Night Children: Dark Birth

NIGHT CHILDREN: DARK BIRTH

DARK BEGINNINGS SAGA BOOK ONE

by

Scott Bryan

SMASHWORDS EDITION

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PUBLISHED BY:

Scott Bryan and

Amazing Tales Publishing

Night Children: Dark Birth

Copyright © 2011 by Scott Bryan and Amazing Tales Publishing

This ebook is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. This ebook may not be re-sold or given away to other people. If you would like to share this book with another person, please purchase an additional copy for each person you share it with. This ebook may not be reprinted without permission. If you're reading this book and did not purchase it, or it was not purchased for your use only, then you should return to Smashwords.com and purchase your own copy. Annabelle Foresight, Roland Foresight and any other characters or original concepts featured within this story is covered under this copyright. Thank you for respecting the author's work.

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There is a special virtue in taking a curse and making it a blessing.

Eliza Pratchet

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

Cover photo by Don Phillips

For the knowledge and guidance;

Jeff, Steven L, Willard, Chris, Ian, Jay, Adam, Mike, Daniel, Mr. Peterson, Mr. Warner, Dan M, Claudia, Night Author, Aprilynne, Danielle, Jason, Jesse, Michelle, Kim, Kirk, Liz (RIP), M’liss, Rick, Claire, Anna, Sherry, Antonio, Christy, Garret, Don, Steve D, Cheri, Jennifer, Jimmy III, Laura B., Nicole, Gary, Melanie and two of Mr. Russon’s sixth grade classes.

For the many years of support to your obsessed father;

Laura, Katelyn, Sara and David.

For keeping me focused, even when things were the darkest. My lighthouse,

Janeen.

Chapter One

Arrival

Annabelle was lost. Alone. The hungry woods pressed in on her from all sides, threatening to swallow her up. She couldn’t remember how she got here or why she would have ventured so far into its depths on her own. The rough path stretched out before her, bracketed by dark thickets. The trees crowded inward, blocking her escape.

Where was Mother or Father? Where was Roland, her older brother? Why was she alone? The moonlight reflected off first one pair of glowing eyes in the underbrush, then two.

A scream tore the air, ripping a jagged hole through her heart.

Mother?

Annabelle raced forward through the dark, her shoes crunching the twigs and leaves that covered the path. Her mother’s distant voice pleaded for help. So much pain and fear in the familiar tones!

She ran as fast as she could, but the unfamiliar forest stretched on forever. The same trees and bushes seemed to pass in a blur while her mother’s screams always remained just beyond the darkness.

The screaming stopped. So did Annabelle’s heart. Was she too late? She couldn’t bear the thought.

Mother! Where are you?

She entered a small clearing. The full moon bathed an awful scene. Father lay face down in the dirt, unmoving. Beside him someone dressed in black hunched over her mother’s inert body.

Annabelle gasped and the man turned. Pointed fangs dripped with her mother’s blood. The monster grinned, his red eyes hungry for more.

Annabelle screamed.

Shh, wake up, honey. You’re having a bad dream.

As her eyes struggled open and she fought to sit up, her nightmare gave way to the harsh reality of her real surroundings. A thick stench of excrement, tobacco and vomit burned her nose. The ship’s cargo bay continued its endless rocking. All around her the lantern lights showed barrels of liquor and crates of goods, all tied down so the human cargo wouldn’t be crushed with the sometimes furious rocking of the ship.

The sounds of coughing, snoring and whispering came from all directions. Other families and individuals struggled for sleep as the ship carried them to the New World. Annabelle pursed her lips. The ship’s hold was a nightmare in its own way.

She looked down to find her favorite book, Aaron Hawke’s Guide to Mythical Beasts, still in her lap. She’d fallen asleep reading it. No wonder that make-believe monster had haunted her thoughts.

She cherished this book. Her grandmother was always so proud when Ann helped with her father’s book binding business. The book was her favorite so she chose to bring it when they left London for the New World.

Her mother, Glorianna, wrapped her arms around Annabelle and gave her a squeeze. The warmth felt so good against the harsh cold of their accommodations.

Her family lay huddled around the mid mast, their remaining possessions, several quilts and an old family chest nearby. She was grateful for the quilts but a tiny part of her wished for her other books and the warm house they’d left back in England. London never got this cold or smelly. It felt like they’d already spent an eternity on this horrid ship. At the thought of home she couldn’t hold back her tears.

Hush, Ann, her mother soothed. It’ll be all right. The Captain said we’ll be docking tomorrow.

Lady, why don’t you shut that brat up? A man dressed in filthy rags appeared beside them, his dirty face cracked by a leer that revealed several missing teeth. Annabelle couldn’t believe someone could actually smell worse than the cargo deck. The angry stranger proved her wrong.

Why don’t you jump in the ocean and take your first bath?

Annabelle glanced to her left where her brother already half-stood, glaring at the stranger.

Roland! Mother chided him.

I’ll handle this, son. Their father grabbed the mast and pulled himself up from their makeshift bed. Please leave my family alone, Mister...?

Guardante. Servo Guardante. My master demands my constant service, so I sleep when I can. Your urchin is disturbing my rest. Maybe if I throw her to the fishes we’ll all get some sleep.

A shiver crept up Annabelle’s spine. The stranger’s fingernails were encrusted with something dark. She couldn’t tell in the swinging lantern light if it was dirt or blood. His large bloodshot eyes seemed hungry for more than food.

Touch her and regret it! Roland struggled up again, but Father gently pushed him down.

Mister Guardante, leave us at once or I’ll inform the Captain.

Servo barked a fiendish laugh. What power you must possess, mortal. I could kill all four of you.

Causing problems again, Servo? Mister O’Brian asked. The boatswain, a foot taller than Servo, appeared from the shadows, accompanied by two crew members.

Annabelle liked the man. All throughout their journey he’d check on her family. He missed his children and said Annabelle and her brother reminded him of them.

Clearly outnumbered, the stranger backed away. No trouble. Just visiting, that’s all.

That’s good. Make sure you keep it that way. These people don’t need to smell your stench. Mister O’Brian turned back to them. I’m sorry, Mr. and Mrs. Foresight. You may go back to sleep now. I’ll make sure Mister Guardante doesn’t trouble you again.

If that Guardante person was any indication of the sort of people they’d find in the New World, Annabelle wondered if her family would survive the week.

* * *

Roland! You’re going to fall overboard and drown! Annabelle huffed.

With all the noise permeating the ship, her brother obviously couldn’t hear her. Both the captain and the first mate shouted commands to the crew. Men ran about on deck, intent on their jobs. No one needed two foolish children underfoot.

Despite this, her rebellious older brother stood at the bow, clutching the wood until his knuckles went white, his young face beamed. His fiery hair blew with the sea breeze. It’s just like him to disobey orders and stay up top, she thought.

When she grabbed his arm, he nearly jumped out of his skin.

Why are you ignoring me? Annabelle pulled with all her might but he was stronger than her. Please, let’s go below before Father and Mother realize you’re missing.

Annabelle, look! We’re finally here it’s the New World!

Annabelle turned and gasped. The North American coastline stretched before them, an unending sea of forest broken only at one spot by the beginnings of a wooden fort encircling a few houses. Finally, after months at sea, they’d arrived at their new home.

For a moment she forgot everything, as she gazed at the shore, and the breeze whipped her thick red curls around her face. Euphoria swelled her chest. They were finally here.

The shout of a passing sailor brought her back to earth. She tugged on Roland’s arm again. We’ve got to get below.

He remained fixed to the ship. Stop trying to act like an adult. You’re only eleven. Imagine what we’ll see in the New World. Indians, Wolves, Bears!

Their father’s voice startled Annabelle, You’d better come down to the cabin. They told the passengers to go below some time ago. He gently pushed them towards the hatch. Let’s join your mother and wait until its safe.

Relief flooded through Annabelle. She could always count on her father to rein in Roland’s more dangerous impulses.

Her brother began a barrage of questions as they followed their father down into the ship. Will there be Indians? Where will we live?

Annabelle joined in, What will lessons be like here?

Who cares about lessons? Roland snapped. That’s the real frontier out there. We won’t have time to sit and read. He shot her a scornful glance, then turned back to their father. Will there be other children?

What will we do first? Annabelle asked.

What about wolves? Will we see any bears?

Their father ushered them towards the area near the mid mast that had been their home for the last few months. There will be time enough for all of that. Now help your mother with the quilts. I’ll carry the chest. It’s almost time to dock.

Annabelle watched Mother give Father a quick hug. Her parents were nearly as excited as they were, she realized.

She felt a surge of joy. Despite their crammed, stuffy spot below deck, her mother always seemed to make their long trip at sea seem almost like home. Happiness shone through her long, gentle face like the warm sun. Her beautiful red hair rested on her slender shoulders. Some might’ve seen it as unkempt due to the rigors of traveling at sea, but Annabelle thought its beauty still glowed.

They’re excited again, I see.

Yes, he chuckled. Can you blame them?

No. I believe there’s excitement enough for everyone. She kissed him. In fact, I don’t think I’ve ever seen you this happy.

"I don’t think I’ve ever been this happy. Back in London, our lives were so constrained. Out here in the New World, there are so many possibilities."

Roland shouted, Father, Mother, we’ve stopped. We’re docking. Let’s go! Let’s go! Let’s go!

The excited boy led his family up on deck where they watched the sailors toss heavy ropes over to the wooden jetty. The boatswain shouted for the crew to furl the sails. Annabelle jumped as the heavy anchor chain splashed into the water. She couldn’t believe it. They were finally here.

* * *

Jorgantown has a lot of growing to do, Annabelle’s father said as she and her family stood on the dock, staring out across their new town.

A crossroads for settlers embarking on a new life of adventure, the small fishing community seemed temporary, far from the solid buildings of London and Southampton. The houses were mostly one-story log cabins.

The morning sun gently painted the rough roofs orange while the smell of the ocean mixed with the fresh pine of the surrounding forests. Horses trotted by, pulling a couple wagons down the single dirt road that served as the main street. Most of the townsfolk passed the dock on foot. Annabelle marveled at the limited number of carriages and horses. London’s paved roads had been crowded and smelled of soot. Her new home had wide open spaces and smelled as fresh as a country breeze.

When she glanced towards the towering forest, which looked too close for comfort, Annabelle gripped her mother’s dress as if it were a shield. Loud shouts, a mixture of both laughter and anger, filled her ears.

The town teemed with people. Merchants, sailors, excited children and yapping dogs crowded the street. Overhead, seagulls screeched while black crows fluttered down to land on the rough buildings.

Suddenly the strangeness of it all overwhelmed her. There were too many new people, new sounds and smells. Nothing was familiar.

Anthony, do you see her? Mother asked as she searched the port. Annabelle noticed the deep worry lines etched in her mother’s brow. Communication wasn’t the best between the Old and New Worlds. She hoped her aunt knew what day they were to arrive.

Darling, look there she is. He pointed out into the crowded street. They hadn’t seen Aunt Mabel in years, and Annabelle stood on her tiptoes, straining to get a glimpse of her. Like a splash of cold water to the face, her budding excitement vaporized the minute she saw her aunt’s stiff neck and pinched mouth. Was this the woman whom she’d waited so long to meet?

As Father waved, Annabelle thought she noticed Mabel’s nose rise an inch higher. The woman looked careworn, but from the expression on her face, it was easy to see she held herself above the rest of the crowd. Mabel stepped carefully among the gathered people as if afraid the slightest contact might infect her with some nasty disease.

Roland sighed. All Annabelle’s excitement drained away.

Well, I see you’re all here. Very good, I suppose. Come along. I’ve prepared rooms for you, Mabel said. She led them into the teeming crowd of newly arrived immigrants, sailors and dirty dockworkers.

I haven’t seen you in five years, and that’s the best you can do? How are you? Glorianna cried, and then picked up her skirts to follow her. Annabelle, Roland and their father hurried after the women. Aunt Mabel elbowed her way through the crowds without slowing her pace and Annabelle wondered how she could possibly miss all the rude looks sent her way. The last time you saw Annabelle she was five. You don’t have a single thing you’d like to say to her?

Mabel turned her head and Annabelle bit her lip. She thought she saw a tiny smile in her aunt’s eyes. Sure, it seemed locked behind an iron door, but some warmth existed within her. I see the children have their mother’s curly red hair. I assume it’s as hard to manage as yours is?

She resumed her hurried pace and Annabelle’s mother gave a shrug and followed. Annabelle glanced at Roland. He seemed disgusted with this turn of events.

They crossed the street where a wagon and team of horses stood next to a split rail fence in front of a general store. Father lifted their chest into the wagon as Glorianna pulled Annabelle close and confronted her sister with a smile. Yes, my hair is just as unruly as always. And I’m afraid my daughter takes after me. It’s hard to keep these curls under control.

She gently combed her fingers through Annabelle’s thick hair.

That’s always been your problem Glorianna, keeping control, Mabel snapped. Your husband pursues his endeavors despite the foolishness--

Annabelle’s father turned abruptly, his face flushed red.

"What I planned for us is not foolish. Furthermore, we discussed it as a family, and this is the avenue we wish to take." Without waiting for an answer, he climbed aboard the wagon. Mother gave Mabel a stern look and Mabel sighed expressively.

Take us to the Standstry cabin, she commanded the driver after everyone had climbed in. The horses jerked forward. All I am saying, Anthony, is that uprooting your family and bringing them to this Godforsaken wilderness can’t be in their best interests.

You seem to have no problem living here.

I followed my husband so he could set up the general store. After his death, I did decide to remain, but I am only one woman while you are four. You’ve brought little children. I don’t know what you were thinking.

Roland whispered, "We have to live with her? Maybe we’ll get lucky and be eaten by wolves." Annabelle elbowed him.

Glorianna stepped in. She must’ve felt Father’s temperature rising. Mabel, we do realize you’ve got our best interests at heart. We’ll keep what you say in mind, but you need to understand this is our chance. We wouldn’t be true to ourselves if we didn’t try to make a better life here.

As they traveled, Annabelle saw the untamed countryside behind the houses on the outskirts of town. The thick forest shrank and swelled at various points, making the wilderness seem very close.

She and Roland pointed at everything they saw. There were horses, cattle, sheep, cats, and dogs everywhere. Once, they saw a strange creature rummaging through a refuse pile in an alley. It looked like a large squirrel in a mask.

What’s that? Annabelle asked.

The driver answered. It’s called a raccoon, child. You’ll see plenty of them here.

Annabelle smiled. Then she saw noticed horses in a corral. Father, will you teach me to ride?

Of course, after we’re settled on our own land. That broadened her smile.

A single black crow drew her attention. Sitting on a fence, its eyes startled her. They seemed almost human as it cocked its head to the side and stared back at her. She tossed the silly thought aside.

Roland nudged her. Look.

A family of Indians made their way down the street. The man was bare-chested and held an axe, while his wife was wrapped in leathers and furs. As they passed, she noticed a tiny baby in some sort of cradle strapped to the mother’s back. It looked warm and content.

Annabelle couldn’t imagine such things in crowded London. Father is right, she thought, This land does have a lot to offer.

Chapter Two

Rumors

Night settled in as the family finished their meal. Talk around the wooden table centered on the town and all the hardships involved in setting up a new life here.

It's not as easy as everyone back in England thinks it is. You all expect this to be a land of ease and plenty. Well, it's not. We suffer for you lot while you sit in London and use our spoils, Mabel said.

Now wait a minute. Annabelle’s father set his fork down and leaned forward.

Anthony, dear. Her mother laid a hand on his arm. Let her finish. We’re guests in her home.

Mabel continued. There are all kinds of dangers here none of you understand.

What kind of dangers? Roland asked. Indians?

We've had some troubles with the natives, Mabel said. Tensions are high. They can't be trusted, for one thing. They say we steal from them and that makes it all right for them to steal from us. It's a good thing we have guns. Why, a few weeks ago our soldiers had to shoot some of them because they tried to kill the shopkeeper. They claimed he cheated them.

I hope the townspeople checked to see if the shopkeeper really had cheated them before they started shooting, Glorianna said.

I’ll have you know Arnold is an honest man. He’s always treated me with kindness. Besides, Mabel frowned, they're Indians. Savages. Unclean heathens. We'd be better off without them.

Weren't they here first? Father pointed out. Mother gave him a sharp look. They were to live with Aunt Mabel for two months, and Mother clearly didn’t want any more tension.

But we're here now, Mabel told him. We’re farming this land. Clearly, we have the right to run off a bunch of savage heathens.

Frustration flashed through Annabelle. She pushed it down because she knew questioning adults was wrong, no matter how foolish they sounded.

Mother must’ve seen anger in Father’s face because she quickly asked, What other dangers are there here?

Snakes and wolves, to name a few. The trappers keep catching the wretched beasts, but there always seem to be more of them. Watch where you step.

Wolves, shuddered Annabelle as she thought of several fairytales. There were no wolves in London.

Don’t put your mind to it, child. The way Aunt Mabel said ‘child’ seemed like she was addressing the filth under her shoe. Deaths from wolf attacks aren’t so common anymore. There’s perhaps one a week.

Roland leaned in close. I bet Aunt Mabel scared away quite a few, too. Annabelle giggled.

"What was that, young man?"

Nothing, Aunt Mabel.

I believe it’s time for Bible reading, Mother called out. Annabelle breathed a sigh of relief. It was her turn to read, so she began where they had left off the night before on the ship, Isaiah 34:14.

And the wild-cats shall meet with the jackals, and the satyr shall cry to his fellow; yea, the night-monster shall repose there, and shall find her a place of rest.

Aunt Mabel spoke up. I am glad to see you’ve kept the nightly bible reading tradition. It has always been my favorite time of the day. John and I used to look forward to it once we settled here.

I’m sorry he passed. I know it’s been four years, but it couldn’t have been easy for you, Glorianna said.

Annabelle couldn’t believe it. A hint of emotion finally glimmered in her aunt’s eyes. She’d never thought about how Uncle Standstry’s death must affect her.

Thank you, Glorianna. It’s been difficult. John was a wonderful man. You know, children, he built this house himself. He also built the tavern and several of the other homes.

You must miss him a lot, Aunt Mabel.

Yes, child, I suppose I do.

Shame washed through Annabelle. She had judged her aunt harshly, and she hadn’t considered how hard it must be now that her uncle was gone.

I’d best be off to bed, Mabel said stiffly. I’ll need to stock more supplies with you lot living here. We’ll go shopping tomorrow.

I think we’d better all go to bed. Anthony got up from his chair.

Aw, Father, can’t we stay up a little while longer? Roland pleaded.

You heard your father, Mother said. It’s after sunset and way past your bedtime.

Annabelle followed Roland up the stairs. Her legs felt like lead, almost too heavy to lift. She couldn’t wait to slip into a nice warm bed after weeks of sleeping on the rough floor of the ship.

She fell asleep as soon as her head hit the pillow.

* * *

The next morning she woke full of energy and excitement. She and Roland raced to get dressed and rushed through breakfast as fast as they could.

Mother, Father, we’ll be outside playing, Roland said the moment the meal was done. Annabelle stood up to follow him, but waited for permission from her parents.

Don’t go too far. Stay around people. I don’t want you lost.

Yes, Mother, she said, her heart lifting. She grabbed her book of monsters on the way to the door.

Father added, We’ll meet you at the general store in a few hours.

Aw, all right.

Annabelle glanced at Roland. The way his shoulders slumped, she guessed he’d wanted to walk home.

Outside, she walked beside him, her book held out open before her.

Why did you bring that old thing? Don’t you want to explore? Roland said.

Never taking her eyes from the page, she said, Of course I do. I won’t read it unless we sit down to rest.

You’re reading right now.

She looked up to find Roland glaring at her, and quickly tucked the offending volume under her arm. Walking and reading had long been a habit of hers. She found it very relaxing.

We come all the way to the New World, and you still have your nose in a book. Girls. He set off and she hurried to keep up, determined not to give him another reason to shower her with scorn.

As soon as they entered the busier part of the settlement, however, she forgot her book entirely. It teemed with life. There was much to see and so many different kinds of people, she could hardly take it all in.

Roland pointed at a tall man dressed in buckskins driving a loaded wagon. Annabelle could make out the skins of rabbits, raccoons and foxes. They watched as the hunter rode up to the trading post and climbed out to hitch his wagon.

Two Indians dressed in loincloths exited the trading post and passed the hunter as he made his way inside. The Indians were talking to each other while admiring the trinkets hanging from their belts. Annabelle noticed the fear in some of the villagers’ eyes as they passed.

Look, Indians! Roland rose up on his toes to watch them.

Shh. Don’t point, Annabelle said.

The sounds of men calling to each other drew their attention to the dock. They watched as sailors carried various crates and other items onto the ship they had arrived on just the day before.

Where do you think they’re going?

I’ve no idea. Maybe back to England?

That’s fine for them, but I’m glad I’m staying right here in the colonies where the adventure is, Roland said.

She gave a sigh. "It’s their job. It’s not like they want to stay in England or the New World. They just sail. You know that."

If I was a sailor, and I came to this continent, I’d stay.

She stopped to look at him a moment. "You wouldn’t want to remain a sailor? I would’ve thought you’d love traveling