Chapter 1

Stormy skies

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Jack slowed his breathing and steadied his arm as he looked through the sight of his rifle, lining up the crosshairs over the deer’s head. As he gently squeezed the trigger, the rifle bucked and a loud bang rang out through the trees. Jack lifted his head with a nervous anticipation, just to see the deer disappear into the woods and out of sight.

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“Don’t worry son, you’ll get the next one.” Oliver said as he placed a reassuring hand on his son’s shoulder.

Oliver was taught to hunt by his dad and now wanted to teach his son Jack how to hunt too. Jack had just turned 17 and was given his first rifle for his birthday. Learning how to survive in what they called the real world, was a big thing in the Barker household and although Oliver didn’t take it as seriously as his dad had, he also thought it to be a useful skill, especially given the location of their family home. Their house was over 30miles from the nearest shop and although the road to their house was frequently used and well maintained, the steep incline made it hazardous to travel in the winter months.

Henry was a long-time friend of Oliver and often frequented their house for the weekend. He was like an uncle to Jack and had regularly suggested he join him and his dad on their hunting trips up to the cabin on the hill. Jack had accompanied them on various other occasions but this was his first time trying to actually hunt a living animal. He had shot the rifle a few times but always at tin cans and paper targets taped to trees. Jack wasn’t so keen on killing but knew they always ate what they shot and knew it was more about learning to survive rather than killing for fun so he hesitantly expressed interest in the hunting aspect although it was the quality time away with his dad and Henry he valued the most.

As Jack stood staring at the spot where the deer once stood he wondered if it was his inexperience or his reluctance to kill that made him miss. That weekend they had been joined by Daniel, a work friend of Henry’s. Daniel was an experienced hunter and tracker who had been invited to join them that weekend to increase their chances of finding a deer for Jacks first hunt, but his presence just made Jack more nervous. Daniel seemed nice enough but was outspoken and Jack had only met him once before and wasn’t sure what to make of him.

They moved off through the woods on the trail of the deer that got away but didn’t see it again and after a while the skies began to darken and they felt the light droplets of cool rain hit their skin.

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“A storms rolling in and it’s supposed to be a doozy. We should head back to the pick up before we get caught in it.” Henry said, squinting, as he looked up at the heavens, shielding his eyes from the rain.

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It was a long trek back to the truck and the rain and wind only got worse as they went. They were all well accustomed to the rough weather and barely batted an eye the whole trip back as the wind whistled through the trees and the rain hastened. By the time they reached the vehicle, it had turned into a full blown storm. They quickly secured all their gear the back of the muddied red truck and jumped into the cab, shaking off the rain from their waterproof jackets and rubbing their hands together, hoping the heater would be quick to kick in. Oliver sat behind the wheel as the trucks engine roared into action and they drove out onto the gravel road that lead them back down the mountain. The rain started to fall fast and heavy as they made their way down the bumpy track barely visible through the curtain of water cloaking their vehicle. Jack looked out his window into the blackness wondering how his dad could see where they were going. The once powerful vehicle headlights, now all but a dim glow. This was turning into one of the worst storms they’d seen in years. As a bright flash of light darted across the sky, silhouetting the tall pine trees, they counted the seconds until the booming grumble of thunder echoed through the sky.

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“look out!” Henry shouted from the front passenger seat.

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Oliver swerved the car to a halt as a loud groaning, cracking sound came from up ahead, before a huge cedar tree fell to the ground with an almighty crash missing the truck by inches. A silence fell upon the group as they contemplated their situation. A near miss, and now the track was blocked and the storm was only getting worse.

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“Is everyone ok?” Oliver asked, as he looked around at all the stunned faces.

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Slightly shocked, but all safe and still in good spirits they debated for a while what the best alternate route would be. They didn’t have a road map, not that it would have helped them much. A lot of the area was uncharted, just appearing on maps as a green mass. Oliver knew the area better than the others, so when he suggested the mountain pass was the only other way round or they would just have to wait out the storm where they were, there was an overwhelming agreement to turn back and try the mountain pass.

The journey back up the hill was slow and they all had their eyes peeled for other trees that looked like they could fall. As they arrived at the turning for the mountain pass the track grew thin and the gravel covered road turned into an uneven muddy stone trail. They bumped along at a snail’s pace, climbing higher up the mountain. To one side of them was a large stone cliff face and to the other a drop off that looked like an endless descent in the dark of night.

The storm raged on, wind slamming against the vehicle as they traversed the open hilltop. The thunder and lightning surrounded them in an epic display of bright flashes and deafening sound as though the gods themselves were battling above them. Then came a new and even more terrifying sound as the mountain itself let out a tremendous grumbling groan. The ting of metal rang out as small stones and debris sprayed down onto the trucks hood, quickly turning to loud crashes of rocks and boulders falling from the mountain, denting the shell of the vehicle with every strike. A brief second of quiet gave false relief to the four trapped inside before a gushing wall of mud and rock blacked out the whole right side of the pickup, pushing the vehicle over the edge and down the steep mountainside in a clatter of stone and metal, grinding together in a hellish symphony.

The truck eventually jerked to a halt but the mud wall continued to batter the side of the vehicle, as it perched at an angle facing across the mountain side, precariously pinned in place by a tree. The four sat shaken and confused watching the windows crack under the pressure, waiting for that inevitable moment when the mountain crashes through to swallow them up, encasing them in a muddy tomb, but then as quickly as it had all started, everything fell quiet once more. Looks of anticipation and fear were shared between the group as they waited for what was to come next but as time passed and the still heavy rain began to rinse the slurry off the battered glass they soon realised, it was over.

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“We can’t stay here. We need to go find somewhere safe to hold up for the night” Oliver said, breaking the silence.

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“Just get me off this hillside, before I need another change of underwear.” Replied Daniel, lightening the mood.

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They all knew how lucky they were that the truck hadn’t flipped and they we all relatively unharmed, minor the odd bruised elbow and bumped head from being bounced around. As they gathered up what they could from inside the cab, they tested the doors for a way out. The only door they managed to get open was on the back right hand side, revealing a heaped up mess of muddy rocks and broken wood, up to the wheel arches. Daniel got out first as the other climbed over the seats to get to the exit. His face as he looked at the wreckage said a thousand words.

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“Be careful where you stand. We haven’t reached the bottom of the hill yet.” Daniel shouted back to them, struggling to be heard over the grumbling storm raging around them.

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One by one they tentatively stepped out into a shower of darkness. Not a single light to guide the way just the dim glow from a cloaked moon and the sporadic flash from the lightning overhead. The truck was perched on the mountainside, pinned by a small loan tree, the only thing stopping the vehicle from plummeting down the rocky bank that would have undoubtable lead to their deaths. The back of the pickup had been filled with rubble, making anything that may have still been inside unobtainable.

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“We need to get down from here. It looks like it’s less steep over there. Just watch your step” Henry commanded, with a stretched out arm pointing in front of the truck.

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They cautiously scrambled over the loose stone mountainside that crumbled away with every step. One stumble could be their last, their hearts beating fast as the freezing wind and rain blasted them from above. Eventually the slope began to flatten and they could slowly move down to safer ground. They didn’t know where they were and the flatter the slope got the more trees and undergrowth they had to contend with. Unable to see more than a few feet in front of them, they stayed in a tight group placing one foot in front of the other not knowing where they would end up. As the ground levelled off even more, the trees grew tall and thick, providing some light but much appreciated shelter from the elements.

They reached an old rotten tree, long fallen from a storm years ago, perhaps similar to the one they were experiencing now. New growth from the surrounding forest had grown up around the hollowed out trunk making a rather small natural shelter. The group immediately tucked into the hollow, huddled together, shivering and exhausted.

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“We should be far enough from the slope that we’re safe from any more landslides.” Oliver expressed in a shaky voice as his whole body trembled in the cold.

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They had lost track of time and the night seemed to go on forever. The howling wind blew all night as they patiently waited for the storm to pass, hoping the following day would bring some calm. Hours ticked by, each at some point attempting to close their eyes and sleep, if only for five minutes, but to no avail as the thunderous roar would startle them back into their bleak reality.  The cold, dark night would torment them for what seemed like an eternity as mother nature tested them in the ultimate test of survival.

 

 

 Chapter 2

Paradise lost

 

“Jack. Hey Jack. Time to wake up.”

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Squinting through heavy eyes. Jack lifted his head to see his dad Oliver looking back at him with a peaceful smile. For a moment Jack almost forgot where he was and thought it was time to get up for school, before the rest of his body woke up and realised he was still soaked to the bone and his body began to shiver again. The storm had passed but the effects of the night before still weighed heavy on jack and his skinny teenage body. He sat up with a groan, to see the others shaking off their jackets and hanging them in the small ray or daylight shining through the trees. Jack moved to sit in the sun to try and warm up as the debating about what to do next, began for the third time since the others had woken. They had all eventually managed to get a small amount of sleep but there was still a very apparent grumpiness to all of their attitudes, sending the debate into spiralling circles. Eventually they agreed upon following the valley to where they hoped would lead them to a small local village but after the miles of traveling in the dark the night before, they were all disorientated and knew they would be relying on a large amount of luck.

They gathered up their belongings, still damp and covered in mud, resuming their trek through the forest. The light of day urging them on through the dense brush. Jack’s aching body carried him mile after mile as they continued to follow the valley and hopes of salvation. As time went on Oliver started to get an unshakable feeling in the pit of his stomach. Something just didn’t seem quite right. For a while he kept it to himself not really knowing why he felt that way but he just couldn’t get past the idea that something was out of place. As he went on, he began paying more attention to the forest around him, until eventually he stopped at a small tree and realised what was confusing him.

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“Hey, guys. Wait up.” Oliver said, still staring at the small tree.

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The others joined him at the tree that had so effectively captured Oliver’s attention, although not picking up on the reason why.

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“Do either of you recognise that tree?” Oliver asked, sounding confused.

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They took another look before admitting they also couldn’t identify the tree and although unsure how this was relevant, they returned the question, asking Oliver what kind of tree it was.

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“I have no idea. That’s my point.” He replied.

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It took Henry a moment to understand what he meant, when it occurred to him that their whole lives they had spent in the forest and around trees, quickly learning all the local species and could pretty much recognise any plant or tree in the area. Henry took another look around and soon realised that he also couldn’t identify not only the trees but the ground vegetation, or surrounding plants. Jack, still oblivious to the significance just flopped down on the ground to rest his aching feet while the others seemed to wander off inspecting all the surrounding foliage.

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“Over here.” Daniel shouted, as Oliver and Henry rushed over to join him, just to be immediately shushed when they got to him.

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They stood in silence, just looking at each other, waiting for something, when they began to hear the faint sound of trickling water off in the distance.

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“There’s a stream nearby. Good find.” Said Henry.

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Jack picked himself up off the ground and they all headed in the direction of the running water until they found a small stream following the line of the valley. The stream was crystal clear and surrounded with the most vibrant green moss and beautiful yellow and blue flowers. The sun shone brightly through the gap in the trees and shimmered on the running water as it ran over the smooth grey stones lining the small picturesque stream. Without a seconds thought they ran to the stream and cupped their hands to scoop the water up to drink. The cool spring water was the purest water they had ever tasted and drank faster and faster with smiles on their faces as they basked in the warming rays of the midday sun.

They followed the river through the trees periodically cupping water to drink. They were all so thirsty and the water so fresh. Their aching body’s optimistic for the first time ready to find comfort and a place to rest. As they went, the small stream widened and flowed faster, until up ahead they saw an opening where the stream ran into a larger body of water. The sun lit the way like a mirage glimmering in the distance. A bright colourful oasis of sparkling clear blue water, surrounded by vibrant plants and flowers that flourished in the suns beam. Like a moth to light, they were drawn closer and still with a ravishing thirst they drank from the water’s edge, gulping down more and more. Their surroundings were so beautiful and peaceful they felt saved even though they were still lost. The soothing sound of crickets chirping from the long emerald grass and bird song echoing off the thick bushy trees surrounded them in ambient song. The warm embrace of the suns glow took away the damp chill and the fragrant floral scent from the pink blossoms filled their hearts with peace. They had arrived at paradise.

Still unable to recognise a single plant they explored the lost paradise for any clue to where they were. They felt a million miles away from the forests they knew so well. Strange looking purple and orange frogs hopped across their path while dragonflies the size of birds buzzed through the skies. Large blue fish with sail like fins splashed in the crystal clear water and neon yellow flowers grew on vines that climbed the trees that stood tall round the clearings edge. Unquenched of thirst they returned time and time again to the water to drink but the more they drank the thirstier they became. Even when their stomachs began to hurt they would continue to drink the pure, crystal water.

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“I’m still so thirsty.” Jack exclaimed. as he knelt back down, cupping yet more water in his hands.

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Finally, something clicked in Oliver’s head, when he saw his son trapped in the same endless cycle.

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“Stop!” he yelled out, before pulling Jack away from the water’s edge. “There’s something wrong with the water. Stop drinking it.”

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Now realising the water must have been tainted in some way they tried to ignore their thirst and looked for a place to rest. Just maybe, if they could rest their weary body’s they would feel reenergised and ready for the trip back home. After a quick look around they see a flat area of ground bathed in sun and covered in a lime green bushy plant. To the group, it looked like a fluffy blanket of green clouds, so comfy and welcoming, it seemed like the perfect spot to rest. As they lay down and felt the weight lift off them, they closed their heavy eyes and drifted off for an afternoon nap in the sun.

 

 

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Chapter 3

Forbidden fruit

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Jack woke to a grunting, scratching sound and turned to find Daniel franticly scratching at his neck. His face was red and blotchy, his arms covered in small red bumps like nettle stings.

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“You ok?” Jack asked, as he unknowingly found himself reaching down to his own ankle, to scratch at the rapidly growing pink rash forming on his exposed skin.

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              Daniel turned to answer Jack but after seeing his face, started franticly shouting at him and the others to get up. Startled awake and seeing the rash each of them were now displaying, they all jumped to their feet and began to scratch at their enflamed raw skin.

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              “It must be the plants. Try not to itch it.” Oliver suggested while failing to follow his own advice, as he rubbed his wrist over his neck.

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              “Can we not catch a break.” Daniel said angrily as he continued to scratch at his arms.

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              They were all starting to get frustrated at the alluring wonderland that was now starting to reveal its true colours. It was agreed by all, that it was time to leave before it got dark and that they should continue to follow the stream. They gathered their things and walked round the small basin of still water to join the stream as it continued down the valley.

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              They hadn’t gone far until they found a row of small trees running along the river’s edge. They were small dainty trees with bright amber leaves and Plum purple fruit. The fruits looked juicy and ripe with a perfect and shiny skin but were too big and too perfectly round to be plums.

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              “I’m starving.” Daniel said as he walked over and pulled one of the fruits off the tree.

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              “You can’t seriously think that’s a good idea after everything else?” Henry asked, rolling his eyes as Daniel raised the fruit to his mouth.

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              Daniel stopped for just a moment as he contemplated if he should eat the unknown fruit. His stomach grumbled and his muscles were weak. His thirst grew and mouth watered as he looked at the firm juicy fruit he held in his hand. Unable to stop himself at that point, he lifted it to his lips and took a large bite. Juices ran down his chin and as he got a taste of the sweet flavourful food unlike anything he had tasted before, a giant grin swept across his face. As the group watched on now wanting to try it for themselves, Jack reached up pulling a fruit off the tree and prepared to take his first bite but as he looked back over to Daniel one more time, the joy on his face and been swept away.

Daniel grasped at his throat as he choked and coughed. The fruit fell from his hand and rolled across the floor as he fell to his knees. His face turned red, his eyes widened and became bloodshot. Panic fell as the others rushed to his aid not knowing how to help. As Daniel dropped to the ground coughing up blood, his neck turned red before tearing open, spilling blood across the ground, his skin dissolving into a foamy pink mess, revealing the bones running down his spine. His friends unable to do anything but watch in horror as the life drained from his eyes and his body went limp. Silence fell as they knelt by his side, waiting for someone to say something, do something.

              Jack looked down at his hand still grasping the purple fruit. Then gently placed it down on the ground at the base of the tree from where he had taken it, like it was a bomb that could explode at any moment. Oliver took off his jacket and placed it over Daniels head. Not a single word was uttered as they continued down the river past the fruit trees.

              On and on they went past the most spectacular floral displays, like living art growing out of the ground. Although now, nobody was impressed by the bright colours and elaborate foliage, staying well clear and keeping true. Past lush bushes covered in an array of berries that made the mouth water, but nobody ate, no matter how much their stomachs grumbled and groaned. The thirst grew hard to bare as the sound of running water teased them at every turn but still, nobody drank a drop. For miles and miles, they trekked, starving but surrounded by food and dying of thirst, with a river in sight.

              The day went on and the sun began to drop low in the sky but they continued on, thinking surely they would reach somewhere soon, and soon they did.

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              “There’s something up ahead. The river widens.” Oliver said, with the first hint of optimism his voice had expressed for hours.

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              Excited, Jack ran up ahead to see what was waiting for them just out of sight but when he reached the clearing, he dropped to his knees and began to sob. Oliver and Henry hurried to catch up to him, where they saw the same sight that had brought Jack to tears.

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“That’s impossible.” Henry exclaimed, his voice trembling.

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Impossible, yet there they were, looking out over the same body of water they had spent the last three hours trying to escape. There was the same glistening crystal lake, the same bed of lime green foliage, the same fruit trees, and off in the distance lay the body of their deceased friend.

Darkness fell as the sun gave way, to a dusty, blue moon. The atmosphere around them changed in a moment and the forest came alive with animal calls from the beasts that only woke at night. The feeling of dread filled their weary souls as they assessed their surroundings. Looking out over the water, their attention was captured by a faint glow emanating from beneath the surface. A turquoise blue haze, danced at the water’s edge as the fish swam below, then other areas of the forest also began to glow and pulsate as though the world was breathing in and out. Fireflies danced through the trees and the plants shone neon bright. The berries on the berry bush lit up like fairy lights twinkling in the cool night air and the patter of delicate wings sounded above them as the dragonflies took flight.  Suddenly the fear and dread was once again swept away by the overwhelming beauty of the forgotten land. As though hypnotized Henry moved closer to the forests edge, mesmerised by the lights. A large pulsating orange ring hovered in front of him encircled in darkness. He took another step forward. The orange ring got bigger. Again he stepped closer and again the ring got bigger.

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“Henry, get away from there.” Oliver shouted, a bad feeling growing quickly in the pit of his stomach.

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As Henry turned to look across at Oliver, his legs got pulled from under him as the forest tried to claim him. Desperately he clawed at the ground, reaching out for anything he could grasp on to. Oliver and Jack ran to help him as he got yanked further into the treeline. They grabbed for his arms as he lost his grip on an exposed tree root. Wrapped around his legs were thick, dark green vines with pointy orange thorns that dug into his skin like needles as they slowly tightened their grip, constricting his legs more and more. Out of the darkness the orange ring revealed its true colours. A giant bud shaped flower moved into the light. Its dark burgundy petals gave stark contrast to the glowing orange cone centre, as its leafy tentacle like vines danced around it, before reaching out to get a better grip of the tasty morsel that strayed too close. The vines crawled round Henrys body like snakes wrapping their prey. Squeezing tighter and tighter until his face turned blue and his bones would crack and brake. Oliver lost his grip and Henrys broken body was pulled into the dark depths of the forest, the orange ring fading to darkness while it digested its meal.

 

 

Chapter 4

The way home

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Oliver and Jack scrambled away from the treeline and back into the open, terrified of every blade of grass, jumping at the slightest sound. Tears fell down Jacks face as his father held him in a tight embrace.

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“I’ll get us out of here somehow. Just hold on till morning. We’ll find a way home.” Oliver said, trying to reassure himself as much as his son.

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The night rolled on as the forest stirred. Calls from beast’s unknown surrounded them, watching from the darkness. Cries rang out, from prey unable to escape the clutch of whatever was lurking in the shadows. Till morning they waited huddled together, thinking each moment might be their last. Not until the morning sun had risen high in the sky and the forest was again filled by the song of birds did Oliver and Jack tentatively move on. Knowing there was no hope in following the river that had tricked them the day before, they instead marched through the densely growing undergrowth, through the tall trees, keeping the sun on their backs.

The forest was full of dangers just waiting to be stumbled upon but unfazed the father and son trudged on with a new determination. A last ditch effort to escape, knowing they wouldn’t last another night. Over rocks and fallen trees they struggled on, thorns cutting into their legs. Bugs crawled over their skin, gnawing at their flesh and drinking their blood. Even at their weakest, they went on, encouraging each other to continue when desperation made them feel like giving up. The thirst and hunger made them weak and dizzy. When the forest moved around them, they didn’t know if they should run or if it was just an hallucination.

Every minute felt like an hour as they mindlessly stomped on, dragging one foot in front of the other until they could go, no more. Jack fell to the ground and lay on his back, looking at the pale blue sky visible through the trees canopy. His muscles ached and his vision blurred. Oliver dropped down to his knees next to his son waiting for words of encouragement to leave his mouth, but none ever came. There was nothing left to say. All hope had deserted him. Tears welled up in his eyes as he looked at his son, who now surprisingly, had a small smile growing on his face. The smile quickly turned into a large grin that covered his face before he began to let out a playful giggle.

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“What’s so funny.” Oliver spoke softly, confused by his son’s reaction.

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Jack jumped to his feet and pointed to the large tree stood proud in front of them.

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“Look!” he shouted, “It’s a pine tree, and that one, that’s a cedar.” He announced with excitement, while spinning around to point at the other trees surrounding them.

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It took a moment for Oliver to contemplate as he reached down, to pick up a pile of golden brown leaf litter off the ground.

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“Were back.” Oliver said, his voice filled with relief.

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They might have still been lost in the forest but this was at least the forest they knew, Filling them with a new sense of hope. With a smile on his face Oliver lay on his back to look up at the familiar sight, soon joined by his son Jack next to him where they lay to rest for just a moment before resuming their quest, to find the way home.

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“Hello,” spoke a soft voice from behind them, startling them both to sit up. “Are you ok.” The softly spoken voice then said.

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Oliver and Jack turned to see a small elderly couple fully prepared for a hike, complete with back packs walking boots and sticks. Not what they expected to be seeing out in the middle of nowhere. They turned to look at each other in stunned confusion before Jack finally responded.

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“We. We’ve been lost out in the forest for days. The truck went over the cliff and we…”

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The elderly couple interrupted Jack as they rushed, with and awkward waddle, over to where He sat with his dad.

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“Well you must be the boys that went missing while out hunting in the storm. Silly thing to be doing in that weather.” The little elderly lady said, as she pulled a metal canteen out of her bag and handed it to Jack.

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“Good thing we found you. Let’s get you back to our car and we can take you into town. It’s only a kilometre back that way, if you can make it that far?” Asked the frail elderly man.

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The instant relief overwhelmed Jack and his dad. Thankful to the couple for helping them, they travelled back with to their little car, in disbelief they were so close to a road without even realising. They began to explain the story of the tree and the storm as they went, but when they were asked about what had happened to their friends, they couldn’t find the words to express the strange events that lead to their deaths. Their silence was met with an understanding admiration of a nightmare they didn’t wish to relive. A place that masqueraded as paradise, existed, out there somewhere but in reality, it was nothing but a fools dream.