The Time Hunters and the Box of Eternity (The Time Hunters Saga Book 2)

by carl ashmore

  Then a second voice filled the cave. ‘You are undeniably correct, Mister Muckle.’ George Chapman appeared at Reg’s side, trailed by Doublehook and twelve Associates, each carrying sub-machine guns. They directed the rifles at Uncle Percy, Will, Joe and Bruce, who dropped their weapons and raised their hands.

  Chapman smiled cruelly. ‘It really is all a matter of life and death…’

  - Chapter 31 -

  The Eden Relics

  Uncle Percy closed his eyes, blocking out the scene that was unfolding before him. When he spoke, his words were laced with hurt and sadness. ‘Do you know who you’re working with Reg?’

  Reg hung his head in shame. ‘I don’t care, Percy. I could be working with the devil himself and I’d accept that.’

  ‘You are working with the devil.’ Uncle Percy pointed at Chapman. ‘Do you know who, what, he is?’

  Reg flinched, but kept his voice steady. ‘I do. I can’t afford to think about it.’

  Chapman chuckled. ‘I believe you’ll find –’

  ‘Shut it, Chapman!’ Reg roared. ‘Just because I’ve forsaken every principle I’ve got to help you and your puppet master, don’t ever think I wouldn’t slice you from ear to ear for the things you’ve done!’

  Uncle Percy stared at him, confused. ‘Then why are you helping them?’

  ‘This is one of those rare occasions when you don’t know all the facts, Percy.’

  ‘Then tell me.’

  For the first time, Reg’s eyes met Uncle Percy’s. ‘The Box of Eternity and the Golden Fleece are connected in ways you can’t possibly imagine.’

  ‘Go on.’

  ‘If memory serves, you’d heard the story the Golden Fleece was a gift from God to the creators of Stonehenge, a reward for their loyalty and craftsmanship, but that’s not true. The Golden Fleece is much, much older than Stonehenge. Don’t get me wrong - Stonehenge is linked to all of this, but not in that way - you see, Stonehenge was built as a shrine to all of the Eden Relics, not just the Fleece. That is its true purpose. It’s a temple.’

  Uncle Percy looked dumbfounded. ‘The Eden Relics?’

  ‘Aye, all five of ‘em. You see, Percy, there’s a different story, one that states that at the dawn of time, God created five relics, each with unimaginable power, and that he placed them in the Garden of Eden -’

  ‘Oh, come on, Reg,’ Uncle Percy interrupted. ‘The Garden of Eden?’

  ‘Hear me out,’ Reg said. ‘The first of these Eden Relics was supposedly the Golden Fleece, in which God supposedly placed all the knowledge of the world, past, present and future. Ring any bells?’

  Uncle Percy turned white as he recalled what happened when he held the Golden Fleece in the Red Caves.

  ‘The second was The Box of Eternity,’ Reg continued, ‘in which he placed the power of resurrection. I don’t know anything about the other three, Drake didn’t tell me. But I know they’re out there, just waiting to be found.’

  But Uncle Percy had stopped listening, one word whirling round his mind. ‘Resurrection?’ he said in a whisper.

  ‘The Box of Eternity can bring people back from the dead!’

  ‘You mean … as zombies?’

  ‘I mean, for real, Percy. It can bring people, back from the dead - better, stronger, healthier than before. Read your bible ... You’ll get the picture.’

  Reg turned miserably to Chapman. ‘My fee for working with filth like him is my wife. Drake has promised I shall have my Mabel back, whole, healthy, without that damn cruel illness that stole her from me. That’s why I’m doing this ... that’s why I’ve sold my soul to the scum of the earth …and that’s why I can’t afford to care about what you, or anyone else thinks.’ His eyes began to water. ‘I can get my Mabel back. Don’t you see?’

  Uncle Percy sighed helplessly. ‘Of course. But that doesn’t make it right.’

  ‘I don’t care about what’s right. I only care about being with her again.’

  ‘I know you do,’ Uncle Percy said softly. ‘But this is not the way.’

  Reg dabbed his eyes with his sleeve. ‘I thought you’d be the first to understand. Wouldn’t you do the same to bring Stephanie Calloway back?’

  Uncle Percy looked like he’d been hit over the head. After a long pause, he said in a soft, small voice, ‘She’s gone. And she would hate for me to ally myself with Emerson Drake, with George Chapman, with Otto Kruger, just to bring her back from what I’m certain is a much better place. No, I shall love her until my dying day, and that is why I would never do what you’re doing. Stephanie’s time has passed. She accepted that when she was alive. And so did Mabel.’

  Reg seemed to consider this for a moment, and then his face turned scarlet. ‘BUT I DON’T ACCEPT IT!’ he bellowed.

  Uncle Percy waited until the shout’s echo faded. ‘Do you truly think Mabel would want you to help Emerson Drake?’

  Reg looked broken. ‘Of course not,’ he said faintly. ‘It’s the last thing she would’ve wanted … but she’s not here to stop me.’

  Uncle Percy glared at Reg. ‘Then shame on you for ignoring what you know would be her wishes … and Becky, you may want to give Reg back the ring he so touchingly gave you. My guess is that time machine we heard at the Magpie Inn was Emerson Drake delivering a chrono-tracer, and it’s how Chapman’s been able to keep up with our progress. Am I right, Reg?’

  Reg didn’t reply.

  Becky looked down at the ring. It gleamed red in her eyes. Looking over at Reg’s guilty face, she knew Uncle Percy was right. She had been deceived, misled, an unwitting pawn in Emerson Drake’s game. Slowly, she pulled it off, feeling a wave of anger rise within.

  Unable to meet her eyes, Reg walked over to Becky, his hand outstretched. ‘I am so sorry, lassie. I hope you’ll find it in your heart to forgive me.’

  Becky was about to hurl the ring at him but, looking at his crushed, devastated face, she couldn’t bring herself to do it. ‘Forget it,’ she said, passing it over. ‘I hope it’s worth it.’

  Chapman stepped forward. ‘Now that we have all had the occasion to air our views, Mister Drake would like to liaise with all of you, so if you’d care to accompany me, we have carriages waiting outside.’ Then he withdrew a pistol and pointed it at Bruce. ‘I’m afraid, Mister Westbrook, Mister Drake never mentioned you...’ And with an earsplitting bang, he fired.

  Bruce slumped to the ground, blood pooling around him. Becky’s scream echoed off the cave walls. Uncle Percy raced over, dropping to his knees. ‘Bruce?’

  Writhing in agony, Bruce managed to slur, ‘Son of a –’ before losing consciousness.

  Uncle Percy worked quickly. Gently removing Bruce’s hand, he studied the wound closely, before bending over and whispering something in Bruce’s ear.

  Indifferently, Chapman turned to the Associates and said, ‘Seize the box! We must leave…’ He pointed at Will. ‘Mister Doublehook, if you would care to escort Mister Shakelock personally. He can be rather troublesome!’

  Doublehook nodded darkly and moved over to Will, hooks raised. A sickening smile curled on his mouth as if eager for Will to try something. At the same time, Four Associates slipped on thick leather gloves and raced to Pandora’s Box, heaving it on to their broad shoulders. The remaining Associates surrounded Uncle Percy, Becky and Joe and escorted them at gunpoint out of the cave.

  Entering the second tunnel, Becky looked back helplessly at Bruce, who lay motionless, before turning to Uncle Percy, her eyes watering. ‘Is - is he dead?’

  ‘No,’ Uncle Percy replied. ‘And I have no intention of letting him die either.’

  But Becky wasn’t entirely convinced.

  *

  The tunnel followed a steep incline of such length it spanned the mountain bottom to top. Becky’s heart sank further with each step: not only were Bruce’s chances of survival fading fast, but they were unarmed, outnumbered and the Box of Eternity was securely in the hands of Emerson Drake.

  The group advanced in a dull silence, h
igher and higher, until the dim, shadowy tunnel brightened into flickering orange daylight.

  Exiting the tunnel, Becky’s stomach churned when she saw two large military trucks, sandwiched between thick jungle and a sheer, rocky cliff that overlooked the ocean. Then, all at once, a strange, high-pitched whistle floated over the trees. She stared at the undergrowth but saw nothing unusual. Then, much softer this time, a second whistle came in four short staccato bursts.

  At this, Uncle Percy’s eyes narrowed for a fleeting moment. ‘So what does Drake want with us, Chapman?’

  For some reason, Becky felt sure he was trying to keep Chapman distracted.

  Chapman didn’t notice. ‘I’m sure Mister Drake has his reasons,’ he replied, before approaching Becky. ‘For myself, as long as I’m rewarded, I don’t care.’ He leaned into Becky’s ear and spoke just loudly enough for others to hear. ‘I once told you your heart would be mine, child. If only Mary Kelly were alive, she would tell you I mean it … literally.’

  Becky shivered when she glimpsed the scalpel in his hand.

  His face ablaze with rage, Uncle Percy made to launch himself at Chapman, but a frantic shake of Becky’s head made him stop. ‘No, Uncle Percy, I’m fine,’ she said desperately.

  Then, from the fringes of the group, an unexpected voice spoke up.

  ‘No,’ Reg said quietly, his head shaking, eyes locked on the ground. ‘No – no – no … I can’t have this…not right…sorry, Mabel, but … can’t have it...’ Then he marched over to Chapman. ‘Get away from the lassie, you abomination of nature, or I’ll …’

  Chapman sneered. ‘You’ll what, Mister Muckle?’

  ‘Just get away from her.’

  ‘Can I remind you I now possess the Box of Eternity and thus don’t require your participation. I would remain silent if I were you.’

  ‘But you arn’t me,’ Reg snarled. ‘Hell, even I’ve not been me for a long time. But I’m back now...’ And with a roar, he hurled himself at Chapman who, although shocked, whirled gracefully to his left, dodging the attack. Then, with a flash of silver, Chapman’s hand shot out towards Reg’s neck. With a bloodcurdling cry, Reg fell to his knees, clasping his throat, blood seeping through his fingers.

  Becky screamed.

  ‘REG!’ Uncle Percy yelled, about to run to his side when –

  BOOOOOM! A cannon ball tore into the cliff, sending gigantic clumps of rock and earth everywhere. The ground shook angrily.

  Chapman glanced at the ocean. To his amazement, Gingerbeard’s ship was anchored about a hundred meters from shore, its cannons trained on them. ‘Pirates!’ he yelled. ‘Load the Box into the vehicle.’

  The Associates carrying Pandora’s Box hurried to the trucks when – BOOOOOM - a second cannonball crashed into the rock face. The ground shook even more violently this time. One of the Associates stumbled, losing his grip. Pandora’s Box plummeted to the ground, its lid staying firmly shut.

  At once, Becky heard a loud crack from beneath her feet. Alarmed, she looked down to see a wide split in the earth.

  ‘Becky … Jump!’ Uncle Percy yelled.

  With every bit of strength she had, Becky pitched herself forwards, just as the ground fell away. She landed safely at Joe’s side. Then she glanced back in horror. Reg was nowhere to be seen. In that instant, she saw a body dive to the spot Reg had been. Uncle Percy landed heavily, his arm extended over the newly formed cliff edge, clinging desperately to Reg’s wrist.

  ‘Percy … let me go,’ Reg rasped, blood leaking from his neck, his legs flailing.

  ‘Not-a-chance,’ Uncle Percy grimaced, pain searing his body.

  Will appeared at his side. ‘Take my hand!’ he shouted to Reg, reaching down.

  ‘No,’ Reg croaked, struggling, twisting, making it harder for Uncle Percy to hold on. ‘Let me go, Percy.’

  ‘No … Reg …please.’

  Serenely, Reg closed his eyes and a smile curved on his mouth. ‘I’m coming, Mabel.’ He wrenched his hand away and fell.

  Uncle Percy rolled over, distraught. ‘Oh, Reg,’ he breathed. ‘Goodbye, old friend…’

  Stunned, Chapman composed himself quickly. He gestured to the Associates. ‘Seize the box. Take them all. Shoot, if – ’

  Before he could finish his sentence, the crash of musket fire rang out from the jungle. BANG. BANG. BANG. Becky panicked, but it was the Associates that were being targeted. She raced over and helped a distraught Uncle Percy to his feet.

  The jungle seemed to come alive. Branches rattled and stirred. Unseen feet trampled leaves. Then three more shots rang out. Associates were dropping fast now, one after the other, their rifles clattering to the floor.

  In the chaos, Will’s eyes met Doublehook’s, who grinned manically back. In an instant, Doublehook charged at him, pitching his right hook at Will’s head. Will ducked and scooped a rifle from the ground. Doublehook attacked again, this time with his left hook. Will blocked the swing with the rifle butt, and then drove his knee into Doublehook’s stomach, winding him. Then he smashed his fist into Doublehook’s chin, and the pirate’s eyes rolled white.

  At that moment, a man’s voice filled the air. ‘FER THE BLACK HEAD, ME BOYS!’ One-Toe Tom yelled as, with a spine-chilling yell, a mob of shadowy figures charged, limped and hobbled out of the jungle, cutlasses held high. Only Jim and Blind Hugh remained behind.

  Becky gasped with relief. The Black Head’s crew had come for a fight, piling into the remaining Associates with a terrible fury.

  Chapman’s eyes seared with rage. In seconds, he knew the battle was lost. He scanned the area as his long fingers found his wristwatch.

  ‘It’s over, Chapman,’ Uncle Percy said somberly, his mind still clearly fixed on Reg. ‘You’ve lost.’

  ‘Perhaps.’ Chapman pulled something small and thin from his coat pocket. ‘But so have you.’

  Uncle Percy was shocked to see a thin stream of light curl around Chapman’s wrist, snaking its way up his arm. Then, with horror, he spied the syringe in Chapman’s hand.

  With a cruel grin, Chapman’s eyes locked on Becky. Then he charged at her, the light enveloping his entire body with each long stride.

  ‘NOOOOO!’ Uncle Percy cried, but it was too late.

  Chapman seized Becky and plunged the syringe into her neck. Then, in an explosion of light and a piercing snap, he and Becky disappeared.

  - Chapter 32 -

  Jack’s Back

  When Becky regained consciousness, she didn’t have to open her eyes to realize where she was. She could smell the same sickly odor that made her run out of the kitchen in Blackbeard’s shack just an hour earlier; but this time, she recognized it: Chapman’s cologne. To her horror, she was lying horizontal on the kitchen table, unable to move, thick leather straps cutting into her shoulders and legs. Heaving her head up as far as she could, she saw the kitchen looked quite different. The far wall was completely undamaged, unlike the last time she had seen it; tankards, bottles, jugs and shelving were all still very much intact and in their proper place. At once, she knew they had travelled back in time, but there was no way of telling just how far back.

  Before she had the opportunity to think all of this though, she heard soft footsteps to her rear and George Chapman walked in, moving slowly but elegantly like a tiger. ‘Welcome back to the land of the living, Miss Mellor,’ Chapman purred. ‘I always knew we’d share an intimate moment like this, but hadn’t planned on it being quite so soon.’

  Becky squirmed against the straps. ‘Sorry to disappoint you.’

  ‘I’m far from disappointed. True, I’m saddened the Box of Eternity is momentarily out of reach, but I’m certain Mister Drake will make alternative arrangements. Through the advent of time travel, he may already have done so and we’re not aware of it. No, for now, I suggest we enjoy the here and now.’

  Becky glared at him. ‘If you’re going to kill me just get on with it.’

  Chapman stood at the foot of the table, looking down at her and nodding eag
erly. ‘Well, Miss Mellor, you certainly are a courageous little thing. Most of the others just begged and screamed and sobbed and prayed. I’m pleased you’re not going to humiliate yourself in such a way.’ He licked his lips, moistening them until they glistened. ‘However, I do have something of a problem. Mister Drake has left very strict instructions for you to not be harmed. Apparently, he wants to involve you in some dialogues with your father.’

  For an instant, Becky forgot just where she was and whom she was with. ‘What do you know about my dad?’

  ‘I know he’s alive,’ Chapman replied, ‘and from what I gather, his research into the Eden Relics is really quite extensive and therefore invaluable. Other than that, I really can’t say. I never encountered him in person. Apparently, they transport him through time most frequently.’

  Becky’s heart pounded. ‘Where to?’

  ‘I don’t know. And I think that’s enough talking for now, don’t you?’ He raised the scalpel into the light. As he turned the gleaming blade towards him, studying it closely, his calm, composed exterior transformed into something monstrous. ‘You know … the authorities never came close to apprehending me for what they consider my real crimes. Not the ones that furnished me with that ridiculous sobriquet: Jack the Ripper.’ He looked directly at her. ‘Did you know they said I killed my victims and then just stopped, just relinquished my blades and vanished into the night? How very naive of them. Why would I stop? It was far too enjoyable, too diverting.’ He moved round and whispered in her ear. ‘But my new position as time traveller, well, that will allow me to indulge my whims over and over again, throughout the leaves of history. Isn’t that just delicious? And here’s one final morsel for you, something no one else has ever known. The history books only ever credited me with five victims … I’ll let you into a little secret, shall I? Twenty-six ladies came under my knife …’ Chapman smiled as he traced the blunt edge of the blade softly against her cheek.