The Changlings (The New Earth Chronicles Book 2)

by J. J. Thompson

  She grinned at him.

  “You do love that bathroom, don't you?” she teased.

  “Well, his shower is amazing, but that's not it. If we are serious about leaving, maybe he'll have some tips on which way we should go and how we can survive, you know? I wouldn't mind a lesson on setting up a snare to catch rabbits, although the first time I try to dress one, I'll probably puke.”

  Sarah giggled.

  “You and me both. I noticed you said 'we'. Does that mean that when I leave, you're coming with me?”

  Bobby frowned at her.

  “Do you even need to ask me that? Really? After all this time, I thought that you knew me better than that.”

  Sarah took his hand in both of hers and squeezed it briefly.

  “I didn't want to presume,” she told him. “You're my friend, Bobby, not my servant. And I know how much you like Jeremy and some of the others. After all, they're practically family.”

  “They are family,” he said simply. “And I care about all of them a great deal. But the one thing that we've all emphasized over the years is that we are our own persons. Free will, right? That's been our mantra.”

  He grinned.

  “Even before we knew what a mantra was. I'll miss them all terribly, but if you leave, then I will go with you. You are as close as I'll ever get to having a sister, Sarah, and I won't lose you.”

  She felt a catch in her throat and didn't trust herself to speak at that moment. Instead, she patted Bobby's hand and turned away to lead them across the expanse of shallow water.

  What more is there to say, she thought.

  When they had made their way down to Eric's camp, Sarah and Bobby were greeted with surprise.

  “Back so soon?” Eric asked as he hurried over to meet them, his blue robes flapping as he approached.

  Sarah smiled at him.

  “Afraid so. I wanted to pass out the communication stones as soon as possible, with things as dangerous as they are now. Here you go.”

  She handed him an etched stone and Eric took it and held it up, looking at the etched symbol on it through his layers of blue rags. Sarah held up her glowing stone so that he could see better.

  “Ah, it's good to have one of these again,” he said with obvious relief. “They still work the same way? I concentrate on someone else who has a stone and speak out loud and they can hear me right away?”

  “Yep, still the same. All of the leaders will get one, and I'm giving one to Magnus as well.”

  Surprisingly, Eric didn't object. Instead, his rags moved in a nodding motion.

  “Not a bad idea, actually. As strange and frightening as some of us find him, Magnus has always been an ally. And he has his own kind of power.”

  “Exactly what I was thinking,” Sarah agreed. “With the goblins active again, we need everyone in the city working together, including Magnus.”

  “Okay. I'll let everyone know that we will be able to speak to all the camps again without having to risk traveling across the city. It will ease a few worried minds.”

  “Good.”

  Sarah hesitated and then motioned for Bobby to move off a few steps. He nodded knowingly and walked away until he was beyond earshot.

  Eric waited until Bobby was far enough away for them to speak privately.

  “What's up?” he asked quietly.

  “Okay, this is going to sound weird, but I've had a...” Sarah paused a moment to collect her thoughts. “Let's call it a premonition, for want of a better word, and I wanted to tell you about it.”

  The two of them were standing just inside the hall beside the entrance into the camp. All of the other Changlings were gathered around the fire pit as usual and they watched as Bobby joined them and began chatting away cheerfully.

  “He's going to convince some of them to uncover their faces, you know,” Eric said in an amused tone. “Just by how casual he is about it. And you too.”

  Sarah shrugged, unconcerned.

  “It's past time, don't you think?” she asked.

  “Perhaps. So what is this about a premonition?”

  “It was a dream, actually. A very short, very powerful vision.”

  Sarah recounted her dream to Eric exactly as she had experienced it and also told him about the painting that had been altered. He listened without comment until she was done.

  “Interesting,” he said when she was finished. “I'd write it off as just a weird dream if it wasn't for that painting.”

  “Me too. But the painting has changed. You can ask Bobby if you want to; he'll corroborate my story.”

  “Don't be silly,” Eric said sharply. “If there is anyone in this city who I will believe without question, it's you, Sarah. So put that worry out of your mind and let's think this through. This woman, Esmiralla, says that the goblins are going to set up a permanent base here in Ottawa and that's something that you and I already agree on, essentially. What worries me more than that is how quickly she seems to want us to leave. Granted, she didn't give you an exact time line, but mentioning the fact that they have a wizard, I would say that our chances of escaping with our skins intact will diminish the longer we delay our departure. Do you agree?”

  Sarah was astonished at how quickly and easily Eric was accepting what she had told him. She was sure that he would be one of the hardest leaders to convince.

  “Yes, I absolutely agree,” she told him. “My biggest concern, once we start to leave, is where we should go. We can't go south without running headfirst into what could potentially be hordes of goblins making their way directly toward us. North is out unless we can build dozens of boats to cross the river and I don't think that's going to happen.”

  Eric laughed derisively.

  “Definitely not. We've grown up here and no one has any skill in building much of anything, especially boats.”

  “Right. So that leaves either going east or west. Do you have a preference?”

  “West,” Eric said quickly. “Definitely west. Except for a few small towns and villages, there weren't any big settlements in that direction before the dragons destroyed civilization. To the east, the river dips southward and would force us in that direction, which might bring us into contact with more goblins, or possibly something even worse. We can probably scavenge for supplies and such in any villages we come across to the west and I doubt that the goblins will bother following a small group of Changlings into the wilderness.”

  “Interesting,” Sarah said thoughtfully. “I hadn't thought about it like that. But I like the idea of heading west as well. Canada was a huge country and, if I remember my geography lessons, you're right. We could travel for a thousand miles before coming across another city.”

  She gave Eric a warning glance.

  “But that news may actually scare some of our people, you know. They're city kids, not experienced adventurers. And we know that there are monsters and who knows what else out in the wilds.”

  “Including dragons, if the mystery lady from your dreams is correct,” Eric reminded her.

  “Yeah, I know. I'm kind of hoping that she's wrong about that. Wishful thinking, I suppose.”

  “Probably. Look, why don't you and Bobby keep going and pass out the rest of your stones. Once that's done, all of the leaders can speak with each other and we can have a discussion about this. After that, if we get a consensus, we'll put it to a vote to our people and see what happens.”

  Sarah smiled at Eric.

  “Excellent idea. I think you should all share your thoughts, and that way you can do it safely. Bobby? Come on, we have to go.”

  Bobby looked away from the fire pit and the conversation he was having with one of the Changlings and waved in acknowledgment at her call. He laughed at something someone said and then trotted back toward Sarah and Eric.

  “Stay safe up there,” Eric told them both. “But don't rush. You have all day to reach the others and I wouldn't want you to stumble over a goblin trap because you were in a hurry.”

  �
�We won't,” Bobby assured him. “I'm more worried about tripping one of your traps on the way out than I am one set by the goblins.”

  The other man laughed and bid them farewell and the two set off again.

  “I'm encouraged by his reaction,” Sarah told Bobby as they began their ascent back to the surface.

  She related what Eric had said to her.

  “If he's willing to consider leaving, that might give some of the others the push they need to do the same.”

  “I don't know about that,” Bobby replied dubiously. “We're talking about some really conservative people, you know. Getting them to think about leaving the only home that they've ever known won't be easy.”

  “I know that. But when the decision is leave or die, the choice seems clear.”

  “To you, me and Eric, maybe. But to all of the others? Well, we'll see.”

  On their way to Sandra's camp, Sarah and Bobby passed a partially collapsed mall. Because it was still early in the day, and they had plenty of time to reach the other camps, they decided to poke through it to find some new clothes. Many of the Changlings had searched through the stores in the mall over the years, but they hadn't been looking for clothing. That meant that there were stacks of untouched clothes still wrapped in plastic for Sarah and Bobby to pick from.

  A large department store turned out to be a treasure trove for the pair of eager searchers. They stayed together for safety, and because Sarah carried the only light source, and gave each other their opinions as they examined the clothing.

  “What about these?” Bobby asked at one point as he unwrapped a pair of black jeans and held them against his waist.

  Sarah held her stone closer and examined the jeans.

  “They won't do, Bobby,” she said disparagingly. “Look, the knees are already ripped.”

  “Um, they're meant to look like that,” he told her with a grin.

  “Really? Why?”

  “I dunno. That was the style at the time, I guess.”

  “Huh. Well, if they fit and you like them, take them, I suppose. It's your choice.”

  He disappeared around a pile of rubble to slip on the jeans and Sarah heard him yelp loudly.

  “Bobby? What's the matter?” she called out in alarm.

  “Spiders! Ugh. A whole nest of the bastards. Gross. Hey, the jeans fit. Excellent!”

  Sarah burst out laughing. Bobby had experienced about five emotions in as many seconds and she found it hilarious.

  He came back wearing the jeans and she nodded in approval.

  “They look great,” she told him. “Remember the size for next time. We can't carry bags full of clothing around today; we don't have the time. Baggage would only slow us down. “

  Bobby sighed in regret.

  “Yeah, you're right. Well, at least I have the jeans. I wonder if I can find sneakers to fit too? These old cloth shoes are disgusting.”

  “Maybe. Come on, we can look while we move to the ladies' section. I want a new outfit too.”

  In the end, both of them happily left the mall wearing pieces of new clothing. Sarah had chosen a bright yellow t-shirt and wore a thick white, hooded sweat shirt over it. She found blue jeans, with intact knees, and black sneakers as well. All in all, she felt like an entirely new person. The bonus, as she mentioned to Bobby, was the sense of freedom she felt after wearing layers of rags for a decade. She actually bounced with joy as she walked.

  Bobby found his sneakers; red with white stripes. He couldn't seem to stop looking down at them and smiling as they continued their hike and Sarah had to remind him to stay alert and keep looking for goblin traps. They were still in danger, new clothes or not.

  Their journey from one camp to the next took up most of the day. Each leader was grateful for their communication stones and a lot of the Changlings were astonished at the pair's clothing. In each camp, Sarah and Bobby saw at least one person who had already removed their head coverings and they had a feeling that the trend would probably accelerate, especially after the young people saw how happy the two of them were with their new clothes.

  “If there's one thing I remember from the old days,” Bobby told Sarah as they headed north toward the ruined Parliament Buildings, “it's that teens and young adults loved being stylish and wearing the latest fashions. Well, I think that we just became the newest example of those fashions.”

  Sarah had to laugh at that statement, especially since she agreed with his assessment. She'd been shyly approached by several of the Changlings in a few of the camps who asked her how it felt wearing 'real' clothes again. And she had answered honestly that it felt wonderful.

  “Well, I'm not a role model for fashion,” she answered with a grin. “But if it gets the others out of those restrictive wrappings, then I'm okay with that. Actually, I think you're cooler looking than I am anyway, with your sunglasses and long, greenish-brown hair. Plus your scales are really pretty in the light.”

  Bobby stopped and stared at her, open-mouthed.

  “Seriously?”

  “Yes, seriously. You look like an exotic model from the old times. I remember seeing some of them in magazines, even as a little girl. Except that instead of scales, some of them had tattoos and piercings. Like I said, exotic.”

  “Huh. What do you know? I'm suddenly fashionable.”

  He grinned and shook his head at the absurdity of that thought as they slipped through the ruins of the Peace Tower. The sun was dipping quickly toward the western horizon and they wanted to get under cover before it disappeared entirely.

  “We'd better hope that Magnus lets us stay the night,” Bobby said nervously as they reached the edge of the cliff and began to carefully walk down the narrow path toward the hidden cave.

  “Because if he doesn't,” he continued. “We'll be heading home in the dark. And that's not good.”

  “He'll let us stay,” Sarah reassured him. “After all, Magnus is the one who told us about the goblin traps, and that they were probably going to be building a permanent camp. He's as worried about them as we are. He wouldn't make us wander around the city after nightfall.”

  “Yeah, that's true. Well, we'll see soon enough.”

  As the light faded, Bobby took off his sunglasses and slipped them into a pocket.

  “Ah, that's so much better,” he said with relief. “Now I can see naturally again.”

  “Yeah. I just wish that you didn't have to wear them at all. Bad luck, I suppose.

  “I guess so. At least my night vision is pretty good.”

  Sarah smiled and remained silent.

  They reached the entrance to the cave just as the sun disappeared below the horizon. Sarah pulled out her stone and lifted it high as it began to glow.

  The door was sealed shut, but before either of them could pound on it, they heard the heavy bolts slide back and watched as the portal opened inward. As soon as there was enough room, Magnus stepped through the doorway holding a torch.

  “Ah, there you are,” he said, sounding relieved. “I knew that you were coming, but I wasn't sure if you would make it before nightfall.”

  “You knew we were coming to see you?” Bobby asked in surprise.

  “Yes, of course. Now come in, come in. I feel...I don't know. Strange. Something just doesn't feel right and I want you both safely inside.”

  Sarah stood still and watched the man's face in the uncertain light of his torch. The flames snapped and jumped in the stiff breeze that blew up from the river and it was hard to see Magnus' expression, but she thought that he looked, if not afraid, then certainly nervous. It was a look that she had never seen on his face before.

  “What's going on, Magnus?” she asked. “Why are you so worried? Is it the goblins?”

  “Goblins? No. Well, not right now anyway. I really can't say what it is that I'm sensing. Something dark. Malevolent. Evil. Yes, that's what I'm feeling. Now, enough talk. We can discuss this inside. Come along.”

  He turned away to lead them into the cave and Bobby fo
llowed along nervously. Sarah put her stone back into her pocket and then stopped to look out over the river. The full moon was already high in the sky and it reflected hauntingly over the rippling waters below. She stared up at it and thought how hard it was to believe that anything dangerous could exist underneath such beauty. But of course she knew that it could.

  She sighed, shivering in the suddenly cool breeze. She gave the sky a final glance and then froze in surprise.

  For just a moment, she thought that she'd seen a winged shape pass across the shining face of the moon. It was gone so quickly though that she couldn't be sure. She kept watching for another minute, but nothing else appeared.

  “Sarah?” Bobby called out. “Come on. Magnus wants to close the door.”

  “Coming!” she replied and turned away from the river.

  She hurried inside, suddenly eager to put the heavy steel door between herself and the unfriendly night.

  Chapter 11

  Magnus fed them once he'd brought them through the maze of tunnels and into his main room. The three of them sat down in chairs around his fire pit and ate bowls of savory beef stew and freshly baked bread and drank hot coffee.

  “It's instant,” the man apologized as he served his guests the coffee after they'd eaten. “You can't trust any bags of coffee beans in the city after all this time, but this is actually not too bad.”

  “It's delicious, Magnus,” Sarah asserted as she sipped the strong brew. “And so was dinner. Thank you so much for your hospitality.”

  Bobby quickly added his thanks and praise and the shaman accepted them with grace.

  “And I must thank you for this,” Magnus said as he held up the small stone and watched the firelight play over its surface. “Being able to speak to all of the camps may be the edge we'll need to survive in the coming days and weeks.”

  He smiled at both of the Changlings as he looked at them closely.

  “By the way, the two of you look good. Your choices of clothing suit you. So how does it feel being exposed after so many years of hiding yourselves behind layers of cloth?”