Two Halves: chapter 37

Lets go chapter 37, wooooo!!!!

They had been going for hour, and the mountains were gaining detail in the distance. The Keki grass had started to become patchy as the landscape become hillier. The days were long on Earth-2, thirty-six hours of daylight and a further fourteen of night, and the suns were growing closer to the horizon. On one of the taller hills Nicolas risked a glance over his shoulder. In the distance he could still see the gray dot that was the Mile High Walls against the horizon.

 

Conifer trees began to dot the increasingly rocky landscape. Small flatheads sat on top of the exposed rocks sunning themselves. Their broad, nearly flat bodies shown with a dark green sheen, with their six legs spread out for maximum surface area. Once in a while a larger feline like creature except it bald with a dark gray skin, one they passed was chewing on one of the scaly flatheads.

 

When they came to one of the larger patches of conifer Bestalel signaled for them to stop. He turned into the trees and dismounted under the shade of the large branches. The trunks were wide and barrel like, with bulges dotting their surface seemingly at random. About hallways up the structure the branches spread out, and the pointed needles opened and closed slowly. Bestalel pulled the Krignal under the shade and pulled off one of the sacks. Inside was shelled and roasted Keki nut, and once Nicolas and Zeckle had dismounted he passed them some of the purple flesh around.

 

“We will be leaving again as soon as we finish the meal.” He sat down and began to eat the nut vigorously. Again Bestalel opened the rucksack and withdrew a water skin, and was about to life it to his lips when Nicolas spoke.

 

“Wait, don’t waste the water. We can do it another way.” Nicolas put down his nut and walked over to one of the trees. Then ran his hand over a few of the bulges before finding a satisfactory one. Nicolas brought up his finger and pocked a hold clean through the smooth white bark. A steady stream of water dribbled out of the hole, and Nicolas put his mouth under the stream and drank the slightly sweet liquid. After he had his fill he put his palm over the opening the plug it and turned back towards the others.

 

“You just got to find one that gives when you push it. Just poke a hole in it, some friends showed me this when I was a kid. These things grew by home, but no one drank them because the bulbs onto fill once every few years.” He smiled as Bestalel put down his water and walked to a different trunk. Zeckle looked up at them from where she was munching on her own Keki nut.

 

After a little while longer and a few more Keki nuts they started to pack up there food. The Krignal had waddled to the nearest large stone and spread out on top of it. Its bone plates practically hurt to touch from the heat as they guided it back to the road and retied the line that attached to the back of Bestalel’s Zenzi.

 

Their altitude started to climb as they entered the mountain range. The wide beaten path became narrower as they followed it through the increasingly rocky landscape. The Keki grass had nearly all disappeared among the exposed stone. Low ferns that clung to the ground limply and inched their way between crags in the boulders had replaced it. They passed low valleys where the conifer trees dominated the landscape, and small furry creatures darted between branches in search of ripe bulges.

 

They had to slow down due to the path becoming increasingly treacherous; gravel shifted under Zenzies’ feet, and the large birds became nervous. The only thing that seemed to feel at home was the Krignal. It was naturally a mountain going animal, along the high peaks herds would plant themselves in order to soak up the daily heat. At night they all would eat the tough shrubs that dominated the space between conifer trunks.

 

“We’re nearly there. Telly showed me a map, and we reaching the peak that the station is supposed to be under.” said Bestalel from in front of them, he turned in his seat and tugged the line to the Krignal, who closed in on his Zenzi to follow more closely. In the distance a low pounding began, and after they turned a corner it became apparent why.

 

A waterfall dominated this valley; it started maybe a hundred feet above the low point of the crevice. Great troughs lined the edges of the waterfall; water spilled into them and ran down a series of enormous pipes the valley floor. There was no vegetation there, instead there was only rushing rapids of the river as it sped away towards another waterfall at the far end. The pipes were feeding into what looked like an enormous metal crab. On its back were two building sized boilers that were being filled, and the crab’s surface was dotted with lights as people worked along its surface. As they made their way down the path to the inside of the valley night began to really fall. They hadn’t been able to see the sun for hours as they climbed between the peaks of the mountains, but they could now feel it slipping below the horizon. The temperature began to drop dramatically.

 

As it grew dark they saw where the station really was. Behind the waterfall something glowed like a jewel casting beams of light down onto the metallic crab. Spotlights that lit up its surface began to go out and a steady stream of lights began to make their way up a path towards the structure behind the waterfall. This is what they made their way for, and as they drew closer to the metal crab on their way they saw a person in the distance.

 

Bestalel waved to the figure, who was carrying a lantern. The figure waved back enthusiastically, and began to walk over to them. It was a young man dressed in work cloths, and a long curved stick coming out of his pack supported the lantern. It glowed merrily in the presence of the magical field.

 

“Hello, travelers. You must be the ones we received a letter for. I hope the carrier bird returned safe.” he couldn’t be anything over fourteen, and his crop of orange hair fell limply around his face. Bestalel produced the medallion and showed to the boy, who looked at it with barely concealed wonder.  “ It is an honor to meet you father, and just to let you know you’ve been the talk of the station. We don’t have passengers to often as it is, so when we heard it was you, well… you know.”

 

They followed the boy up the path to the structure behind the waterfall. As they passed the huge machine Nicolas took in its components. There were dozens of guns along the surface with grappling hooks protruding from them barrels. Along the underside of the machine was an open ramp leading to a cargo bay. Inside were stacks of boxes and barrels, and a few more still were sitting at the base of one of the legs where they were waiting to be loaded. Each leg was a monstrosity, towering some two hundred feet until it reached the first mechanical joint, which were posed a thirty feet above the first deck of the machine. They passed by where one of the six legs contacted the ground, and Nicolas reached out to touch the surface. It looked to be made of bronze, with small rivers of copper to act as conductors for the magical impulses that controlled the individual parts. The path became steep, so they had to dismount and lead their Zenzi by hand. The Krignal clambered over the steep pathway easily with its large padded feet allowing for excellent traction.

 

The rush of the water over the falls became deafening as they approached. A few stragglers were still making there way behind the water in front of them.  Each had a lantern attached to poles like the boy. The spray from the waterfall started to moisten their skin as they drew closer, and it practically felt like rainfall as they crossed the threshold into the world behind. The rock surface had become slick and puddles sat in every crag; a large copper door, green with rust, was open allowing him entry into the cavern beyond.

 

It looked like the top of the cavern was covered in stars, and after a moment Nicolas’s eyes adjusted to the light. The entire ceiling was lined with Jeori crystal, the same crystal that was used to make Magician’s lanterns. That must have been why the magical lanterns were so common here. In the presence of the natural magical field glowed brightly enough to allow them to see. Deeper within the cavern was a spindly metal structure. Water from the waterfall must somehow gather within the cavern over time for the structure stood above the water on small stilts, but it was strange. There was only one building that everyone was piling into, though it did not seem to get crowded. A pipe led from the bottom of the house and into the water. On the shore next to it was a small stable, with a few animals within. The boy followed them as they brought their Zenzi towards a man with a clipboard.

 

“Hello, how many animals?” droned the man in rehearsed speech. Bestalel led his Zenzi in front of the man.

 

“Two Zenzi, and a Krignal. We will be leaving them here for a while so I will be paying for a month feed and care in advance.” said Bestalel as he retrieved a small pouch from around the Zenzi’s neck, it jingled softly as it moved. From inside he produced several gold coins with Cloudtop’s seal on them. “You will take Cloudtop Genzis, correct?” The man starred in awe at the amount of money that Bestalel had. The few gold coins alone would not only pay enough for a month, but for several years after that.

 

“Yes of course.” he said slightly flustered as a coin was pushed into his hands. “If you would just unpack your Krignal I will take him and your Zenzies.” Bestalel tugged on the Krignal’s line and brought him under the stables roof, and began to unpack him. Nicolas walked over and began to help and Zeckle stroked the Zenzi’s feathers and cooing to it softly. The boy walked over to help the unpacking.

 

“I’m junior technician Tochi by the way.” he said as Bestalel turned to look at him when he tried to help. “You all must be really rich, having a bag full of gold like that. Word will get around quick, and even though these are good people--- With money like that, they’ll be tempted. You all should come to stay at my grandfather’s house. I live with him, and he has lots of extra room. I’m sure he would let you stay there for the night.” Bestalel turned back to his work and unhooked another pack.

 

“No.” He said flatly.

 

“Awww… but why not?” said the boy as he continued to try and help.

 

“We will be staying in the town’s i---“ started Bestalel, but Tochi cut him off.

 

“It’s full, only got three rooms to begin with and they’re all full with other travelers. You shouldn’t have been so late or you woulda’ got one.”

 

“And there is only one?” Asked Bestalel, this time he did not stop Tochi as he unslung one of the large water sacks.

 

“Yup, we only get visitors when the transport comes around, and they only stay for a few days. Old man Hulie never built more than three rooms.” They had finally finished unloading the Krignal, and Bestalel began to swing packs onto his back. Tochi attempted to pick up the water sack he had unloaded, but staggered under its weight. Bestalel took it from his and put it across his shoulders. They left the Krignal there, and as they walked away the man with the clipboard hurried over to put it in its pen.

 

“Ok, We would be honored to stay at your grandfather’s house. Please, lead the way.” the boy led them to the stairs to the small building. The flow of people had stemmed as they had stabled their animals, and only a few people remained. Inside the building there was only a spiral staircase leading downwards. They took it down below the water’s surface; every so often a porthole would reveal a view of the outside. Under the lake was a system of structures connected by large metal tubes. Strung between the buildings were large nets, sifting through the steady flow of water. A few men in clunky suits clung to scaffolding behind the nets. They would reach through and pull the shellfish caught in the next and place them in large containers. One was loading the crabs into a hopper on the side of one of the buildings.

 

The staircase case opened up into a building. Large toughs of the small crabs lined the room, and small stations sat every few feet where people were picking up the crabs and smashing the tops of their shells. They would put the lifeless bodies into large ice filled buckets, and once one of the pales was full another worker would come along to take it away.

 

“This is the cannery. Most of our food comes outta the river out there, and most of it is just the spindlefeet.” As they walked along the troughs one of the worker winked at Tochi and passed him a small wax paper rapped package bound with string.

 

Nicolas looked at the crabs; they were rather strange. They had no claws; instead they had two membranes on the end of their front legs. They would use them as paddles to skim through the water, as their back four legs streamed uselessly behind them. The small stalks their eyes sat on swiveled around as they tried to evade the worker’s hands.              

 

“What’s in it?” asked Zeckle as she leaned over Tochi’s shoulder. The young boy blushed and stuttered in his urgency to answer. Nicolas hadn’t noticed before, but Zeckle had returned her hair to its previous length, and her horns had reappeared from her scalp.

 

“It’s j-just some s-spindlelfeet. I know one of the guys who works there, and he always g-gives me a few of the runty ones free of charge.” he said as he tried to hide his face, which only cause Zeckle to lean farther and him to blush more deeply. Bestalel scowled at the situation as they made their way of the cannery. After a few more moment Zeckle became bored and returned to walk beside Nicolas.

 

They passed through more tunnels and tubes as they made their way through the underwater city. Large watertight doors led into individual residences. They continued to pass by them until they came into a larger tunnel, and instead of the end leading into a residence sub-grouping it led into a larger door. Tochi came up to the door and banged on metal water lock.

 

“Grandpa! I brought visitors!” Shouted Tochi, and at ever time his fist connected to the door it would ring out like a bell. They stood there for a minute dumbly, and then the valve in the center of the door began to turn. It was pushed open towards them. A man in his mid fifties, his hair was flecked with gray, but his body was strong with broad shoulders. 

 

“Well, who’re you then?” he asked in a deep soothing voice. “Though, if ya come with my Tochi yall can’t be all bad. Come in, come in!” He ushered them inside his house to small sitting room. A few large cushions sat on the ground around a low table, which still had the dishes of a previous meal sitting on it.

 

“Sorry ‘bout the mess, wasn’t expecting company. Especially night before the launch. I’m Jen Hurkida, and this is my grandson Tochi Hurkida, it’s nice to meet you.” he picked up the dishes and exited to the room through a small doorway, and shouted back into the room. “Tochi, you got the spindlefeet? We’re gonna make a big hotpot tonight, might even use that bolt squid I’ve been savin’.”

 

“Yeah gramps.” said Tochi as he carried the black package into the same room. Nicolas and them were left in the room. Zeckle was the first to sit on one of the cushions, and was soon followed by Nicolas. Bestalel remained standing as he examined the room. The ceiling was high, and a staircase led to a second floor. There was the clang of pots and pans from the room beyond and the sound of Jen speaking a simple fire spell. After a moment he reentered the room wearing a large white apron.

 

“Tochi can take care of the rest of the preparations. Now it’s time to meet you. Tochi says you are the last of the travelers.  I’m going to the controller for the transport tomorrow, so all your lives will be in my hands.” he let out a deep guffaw at this, and laughed richly at his own strange humor. He lowered himself into one of the seats and laid his hands on the table.

 

“I was wonderin’ though. Who really are you?” he let the words hang in the air for a minute; Bestalel tensed where he stood. “Thing is I’ve been on transports round most of the world, and no offence, but you looked nothing like a priest. No priest I’ve ever seen wears a wig either.” Bestalel turned to him and sat down on one of the wide cushions.

 

“It’s true. I am not a priest, though I am here on the express permission of Mother Tellaous of the Sisterhood of Kinsara’s Will. I would ask that you don’t expose me though. I will pay you for your silence if that is what you require.” Bestalel starred hard at Jen, who returned the gaze with a bemused smile.

 

“Nah, don’t need money. You seem like a decent lot and I’m sure yall have your reasons for hiding your identity. All I needed to know was that ole’ Telly is giving you her blessin’.” He smiled at Bestalel confused expression.

 

“How do you know Telly?” Bestalel asked, his normal expressionless voice approaching flustered.

 

“Long time ago, before she was Mother anythin’ she used to crew a transport, the same transport I was the controller on. She got on early, ever since she could work, and about six years back she went to go join the Sisterhood. I am glad she is doin’ well for herself” Jen laughed again as Bestalel’s expression went from confusion to exasperation.

 

“She never told me she used to work on a transport!” he said moodily. Nicolas almost laughed at how flustered he had become, and Zeckle was already giggling at Bestalel.

 

“Oh, what’s wrong Besty? Is ya girlfriend livin’ a double life?” she laughed as he turned to her with fury in his eyes.

 

“This is no time for this, and besid---“ From the entrance to the kitchen Tochi stood holding a large pot.

 

“Food’s ready.” He said as the waddled over to the table. The pot was oversized for him and he placed it on the table. Jen leaned over and put his hand under the table and spoke his fire charm again. A small brazier crackled into life as sparks poured from long dead coals. The iron plate at the center of the table began to heat up, and Tochi put the oversized pot onto it. Once he did he hurried back into the kitchen and brought in several bowls and a ladle. Jen pulled off the lid of the cast iron pot and a delicious smell escaped into the room. The pot belched steam towards the ceiling, and Jen picked up the ladle and spooned the contents into several bowls.

 

Nicolas took his bowl of the dark brown stew, chunks of crab and squid floated on the surface, and when he took a spoon and ate a bite his mouth burst into pain. The stew was so spicy that he nearly spat it out on the table. He forced the spoonful down, and beside him Bestalel was suffering a similar effect, but he was much better at hiding it. Though nothing could hide his sudden perfuse sweating. Zeckle was seemingly unaffected was shoveling stew into her mouth.

 

“Tochi, get these men drinks. They’re gonna need it.” Jen laughed one more time and Nicolas tried to suppress the pain.

Author's Note

I was wondering how you guys are liking this world I am creating. I am trying to make it kind of cool by giving it its own ecology. Let me know if you like the world so far.

Reviews

[James Watts]

Not a bad read. I see you are still having trouble with those -ly's, but I understand this is a rough draft or maybe a first draft, so you haven't done the final edit. I have a few I will have to weed out in my own work. Nice work overall.

[Aggie Skeleton]

It's very creative. I love it, wouldn't want to live there but I love it.

[Liza]

you have a keen sense of detail into others and yourself; a very talented author.

[Huggy Bear]

Interesting chapter you have here. Good work you are doing here:)

[Dutch Jr.]

A really good job here. Keep up the pace, and keep the chapters coming.

[Tea And A Cheshire Smil..]

I really love the world that you've created :) this was a great read and I can't wait for the next chapter! Keep up the good work :) This is really coming along well!

[Nicaushio Yamaki]

nice job

[Y.Badr El Din]

first chapter I read, but it is brilliant! keep up the good work ^_^

[[KL]]

Honestly, this is the first chapter I've read.. And.. I liked it, very much so. Good work here (:
[M]

[The Wave]

Another well enjoyed chapter!

The world itself is extraordinary. That's one of the things about your story that I love.