Gingerly settling on the ground, and propping my injured leg up on a nearby rock, I surveyed the area surrounding the Portal. The pain in my leg was a constant reminder of my limitations, and the need for crutches became more pressing with each passing moment. I had been confined to this spot, unable to venture far without enduring excruciating pain. Determined to make the most of my time, I began sorting through the camping equipment scattered near the Portal, carefully dividing the items into piles: those to be taken back to camp and those destined for the Drop Zone.
As I sifted through the assortment of gear, my attention was drawn to several items that caught my interest. Different types of tents stood before me, offering refuge in various shapes and sizes. Some were sturdy dome tents, equipped with waterproof rainfly and designed for easy setup, while others were spacious cabin tents, capable of accommodating a larger group. Tarps and groundsheets lay nearby, ready to shield us from any unforeseen downpours. My eyes fell upon a collection of camping stoves, lanterns, and a portable camp shower, their practicality evident. A set of portable camping chairs beckoned relaxation after a long day of exploration. And then there were the sleeping bags and air mattresses, some appearing brand new with self-inflating technology, promising a semblance of comfort in this rugged terrain.
Amidst my organising, I noticed Paul making slow trips between the Portal and our camp, his arms laden with supplies. Curiosity getting the better of me, I couldn't help but question his solitary efforts. "Hey Paul, why aren't Karen and Chris helping you?" I inquired as he approached.
With a smile, Paul reassured me, "Oh, they're busy with something else. Don't worry, I got this."
Though a pang of curiosity gnawed at me, I decided not to pry further. In truth, keeping my distance from Chris at that moment seemed like the best course of action.
As the sorting neared its end, my mind wandered, contemplating the origins of these provisions. My uncle had regaled me with tales of Beatrix's resourcefulness, and an unsettling feeling crept over me. Some questions were best left unanswered, I mused, a tinge of unease lingering.
Lost in my thoughts, a sudden commotion shattered the stillness. The Portal erupted with vibrant hues, dancing and swirling in a mesmerising display. I half-expected Beatrix or Luke to emerge, but neither appeared. Intrigue gripped me, wondering why the Portal had stirred to life in their absence. Cautiously, I inched closer, contemplating the possibility of an opportunity to return home. My hand hesitated, almost reaching out to the dazzling colours.
In an instant, a force collided with me, sending me sprawling backward, landing harshly on the dusty ground. Pain radiated through my injured leg as it connected with a small rock. Blinking away the tears that welled up, I struggled to regain focus. And there, sprawled out before me, was a disoriented man.
Gradually, he rose to his feet, dusting off his clothes while appearing bewildered and confused. I couldn't help but wonder how he had arrived here and what had led him to this unforgiving place. The man's gaze darted around, his eyes registering a mix of daze and confusion. Unsettled, I realised I knew nothing of this stranger's intentions or identity.
"It must be Luke," I muttered, recalling my own disorienting arrival in Clivilius. He does enjoy pushing people a little too much, I added in silent reflection.
On his feet once more, the man spun in a full circle before fixating his attention on the Portal. Curiosity piqued, he reached out as if to touch it, mirroring my earlier attempt.
"You can't go back," I called out, feeling a sense of duty to spare him from Clive's unsettling presence.
Startled, he pivoted on his heels, facing me with a mixture of confusion and desperation. "What do you mean? Where am I?" he pleaded for answers.
"Didn't you hear the voice when you came through?" I responded, curiosity mingling with concern.
He paused, brow furrowing as he recollected his arrival. "I think so," he finally admitted.
Extending my arms in a welcoming gesture, I stepped toward him. "Well, there you go," I said. "Welcome to Clivilius."
His disbelief was evident as he turned away, reaching once again toward the Portal's translucent screen.
"I told you," I called out again, hoping to save him from Clive's unpleasantness. "You can't go back."
"No!" he shouted, whirling around to face me. His head shook with vehement denial. "There must be some mistake."
A pang of sympathy tugged at me, recognising his struggle with the harsh reality of this place. But the sooner he accepts his fate, the sooner we can all move forward. Mustering a smile, I extended my hand in greeting, closing the gap between us despite the sharp twinge in my leg. "I'm Kain," I introduced myself.
He stared at my outstretched hand for a moment before grasping it with an unexpectedly firm grip. After a brief shake, he released his hold.
"So, where's Luke?" he inquired, his gaze scanning the surroundings.
"I'm sure he'll be here very soon," I reassured him. The Portal erupted once more, its vibrant colours pulsating with electrifying energy. Grabbing his arm gently, I guided him away from the Portal, mindful of the potential dangers it held. "It's best if we don't stand too close," I advised.
"Shit," he muttered, his eyes widening in disbelief.
In the midst of our conversation, a white ute materialised through the Portal, stirring up plumes of dust that hung in the air. As the haze dissipated, a tall, rugged man emerged from the vehicle, stepping onto the barren terrain.
"Luke!" I exclaimed, relief washing over me at the sight of a familiar face. "Why is he here?" I blurted out, eager for an explanation.
"Nial owns a fence construction business," Luke replied, making his way toward us.
I nodded in understanding. Though unfortunate for Nial, the necessity for fencing in this treacherous land was not lost on me. Security and protection were paramount, and in that moment, I silently hoped that Nial's expertise would prove invaluable.
"Do these include your office keys?" Luke questioned, drawing my attention to a jingling set of keys in his hand.
"Yeah," Nial replied, a perplexed expression crossing his face as he reached for the keys.
"Where's your office?" Luke asked, his tone filled with purpose.
Nial's confusion deepened, his brow furrowing. "It's a home office. Why?" he responded.
"Great!" Luke exclaimed, breathing life into the Portal once again. "The key is still in the ignition," he gestured toward Nial's ute before passing through the Portal.
As Nial continued grappling with his unfamiliar surroundings, I noticed Paul approaching, determination etched on his face.
"You've just missed Luke," I informed Paul, a hint of sarcasm lacing my voice.
Coming to a halt, Paul furrowed his brow, smearing dust across his forehead in the process.
"But this is Nial," I quickly added, seizing the opportunity to introduce the two men and pass the responsibility of welcoming Nial into our settlement to Paul. Turning my attention to Nial, I hurriedly explained, "Paul is our camp leader. He's the one who keeps us organised and safe," I blurted, surprising myself with how much I really wanted to believe what I was saying.
Paul nodded, regarding Nial with a mix of curiosity and concern. "Nice to meet you, Nial. I'm sorry you got caught up in all of this," Paul offered, extending his hand for a shake.
Nial hesitated for a moment before accepting Paul's hand. "Yeah, me too," he replied, his voice betraying a hint of uncertainty.
Aware that Nial was still grappling with the impossible situation, I couldn't help but sympathise. After all, I, too, struggled to comprehend the workings of Clivilius. Pressing a finger against the trickle of blood on my leg, I reminded myself of the urgency to seek proper care.
"Kain, let's load Nial's ute with the remaining camping supplies that need to be taken to camp and the three of us can return to camp," Paul suggested, his gaze acknowledging my painful leg.
Concerned about not being able to request crutches once we returned to camp, I hesitated for a moment. Yet, I knew Paul was right. Resting my leg and tending to the wound were crucial. "Yeah, that's a good idea. My leg is getting too painful to walk," I admitted.
"You need to rest your leg." Paul urged, his voice filled with genuine concern. Taking a deep breath, he continued, "And you really should consider going to the river or lagoon to put some water on your wound. I'll return to the Portal because I need to speak with Luke and I promise you that I will ask Luke to get you some crutches."
Reluctantly, I nodded, acknowledging the wisdom in Paul's advice. "Thanks, Paul. I appreciate it," I said, grateful for his support. As Paul and Nial loaded the remaining supplies into the back of the ute, we embarked on our journey back to camp, leaving behind the captivating but unfathomable realm of the Portal.
As we neared the small camp, my gaze was immediately drawn to the gruesome display of the Shadow Panther's head. Mounted on a wooden pole, the creature's menacing visage was placed prominently at the entrance, its jet-black fur and open jaws with razor-sharp teeth and a bloodied, pink tongue sending a shiver down my spine. The matted fur around its neck, stained with dried blood, served as a chilling testament to the dangers that lurked in the uncharted wilderness of Clivilius. It stood as a stark warning that we couldn't afford to let our guard down.
Glancing at the rearview mirror, I could see the fear and uncertainty etched on Nial's face as he stared at the severed head.
"That's why we need you, Nial," Paul asserted, pointing towards the ominous trophy. "We need you to help us build security fences around the camp's perimeter to keep us safe from the Shadow Panthers and any other dangers that may lurk in this new world."
Nial rubbed his weary eyes, his voice trembling. "I can't believe this is real," he admitted. "I have a wife and young toddler to get home to. I can't stay here."
As the ute came to a halt, Paul unbuckled his seatbelt and turned towards Nial, his voice brimming with empathy. "I understand how difficult this is for you, Nial," he said.
"We've all got loved ones we've left behind," I chimed in, swallowing the lump in my throat, the ache of separation weighing heavily upon me.
"But the fact is, we are here now and we need to work together or none of us are going to survive this place," Paul continued, his hands gesturing towards my injured leg as a poignant reminder.
Shaking his head, Nial's voice barely above a whisper, "I don't know if I can do this."
"You don't have to do this alone," Paul assured him, his words laced with reassurance. "We're here for you..."
Feeling overwhelmed by my turbulent emotions, I flung open the door and stepped out of the vehicle. "I'm going to the lagoon," I declared solemnly as I gingerly manoeuvred myself away from the front seat.
"Paul can deal with Nial," I muttered to myself, allowing their voices to fade into the distance as I trudged painfully through the warm dust. With each arduous step, I sent a silent message to my captor.
Clive, we need to talk!
