The Fossegrimen Folly

by Michael Almich

  They were waiting for him now, and Gust was probably at the landing spot for the zip line. He decided that rather than trying to hide it on his person, the box would be safer with the nisse bringing it down to the lodge. He took the pillow and stuffed it, box and all, into his bag. Giving the Raven cabin one last look, he jumped out and headed for the Hive and the zip line.

  ***

  With the box still in the forefront of his thoughts, Shy initially failed to notice the increased energy and excitement at the Lodge. Extra tables had been brought into the dining hall, and parents that had already arrived were milling around. Some with their child campers, and some were looking for them. After sitting at his spot quietly and dwelling on how and when he was going to retrieve the box and return it to the lake beyond the waterfall, Shy slowly became aware of the goings-on around him. He watched as his friends' parents arrived. He was introduced to most. He began to look around for his mom or dad. He wished he had remembered who was coming.

  Just then he heard a squeal from the Lake cabin tables. He looked over and saw Portia run into the arms of her mother and father. They hugged her and immediately pulled back to look at her. She began talking fast as they nodded and smiled. She was lucky, Shy thought. So was everyone who had both parents there.

  Again he swiveled to look at the door, and then stood to peek from the window facing the path from the river gorge. The stream of parents had been following the signs that Tad and the other counselors had placed the night before. Now that stream had begun to slow. Where was his mom? Or, his dad? With the box now forgotten, he stared out the window. He was interrupted by Daniel, who limped up with his parents in tow.

  "This is Shy. Shy, this is my mom and dad." Daniel introduced.

  Shy raised a hand in greeting and smiled with embarrassment.

  "Shy?" Daniel's mom asked, as his dad reached out and grabbed Shy's hand to shake it. "That's a different name." She continued as she smiled warmly.

  "It's Shylock, but Shy for short," Shy answered, embarrassed again.

  "Well… it's unique. I like it." She said.

  "Umm… thanks."

  "Shy is gonna run for me in the last event," Daniel volunteered.

  "Yes, well, what did you do to your leg Danny?" His mom changed her tone to the you-need-to-answer-me-right-now tone.

  Daniel looked at Shy with a hint of a smile. They had agreed back after the fossegrimen incident that they wouldn't mention any of the magic fairy stuff to their parents. They all felt that with the exception of Gust and Clancy, adults wouldn't believe it anyway.

  "Well, I was running and my foot caught on a boulder…. You know this is cross country running, right?" He said as he moved his parents away.

  As they moved off, Shy wondered how Daniel's parents were able to both come to this event. They were divorced, the same as Shy's. Evidently they were able to get along. Shy turned back towards the window. Only one set of parents hurrying down the path. What if neither of his showed? What if they both thought the other was coming? They probably didn't even talk to each other about it. Shy was nervous now. Would he have to stay here for another day? By himself?

  Suddenly, he felt a pair of strong hands grip his shoulders. Surprised, he jumped slightly.

  "Kinda jumpy, aren't ya buddy…"

  He turned to see his dad. He gave him a big hug, and some of his tension released. He hadn't seen his dad in a long time. He had talked on the phone with him the night before he left for camp, but hadn't seen him for several weeks before that. His father hugged him back, and then knelt down to look him in the eyes.

  "Wow! I missed you too buddy?" Seeing the look on Shy's face he asked, "You ok?"

  Shy nodded and hugged him again around the shoulders. "I just thought you both forgot."

  His dad pulled him back from the hug and looked him in the eyes again. "You mean your mother and me? Shy….. look we might not get along too well anymore, but we both still love you. That will never change. I wouldn't have missed this for the world!" He gave Shy one more big hug, then said, "So, tell me what's going on with these Camp Games."

  Shy walked him up to the big scoreboard in the front of the room. He explained the cancelled event, saying it had been decided that it was too dangerous for the campers to be out at night. His dad nodded in agreement, though his brows were furrowed. Shy quickly moved on to the fact that he would be in the last event. His dad saw the standings, as they stood after the prior day. He commented on how close they were, and then asked what the prize was. Shy brought him into the game room and showed him the giant trophy that had winners names from each summer inscribed on it.

  As they were strolling back into the dining room, Portia popped out of the door with her parents in tow. There was an awkward few seconds of silence as the adults waited expectantly. Portia smoothly introduced Shy. Shy, for his part, felt really embarrassed. He awkwardly introduced Portia to his dad. The parents introduced themselves and shook hands, and then the two groups moved past each other. Shy wasn't sure why he had gotten so nervous and embarrassed. It's not like they were boyfriend-girlfriend. However, as he looked back to watch her lead her parents off, his dad caught his eye, and gave him a smile and the thumbs up sign. Shy turned red, and dragged his dad back to their table.

  ***

  The first event of the day opened the kids' eyes to how valuable the prize actually was. Parents cheered and pushed their kids to do well. There was a definite intensity surrounding the day's events that simply weren't there the day before. Not having to pay for the camp next year must really be a big deal, Shy thought as he watched the first event with his dad. It was the obstacle course. Finn was the participant from the Forest cabins. He flat out dominated. When he came over the wall of hay bales at the end of the course, the entire Forest cabin contingent cheered, parents and all. It was a good half minute before the next competitor arrived, and he was a boy from the Cave cabins. The Shore and Lake cabins rounded out the field.

  So, as the mixed groups of parents and kids moved up a path to where the rock climbing event would take place, the score stood: Cave thirty-six, Forest thirty-six, Lake thirty, and Shore still at twenty.

  Sawyer was rejuvenated and ready to redeem his failure in the tree climbing event. He was doubly sure of himself once he found out that Crutch was not competing in this event. Shy saw Claire preparing, and thought back to when he saw her climb the fake rock wall at the high school back home. She had looked like a spider back then, and Shy was sure she was prepared to give Sawyer a run for his money. Clancy began the event as per her usual… with the megaphone.

  Shy had been right. Claire had experience rock climbing, and it showed. She found hand and footholds faster than the other two. She literally flew up the wall. Shy was proud of her and happy for her as she claimed first place. After all, she was his one true friend before this camp. She stood at the top and waved. Her group cheered.

  Meanwhile, Sawyer was battling with the Cave boy for second place. Back and forth they climbed. One would take the lead to cheers from his parents and teammates, then the other would surge. In the end, The Cave boy grabbed his flag just a second before Sawyer.

  Third place… that's not good, Shy thought. They would be going into his event trailing the Cave team by two points. That meant, to win, Shy would have to finish the run two places ahead of the Cave competitor. He would have to finish in first or second for sure. His hands began to sweat, and he chewed on his lip. If the Cave runner finished ahead of him, the Forest cabins would end the competition in second. Even if Shy finished just ahead of him, they would tie. He wondered if there was a tie-breaker event.

  Lunch was next, and between the stress of his upcoming event, and his dad asking him questions, Shy continued to forget about the box. Parents and teammates alike came up to him at lunch. They all tried to make him feel confident, but all his insecurities seemed to be winning the confidence battle. Just as they were setting out after lunch, Daniel pulled him aside. The parents walked on as Daniel
limped next to Shy.

  "I just wanted to tell you my plan, if I was running," Daniel said.

  "Daniel, I have to finish first… it’s the only way to be sure… and I can't do it!" Shy whispered as he wiped his sweaty hands on his shorts.

  "You can. I have run with you… I know you can. Here is what to do: start out fast as you can, then back off and pace yourself. Let the others be ahead, make them think you spent all your energy at the beginning. Just keep them in sight, and right before the end, make your move! Sprint to the finish!"

  "I don't think it will be that easy."

  "It will… you'll see," Daniel said, brimming with confidence and a smile that made Shy relax a bit.

  They reached the starting line, and Portia stepped up to him.

  "I know we are racing against each other," she began, "but I just wanted to wish you luck."

  "Ummm… thanks!" He replied.

  Then she leaned in and gave him a quick peck of a kiss on the cheek. It was just a small kiss, the kind relatives give in other countries. To Shy, however, it felt like he was floating. It felt like he hadn't missed all the summer days, lying on his back with Shep, watching the white, pillowy clouds go by. He was ready to run!

  Just before they stepped up to the starting line, his dad grabbed his arm.

  "Go get 'em buddy! Give it all you got, and that is all that matters."

  He gave a swift nod and, still riding the high from his first kiss, he stepped up to the starting line.

  Clancy and her trusty megaphone again doled out instructions.

  "The course is clearly marked with red streamers. It is approximately three miles total, which will carry the contestants to the beach, up the hillside, into the heavy forest, and back down again. There are four clearly marked points along the way, with one staff member at each. The contestants will need to acquire a stamp from each checkpoint. Parents, it is an arduous course, and not for the faint of heart… or breath! The games are close and it could be anyone's trophy!" A few parents clapped. "Perhaps your child has not mentioned it, but the winning team will have their summer camp fees waived for next summer! This is truly, a great prize indeed!" At this, several more parents clapped. "OK, Portia, Shylock," he cringed at his full name being called, "Claudius, and Helen, there will be no time limit. If any of you get lost, just stay put…"

  Shy had been studying his competitors. He felt like Portia would be a good runner, what with her long legs, and her confident air. He knew Claudius, the weasel faced boy from the Cave cabins. Like Portia, he had long legs and skinny, although they called him Clod for a reason. Then there was Helen. He did not know her, but thought he may have seen her around the Lodge. She was from the Shore cabins, and Shy didn't know many, if any, of those girls. Something about her looked so familiar. Shy tried to watch her while Clancy continued with the rules. Suddenly, she turned and looked straight at him and smiled a slow smile. He looked away quickly but a seed of doubt began to grow in his stomach.

  He racked his brain, and then finally it came to him. She had the same eyes as the huldra that had tried to draw Daniel off the night of their second geo caching practice! He wanted to look back, but what would he do if it was her? She didn't really look the same, the girl that other night certainly didn't look like Helen. He snuck another peek and she was still staring at him. He began to sweat. Those deep dark eyes held a hint of evil, just like the huldra. They scared him, those eyes. He had to look again. Just once more.

  As Clancy made sure none of them were over the starting line and raised her megaphone to her lips, shy stole one more glance.

  "On your marks…."

  He saw that Helen was still watching him.

  "Get set…."

  He started to turn away in panic, and just as he did, his vision began to blur. The blur was very thick. He couldn't seem to wade through it. His vision didn't snap.

  "Go!"

  The others jumped and broke his focus.

  "Shy GO!" Daniel screamed from the onlookers.

  So, he ran. His mind raced right along with his body. The group was a tight pack. Shy caught them after his slow start, but did not seem able to get out in front, as Daniel had advised. It was not like a race on a track. Not only was it long, but it covered treacherous terrain. First, the path took them across the beach, where the loose pebbles and rocks created treacherous footing. Then they climbed up the low rocky shore until they were above the beach on the rocky cliff where they had watched the long distance swim the day prior. Here they needed to get a stamp from the Shore cabin counselor. Still in a tightly knit group, they had to wait while each got stamped. Shy left Helen ahead of him, and tried to stare at her. She must have sensed his stare, however, and she turned.

  "We WILL find it." She whispered evilly.

  Then it was her turn to stamp, and she was off after Portia and Claudius. Shy got his stamp and renewed his efforts to take the lead. By the time they passed the crowd of onlookers near the Lodge and swept uphill towards the Forest cabins, Shy was in third behind Portia and Helen. He looked for his Dad in the crowd, but couldn't see him. He did see Daniel, Henry, and Sawyer, and they appeared to be chanting something. He also saw Gust, watching intently from up the hillside, above the crowd. Shy wondered if he was following them as they raced. Shy knew that if Gust tried to hide and watch, no one would see him or know.

  ***

  Gust had picked out his spots along the race path the night before. He knew Shy was running for Daniel and had thus picked out advantageous locations where, moving swiftly from one to the other, he could keep an eye on almost all legs of the race. There was one blind spot, but that was in the trees by the Forest cabins, and Tad's checkpoint was nearby. It would all be OK, the old soldier thought… this was the last event.

  The four kids were running fairly tightly in a pack. Three were focused, but Shy scanned the crowd of onlookers as he went by. It wasn't the first time that Gust had wondered what that lean, sandy-haired kid was thinking. He looked a little wild-eyed, but Gust couldn't see anything amiss.

  It was time for him to move to the next vantage point. He wouldn't have another view of them until after they reached Tad's checkpoint. He silently began to jog, dodging through the trees. His eyesight was sharp for an old man, having been honed in combat in Southeast Asia, and later as a tracker and guide in these northern forests. As he rounded a blind corner, he spotted the slightest bit of movement out of the corner of his eye. He instantly froze up against the rocks. Peering over the top, he saw a girl shuffling forward through the woods. Instantly, the girl disappeared.

  Gust could no longer see through the Glamour like Shy, but he had been working in this camp long enough to know the fairies' tricks when he saw them. He stayed still and watched the general vicinity where he had seen the girl. As he stared he noticed the sway of a fern, the flutter of some leaves, and a random branch bend, as if underfoot. There was a large group on the move, and that didn't bode well for Shy. Suddenly, the quiet signs stopped. He barely breathed. The girl appeared again, shuffling forward through the trees with her head down. She appeared to be alone, but Gust knew better. Either her captors were not strong enough to keep her Glamour net going constantly, or they were trying to draw him in. He smelled ambush.

  He had to get a better look. He quickly moved like a ghost from tree to tree. He didn't need the Glamour, he was as good as invisible in these woods. Closer now, he stopped again and absently stroked the long white mustaches. As he peered around the tree, two thoughts immediately struck him. First, the situation felt like a trap. Second, the girl was none other than Helen from the Shore cabins! That meant the Helen running with Shy was a fake. Had Shy noticed? Was that why he had looked so wildly through the crowd?

  His mustache was flattened as Gust furiously prioritized. He had to rescue the girl, who was now edging away from his position. He also was committed to help Shy. There was no time to lose. He studied her path with urgency. What type of Fey had captured her? He would bet money that
the huldra he had seen those days back, with Shy and Daniel, had something to do with this. If that was the case, the girl was probably being escorted by at least a score of creatures. He would need surprise, and speed.

  He swiftly circled the invisible procession, and taking in the lay of the land, he chose the best tree available for his surprise, and began to climb. Just as he predicted the girl became visible every minute or two. Soon she passed next to his perch.

  The old man with the white mustache leapt from the tree and landed exactly next to the girl, making her jump. The Glamour façade fell immediately. He already had the terrified girl over his shoulder and was moving by the time he saw reaction from the score of black-clad, beetle goblins that had him surrounded. They had flat pig snouts, and faces that looked like bats. Two black tusks protruded out from their cheeks. He held his course and the closest of the goblin warriors braced for the impact of his charge. He planted his right foot, bent, leapt, and spun all in one swift motion. The girl on his shoulders screamed as he jumped. His legs had lost some strength as he had aged, but the height of his leap didn't matter against three and a half foot tall goblins. The spin was swift and smooth and his booted heel connected precisely on the black, flat snouted nose of the first goblin. The beast went down with a howl, flinging black blood from its face.

  Gust landed from his spin in a crouched position, the girl still perched over his shoulder. She was sobbing. The next goblin charged, its gold tipped spear thrust forward. Instead of backing away, Gust let go of the girl and parried the thrust with arms crossed in a downward motion. He caught the spear between his wrists and spun it to face the surprised goblin. It screeched and fell on its own spear. The others were now closing and Gust grasped the girl, who still rested over his shoulder, and ran.

  He had one goal in mind, but looking back he realized the warriors after him would catch them before he got there. He changed course, and adapted his plan on the fly.

  The goblins did indeed have a speed advantage. They bounded like hounds. They jumped and leaped off trees and boulders, using the surroundings to their advantage. They gave nervous, irritating yelps as they hunted their prey. They sounded like hyenas on the hunt, Gust thought.