New Serial - First Encounter #1

'The truth is,' the Big Honch began, 'Dag had to be put down because of the lake sickness.'

Talon sat among the other children in the town hall, trying to form the question on his mind.

The Honch continued. 'We don't know why our pets and some of the wild animals are acting like this, but we have to be careful – just in case humans can catch it too.'

Talon raised his arm. 'Why do we still fish on the lake then?' he said. 'And what about the Floating Village down the river?'

'You mustn't ask stupid questions, little Talon,' the Honch said. 'The lake is the source of our livelihood. If we stopped fishing, we would have nothing to trade.'

***

The village Yerz was situated on the long mountain pass that connected South and North Ryndia. Overlooking the south western half of a great lake, their harvest had been constantly great until the start of the lake sickness incidents. Those animals allowed in the water, including the montigers the villagers kept as pets, occasionally returned to Yerz not recognising their owners and even began to attack people who came close.

Lately the montiger known as Dag had contracted the illness. The Honch, the leader of the town, was then left to explain its disappearance to its owners – a contingent of children who were learning to fish on the lake.

'Can you believe that?' Talon said, maybe too loudly, to his friend Daiv as they left the hall. 'He thinks we're babies. I just don't want to be the first human to catch it!'

'You won't,' Daiv said. 'We aren't going in the water – Ferran made sure all the boats were brought to the docks.'

'Whatever.' The two boys approached Ferran for the day's lesson.

'Ready then,' he said without a hint of inquiry.

'Yep,' they replied in unison. 'Let's go catch some trout.'

***

The day was as simple and enjoyable as fishing can be, without the added hassle of catching fish.

'Boys, I know you're having a lot of fun,' Ferran said not long after midday, 'but the village relies on this trade.'

The man rummaged around in his leather bag, producing a three-pronged metal monster. 'This is the Big Momma.'

'A Quondu lure?' Talon said with his eyes aglow.

'Nothing less.' Ferran grinned. 'If this doesn't do it, nothing will, and we'll go home empty handed.'

He hooked “Big Momma” and a float onto the end of the nearest fishing pole, casting over the port stern. Talon noticed the float moving slightly.

'Probably just the wind, mate,' said Ferran. 'You know you've got something when –'

The float disappeared and Ferran was jerked heavily towards the side of the boat.

'Careful now,' he said as the water splashed against the sides. 'Feels like a big one.'

Ferran began levering with the pole to wind in as much line as he could. Suddenly the boat was rocked heavily. Before the boys could register what had happened, Ferran was several metres out of reach and frantically treading water.

'Just go home and get help!' he said. 'I think the line is tied around my ank –'

As their teacher disappeared below the water, Talon and Daiv took to the oars.

***

The sun was setting when the boys reached the dock. Talon tied the boat up and followed Daiv to the Honch's house.

'Ferran was taken underwater by the biggest fish –'

'We've got to go and find him –'

'Take the montigers and rescue –'

'Knives to cut the line –'

'Hang on, just hang on,' the Big Honch told the boys. 'One of you at a time.'

'We have to go and find him,' said Daiv.

'Ferran might still be alive, but he's drowning,' Talon added.

The Honch didn't speak for several seconds.

'Even if Ferran was still alive after being underwater,' he began. 'It is far too dangerous to mount a rescue. For all we know, he's already contracted the lake sickness.'

The boys grew more than just downcast as the Honch continued, knowing they could do nothing to change his mind.

'Neither of you touched the lake, did you?' he said. 'I'll have to keep you here overnight while I confirm that the sickness hasn't spread.' The man stood up and walked past them absently.

Talon exploded. 'You self absorbed, money driven... autocrat!' he said. 'Don't you see that this is just stupid? You insist that we continue to fish on the lake even while you say that it's too dangerous! Ferran could still be out there, and you don't want to lift a finger!'

The Honch turned back to the boy. 'Big words for an unschooled and rude little fisherman's brat!'

'Hey, don't bring his father into this!' Daiv said. The Honch's eyebrows furrowed.

'I think you would do well to spend a night in solitary confinement.' The man then grabbed both the boys' collars, taking care not to touch their skin. The Honch walked them out of the house and down the street as shouts echoed up from the dock.

'What is this about?' the Honch said. He pointed sharply at the boys. 'Stay here, or else.'

'No way am I listening to him,' Talon said.  He followed from behind, as quietly as he could, and stood near the edge of the town hall closest to the lake. In the twilight he was nearly invisible.

'What is going on?' said the Honch. Near the wharf, a man that might have been Mr Sasket was holding onto a dripping body. Ferran twitched and gasped a huge breath.

'Thank the heavens,' the Honch said. 'I was worried that you were gone for good.'

'He needs to rest,' said Mr Sasket. 'Let's take him home to sleep it off.'

As the Big Honch turned back up the slope, Talon raced off and grabbed Daiv on the way.

This is the first chunk of a full story that may turn into a longer series.  I hope that you are anxiously awaiting the conclusion - and please feel free to voice comments or criticism below!