Oblivion 3 Chapter Three Father knew when he was beaten. Folding up the chess board, he sighed wearily, “That’s another game to you Timmy,” he told the boy ruffling his hair, “I should have liked to have played a game with your Grandpa, he taught you well.” Timmy smiled broadly, a smile that Father had come to love. Timmy had the most captivating smile, one to melt hearts, and whenever he cast it in Father’s direction, the old man was transported back in time to when Devin was a boy, the only difference being that Devin rarely smiled for him at that time. Looking back Father realised a lot of what Devin had said was true. He did favour Vincent at the time, and he was too hard on Devin, to his own detriment, for he had seen Devin smile at others, and never at him. Now seeing Timmy cast such a loving smile in his direction, Father for the first time in his life realised how much he had missed out on. He vowed to make things right when Devin returned, it was never too late to love, even if long overdue. “Will my dad be home tomorrow?” Timmy asked as he kissed Father goodnight, a question he had asked every night since arriving. “No, not tomorrow, but maybe the day after. Not long now Timmy, and I can’t wait to see his face when he sees you.” Timmy smiled more broadly than ever, “And I can’t wait to see his face either. Goodnight Grandfather.” Gerry was waiting for Timmy when he arrived back at her chamber. “Well did you let him win tonight?” she asked him, smiling knowingly. “Nope, I was going to do, but he played a silly move, and I saw my chance to beat him. I couldn’t resist it.” “Perhaps he allowed you to win, huh?” Timmy was thoughtful; “Do you really think so?” “I’m not sure. Father is the best player we have down here. He taught everyone else, Vincent is good though, and he can beat Father, so I expect a good chess player such as yourself could beat him also.” “Grandpa, told me I could play for championships if I wanted to do, but there was always so much to do in the garden, that I never really got time to play as much as I would have liked to do.” Timmy replied wistfully. “Didn’t you spend any time playing with your friends?” “No.” Timmy replied somewhat rebelliously. Gerry’s brow creased into a frown, “Why was that? You did have friends I take it?” “None that were worth having.” Timmy answered her. “But you are such a lovely boy, kind, gentle and funny, surely you made friends easily?” “Grandpa, didn’t have many friends himself. We had each other, and we spent all our time together in the garden.” Timmy brushed away a tear, and Gerry hurried to his side, putting her arm around him. “Timmy, there are a lot of children here, have you made any friends with them yet?” “No. I don’t know...how to.” He replied sadly. “Hmm.” ”Gerry murmured thoughtfully, “It seems to me, that is why you get on so well with adults, would you like to have friends your own age?” “Yes, but I’m nervous. The only kids I’ve ever known called me names.” “Such as?” Gerry prompted gently. “They used to call me Savoy.” “Why Savoy? It sounds a very regal name?” Timmy smiled, “That’s just it, they thought I was a snob, and they called me Savoy because I spent all my time in the garden with Grandpa. Grandpa used to grow champion cabbages, hence the name, you know the cabbage patch kid, and all that. A Savoy is the name of a cabbage with crinkly leaves.” “I don’t know actually, but I take it you took offence at that?” “What other way could I take it?” “Could be that they were jealous of you, Timmy.” “Of me!” “Yes, of your close relationship with your Grandfather, not a lot of children have a loving family these days, they are left to their own devices. You speak to some of the children living Below, I would say all those who have come here to live come from broken homes, they have no mother or father the same as you, but you don’t see them smiling the way you smile. What your Grandfather gave to you was a solid foundation Timmy, a lot of children would be envious of that.” Timmy listened to her words of wisdom, “I never thought of it that way before.” he was silent for a while, ticking it over in his mind, finally asking, “Gerry?” “Mmm” “Tomorrow, would you take me to the other children and introduce me to them?” Gerry nodded, “Of course I will, I know that they are already asking about you, they will be pleased to meet you.” “Are they nice children?” “Most are, those that have lived here a long time, others are shy and hurting, you must be very patient with these ones. And now I think it is time for you to get some sleep.” “Yes, I will, thank you, goodnight Gerry.” “Goodnight Timmy.” she bent to kiss his forehead, “You know Timmy, when you feel comfortable with it, you can call me mum.” Timmy smiled, a most delicious smile, that reminded Gerry of Devin, and her heart melted. She too longed for the return of Devin. Sliding into bed herself a little later, she allowed herself the comfort of reaching out to him through their Bond. He said he would be away for a week, and it had already passed that length of time. Through their connection, she could tell that he was looking forward to returning every bit as much as she was, and for the first time in many days she felt his excitement, and knew that the work was drawing to a close. Hugging the thought to herself, believing him to be home soon, she did not notice the tiny flicker of apprehension, coming through, which he was trying to disguise from her. For far away across the Atlantic Devin still could not shake off the ominous feeling that had prevailed all day. Ever since Mich’ael had set off the explosives. There was nothing he could put his finger on, and certainly no visible signs, yet something was not right. Suddenly he remembered that prior to an earthquake everything grew deathly silent. That was it! The silence. Having been used to no bird song before on Sonn Alp, he had never quite got used to hearing it since they had returned, and now it had stopped again, as if every living thing waited in expectation of something, but what? Could be that the explosion had quietened them of course, or it could be that with their acute hearing they knew something was happening, some movement perhaps that he could not hear. For Devin could not believe that an explosion of that size would go without repercussions, it was almost as if he waited in expectation of something. He tried to shake away the feeling, but it would not budge. Maybe he was just being pessimistic. They had spent the entire day burying all the tiny twisted pieces of metal, and all the small components and parts that would not burn, and tomorrow they planned to take a trip up to the peak, before leaving Sonn Alp for ever. Devin had enjoyed returning. He had to admit that to himself, but he wasn’t sad to be leaving. Besides he had felt Gerry’s joy these last few days, and he longed to get back to find out what it was that was the cause of it. Other than the fact that he missed her dreadfully. *** *** *** Mich’ael well knew that an explosion of that size would not have gone without damage. But when no avalanche occurred, and no cracks appeared on the walls or ceilings within the buildings, he had led himself into a false sense of security that no part of the mountain had suffered in any way. Devin on the other hand having made mountains a topic for study over the years knew for a certainty that something had to have occurred somewhere. And he felt almost as if they were sitting on a time bomb. Every extra second he had to spend on Sonn Alp filled him with anxiety. So when Mich’ael announced it was time to ascend to Sonn Alp’s peak to take in the view before leaving the mountain for ever, Devin was apprehensive. “Perhaps we should forget that idea Mich’ael. After all, the view from one mountain is much the same as any other.” Mich’ael shot him a quizzical look, “ Have I heard you right? I thought there was nothing to stop you from climbing mountains Devin?” “Ordinarily yes, but I want to get home, I miss Gerry so much.” “And I miss Marie, and I too want to get home, but look, our flight is not until later this afternoon, we have plenty of time to get up the mountain and back, and still have time to wait, come on, I can assure you, you will not regret it.” Devin hesitated, and Mich’ael eyed him keenly, “There’s something else isn’t there. You aren’t still believing the explosion will have repercussions, my it’s over thirty six hours ago, surely something would have happened by now, if it was going to do?” “Not necessarily, Mich’ael. You know that the earth is made up of plates, and sudden movement can cause these plates to jam up against one another. A tension thus ensues, and a build up which culminates in the plates lurching forward, in sudden violent jerks, when this happens in the lowlands, it causes an earthquake. And as with an earthquake any explosion does not necessarily cause damage close by, but vibrations spreading outwards from the focus can sometimes be so intense that buildings will collapse miles from where the earthquake or explosion took place. You know sometimes Mich’ael aftershocks are felt hundreds of miles away, but up on a mountain, the aftershocks will have gone deep into the rock causing untold damage that we cannot as yet see, and that is why I am so worried.” “Are you intent on reminding me so, that I should not have done it.” Mich’ael spoke sharply. “No, of course not. Yes, you shouldn’t have done it, I agree with that, but it is not my intention to keep rubbing salt in the wound, what is done, is done, nonetheless I can’t help voicing my fears. I know without a shadow of a doubt that the explosion of that size could not have gone unnoticed.” “So are you going to come up the mountain with me or not?” Mich’ael exasperated. Devin sighed, he really didn’t want to risk it, but he could see it was important to Mich’ael. This mountain had been his home for so many years, and it was painfully obvious that Mich’ael wanted to say goodbye from its very peak, and wanted some company to share it with him. Reluctantly Devin nodded, “Okay, but let’s not linger too long, huh?” Mich’ael’s face creased into a smile. “Thank you, now come on, there is this spot where from there you can see the whole of Austria, or so it seems. And...” his voice trailed away as Devin allowed his thoughts to wander. Tonight he would be home. Tonight he would hold Gerry again. Tonight he would... He sighed, if only it were already tonight, he thought as he climbed into the buggy alongside Mich’ael to begin the journey up to the top of Sonn Alp. The buggy trundled along peacefully enough, and Devin began to relax, the tunnels were reminiscent of the ones back home, and he remembered how Catherine had felt when she had tried to descend into the Dolomite mountains and found that the longing for the more familiar tunnels was unbearable. He could hear her words now, as she came back sobbing, hanging on to him, and telling him how being there had made her long for Vincent so much, that it was physically painful. Knowing that in the Dolomites there was no light at the end of that tunnel for her, as there would always be at the end of those beneath the lawns of Central Park, as long as Vincent waited there for her, had broken her heart. Now with his present longing for Gerry he knew that pain too, and like Catherine he felt he was going in the wrong direction, travelling tunnels that had no joy awaiting at their end, wasting time spent in tunnels beneath the wrong country. Yet beside him, he felt Mich’ael’s joy, his excitement at climbing ever upwards to see for one final time, the sight that he loved so much. Uneventfully they reached the summit, and climbed out, to walk back out into the sunshine and to stand gazing down at the sheer drop to the valley below. The sprawling complex dazzled white in the sunshine, surrounded by the emerald foliage, and sun dappled villas, stood peacefully throughout the grounds, as the sun filtered its way through the fronds of pine and conifer trees. On the other side of the mountain Devin saw at once the ski route that Mich’ael had spoken of. Saw how, even without the presence of snow. Just how exhilarating the descent would be, and far, far away, it was just as Mich’ael had promised. One could almost visualise the whole of Austria stretched before them. Peak after peak of mountain ranges interspersed with green valleys. And turquoise lakes, outcrops of forest and flower draped villas, hotels and shops. And little carts here and there pulled by Haflinga ponies taking tourists along little sandy coloured mountain passes. Up high to tiny little tavernas perched on mountain slopes. Where they relinquished the thought of a long glass of cool Apfelsaft to quench their thirst. Shielding the sun from his eyes, Devin raised a hand to his brow, “Is that a herd of chamois I can see grazing across there, Mich’ael?” Following his gaze, Mich’ael nodded, “Wow”, said Devin, “That must be the largest herd of chamois I have ever seen”. “Since they have been protected they have increased tenfold. Once you know, tourists could buy their pelts for souvenirs, that is a thing of the past, fortunately. Though their pelts are still classed as valuable, and the illegal hunter still kills as many as he can, the same with everything really. Funny you know, that’s one of the reason’s Geraldine was created with the use of Siberian Tiger seed, those magnificent animals are a dying breed.” “I never knew that. That she had been crossed with the Siberian Tiger I mean. I always assumed it would be Bengal.” “No, hence her strength. The Siberian, is the largest of the tigers, and the strongest.” “Well, thank you for showing me this sight Mich’ael, I’m sorry for my apprehension, and glad you talked me into coming, it is a wonderful sight to behold.” Mich’ael nodded, “ I think that is why Marie escaped so often, she could not get enough of being up here, she told me it was her passport to freedom.” “That I can believe Mich’ael. Up here is where freedom exists.” “Other than love huh?” Mich’ael smiled at him. “What makes you say that, Mich’ael?” “Just a quote from a song really, you know, love lifts us up where we belong, where the eagles fly on a mountain high...” “Devin smiled back at him, “Yes I know the one, and yes I agree with that, there are only two experiences in the world then, where one can find total freedom from problems, from life, and that’s within love, and upon the summit of a very high mountain. And that gives me an idea...” “Oh no, not one of your ideas looming, oh please spare me.” Mich’ael held back his laughter, wondering what exquisite morsel Devin would be dreaming up next. “Then I’ll spare you, and keep it for a surprise.” Devin told him happily, “Well, are you ready then to leave. Which path shall we walk down, inside or outside of Sonn Alp?” Mich’ael smiled. “You know Devin when I was a boy I used to firmly believe that when there were two ways open to you, one would lead to life and the other to death. The problem is knowing which is which. You have to analyse the pros and cons, and decide which one would lead you in the right direction.” “I used to do that too, or I would believe that we only had so much breath, and to waste it talking unnecessary would mean a shorter life span.” Devin laughed remembering, “Oh, I had forgotten such silliness.” “But is it? I mean what if we were to travel down the outside of Sonn Alp and live, or travel on the inside, and have the tunnels cave in on us, like you were obviously expecting them to do, on our immediate ascent here.” Devin blushed, “You noticed?” “It was hard not to. If you could have seen your face. Worry etched into every line, you would have noticed it too.” “Well as I so obviously didn’t trust the inside, then I guess we had better trust my instincts and go down on the outside, then the least we could do is slip and fall to our deaths.” “You are such a pessimist.” Mich’ael laughed, making Devin frown once more, “I have a saying Mich’ael, if you always look on the black side of things, then when it turns out as expected you are not disappointed, but if it turns out well, then you are pleasantly surprised.” Mich’ael erupted into laughter, “I must remember that.” Together they took the gravel path that wound its way quite steeply down the mountainside, holding on to one another here and there for support. Breathlessly they stopped from time to time to rest. “I suppose...”puffed Devin, “You can call the buggy back down from the lower level.” Mich’ael clapped a hand to his mouth, “Lord, I forgot about that. No you can’t.” He stopped and looked backwards, they had travelled quite a distance, and he didn’t feel like going back up again, “Oh well,” he sighed, “Its not my problem any more, I don’t expect to use it again.” “That’s okay then, right are you rested enough, what’s the time?” Devin asked him. Mich’ael looked at his watch, “Eleven thirty three,” he replied, “The flight is at two fifty, we’ll make it with time to spare.” No sooner were the words out of his mouth, when Devin, whom he had been holding onto for support, lost his footing and slid. “Are you all right Devin?” Mich’ael asked helping him up. Devin frowned, “Yes, but how did that happen, it was almost as if the floor sank in before me, look Mich’ael put your foot just there, yes that’s it, there, it feels spongy doesn’t it?” Mich’ael felt with his foot, true the ground did feel spongy, yet the grass was as sparse as it had ever been, short and nibbled by chamois, and nothing looked out of the ordinary about it. “We’ll give this bit a wide berth, Devin.” Mich’ael told him, and made to step aside, when the same thing happened to himself. “Strange I have made this descent a hundred times, and never had this happen before, the whole path has always been firm and hard, what could it be?” “This is what I feared Mich’ael. Can’t you see. Though the grass covers it well, beneath the grass a chasm has opened up, and we don’t know how far it stretches, or how deep it goes down, I think we ought to go back, and come back down in the buggy, after all.” Mich’ael nodded his agreement, “Yes as do I, but the way is steep, and I am tired, I won’t be able to hurry.” “Then I will help you as much as I can, look I’ll go behind you and push you forward, Mich’ael.” “Thank you Devin, come on then back up we go.” “Obviously your belief was right then on this occasion Mich’ael, one path was precarious.” “Have faith then Devin, if this path is obviously the wrong one, then the other way will be safe after all and we will get home without a hitch.” Suddenly as if to mock him, a scorpion raced out from beneath a crevice and ran up his boot intent on hiding in the shade beneath his trousers. Mich’ael jumped, away, so that the scorpion fell off his boot, and as he made to kick at it, his other foot slipped on the gravel. Everything happened so fast. He fell backwards, forcing Devin down behind him, and as the pair slid and rolled downwards, clutching wildly at anything they could, the terrain came away in their hands, and they felt themselves hit the spongy grass, below. For a moment, winded they lay still. “Are you all right Mich’ael?” Devin asked. “Yes, nothing broken yet.” Mich’ael told him. “Yet! Now who’s the pessimist?” Devin asked him. “You do realise where we have landed don’t you Devin?” Mich’ael answered gravely. “Yes, but its held us so far, we may be lucky, look can you move, try to edge your way up to where we know it is solid, I’ll hold on to your foot.” Mich’ael laid flat as he had seen it done on TV, when some unfortunate person had fallen into deep mud, and he edged his way gingerly towards solid ground. There was the strangest sensation beneath him, and Devin knowing it too, remarked on it, “It makes me think of those cartoon character’s Mich’ael, you know the ones who run right over a cliff and don’t know they have and keep running for several seconds in mid air. It’s just like that, as if there is nothing beneath me at all.” Mich’ael shuddered, “That’s probably truer than you think. It makes me feel as though I have landed on a plate of glass that shattered beneath me, but didn’t break right through, yet with my every movement the risk grows greater and greater.” Before Devin could comment, he felt the grass bow beneath him, and unadulterated fear coursed through his entire being as the ground opened up, and he felt his body engulfed by nothingness, as his limbs seemed to separate and fall one by one into the great void below! To be continued in Chapter Four.