Category — Stories I have told

Klounette - written circa 1979

The sad clown with the long face kept smiling.
Every once in a while a tear welling out the corner of its eye.
No one knew why the clown had such sorrows.
Every day wearing the same face:
A white base with blue around the eyes.
A big orange nose with a black moustache.
The broad smile extending in red,
towards the ears.

One night after the magic tricks and the gymnastics,
a little boy went up to the clown and asked:
“How come you were crying and smiling at the same time?”
“Everybody thought you were good and so did I.”

The clown looked at the little boy, smiling,
a tear appeared from the corner of her eye
and she said:
“I wish you were all mine.”

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Funny, I thought I would write a recap of our last 5 years at the cottage in anticipation of this year’s departure. We’ll be leaving this friday for 2 weeks, and obviously I can’t wait.
5 years you say? Well from year to year the one thing that does change is our son growing up and perhaps his new discoveries. However, nothing else changes much. So I’ll write as if it’s one year.
There’s nothing like walking away from it all. For those short weeks of vacation we get a year, some of us call the travel agency and book a glamorous trip or book a cruise perhaps? As for us, we have a country house, about an 8 hour drive from here. Not exactly something you decide to get up and go to, friday afternoon, after work. “Let’s go to the cottage this week end!” Doesn’t exactly work in this scenario.

Winding it down:

House
Preparing for a two week block of being away…
Who’s going to feed the fish?
Who’s going to feed the cat?
Stop the newspaper or have one of the above 2 pick up the paper and the mail?
We haven’t left yet but when do we get back?
Check back to school schedule.
“What do you mean we have to leave a week early?”
Haa! School starts a week early. How convenient!
Leave notes and phone #’s for everyone. “What you mean you have a phone in the country?” Yes we do. Two cells and the house phone.
Start packing.
What do we need?
Will that all fit in the car?

At work…
Rat race, delegate everything to everyone.
Advise outside contacts, suppliers etc.
Remind the bosses.
Remind payroll.
Work extra hours to meet all the dead lines before we leave.
Submit and present and put it in motion.
Test it.
Review it.
Make changes if necessary, test them…
Oh yeah, we’re going to the country.
Pay the bills in advance.

Ok so now we need a vacation! Mind you, we needed it before that!

“What time are we leaving?” You see that depends on what time you want to get there? What traffic you want to avoid? How many times we’re going to stop? Are we packing lunch?
“What time are we leaving?”
“Depends what time you get up?”
“My god I’ll never finish packing on time, I’ll be up all night.”
“Did you get the car checked?”
“Checked?”
Just kidding. Yes, tire pressure, oil, all lights working, brakes are fine…

The morning of departure…

5.30 am, dad gets up.
Son gets up.
“What time are we leaving, Dad?”
“When you’re done taking your medecine and packing your things.”
“What do I need to take?”
“Oh my god.”
Let’s make coffee for mom.
Let’s put gas in the car.
It’s 7.30am we’ll run into traffic going out of the city.
Well an 8 hour drive of course turns into a 12 hour drive. Stop at the in laws. “I gotta go to the bathroom”.
So we get there at about 7.00 pm. That’s what it takes. Unload the car, beg our son to make a couple more trips to the car to unload.

Go back into town get some groceries? Not really, it’s too late andmy brother in law is there waiting for us with the BBQ just waiting for the burgies. My mother in law has loaded us up with Shrimp and fine cheeses, home baked goods and what not! So we should be fine ’till tomorrow.

I’m starting to realize we’re here. Country air, sound of the lake, the thought of gathering some wood for a bucket fire. Hummm, it’s 9.30 and we’re really here for another 2 weeks.

By 10.30 Pm, exausted from the drive and the country air, my son and I are off to bed. Leaving my better half and her brother chit-chatting. I actually like to listen to them going on. They have a great time together.

So now we’re there (Out in the country!)

Well our version of out in the country is pretty civilized…Then again, it does go with our lifestyle. Secluded in the middle of a cliff high up above the lake. Nice view onto what is known as the shallowest of the Great Lakes

Of course it’s my first day off of work so I’m up at about 6.00 am. Put on long pants and a sweater and head downstairs. Coffee, Coffee.
It’s extremely peaceful in the morning, I like to get up and just look out. Sometimes a few sail boats off in the distance. They look quite miniscule.

It’s mid August, and the days are hot, the evenings cool and the mornings chilli! Nice! I’ve reviewed the so called plumbing damages, I’m on my third cup and ready to roll. Our son gets up, we roll into town, grab a newspaper and of course he buys a softdrink.

Back at the house my brother in law is up and waiting for the paper. I serve him a cup of coffee, my wife gets up and I make a new pot.
Actually with everyone up, on the week-end, you wouldn’t know you’re in the country!

While the brother and sister wake up, my son and I head off to the beach.
Now it feels like country. 11.00 Am still not too many people there. It’s very pleasant just to walk around in the sand. Test the water.
We recognize a few faces and give them the nod. It takes me a while to put everyone into perspective. I usually get it straight by the time we go home.
As we arrive back at the house, the lawn mower is being put away and the dishes are drying in the tray. Everyone is exausted. I decide to go for a nap, everyone else is reading and our son is digging around for a jar so he can start his bug collection. That is the fun part.

I wake up, it’s 3.30 my son is lying next to me. (I love vacations)!
“Wanna go to the beach?”
I smile, “Of course”.

We get our beach gear together and we’re off…Have I eaten today?
Anyway, my wife reminds me that he the stores close at five Saturday and she’d like to pick up some groceries. Her brother saves the day.
“I wouldn’t mind going into town”. Off they go, doing groceries and driving around reminiscing about the townsfolks while we’re at the beach.
Sounds like a good deal. It’s 4.30 the beach is hopping. A few families greet us and we recap the year’s events while sonny is off with the other kids in the water.

Eventually the sun gets to me, I excuse my self and slip into the water.
I look around, I am swimming alone. Peaceful, I look over towards the cottage. Can’t quite see it from the beach. I take a momment to my self and think, as I watch our son play…I’ve been looking forward to this for 50 weeks.
I get back to my towel, I notice the beach is thinning out with people. I look at my cell phone to check the time: 6.30Pm. I’m hungry.

I look outside after dinner, it’s already getting dark, so I gear up to find some wood around the cottage. Gear up so I don’t get eaten alive by mosquitos or whatever may be crawling out there. Everyone grins at me with my bright yellow nylon pants. Hey! It works.

After gathering twigs and branches I invite everyone to come and sit around the bucket fire. I figure I have enough to keep going for about an hour. Pretty good for our first time.

Our son easily gets spooked by strange noises at night so I leave the kitchen light on. At least he feels better. Mind you the kitchen light was on one year when the racoons were about an hour early. Lucky for our son, from where we sit, we have about three accesses to go back in to the cottage.

City Things you can’t live without in the country

Cd’s
Gettho Blaster
Laptop
Gameboy
Cell phones
Car

We do limit ourselves to the above, mind you there has been discussions of an Internet connection, PlayStation, cable TV, Lyra (MP3 player), Clié, Microwave.

So you ask yourself, do we really need all of our city toys in the country?
No.
There’s plenty to do and plenty of other ways to do things. You do need a few toys for rainy days but even then, you can always go for a drive in town and do stuff.

You can’t spend the whole day on the beach

Beach is our main activity at our country place, if you spend the whole day there day after day you’ll get sunstroke. On a nice day, Main beach is crowded and to be avoided. The more people, the more garbage, the more beach chickens crap all over the place. “Beach Chickens” are what we call pestering seagulls. There’s another little beach on our side of the harbour which we call little beach. It’s public at one end, and pretty well private at the other. Less crowded, no restaurant there, and less garbage and therefore less beach chickens. That’s our spot. We can walk down if we choose, bring our towels, beach buckets and stuff. If there’s too much stuff, we drive down and park in front of the Sanderson’s. Another old established family down here. There’s a “right of way” to get on to our end of the beach, and we’re all set!
So how else do you spend your time if not at the beach?
There’s always plenty to do. From spend time in the village to “fix it yourself projects”.
Take pictures, lots of pictures. These vacation shots will tell a story. They’ll be shown to family and friends and no doubt be part of an online picture gallery! Pick up wood for the bucket fire. Plan meals, shop for meals. Visit the little towns in the surrounding area. Go the Mennonite’s market. Contact friends and family you only see once a year and invite them down. Read, read, read. Stay up all night and not watch T.V.
Catch a few bats that shouldn’t be invading the cottage.

Fix it Projects

These come in two flavours: “Oh I think this needs fixin’” flavour and the “Make sure you fix this before we leave.” flavour.
The nice thing about being on vacation, is it gets done when it gets done.
As for the projects, first you set up a budget, then you set up a shopping list. If it involves wood, part of the shopping list is the cutting. So the size of the required boards, how many cuts each; and if that doesn’t work, there goes the budget. More trips to the village and more materials. So far things have worked out. Have a chat with local hardware store guy. He’s actually the most observant guy around town. Tells us the development through out the year, who’s new, who’s gone and why. I enjoy listening to him.
The weather man is important because you don’t want to spend your best beach day sweating it out on hammering and stuff. Take a cloudy day for example. You can get most of your fix it projects done for that week.

Early Riser

Vacations are for resting and sleeping in. Often, this is a misconception. Some nearby resident or cottager decides to start hammering or bring in large equipment at 7.30am and here goes the neighbourhood. It’s also nice to wake up early and look around the wooded areas of the cottage. I make references to the beach as an activity but it’s also nice just to walk around the house and look out the different windows. Little animals like squirrels and chipmunks, bunny rabbits and yes even the neighbour’s cat. As the sun dries up the early morning dew, the insects come into evidence. Butterflies, grasshoppers, bees, hornets all get busy. The chirp of the birds right about that point is also remarkable. Morning doves, wood peckers,
And so many more that I cannot identify.
I look over at the radio, it would be so easy to flip that switch and listen to the 7.00am news from the nearest town. But I reason that it would also stir me up too quickly. After all listening and looking at all this beauty is far better than the news. I do manage a fresh pot of coffee; look at the spider web through the kitchen window. Quite a work of art Charlotte has spun, I must remember to show our son. The sun starts to warm things up and burn up the light fog in the ravine next to us. Now not only can I hear the squirrels, but I can see them playing around the trees, jumping from branch to branch.
So far there’s been no powerboat to break this beautiful morning. On weekends, we often get 7.30am let’s get out there and show off the power! Which reminds me, did I hear the tugboats last night? Some times they wake me up, depends which way the wind is blowing. It’s not unpleasant, not like living next to a railroad track. You sort of hear them off leaving the harbour in the distance. They really are not that intrusive.
Suddenly I hear little feet pattering upstairs from the bedrooms, our son is up checking out who is out of bed. He comes down, throws himself on the couch. The morning beauty has taken on a different angle. I try to point out to him all the things I’ve observed, but soon there’s a DVD spinning in the laptop.
I may as well turn on the radio for the news!

So you get a rainy day…

It’s not the end of the world. There’s generations of toys and stuff to go through and revise, you may even get to pop batteries in one of your uncle’s old toys or even better you might get to crank one of your grandmother’s tugboats and watch it wheel on the floor. Cupboards of stuff to check out. Books on how to make paper airplanes, old T.V’s you just might get working! Classic board games that now only exist on a computer.
Thunderstorms at the cottage are always spectacular. Just to listen to the thunder rock the house. Storms here always seem to be more powerful.
A storm at night, is a different sight. Just watch the light show through the picture windows. Of course, a rainy day also means no bucket fire. There’s a little greasy spoon off of the main public beach, it’s loaded with arcade games. If one is not careful, one will see their children spend their whole vacation there. Gets expensive too! We discourage it big time, however, it’s perfect for a rainy afternoon or evening.

Unexpected Visitors

Country air, swimming at the beach, fix it projects, whatever the case, by bed time you’re good and tired. It’s a nice tired, not a stressed tired. Our son usually konks out first from all the running around. It’s daddy’s job to do bed time, so we walk up the stairs and we hear the sounds of wings fluttering. “Bats!” We both say at the same time. Excited, we return downstairs as proud explorers to announce our discovery! Mommy, is not impressed. We grab our tools from the beach cupboard. Our tools consist of an old butterfly net, and tennis racquet. Historically, we prefer executing the job with the butterfly net, gently trapping it and letting it go outside. However, on a few occasions, when the bat(s) feel threatened, they will just keep screeching and flying around. It’s nerve racking. I usually start swinging the tennis racquet until I get it. Slowly we return upstairs. I ask our son to stay half way up the stairs as I close the five bedroom doors plus the bathroom door. For some reason, the bat is nowhere to be seen anymore.
The two of us start opening each bedroom door to see whether it snuck in while we were closing the doors. Finally we review the main landing, there it is quietly hanging from an old lamp. Our son’s friend, takes the butterfly net, slowly gets it around it and it drops in like magic. We take it outside, after showing Mommy who’s going “Get that thing out of here. Arrrgh. Now.” Mommy doesn’t like them, because one year at about 2.00 Am she was reading in bed and she watched one make her way out of the fireplace vent and just start flying around the room. It’s nerve racking to have them flutter above your head nonstop. Anyway, smiling we followed our instructions and let it out by the hillside. There have been more gruesome experiences regarding the bats, but I think this is enough on that matter.
Other little friends we’ve had are mice. One year, we could sit in the living room after the bucket fire and just watch this little friend come out of the fire place and make it’s way across the living room and back to the fireplace. It was like a comedy show. Some years there are too many and we get to the hardware store and buy traps. The cottage is large enough to share space with these little guys, however, when cereal boxes and other stuff are chewed in the kitchen area, we usually take action! This year we noticed that my mother in law put out little picnics for them in every corner of the main floor. Since we still saw one this year, I figure these special snacks are for new guests only.
Mice are fun, one year our son decided to get one at the pet store; this, inspired by his experiences with them, at the cottage.

Winding it down

There comes a point during any vacation, where you start looking at a time line. Usually around the half way point. That’s when you also start examining all the fun things you wanted to do and evaluate whether you got them done. Let’s see what’s left… When you’re at the cottage, you start looking at the chores. When you’re on dream vacation, you start looking at what’s left to do in the sense of entertainment and activities. Same thing, you want to get it all in. So out in the country:

Bucket fire…Done
Beach…As much as we could.
Visit friends…Done
Bird watching or bat watch!
Build this, fix that, paint here: Oh my god!

So you start hoping for a few crappy days that will keep everyone at the cottage to help you. Driving in to town to pick up the stuff, can be an all day job.
I get up the day before we’re suppose to leave, full of ambition…Do the dishes, that’s my job out in the country. The day looks promising, for working that is. It is a cloudy day.
As I sit outside, between racks of dishes, I notice that summer’s end is starting to show itself. This year we got smart and brought our heating blankets. Another sign of: roughing it in the bush. The nights can get down to 10 degrees.

Take a Hike

During one of my adventurous photo shoots, (oh, did I forget to mention we bring the digital camera too?) I discover a little path that leads to a perfect area to walk on the rocks and look at the sand bluffs. A real sight. So the next morning after breakfast, our son and I head out and proceed to find cicadas sun bathing, waves polishing rocks, old wooden stumps worn away by the water and tons of other treasures.
A rare moment in nature, I point out to our son, to be enjoyed. Nobody else around to invade this moment.

So it’s the last day

I’m still painting… Get up, Coffee, Dishes, Paint. Start packing. This is done from the top down.
The bedrooms are upstairs.
“Son, Please stop playing with the Gameboy and pack up your stuff. Make sure there’s nothing left in your room.”
Breakdown the bucket fire. Put away the stone, put away the bucket.
Clean up the BBQ and put it away.
Put away the wood from unfinished projects. There’s always next year.
Help carry down our laundry and luggage from the second floor.
Put away the electronics.
I’m hungry. Make our son breakfast. Kraft Dinner and a dose of Ketchup.
Keep doing the dishes.
We’re all going a little crazy, and we’re all a little cranky. After all, this pretty well marks the end of our vacation.

So now it’s 2 o’clock, we realize there are errands to run in town to pick this up for so and so and that to bring home. Better stop packing and hit the little town before the stores close.
By the time we get back it’s 4 o’clock. Time to start bringing stuff up the cottage stairs, close up the main floor, turn off the electricity. Turn off the hot water tank, close the windows, sweep the main floor, lock the doors and get out. That last bit, takes about an hour and a half. But you have to know what the cottage stairs look like.

Finally we drive away somewhat sad, yet somewhat satisfied of our stay. It’s never long enough. We drop in at near by friends and say goodbye and start our long drive home.

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Much of the content on this blog, in particular this article, was brought over from my original

b2 blog.

The picture below, represented the Outdoodrs. It was the main theme of this Blog. Desptie the fact that it’s cropped and re-sized, it’s very rich.

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Chapter 1 - Play Days

Out in the open field just after sunset, one could make out the silhouette of a young boy sitting there. His body quite still, yet his arm was in a continuous motion, slowly repetitively going up and down.

Eventually he stopped, picking up a dead bird, he got up, turned around and started walking. Beyond him, trees stood leafless. He walked through them into a vast opening. There giant rocks made up the foot hills. As he got closer, he could see the opening of the cave.

Inside, it was dark. Without fear he dropped the bird at the opening of the cave and sat down inside. Facing out. At least a half hour went by before his friend showed up. Quietly, he too dropped a dead bird at the entrance of the cave and sat beside the older boy.

They sat, silent. Eventually a great big being dropped in front of the dead birds. Blocking what little light there was to the cave. The boys now sitting in the dark got up and approached the being. Richard Stuarts, the eldest of the two, had been waiting for this moment since last summer.

The first summer the boys met the Gate Keepers, Richard was 10 years old and Patrick Simms was only 8 years old. A lot had happened in two years but the boys had kept their promise. No one had been told about the cave or the Gate Keepers. No one knew, the Gate Keepers protected the cave.

The boys had also promised not to return until the following summer. This hadn’t been easy. The two boys had grown quite fond of the Gate Keepers. They had spent the first summer playing together. It was like a dream.

At the end of the following summer, they had returned. The Gate Keepers rejoiced when the 2 boys showed up and made them a proposal. They asked the 2 young boys if they too would like to be Gate Keepers one day. They asked them to think about it, and if they agreed, to show up with the 2 dead birds at the beginning of the following summer.

The Gate Keeper stood, his wings folded now. The 2 boys smiled as they approached the beaked man.

“Where’s your friend?” asked Richard.

With a gentle smile, the Gate Keeper looked at both of them and explained that he’d taken ill over the winter and died. The boys were shocked for a moment, but understood very quickly.

“But I see that you boys have been busy making your decision. I’m delighted.” He said. “I must warn you, I must talk to you boys seriously before you fully promise. You are still young and must be sure.” He continued. “This is a life time commitment.”

They looked at him and nodded seriously.
“We have all summer to discuss it. For tonight, I think you both better be going home before your parents worry. I’ll see you tomorrow.”

When they returned the following afternoon, the Gate Keeper was waiting for them.

“I thought I would help you make up your mind, by showing you a little more of the cave.”

The cave was a mystery to the boys. They knew that a great big world was buried deep within it and that Gate Keepers protected it. That mystery is what kept their interest. The Gate Keepers had the most interesting visitors in the past. From shadow walkers to gargoyles, Richard and Patrick had met had met the most unusual people. They would always be polite to the Gate Keepers, thanking them for access.

These secrets, and flying over the cave with the Gate Keepers and playing in the fields is what kept two young boys coming back to the cave. Would these young boys be willing to give up their normal life to grow into the next two Gate Keepers? Sharlow had to find out before this summer ended.

“You see” he started “The cave as you know it now, is shallow. It ends a few feet beyond.”

The boys looked at each other.

He continued, “But I know, the both of you know better. You’ve seen people come and go. Yet you cannot go past what you can see.”

He walked past the boys to the end of the cave, signaled them to approach. He took each boy’s hands and with his beak, pecked once at the stonewall. All of the sudden, the boys could see the tunnel slopping down. On each side of the walls, torches lit up the dark passageway. At
the bottom they could make silhouettes of people.

Sharlow looked at them both and paused to study the boys.

“From now on you will be able to see and explore all of this. You’ll meet some new faces, make new friends.”

By giving the boys this privilege, Sharlow knew the boys could make their decision. Most importantly, he would also find out if they were a wise choice. Since time was running out, he hoped they were.

Sharlow remembered the history of the last battle for Gate Keeping. It went on for years and almost destroyed the gate. The last few generations of Gate Keepers cross over had gone well since the reform.

Two Gate Keepers were always chosen from within the cave and two from the outside world. The four Gate Keepers were always replaced the same season. Life for the outside Gate Keepers was always harder and so was acquiring new Gate Keepers from the outside.

He looked on at their marvelled faces and smiled.

“We won’t be going there today he said, but I wanted you to see the Threshold. That’s what this part of the cave world is called.” He said
“Down there are two more chosen Gate Keepers, very young as you are. They too are anxious to meet you.

He went on to explain about the two cave world Gate Keepers and the two outside world Gate Keepers.

Richard and Patrick were both fascinated. And didn’t fail to return the next day.

They wondered if they could see the new boundaries without Sharlow or could they only see it with his presence. So they arrived earlier than planned. Sure enough they could see the same amount as the day before. They looked at the torches and at the bottom, all of the activity going on.

Eventually Sharlow arrived and they continued to talk about cave world, cave people, cave rules.

“I knew you came early.” He said.

“Is that Ok?” Richard asked.

“Of course it is, but you must promise not to venture down to the Threshold until we are ready.”

“How did you know?” Patrick asked.

“I have my little friends.” Said Sharlow.

And with that he revealed open his right wing and uncovered a three headed mouse.

“This is Burney,” he said. “My chosen friend. You too will get to choose a friend from cave world once you are Gate Keepers. Your friend will be your link to the cave and the Threshold.”

“Why does he have three heads?” Patrick asked.

“Well, that’s a good question. One is for now, one is for the past, and one is for the nearby future.” He said.

The boys looked at each other in bewilderment.

“Only one talks, the middle one.”

He closed his golden wing and the little mouse disappeared in the soft feathers.

“Cave world,” he continued, “is full of wonderful characters and beings. You will meet some today or tomorrow.” He said

“You didn’t go further than yesterday, you are both wise.” Sharlow looked at them and smiled.

Patrick, being the younger of the two boys was a little apprehensive about the cave. Not that Richard didn’t have his doubts, but he appeared to be a little more confident about the cave.

“Why don’t we go outside?” Sharlow suggested. It’s a gorgeous day out there.” They threw stones for a while and then sat down in the grass, forming a circle.

“The circle is smaller without Benjamin.” Richard said.
Sharlow’s eyes widened, ” I do miss him. Benjamin and I were best friends and Gate Keepers for nearly 50 years.”

“His wife, Sheryl, misses him even more.” added Sharlow.

“Did they have children?” Richard asked.

“No” Said Sharlow. The answer was almost dry. This was a tone the boys hadn’t heard before from him. They listened on.

“Gate Keepers, unfortunately, do not have children.” Sharlow told them. “I will explain all this in due time. For today I thought I would tell you about the Threshold. After all, this will be your first exposure to Cave World.

“The first thing I have to tell you about this wonderful world,” he started, “is that time is somewhat meaningless. When you go in for a minute of your time, it seems like hours of cave world has gone on.”

He went on “You will rarely need to go further than the threshold for work. You will find that your counterparts in Cave World can manage well, on their own. You will of course be able to visit there as you wish.”

Eventually that day, the three of them did venture down the torch lit tunnel to the Threshold. Every step of the way the boys took, they saw very unusual things and people. Some walked on air, some were talking shadows, while others talked with their shadows. Richard noted that there couldn’t be shadows, as there were no sunlight. When they arrived at the
bottom Patrick was preoccupied by a large dinosaur that kept asking him about the outside world. When he looked up to answer, he was gone. Sharlow was amused.

“I’ll explain later, Patrick” he said.

“While I have both your attention, I just want to show you how small the Threshold really looks. See how every path in front of you leads to a door?” Sharlow asked.

The boys nodded. In front of them, maybe no further than 100 metres, were over 30 doors. Each of them, had a path leading back to them, forming a great big semi circle. Some of the paths linked with each other, some bridged over others with a mist like path.

“This is where most of the traffic occurs in cave world, and of course there’s this path which you know all too well. Now just imagine, that behind each of these other doors, there’s another wonderful world like yours, or like this one.”

With that thought, Sharlow looked up the path and added “I think it we’ve had enough. You’ll have a lot more visits over the next few days.”

As they walked back up to the top of the cave other characters greeted them. Richard noticed on the ground there were also little people entering smaller doors at the base of the tunnel’s walls. Everywhere they looked, the boys saw extraordinary things.

“Until I tell you more, and until you get very familiar with all this, it would just be wise that you don’t touch anything.”

Chapter 2 - The Master Plan

The summer went on, and soon the children figured out that they wouldn’t be allowed passed the Threshold until they got their wings. And as Sharlow had explained, that day, there would be no turning back. There would be no more going home, there would be no more Mommy and Daddy,
brothers and sisters, no more TV, no games as they know games now and finally there would only be new friends and adventures.

Sharlow soon came to realize, that times had changed and that to ask this, of children of this generation was a lot different than his time or Benjamin’s. He and Benjamin had been young kids too when they were approached by the Gate Keepers. But they were able to make their decision by the age of 14.

Sharlow knew that the older they got, the more difficult it would be.

While the boys were away one week during the summer, he revisited the 30 worlds to see if there was anything that could interest them enough to make them make up their minds sooner. Something he could interest them in by the end of this summer. Something they would look towards all year to return and make up their minds next summer.

He immediately disqualified 12 of the worlds, which were still considered dangerous to children, even young Gate Keepers. These worlds were usually tamed through the lifetime of a Gate Keeper. It left 18 worlds. In the end he chose none. After all it would have broken tradition. There should be enough to make something out of the Threshold.

He sat on his rock observing the activities going on. Gwen and Laura approached him.

“Sharlow, you’ve been sitting on that rock most of the day. Something’s going on. Last time you sat there was when Benjamin died.” Gwen said.

Sharlow looked at her. “Indeed, Gwen. I sit on this rock when much reflection is required.”

“When are we going to meet Richard and Patick?” Laura asked.

Gwen and Laura were the chosen Gate Keepers from cave world. The two young ladies were eager to meet their counter parts and future husbands. Though they knew it had to be kept a secret until the boys agreed, they were allowed to meet each other and mingle. The secret was always the
cave’s and the girls.

“In good time.” Sharlow said. “In the mean time, you may observe them as they visit. But you must not be seen until I allow it.”

The girls both looked down and then at each other and started giggling. Off they went, running and fluttering their wings from path to path, playing around the over passes and under passes.

Sharlow watched them and kept thinking over his approach to entice the boys to make up their minds quicker. Maybe this is why the boys needed he thought. Meet new young friends in the Threshold.

Would it be too difficult to watch new peers use their wings to play when you didn’t have wings? Would it put the boys at a disadvantage? He thought it over for a while and then called the girls back.

Perhaps, this could work. Perhaps what the boys needed was to see that the Threshold did have something that would grow on them. A new friendship.

“I may be willing to introduce the boys to you sooner than planned.” He said.

They both blushed.

“No, No, No. It’s not what you think. The day for your weddings will not change.” He added.

“I need these boys to keep interested in cave world. I need them to really want to become Gate Keepers. Both of you are slightly older than your counterparts and I’m hoping you can understand.”

“If I make an early introduction, it will be with your parent’s consent. But first you must consent.” He looked at them seriously leaning on the big rock and went on.

“It means we don’t break secrecy. You would only be friends. In the long run it can only be beneficial to you as you’ll get to befriend your future husbands.

The girls grew excited at the thought and started giggling again. Even though they were older didn’t mean they were more mature Sharlow thought. As a matter of fact he thought the boys were much more mature considering they were 5 years younger than the girls.

This meant he would have to work on Gwen an Laura’s behaviour before the introduction.

“First” he said, “You’ll have to figure out how to have fun without using your wings.

Otherwise, your little friends will lose interest very quickly.”

The girls talked amongst themselves for a bit and then looked at Sharlow and agreed.

“The boys will be visiting you only near the end of the summer.” Sharlow explained.
“It would be wise” he continued, “to set up a cave world friendship locket for them. This way they can remember you throughout the winter and look towards seeing you again in the spring.”

Next Sharlow would have to communicate with the girls’ parents and consult with them. Each girl came from a different world. Sharlow walked over to the centre of the Threshold and flew to the very top. There, he found the 30 windows that looked out over each world. They also acted as somewhat a telephone. He whispered each parent’s name at the appropriate windows and soon they both appeared.

Sharlow proposed his idea, after explaining the situation and there were no objections.

Sharlow went on and set up other ideas to help convince the boys, that living a life of Gate Keepers made up for having to give up a normal life on the real world. He set up a whole bunch of small adventures for them to help around the Threshold with the help of the girls.

Chapter 3 - The Worlds

Having come from two different worlds, the Gwen and Laura certainly had their own particularities. Gwen’s world was always dark with with the brightest moons. On her world there were no mechanical devices. Transportation was done by flying horses. The horses were smart and could talk. Similarly to the outside world, there was enough traffic to have a code of rules to avoid accidents. The temperature of her world was always warm and humid. Water was available pretty well everywhere through the fountains. The fountains had been build by some of the early habitants of her world and even now, the fountain building tradition still existed.

People lived on mountain sides, homes caved out of stone mostly, were passed on from generations to generations. New homes were still built, as long as they were approved by the Gate Keeper of her world.

Children were born at home, each family gave a room in their homes 1 week every month while they had children and provided a learning environment. Children learned to ride at about 6 or 7 years old a trust worthy horse and the children were allowed out around the cliff sides to play.

Once old enough they were taught how to supply the village stores with food and goods. Some went on to teach the next crop of youngsters others, specialized in either delivering clothing to the village stores which they had made or other necessities.

Gwen’s world was a very simple, peaceful yet effective world. The Gate Keeper had been wise by making sure everything was harmonious. It was about 600 years old.

Laura’s world was very different. Hers was very advanced in technology and much older. Around 3,000 years old. Worlds in general, didn’t make it past 2500 years old. So, something had been done properly here too by the Gate Keeper.

Children were hatched at the Child Centre and returned to the families at about the age of 3.

The parents visited daily when they could. Once at home they were schooled through the network 2 hours a week and by the age of 12 started working.

Their choices was practical work, cyber business, or cyberchology. The GK Union would provide credits accordingly to each individual.

The children played mostly inside and in the inter housing tunnels. The technology was too dangerous to let them play outside. On good days the parents were able to afford a cyberpark day were they could meet in a program and play with their friends.

Even though from two very different worlds, both girls a many things in common.

For one Sharlow thought, they were both very pretty. Next they were both clever.

Gwen had achieved a series of stores for her family by the age of 12. This had won her the chance to become Gatekeeper.

Laura had her own achievements. She had uncovered a band of cyberpranksters that had been terrorizing families for over a decade, forcing families into giving up extra credits for protection. She’d also achieve this at a very young age and had been asked to join the committee.

Now in the Threshold, both of them had the opportunity to start their own world. The two would join heads to create their own masterpiece. The passing of the Gate Keepers always meant the coming of a new world. This had been the biggest change since the last Threshold war where 200 worlds were lost by the destruction of the gates from within.

After the Reform, when the remaining Gate Keepers of each world got together to amend the rules, it was set up that the outside world would always provide the Gate Keepers for the Threshold.

As the counter parts were chosen from the existing worlds they would have the privilege of creating their own worlds. Once set up, they would move in to their own worlds and be the first Gate Keepers of that world. They would set the rules for them and pass them on to the next Gate Keepers. Gate Keepers could marry, love and be with each other but could never have children as they were always chosen from different worlds.

Every time a new world was created the Threshold was modified accordingly. Presently, this was still easy, since there was room for 220 worlds and this was to be the 31st. A new path would be built leading to a new door.

Sharlow was back on his rock but smiling this time. A sign of relief was now on his face as he could see his plan come together. He had much to teach the girls about creating a new world after the boys went back to school.

Chapter 4 - The Boys of Summer

The day after the camping trip was over, the boys didn’t return to the cave as planned. Sharlow sent Burney to investigate. Because of his size it would be easy for him to sneak through Richard’s house and investigate.

Burney returned later that day to announce that Richard and Patrick were safe and sound but were still helping unpack. This was a good sign for Sharlow, that they’s probably returned late from the trip and that most certainly they would be by the next day.

With a week left before school started Sharlow was eager to go through with his plan.

The next day the boys did come. They told Sharlow of the wonderful time they had and that they hoped good times like these would happen in Cave world. This was enough of a sign for Sharlow to know he had to move quickly.

He immediately took them to the Threshold and told them to go and walk about freely and ask questions.

As they reached the centre they looked up and realized that the height perception wasn’t what it appeared. They looked back at Sharlow, who was now sitting on his favourite rock and they couldn’t tell which door or path they’d come from. They walked back to Sharlow to discuss this.

“Where is the entrance where we came in from?” Richard asked.

Sharlow turned around, and with a gesture in the right direction the door reappeared. So in fact the boys realized, the door to their world was just another door to the Threshold.

“It won’t disappear on you.” Sharlow said, “You just have to remember which one it is.”
And he closed it again.

“Why does the ceiling appear so high?” Patrick asked.

“Well it’s actually not a ceiling.” Sharlow said.
“If you look carefully, it has windows on looking each world above it’s cave. And the very practical thing about it, is that Gatekeepers, can talk to the people they choose through it.”

Sharlow pulled two necklaces from under his wing, and handed them to the boys. The necklaces were simple, on a plain dark rope, hung a small wooden bird.
He told them to put it on.

“You go out and play in the fields outside the cave and you’ll see how they work.” He explained.

Off the boys, went out the proper door. The air outside felt hot and the boys headed towards a tree. They sat down and discussed how cool this would be. A few minutes later, Sharlow appeared in front of them. It was just an image of his face but they could hear him clearly and see his mouth move, almost like television.

“Well what do you think?” Sharlow asked.

Richard and Patrick were thrilled and went on about it for quite some time. Finally they returned to the Threshold and asked questions about the necklaces.

“Can we call you too?” Richard asked.

“Well it’s not usually done.” Sharlow replied.
“If everyone called all the time, the Gatekeepers wouldn’t have any time for themselves. Let’s just say it’s used in case of emergencies.” He said.

“Can we keep them?” Patrick asked.

“Well I thought you may ask.” Sharlow said.
“Yes you may”

At this, Sharlow realized he hadn’t seen smiles like these on the boys faces since the first summer they’d met. The boys had been marvelled at a flying man that could pick them up and take them for rides.

Patrick and Richard were very proud of their necklaces and started understanding the privileges of being Gatekeepers. Sharlow listened to them telling each other stories of hw these might be used. This time he smiled.

They wondered off back on to the paths, he let them discover and chat about everything they explored. After a little while, he called them back.

“I’d like to introduce you to two new friends.” He said.

“Gwen and Laura” Sharlow continued, ” I’d like you to meet Richard and Patrick.”

The four of them just stood there for a moment too long. Sharlow realized that the physical differences may be much for the moment. So he broke the silence.

“It’s quite normal when new people from different worlds meet to take a moment and look at each other. After all we are all a little different aren’t we?”

The first striking difference to Patrick and Richard was that the girls were wearing no clothes. At first they seemed uncomfortable about it but then started noticing all the other differences between them. Gwen appeared older with dove white wings. Her skin was much like theirs, except for little snakes that appeared to be crawling on her all the time. Her body seem to glow a little all the time. Despite this she appeared quite happy.

Laura, a few years younger, had dragonfly like wings, very colourful and almost transparent.

Much like her skin.

The prolonged silence amongst the four of them, gave Sharlow an awkward feeling. So he continued looking at the young ladies.
“Richard and Patrick are new to the Threshold, they’ve been to the edge a few times with me but today is their first day. There are many new things and ideas and concepts to discover and I thought you could show them around.”

Finally the girls went off into their childish giggles. This made Richard and Patrick a lot more at ease with the encounter.

Chapter 5 - The Threshold of a New World

Of course given the environment, after a few hours of exploring and the young ladies leading the tour, they felt it was time to satisfy some of their curiosity.

“What’s that?” Laura asked pointing at Patrick’s watch.

“It’s my watch.” Patrick replied.

“What does it do?” Came the reply just as quickly.

After trying to explain for quite a while the notion of time, without any success, Richard decided to try a different approach.

“Patrick, take it off please and let them see it.” Richard ordered.

Patrick handed the watch over to Laura who observed the second hand move around. And then, Richard perked up.

“Put it up to your ear and listen” He said.

Gwen waited her turn but eventually asked if she could try it.

Well it wasn’t long until both girls gave the watch back and started giggling. It was just enough to contain themselves and not let their wings flap. They did manage to keep their promise this time.

The boys had also discovered something fascinating in the morning. Gwen and Laura had pointed out a few areas in the Threshold where the boys must always be careful to step over.

“What happens if we don’t?” Richard had asked.

“Well for one, Sharlow will have to get you.”

Laura had taken a pebble to demonstrate, and dropped it in.
“Perclounck” the sound of a pebble hitting water. Yet their had been no ripples. The stone however had dropped until it was out of sight. The girls couldn’t explain it. But they knew that it was to be avoided.

Richard had been observant all morning, he thought this could be fun. There was a lot to give up. All the people he loved and all the things he enjoyed. What would happen to them?
So far this hadn’t come with his discussions with Sharlow or Patrick. As far as Patrick was concerned this was just a big secret still. Just as it had been for Richard until recently.

Richard was actually begun to worry about the things he would miss.

At that moment, Sharlow showed up. It was almost as though he knew what was on Richard’s mind. Patrick appeared to be busy enough with the ladies, so Sharlow decided it was a good moment to distance himself with Richard and have a small talk.

“The school year is long for you, Richard. Much work ahead, studying, playing sports, and going out with your friends. I see this has become much more than a child’s dream for you. You now realize what I am asking of you.” He said.

Richard just looked on and nodded. So Sharlow continued.

“You now understand why the process takes so long. I don’t want to make a mistake. Of course neither do you. I won’t let you. I can feel your aura, it’s one of many gifts that come with being Gate Keeper.”

“It’s been on my mind a lot.” Said Richard.

“I know. That’s why the next week, will reveal a lot of information here before you go back to school. Next summer, when we meet up, I’ll know the answer when I see you.

“What about Patrick?” asked Richard.

“Patrick is a little younger than you. Thanks to your friendship, he’s very mature and has already made up his mind. His home life maybe a little different too.” Sharlow replied.

Richard knew this all too well. Patrick wasn’t happy at home. His parents were not a happy bunch with each other either. More and more he was spending time outside his home to avoid the screaming matches and tears.

Laura made her way cheerfully, to speak to Sharlow. Richard couldn’t help but smile. She was so bubbly at everything she carried out. Gwen however was almost withdrawn compared to Laura.

She kept to herself a little more.

“Patrick wants to see us fly, Patrick wants to know why we haven’t used our wings. Patrick wants to know if they work.” She went hysterical with laughter.

By now, Gwen and Patrick had joined them. Gwen too, was amused. So Richard thought he’d follow his friend’s lead.

“Well we’ve noticed your wings, but you haven’t flown all day.” Richard said with a smile.

Sharlow looked at the two young ladies and said. “Well I had the girls promise they wouldn’t.

I figured the two of you would get upset since you wouldn’t be able to follow them around.

However, for the sake of a demonstration, if you would like to see, well why not. But ladies, you must keep your promise after.”

For Richard and Patrick, it was an amazing sight. They looked like fireflies or hummingbirds.

Both of them put on a display, which the boys admired.

The day was already over and the five of them parted on a good tone. As Richard and Patrick walked home, they exchanged ideas and thoughts about their wonderful day. Richard had been glad of his chat with Sharlow. He felt much more assured about his decision. He decided not to mention it to Patrick.

Chapter 6 - Tiny World

The rest of the visits during the week were fabulous. Sharlow did many marvellous things, which impressed the boys.

The second day was a morning visit only, because Richard had to visit his grand mother in the afternoon. Patrick asked if he could stay, however Sharlow insisted that both boys attend together.

In the morning, Sharlow had them visit some of the miniature worlds in the Threshold.

“Its not all that you can see.” He said.
“Much of what maintains the Threshold is because of what goes on under this floor and behind these walls.”

“How can that maintain the Threshold?” asked Richard.

“Well for one, you will discover a community made up of millions of beings working to maintain themselves. In fact everything they do constructs the threshold. Within their community, are some wonderful things you will discover.”

“How do we get in there.” Patrick asked with a curious tone.

“Actually you can’t. I will transform the four of you to small beings for your journey. When you’ve seen enough, Gwen and Laura know how to get my attention.

Once they were reduced Gwen asked Patrick to look up and see if he could see Sharlow. He couldn’t, until Sharlow moved. It was incredible. As Sharlow made his way to his rock, they felt the wind from his body moving. It was a strong wind.

On his rock, Sharlow figured the week would go by quickly. Sad as he was to see the boys go for another year, he felt tired. He would welcome the rest. Gwen and Laura were good choices.

They would be able to carry on during the school year and only disturb or wake Sharlow when necessary. There was very little training to be given to them.

They were still too young to carry on against the Gatecrashers but it wouldn’t be long until they were strong enough to be on they’re own.

The four of them quickly made friends with some of the beings they encountered. Richard remembered walking through the tunnel to the Threshold when Sharlow had pointed the small beings. Now that he was their size he noticed the differences in appearance.

They had small bodies with extra long and big arms, legs, feet and hands. They wore clothes and some of them had wings. They didn’t speak English, however Gwen and Laura seem to be able to communicate with them quite normally.

They worked building walls, paths, waterways, ceilings and many more activities went on that neither Richard or Patrick could identify. Every group of workers had a leader and through out the morning Richard had observed that the leaders would meet periodically.

At one point they stumbled onto a small crowd gathered at the bottom of a wall. The young ladies, intrigued, dragged their guests to find out what was going on. As bizarre as it seemed every one was gathered around a large egg. Every once in a while it would rock. After about 20 minutes, a small crack appeared on the side. After another while a
great big horn protruded from it.

Richard looked at Patrick with a grin and asked. “Have you ever seen a chicken like that?”

Both of them smirked and waited in suspense with the rest of the crowd.
Finally a tiny Unicorn emerged from it. The crowd in aw, made a larger clearing as the little helpers helped it shed its shell.

---

---

Gwen and Laura were very excited and explained that they should feel privileged to have seen the hatching of a Unicorn. Magical beast Laura went on to explain.

The morning was gone before they knew it. The journey had been very eventful. Both Richard and Patrick had been upset at one point. They were now relieved as they headed towards Sharlow’s rendezvous place.

A large dragonfly had swept down to pick up a rather large insect which was lazily making it’s way towards a cave entrance. The sight of the struggling insect had bothered both boys.

Soon they were back up to normal size and very happy about it. Still, Patrick looked up at Sharlow and asked.

“If I come by myself,” Patrick asked, “and just play outside the cave, can Laura and Gwen come out of the Threshold and join me this afternoon?”

Sharlow was intrigued by the question. After all the girls had everything required to visit all the worlds. Which was more than the boys had for the time being. There were some concerns.

How long they could stay and how far could they go?

Sharlow thought about how Patrick, certainly didn’t want to spend the day at home.

“Very well then,” said Sharlow. “You may come after lunch.”

Chapter 7 - The Change

Much to his surprise, when Patrick returned after lunch he only found Laura. She was dressed in a long blue dress and carried a stick much taller than her. At the end of the stick was a moon shaped hook. She looked very pretty.

---

---

A very elegant horse accompanied her, but soon the animal turned towards Patrick, and he thought he was in dream world. This was no horse. It was a unicorn. Patrick remembered the hatching they had witnessed in the morning.

“What’s your friend’s name?” He asked.
“Tory” Came a rather dry reply.
“Where are Sharlow and Gwen?” Patrick asked.
“It’s a long story.” Laura replied.

The young and playful Laura he had grown accustomed to, was very serious. She went on to explain what had happened.

Shortly after Patrick and Richard had left, Sharlow and the girls were sitting around the rock discussing the afternoon plans outside cave. Burney came running to Sharlow, somewhat agitated. In a moment Sharlow reduced Laura for safety but when he went to reduce Gwen, it was too late.

A Gatecrasher had taken her and fled back through one of the doors. Without any delay, Sharlow got Laura back up to size and explained how to go about the afternoon. He left her with Gwen’s horse. In case Gwen came back, Tory would do anything to keep her safe.

He also left her with a moon sword for her own protection. The moon sword would shield her against anything. It wasn’t really a weapon Sharlow had explained, but would protect the 3 of them in case of danger if Sharlow wasn’t around.

He’d also left her with instructions that if he wasn’t back by the end of the afternoon, she was to send Tory through a certain gate to go and get help.

Sharlow had never spoken to Richard and Patrick about the Gatecrashers, it wasn’t exactly a good selling point. While his efforts had been to familiarize them with the surroundings and show them many wonderful things about this mysterious world, he now wished he would have prepared them for such an event.

The Gatecrashers were a group of beings that had lived outside the rules of each world and found ways to organize themselves from one world to the other. Over all since the last reform, they weren’t worth the trouble. As long as they weren’t bothered they didn’t often make any significant disturbances for the Gatekeepers to be concerned.

Sharlow took this disturbance however rather personal. Much could be learned from Gwen and she was still young enough to be influenced. Sure she knew about the Gatecrashers, and would most likely resist.

Her whereabouts were still unknown. After losing chase, Sharlow had come back to the cave and communicated each world’s Gate keeper to keep watch and contact him immediately if any news came about.

Patrick had been listening to Laura’s stories about the Gatecrashers and where they lived and what they looked like.

For the time being, Patrick’s impression of them was that they were pretty crafty.

The afternoon had gone by quickly and it was time for Patrick to return home. He didn’t like the fact that there was no news of Gwen. Sharlow hadn’t been talkative either. So there was really no way of finding out if there was a plan.

“Can you tell Sharlow I have to go home?” he asked Laura.

Laura smiled at him and headed for the cave. She knew where he would be sitting. There he sat on the Rock, no expression on his face.
At the sight of Laura he grinned, but not the usual. There was a sign of shame and defeat, almost a sheepish smile.

“I don’t know where to start.” he told Laura.

“Why don’t you come and say goodbye to Patrick and we’ll see if we can come up with a plan?” Laura said.

He got up from the rock and accompanied her. Patrick was grateful but wanted a sign that everything would be all right.

“It’s only a few days before we say goodbye for the schoolyear Patrick. I think it would be best that you let Laura and I concentrate on finding Gwen. When everything is back to normal, I’ll send for you guys to come back.”

Patrick looked up and asked,

“Is there anything we can do from our side that would help other than stay out of your way?

Would you like us to be Gate Keepers while you and Laura go on your search?

For the first time all afternoon, Sharlow really laughed.

“It is so good of you to offer, Patrick and I hope I can take you up on your offer another time. We will close the entrances but you and Patrick may come to the Threshold if you wish. You both have your necklaces and if ther’s any news we will alert you.”

It wasn’t as much as he had hoped for, but he was happy that they could come tomorrow. It would make it easier for Patrick to explain what had happened.

He looked up at Sharlow and said “She’s fine you know. I just know it. Good luck to you both and we’ll bring lunch.”

“Don’t forget, you won’t be alone, everyone that you met when you were miniature will all be there working. They never stop. If they know you have lunch, you will certainly have company.

So watch your feet! Also, if we don’t return and you guys have to go home, I’ll be sure to send Burney to give you an update.

Chapter 8 - It Never rains, it pours

The following morning after breakfast the boys met, as they had done all summer, at the town’s border. Richard wasn’t his usual self. Patrick was usually the quiet one and Richard, the one who got the day going. But today, things were different.

“Richard, you wouldn’t believe what happened yesterday”…Patrick went on to explain the disappearance of Gwen.

Richard listened attentively, on the verge of tears, when Patrick finally was done he asked.
“So what’s Sharlow doing about it.”

Patrick replied, “He and Laura are going through the worlds today and looking for her again.”

“What are we going to do?” asked Richard.

“Well,” Patrick said. “We’re allowed to go to the Threshold to spend the day and wait. If we find something out we can use the necklaces to tell Sharlow. If they find Gwen, they will tell us too.”

Off they went through the fields, beyond the town’s end. Finally when they got to the Threshold, they sat around Sharlow’s rock. It just seemed natural. They were automatically drawn to it.

Both quiet, they were not often in the Threshold on their own. It was a little creepy.

Patrick finally spoke up.

“Sharlow reminded me that we’re not really alone you know?”
Richard looked at him and waited for him to continue.
“Remember our Miniature journey? Well they’re all here so we’re not really alone.”

Richard smiled, “Well I guess you’re right, but I don’t think there’s a whole bunch they could do.”

“I brought us lunch” Patrick explained. “If we leave a lot of crumbs, they’ll come out and pick them up.

The morning was fairly uneventful. Richard listened to Patrick as he re-told the story about the Gatecrashers and how they survived in the underworlds. Richard was intrigued, the same way Patrick had been the day before.

* * * *

Meanwhile Sharlow and Laura were both sitting with old friends laughing. It had been a long time since Sharlow had visited some of the folks they were meeting up with now for assistance.

“and that’s the way this story goes dear old friend.” said an old man about the same age as Sharlow.

“Well we are are quite relieved” Sharlow said.

Simtai an old acquaintance of Sharlow had become involved with the underworlds. Simtai had just explained to Sharlow that this event was only to get his attention. Actually by the time he would return home, Gwen should already be there.

“But why would they want to get my attention, Simtai?” Sharlow asked.

“Well you see, that’s where I come in.” He replied.
“You see the Underworlds are not once what they were. The only time we see them is when they need our resources. Actually, I have visited them on a number of occasions.”

He went on to explain how they had met. He’d caught a bunch of the children stealing at the market. When the parents came they were more than embarrassed. Simtai opened dialogue with the parents and discovered that their crafty traditions of survival and travelling had been passed
on, but he found a rather peaceful bunch of people.

“Well I’m glad to hear it”. Said Sharlow. “But you still haven’t explained why they want my attention. Where’s this going?”

“Well you see, the underworlds may have a lot to share with the rest of us. But they would like to be accepted first. So this was a plan to draw your attention to them.”

“Not a very friendly one I may add.”

“Listen,” Said Simtai. “Why don’t you think about this? Speak to the girl, make sure she’s alright and get back to me. There maybe something good for both sides.

Sharlow got up, his face half filled of relief and curiosity.

“Simtai, I’m tired. This maybe the best advice you’ve given me.” He took Laura by hand and off they went back to the cave.

In the mean time, the boys were restless. It was mid afternoon, they’d had lunch and just as Sharlow had said, the little beings came out to pick up the crumbs. It was probably the most fun they had all day. They made extra crumbs just to keep them coming back.

At about 2.30pm Gwen emerged from one of the bottomless holes. She laughed. Both Patrick and Richard ran to her to make sure she was alright. They knew she would be alright. Espescially when they heard the laughter.

Minutes later both boys were scared to death as they for the first time saw Sharlow emerge from the wall, followed by Laura.

---

---

“Well I`m glad to see everyone is home safe and sound!” Exclaimed Sharlow.

“Gwen” he continued, “I`m glad to see you are unharmed. Kids if you don`t mind, Gwen and I have a lot of catching up to do.”

It was time once again for Richard and Patrick to leave the Threshold and head home. Neither one of them wanted to leave.

Sharlow looked at them as he walked away with Gwen and said.
“Tomorrow is your day guys. I know it`s also your last day, I`ve prepared a little feast for the five of us.”

Chapter 9 - Summer`s End

Gwen and Sharlow were still talking when the boys returned the next day. The Threshold was back to normal all doors to the different worlds were visible. Laura slept on the ground covered by one of Sharlow’s coats.

“Well look who’s back, I must say both of you are pretty brave to keep coming back after what you’ve seen in the last few days.”

“We were worried” Richard said.

“Well everything appears to be back to normal at this end”. Sharlow said.

Richard and Patrick sat around Laura, who was still sleeping. Sharlow and Gwen sat on the rock, close to each other.

“It`s back to school tomorrow” Patrick said.

“Well then, I imagine both you boys have to be home early. I’d like to take you somewhere, in one of the Worlds. Perhaps if we leave now, you’ll have time to explore before we have lunch. We’ll call it a picnic day.”

Sharlow extended it’s hand, it was closed like a fist. About one metre from Laura’s head he released it slowly and eventually opened his hand. When he was done, she was wide awake.

“So when are we leaving?” Laura asked.

“But how do you know? You were sleeping” Richard asked.

Sharlow stepped in “It’s a long story, Richard, We’ll explain later.”

The five of them got up, and Sharlow started giving everyone instructions.

They all huddled around Sharlow, he instructed them to close their eyes. All Richard and Patrick felt was a lifting and swirling sensation. Next, they felt their feet back on the ground but with their eyes still closed, they could tell the air had changed.

They could smell green grass and hear water close by.

Sharlow instructed everyone to open their eyes again.

“In this place” he said “you’re bodies are much lighter. Whenever Gwen and Laura fly around, they will be able to take you with them. Should you fall, just try to keep your feet towards the ground. You shouldn’t get hurt.

It was Richard and Patrick’s turn to laugh uncontrollably.

“I don’t think so Richard said”

“Try jumping?” asked Sharlow “Straight up”

With that both of them jumped over 10 metres and started yelling as Laura went up with them and butterflied around them. They of course landed both on their feet.

Gwen was following the sound of the water, She called everyone over. They stood extremely high at the top of a water fall. Sharlow looked at the four of them and said.

“I have a feeling you guys will be very busy for the next few hours. I am very familiar with the grounds here. There is no danger that I know of. So enjoy yourselves while I get some lunch ready.”

And then he added. “Everyone back for 12:00 noon. You all have your necklaces, if there’s anything to signal me, use them.

The whole morning was an adventure as they defied the law of gravity with the girls and discovered each other. Lunch was a strange tasteful treat. Everyone was quiet and hungry.

Sharlow took advantage of the silence to deliver his speech.

“Ladies”, he started “For a few years now, you’ve had very little contact with anyone but myself. I must say you were very nice hosts. At the same time you’ve made new friends.

Unfortunately, you won’t see them until next summer. Gentlemen, you too have made new friends.

You’ve discovered a dark side of the world, not too many are aware of. I’m happy to say, you have much more time than I expected to make your decisions.”

“While visiting the other Worlds and befriending the Gatecrashers I learned some things that will extend my health beyond what I ever imagined. If only we would have had this knowledge last year, Benjamin would still be with me.”

“However” he went on after a long pause. “I believe time makes the heart grow fonder and the four of you will be glad to see each other next summer.

In a way, this is a new beginning for me too. I think I have made a wise choice with you boys.

After lunch, Sharlow asked everyone to close their eyes, he snapped his fingers and everyone was back at the Threshold.

Patrick and Richard felt heavy, they could feel the weightlessness was gone. They also felt heavy in their heart. They knew it was time to say goodbye.

Sharlow looked at them, “I have an idea. He held up his necklace. How about every first Sunday of the months you two look us up?

They all hugged as they looked towards next year’s adventures.

“Oh” Sharlow said. “Next year, I’d like the birds alive”