Destiny: Book of Light Page 5

  "I don't blame you."

  Years passed and the world began to rebuild and recuperate. All except Riona. Those that survived had to deal with poverty disease and mutation. The only structures of government or law were the principles set out by gangs who now totally ruled. There were six dominating gangs each with there own area of the city, and constantly in dispute with rival gangs over the borders, or smaller gangs trying to take control. The city itself was practically quarantined from the rest of the Earth. Not by force but by choice. Anyone who tried to leave the city were so different from what would be considered as normal human form that they were first greeted by crowds of stares and whispers. Nobody would speak to, or even go near them for fear of infection and their treatment within a community would be compared to that of a stray unwanted dog. Children would tease them, throwing stones and chasing them. Shop signs changed from open to closed at any time of the day as they approached and regulars only signs went up in all public houses. So the choice of the lesser of two evils would be to return to the city. Where their condition was normal. Quite varied, but normal. Also the daylight was an issue to them. They did not like it as it burnt their already deformed skin and hurt there light sensitive eyes. This kept numbers from trying to leave the city.

  "I chose to come back."

  The world itself went into economic depression. Much of the worlds technology was lost with the city of Riona. Many of the companies that controlled the worlds advancing technologies were nestled in the heart of Riona and most kept their secrets well hidden from the outside world. Products were sold throughout the world but never their secrets. Any products that did make it through the dark age were in need of repair and with no companies to do it for them, people were reduced to homemade, improvised repair. Cars and other vehicles were abandoned on a biblical scale. Massive junk yards began to appear all over the world. Roads began to deteriorate. And basically the world as people knew it was never the same.

  "Don't be so hard on yourself."

  Oblivious to Sean, thousands of eyes followed and analysed each movement as he made his way from the docks up one of the streets. There were many streets to chose from, all littered with destruction and shadowed with endless towers. There was no way of choosing which one he should take except that he had to chose one. He had no way of knowing where Jones would be and trusted him when he said he would find him should he ever step foot in Riona. Not long after he started on the street, he could make out a figure in the distance.

  "Miss you."

  The journey back had begun rough, but about a month into the trip a calmness came over the seas. Sean woke that morning and peered out the window at cleared skies revealing a relaxing blue day. The skies were blue, the sea was blue, and the light was blue. The sun, although still bearing the weakness of a dying star, warmed the air, but had no effect on the light, cool breeze. The captain slowed the ship to drifting pace. The whole crew were on deck marvelling at the rarity of such a sight in these parts. But those that were below stayed below. They did not wish to deal with the light any more than they had to. Even the captain made his way from the bridge, nursing a cup of coffee. But he did not share in the excitement of the crew. He had a blank stare on his face. A stare that matched Sean’s. A stare they each recognised and did not need to address. There weren't many in the modern world that didn't have a hint of the stare, but there were those who were defined by it. It was a stare that was the reward for dealings with death. The more experience you had with death, the more stare lay in your eyes.

  Sean watched a gull that climbed and dived in the breeze. The freedom it must have. He wondered how its life had been. If it had suffered hardships, if times were hard. If they were,he wondered did that gull worry about it. How it seemed so peaceful gliding through the skies so effortlessly and seemingly careless. He imagined its life being simple, with thoughts only being focused on food and mating. He wished to be the gull. He wished to be free. To not care like when he had been a child around the estate. It seemed that he had been a completely different person back then. That those memories were ones he had stolen from somebody else. But it wasn't and even if it was, the weight on his shoulders he felt now would not be lifted. There was nothing that could lift it. He reminded himself that he didn't want to anyway. He didn't care whether he walked in life or slept in death. All he cared about now was that he at least attempted to avenge all that had been wronged. It meant the death of one man. Admittedly, he probably would be the hardest man on the planet to kill but at least he would die trying. His conscience could deal with that. It seemed ironic to him, death was the only way he could live with himself.

  "Focus on the beauty we saw, and felt."

  The gull disappeared into the distance. Sean felt on some level he was showing the way as land appeared on the horizon. It was Retsa. Although the ship was headed towards the dreaded Dills Pass, due to the new additions to the cargo. If the ship had docked in Retsa city, the cargo would surely be discovered and the outcome of questions asked was anybodies guess. This many Rionions had never been seen outside of Riona since the disaster, but refuelling was necessary. Through Dills Pass however, no questions would be asked, should they make it through alive. Dills Pass was a channel that formed when two great countries, Retsa and Denibo, broke apart many years ago. The outcome of this left many uncharted islands at the end of the channel, and these islands were home to the criminals and pirates that were expelled from anywhere else in the world. The idea behind attempting this was to then dock in Woshell, more like a camp then a city.

  "Jimmy why are we going through Dill’s Pass, the lads are saying we're going to die?" "What age are you now Brendan?"

  "15 sir."

  "Well then you're a man on this ship so I won't lie to you. For as long as anyone from our lands can remember there has never been a ship that made it through Dill’s Pass." "Then why.."

  "If you listen I'll tell you."

  "Sorry sir." He hung his head. The prospect of dying not sitting well with him. "The reason we're doing this is because we can't moor at Retsa on account of our cargo. We gotta head for Woshell." "Why don't we go around the long way then?" A gleam of hope in his eyes. "You remember why we're doing this don't you?" He nodded still looking down.

  "And the problems back home?"

  A less enthusiastic nod replied.

  "It would take us an extra three weeks to go around the long way. We can't afford that kinda time. Anyways we're low on supplies so we gotta tie up soon enough."

  Brendan went about his duties.

  Woshell was part of the country Dasmir. Dasmir being the only country in the Southern Hemisphere to have two of the worlds 21 main cities. These 21 cities decided world order and dominated law and politics since the fall of Riona, but Woshell was fully inhabited by hippies and nature enthusiasts. Besides this and contrary to most of their beliefs the city became a great power because of it's open armed, inviting and relaxed policies. Laws there, were practically non-existent, allowing the free trade between the city and the pirates. The only thing that actually was illegal was murder. It was also home to the criminals should they want time ashore to spend any earnings. A dangerous city at times, but never the less all were welcome. Except of course Rionions. Not even a city that earned it's name for acceptance would accept what they did to the rest of the world whether or not they were innocent of any of it. They got their just punishment and what they did to the world would never be forgotten.

  The deep Jungle rose towering like pillars guarding the entrance to their way forward. Two, long, white sanded beaches spread along the coasts of each country. The beauty of the day and the beaches made it seem as if it was still the tropical paradise of its glory years. The pass itself on the other hand was a deep threatening thought that they were headed straight for.

  "Maybe it would be best if you went below?" asked the captain. "The only people it would be best for, would be anyone waiting in them bushes." Sean replied, then checked that both his handguns
had full clips and a round in the chamber and he strapped them both back in their holsters hanging from under his arms.

  He glanced over the weapons supplied for the crew and picked out a rifle, he cocked it took a look down the sights of the barrel, and then let it rest in his arms waiting with the crew, smoking a cigarette. As they approached, the trees towered bigger than any Sean had ever seen. He had assumed that the pass was much smaller than it actually was because of the illusion the size of the jungle had created. Tensions were on edge as the ship entered the pass.

  Everyone felt the change in the ships speed as the ocean current was funneled into a single underwater valley. The currents below water nearly doubled in speed and a couple of guys on deck stumbled. With the arrival of James, an engineer, all 39 of the crew were on deck now. The Jungle shadowed the height of the ship and all eyes were focused on either side, listening for the slightest sound, or watching for the smallest movement. It created a strange atmosphere with bright blue skies high above and yet shadowed darkness all around.

  The captain was kept busy in the bridge trying to navigate a safe passage down the Channel. Even still though, his gun lay on the mahogany bench in front of him. Sean was now on full alert. Not only did the Jungle tower above the height of the ship, and not only did the speed of the ship continue to pick up, but Sean had noticed mountains springing up in the distance, meaning any village or anyone on those mountains would see the ship from miles off.

  Suddenly a ping of a ricocheting bullet ringed through the air. "Who saw it?" Shouted Sean scanning the jungle as it flashed by. Another whizzing sound cut through the air as a bullet sailed just upward of the crews heads. "Who saw it?" Shouted Sean again.

  "God damn it!" He roared as he scanned the Jungle even more intensely. All was silent for a moment until another whizzing was heard for a split second, but before anyone realised where it was, Dani, the ships Chef hit the ground, his throat bursting open as he tried desperately to hold in his blood. The strain of him struggling to breath, silenced the rest of the crew as they all slowly watched his spurts become less frequent and his eyes roll back into his head. He was like a fish out of water as he flapped around on the deck. "Ok, everybody stay down, get down now Jim." Sean ordered as another bullet whizzed just over the deck hands head. "We can let the ship protect us from bullets but we need to keep on guard for anything that can damage the ship. I have a feeling this is going to get a lot worse before it gets better, but all it seems to be right now is a couple of snipers target practising. So keep your fucking heads down but your eyes wide got it?"

  Sean found a rest for his rifle on the Port side and returned to scanning the Jungle. Another few bullets whizzed past overhead but all heads were kept low now. Sean became alarmed by the speed of the boat. It was tearing down an unknown channel at much too quick a speed. He looked up at the captain in the bridge and could see the strain and sweat on his face as he wrestled the ships wheel. Keeping low he climbed up to the bridge.

  "What the fuck is goin on captain?"

  "There's nothing I can do, the ships in full reverse, the channel is just too quick, but don't worry it's deep the whole way through, we should be fine." "So have you been down here before?"

  "No, and I have never heard of anyone passing here and coming out the otherside." From the height of the bridge Sean could just about see over the canopy of the trees. Out over the sprawling jungle, the rising mountains in the distance, and further down the river. "What is that?" asked Sean, indicating to a plume of smoke on the horizon.

  "I know, I have been watching it. I have no idea what it is. I thought it might be a village on fire, but it appears to be in the middle of the pass and at this speed we'll be there within the hour. I'd say it's probably some form of defence for stopping ships coming down this way."

  Picking up the binoculars Sean frowned as he saw what the captain had been talking about. As they got closer it became even clearer. It looked like a massive gate had been erected about four feet above the height of the river, spread across the width and then lit it on fire. It was unlikely however that this gate would ever open, this was a blockade with one purpose. It was mainly made from wood, but what was disturbing was he could see that it was reinforced with ship parts.

  "Jesus at this speed the only choice we have is to plough straight into that fucking thing. Will we break through it captain?" "To be honest I don't really want to find out, but I guess we have no choice."

  Sean left the bridge and returned to the crew below. Bullets were still whizzing overhead as he returned to his position. Thoughts raced through his mind at the upcoming onslaught. There was a built in reinforced ram at the bow of the ship but the thoughts of having to crash through the blockade were not reassuring.

  "Hey Jimmy, do we have any dynamite on board?" "Ya we have a bit in storage alright, why what you thinking boss?" "That blockade coming up, I was thinking we're goin to need every chance we can get. If we filled one of the lifeboats with dynamite and tied it to a rope, the current would take it ahead of the ship wouldn't it?" "Ya I suppose it would, good thinking boss. I'll say it to the captain."

  With the engines of the ship in reverse, the dynamite placed in the lifeboat and attached to 3 ropes tied together, and the power of the current, the lifeboat was taken to about 30 feet in front of the ship. Sean returned to the bridge.

  "Do you think it will be enough captain?" "I dunno, but after the lifeboat goes up, if I switch the engines from full reverse to full ahead, it will give us the best chance. That gate thing looks thick though. Hopefully it won't be more than a couple of feet thick otherwise it might be an early end to your plans. Make an announcement to the crew and those in the cargo hold for me will you, if it comes down to it, it's better to take your own life than to get captured by these tribes. I have heard many stories about them and unfortunately they weren't exaggerated. Stories that would make the dark days look like a childrens pop up book. Do not get captured!"

  The seriousness in his eyes said it all. The Jungles had begun to darken as the sun began to set. This was far from paradise now. They were closing in fast on the blockade. All along the river banks signs of death were abundant. It was like being back in Riona, yet somehow seeming more sinister. The atmosphere that horror is derived from. Cages hung from the trees with decomposing bodies still being picked at, by hordes of scavenging crows. Skulls and bones lined the bank. The smell was overpowering and a constant reminder of the death about to hit. It was obvious that many ships had been lost down this channel at this point, with wreckages lining the banks and even peering out from the Jungle. It was like a ship graveyard. The bullets continued overhead as the crew began to say goodbye to the world in whatever way they saw fit. Most stared at pictures of loved ones and family members, worrying about their future and remembering the great times of the past as eyes welled up in loss. Some prayed.

  "You see that boss?" Jimmy spoke softly. "What's that Jimmy?"

  "See that dead horse there on the little beach." "What about it?"

  "It's moving."

  "Well maybe it's not dead Jimmy? replied Sean with a hint of a patronising tone. Jimmy glared at him.

  "It is boss, look at his neck."

  Sure enough as Sean looked he noticed a massive gash on the horses neck that would have been impossible to survive. "Jesus Jimmy?"

  "I know boss."

  Sean aimed at the horse with the rifle and squeezed the trigger sending a bullet into the horses back. It stopped moving and a small dreadlocked head appeared from the other side of the horse, covered in blood. A smile spread across his face as he looked over at the tanker. Sean pulled the trigger again and hit the little man right between the eyes.

  "Don't tell the others Jimmy."

  The captain roared down to Sean.

  "Think its time we brought as many of them as we can up from below."

  Fifteen of the creatures were brought on deck. This nearly made the crew more nervous than what they were facing. Stories preceded thes
e creatures in whispers throughout the world. Each one was as different from the next as they were from human. It was also rumoured that they had some sort of magical power brought on by the mutations, but no evidence had ever been produced either for or against this theory. Many thought it to be myth as those that did try to integrate into human society did not use any so called magical powers to defend themselves against the constant ridiculing. And generally those that spoke of it were old and borderline senile. And besides who in there right, adult mind, actually believed in magic. All the creatures wore overhanging hoods shadowing their faces. Only the reflection of eyes could be seen every so often peering out from the hoods, yet for some reason the crew seemed to feel that all of them were smiling. This unnerved them more. What did they have to smile about?

  They began browsing the weapons in the storage boxes on deck, pulling out shotguns, rifles and all other forms of weapons. Swords were a favourite in this age because guns were hard to come by, but in certain situations they were a necessity. Sean and the captain watched on from the bridge as the gate began to tower over the horizon. The two youngest crew members, Brendan and Joe, uncomfortable with the Rionions, decided to move from the starboard side to port. As they did, an arrow was shot from somewhere unseen in the jungle. It burst through Joes chest as his friend watched the pleading glare in his eyes. From the bridge Sean noticed that in the brief moment Brendan held his friend, he had pissed in his pants. What nobody had noticed was that the arrow was attached to a line. Joe changed his look from his friend down to the arrow protruding from his chest and he held the wound as blood spilled over his hands. He looked to his friend again as four points on the arrow sprung open creating a form of grappling hook. The line recoiled with amazing speed and power, ripping Joe from his friends arms, the ship, across the water, and into the deep, dark, jungle.