my belt and cautiously moved away. I wasn't running anymore. I tried to move quickly and quietly. The tip of the arrow gave me encouragement. It was a close-range weapon, but at least something. Again, I felt it. That smell! He was following me! He was tracking my steps. The ground was soggy from the rain, so my tracks would be visible even to a blind man, let alone a skilled hunter and killer. There was no doubt I was dealing with someone like that. But I didn't plan to just give up.

I reached a stream. I went against its current. But then I reconsidered. If I went against the current, the water in the stream would become muddy and my pursuer would immediately know why. Carefully, to avoid making noise, I stepped downstream. I hoped I had shaken him off. But I couldn't rely on that. After about twenty minutes, I came across a tree lying across the stream. A remnant of some storm. I crawled under it. I went another ten steps, then carefully, without moving stones, turned back. I caught hold of a branch thick as an arm and swung onto the trunk. I walked along the trunk into the crown of the tree. It was an old willow with a massive crown and a large hollow at the bottom of the trunk. Surely, that was the reason for its fall. Many broken branches resembled somewhat the devastated skeleton of a dinosaur. Conveniently, I saw the actual skeleton of some animal sticking out from under the branches. Remnants scattered by wild beasts. Some bones cleanly gnawed, others with remains of decaying tissue and skin. A gnawed thigh bone reminded me of a pig slaughter at my grandfather's. Suddenly, it dawned on me – a thigh bone is a quite solid bludgeoning weapon! I approached closer. A sour, rotting smell hit me. Strangely, it didn't bother me at all. After evaluating the situation, I pulled out the arrow tip from behind my belt and carefully cut through the remaining tendons holding the bone. It was slightly greasy and damp from the decaying tissue. I took out a handkerchief and wiped it off. Suddenly, it seemed funny. Here, in the wilderness, a handkerchief was something out of place, almost like a naked man in church. An image of my wife appeared. Always perfectly groomed, the impeccably made-up wife of a businessman, perfectly combed, dressed according to the latest fashion, associating only with certain people, moving only in the right places. If she saw me now, dirty, with wide eyes, digging in a rotting carcass, she would probably have a heart attack. Since I found myself in this dreadful place, barely an hour had passed. The sun in the sky had moved only slightly. Despite that, my mood slightly improved. It seemed I was completely without a chance, yet I was still escaping, I had acquired weapons, and most importantly, I was still alive! And that was no small feat. My brain had gotten used to the increased flow of adrenaline. I felt as alive as I hadn't in a long time. Yet, I still scrutinized all sounds around me. Even smells, though I hadn't realized it until now. A faint rustling of leaves to my right. Wind? A small animal? There was no place and time to underestimate anything!

Anger distorted his face. How could he miss? That oddity stood there like a post, practically begging to be killed. When he first spotted him, he froze. He and his brother had taken shelter from the storm under a broad tree when it struck. He had never experienced anything like it in his life. Lightning bolts struck all around. His brother couldn't bear it and ran away. From fear, he crouched down, put his head between his knees, and called upon all known forest demons, pleading for mercy. What else could it be but the rampage of forest spirits? Then the fiery circle! It blinded him completely. When the storm passed, he saw the creature rising from the burnt ground. Blonde hair, unusual height, and clothing momentarily stunned him. However, when it began wandering aimlessly, it was clear it was no demon, but a man. Maybe from one of the tribes in the north, mentioned by traders coming up the river. If he brought home such a trophy, that would be something! He would be talked about at fires, and at festivals, he would dance his own dance... He completely forgot about his brother.

In his excitement, he missed again. That hadn't happened since he was a boy. The strange man ran among the trees. There was nothing left to do but follow him. When he arrived at the place where he disappeared, he almost smiled. The prey left clear tracks. In the damp soil, the tracks were distinct and clear, as if left there by a wild boar. At the stream, he stopped. The water was clear. Without hesitation, he stepped downstream. He carefully examined both banks. No trace. No matter, he would have to come out eventually! He passed under the trunk of a tree lying across the stream. Suddenly, he stopped. A slight abrasion on the bark caught his attention. He grabbed the nearest branch and jumped onto the trunk. A wet streak led towards the crown. He followed the trunk and saw tracks on the ground again. He pursued them. He registered the wild boar carcass but paid it no attention.

I had to clarify a few things. I have no idea where I am. Someone is trying to kill me. Apparently, I can't hide from him. Is he alone, or are there more of them? If there were more, the intervals between the arrows wouldn't be so long. Furthermore, I can't move so that he can't track me, for him I'm just a disoriented animal. Easy prey. But I'm not any game and I won't sell my life cheaply! Use my weaknesses. If I can't hide my tracks from him, I have to lead him to a place where I can defend myself. I ran forward. Not far away, I saw a massive lime tree. It was a truly imposing specimen, its circumference could be at least two meters, if not more. From the base of its roots grew thick elderberry. That's it. This is the place I've been waiting for, here I'll bet everything on one card. I ran close to the trunk of the lime tree. On the run, I tore off a button and threw it on the ground. After about twenty meters, I made a wide arc and returned from behind to the lime tree. Carefully, to avoid making any noise, I pulled out the long thigh bone from under my coat. Quietly, I wrapped a handkerchief around the lower part. I couldn't risk it slipping. I was ready.

Concentrated, I watched the surroundings from behind the dense elderberry thicket. Of course, most often in the direction from which my tracks led. My only chance was surprise. A bow and arrow in the hands of an experienced archer are a terrifying and deadly weapon, but in close combat not very effective. This way, I had a chance to defend myself or at least incapacitate him.

– What am I thinking? – suddenly, recognition deafened me. This is no child's play. I'm betting everything on one card. It's not enough to defend, not enough to incapacitate. I have to kill! The ancient law, kill or be killed! It was as clear as day.

The lime tree rustled encouragingly. I became one with the surroundings. Even the birds began to sing. It was a beautiful day after all!

He moved slowly and cautiously. A true predator! Slightly crouched, he examined my tracks. He was heading towards me. Constantly observing his surroundings. I didn't even notice when he appeared. While checking the surroundings, I suddenly saw him. He occasionally stopped. Listening, even smelling. When he got closer, I could take a better look at him. He was crouched, about 150 – 155 centimeters tall, dressed in some kind of fur vest. It continued to mid-thigh in a skirt-like shape. No wonder I smelled his scent, he must have sweated like a horse in that fur. His waist was girded with a belt, behind which was tucked a dagger with a long blade. His feet were bare.

Suddenly, I felt it. It came in waves. It wasn't fear, it was anger. Gradually rising. A cold anger towards that scoundrel, mangy dog, and son of a bitch who was following my tracks, wanting to catch me like a defenseless sheep. He looked in my direction. I tried to stand still. My breathing calmed a bit, but I was still trembling all over. He couldn't see me. Stupid sheep! He lowered his head again. I retreated behind the trunk.

Fifty steps left.

Twenty. I gripped the bone tightly with both hands.

Ten steps left. If I was previously driven to the extreme, now I crossed that boundary. My whole body tensed. Every muscle strained to the breaking point, ready to spring. He was at the tree. I couldn't see him, but I felt him with every part of my body. Every cell of my skin sensed him.

He stopped. Bent down to the tracks.

– Now – my subconscious sent the signal. I jumped out from behind the tree, hands raised above my head. It was like in a dream. The man crouched at the ground. In his hand, he held my button. In his brown eyes, surprise and recognition. I swung the bone, aiming the head of the femur at the head of that swine. He reacted in a fraction of a second. Raised both hands. I struck hard.

Die, you son of a bitch! I yelled at him with all my lungs.

The bone hit his forearm, almost tearing off his hand. A crunch sounded as the forearm gave way. The man screamed. He let out a stream of incomprehensible words resembling a growl or rasp. Immediately with his uninjured hand, he pulled out a dagger from behind his belt, his left hand hanging limply at his side. I felt some perverse satisfaction, it must have caused him immense pain.

He attacked. I repelled his attack with another swing. In his eyes, I read hatred and fear. We circled each other, trying to gain a better position or exploit the opponent's mistake. The man was sweating profusely, surely from the pain. It seemed he was weakening. I knew what would follow, as if I could read his thoughts. He had no other choice, his strength was leaving him. He couldn't run, like a rat cornered. He would attack! He must! I kept watching his eyes.

Come on, you rat! I provoked him.

As if waiting for it, he lunged at me. He feigned a direct thrust with the dagger from above, but suddenly darted left and stabbed from below. All the while, he roared savagely. His unexpected speed and feint surprised me. I managed only a feeble deflection of the hand with the dagger aiming for my stomach. I stepped back, stumbling over a root, and suddenly I was on the ground. The opponent didn't hesitate, immediately pouncing on me. Swiftly, I rolled to my right side. He missed and hurt his already injured arm, howling in pain and frustration. In an instant, I was on my feet. One leap. I lunged in a wide arc. He was attempting to stand, but the badly broken arm slowed him down. The head of the joint struck his jaw. His head snapped back, a spray of blood and teeth erupting from his mouth, leaving his chin a bloody pulp. He was knocked to the ground. Another blow landed on his shoulders. A third punched a hole in his head just above the ear. The bone in my hands cracked.

Dead! I approached him.

See, even some sheep know how to bite! I yelled. And you, bastard, thought that...

Suddenly, it was as if a horse had kicked me, throwing me about two meters. The world began to spin. I didn't understand what was happening. I raised my head. Another blow to the chin was my reward. I was surrounded by shadows. A phantom, an exact copy of that repulsive man, stood before me. The light dimmed. I was utterly powerless, unable to move.

Two of them, there were two... echoed in my head as a final tolling. This is the end, it's all over. I lost. That disgusting pig knelt on my chest. Pulling a dagger from his belt, he made several grunting noises and placed it against my neck. A single slice and my soul would spill from the carotid artery. Then, the man twitched. The hand with the dagger dropped. I didn't understand. A shaft of an arrow protruded from the man's neck. Disbelievingly, he raised his hands to his neck. Another struck him in the back. It pierced his right lung, going clean through. Choking and bloody foam came from his mouth, dripping down his chin onto me. It lasted only a moment before he collapsed next to me.

I lay there, unable to move. The world around me darkened, actually narrowed to a single point of light somewhere in the distance. My brain couldn't process so much adrenaline and shut down. I fell unconscious.

Chapter 2.

Peter, must you go on your stupid trek again? hissed my wife. You know we're invited to Anete's tonight! You'll be tired again and just sit there like a sack.

I smiled benevolently at her. My better half, a beautiful, tall blonde with green eyes. A firm body, maintained with regular visits to the fitness center. Full breasts, size three, slightly enhanced with silicone. I had given her plastic surgery for her thirtieth birthday. She was a few years older than me and very conscious of her appearance. My wife, beautiful and empty. When we married, I was attracted by her beauty. She was a splendid trophy. I was always a bit of a hunter. She was attracted to my money. I, too, was a trophy. Her life consisted of visits to the hairdresser, beauty salon, fitness center, and massage. Her only hobby was shopping. She was really good at it. Sometimes I didn't understand what actually kept us together. It certainly wasn't love, although we got along great in bed. However, it was empty, some kind of race to achieve orgasm.

Don't worry, darling, I'll be fresh as a fish tonight. Don't you want to come with me? (of course, she doesn't) It's so beautiful outside. Do you know today is the day of the Summer Solstice?

Keep your sarcastic remarks to yourself! she snapped back curtly.

For once, we could have done something together! Something that interests me too. Not just your parties!

We've talked about this a hundred times. Sorry, my head is starting to hurt.

She walked out of the room.

It was indeed a beautiful day, the sun cheerily shining. A gentle breeze blew, but the radio forecasted storms. I hoped they would bypass me. Walks in nature cleared my head. Away from people. No cars, no noise. Perfect relaxation. All week I had to chase after contracts, money, clients, materials. The worst part of it all was the rush. The eternal lack of time. Maybe that was one of the reasons why our marriage grew even more distant. It sucked the life out of me. Along with my wife. But Sunday, that was mine, just nature and me. Here, I gathered energy for the next week.

I got into the jeep and headed to my favorite places. In a few minutes, I left the city behind. Passed several villages. In the distance, I saw the familiar turn-off onto the forest road. I drove along it for about seven kilometers and stopped. I changed into hiking clothes and set off uphill at a moderate pace. A cloud appeared on the horizon. A lone, innocent cloud. Soon, others joined it, and the whole mass moved towards me. Hopefully, I wouldn't get soaked. The jeep was about an hour's walk away. On my last walk, I had spotted an opening in the rock above the river, covered with dense bushes, invisible at first glance. A sudden gust of wind revealed the entrance to me. However, I hadn't had the time to examine it more closely then. Now, I could.

I briskly climbed the steep slope. My tired legs began to protest. Just a little more. Finally, I reached the opening. It was about as tall as me. I peeked inside. The cave was vast. The