I was awake by loud noise outside. I took steps forward to undo the curtains and look for the source of that noise.. When I undid the curtains--------I saw that all people are running here and there in panic.
From all people who were running I saw Millicent too. I ran towards the door of my house. As I opened the door, Millicent was standing on the threshold panting and sucking as much as air possible. I summoned her to come inside and sit on the sofa. We both sat and I asked her," Millicent, what happened? Why are all running in panic?"
By taking a deep breath she replied," The army has given an immediate warning that the war of the felons is going to commence. So, all were running towards Gawler Mountain Ranges. You too come, fast."
I replied in a hurry," Wait. I will call my parents then we will go."
Millicent replied," Uncle Steve and Aunt have already gone with my parents. You have to come with me fast. Pack your bags. "
Hearing her reply I was just terrified. Many questions occurred in my mind. I asked Millicent in anguish," Why did they leave me alone? Answer my question, Millicent." I was angry and I wanted an explanation, for them leaving me in such perilous time.
Millicent replied with a sigh," They told me that they were going with all the supplies and requested me to bring you in Gawler Mountain Ranges."
I wasn't satisfied by her answer at all. I wanted a proper reason. But I knew that now wasn't the perfect time to argue and ponder on my parents leaving me alone in such treacherous time. I would demand for an answer but later. That wasn't my priority at the moment. So, I told her to wait for me and went towards my closet to take some of my clothes and other accessories. I packed my clothes without wasting a moment. I didn't keep my clothes in a proper manner. I just threw them in my suitcase. The suitcase wasn't heavy instead it was lighter and easy to carry. Having done that, Millicent drove me to Gawler Mountain Ranges in her Holden.
While going towards Gawler Mountains, may thoughts were racing through my mind. I was thinking that we were totally unknown about these creatures--------not having any knowledge that how the vampires and shape-shifters looked like?
We had never seen them so we were not capable of recognizing them. If anyone would see them he would never return. So we were not having an exact knowledge about them.
When I saw around myself, people were running in panic for a safe place. The Alert Military was giving signals to the people to run towards the Gawler Mountains.
I reached to the entrance of cave of the mountains--------my family and other people ran to conceal themselves. I went inside and saw my mother crying and my father feeling insecure about me. But when she saw me her tears stopped and a big smile came on my mother's as well as father's face. All my doubts and rage had vanished. I didn't need any answers from them anymore because their condition gave all the answers to my questions.
She came towards me and hugged me and said," Iris. Are you safe?"
My father took step forward towards Millicent and said to her, "Millicent because of you my daughter is safe. You risked your life and saved our daughter."
My mother agreed," Millicent you are really brave."
Millicent replied, "No Uncle, Iris is my best friend and sister too------so how can I live her alone in the danger."
Hearing Millicent's reply I was pleased and I hugged her. She said, "It is Okay Iris you to have saved me sometimes from danger. Don't be so emotional that you would cry out and make me cry too."
After her reply, I released her and went to meet my other friends with her. The cave was divided into small rooms for each family.
The six rooms at the entrance were given to the Alertness Army. After the curve in the cave the next rooms were our i.e. of sheriff and his colleagues and relatives too.
The rest of the rooms were given to the other people of the territory. Gawler mountain ranges were the longest ranges than any other ranges of our territory. Millicent's room was opposite to my room.
I went further alone to explore the caves in the mountains. Some of the caves were not occupied. They were in the periphery of the settlements in the mountains.
The dark and chilling cave were lit by small candles. Suddenly there passed a gush of cold air leaving the cave in utter darkness and me shivering. Without lights to enter a cave means to engulf in chilling blackness. The absence of light meant the absence of its warming touch. In the cave the only sound that met my straining ears was my own echoing footsteps. The rugged and weary walls stood surrounding me. They seemed so strong yet so beaten from the elements. Cold air filled every corner and warmth seemed to of have never tried to crawl its way in here. There was damp and musky air circling the cave. Darkness swallowed everything and seemed to make worries come into my mind of something unseen. I turned around only to stumble on the jagged rocks beneath me. As I hit the ground, I felt the moist dirt hit my face and sharp rocks pierce my skin. In the darkness ahead, my hands felt moisture seeping through what seemed to be rocks to my side. I turn around because I believed I heard something behind me. A candle was floating in the air and suddenly it lifted up to show a face in the dark.... I asked, hint of horror clearly in my voice," Who are you?" There was utter silence which was later broken by Millicent's voice. As soon as Millicent's voice echoed in the cave, the person with the candle disappeared in fraction of seconds in front of me. I wasn't able to trace its movement--------the person had just vanished in thin air.
Millicent came after few seconds with a candle in her hand. She helped me to get up. I took her support to get outside of the cave.
She asked me with a weird expression on her face," What were you doing here?"
I replied as normally as I could," I was just exploring the deeper parts of the ranges. She gave me a weird look and looked at me as if I was a retard standing in front of her speaking shit.
She took me to the central passage where we all friends would gather to have fun. There was a big waterfall in the interior of the mountains. It was the only waterfall in the vicinity of our caves.
We all had fun there. We played day and night. At night in the central passage all people would gather to play games, dance, play musical instruments and sing. Millicent had a nice voice so she would sing and I would dance on the song with my all friends. I was not much interested in dancing but Millicent's voice was so melodious that whoever ears it would dance gracefully.
We didn't know how time passed but we were staying in the caves for approximately four to five months. The time passed but there was no message from the Alertness Military.
At last! The message came from the Alertness Military. The war ended. We all were taking a deep breath of relaxation.
All were packing up their supplies and going to their homes. We too went to our home. My Father was so restless that as he came home. He didn't take rest for a minute and went to his office which was in the axial territory with his colleagues to discuss about the loss caused during the battle.
I went towards my mother she was adjusting the calendar. After her adjustment of calendar, I saw that it was 16th January 1994. I asked my mother in a surprised manner, "Mom, year 1994. I think you're mistaken."
My mother replied," No my child it's January 1994 by the time we were in the caves."
Dad came home at night and he was very tired and worried. I was going to ask him about his tension but my mother ordered me to go in my bed as it was late for me to sleep. I obeyed my mother's order and went upstairs to my bedroom and slept.
I was awake by sharp seven o' clock in the morning. The day was bright and hot. As it was month of January and year was 1984 which was announced as the hottest year of the decade. Our Schools were closed due to Summer Vacation. School was going to reopen on 27th January 1994. As the hot winds would flow from North to south in the mid January and it was 17th of January and there was sometimes the danger of cyclonic storms.
Our Austral territory had a beautiful river called River Torrens. It was at the foot of Adelaide Hills in the south near the coast. It was filled with ducks and swans. We would also call it as Swan or Cob River.
Today we were going to go to River Torrens just me, Millicent and Arthur for picnic sharing each other's feelings and also a little gossiping. No other people to interfere between us.
At that moment Millicent called me from out of my house. Millicent had worn a purple shaded lace net vest on blue inner top with strips and white leggings and blue short fishnet gloves that matched her dress perfectly.
She asked me, "Iris, are you going to come to the River Torrens?"
I replied, "Wait for some time. First I would have my breakfast and then we will go to River Torrens. Wait, Where's Arthur, isn't he coming?"
She told me, "Okay. So I will go home and help my mother. Till that time you be ready. Arthur is to getting ready. That lazy ass is same like you."
I replied, "Millicent, you......you are so.... rude. I won't forgive you."
Millicent rolled her eyes and went back to her house giggling and I without wasting time went to take a bath. I took a hot shower and cleaned each and every corner of my body. After taking a bath, I dressed up perfectly wearing a black colour off-the-shoulder t-shirt and a grunge jeans cum leggings. My mother was ready with the breakfast. She had worn a brown sequined lace collar top and a white skirt with brown ribbon on it which had an attached beautiful white flower.
While munching breakfast my mother told me, "Please go safely and carefully and don't you, Millicent and Arthur waste time. Also keep a check on atrocities of Arthur. Do you understand?"
I replied in a calm voice, "Okay Mom. Don't worry. I would come as fast as I can. I know how much you love me." She rolled her eyes and I gave a humorless chuckle.
After finishing my breakfast, I asked my mother, "Mom do you know where dad is?"
"Dad went to his office in the morning."
I was amazed and I was going to inquire more about that but at that moment Millicent called me," Are you ready Iris?"
"Yes I am ready. Wait a minute."
"Why were you so late?" she asked annoyingly.
I replied in a low voice, "I am sorry, Millicent."
She mocked looking at me," Okay. Don't repeat it again."
I replied," I will never repeat it again Your Highness." with a chuckle. Arthur standing beside also accompanied me.
Arthur had worn a t-shirt with a 'Hey Arnold' print and a navy blue jeans. His hair as usual set in spikes by gel and sneakers in the foot.
After the conversation, we started the journey towards River Torrens. Millicent was driving the car. She had a Holden VH car which was gifted to her on her last birthday by Uncle Willmur-----------Millicent's Father. As we drove to river, Millicent and I was talking about the war. Arthur was listening to us with great curiosity. His face expressions were so funny. I saw that in the mirror.
Millicent asked, "Has Uncle Steve told you about the death of people during the war?"
I, in amazement replied, "What? He didn't tell me a word about it."
I insisted her to tell me the news completely and was supported by Arthur. She told both of us, "Two or three people were killed by vampires. Their mutilated bodies were found in the corn farm near the borders of our territory." I was stunned hearing the news. So, this was the reason that Dad looked so tense and frustrated last night.
I immediately asked her," Which territory they belonged to?"
"They belonged to the Arctic Territory."
"Who were they? Did you know them?"
"Yes, one of them was my friend's cousin."
While talking about the dead people of Arctic Territory, we arrived near river. Millicent told me," Iris I am going to set up all the food and other belongings nearby the river." So she went on other side of the river. The river was filled with swans which were as white as milk.
I sat nearby the River just staring at river. The water of river was as clear as a mirror and as cold as ice. It was a sunny day. The light blue sky was clear with some white clouds floating here and there. The river water was reflecting the blue color of sky. It seemed a little blue but eventually it seemed a lot transparent. I could make out the fishes swimming in it. I didn't intend on frightening them so I didn't disturbed the equilibrium that was maintained.
Arthur had gone to take some of his belongings from the car. So, I was all alone there staring at the river. Suddenly I felt my throat getting dry and I was out of water at the moment. So, I started filling the water from the river in my bottle as the fishes scattered here and there in panic. The water was so fresh that I took a sip of the water. By taking the sip of the water I was refreshed as the water tasted sweet and pleasant. It began to send electric flux in the pit of my stomach.
While filling the water I was staring at the swans. At a glance, I saw a person standing back of the Maple tree nearby the river. This Maple tree was a connection between River Torrens and Adelaide Hills. It was exactly opposite to where I was sitting.
The person standing behind was not near to me but I saw his eyes dark blue in colour shining in the bright sky and skin was milky white and looked a little frozen. As if he had just come out of a refrigerator. I know that the thought is hilarious but I was astonished by seeing him. Many questions arose in my mind. I started asking questions to myself-------------'Who was he? Was he a human?'
I stood up from the place and went near him but till I would reach near him. He ran from that place. He was too fast or else I was too slow to catch him. I followed him but he was too fast to catch. Then too I continued to follow him but he was nowhere to be seen. By the time, I was following him-----------it was dark not because the sun had set but because I was standing in the woods all surrounded by thick branches of trees. I could clearly hear the sound of magpies and jays.
At that moment, Millicent shouted aloud," Iris, where are you? Are you fine?"
Millicent's voice was followed by Arthur's voice, "Iris, Where are you? Are you safe? Answer me."
Hearing to their voice it was definite that they were angry as hell.
I shouted back," I am in the forest and I am safe Millicent. Don't worry."
She asked," Where are you in the forest?" I replied," I am at the archway of Faynights woods." 'Faynights Woods' was a name given to the forest at the foot of Adelaide Hills by the civilians living near the hills. It wasn't official name although.
She replied, "Wait there. We both are coming."
I waited there and they both appeared in few minutes. Her face was red as a tomato due to anger. Arthur standing behind Millicent signaled me with a 'today- you- will- be- murdered- by- Millicent' look. Seeing her face I was totally aghast and was standing frozen at that place.
Millicent came near me and screamed at me with pointed look," Why did you come here? Don't you know that the blood suckers often come here?" Her voice was a blend of tension and anger.
I was going to tell her about the person behind the Maple tree. But seeing her tense face I was not able to tell her about the incident. But then I made up my mind and I called her," Wait Millicent I want to tell you that why I went in the forest."
She groaned," Now, What?"
"Fill me in, Iris" said Arthur with a goofy smile and excitement on his face.
I asked by keeping my hand in front of Millicent and Arthur with a 'need- assurance' look," You both promise me that you wouldn't tell this to anyone."
Now they both were excited to hear what I wanted to tell them. But Millicent tried to hide her excitement and made expressions that she was not so interested to hear it. But Arthur couldn't and gave me 'I-am-excited' look. I think that is enough of looks for one day.
Living her facial expressions aside, I told Millicent and Arthur," Millicent when I was filling the water in my bottle, I saw a person behind the Maple Tree which connected the Faynights Woods and River Torrens. He had shiny blue eyes and a little frozen white skin."
Hearing my words Millicent was totally astonished. She didn't speak a word for few minutes but then broke the silence. She held my arms tightly and she came near me and asked me," All that you just told me was real or you are just playing a prank with me?"
I replied with astonishment clearly in my voice," No, I am telling the truth."
After hearing my reply Millicent told me," You were really fortunate today. But who told you to follow the person?"
I asked her," What happened? Why are you angry on me?" She told me nothing and walked forward.
Now we were out of forest and I asked her but she didn't speak a word as if she had taken morn. She walked towards the picnic spot, picked up the lunch basket and turned towards us and said, "Picnic's over guys. We should leave now." I and Arthur were shocked by hearing her comment and ran behind her.
Now we were walking with the same speed and there was no chance for Millicent to run away. Here 'we' means 'I and Millicent' as Arthur had gone to take some of his belongings which he had forgotten back near the river. Millicent was three years elder than me and she knew about everything so in that case she also knew about the person behind Maple tree. I was eighteen years old and she was twenty-one years old.
I insisted her or rather forced her," Who was that person? Tell me Millicent."
She was not ready to tell me but at last she surrendered and said," He was a blood sucker-----------a VAMPIRE whom you had seen behind the Maple tree and followed him in the woods."
After hearing her reply I was totally shocked. But I was a little bit happy too because I was fortunate. I told her," Don't tell this to my parents or anyone else. When the time comes I will tell them about the person to my parents."
Millicent interrupted," He is a vampire-----------not a person----------a demon."
I didn't trust Millicent about the person or vampire. But then I thought she promised me she would not break the promise. Till now we had reached near the car and were talking standing beside the car.
To avoid the danger of Millicent spilling the beans and also since Arthur was coming towards us, I changed the topic somehow.
I suddenly asked her," Are you going to plant any exotic plant in your garden."
She gave me a confused look so I signaled her that Arthur was coming and she replied, "No, Not now. What about you?"
I immediately replied in an enthusiastic way," I am going to plant a new tiger lily plant in my backyard."
Then she questioned," Oh, when are you going to plant the tiger lily?"
"I am going to plant it after few months."
I said" Because it is the time of Arctic winds flowing towards the south." She sighed. While we were talking, Arthur had reached near us. So, we made a move towards the car.
The journey towards home was without any talks. It was just me and Arthur singing songs that were playing on the music player. Hearing our voice, Millicent was terrified and frustrated. Seeing her irritated face, I and Arthur were laughing a little between the songs.
While singing we reached to the town and we met our friends--------- Claire Barling and Ian Abel.
Ian was a brilliant but also an absent-minded personality whereas Claire was good-looking but a Couch-potato too. She had worn a Red printed crepe dress with a blue scarf while Ian had worn a shirt and black leather jacket on it.
Ian was fair in complexion but his hairs were black in colour, he had black eyes & sharp nose. He was good looking but I treated him always like my friend or rather an irksome friend. He was tall enough-----------maybe 5'9".
Claire was not too fair but she had a golden brown complexion and long black curly hairs. Her eyes were brown which suited her with a good figure. She was a little shorter than me.
We went near them. They were also talking about the killings of the Arctic territory.
Claire enquired," Hey! Iris and Millicent what are you doing here? Is Arthur there sitting in the car?"
I replied," We just came from the River Torrens."
She asked," What were you three doing on there?"
I replied," Nothing we just went there to have a little picnic of ours."
In between our conversation, Ian jumped and asked me in an enthusiastic manner which made me jump as well," Do you know about the killings of Arctic Territory?"
I was little surprised by his behavior. I answered slowly in a low voice," Yes, I know about it too. Millicent told me."
Hearing my answer, Ian immediately asked Millicent," Do you know about the killings? Please tell me."
Millicent replied, "Wait a minute------- Don't hyper. I don't know much about them. I only know that they were from Arctic territory and one of them was my friend's cousin."
Hearing Millicent's reply he got disappointed and his face wilted like a rose who didn't get water for a week or two in summer. I am so obsessed with flowers.
Then I promised him," I will ask my father about the killings and tell you all about it."
Hearing this he caught my both hands and said," Thank-you so much Iris. I don't know how to thank you."
Claire mocked him," You would be quiet will be the best way to thank her."
Hearing Claire's sarcasm we all started laughing except Ian who was angry on Claire and gave her a furious look.
So, I told him in a calm voice," Cool down, Ian. This all things happen only between friends. Everything is fair in friendship. "
Making fun of each other is part of friendship." agreed Millicent. So Ian calmed down a little but there was still a frustrated look pasted on his face.
All of a sudden, another school friend of our--------Jake Irons appeared. Jake had a fair complexion and he had bluish green eyes. He was not so brilliant but he was a nice athlete and he was a richer than all of us. But he never hovered about his richness but on a contradictory he was a kind-hearted personality. His father was a capitalist. He had worn a white tee and black jeans just like George Michael.
He greeted all of us," Hey! Guys what're you doing here?"
I replied," We were just talking about the killings of Arctic territory."
He immediately replied," Oh! Yes I know my father was too talking about it to my mother this morning."
Than Ian asked him," Do you know something about them?"
Jake replied," No I don't."
Than Claire said to Ian," Iris is going to tell us about it tomorrow. Can't you keep some patience, stupid?" Ian was hot tempered. He shouted on Claire," You are stupid and idiot too. You bitch, just don't interfere in my work." They started to fight like dogs and cats.
Jake said in a teasing tone," Ian boys don't fight with girls because they're so weak."
On his comment, Claire retorted," Because girls are smarter than boys and you both are afraid of girls so you both are not ready to fight against me."
So Jake replied," Wait I will show you how much boys stronger are!" He caught Claire's hands and twisted them. She screamed loudly in pain and agony.
Then it was my cue. So, I came in middle and stopped them and ordered both of them," Don't fight like the felons."
Then Ian said sarcastically," No Iris don't stop them. You only told that everything is fair in friendship."
Hearing to Ian's comment, Jake suddenly stopped and said to all of us," Do you know that the fair is soon going to be setup?"
Hearing to Jake all of us except Jake exclaimed together in one voice," Oh! We totally forgot about that."
I immediately asked to Jake before Ian would start his interrogation," Where it will be setup this time? I still remember it was set in Austral territory last year and how much fun we had last time."
All agreed in one voice to my statement," Yes, you are right Iris."
Then Jake replied," This year the fair will be set in the axial territory."
After that Claire asked him," How do you know this much about the Fair?"
Jake replied," This time my father is one of the sponsors of the Fair. So I know all about the fair. But I will not tell everything or else there would be no surprise left. But it was a smart question Claire."
Hearing his reply we all were shocked and surprised because to sponsor a Fair---------person needs a huge amount of money in his pocket. But we understand that as Jake is rich, he and his family can afford that much of amount.
After that Millicent said," Iris we should leave now as it is half past nine."
Hearing that I remembered my mother told me to come early and also not to waste time with friends. So I too hurried.
I said to all of them except Millicent," Bye, all of you." in a hurry.
Ian called me," Iris, don't forget to ask your father about the killings." I nodded my head to say 'Yes' and ran towards the car. Arthur was waiting in the car for us-------------mesmerized by his cell. He didn't even bother to look at us when we came in a hurry towards the car.
My mother was waiting outside the house. She was looking a little bit tense and angry.
Millicent said in a low voice," Iris, Aunt Celestine is angry today. Beware and all the best." I thanked her.
She immediately drove her into block beside our house. My house was in Block No. 3 and Millicent's house was in Block No. 4. Each Block consisted of seven to eight houses. There were total 27 blocks in our town and a separate commercial area.
I went near my mom who was standing at the threshold of door tapping her right foot on the ground and her hands folded along her chest. She gave me a furious glare. She was not ready to talk to me. She went inside the house without saying a word and I followed her. As we entered from the door there is our drawing room or living room and the kitchen is to the left of the drawing room. On the second floor, there is bedroom of mine and my parents. And on the third floor there is our guest room, study room or library and attic.
I went to library instead of going to my mother. Because she was in a bad mood and if I would go to her to say the reason and a sorry then I might be kicked out of the house by her. My mother didn't like indiscipline. She always hated if anyone breaks the rule----------much like the sheriff of our house.
The library was big and it had five long shelves. It had big table made of Maple wood in the middle and six chairs beside it. My friends and I would hold a group study here sometimes and we would sometimes go to the Alice Spring Public Library which was in the extreme Northern part of Austral Territory-----almost in the axial territory.
There were five sections. As we enter from the door. From Left to Right-------the First sections was of Philosophy and Social Studies, Second of Romance, Third of Drama and Comedy, Fourth was of Science and the last section consisted of the Encyclopedia and General Knowledge. The Encyclopedia was the most boring section which I would rarely read or even visit.
I liked Drama and Comedy and Science Sections. So I decided to read the books of Shakespeare. There were many books and plays of Shakespeare like Hamlet, Macbeth, Romeo and Juliet, The Merchant of Venice. He was one of my favourite writers. I took the book 'The Winter Tale' to read as I was reading that book for the first time. It was a fusion of tragedy and comedy as I completed reading its summary and preface. Now, I went towards the Act 1 Scene 1.
It started to read,"Act1 Scene1: Antechamber in LEONTES' Palace.
Enter Camillo and Archimadus
If you shall chance, Camillo ..." And I started reading Scene 1. I completed Act 1 Scene 1 and continued Scene 2: A room of state in the same too. After that I completed the whole Act 1. And I started Act 2 Scene 1: A room in Leontes' Palace.
As I started, immediately Millicent came in. She called me but I was so mesmerized by the book that I didn't respond to her at all. So she came towards me slowly and kept her hand on my shoulder. Due to which I was so terrified that I screamed and created a hullaballoo in the whole house.
My mother who was asleep in her room hurried towards the library.
She asked terrified," What happened?"
I replied to her sheepishly," Nothing."
Then she asked in a less terrified voice," Why did you shout so loudly and panicked all of us?"
Then I told mom all the story and we all laughed loudly. I took the advantage of the situation and said sorry to my mother and she forgave me without asking the reason. I took the advantage and ignored it.
My mother went downstairs. I asked Millicent," What happened? Why were you in a hurry? Is there any special news?"
Millicent full of excitement said," The Fair it is going to be held from 20th January to 2nd February in the Axial Territory."
Hearing that news I was totally surprised and happy too. I asked her," Are you telling the truth or it is just a bull and cock's story."
For my satisfaction, Millicent showed me a pamphlet of the Fair. It was written that------the FAIR was going to commence on 20th of January and end on 2nd of February. I said her," Oh, so Jake was saying the truth. So when should we meet and plan about the fair?"
She replied," We should meet in the Square Park tomorrow at 10:00 am. Please be on time you lazy ass."
I slapped on her shoulder and assured her," Okay. I will call all our friends and also come on time." She interrupted rubbing her shoulder," I have already informed everybody about it before coming to you."
I asked her with a smirk and my eyebrow rose," From when did you become a smart ass?"
She retorted in smart way," I am serious only at important things." I stared at her with a smirk on my face.
At that instance, my mother came in and said," Dinner is ready" and also asked Millicent," Will you join us for dinner?"
She replied, "No Aunt, mother must be waiting for me."
My mother went out of library & I told Millicent, "We will meet tomorrow at 9:30am at my house. Bye."
She nodded her head as if to say 'Yes'. I kept the book that was in my hand in its respective place.
Then I went down for dinner at the dining table. My parents had already begun to eat their meal. There were many delicious dishes like Mushroom soup, Ginger bread, Cheese sandwiches and Apricot Juice.
My mother really made delicious food. It didn't take much time for me to finish up all the food. We finished our dinner and I helped my mother to clean the dining table and also helped her with the dishes. It was10:30 pm by the time we finished all our work.
Before going to bed I wore my night dress and combed my hair neatly and then tied it in a messy bun. I glided in my bed and took my sky blue quilt on my whole body and rolled into a ball. While sleeping, I started thinking about the FAIR and the fun we would have there but I don't know when I felt asleep.
