Trouble at Thunder Mountain

by M J Waverly

  Hope filled me. Kylantha might know about Nana. “Do you know what happened to her?”

  Kylantha shook her head. “No. One day I felt her magic in a different plane.

  My heart pounded in my chest, and I gasped. “Not in this world.”

  Kylantha’s expression softened. “Don’t despair. Elizabeth Latimer may simply not be in or of this world, but on a different plane.”

  Hope and despair, an odd combination spread through my mind as I tried to understand what Kylantha said. Nana wasn’t in our world, but she could be on another plane. Like the Void. Did the fairy consider the Bright Side a different plane of existence? Confusion and pain buzzed in my head. It all meant the same thing. Nana was dead. I swallowed. I couldn’t break down in tears. Not now.

  Kylantha’s eyes blazed with gold light. “For now, we must focus on George, his intentions are evil.”

  I paced. “For the past ten years, he’s haunted his forest. And now this sudden burst of activity. Why?” I asked.

  Gold leaves dropped from Kylantha’s woodland crown. The squirrels, raccoons, and other woodland animals circled the fairy as if trying to comfort her. “George is or had been a kind spirit. He enjoyed being with the animals, and he never harmed anyone. In fact, he often helped other hikers find their way back to the trail when they became lost.”

  I stepped forward, closer to Kylantha. She smelled like the forest, loamy, filled with sunshine days and promises of enchantment. “What happened that could’ve changed him?”

  “I think an evil spell was cast upon him. Let me show you what could’ve contributed to his internal transformation from good to evil. It is why I have made my presence known to you.” She fluttered her wings. Her leather hiking boots peeked beneath the hem of her moss-green gown. The squirrels and other animals disappeared into the darkness into the shadows of the forest.

  “Go ahead, Sidney.” Dr. Hawthorne motioned with his hand down the moonlit trail. “I will make sure no one follows us.”

  Kylantha flew ahead, and I had to jog to keep up with her. The light of the moon illuminated the trail, but I shone my flashlight on the path. Dr. Hawthorne stayed close. As a vampire, I’m sure he was equipped with special nighttime vision which enabled him to navigate with ease in the darkness.

  We soon descended into the valley. The superfast flowing Asher River roared nearby. The night air smelled thick with pine and a tang of something else I couldn’t identify. Thick roots from nearby oaks snaked along the path, hopefully, there weren’t any real snakes.

  Kylantha stopped, hovered, and then pointed at another trail that went even further down into the darkness of the night. “We’ll take this path to the cave.”

  Hesitation filled me. This was that crossroads point in a story, where the character walks into darkness—only to encounter the monster. “A cave?” I didn’t like the idea of entering a cave with the possibility of meeting either George or the Blood Collector.

  “Yes. Come with me.” Kylantha motioned at the entrance.

  Dr. Hawthorne stepped next to me. “All is well.”

  I jumped as my heart pounded with heavy beats. “Where did you come from?”

  “It’s one of my talents. Stealth with style.” He smiled. His fangs bright in the night.

  “A good skill to have.”

  We continued along the path. Something large splashed in the Asher River. I envisioned monster catfish with shark-like teeth.

  I stopped and my tongue tasted acidic as adrenaline pumped through my body. “What was that?” I shone my flashlight over the water. Thick brown snakes, water moccasins, tangled and intertwined like a living mass, writhed on a large granite outcropping. I shuddered and bumped up against Dr. Hawthorne’s chest.

  “It’s okay. Keep going.” He said in a low tone. His voice calmed me. He must have used a soothing spell like vampires did in the movies.

  Trembling, I carefully made my way through the thick weeds. The cave entrance not far. I climbed up slick moss-covered stones.

  Kylantha hovered and then pointed towards the cave. “This is where the strangers cloaked in black hoods, gathered one night, and afterward, George’s kind spirit turned vengeful and filled with hatred. I think they cast a spell on him.”

  My feet remained cemented because I didn’t want to go into the cave. “Isn’t this where in the movie the stupid girl goes inside the dark place, and then she encounters the thing that goes bump in the night?” I asked.

  Dr. Hawthorne laughed softly. “Yes, but the suspense you’re experiencing can be used when you write from your character’s point-of-view.”

  The writer part of my brain woke up. Ideas filled me along with the emotions I would experience inside the cave, could be layered in my screenplay. Motivated, I stepped inside the dank cave, and Dr. Hawthorne followed. I shone my flashlight inside.

  A wave of evil and ill-intent hit me like a tsunami ocean wave and flooded my senses. I staggered back as if I’d hit an invisible wall of negativity. “Something bad happened here.”

  Death. Power. Blood. Pain. These were the emotions and images filling me. I wanted to run but instead tapped into my telekinesis on pure instinct. The sigils from the Book of Shadows formed in my mind increasing my power.

  “I don’t see anything,” Dr. Hawthorne said.

  I waved my hands. Light burst from my palms, revealing strange sigils painted on the cave wall.

  “Whoa.” I didn’t know I could do that.

  Dr. Hawthorne shone his flashlight. “They look like petroglyphs. Some of them are similar to runes, but joined together by the curved lines.” He moved closer and studied them. “It’s more like an ogham alphabet, but different.

  “Ogham is the ancient Irish alphabet, right?” I snapped a couple of quick photos with my phone.

  “Yes.” Dr. Hawthorne continued to study the strange symbols, but these are different, and you were right. They were used to bring about evil.”

  "Can you read them?” I was clueless. I couldn’t translate the symbols from Nana’s Book of Shadows. The ones I seemed to have assimilated on a subconscious level. They just popped into my mind like a spam program.

  “No." Dr. Hawthorne. “I don’t want to speak them aloud for they may release unknown magic.”

  A burst of wind blew through the cave accompanied by a loud hissing. The sigils faded, replaced by something like black mold.

  “That's odd," Dr.Hawthorne said.

  I shone the light from my hand around the cave, and more symbols disappeared in the light and replaced by the strange fungus. "Why are they fading?”

  Dr. Hawthorne's fangs lengthened. "I'm not sure what they are. Spells. Ancient symbols from a lost civilization which creates dark magic. Let's leave and speak with Kylantha.”

  We exited the cave, and Kylantha hovered outside the entrance. A large black bear sat behind her acting like her personal bodyguard.

  I stopped. “Is he one of yours?” Given my experience with George in his polar bear costume, the bears in this park could be in league with him.

  She nodded. “He is one of my faithful subjects. Let us not speak here. Let's meet at the top of the trail.

  More hiking. It had to be two miles back up Bear Falls Trail. My legs and back hurt from walking down the trail to the cave. I wouldn’t complain. At least I was burning off the carbs I’d eaten, today. “Let’s go.”

  When we reached the top, my heart thumped against my chest from the exertion. Definitely needed to work out more often. Despite the evening chill, sweat dripped down my underwear, and my throat ached.

  Dr. Hawthorne remained elegant and well-groomed as always.

  At the amphitheater where the park rangers presented educational programs, Kylantha waited for us with various animals gathered at her feet. Owls hooted from the trees. It reminded me of a live action scene from a Snow White movie.

  I crashed onto one of the cement rows, leaned back, and closed my eyes. I didn't think I'd ever move again. Dr. Hawthorne sat down besi
de me.

  I opened my eyes and leaned forward. “What happened at the cave?”

  “A group of men and women dressed in cloaks and hoods gathered here. Their magic kept the animals and me at bay. They summoned George. Next, a burst of red magic flared, engulfing him. When he exited the cave, he wasn’t the same sweet soul, but angry, dark, and violent. He hurts people and animals.”

  A fox with a bandaged leg emerged from the night, limped over, and sat next to Kylantha, gazing lovingly up at the fairy.

  I sat up, my pulse pounded as I gripped the edge of the hard concrete. “I’m sorry. Is George still hurting them?”

  Kylantha nodded. “We must find a way to stop him. I was hoping you’d stop George.

  I agreed with Kylantha. I had to figure out a way to stop George, but I had no clue as how to do it.

  At the Crooked Spoons Coffee Shop, Dr. Hawthorne bought two small coffees. I rested my head on my chin and studied the people in the coffee shop. I didn’t see anyone I knew.

  “What do you think about Kylantha?” Dr. Hawthorne asked as we sat in a booth. He clasped a cup of coffee with slender fingers, but didn’t drink it. Did he drink blood out of a coffee cup? Did he drink blood from humans? If vampire lore was true, of course, he did.

  “She's the guardian of the park, and she is worried about the animals," I said. “I think the people in the cloaks were members of a coven and assisting the Blood Collector with his plans to break free of the Void.

  “I agree, but why George? He was content staying in the park.” Dr. Hawthorne lifted his coffee but placed it back down onto the table.

  I shrugged. “He’s angry. Very angry. He keeps calling everyone honey, or he’ll address them by saying ‘hello honey.’

  “Could be indicative of a romantic relationship that didn't work out,” Dr. Hawthorne closed his eyes.

  “George owned the Iceberg Cooler Company. That’s why he’s in that polar bear mascot suit. His wife and her current husband still run the company. In fact, they’re one of the big sponsors of the festival. Jason and I talked about interviewing his wife, but then Mandy arrived.” My voice sounded bitter to my own ears.

  “How do you feel about Mandy and Jason?” Dr. Hawthorne sipped his coffee.

  I tried not to stare. Dr.Hawthorne did drink coffee, I wanted to ask if he ate food.

  "I'm not sure. His abilities were growing at the same level as mine. It’s nice to have a friend, who has similar experiences to my own.”

  “Yes, there is comfort and camaraderie in common experiences and emotions.” Dr. Hawthorne lowered his coffee and leaned back in the booth. “I think Jason is figuring out things in his life, but believe in him. He’s a smart, level-headed young man, dealing with a difficult time with an ex-fiancé. Those ties are tough to cut, but in the end, I think he’ll send Mandy on her way.”

  “Doesn’t matter. I’ve been through one tough relationship. The last thing I want is another one with ex-fiancé issues.” A yawn threatened to erupt, but I kept it contained. Tired after all the hiking, I struggled to keep my eyes opened.

  “Did you write while you were out in California?” Dr. Hawthorne asked.

  My cheeks burned red. I didn’t want to explain about Zombietown and my bastard ex-boyfriend, Camden.

  “I studied at UCLA.” I avoided eye contact. Dr. Hawthorne had to know I was keeping secrets. He was a vampire, after all.

  “That explains why your writing is clean, and you’re very talented. I think you should keep entering the contests with your screenplay once you finish it.”

  My jaw dropped. “Really?”

  “I encourage you to write another one and to keep sending them out. I know someone at L.A. West Agency.”

  My stomach dropped. L.A. West Agency represented Camden.

  “I’ll think about it.” I glanced over Dr. Hawthorne’s shoulder and out the coffee shop window. A shimmering Rudolph stepped out from his statue. He waved at me. Perfect time to change the subject.

  I gestured outside. “I see Rudolph. He will want a report.”

  “I guess we should join him, and I want you to think about sending out your screenplay to another contest. Start writing another screenplay as soon as you’re finished with this current one.”

  “There’s no shortage of material in Cloverville.” My life was a comedy horror movie fodder.

  Chapter Nine

  Loud noises along with purring woke me up. I yawned and stretched. Snowball meowed and then snuggled in closer. Despite the craziness of the evening, I had been encouraged by Dr. Hawthorne to begin a new screenplay. Motivated, I jumped up ready to write, even though I stayed out stay late, updating Rudolph on the current situation at Thunder Mountain Park.

  Angry voices echoed from the kitchen. I groaned. I recognized Ava, Laney, and Mom arguing.

  “I bet it’s about Dad and Taffy.” I pulled the covers back over my face.

  Snowball pawed at the covers and meowed. I reached out, but my hand went through her. She kicked her purring up several notches until it sounded like a my truck motor.

  “Okay. I’m getting up.”

  I shuffled into the kitchen. Mom, Laney, Ava, and Uncle Joe sat around the breakfast table. Tension, tight and coiled hung in the air. I needed coffee before I faced the Inquisition Committee.

  “Another late night?” Mom arched an eyebrow.

  Laney waved. “Good Morning.”

  Ava stared into her coffee. “Good Morning, Sidney. Why were you out so late?”

  “I went to Thunder Mountain for the Full Moon Hike, and then for coffee at Crooked Spoons.” I didn’t think my family needed to know Dr. Hawthorne had accompanied me.

  “Guess what?” Laney stared up at me but cut some mean side-eye at Ava.

  “What if I don’t want to know what?” I leaned against the counter, anticipating the need for support of some kind.

  “Your father wants to move back to Cloverville and build a house on the two acres behind my house,” Mom snarled.

  We had five acres, altogether around our home.

  “No way.” My mouth dropped open.

  “Yes way, and he expects us to financially contribute to his building fund.” Laney’s voice rose with each word. “The gall.”

  “What do you mean Dad wants us to contribute? I squeezed my hand into a fist and pounded the counter. The dirty water glasses chinked against one another. “I can’t even afford a place on my own.”

  “I don’t think he’s serious.” Ava brushed her bangs from her forehead and stared into her cup. “It’s an empty request.”

  “You're the one that sent Dad a thousand dollars.” Laney glowered. “What did you think would happen?”

  Mom scowled. “Ava, why did you send Edwin a thousand dollars?

  A red-faced Ava stuttered. “He needed help. He was desperate. He and Taffy are on food stamps because his artwork isn’t selling like he planned. Laney and Sidney have shut him out of their lives, but he calls me.”

  Mom’s voice cracked as she took in several deep breaths. “You betrayed me. You betrayed your sisters.” She stood and grabbed her purse. “I need to go to work. Joe handle this. He’s your brother. I’ll contact my lawyer.” She spun on her heel, opened the door and slammed it shut.

  “I didn’t think she would be this upset.” Ava wiped tears away from her eyes. Her mascara ran in streaky lines down her cheeks.

  “Ava, how did you think she would react? Send you flowers for attempting to bring peace and harmony to our family.” I tossed my cup into the sink, landing with a loud clunk. “Dad abandoned us. Not the other way around.”

  I’d been abandoned by all the men in my life. Dad. Camden. Now Jason.

  Laney shook her head. “Dad expects us to help him buy a house, and then offer monthly support. What has he been smoking?”

  Uncle Joe coughed. “He has been living in Colorado, where it’s legal to smoke marijuana.”

  “Exactly,” I said. “

  Ava remained silent. Smar
t on her part.

  “I don’t clear enough overhead. I can barely make payments on my truck and supplies.” Laney slammed her hand on the table. I jumped back.

  “I drained my savings to send him money, and now he’s asking for more.” Ava sighed.

  Uncle Joe had remained silent but then held out a hand for us to stay calm. “Your father is manipulating the situation. He’s always been a master at it. He wants you upset so that we will agree to sell Nana’s house to him, or he’ll offer to rent it from me, and he’ll never make a payment.” Uncle Joe sipped his coffee. “Let me handle Edwin. Your mother knows how he operates only too well. She will consult her lawyer,” he said admiringly.

  “Mom always knew how to handle Dad. She is the matriarchal rock in our family especially since Nana. . .” Laney blinked several times.

  I understood. The tears snuck up on me, too.

  “Any news on Nana?” Ava lifted her face to me.

  Uncle Joe gestured with his cup toward me. “No. How about you girls? Anything through the ether?”

  I shook my head.

  Silence. We all felt our own personal grief at Nana’s absence.

  “There was some activity with a ghost at Thunder Mountain last night.

  “Heard about the accident on one of the trails.” Uncle Joe frowned.

  “Two people were injured.”

  Uncle Joe leaned forward, eyes narrowed. “What happened?”

  I explained, and then I swept my hands to the side like I did last night when I had used my telekinesis. “I made the tree branch swerve, so it wouldn’t land on Mandy But, I didn’t have enough time to completely stop the branch. At least, the lighter end of the branch landed on her head; otherwise, she’d have a serious concussion.”

  “You mean Mandy Patterson, Jason’s former fiancé.” Ava gasped.

  “Yes.” Laney folded her arms over her chest.

  “Why didn’t I know about this?” Ava asked. “You use to tell me everything.”

  “I’ve been busy. Anyway, I’m mad at you,” I said.