New Beginnings

New Beginnings

The Lost World Book 3

By

Sonya Sparks

SMASHWORDS EDITION

PUBLISHED BY:

Sonya Sparks on Smashwords

New Beginnings

The Lost World Series - Book 3

Copyright © 2012 by Sonya Sparks

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 recipient. If you’re reading this book and did not purchase it, or it was not purchased for your use only, then please return to Smashwords.com and purchase your own copy.

Thank you for supporting and respecting the hard work of this author.

This book is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places and incidents are the product of the author’s imagination. Any resemblance to actual events, locales, or persons, living or dead is entirely coincidental.

For Mike, Sennamon, Chris, Kierstin and Tyree, I appreciate all of your support and insight.

Part 1

Chapter 1

In a blink of an eye, Rian sent everyone through a portal.

Now it’s just us, what next? Rian questioned.

Ryker became furious. You cannot keep them hidden forever.

Rian froze time as he returned to Cossolonia and gave Logan instructions. He returned to Ryker.

Rian looked lethal once again. Now it is only you and me.

One of us may not live to see tomorrow. Ryker said smiling as he attacked Rian.

Where are we? Melah asked as she looked up at the sparkling crystal skies. She squeezed Raiden’s hand nervously then kissed his forehead. She was worrying as she frowned down at him wondering why he had not awakened by now.

Gabriel looked coolly at Silva then turned his back on her. He walked to a cliff to look out at the landscape. Below was a small river. The clear waters sparkled reflecting many colors. Well I’ll be. He said frowning.

Where did he send us? Silva questioned. She was thinking hard trying to figure out how Ryker knew those things about her. She knew she had a lot of explaining to do because Gabriel was obliviously upset with her.

I do believe we’re in the New World. Rian sent us here to protect us from Ryker. Gabriel said unsmiling.

Melah frowned thinking of her son. She hoped Rian had not been lying to them. She lay down beside Raiden and placed her hand on his tattoo to feel close to him.

Do you think there is anyone else here? Silva asked.

I have no idea. It’s possible we are the first. Gabriel said absently as he looked around.

Rukmon gently placed Rala’s hand in Silva’s as he walked to the cliff’s edge beside Gabriel. Rukmon smiled as he inhaled the fresh air. He finally felt free. He pulled the watch from his pocket Ryker had given him and looked at the time. He smiled. When his time ran out the new world was going to be a new beginning to his new life no matter the outcome.

What do we do now? Silva asked.

Rukmon looked around. We need to find water, food and a temporarily shelter. We need to get Raiden some place safe because we do not know what creatures are here. We do not know anything so we need get moving right away. Rukmon picked Raiden up as everyone stood.

Gabriel led the way. They walked through areas with wide open fields and places where the undergrowth was so thick they had to cut their way through. Overall, their journey so far had been quiet and uneventful. There were a few harmless creatures lurking about but so far they encountered nothing dangerous.

They had been walking for almost an hour when Rala tripped over a vine, when she fell Silva went down with her. As soon as they hit the ground, strange vines started wrapping around them. Silva and Rala both screamed as they scrambled to free themselves. The thick corded vines had many shades of browns and greens on them along with orange berries. Rukmon automatically went for Rala. He knew he could not lay Raiden on the ground so with his free hand he effortlessly pulled Rala up over his shoulder out of harm’s way. Silva had not been so lucky. The vines seemed to latch onto her all at once. Gabriel struggled to free her.

Melah wanted to help but did not know what to do. If she used her gift she could very well end up hurting Silva or worse. She looked around trying to see where the vines were coming from.

Gabriel continued trying to get Silva free but it was as if the vines were alive as they continued to encircle and tighten their grip on her keeping her securely on the ground. He removed a sharp blade to cut the vines away but it was useless. Silva’s screams abruptly stopped as a vine twisted around her neck. She frantically pulled at it trying to free herself but was unable. She was gasping for air. Gabriel wanted to blast the vine away but was afraid he would hurt her in the process. He ignored the vines raveling around his legs as he struggled to free Silva with his bare hands. He fought desperately to ease the pressure from her neck.

The vines strength was amazing but Gabriel somehow managed to grip it enough so she could breath. Silva wheezed as she took in big gulps of air. Gabriel pulled with everything he had but could not rip the vine apart. He knew he did not have a choice. He was about to blast the vine around her neck but within seconds, all of the vines were charred and crumbling apart. Relief washed over him as he quickly pulled Silva to her feet. He looked around and saw Melah. Her black hair was moving around erratically as she quickly destroying every vine she came across.

Melah Gabriel called out.

Melah looked at Silva then allowed herself to become normal again. She felt lightheaded so she leaned against a tree for a few moments to get herself under control.

You ok? Gabriel asked.

Melah stood slowly and smiled, I’m fine. She walked away from where the thick vines had once been. The others followed.

You can put me down now, Rala told Rukmon about fifteen minutes later.

Rukmon ignored her as he continued walking. Everyone was more alert and careful as they move along. Rala felt embarrassed. She knew she was one that had been slowing everyone down.

After an hour or so, Melah looked at Rukmon. He looked as if he could go on for hours. She could not. We need to rest.

Gabriel looked around. Over there Gabriel pointed. It looks like a good spot. They all made their way to the clearing. When I get back Rukmon and I will search for food and water. Gabriel projected his image.

Rukmon looked around then put Rala down. He looked around once more before carefully laying Raiden on the ground. He rechecked the area again. He’s a little feverish. He told Melah.

Melah frowned as she sat beside Raiden. She looked around and smiled, flowers were everywhere especially the pertillia. She kissed Raiden’s forehead tenderly.

Rala inhaled deeply and walked a few feet away from the others.

Don’t go too far. Melah warned her.

Rala waved her hand towards the sound of Melah’s voice. She inhaled again and smiled, just as Rala was reaching out Rukmon walked up behind her.

It’s not what you think.

Rala smiled she was no longer angry with him, How do you know what I think?

Because it smells like fruit but it’s actually flowers. Rukmon said.

Rala laughed out, I know they’re flowers. I was trying to pick them.

Let me Rukmon gave a slight smile as he picked several of the colorful flowers then handed them to her.

Thank you. She smiled as she inhaled deeply, What color are they?

Rukmon smiled, Pink, yellow and purple

Rukmon Gabriel called him over.

Let’s get back Rukmon grabbed Rala’s hand and led her to the others.

"I think we need to find water and food before it gets too late.

How will you test to see if the food is edible or not? Rala questioned.

Rukmon frowned, How else? I’ll have to eat it.

Why don’t you just smell for the poisons? Rala asked.

Rukmon raised an eyebrow, How does one do that?

Many poisons have a distinctive odor. Rala smiled, My grandfather is a scientist that studied plants. He took me everywhere teaching me everything he knew. In my studies at school, I majored in plant life as well. My boyfriend broke up with me because he said I cared more for the plants than I did for him. Rala smiled, I will go and help.

Gabriel frowned, How old are you?

Rala laughed, I’m twenty-four.

Gabriel was shocked to learn she was older than he was, You look so young. Gabriel said.

Rala smiled, I get that a lot. Rala slightly frowned when there was an awkward silence, Are you ready? she held out her hand.

Yea Gabriel said as he looked questioningly at Rukmon.

Rukmon nodded then Gabriel walked off leading the way leaving Rukmon to take Rala’s hand.

For now I think we should avoid the plants. We would have to test each one to be certain they were safe. Rala said.

Rukmon grunted in annoyance.

Rala ignored him, Berries are easier to distinguish whether or not they are poisonous.

What about white berries. They have sort of a smooth surface Gabriel began.

No never white or yellow they are all poisonious. Rala said.

Those are known as whiteapples. They will kill you within ten minutes of eating them. Rukmon said.

I’m impressed. Rala smiled, Look for blue or black berries that are bumpy. They are relatively safe. We can test them before we eat them.

Not those Rukmon said as Gabriel was reaching for some berries. Those are just as bad as the whiteapples.

Gabriel laughed, Why don’t I search for water and the two of you gather the berries. Gabriel walked away.

Rukmon and Rala walked around thirty minutes before finding berries that were safe to eat.

Rala reached out, I will test them. Give me one.

Rukmon frowned, Why?"

Rala frowned, Don’t worry I do not plan on swallow anything.

When Rukmon and Rala returned Gabriel was already there.

I found a safe area by a stream we’ll stay there tonight. It is only a ten-minute walk from here. Gabriel told them.

Rukmon nodded picking Raiden up. Everyone followed. When they reached their new camp, everyone walked around checking out the area. Rukmon found a thick area of soft mossy grass then placed Raiden carefully down.

Rala inhaled deeply carefully making her way to the edge of the stream. She began arranging the flowers and the other items she had Rukmon to gather for her while they had been out searching for berries.

Melah looked over at Rala wondering what she was doing. She went to sit by her then asked.

I’m making a poultice for Raiden to break his fever.

Do you think it’ll work? Melah questioned.

Yes Rala started crushing all of her ingredients.

Gabriel and Rukmon immediately began making shelter. When they were finished, Gabriel left so he could be alone. Silva quietly followed him.

Gabriel frowned slightly as he heard her light steps behind him. He turned around to face her, How did Ryker know?

Silva frowned. I don’t know.

Gabriel did not believe her. He walked away thinking of how Silva kept refusing his proposal.

Silva ran after him grabbing his arm. Gabriel don’t do this. I swear we’ve never slept together.

Gabriel was unsmiling, How did he know about the mole and your dimple?

Silva bit her bottom lip as she wondered herself then it occurred to her. He saw me. Well he came in on me while I was bathing one day. I didn’t think he was looking because he was so angry with me. He had to have seen me when I got out of the tub.

Gabriel remained silent as he stared at her. Were you that comfortable around him to bath and prance around naked? he asked after a few moments.

It reached a point to where I did not care about anything. Silva said.

Have he ever kissed you?

Silva frowned thinking how Ryker had kissed her neck a few times.

Go away Silva I want to be alone right now. Gabriel said after she remained silent.

Silva suddenly became very angry, You are the one that cheated. I have repeatedly told you I have never slept with anyone except for you, but maybe I should have. And yes Ryker kissed the back of my neck a few times but I always pulled away from him. Silva became angrier by the second, You know what, I am not doing this anymore. We are finished. You don’t have to worry about me following or trying to convince you again. Silva furiously walked back to the others. She made sure to sleep as far away from Gabriel as possible.

Melah could not sleep. She was too worried about Raiden. In the middle of the night, Raiden’s fever became much worse before suddenly breaking. However, he remained unconscious. Melah placed her hand on his tattoo. It still throbbed but Raiden seemed less fidgety than before. Melah put her head on his chest listening to the steady rhythm of his heart. The soothing sound calmed her as she finally allowed herself to fall asleep.

The next day the sun was brutal. They decided to stay by the stream for the hottest part of the day. It was shady, near plenty of berries and near fresh water.

Where are you going? Melah frowned as she watched Gabriel closely.

Gabriel looked levelly at her, I’m going to search and see what’s out there. I probably won’t be back until after nightfall.

Melah frowned, I don’t think you should go by yourself.

What do you suggest? I can’t take Rukmon he needs to stay here in case something happens.

Silva stood when she thought no one was paying her any attention and walked up stream. She wanted a bath badly.

Melah frowned, At least take berries with you, so I won’t worry about you picking the wrong ones while you are out.

Gabriel laughed as he Melah wrapped berries inside a cloth. I’ll be back later. Gabriel had noticed Silva trying to slip away unnoticed. He followed in the direction she had gone to make sure she had not wander off too far. When he found her, he frowned. She was swimming in the water naked. He leaned casually against a tree and kept an eye on her.

As Silva swam, she wondered what was on the other