CHAPTER EIGHTEEN
The children were sitting on the floor in the house, in a large circle, with their legs crossed under them.
The reunion had been one of stunned joy, with no-one saying anything for a time and then everyone trying to talk at once. There were hugs all around and much laughter and back-slapping. Venki was introduced and if he and Jason were a bit distant at first, they soon warmed to one another and it was Venki who began to recount events, with the others joining in.
Porky and Josh interrupted constantly with questions while Simon sat quietly. Danielle and Gabrysia exchanged smiles frequently. Nikko listened attentively.
“How long did you say you’ve been on that plateau?” Simon asked.
“I’m not sure exactly. But it must be about five, six weeks,” replied Fallon. “But listen, how did you bet here, and who owns this fantastic place?”
“Fallon,” interrupted Simon again before anyone could answer his question. “You must have been dreaming. It couldn’t have been that long.”
“Well, as I said I can‘t be certain, but it must be about that.” He looked at Venki and Gabrysia with raised eyebrows.
“That’s right,” said Venki. “It was just over four I think when we got the ponies. It’s around five weeks all up.”
Simon’s face was a blank as he turned to Jason. Then to Gabrysia he said: “What do you say Gabrysia? How long?”
With a puzzled look she answered: “They’re right. It has been that long. But why do you seem surprised? You know too.”
“That’s just it,” he said and cleared his throat. Again he glanced at Jason, then went on clearly: “you see we do know. You were taken in the forest only one week ago Gabrysia. We lost you Fallon six days ago. The day after that Jordon was captured. You can’t have been missing for as long as you say. It’s impossible.”
“Don’t be stupid Simon,” laughed Fallon. “You’ve never been one to tell stories, so don’t try to start now. Come on Jason, or Nikko, tell us how you found us,”
They said nothing. Jason continued to look at Fallon and Gabrysia with a stern expression on his face.
“Well?” repeated Fallon. “What’s wrong? Why don’t you tell us?”
“It’s true,” said Nikko. “You can’t have been here as long as you say. It’s been only days.”
“Listen,” said Fallon, no longer laughing. “This is plain silly. We know how long we’ve been here, there is no way we would be that wrong, and we’re not trying to be smart. It has been a long time, too long, and we just want to go home now. You tell us your story and let’s get out of here. OK?”
“It’s not that easy Fallon,” said Simon again. “We’ve got to clear this up before we can decide what to do. And for another thing, we just can’t leave. Not yet.”
“Why not?” asked Venki. “You found us so you must know the way out.” His face grew serious, and he went on: “What is it? Are you saying you’re lost? You can’t find the way out either?”
“Not exactly,” said Jason. He turned to Nikko. “Perhaps you should try to explain things Nikko.”
Nikko was already unsure how he was going to explain events to the others. The way the conversation had gone so far made it that much more difficult. Everyone was obviously very confused. He was afraid that what he had to say would only confuse them more. Timing was also important and it was unfortunate that Simon had forced the issue so early. He had hoped they could lead into it more gently. But now he had no choice.
“Before I tell you what I’m going to,” he said, “I would like to ask you a favour. Please, if you can, don’t interrupt. Let me tell you the whole story first because it is important I think that you hear it all at once rather than in broken snatches. It is fantastic and I’m pretty sure you are going to think we are crazy. But we’re not. Everything I’m going to say to you is absolutely true. So, again, please bear with me.”
“It can’t be any weirder than what happened to us,” said Venki.
“I’ll let you be the judge of that once you’ve heard our story,” said Nikko. “I guess I should go all the way back to the forest when you were captured by the Drongs Gabrysia.” He stopped briefly and then began to speak.
When he had finished a good while later he was dry. He had spoken at considerable length and as he had requested he had not been interrupted. Now the children sat in silence.
It was Fallon who spoke for the other three. “That’s a good story Nikko, and I think it beats ours. If it’s true. But are you certain it’s not you who have been dreaming? That you have not imagined the whole thing? Creatures and magic? It’s all pretty fabulous you have to admit.”
“I did warn you that you might think we were crazy,” answered Nikko. “But no. We were not dreaming. It all happened just as I have said. And really, it has taken no longer than a week. Not five. So something is wrong somewhere.”
For the next few minutes they argued over the time difference, each group adamant as to its veracity. Throughout the exchanges Venki withdrew into himself and seemed disinterested. During a break he said simply: “You’re both right. It has been one week. And it has been five weeks.”
Fallon turned to his friend. “That is totally illogical and ridiculous.”
Venki went on: “I think it is possible. I think you are mixing up what I said. A person can’t be in two places at the same time I agree. But perhaps two people can be in the same place in two times.”
“Of course they can be in the same place at two different times,” said Fallon. “That is logical. But what does that have to do with us? We’re talking about the same time, notm last week compared with this week. It all happened at the same time.”
“I didn’t say at a different time,” said Venki. “I said in a different time.”
“What’s the difference?”
Venki appeared reluctant to speak further. But he did continue. “I think we entered another time zone when we came out of the tunnel I think you all did too. There is no other explanation. That’s where we are now.”
“Oh that’s absurd,” said Fallon. “With respect Venki that’s science fiction like before. Look. Why don’t we just forget this for the time being and concentrate on getting home.” He turned to Simon. “You said we couldn’t leave yet. Why not?”
“For one thing we don’t know where we are,” answered Simon. “And for another you have to meet Fusan and the other Keepers first.”
“You mean those creatures you met up with? Or think you did?”
“We did alright. This is their home. It’s called Yshon.”
Fallon stood up and went to the door of the house, he stepped outside and looked around the colony of dwellings in the trees. When he came back inside he said: “I grant you this is a pretty incredible place. Whoever built it knew what he was doing, but if what you say is true, where are these creatures? Why aren’t they here now?”
“They are,” answered Jason. “They’re waiting for us in the other houses.”
Nikko added: “Fusan wanted us to see you first and to explain things. He felt it would be better that way. So did we. Prepare you sort of.”
There was a pause. Then: “OK,” said Venki. “You’ve told us. We’re prepared. Let’s see them then.”
“If you turn around young man you will.” Fusan was standing in the doorway. As Venki spun about, as did Fallon, Gabrysia and Jordon, Fusan said: “And also allow me to say how pleased I am to see you are well and safe with your friends. I am sure you must be most relieved to be free and no longer in confinement. I am indeed pleased for you. For all of you.”
They said nothing in reply, but sat startled with the jaws open, so Fusan added: “Welcome to Yshon.”
When they still said nothing Fusan raised his grey eyebrows noticeably and said in his pleasant high-pitched voice: “Do all your friends have this problem with speech young Nikko? If seems that when you introduce them to me they always lose their tongues.”
Nikko laughed. “It does certainly look that way Fusan,” he said. “Mind you, I believe Fallon has never been one for many words, but he has always had at least one.”
“Fantastic,” blurted Fallon as if he had been punched on the back.
“See,” said Nikko. “At least one.”
Jason laughed. Stepping forward he said: “Fusan, I’d like you to meet our friends Fallon, Gabrysia, Jordon and Venki. This is Fusan. He is our imaginary Keeper. And we have already told you, this is his home. This is Yshon.”
“I am honoured,” said Fusan. “Ad I do most sincerely welcome you.”
“Ah, yes, thanks,” stammered Fallon. Then: “I mean, how do you do. Thank you.”
“Hello,” added Gabrysia, followed by a “how do you do” from Venki.
Jordon smiled at the old Keeper. “Hi,” he said.
“And hi to you too Jordon,” replied Fusan.
There was another silence. Fusan looked around the group. “Well now,” he said. “I have to admit this is a significant improvement on the last time we were together Nikko. You are all as one again. And I daresay the six of you were surprised to find Venki here and to hear his tale. It is a remarkable story and if he will permit me I will commend him. You endured much and have survived it well. I applaud you.”
Venki was clearly embarrassed. It would not be possible to say he blushed, though he probably did. But his dark skin concealed it and the only signs were a quick turning away and a shuffle of the feet as he mumbled: “Not really, I mean, I just, er, did the only thing I could do. Ah, anyone would have…Anyway, er, thank you, ah, Fusan.”
There followed a long discussion during which the children probed Fusan about the Keepers and about Yshon, much of it covering areas which the old Keeper had already passed on to Nikko and the others when they were still in the tunnels. However, he did not seem to mind and readily answered all their questions.
Fallon’s and Venki’s scepticism turned to sheer amazement and they were unable to get enough of Fusan and the information he imparted. The fact that the Keepers existed was incredible enough, but that they were in such numbers and so intelligent was little sort of unbelievable. Even as Fusan stood before them Fallon and Venki frequently punctuated their remarks with: “I still don’t believe this.” And when all the children were invited out on to the platform again they were met with such a sight that Gabrysia too echoed the boy’s comment.
“My god,” she exclaimed. “I don’t believe it.”
Hundreds of Keepers, with their sleek black hair, grey highlights and bare patches, had gathered on the higher levels and were looking down on them.
“My friends,” Fusan said simply. “This is my family.” He raised his arms above his head and a soft hum began. It started on the lower levels and rose one by one. By the time it reached the highest platform the sound was a high pitched whine. The children were about to cover their ears when Fusan dropped his arms and the noise abruptly stopped. The contrast was such that if a leaf had fluttered to the ground its rocking downward flight would have been like a waterfall. But no leaf must have separated from a twig because the silence was total.
Fusan interrupted their thoughts. “This is where we live. It is our home.”
“Yshon is nice Fusan,” said Nikko politely. “Not quite what I had pictured from what you told us.”
“You have seen but a fraction of Yshon, Niko,” Fusan answered. “You have seen only our homes. Your tree in the forest, where you live, is one of many thousands. So this is one small part of a far greater whole.”
“You can say that again,” said Fallon. “From what we’ve seen there is no end to this place.”
“It has an end my young friend,” Fusan said. “But unfortunately it is something you shall not see.”
“Why not?” interjected Jordon. “Is it secret or something?”
“No Jordon. But time will not permit. I think you are anxious to return to the Deep.”
“Not the tunnels as such,” said Fallon. “But we do have to get back to the forest, so we do have to go through them I suppose. Unless there is another way.”
“I fear not,” answered the Keeper. “The Deep is the way you must go.”
“Yes,” said Venki. “And that’s the real problem. We can’t.”
“Why not?” asked Simon.
“Because they’re not there.”
“What do you mean they’re not there? Of course they’re there.”
“I mean what I said. The tunnels, or at least the tunnel we came out of, is not there.”
“It was there,” added Gabrysia, “but when we went back later on, we couldn’t find it. The tunnel I mean. The cave was there. But the tunnel and the mountain had disappeared.”
Simon faced Gabrysia squarely. “Let me understand you properly Gabrysia. You came out of a cave onto the plain. Then when you returned there afterwards the cave was still there while the tunnel and the mountain had vanished.”
“Yes. They were gone.”
“You must have gone to the wrong cave, that’s all.”
“It was the same one,” said Venki. “There are no others. We looked for weeks. It was the right cave, but that’s all.”
Jason interrupted. “We’ve been over this weeks business before. That’s not possible. And whole mountains and tunnel networks don’t walk off by themselves either. So you must have got lost. That’s all. Just as Simon says. You got the wrong cave.”
“Listen Jason,” said Fallon sharply. “For the last time, we have been on that plateau, in the tree by the river, for at least five weeks. We are not lying. We did not dream it all up and we are not batty. Now that’s it. And also, the mount ain and the tunnels are gone. As sure as we are standing here, in a jungle surrounded by hundreds of hairy creatures, that mountain disappeared. If you think that is crazy what do you think all this is? It’s just as crazy you know.”
“You’re right of course,” said Nikko in an attempt to cool the situation down. “The whole thing is a little crazy. We all; have to admit that. But Fusan can confirm we have been gone from the forest for only a week, not five as you say.”
Nikko looked to theold Keeper for support. “You are absolutely correct Nikko. You have been in the tunnels for days and not weeks.” As he paused, Nikko turned back to Fallon and was about to speak when Fusan continued: “But Fallon, Venki, Gabrysia and Jordon had indeed been in Yshon for five weeks.”
Fallon laughed. “You’re as bad as Venki. He’s the one with a touch of the sun. reckons we are in another time zone or something,. Here and there. Now, but then too.”
Fusan’s eyebrows rose quickly. “Then Venki is wiser than the rest of you. For that is precisely the case. Yshon is here, now. The Deep is here also, but then. The way to both is the cave. The cave is the door.”
“I knew it,” Venki cried. He beamed at the Keeper. He looked around the group of children, at the houses and the hundreds of other Keepers motionless on the platforms above. When he looked back at Fusan he said: “No. I didn’t know it. I hoped it was true. But does that mean we are now in the future?”
“In a manner,” replied Fusan. “But not the future as you mean it. It is not your future. At a time yet to come your home will not be replaced by Yshon. It will exist with it, not be displaced by it. Yshon is another dimension of now outside. Time there passes differently, that is why you are both right. One week is five weeks. Give is one. But when you again pass into the Deep you will leave the weeks behind you.”
“But how are we going to get back into the tunnels?” repeated Fallon. “They’re gone.”
“Not gone Fallon,” said Fusan. “You just did not see them. They are there, through the gate. You will be taken and shown, do not worry.”
Gabrysia had said little. She had listened and tried to understand what was being said, but was confused by the thought of different dimensions and time frames. Her concern, now that the Leaf Children were all together again, was to get back to the forest and a normal life. She spoke softly: “Will you be coming with us Fusan? Will you let us show you our home? We would be honoured if you would come.”
Fusan shook his head. “I am afraid not my dear, Yshon is our world. The Deep and its treasures we shall continue to protect, but we shall go no further. When we leave you at the cave it will be goodbye. It must be that way.”
“You mean we will not see you again?” asked Jordon. “Ever?”
Fusan touched the youngster gently on the elbow. “I believe we will see one another in our minds for a long time to time. The memory is a mirror, all you have to do is glance in that mirror and we shall be there. It is better Jordon than a crystal ball even.”
“Speaking of crystal balls,” said Fallon, “there is something I want to ask you.”
“Yes?”
“How come that Drong Kerry has one of your balls? One that he used in the first place to capture Gabrysia. And which led to all our problems.”
A hush fell over the group. The children looked at one another and then at Fusan. Nikko had asked himself the same question as soon as he had seen the silver ball in the tunnel. However he had forgotten about it. At the time he had wondered if Fusan had given it to Kerry, if they had known each other. But Fusan had explained many times that the Keepers had done everything possible to avoid contact with the Drongs. To the point of retreating deeper into the maze rather than have a confrontation. Now these thoughts returned and he fixed his eyes on the old Keeper’s.
Fusan showed no emotion in his face. Not that that was unusual. What surprised Nikko particularly was the Keeper’s voice when he spoke. It was a hoarse whisper, a far cry from the high pitch and quite different also to the low harsh tone he seemed to choose when he wanted to be serious. Instead of facing Fallon, Fusan addressed his answer to Nikko. “One cannot go through life without making mistakes. Some are worse than others. Few, and hopefully it is only a few, can do real harm to others. Directly or indirectly. This is not an excuse. I erred seriously. That error has caused harm.”
Nikko could not help but notice the way Fusan spoke. His eloquence had gone, in its place were short, crisp sentences. He is apologising, thought Nikko, and it is hard for him. The words were almost choked out of the Keeper’s throat and Nikko was un sure whether it was because of anger, embarrassment or sorrow.
Fusan said: “Much suffering has resulted. There will be more to come. It is my doing.”
“Why?” asked Fallon. “Why did you give it to him then? You must have known he was rotten.”
“I did not give the ball to the boy,” said Fusan. Fallon was about to ask another question but Fusan put up his hand and went on: “The boy surprised me. I hastened off but left the ball behind. He found it. It should never have happened.”
He stopped. Nikko was sure now that Fusan was angry, angry at himself. He was also sorry for the injury his mistake had caused. But he senses there was more to the story. Gabrysia more than sensed it. She also knew that no matter how hurtful, it had to come out. Softly she urged: “Fusan, we believe you did not give the ball to Kerry, we also can see you regret what happened. But unfortunately I think there is more you have not told us. You see, Kerry mentioned you by name, Keepers, when he had us in his dungeon. You must have seen him again. You must have spoken to him.”
“I had no choice,” said Fusan. “He had the ball.”
“Tell us,” said Nikko. “Please Fusan. We have to know.”
There was a slight hesitation, and then the old Keeper spoke in a low monotone that conveyed as much in emotion as it did information.
“He had the ball. I had to retrieve it. After I ran away the boy stayed in the tunnel playing with it. I knew I had to get it back. He might also tell his friends about us. We would be unable to look after the collections. So I returned and faced him. I just asked for the return of the ball. But he was cunning,. He was not as shocked as you that I could speak. He laughed sand called me funny. Before he would give me the globe, he said, I would have to tell him what I was and what I was doing in the Deep. I did not want to but he said he would keep the ball and tell his friends. So I had to. I did not tell him everything, but it was too much. Then I again asked for the ball. He said no. I had to tell him what it was.” He paused. “I had to.”
“But he kept it anyway,” said Fallon.
“He said he would keep it as insurance. I knew then he was totally untrustworthy. I knew also I had no choice but to leave with my family and go further into the Deep.”
“And he used the ball to get hold of us.” Ended Fallon. “And he could use it again.”
“No,” said Fusan.
“How can you be so sure? It worked once before.”
“It can only be used once. He has no others.”
“Are you certain?”
“Yes.”
“Have you seen him again?”
“Yes. But he has not seen me.”
The children looked at one another but remained silent. Then Nikko faced the old Keeper and spoke: “Thank you Fusan. We had to know, that is now all past. We are safe together. What we must do is look ahead. Plan our next move.”
It had been a trying time for everyone. What had started out as happiness had ended in sadness, doubts or even distrust perhaps. Yet it had been unavoidable. The timing and the manner in which the unsavoury matter had been broached could have been better, but that was behind them now. It had been raised. It had been pursued and Fusan had answered their questions. Information had been gained, but it was difficult to immediately gauge any damage that may have been caused as a result.
Nikko had felt some pity for Fusan as he replied to his critics. He had grown very fond of the old Keeper in a short time and was saddened at his loss of composure and obvious embarrassment and discomfort. At the same time he realised that some of the children had been disappointed at what had happened. This was entirely understandable though. Their misfortune over the last week or so had been the direct result of Fusan’s mistake. It was natural for them to be angry.
Fallon was clearly upset and his expression left little doubt as to his feelings on the matter. Jason and Simon, too, were not pleased. For the others it was hard to tell from their outward appearances what they thought. Nevertheless, if Nikko had to guess he would say there was not much sympathy in the group for the Keepers generally. Fusan had been the cause of the suffering they had all experienced with the sole exception of Venki. He was impassive.
Nikko could not have known it but Venki was unconcerned about the silver ball and the Drongs. His mind was firmly fixed on Fusan’s explanation of the fact that there were different dimensions a person could enter. The thought fascinated him. A window had been opened for him. It was a window that a person could climb through and enter another world where time was not the same. Time travel in effect. He was not sure whether it was a journey back or a glimpse into the future. Fusan had said that because it went faster it took its inhabitants into the future. That only meant that five weeks in Yshon was equal to one week outside.
Venki remembered Nikko recounting Fusan’s claim that he had been alive when even the Dead Place had been vibrant with life. In forest time that made the Keep ancient. But in Yson time he was at least five times as old. It was too incredible. The Keepers had had eons to learn so their knowledge had to be awesome. Venki was bewildered but hungry to learn some of their knowledge.
“We don’t have to go back just yet,” he said. “We should take advantage of our situation to learn something while we can. It won’t hurt.”
“We can’t,” Fallon said. “We have to get back to the forest as soon as we can. Whom knows what’s going on back there.”
“Fallon’s right,” Gabrysia agreed. “We can’t afford to delay. We have to go back through the tunnels don’t forget. That’ll take some time. And we don’t know what to expect there either.”
“Even a day is too long,” said Fallon. “We can stay the night but in the morning we will have to go.”
“That’s just it,” said Venki, gesturing with his hand. “It’s not a day. It’s only a few hours. We can stay here for five days and it’s only one day back there. If we stay on for just two days it’s hardly anything.”
When no-one said anything, Venki continued: “Look. If we stay two days and then leave we’ll get back into the tunnels tomorrow morning. In the morning our time. It will give us the whole day to get through and home. If we leave before then it’ll be night there and we’ll have to either stay in the tunnels, camp in the Dead Place, or walk during the night. None of those are any good. It is to our advantage to stay here longer. And we could use the extra time. Can’t you see that?”
Gabrysia turned to Fallon. “What he says makes sense,” she said. “I don’t understand all this talk of time and dimensions, but the way Venki puts it sounds logical.”
Fallon said nothing. He was deep in thought. Then he spoke. “Two things. First, Fusan is Venki right? If we stay here two more days will it be only tomorrow morning back in the forest?”
“Yes,” Fusan replied. “Right,” said Fallon. “Then I agree. But before we go any further we have to clear something up.” He stopped and surveyed the group of children.
“What’s that?” asked Josh.
“We have to decide who is leader,” said Fallon. “I’m not. As it stands we have three. Venki used to be. Gabrysia was until she was captured. And up to now Nikko has been in charge. We have to decide.”
“I’ve had my time,” Venki smiled. “Besides I am not sure I will be coming back to the forest.”
“What do you mean you’re not coming back?” asked Gabrysia. “Of course you are.”
Venki turned to Fusan. “That depends,” he said. “Fusan would you allow me to join you? I mean, would you and your family permit me to stay here? To live in Yshon?”
“You can’t,” said Jason. “You’re one of us. You belong in the forest.”
Venki continued looking at the Keeper. Ignoring Jason and the others he said: “In want to learn Fusan. I want to know, to understand. There is so much.”
“Venki, you can’t,” repeated Jason.
“Can I Fusan? May I stay?”
Fusan stared at Venki for a long while, then replied: “If you stay you can never return. You will be part of Yshon. Forever.”
“I know that.”
Again Fusan looked deeply into the boy’s eyes. “You are welcome to stay with us Venki.”
“Thank you,” he said and turned to the others. “I shall not be coming, so count me out.”
Nothing any of the children could say would change his mind. He had made his choice. That choice was Yshon.
When the discussion of leadership was returned to the decision was quickly reached. Nikko did not want the role and nor did he think he should have it. He said as much. Gabrysia was returned to leadership and Nikko had the feeling that would have been the outcome even if he had not decided to back out. He was not disappointed. It was the way it should be. Things were getting back to normal and he was pleased. He was sad in a way though that Venki would be remaining behind when they left.
Clearly the boy had a yearning to learn and Nikko respected that. He doubted he could have made the same decision himself. He would leave. But as they were staying a little longer he told himself he should make the most of it.
“Before I hand over the reins, or my reign, I have a final order to give,” he said. The others laughed.
“What’s that?” asked Porky.
“Over the nest two days let’s learn as much as we can,” he said seriously. “Let’s not waste the opportunity. Please Fusan. Please teach us and show us all you can.”
Learn and observe they did. Over the following two days the children saw fabulous things, heard wondrous talks and listened to the teachings of Fusan that covered a history of seeking that could not truly be imagined. In their totality the sights and insights overflowed. Some could not be comprehended, some were understood in part only, but much was considered, digested and absorbed.
During the days they walked and climbed the upper reaches of the jungle where myriad birds and animals flourished. They had suddenly returned to life in a blaze of colour, chatter and movement as if a secret sign had been given. The children also roamed the jungle floor to the river which did not rush on its way to a distant end, but meandered along providing calm security for water creatures of all sizes. The trees parted above the river and the sun beamed down turning the surface to glistening gold and the leaves on the fringe of the jungle to hot silver.
Hours were also spent on the plain on the opposite side of the jungle valley to where Gabrysia, Venki, Fallon and Jordon had spent their first weeks in Yshon. The contrast was stunning. Despite the warmth, the landscape was one of ice and snow covered hills. There were deep blue lakes dotted to the horizon and the sensation was that an invisible shield separated the winter of one side of the valley from the summer of the other. These twin seasons remained unchanged year in year out, they were told.
Back on the platforms in the trees Fusan took the leaf Children into seven of the houses, two of them huge. Inside were scores of objects of wonder: piles of hundreds of silver globes, more blocks with protruding limbs that were merely said t