Temporal Adventures

Chapter 14: One Adventure Ends

Chapter 14: One Adventure Ends

A small sphere of energy sprang into being, its dim light illuminating the field of grass around it. Flashes of lightning flickered inside the transparent bubble, and each bolt of energy struck the interior of the sphere and increased its dimensions. The sphere grew to full size in moments before detonating. The explosion sent out a horizontal shockwave from the midpoint as the energy dispersed in all directions. Matthew Blake was deposited along with the Jenkins family on the ground in the middle of the field.

"A most fascinating method of travel," Matthew stated approvingly.

"It does have its limits," Mike countered, holding up the time device. The progress line and numbers on the upper display screen had vanished, and the entire thing had gone dark. "It's out of juice, so I hope we're close to the right year, because this is when we'll be staying."

They immediately began taking in their surroundings, seeing if they could determine their location and time. Beyond the field where they were delivered, a dense forest stretched off into the distance. In the opposite direction was a large lake lapping gently against the shore. The failing light of late evening colored the waters in a variety of shades.

"I see smoke," Cassie pointed out.

Everyone looked where she indicated and saw a column of smoke rising over the treetops.

"It can't be a natural fire," Matthew said authoritatively. "See how it narrows at the base? It either comes from a chimney or campfire."

"Good," Mike said. "We can find someone in that direction who can tell us where and when we ended up."

They headed off as a group toward the distant smoke plume, desperate to know if they had even landed close to their own time. The idea of being trapped in a part of history other than their own was not an appealing thought.

The sun sank in the west, and the moon's ghostly light became more dominant as the sun retreated and took its brightness with it. The temperature, already on the cool side, started becoming positively frigid. It caused their breathing to show in white clouds, and small shivers began affecting them as well.

Mike started watching the surrounding landscape for a place where they could camp somewhat comfortably during the night. He knew if the cold continued to get worse, they could easily freeze to death. Matthew's next comment let Mike know the Duke had been having similar thoughts.

"There's a good place to stop," Matthew mentioned, pointing out a tight cluster of trees. The trunks provided shelter from the wind on almost every side.

"Let's get some leaves," Mike suggested.

The family began working with Matthew to collect piles of dry leaves and heap them in the gap between the tree trunks. It was a taxing chore, but it kept them warm for the time being. When a sufficient amount had been gathered, they crawled in amongst the leaves to rest until morning. Mike was the last in and took a swipe at a low hanging branch with his sword. Although it didn't cut all the way through, he never intended for it to do so. The branch leaned down, covering the opening between tree trunks in a natural door of twigs and leaves.

***

The morning was still cold, and everyone had trouble getting moving. They knew it was necessary to start building up body heat, but they felt like old machines that had rusted in place. They tried to get going, but their limbs argued with every order given to them.

The Duke, having grown up with fewer modern comforts was the first to become fully active. He climbed out of the leaf pile and began brushing the dead plant material from his clothes.