The Dagger-Key and The Lost Treasures of Kebadon

by Daniel Ferguson

  * * *

  As Werdna, Zeal, and Treb neared the beach they heard the Mothcuh’s motor running.

  “They’ve taken the Mothcuh!” Werdna shouted as he reached the beach. “That’s my fishing boat!”

  Treb pulled Werdna close. “Might be they’re carrying muskets and pistols. We can’t just go running up the hill.”

  “I doubt they have muskets,” Zeal remarked. “We lost them when the Sealander went down.”

  A shot was fired from the fishing boat. Seconds later a musket ball plunged into the nearby sand.

  “Over here,” a voice whispered.

  “It’s Coita,” Werdna said as they crawled up the hillside. They found him lying not far from the edge of the shallow cliffs.

  “Get down,” Coita motioned.

  Werdna went to where Coita was hidden about half way up the hillside. “My fishing boat!” Werdna slapped his straw hat across his knees.

  Coita turned toward them. “Where’s Earron?”

  “He was in camp. Last I seen’m,” Treb replied.

  Zeal positioned himself next to the shallow cliff peering out at the Mothcuh. He shook his head glancing over his shoulder at Coita. “Not sure where he’s at now.”

  Werdna eased up next to Coita. “I thought Dylc said he was coming back down here with you.”

  Coita lowered his head. I let Earron go off alone.…

  “What about Kyhawn and La’mamm?” Zeal questioned, quickly adding. “Dylc said there’d be trouble down here. He sent a few others up there to the bonfire, and a few in the direction Alil went. He also said La’mamm had taken Kyhawn, those crystals, and that chest. Are they on board with that chest?”

  “I saw La’mamm and two others approaching her. But before they pulled out … before I even saw La’mamm board her, I heard some sounds coming from over there,” Coita told them. “When I got back from investigating, they were heading out. Right before you all showed up. For all I know, Earron and Kyhawn could be on board too.”

  Werdna glanced at Coita coldly, then looked at Zeal. “Zeal, you weren’t there when Dylc told us, but he said both Earron and Coita were supposed to be down here keeping an eye on the Mothcuh,” he repeated angrily.

  Coita threw his arms over his head and wept.

  Treb pointed. “What luck—they’ve stalled out the motor!”

  Everything was silent as they laid low waiting to see what would happen next, looking about for any signs of the strange sea creatures.

  “Those sea monsters,” Coita remarked as he pulled his hood forward to help keep the rain off his face. “I don’t hear anyone screaming.”

  Zeal raised up his head to get a better look at the water. “I don’t see any sea creatures.” He glanced over the hillside at the bonfire, but the Zacs there stood by waiting in the same manner as they were waiting, to see what would happen next.

  Werdna said angrily, “They have those crystals—maybe they found a way to use them to keep the monsters away. If that motor gets started, they’ll be safely out to open sea in no time.” He lowered his head, shaking it from side to side.

  While they peered out at the stalled Mothcuh, the rain came to a dead stop. The moon peeked through the clouds as if gazing down from heaven.

  Just as Coita laid low, crossed his arms next to his face and lowered his head in sadness, La’mamm had two of his crew aboard the boat, Coilpec and Lord Mytoolwan’s friend Faliena, go down below to try and figure out the problem with the engine. He stayed back, smoking his pipe impatiently, thinking, At least the blasted rain has stopped. I never did like rain. Always gave me a backache. He patted the pouch of crystals in his pocket.

  Below, Coilpec pulled on a rope that started the pump, but all he got was a few spurts and sputters. He looked at Faliena fearfully. “The propeller seems clogged.”

  “I’m not going in the water,” Faliena told him. “Keep trying. Possibly it’s just a little seaweed.”

  They pulled on the rope for a while longer, but it seemed hopeless. Now Faliena too began to panic. “What’s that thumping sound?”

  Coilpec looked at her with alarm. “One of those creatures?”

  They traded grave looks as the terror of having to face the sea creatures grew stronger between them.

  “I’m not going in the water,” Faliena repeated. “Crystals or no crystals.”

  “Keep pulling on the rope.” Coilpec snatched the handle at the end of it. “Wait, you’re doing it the wrong way.”

  She put both hands over her face. “I can’t stand that thumping sound any longer.”

  Topside, La’mamm stuffed his pipe as if it were a nervous habit. As he lit it and took his first puff a gigantic tentacle appeared. The Mothcuh rocked madly. A railing ripped loose from the deck. “What the crap!” The impact thrust La’mamm against the bridge door. “Blast it—why can’t they get this piece of crap started?” He turned to the wheel, reached into his pocket, and twirled the pouch of crystals in his hand.

  Another tentacle slapped Lord Mytoolwan from behind. He fell to the deck as Lairron rushed to his rescue. Seconds later, it started to rain again. The slippery tentacle’s claws brushed the deck as it slithered back into the water. Except for the thumping sounds underneath the boat, all was quiet as La’mamm slipped the pouch of crystals back into his pocket.

  “Lord Mytoolwan, you were almost dinner for that serpent.” Lairron leaned over his companion, harpoon in hand; his body drenched with sweat. Seconds later, he dropped the harpoon, staggered, and fell flat on his face.

  Lord Mytoolwan rolled Lairron over onto his back. “You’re burning up with fever,” he said as he dragged him into the small compartment under the bridge.

  He grabbed Lair Ron’s harpoon. “They fought them off coming in. We can do the same,” he shouted as he hurried up the short flight of steps to the bridge and swung open the bridge door. “La’mamm, it was another of those snake creatures. Use those crystals!”

  La’mamm slapped him, “Calm yourself, and show some dignity. Goducess gave us these crystals. He’ll let me know when we should use them.” He latched the door and put his hands on the wheel. “Blasted motor … if only the wind was blowing strong, we’d be able to lower the sails. But what’s taking them so blasted long?” He said nervously grinding his teeth. “And where’s Lairron?”

  “He’s deathly ill. I laid him under the bridge in some blankets.”

  “Blast it—take the wheel.” La’mamm unlatched the door and stepped out onto the landing. He slung his hood over his head. “Blasted rain. At least no one is foolish enough to jump in and come after us.”

  On shore, Werdna got to his knees. “I’m not sure how much more of this I can take. I almost wish I was the one with the severed leg and not my brother.” He lowered his head. “If only they weren’t so far out.”

  “With them crystals you lads brought,” Treb tilted his wide brimmed hat forward and looked at Coita, “they’re bound to make it across that gauntlet of sea creatures.”

  Coita stood up. “I hope they do make it—if Earron’s on board.”

  All of a sudden Alil, Kyhawn, Shellean, and Earron appeared from the far side of the clearing; along with a few others, they stood in the shadows of large prehistoric trees.

  Shellean cried out. “Oh no—the boat has already pulled out!”

  “Get down you guys!” Coita shouted.

  Kyhawn shouted back at them to let them know who was aboard, but he didn’t say anything about the chest.

  Werdna put his arm around Coita. “At least they’re safe.”

  Coita felt a great sense of relief. To him, the boat didn’t matter as much anymore. But deep down he knew the Mothcuh meant everything to Werdna and Nevets. “We’ll get it back,” Coita reassured him. “Somehow—”

  By this time a few others from camp had gathered near the beach and clearing, but stood behind the trees for protection from any stray pellets or musket balls.

  A shot whizzed over Kyh
awn’s head. They immediately got down.

  Cautiously Kyhawn raised his head. “That was too close.”

  “That lowdown …” Alil groaned. “When I see him again, he’s going to get a taste of my pistol.” She crawled to the edge of the cliff, draped her cloak over her pistol to protect it from the rain, and waited for a clear shot.

  As the rain began to die down, the Mothcuh’s motor struggled to start. When La’mamm realized the motor had finally started, he smiled as though responsible. A few moments later he muttered, “Fantastic—it has also finally stopped raining.”

  He heard a pistol shot coming at them from the shore. At the same time, a tentacle wrapped around the railing and knocked La’mamm down. He stumbled to his knees, then dashed to the bridge. “Get us out of here, Mytoolwan!” He reached into his pocket. “My tobacco pouch—where is it?” He desperately searched for it.

  “Forget that. Use the crystals—the gears are jammed.” Lord Mytoolwan frowned as he pressed hard on the gearshift.

  At that very moment Zeal’s pistol fired, but he missed his target. Dylc too fired and missed his target hitting the side of the boat. Alil took another shot at them, then put her smoking pistol out in front of her.

  Kyhawn lay next to her. “I think you hit one of them,” he said, having mixed feelings. If that boat sinks, we’re sure to lose the chest to those sea creatures.

  “I was aiming for La’mamm.”

  Coilpec dropped his harpoon. “I’ve been shot.” He gripped his upper arm. “La’mamm said this wouldn’t get so out of hand.”

  Two tentacles reached over the railing and pounded blindly on the deck. Another one jerked on a loose railing.

  Faliena took hold of Couple’s arm. “It only nicked you.” A split second later she lost her balance and dropped her sword.

  “Nicked?” Coilpec whimpered while on his knees. A tentacle slammed the deck next to him. He crawled over and grabbed a harpoon. He cried out in pain, knowing the pellet was getting further encased in his arm. He rolled toward a tentacle and jabbed it. White blood sprayed his face. The wounded tentacle madly swung back and forth before it disappeared into the darkness.

  Lairron staggered out from the cabin under the bridge wiping sweat from his face. Thump…! He was slapped against the cabin by a tentacle before he knew what hit him. It quickly took him by the waste, squeezing him. He screamed as it slammed his head against the cabin. With Lairron in the tentacle’s grip, it picked him up and over the side. Seconds later he was gone.

  They felt a loud thump against the starboard. Coilpec gazed at the sea creature’s yellow, round body. All six of its large dark narrow eyes peered at him as it slowly turned. Everyone aboard could hear the scratching as its claws scraped alongside the boat.

  When Coilpec got to his feet, two tentacles took hold of the railings, then one appeared from the opposite side.

  Faliena steadied herself, sword in hand. She swung downward on the railing, and a severed tentacle dropped onto the deck. Another tentacle slapped her from behind. Three came at her all at once.

  Lord Mytoolwan gripped the wheel. “Use the crystals!” he cried as he turned the wheel sharply in hopes of slinging the creatures away from them. An enormous tentacle slapped the bridge’s windshield. Two eyes glared through the glass at La’mamm and Lord Mytoolwan.

  “Blast it—Mytoolwan, we’re headed back for the island!” La’mamm jerked the wheel and then reached into his pocket. “Stare at me, will you?” he yelled at the monster. He gripped Lord Mytoolwan’s shoulder. “Head out to sea. Blast it, Zac—head out to sea!” He reached into the pouch for a crystal and eased the door open. “E-no-moa-tos-ess!” he shouted as he slammed the crystal onto the main deck.

  Within seconds amber smoke flooded the deck. The creatures began fighting among themselves in the water; snapping, clawing, coiling, and biting at each other’s flesh.

  A tentacles slapped against the side of the boat while two sea creatures coiled together flopped around in the water tarring each other apart in a craze of madness.

  Faliena and Coilpec stood against the cabin wall with the look of fear radiating their entire physical form.

  La’mamm struggled to free the gears. But he tugged and kicked at the gearshift in vain.

  The minutes passed as Lord Mytoolwan shook his head in disgust. “That spell isn’t going to last forever.” His silverish-purple skin sweated with fear, as they continued at a slow pace out to the open sea.

  Someone at the bonfire shouted, “There goes our ride home.”

  Kyhawn found himself sinking into sadness when suddenly a ghostly tentacle arched up and went right through the bow of the Mothcuh. La’mamm’s eyes lit up with victory, but only for a brief moment. The motor stalled. The Mothcuh was turned about by the weight of three sea creatures. They were under attack from all sides.

  A tentacle gripped Coilpec.

  Faliena turned to find another tentacle above her. She swung, and the severed tentacle bounced off the railing and into the water. She swung her sword again and got the one that had Coilpec. However, another tentacle knocked her off her feet and she lost her sword. She reached for her dagger strapped to her thigh, rolled next to Coilpec, and quickly began to free him from the severed tentacle. Coilpec looked to be in a trance.

  An enormous-headed tentacle rose above her. Frantically she stabbed it, losing her dagger deep within its flesh. It sprung back and arched over her again, its dark eyes peering at her as it sought revenge. As it opened its large frightening mouth, she reached for Coilpec’s sword. The creature snapped at her. She managed to grab the sword, but it clamped down hard on Coilpec’s shoulder, shaking him like crazy.

  When she went to free him, another tentacle pounced beside her. She severed it and then another. But when she turned back, Coilpec was gone.

  By this time, most everyone from camp was out on the beach or near the shallow cliffs watching. The story about a tree eating one of La’mamm’s associates was also being passed among them.

  Kyhawn looked around guiltily for Washburrn. But his attention soon turned back toward the Mothcuh.

  “Keep hold of the blasted wheel!” La’mamm gripped the bridge door, reached into his pocket for the pouch holding the last crystal, and shook it at Lord Mytoolwan.

  Lord Mytoolwan glanced at him, “Hurry before these demons slaughter us!”

  La’mamm eased out onto the small landing, crouching as he gripped the railing and holding tight to the pouch. A tentacle slapped him from behind, and he rolled down the narrow steps onto the main deck. As he almost fell into the creature-infested waters, he lost his grip on the pouch. He groaned, “Where’s that pouch? Where is everyone?” He stretched his arm out. “There it is. If only ….” He rolled to one side and reached for his dagger. A tentacle slammed hard on the railing above him. He swung wildly and reached for the pouch once more, but the drawstring was entangled in the claws of a severed tentacle.

  Lord Mytoolwan was headed straight for the island. However, as he stumbled, his full weight pressed against the gearshift. The motor swung into high gear. He got to his feet. “The gears jammed—one of those creatures must have grabbed hold of the rudder. Why didn’t La’mamm use a crystal? I need to turn her around. Goducess—be with us,” he mumbled. “If only I was able to shake them off the rudder.” He repeatedly pressured the wheel to his left and then his right.

  Prehistoric eyes stared at Lord Mytoolwan through the cracked windshield. A large tentacle crashed through the door and coiled around his legs. He drew his dagger and hacked the tentacle in two. An eerie cry tainted the air as white blood poured onto the floor.

  A headed tentacle shattered the windshield. It reached in and snipped off one of Lord Mytoolwan’s hand. He fell to the floor screaming in agony as he tried to shake off the severed tentacle still attached to his leg. Seconds later he felt himself slipping into a trance, no longer feeling pain. He fought to remain conscious, cradling his severed limb in hopes of stopping the blood.

&nbs
p; As he sat on the floor in a daze, he looked up to find two large eyes glaring at him. A long slimy tongue rolled out from its mouth and licked his face. Then with a sudden movement, it bit off his head.

  La’mamm had finally got hold of the severed tentacle with the pouch, but just as he was going to untangle it, he was slapped by a tentacle and fell over the side into the water. In that same moment Faliena had tried to save him, but lost her balance and fell overboard as well.

  As one of the sea creatures continued to cling to the Mothcuh, a loud ripping sound came from underneath it. The bow abruptly dipped underwater as the boat flipped upside down near the remains of the Sealander. The sharp rocks were waiting.

  Werdna dropped to his knees and cried. Moments later, the boat had completely sunk beneath the waves, along with the dead sea creature, into the darkness of the Zacton Ocean.