The New World: A Step Backward (5 page)

Stormulka's hand shot high again, but he set it back down immediately and covered it.  He mouthed "another dangling preposition."

The scholar smiled, then continued.  "Left without the old governments and countries ... that's why you hear about Old North America, Old Europe and such ... we now live in different territories with lots of smaller settlements and villages."

His pointer rested on the spot where Ukkiville was located.  "Ours is a medium-sized village in the territory known as Resourcelands.  This vast area spans sections of land, rich in natural resources that used to belong to the Old United States and Old Canada."

The Intellulka waved his 'teaching wand' at the kids.  "Which one of you can remember when Ukkiville was established?"

Thoruk lifted his arm halfway. "2052?"

The wary instructor scrunched his face.  "Is that a question or a statement, young man?"

The freckled boy with a pale complexion sat straight in his chair and blurted more forcefully.  "It was 2052, sir!"

"Correct.  Now, this one ought to be easy, since each of your families originally came up with the idea.  Which three small villages merged to form Ukkiville?"

Mercy chirped.  "Beliville, where I was born ... Ulkaville, where Storm's from ... and Ukeville, where Thoruk grew up."

The gentleman smiled.  "That's right.  Your three families, who ruled the smaller villages, decided it would be beneficial to combine the skills, natural resources, and knowledge to help each other in one settlement.

"Ukeville was preferred as the best location for the merger due to its proximity to the Lake of Dreams, the forests, and streams.  It was enlarged and renamed to Ukkiville, chosen in a naming contest among the people."

Intellulka looked directly into Thoruk's eyes.  "At the time of the merger, they chose your father, Odinuk, as the ruler of Ukkiville.  And, if you do well studying with me, and later train with Master of Arms, Protuk, you will likely succeed your father if the villagers deem you worthy when the calling comes."

The sage professor scratched his short-cropped beard.  "Many of your Viking ancestors believed in fending for themselves.  As their descendants, your families were keen on developing a set of standards by which to live in order to strengthen the family and community values they believed in."

He peered at Stormulka before the young man raised his arm about the dangler.  "All three households believed self-sufficiency and living off the land was key — that wild game, fish, fresh or canned vegetables, and fruit should be part of the regular diet.

"Minimizing the reliance on others would be more rewarding, prolong their existence, and help them avoid several of the issues that led to the collapse of the previous world order.  If you become too dependent on services or goods from others, you could suffer greatly if those with whom you trade become your enemy.

"If you don't rely on electricity, the damaging energy from electromagnetic pulse generators and nuclear blasts won't turn your daily tools into useless matter."

Intellulka took a deep breath.  "This is why you've learned how to hunt wildlife, grow crops, and raise livestock for dairy and as a supplement for meat when game is lacking.

"Oh, and other household chores and activities you've learned such as making and mending clothes, boots, and such.  What villagers can't gather or make from the surrounding natural resources, they barter for at our trading post."

Getting bored, Thoruk raised his hand and pointed to the dishes in the sink.

The cagey tutor lifted his index finger in the air and shook it.  "Ahhh, I forgot to tell you.  Those who misbehave or disrupt my class too often will be asked to help me with part of my chores."

Thoruk jerked his hand to his side. 
I definitely don't want to be his maid!
  He glimpsed at his fellow prisoners, noticing their glazed appearance.

Obviously, the perceptive master did as well.  "I'll expand on WAP another day.  But — I've been saving an exciting topic for last."

Thoruk shrugged and blinked.  "What is it?"

Leaning over the table, Intellulka slid his glasses up to the bridge of his nose.  "Over the next few months, you will be given the opportunity to benefit from my research of the past 30 years."

Thoruk slanted his brows.  "Come on, don't tease us."

"Be patient."  The professor put his index finger on each of their foreheads in turn.  "I'm going to explain how to control your mind in order to exploit your brain's capacity beyond the abilities of those around you.  Only you and your parents know of this.  You cannot speak of this to any other soul."

The trio's hands skyrocketed, waving back and forth.

Intellulka pivoted away from his three pupils.  "We'll stop here for the day.  Don't forget the homework sheets in the packet I gave you when you arrived."

With his mouth wide open, Thoruk's eyes darted from side to side. 
I guess this old man knows a lot more than I thought.  How on earth am I ever going to remember all of this?

Present Day: August 6, 2075
~
Noon

Straightening up on the couch, Thoruk vigorously shook his head.  He glanced at the clock.
Wow, twenty minutes flew by since I sat down.  I've been daydreaming longer than I thought.
  He looked at Intellulka, who was snoring.

Rising, he softly squeezed his friend's shoulder.  "We're going to meet at the library at 9:00 am tomorrow to discuss the creatures we've found and consider what actions to take.  I'm inviting Protuk, Wolfuk, Mercy, Storm — and you, of course.  I spoke to Doc, but he was asked to assist a doctor in another village and has to leave tonight."

"Oh, okay.  That's a good idea.  Go home, boy.  I've had enough of you for one day.  You've worn me out."  He grinned.  "Go on now."

Thoruk patted him on the back.  "See you in the morning."  His thoughts drifted to tomorrow's meeting. 
I sure hope nobody has discovered any new muclones as strange as the last two.

Wednesday
~
August 7, 2075
~
9:00 am

On a cool, calm morning, Thoruk bounced in the saddle as his powerful, white stallion, Spirit, trotted across the schoolyard.  The broad, muscled horse snorted and whipped his head to the side when Thoruk tightened the reins against the bit.

Hearing hooves nearby, Thoruk turned.  Mercivil pulled up alongside on her sleek, black steed, Midnight.  Stormulka trailed behind her, bending over to stroke the reddish-brown neck of his horse, Lightning.

Thoruk dismounted and tied the reins to a post in front of the school.  "Good morning.  Let's go inside and wait for the others in the library."

Swinging both of the thick, oak doors wide, he left them open to release the warm, stuffy air from the building.  He and his friends went around opening windows to get a cross breeze before sitting at a round, maple table in the middle of the meeting room.

Within a few minutes, Thoruk heard voices in the distance.  "Sounds like Intellulka grumbling."  Protuk's distinguished, deep voice boomed while answering the professor's questions as they entered the room.  Wolfuk, the village's renowned hunter and tracker, shadowed them as they strolled to the table.  Protuk sat next to Thoruk, as the other two took their seats.

After they finished greeting each other, Thoruk looked around the table.  "I asked you to join me this morning to discuss the muclones surfacing lately.  We need to be on the same page with the same goal."

Protuk glanced across the group.  "Rumors of odd sightings are spreading among the villagers.  The word is getting out."

Thoruk rose.  "I'm not surprised given what we've already encountered.  I need to address the people soon, but I want concrete facts first.  What we have now is mostly speculation.

"Until we get the details, keep this among ourselves.  If you hear any rumors, please help tamp them down.  Tell those who are concerned that we're focused on the problem, and we'll address them as soon as we verify the facts.  Ask them to remain mum until then.  We don't want to set off a panic."

He turned to Intellulka and nodded.  "Apparently Zolokt is creating monsters again.  This time the creations are more advanced and dangerous.  Mercy, Storm, and I confronted two such beasts in the past couple of days.

"We need to search the surrounding areas to find and eliminate any still lurking about.  But first we must confirm that Zolokt is behind these experiments and get more facts about what he's doing."

His eyes shifted to Wolfuk.  "That's where you come in.  I need you to contact your connection in the Skalag camp and verify our suspicions.  When you identify the culprit, gather intelligence about the operations: lab location, what muclones are in the making, and where he's releasing them along the countryside.  Finally, are he and his clan planning anything else?  Do you have any questions?"

"No sir."  Wolfuk rose so quickly his chair scooted behind him.  "I'd better get going.  It's a two-day ride to their camp.  It'll take me a few days to collect what you need and get back."

He looked at the others.  "Is there anything else for me?"  Everybody shook their head.  "Then I'm taking off now.  Today is Wednesday.  I'll be back by Monday afternoon.  Let's plan on meeting here at 5:00 pm that day.  Is that okay with all of you?"

After glancing around to make sure nobody objected, Thoruk faced Wolfuk.  "That's perfect.  We'll see you then.  Good luck and be careful."

Pivoting, the trusty tracker rushed out the door.

Thoruk faced the burly man in a scuffed leather vest.  "Protuk, it's essential that we locate all freakish predators skulking anywhere near our community.  We've got to protect the villagers and livestock.

"Your mission is to search and destroy these bloodthirsty creatures.  Get samples to Intellulka after each encounter and thoroughly eliminate any remnants.  Fire is probably best."

Intellulka nodded.  "Yes, torch them to a crisp."

Thoruk returned his focus to Protuk.  "Additionally, post a few sentries around the lake and other strategic spots.  Have them watch for foul play and be ready to assist anybody in trouble."

The heavily-muscled man's steely eyes didn't flinch.  "I'll put the sentries in place by the end of the morning.  The fields and lake area will be cleared by the day after tomorrow.

"I'll get Bartuk and Tradulka to check both forests over the next two days.  They are a couple of our most reliable hunters and excellent trackers.  I've taken care of the vine and hyacinth we discussed yesterday.  They've been destroyed."

"Great, you're on top of this already.  I appreciate that."  Thoruk pointed to Mercivil and Stormulka.  "The three of us are heading up the mountain trail after this meeting to scout that area."

He peered at Intellulka.  "It's imperative we find out how advanced this maniac's mutant cloning process has gotten.  You're going to be a popular man these next few days.  I'll be harassing you every day to get the latest.

"I'll get with you this afternoon to brainstorm.  I need you to establish likely scenarios, anticipating Zolokt's progress from the evidence you examine."

The white-haired scholar grinned.  "I understand, but if you say another word about my dishes or a maid, I'm locking you out and only talking to Mercy."

"Just be ready, Old Man."  Thoruk patted his favorite tutor on the back as they strode out the door to begin their assignments.  "There are going to be some long days ahead.  Let me know if you need any help."

After closing up the school, Thoruk and his buddies mounted their steeds and headed toward the mountain trail with Fluf cantering along.

While the horses trotted up the slope, Stormulka rubbed his fingers together.  "Anybody want to wager whether we find another fiendish critter today?"

One and a Half Hours Later ~ 10:35 am

When they reached the higher elevation, a cool breeze gently swayed the tips of the pines.  While rounding a curve, Thoruk glanced back.  Fluf had fallen behind, so he softly tugged on the reins to allow her to catch up.

As the clickety-clack echo of the hooves went silent, a sound not audible before pricked Thoruk's ear.  He turned in his saddle to face his friends.  "What's that?"

Stormulka cupped his hand around his ear.  "I'm not sure.  It's hard to make out.  Maybe some kind of wildcat."

Mercivil pointed up the mountainside.  "Over there on the cliff — it sounds like it's coming from that cave.  See, by the blue spruce about 50 feet high."

Swinging his right leg over the crown of his steed's back, Thoruk dismounted.  "We better tie the horses to this shrub."

Thoruk snatched a medium-sized battle-ax from Spirit's backpack.  "Let's climb up there and scope it out.  Grab your weapons.  Given the past couple of days, there's no telling what we'll find."

Mercivil took her bow and quiver as Stormulka strapped on his sword.

While scaling the wall, the colors on the face of the bluff caught his eye.  The late morning sun produced a reddish-orange glow on the cliffs of the Eric the Red Mountains.

The closer he got to the mouth of the huge cavern, the more intense the screeching roars pierced his ears.

Stormulka shook his head.  "Initially, I thought maybe a wildcat, but I'm not sure anymore.  It's difficult to tell whether it's a large or small animal."

Arriving at the opening first, Mercivil remained in place to await her friends.  "We should have brought a rope.  Storm may need help climbing the rocky ridge.  He appears to be struggling."

Thoruk clutched her hand as she pulled him up.  "Don't you two get started.  We need to focus on the creature, whatever it is."  As he reached around the corner of the cave's entrance, a stone broke free, falling down the side to the trail below.

A grisly scream fractured the air; the sound of a tormented being that's been tortured endlessly.  The force of the nerve-shattering shriek caught Thoruk off guard, raising goosebumps across his skin.  He recoiled, tightening his grip on the ax. 
It sounds angry!
  "Be careful, you two!  It looks like we're going to have a nasty fight on our hands."

The sun's angle provided little light when he led the way into the black hole.  The mysterious beast remained cloaked from the light, but with each step, its wicked growl grew louder. 
It can't be too far off.

With his heart thumping and palms clammy, Thoruk's eyes darted back and forth to make sure the concealed monster didn't have any companions. 
Shivers, it's too dark.
  He whispered.  "I don't like this.  I'm sure it can see us, but I can't see a thing."

As he trudged forward, the repugnant stench of decaying flesh bombarded his nostrils.  He jerked his head to the side and covered his nose with his arm. 
Uuugh!  What has it been eating?

He shuffled forward, unexpectedly kicking a hard, round object that rolled along the cavern's rocky base.  Slowly reaching downward, he anxiously groped along the wet, mossy bottom, not sure what might be crawling on the ground beneath his feet.

After a couple of seconds, he found the peculiar object and lifted it within a whisker of his eye, barely visible in the dark abyss. 
It's a blazing skull — maybe a fox, or raccoon?

When he took another step, a stone bounced among the rocks before him.  "There — up ahead — I hear something moving."  A ghastly swooosh emanated from ahead.  A frigid shudder vibrated within him.  He gasped.

Stormulka slowly joined him, recoiling suddenly. "Shivers!  What on earth?"

Sucking in a deep gulp of air, Thoruk squinted.  Two ghoulish, luminescent, green eyes glided from side to side about 40 feet ahead. 
Is that thing circling, pacing — flying?  I can't tell in this black hole.

An icy dew spread across Thoruk's forehead and arms.  His heart pounded as if trying to burst from his chest. 
Blazes, what is that?  A huge snake?  They don't make that kind of sound — do they?  But anything is possible with Zolokt — right?