Travellers

Travellers

Introduction:

The Family

Katie stared hopefully out of the window. Her younger brother and sister, Christopher and Samantha stood either side of her trying to wrestle their way into the best position to see down the winding gravel path that lead up to the house. Her mother and father stood patiently at the back. Both were smiling and laughing as their excited children waited for the return of their brother and sister from college for the Christmas holidays.

Grandpa Alfred sat in the corner, puffing on his long pipe. It was an antique that had been passed down to him by his father. As it had been for generations before. Grandma Annie stood next to him, wafting the smoke away. She was doing her best to look cross. But gave herself away, as she tried to force back a smile.

The eight foot tall Christmas tree touched the ceiling. Its sparkling decorations had been carefully placed by the children earlier in the day. They had nagged their parents constantly to let them start early. And finally when their parents had relented, they gave a cheer and had begun the decorations in earnest. The two younger children along with their baby brother were asleep now. Charlotte their mother had always dreamt of a large family and now she certainly had her wish.

Jonathan was her first born. He was an art student at college. He was something of a rogue, but he was a good lad she thought. At nineteen he was her eldest and the one the others looked up to.

A year later came Sarah. The eighteen year old music student who had been so eager to leave home and start her college life. And now she was finally coming home. It had only been September when she had left for college. But to Charlotte it seemed like a lifetime.

Then they had Katie. The sixteen year old was as much a handful as the rest of them put together, but she had a heart of gold. Charlotte loved her dearly. As she did all her children. But Katie had certainly given her the most worry.

Christopher was the fourteen year old sports enthusiast, mostly football and athletics. He was mischievous but like the others had never been in any serious trouble. Which Charlotte thanked god for. Samantha was his fourteen year old twin sister. They looked nothing alike. And her talents lay in her literary skills. She was the most serious of her brood and something of an intellectual.

The two who had gone to bed were Josh and Rosie. Or should that be Joshua and Rosanna. Josh was twelve and Rosie ten. They had wanted to stay up but it was already past nine o’clock. And she was starting to wonder if her two eldest were ever going to arrive home.

Baby Michael was her last child and just nine months old. And she swore to herself he was the last she was having. At almost forty she wanted a rest from childbirth. And to concentrate on the ones she already had.

Grandma Annie was the first to break the silence.

“Alfred, dear. Will you stop puffing on that awful old pipe? You’re creating a terrible stench.” She emphasised the point by holding her nose, and staring at him menacingly.

“Alright woman. I’ll put it out, you’re always complaining. I don’t know why I put up with you.” He said stubbing out the contents of the pipe and placing it in the ornate ashtray that lay on the coffee table beside him.

“That’s better, Alfred. And I’m the one who puts up with you.”

“I hope you two aren’t going to start arguing. It’s Christmas, you should be happy.” Charlotte said with a disapproving look.

“We are happy, dear. We are just having one of our little games. You should know that by now.” Annie went and sat on her husbands lap and kissed him on the cheek.

“Ah, that’s disgusting, gramps. Aren’t you two too old for kissing?” Asked the mischievous looking Chris. He looked over to his mum for her response first.

“I’m only fifty eight you cheeky little monkey. If I want to kiss your granddad, I’ll do just that.”

“Well do you think you could cut down on the mince pies next time dear? You’re putting on some weight old girl.”

“Don’t you old girl me. You’re the one who’s nearly old enough to retire. And don’t encourage the children with your cheek. I haven’t gained any weight.”

“He’s just teasing mum.”

“I know he is dear. I think we’re just getting a bit impatient waiting for your eldest to arrive. Where are those two rogues anyway?”

“Look, mom, it’s snowing. It looks like Grandpa might win his bet. Snow on Christmas day, how much will you win, grandpa?” Samantha interrupted and pointed outside to the steadily falling snow.

“I don’t know, Samantha. I never expected to see any snow. But I might win a few hundred pounds.”

“Really, just for guessing it might snow. What will you do with it?”

“I’ll give it to your grandma of course. And she’ll probably split it between all of you children.”

“Oh, well I hope it keeps snowing then.”

“You’ve got enough presents under the tree young lady. Let your grandpa keep his money.” Charlotte said, pointing out the pile of presents around the tree.

“Mom, he said we could have it.”

“It’s alright, Charlotte. I intended to give them the money if I won anyway.”

“You’re quiet dad, what’s wrong.” Katie asked turning to her father.

Jeremy looked across at his daughter, “There’s nothing wrong dear. I was just thinking how lucky we are. To have all of you.”

“You’re not going to get all soppy are you dad.” Chris asked.

“Leave your father alone, Christopher.”

“I will if he doesn’t start hugging and kissing everyone. Then I’m off to my room.”

“Don’t be so miserable young man.” Alfred said looking at his grandson. “Where’s your Christmas spirit?”

“Sorry dad. I just want it to be Christmas day, grandpa. I’m hoping I’ve got some games for my computer.”

“Games is it? Well you’ll just have to wait and see won’t you.”

“I know grandpa. That’s what’s so frustrating. And those two seem to have gotten themselves lost on the way home.”

“Look Chris. There’s the car.” said Samantha as she excitedly held onto Katie’s hand.

“Really, well it’s about time they arrived.” He replied smiling back at his sister.

“Well children lets go and greet your brother and sister. It’s been a long time since we last saw them.”

Charlotte hugged Jeremy close to her. She was relieved that they had finally arrived. They walked over to the front door and waited patiently as the car approached. Moments later their two eldest children walked up to the door. Both were carrying an armful of gift wrapped presents.

“Hello mum, dad. And how’s my girl, Sam.”

Sam rushed over to her big brother and hugged him nearly sending the gifts flying.

“Calm down young lady. You’ll have time for that when they’re both inside.”

“Hey Sarah, how are you?” asked Katie.

“Great sis. And you?”

“Better now where finally here. The roads were packed. I thought we’d never arrive.”

“Well come on inside you two. It’s still your home you know.”

“We know mum. Help us with these presents will you.”

“What have you got me, Jonathon? Let me guess, a computer game.”

“Not this year Sam. Sarah helped me choose it. But you’ll have to wait for tomorrow.”

“It’s not fair. All of these presents and we can’t open any of them.”

“Let’s go back inside children. It’s starting to get very cold out here.”

They followed their mother and father back into the house. Jonathon and Sarah were just glad to finally be back after their long journey. They followed at the back, piling some of the presents onto their younger brother and sisters. When they were all inside Charlotte closed the door behind them. They all walked through into the living room. The children placed the presents around the tree wherever there was room.

“Now come here you two and give your mother a big hug.”

They smiled and walked over to Charlotte. “I’ve missed you both so much. More than you can ever know.”

“Your not going to cry, are you mom?”

“No darling. I’m just happy were all together for Christmas.”

Sam walked back over to Jonathan and waited for her favourite sibling to give her a big hug like he always did. She laughed as he lifted her up and twirled her around until she was dizzy.

“That’s enough, slow down, Jon. I’m getting dizzy.” She said excitedly.

Charlotte and Jeremy went and sat over by the fire. Charlotte curled up next to her husband her head on his shoulder.

“So come on then, Jon. I’ve got some things to show you from school. My teacher said I was her brightest student for all of my stories.”

“Well aren’t you the smart one. Come on then, let’s go and have a look. I’ll be back in a minute, mom. It’s good to see you all. Grandma, grandpa, still in love I see.”

Annie was still sat on Alfred’s lap her arm around his neck.

“So what have you got to tell me, Katie? Anything interesting?” Sarah asked her younger sister.

“Well yes, but not here ok, it’s private.”

“And what can’t you say in front of us young lady.”

“It’s private, mom. It’s nothing bad, just private.”

“Alright, I suppose you two are going to disappear on us now.”

“Well you’ve still got me here mom.” Chris looked across grinning at his parents.

“Why don’t you go and find your brother and sister. I’m sure you’ll have some things to talk about.”

“OK, I’ll see you all later.”

A few minutes later the four of them sat in the living room. The sound of the old grandfather clock ticking on the wall was the only noise. “Isn’t it quiet without them?” Charlotte asked of no one in particular.

“Make the best of it. Tomorrow will be chaos.” Jeremy replied, running a hand through her well groomed hair. She took his hand and held it, wrapping her arm around his waist.

“Ah, look at those two, Alfred. They are still in love like the day they married.”

“Mom, you’re embarrassing me.”

“Don’t be silly, Charlotte. There is nothing wrong with still being in love. Look at your father and me. After forty years, and I still love him. Although sometimes I don’t know why.”

“Because no one else would put up with you woman.”

“Would anyone care for a drink? I think I’ll have a glass of wine?” Jeremy asked as he stood up and walked over to the drinks cabinet.

“I’ll have a brandy, Jeremy. Fill the glass lad.” said Alfred.

“Make that half a glass for Alfred, Jeremy. You know how much it gives you heart burn dear. And I’ll have a glass of wine too, thank you Jeremy.”

“Charlotte. Anything for you dear?”

“I’ll just have a small glass of sherry. You know how tipsy I get if I have too much.”

“I know dear. I remember how you were last year after a few drinks.”

“Jeremy, you said you wouldn’t mention that again.”

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“So what have you got to show me then, Sam?” Jon asked her as he sat down on the bedroom floor.

“Hold on a second, Jon. I’ll just get my folder out.” She replied and walked over to the bookshelf and pulled out a large blue folder. Its covers plastered with the latest boy bands.

“I didn’t think I’d ever see the day when you went in for that music, Sam.”

“Well, I’m getting older now. I like different things. And you’d know that if you ever visited.”

“Sorry, Sam. I’ll try to make more of an effort after Christmas.”

“It’s ok I guess. But Katie’s always out. So that only leaves Chris, and you know how much he likes to torment me. I can’t really talk to him like I can with you and Sarah.”

“So come on then. Let me see these stories.”

She walked over and sat beside him, handing him the folder. He turned to the index page and picked out a story. Ten minutes later he was enthralled by his young sister’s writing talent. And she was getting quite impatient.

“So, what do you think?”

“Oh sorry. I think it’s great, if it was in a bookstore, I’d buy it. You really have got to carry on writing when you leave school.”

“That’s the next part. I’ve already got myself a place at Oxford.”

“How, you’re only fourteen.”

“I’ll be fifteen in two months. And don’t forget my present. They said I’d learnt all I could at my school. So I get to go to university early.”

“Well aren’t you full of surprises.”

“Don’t tell the others yet. They’ll only tease me.”

“It’s our secret. Do mom and dad know?”

“They haven’t said much about it. I don’t think mom wants me to go until I’m eighteen, but that’s too long. I’ll have nothing to do.”

“She felt bad enough when we left. She’ll not like it at all if you go too.”

“I know, but what am I supposed to do. I suppose I could go to one of the local colleges.”

“And miss a place at Oxford. I don’t think so. I’ll have a word with them if they don’t want to let you go.”

“Thanks, Jon. But I don’t know what good it will do. You know what mom’s like.”

“Any other surprises?”

“Well, I’ve got a boyfriend.”

“Really, I hope he’s behaving himself.”

“He’s been the perfect gentleman.”

“Tell him he’d better keep it that way.”

“Don’t you go scaring him away, Jon, he’s nice.”

“I’ll not do anything. Unless you ask me to.”

“Always the big brother. And what about you, have you found the love of your life at college.”

“You’ll find out tomorrow. Her parents are away on business, so I invited her here instead of having to drive three hundred miles to her aunt’s house.”

“Well if she isn’t treating you alright, I’ll be having words.”

“She’s been the perfect lady. So there is no need to worry.”

“I wish you were here to stay, Jon. It’s so quiet without you and Sarah, maybe I could come to your college.”

“It wouldn’t do any harm to find out. But would you really want to give up your university place?”

“I don’t mind that much, Jon. I just want to be a writer. I don’t see why I need university for that.”

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By midnight all were asleep. The storm outside continued unabated fierce winds crashed against the house while rain, sleet and snow pounded the roof and windows. Thunder and lightning could be heard getting closer. A loud crashing and splintering outside the country house brought Jon down from his disturbed sleep to investigate what he had just heard.

Jon walked over to the well which had until last nights storm remained hidden for many centuries. A massive rock that had seemingly been placed over the well had been shattered into pieces and what remained lay scattered around the well.

“Well how did that happen?” He asked himself. “I must tell dad.”

He stared down into the well, trying to see into the darkness below. When he dropped a coin he waited for it to land. But he never heard it hit the bottom. Jon shivered as the snow fell all around him. Yet it never seemed to fall into the well. Barney came running over. The old English sheep dog had been his best friend as a boy. He was getting old now. Jon would miss him when he was gone.

“Hey boy, where have you been hiding?” He leaned over and stroked the dog’s head, which seem to please the old fellow quite a lot. Jon was curious how they could have missed the well for all these years. It was certainly out of the way, but surely they would have noticed before now.

“I don’t know about you Barney, but I don’t have a clue how we missed this for all these years that we’ve been living here.”

The dog lapped at his hand, and ran off back towards the house, then stopped barked at him and ran again. Jon turned and laughed. “Alright, I’m coming Barney. It’s too cold to stay out here anyway.”

Jon walked back to the house and opened the back door to let the excited dog back into the house. He watched as Barney shook himself off before entering, and then trotted lazily forward. Jon followed closely behind. He walked through into the living room, trying to avoid the mass of wrapped presents littering the floor. He saw his father lazily rubbing his eyes. Probably disturbed like he had been by the noise from outside.

“Hey dad, did you know we have a well in the back garden. It’s well hidden behind the trees, but I’m amazed we missed it all these years.”

“I can’t say I’ve ever seen it myself. I’ll take a look in the morning when there’s a little more light.”

“What’s that you were saying Jon. A well in the garden, how mysterious. But this place is so big. I don’t suppose it’s that surprising.”

“Well I’m surprised grandpa. I thought I’d searched every bit of this land. But I’ve never come across this well, maybe the storm took down some of the trees surrounding it. There’s a shattered rock around the well. Maybe it was struck by lightning or something.”

“Possibly, we’ll all take a look later. If it ever stops snowing. Let’s get back to bed for now, the children will be up at the crack of dawn wanting to open their presents.”

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Sam was really beginning to wish she hadn’t sneaked out of the house to look at the well. She had overheard her father and grandfather and Jon talking but knew they wouldn’t let her go out and look at it alone.

When it drew her inside, she had screamed, but no one seemed to hear her. The tunnel of twisting pulsating light danced around her as she fell endlessly into the seemingly bottomless pit. She screamed for help but no one came. The fall seemed to last for an eternity. Suddenly she saw light all around her. And then there was sky and the ground approaching very quickly. She closed her eyes ready for the impact and screamed as loud as she could. But at the last moment she drifted down, as though she were as light as a feather.

She landed with her feet on the ground. And quickly looked around to see where she was. The landscape looked weird, like nothing she had ever seen. Hundred foot toadstools were all around her. They looked more like trees except for their rainbow of colour that adorned them from the base to the top. Thousands of butterflies seemed to fly around each one. While birds perched on the top, singing strange and soothing songs that only the birds could understand.

“Oh no.” she exclaimed “mum’s going to be really mad. That’s if I ever see her again.” Sam said wanting to reassure herself but couldn’t find any explanation to what had happened to her.

She quickly hid behind the stems of a giant mushroom as a column of funny looking creatures marched up the winding dirt road. They looked so proud in their clown like costumes she thought, she had to hold in a giggle for fear of being heard. The column seemed to go on for miles. She was getting impatient and wanted to get back home.

“What’s happened to me, where am I?” She asked herself. She was frightened now and feeling very alone. Sam tried to get a closer look at the creatures, but it was difficult from her position. And she didn’t want to risk them seeing her.

Suddenly she saw something in the sky on the horizon. It was nothing more than a speck from this distance. But whatever it was seemed to terrify the marching creatures. They scattered in all directions, seemingly trying to find some cover. Sam looked frantically around for somewhere else to hide, if she stayed where she was, she would be found.

Without a second thought she rolled down an embankment and darted for a large pile of rocks. The flying thing was closer now. It seemed to glide over the giant mushrooms, back and forth trying to pick out its prey.

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