Egbert's World

by Robert Ian Wilson

  His mum looked happy, unless it was my guilt giving me permission and I’d imagined a smile on her face. I reassured her with my young naivety, believing an animal would understand my words. In the end, he went to a good home and has had a good life so far.

  With the reunion done, I hadn't noticed the cabin had been turned upside down and Bjorn was missing.

  Thistle hopped back into the room from outside and gave some disturbing news. The shadow who’d been killing my dog had escaped the wound like a parasite and fled through the window. Bjorn had given chase, knocking over the furniture in his hurry to kill the evil.

  I leapt up and drew my sword, determined to not have a repeat of an injured friend. I instructed Sammy to stay behind and look after Thistle, whilst I tracked down the big paw prints in the snow. I could hear a loud commotion up ahead and the sound of the trees being ripped up from out of the ground.

  I ran into a clearing where the great bear battled a huge vicious, black wolf.

  “Bjorn!” I shouted.

  “Stay back boy! Let me have this one!” yelled the stubborn and proud bear.

  I couldn't do anything but watch another friend get hurt, but the shadow had surely met its match. The Bear managed to vice grip the Darkness using his teeth and had thrown it against a tree. This happened a lot, but the Entity’s evil kept coming back for more. It seemed invincible and Bjorn was tiring.

  The wolf attacked, and the great bear collapsed from the strike. With no time to spare, I rushed down a small, steep hill with my sword at the ready. I slashed at its legs and it howled with displeasure. It turned to me and menacingly advanced. My legs trembled as I tried to keep my composure.

  “Lucius! Be ready to strike it down!” commanded Bjorn!

  The beast pounced with its teeth brandished for my neck and I rammed my silver sword through its body. The black wolf evaporated in the air and was no more.

  Bjorn waddled with fatigue, as he walked over with a frown. “What were you thinking Lucius? Following me out here! You could’ve died!” grumbled the Bear.

  I was taken aback by Bjorn’s sudden change.

  “I just wanted to help you,” I said quietly.

  “I would have welcomed a good death.”

  “No one wants to die; why are you in such a hurry!?” I replied, trying figure out where his anger had come from.

  He sighed before continuing: “It is honourable for a soldier to die in battle, but I longed for my time to run out. I have been on the seas for the purpose of forgetting what happened on land.”

  I asked him, “Why?”

  There was a silent second before the Bear replied: “My family had passed from the same shadow who lingered within Sammy.”

  “And that’s how you knew who could heal him? How come it worked for Sam?”

  “The difference is you, young Lucius. If you were not here, Sammy would have died. Thistle was the only thing I could think of at the time,” said Bjorn, whilst he picked me up from the ground and placed me onto his back.

  “Why am I the difference?”

  “Because you hold the light's instrument; the sword you have has magic that only a certain few know of, and I've heard it has healing properties. Your blade has the power to destroy the Entity and it has chosen you. It is your purpose of being here. You are the only hope this world has.”

  “Thea had mentioned this before, and I didn’t believe her.”

  “You must believe in yourself, otherwise we are all lost to darkness.”

  We walked back in silence and were greeted by Thistle again.

  “Sammy is resting,” she said; watching my eyes dart around for my dog.

  Inside her cabin, the Hare made us some broth and I must say the lack of meat was actually quite nice, although the cabbage was a bit tasteless.

  We rested up again and kept turns on watch, although Sam and Bjorn had more time to rest than me; I wasn’t feeling tired after all.

  Chapter Seven - The Animal Town of Eve

  In the morning we’d left Thistle and continued forward towards a town, which was situated on the edge of the realm. The snow had cleared, and the air was warmer. The colours of the wild forest had started to change the deeper we went. The vegetation looked like a sea of rainbows and resembled my grandfather’s exotic plant.

  Sammy was much better, and he walked by himself, unlike me, where I preferred to hitch a ride on Bjorn the Bear. He didn’t mind, luckily, but he was still quiet from the previous conversation and would occasionally let out a low grumble.

  The area still felt eerie and a lonely place, I wondered how Thistle could live in such solitude, but she looked quite content and happy; I would always choose to be around people, even if I didn't get on with them.

  In a large clearing, a small, grey stone town lay within a valley.

  “What is this place?” I asked Bjorn, hoping to break the silence.

  “It is called Hethenheim,” muttered the Bear Captain. “It is the main market town of Eve and has the only prison, which is located underground.”

  “You have a prison here?” I said feeling surprised at how animals could create such a society.

  “Yes, not everyone is as nice as Thistle. The Darkness has many followers and most of them do reside within the prison. The Lord Esca of Hethenheim is a renowned hunter of the entities minions.”

  “What kind of animal is he?” I asked, imagining a big Panther or an Elephant!

  “An ape and an intelligent one at that; he's good with a blade too. I’m just glad he was on my side in the war of Kings.”

  “So, you know him?”

  “Well, enough…” replied Bjorn who had a hard expression on his face.

  We moved on, heading downhill on a spiral path towards the town. I could hear the vibrant atmosphere, which reminded me of the busy market street in London. The traders would shout, yell, and thrust their produce under your nose; they wouldn't take no for an answer.

  I never used to like busy places, I felt uneasy and a bit claustrophobic at times. I remember one day we visited an antique store, located at the top of a busy high street. The traffic of people was a bit much and I hid from the masses in a giant vase; all that Grandpa Egbert could see was a tuft of hair poking out of the top. I hoped Hethenheim wouldn't give me the same experience, which reduced me to a mouse, but I was sure a town of talking and walking animals would be quite surreal.

  It didn’t disappoint, it was like strolling into a zoo, where gamekeepers had forgotten to put back the escaped animals; they seemed to be wearing clothing...

  I couldn't help but laugh at a possum, who stood behind his tailoring stall, showing off a tall grey top hat. There was a frog with an incredibly high-pitched voice and a cat, who tried to walk in high heels.

  My laughter had worn off quickly, as I’d started to notice the animal's self-conscious glares, which were directed towards Bjorn; his reputation was well known. I, of course, received a lot of attention, being a human amongst such fluffy creatures; I certainly stood out. Thistle was surprised to see my kind at the time, so I’m sure these animals can empathise with her.

  A menacing voice called out: “Stop where you are Bjorn.”

  We turned to be halted by a large ape, who wore some impressive steal armour. He had twin swords on his back and held a long staff, which he used to whack on the ground. Bjorn seemed at ease and approached the Ape, who was the Lord Esca of Hethenheim.

  “Esca, it’s been a while,” greeted, Bjorn.

  The Ape didn’t acknowledge my friend's 'hello,' which, I felt, was a bit rude, but he was focusing on me.

  “You... human.”

  “Yes,” I replied, with a slightly nervous tone.

  Bjorn backed up, to the point where I was by his side. I could see his claws buried underneath the earth, what was he getting ready for?

  The Ape continued, “I have heard a rumour; the Darkness has escaped and is already devouring the realms of Eve. Is this true?”

  “Unfortunately, it is,
” I reluctantly replied.

  “Another part of this rumour is that he was freed willingly - by a human!”

  I heard a gasp from the animals, who had surrounded us and by this point, Bjorn had turned towards me too. I looked down towards my dog, who stared back; I could tell he was worried. I didn't want to lie again, and I felt my shame bubbling up from within me. I pleaded my case.

  “It was a mistake. I was tricked by the Entity on arrival to Eve and I’d thought I was doing right thing by letting it free.”

  The anger of the town's residents was quite vocal and hostile, but the look on Sammy and Bjorn's faces made me feel very small.

  “For letting our greatest threat and enemy go, I place this human under arrest!” ordered

  Esca and the crowd cheered.

  I looked to Bjorn, but he hung his head. I knew what was going to happen and so, I drew my sword, which caused the animals to stand back. Esca's eyes were transfixed on the blade and he licked his lips. Bjorn noticed the Ape’s reaction and Esca didn't know which way to look.

  I handed the silver sword over to the Captain, who I knew would keep it safe. I also had to make Sammy stay with the Bear because the loyal pup couldn’t follow, where I was going. His whining faded into the distance when I got dragged away, into a medieval fashioned tower. We ascended some stairs and I was guided through a cobbled hallway. There was a variety of animal noises that clashed, but I can imagine their yells meant the same thing. Esca had brought me into a room, which didn't have much light except for a small window, and he locked me in a small cell.

  There was a straw bed on the floor and not even a toilet, which made me wonder; where did these civilised animals go for a poo?

  It wasn’t too long before Esca came back to talk to me about the Blade.

  “The Sword, where did you get it” he asked.

  “It was handed to me.”

  “By whom?”

  His eyes glared intently and there was something not right. I trusted my gut feeling and responded with little, “Someone.”

  I had to change the subject quickly because I could see his obsession transpiring. “What will happen to me?”

  “You will await trial and then a punishment will be served to you.”

  I had accepted my wrongdoing but felt this was a bit much; especially when there were lives at stake.

  “Who will be the judge?” I asked.

  “Judge! We do things a bit differently here. It will be a trial by combat.”

  Those words made my heart drop and my bones shook: “Who would I fight?”

  I noticed a slight smirk occur in the corner of the Ape's mouth. “Another prisoner, who has done wrong. It will be tomorrow at noon, so, sleep well human.”

  The Ape left my cell and I dropped to the floor, helplessly. Who could I be fighting? I pondered.

  Suddenly, I heard a sad voice in the corner of another cage: “I would watch him, he’s not nice. He wants something from you.”

  I shuffled forward so that my legs hung out of the bars. I couldn't see much of the creature, just a black silhouette of tatty fur.

  “Who are you?” I asked.

  The animal scampered forward into the light to reveal a small ape, who closely resembled Esca. He looked quite timid and would only glance up for a few seconds before looking to the floor again.

  “My name is Elia,” replied the chimp.

  “Nice to meet you, Elia, I'm Lucius. What did you mean by Esca 'wanting something?' I don't have much, except – except the sword.”

  “Exactly!” he shouted, before whispering again. “He is mentally obsessed with gaining money and power. He is ill and would do anything to get what he wants. He would even betray his own.”

  There was somewhat strange about this primate and I asked, “Who are you really?”

  “I’m his brother and former mayor of this town. He wanted my title; so, he took it by shadow.”

  I quivered at the word, “Shadow?”

  Elia looked sad as he explained more to me.

  “He has become the very same, he once hunted, a follower of the one, who is trapped within the Cathedral.”

  “I’m sorry, but the Entity is free.”

  “And that’s why he wants the sword. His master is calling him…”

  Chapter Eight - The Trial of Hethenheim

  The next day had come fast and I wasn’t prepared physically or mentally. I felt comfort at the thought of my friends being safe and hiding the sword from Esca. I had pondered all night on, who I’d be facing and whether I would have the courage to end a life that’s not shadow. I didn’t have to wait long before a guard had dragged me out of my cage and into an arena, where a hoard of screaming animals had gathered for their entertainment.

  I felt like I was part of the gladiators of Rome, battling against the tyrant Emperor. The floor was sand, and the walls were made from stone, which restricted the battlefield.

  I couldn't see Sammy in the crowd, but Bjorn was sat, looking more nervous than me. Esca was sat on what I presumed was the mayor's old chair. He jumped forward with his hands in the air.

  “Welcome! Animals of Eve! You are here to witness the death of this human - who betrayed us all, by letting the Evil from out of its cell. He has already dominated many of our spiritual realms because of the help he's received. The human has opened the doors and he will be punished!” shrieked the Ape, hysterically. “Is there anyone opposed to this!?”

  I watched the animals turn against me, sanctifying this unlawful trail, but there was one who did oppose...

  Bjorn stood up from the crowd. “This boy is innocent. He was tricked into freeing the Darkness and he was chosen by the Light to destroy the Entity, not help it! He has been searching for a lost loved one, without knowing our realm. He has battled against our common foe and joined forces with us. Don’t listen to Esca!”

  I could see the anger boiling over the Ape, as he watched the town's residents slowly change their minds. The words of the Captain had struck a chord with them and I thought I'd be rid of this trial, but the Ape had more tricks up his sleeve.

  “It doesn't matter what you say, Bjorn! He has broken the rules by freeing the Darkness!”

  “Hypocrite!” I shouted and Esca turned my way. “Yes, I freed it because of my ignorance, but you would have done it by your own free will.”

  “What!? Lies!” protested Esca.

  “You serve him that is what your brother told me. The town's former mayor is locked in a cage because of your lust for power!”

  I could see the malevolence in his eyes and the intent to harm me.

  “Shut up boy!”

  “This ape is your enemy!” at those words the animals of Eve turned on their Lord of Hethenheim.

  “You said your brother died!” yelled a fat pig in a suit.

  Esca jumped down from his balcony and into the sand. He drew his blade and ran at me. “My master will have the sword, or your death should suffice!”

  I had nothing to defend myself with and stood with the expectation of certain death...

  A loud bang occurred next to me and I felt a large presence. Bjorn held a large blade and directed it towards Esca, who stopped in his tracks. A bark arose from the crowd and Sammy jumped into the arena with a brown cloth strapped onto his back. The Bear unravelled the sword and handed it over to me, and I held it up in front of the crowd. They looked shocked to see me handling the blade.

  “Lucius, I'm sorry I didn't help you before, but this time we fight. Esca is too strong for just one of us, so we must fight as a team; Sammy too.”

  “What do we do?”

  “Let him attack first and we counter until an opening is revealed.”

  Esca did attack first, with his rage taking over. He was quick and skilled; jabbing at every gap we created. He slashed me across my shoulder, and I could see blood hit the sand. Sammy wasn't himself, as the shadow wound had taken its toll. He did manage to bite the Ape on the ankle and Esca screamed in pain.

&nb
sp; Bjorn was nearly a match, repelling every attack the primate could muster, but he was a large target. I watched him ram his sword across the Bear's chest and the Captain dropped to the ground.

  We were defeated.

  “Too easy,” snarled Esca in a triumphant way.

  The crowd were left speechless and held back on any attempt to fight the Ape. I couldn't take it, I felt angry and upset.

  Something inside me spoke and out of pure instinct, I held up my sword and shouted, “You want this, have it!”

  I threw the blade and it spun dramatically in the air. It caught Esca off guard and the silver sword pierced his heart. The Ape's eyes widened because of the fear of his own demise. The Lord of Hethenheim dropped to the floor and was dead.

  The crowd cheered with joy and shouted my name; I could not believe what I’d done. I couldn’t shake the feeling of having guidance during the fight, from something far away and supernatural.

  Bjorn was fine, luckily, Esca's sword had missed anything important, but his injuries needed treatment. Thistle had come and treated are wounds. She’d brought her special remedies and the healer of the town Mrs Grott had provided us with linen and thread.

  We had vacated the arena and were staying in an old inn, where a pair of badgers owned the establishment. Bjorn rested up for a couple of days and was soon walking again.

  The animals let us stay for free because of our heroics and the animals of Hethenheim waited desperately for us to decide whether to remain and protect them.

  I had freed Esca's brother Elia from his prison and the town reinstated him as mayor. He was adamant for us to stay too, but I had an obligation to fulfil. My grandfather was still missing, and I was getting even more desperate to find him.

  At lunch time I’d decided and gave my answer to Elia.

  “Never mind then,” he said. “I hope you find your grandpa, but can I tempt Bjorn into being our new Lord of Hethenheim? We need someone with your stature. His followers are still locked up and we need a watchful eye.”