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THE BOOK OF MONCOTO

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THE BOOK OF MONCOTO

Mosetta M. Penick Phillips-Cermak

PHOTOGRAPHS

Larria Patterson

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The Book of Moncoto

This is a work of fiction. Any similarities to any persons living or dead is purely coincidental.

*

“I really don't know why it is that all of us are so committed to the sea, except I think it's because in addition to the fact that the sea changes, and the light changes, and ships change, it's because we all came from the sea. And it is an interesting biological fact that all of us have in our veins the exact same percentage of salt in our blood that exists in the ocean, and, therefore, we have salt in our blood, in our sweat, in our tears. We are tied to the ocean. And when we go back to the sea - whether it is to sail or to watch it - we are going back from whence we came.

[Remarks at the Dinner for the America's Cup Crews, September 14 1962]”
― John F. Kennedy

**

“We clear the harbor and the wind catches her sails and my beautiful ship leans over ever so gracefully, and her elegant bow cuts cleanly into the increasing chop of the waves. I take a deep breath and my chest expands and my heart starts thumping so strongly I fear the others might see it beat through the cloth of my jacket. I face the wind and my lips peel back from my teeth in a grin of pure joy.”
― L.A. Meyer, Under the Jolly Roger: Being an Account of the Further Nautical Adventures of Jacky Faber

***

“Any sufficiently advanced technology is indistinguishable from magic.”
― Arthur C. Clarke, Profiles of the Future: An Inquiry Into the Limits of the Possible

Chapter 1

The Invincible Princess

Dawn hummed the tune to a song’s familiar intro. She carried the soda pop, sandwiches, and other snacks from the dock’s gangplank to the deck of the boat. She adjusted the volume on her wireless headphones as she sang…

Will we survive the magic and the mystery? Or, fall prey to the shadows of the night.

Is this the end or beginning of our history? Does our path mingle with the stars in flight?

Dawn smiled as she stowed the supplies in the galley. I know I can convince Nana if I am careful. Gosh, I wish she’d stop treating me like such a baby. I am not a baby. Whenever I want to do something fun, then I’m too young, but if she wants me to do some kind of work, then it’s…“You’re a big girl, Dawn… Stop whining, Dawn.”

I can handle the boat. The swells are less than three feet. Who cares if it’s November 2nd. There’s no rule that says that it has to storm in November. I can’t even remember weather this warm at this time of year. This is probably the last nice day of the year. The schooner is in winter rig, and Nana already struck the boat’s topmast and light canvas. That should account for any sudden changes in the wind. Besides, she always said the boat’s design is perfect for this lake.

…Let's journey together. Our story lies among the starry sky

Let’s journey together, together now until the day we die…

“I will convince her,” said Dawn. She shivered. A cold breeze blew across the lake and rushed at her face. Her eyes stung and the tears rolled down her cheeks. She took an intake of air and caught her breath.

Dawn practiced her sad face. With her forehead pinched and her mouth turned down, she drooped her shoulders and started toward the house to confront her grandmother.

***

Dawn released the fore and aft lines of the Invincible Princess and took the helm of the twenty-six footer. She pointed the bow west, out of the small, fast-flowing stream, and up the two-hundred-fifty feet of shoreline into Lake Superior. Dawn sat down. She checked her striped cotton-chambray sailor top and matched shorts for stains. She crossed her legs as she leaned back. The wind across the lake blew a quiet three miles per hour from the northeast. The gust lifted her hair. She brushed it away from her face and focused on Nana.

"Are you mad because I bothered you to take out the boat, Nana?"
Nana looked down at her watch. She pasted a smile on her face and turned to look at Dawn.

"No, Sweetheart. I could never really be mad at you. There was no way I would allow you to take out this boat by yourself."

“Why not?” Dawn asked. “I’m not a baby.”

“Because,” said Nana, “no one should ever swim or sail alone. Besides, if the hydraulic ram went out, you’d need at least a one-man crew just to get the sails up or down.”

“Other kids around here have their own boats and take them out by themselves all the time. How will I ever become a champion sailor like you, Nana, if you won’t let me have a boat? It’s not like I want to try the Mackinac Race. I just want to hop over to Madeline Island.”

“Nevertheless, Dawn, you know how unpredictable this lake is in November. Madeline Island is too far.” She frowned. “Now, tie your life vest.”

***

Nana glanced, once more, at the Submariner Rolex on her wrist.

“Dawn, we’re already an hour and a half out. This is far enough. Let’s start back.”

Thin clouds billowed from the northwestern skies and moved toward them. Nana’s brow furrowed as she stared at a new-formed, looming, black cloud, hanging low on the western horizon. She reached over and tapped the barometer attached to the boat. The mercury in the gauge leveled out at the red line. The rapid drop in pressure confirmed what she suspected.

"A storm front moving in. I’d better take the helm," she said. “I just hope we can make it home in one piece.”

“Don’t worry, Nana, we’ll be fine. We’ll make it back to the slip, in record time.”

“Do you remember what I told you about Lake Superior and the Great Lakes? The history of the five Great Lakes shows more than ten thousand vessels sunk on her floors.”

Dawn sighed. Good grief, all she ever does is worry. I wish she’d stop hounding me with the same stuff over, and over.

“Yes, Nana, I remember. However, you’re the best sailor I know. Besides, most of those boats went down in the olden days.”

“Not all of them Dawn…not all of them.”

She eyed Nana as she turned the boat leeward, caught the wind in the sails, and headed east toward the lighter sky. The schooner clipped along at a respectable fifteen knots. Dawn peered back at the tumbling black clouds chasing them, almost catching them. Maybe the Invincible Princess could outrun the storm. She knew the Invincible Princess could outrun the storm...couldn't it? With Nana at the helm, nothing can catch us.

The rush of the water struck the bow under them. Dawn untied her life vest and zipped up her black slicker. She crossed her arms and rubbed her shoulders. The chill of the falling temperature made goosebumps rise. She shivered and not from the thrill of sailing--she'd always liked that--but a new kind of sensation, a scary kind.

The wind picked up even more. The sails whipped. Dawn viewed her breath as she exhaled. She stood up and adjusted her gait to the roll of the boat as she made her way to the cabin. She reached the door and went below to get gloves and rainwear. She found the foul-weather gear and hauled it back up on deck. White-crested water pounded against the hull as the lake pitched and swelled. An icy wave hit, washed the deck, and sent the boat sideways. Dawn clutched the rain-slickers under her arm and tried to keep her balance. She moved in slow motion as she fell down and crashed across the deck. She worked to regain her footing, pulled up on her knees and grabbed at—at anything-- the control lines. Snap went the line holding the boom in place.

“Watch out, Dawn!”

The pole, now loose, swung back and forth. It moved from one side of the boat to the other. THWACK! The spar crashed into the side of Dawn’s head. It hurled her two feet through the air and swept her off the boat. SPLASH!

Dawn plunged into the frigid depths of Lake Superior. The cold water shocked her back to a partial revival of her senses. She struggled to regain control of her limbs.

“Dawn,” Nana shouted.

“Help me!” Dawn cried, “Nana!” Her voice faded in the darkness.

A bright light seeped from Dawn’s chest and illuminated the water around her. The light broke the surface of the water and shot up into the sky. Shimmery particles splintered from the main source. Sparkles hovered, surrounded Dawn, and then pulsated. It pulled her with it toward the clouds. Dawn pressed her eyes together. Cold wind and a sensation of soaring upward rushed at her. She opened her eyes and looked down on the water below. She viewed the boat as it floundered n the lake, with no one at her helm. Dawn stared down at the Invincible Princess. It rolled over and sank in less than five minutes

Chapter 2

Laven-Moors

Faster, Dawn... Faster! Dawn Baxter hurried toward the southern end of the forest. She kept the fading warmth of the sunlight on her right side. The rays from the setting sun guided her in the correct direction. Her long brown hair pulled back in a single loose braid, bounced behind her. Her agile legs and natural athletic grace carried her through the twilight with ease.

Twilight—I stayed too long. She picked up the pace. Nana warned me the trees could come alive in the forest, and turn into long-forgotten creatures. A fallen log creaked near her foot. What was that? Her eyes darted from side to side. Had the log turned into one of the long-extinct crocodile-like dinosaurs Nana said inhabited the forest after dark? A sudden screech shattered the eerie silence -- either predator or prey. She held her breath. Afraid to stop, yet fearful of walking into the path of some ancient beast, she threw her determination into escaping the forest.

Dawn squinted, but the red and silver of the branches dimmed as the forest began to change shape. Nana said the trees stretched their branches into arms. Dawn imagined the Giant Pink Oak opening what looked like eyes. Once I pass the Oak, the boundary between the forest and the safety of the village, everything will be okay. The gold and silver trees moved to the side to allow her to pass uninjured. Dawn’s heart pounded with every step she took. Her mind drifted back to the first evening after they arrived in Laven-Moor, and the words of warning Nana spoke.

"Dawn," Nana had said, "get to the Giant Pink Oak before nightfall. You'll be safe then. Gathar said even the roots in the ground lay flat to prevent you from tripping. Remember, at night the most powerful magic of Laven–Moors comes into play."

***

Dawn passed the Giant Pink Oak and rounded the last turn. Nana stood in the back doorway of the white cottage. She swept the sidewalk with a fast motion. Dawn paused long enough to kiss her grandmother on the cheek and hug her as she passed.

“It’s late,” said Nana.

“I know,” said Dawn.

She hurried into the bathroom to wash before she took her seat at the table.

Nana sat down. The magic that flowed through the land of K’biradon began its usual work. Two tiny silver and red bowls filled with green seedless grapes, intermixed with Raspberries, blueberries, cherries, and apple slices appeared on the table. Plates of bite-size bread and fresh creamy butter turned up. The main course, just enough for two, consisted of pasta and seafood with unknown spices mixed with a white creamy sauce. Baked yellow zucchini mixed with onions, green zucchini, cheese, and lima beans in tiny casseroles finished the main course.

“Oh my,” said Nana. “I am almost too full for dessert. But, I love being able to eat all I want without gaining weight.”

The deserts came anyway. A tiny Red Ribbon cake with cherry ice cream for Nana, and Dawn’s favorite strawberry cheesecake with fresh strawberries and a cream topping; the finale to the meal--coffee with nutmeg and cinnamon for Nana, with a pitcher of fresh milk for Dawn.

With dinner completed, Dawn cleared the table. She insisted on doing this.

But as usual, the dishes disappeared before Dawn could complete the task. Only the deserts, coffee, and milk remained for a late-night snack.

“I’m too old to believe this crud. How can you think this is real, Nana? It’s some sort of illusion or…virtual world.”

At least she pretended she did not believe. She tried to convince herself. “I’ve grown past the belief in fairies, elves, and the Easter Bunny. There must be some sort of technology behind all this,” she said. “Magic is not real. This can’t continue.”

“It’s real and it can continue,” said Nana, “if we’re careful. I’ll never get used to the food coming as it does, but it is wonderful.” Nana rose from the table and hobbled to her rocking chair.

“I’m sorry I was so late,” said Dawn.

“Stop looking for the Silver Fish,” said Nana. “I am happy just as I am. You should be happy, also. I want you to stay out of the forest. You don't understand how lucky we are to be here. Be careful, Dawn--be careful that you don't upset the magic.”

“It is not magic…All this magical stuff means nothing to me,” said Dawn. “I hate being trapped in the land of K’biradon! I hate their stupid, unimaginative, clothing that passes for fashion. I hate their dumb colors, too. "Bring me the latest Gucci jeans," she said. Dawn closed her eyes and crossed her fingers. "Or J Crew, Guess, Levi, anyone…" She opened her eyes. “Did anything happen? I knew it. There is no such thing as magic! Magic would bring what I want. It is only some weird technology,” she said. “…pre-programmed and interactive technology.”

That night, on Dawn's bed, her nightclothes lay in a neat row. The morning brought with it, clean clothing all ready to wear.

“So why,” she asked, “if K’biradon's magic contained real magic, and if it can make clean clothes each morning, why can’t it make something that wouldn't make me look like a such a dork? - Just a little more style, please!”

“Have you given any thought as to the labor involved in the production of clean clothes?” Nana drew her lips into a tight line.

"Laven-Moors, Laven-Moors," Dawn said. She paced back and forth. “I am trapped. This is the one and only Kingdom in all of K’biradon with people who come from the other world living in it. How many kids live here? There are six-- just six, and no one’s my age. Booor-ring! I want to meet somebody new. I want to explore. Seven Kingdoms in this land, and I am stuck in Laven-Moors."

"Boredom comes from your personal perspective," Nana said. She sighed and then frowned. She peaked over the top of her reading glasses. "Go read a book."

“I can’t see well enough,” said Dawn.

“The magic will bring you a large print book,” said Nana.

“I don’t want a large print book,” said Dawn. “I want to see okay!”

Dawn walked to the window. “Send me a video game.” She tiptoed to her bedroom and peered around the doorframe. In the middle of her bed lay an advanced video game system and twenty or so games.

"All right!" Dawn bounced onto the bed. She picked up the first title and sighed. She picked up the next title, flopped down on her back, and allowed the game to drop from her hand. Written in large, bold black letters, across the top, the title read Mathematics for Every Grade. She threw the games back on the bed and went outside. She slammed the screen door behind her.

“I need junk food. What I wouldn’t give for a triple bacon cheeseburger,” she said. She closed her eyes and made the wish.

"Send me a triple bacon cheeseburger with Russian dressing," she said.

Nana hobbled to the door and peered out through the screen at Dawn.

"It won’t come. This place bites, Nana!" Dawn said. She flung herself into a wooden patio chair and folded her arms across her chest. I miss my friend. Yet, no matter how much I miss them, I won’t take a chance on wishing for them. It just might be real magic. That stupid magic might trap them in Laven-Moors. I don’t want them stuck here, too—but it might be fun, if.... No, no! I don’t want them stuck here! They summered together on Michigan's Upper Peninsula, where Nana kept the boat. She wanted to see her friends again, to go shopping again, and to go to pool parties. Dawn even wanted to go back to her school. Dawn and Carol started Kindergarten together. Alice arrived at the beginning of first grade, and Renee came to the neighborhood the summer before they started the second grade.

"I want to go home! There is nothing to do. I cannot even call anyone. No one owns a telephone, and my cell phone is all cruddy and refuses to work. The crappy magic won't even give me a Double Mocha Non-Fat Latté. I am old enough to drink coffee if I want to. I'm not a baby.

I miss going to the mall,” said Dawn. Magic, technology, or whatever you are, take me to the mall." The magic refused to respond.

Nana shook her head. She left the screen and went back to her chair. She picked up her crocheting and held the hook in her hand. She sighed and allowed it to drop into her lap. She closed her eyes. She misses her friends. I know she must cry for each day she is away from Carol, Alice, and Renee. They were so cute together. I loved listening to their wild nights of giggles and silliness. The four of them had been together ever since, until now.

***

“Three months. It is hard to believe it.” Dawn said to Nana, "It's Alice's birthday and I can't even send her a card. This is weak!"

"No, you can't! Besides, they believe we are dead," said Nana. "At the very least we are listed as missing. Just accept it, Dawn. This is our life now. There is no way back!"

“I hate this!” Dawn said. The tears ran down her face and dangled from her nose. She wiped her nose with the back of her hand. She ran outside and threw herself on the soft mound of greenery underneath an Arcadia tree. She lay on her side with her elbow on the ground as her left hand propped up her head. She pulled a dandelion from the grass and confessed to it.

“I missed my Mom and Dad, but I’m not too sure they missed me, not with them being so busy and all. It is so cool to have a prominent attorney as a father. Do you know his face is always splashed across the 6:00 news? I know dad could fix this. He can fix anything.

Mother is beautiful and so…so… awesome. I love it when she flies off to exotic places to perform surgery on all those children.”

She had taken Dawn with her one summer, before the divorce, to Bihar, India while she lectured and demonstrated new surgical techniques.

“The best part of the journey was the camera safari into the jungle. I even got to ride an elephant.” They really don’t have much time for me—especially since their divorce. The entire year after the divorce, the year before the accident, Nana spent all of her time with Dawn.

Dawn picked another dandelion and continued her confession. Nana is so old-fashioned, but I know she cares about me. Her ways put us at odds sometimes. Mother doesn’t care what I do, but Nana always interferes. Mother lets me hang out at the mall, but Nana always insists on driving me and my friends and picking us up. “Mother and father let me buy anything I wanted, but Nana took away my credit cards and always set limits.” I guess I do like to show off a bit, but why shouldn’t I have what I want? “I threw this huge party for my birthday. Once I bought out the neighborhood video arcade. Another time I rented a bowling alley. And, a third time, my last birthday right after the divorce, I decided on a ski trip for all the kids in my class. I rented a castle. A real castle in northern Michigan, and had the biggest party ever! I didn’t even care that Mother and Father said I had to have chaperones.”

***

Nana gasped at the $5,900 cost. She scanned the bill. “Dawn, this is completely outrageous!” She fumed and hissed. Dawn imagined the steam that escaped from Nana’s anger.

“Leave her alone, Mother,” Dawn’s father had said. He didn’t even look up as he packed for another business trip. “If it makes her happy, then let her be.”

"What are we teaching our children?" said Nana. "Spending that kind of money for a kid's party when we have so many children in need of food in this world..." Nana's voice trailed off.

In actuality, I more often spent my money on my best friends, just because I liked to do that. Dawn bought 14 k gold matching Charm bracelets for the four of them. She added a 14k gold Zodiac Scroll Charm to it for each of their birthdays. At Christmas, she bought each of them identical style outfits in their personal birthstone colors. She even had the shoes and bags dyed to match.

“Dawn,” Nana said. “Even though you think you’re going on thirty-two, you need someone to look

Impressum

Verlag: BookRix GmbH & Co. KG

Texte: Mosetta M. Penick Phillips-Cermak
Bildmaterialien: Photographs by Larria Patterson (c) 2017-2019
Cover: Larria Patterson and Mosetta Penick Phillips-Cermak (c) 2017-2019
Tag der Veröffentlichung: 31.12.2019
ISBN: 978-3-7487-2507-7

Widmung:
"Remember, at night the most powerful magic of Laven–Moors comes into play."

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