Dwellers of the New World Chapter Eight ( Pt 5 ) The Beach Awaits

Setting off across the moors that very same morning, the air still heavy with fog, it didn't take long for Varden to reach the sea, the only danger feared, was that of meeting one of Gregor's men, as he knew they could be anywhere, but knowing the terrain well, there were many nooks and crannies to hide in.

Coming off the moor, he finally stood at the edge of the cliff face, staring out across the vast ocean, the mist and fog drifting in, giving an eerie effect, with the gentle lapping of the waves upon the beach. Varden listened, as in the far distance he could hear the sounds of the seamen blowing their horns, in order to let the ships that were out at sea, know they were nearing shore.

Climbing down the craggy boulders of rock, being careful to avoid crevices, a few pebbles tumbled with each step he took, until finally reaching the bottom. The beach was made up of sand and shingles. Sea birds waited at the water's edge, for crustaceans to be washed up on shore, their cries a welcoming sound in the ghostly fog.

Brushing himself down, he made his way along the beach, being careful to listen out for danger. Varden could see the caves that lined the cliff face, he'd never really explored them before, being too afraid to venture inside, in case of becoming lost. Now a sudden burst of confidence swept over him, as he marched up to one of the entrances, no longer afraid and cool-headed with each positive step taken.

The darkness consumed him, as he stepped inside, his anxieties once again taking over. He stood listening for any sounds, but it was quiet and still, apart from the dripping of water from the roof and walls. The ocean on occasions would enter the caves, but Varden knew it only happened once every season. It was obvious from the dampness, that the sea had washed in recently, so it wouldn't be likely to return any time soon.

Shells clung to the surface of the walls, that were covered in a green moss that clung verdantly. Moving his hands across the surface, he felt the smoothness and the almost velvety touch of the plant life. It occurred to Varden, that many sea beings survived in these caves, though it only consisted of the shell creatures. He tried to pull one off the wall, but it stuck fast. 'What strength!' he thought to himself, realising they must wait for the ocean to once more again return, to wash them away on the tide.

The boy wished for some kind of torch, it wasn't that he couldn't make fire, producing some flints from his pouch, but there wasn't any wood around, nothing to use as torchlight. Varden decided to leave the cave and go in search of some driftwood, there would have to be some along the beach.

As he wandered, listening and watching for danger, his eyes spyed exactly what he was looking for, an almost perfect shape and length. Making his way to pick up the driftwood, there was the sound of voices and people running. Dropping his find, the boy became frightened, he had to get back to the cave quick. Turning and rushing as fast as he could, he reached the entrance.

Varden made his way through the darkness, as far back in the cave as was possible to go, standing in the concealed shadows of one of the far walls, hoping he wouldn't be seen. His heart started beating fast, as some young boys charged passed the cave entrance, men with with torches were in hot persuit.

All of a sudden one of the men stopped, staring up at the cave, it was then that Varden realised he'd left footprints leading to where he was hiding. “What we got here then?” the stranger declared. “Looks like a child's footprints. Don't think you can hide from old Seth, I knows these beaches like the back of me hands, so you'd better show your self...now.”

Poor Varden was terrified, there was no way he wanted to be caught and become a prisoner again. Cowering up against the damp wall, too afraid to even breathe, he closed his eyes and wished for a miracle.

All of a sudden hands caught hold of him, he felt himself being lifted from behind. The boy wanted to shout out, but no sound would come, Varden was so scared he almost wet himself, as he wondered what was to become of him now.

Dwellers of the New World Chapter Eight ( Pt 6 ) Strange Meetings | ABCtales