Chapter One

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TRUTH TELLER
By Kurt Chambers


CHAPTER ONE
THE GIFT


Charlotte brushed her shoulder-length, golden blonde hair away from her face, tucking it behind her ear while the sea breeze tried to blow it back. Her heart leapt at the sight of a ship out at sea as it rolled in the swell of the rising tide. Could it be a pirate ship? Why hadn’t she been more vigilant? If they came ashore there would be little chance of escape.

She spotted a smaller boat rowing towards her, heading straight for the beach. Her breath caught in her throat. What should I do? Is there enough time to save my little sister? Beth looked oblivious to the danger, chasing after a feather that blew away in the wind. By the time she reached her sister, they would be in clear view. Maybe I should save myself. At least one of us might survive. No. She couldn’t possibly leave Beth to the mercy of those murderous pirates.

Time ran out. It was now or never. The boat reached the shore, and its dubious occupants began to clamber out.

“Charlotte! Charlotte!”

The loud cry made her jump. She snapped back to reality and spun around.

“Are you daydreaming again?” Her mum let out a frustrated sigh. She placed a gentle hand on her shoulder and steered her in the direction of the car park at the edge of the beach. “Can you help take some of this stuff back to the car, please?” She handed her an armful of bags stuffed with damp, sandy towels. “We’ve still got a lot of things to do before we go home tomorrow, and you haven’t even bought anything for your friends yet. If you get your skates on, you’ll have enough time to pop into the shops across the road.”

Charlotte wrinkled her nose at the thought of their holiday coming to an end, and cringed at the prospect of going back to school the following week. She scooped up her own towel and trudged through the sand, mumbling how unfair it was making her do all the work even though she was only ten. “I notice Beth’s not helping.”

Her dad grinned as she struggled to the car. “We’re going to grab some food. Take-away, nothing but the best for the last day,” he said as she reached him.

“Not McDonald’s again, Dad,” she remarked with a hint of sarcasm, dumping her load on the floor.

“No way! Fish and chips tonight.” He wore his silly grin that never failed to make her smile.

“Whatever!” She smirked. “Mum said I could have a quick look at the gift shops just across the road.”

He put the discarded bags into the car and slammed the boot. He slid his sunglasses up to his receding hairline, slipping his hand into his jeans pocket. “Do you need any money?”

“Nah, it’s okay. Mum gave me some yesterday.”

“Are you going to take Beth with you?”

She folded her arms and shifted her weight to one leg. “Do I have to?” She loved her six-year-old sister to bits, but she was the most annoying person in the whole world. “I’m not going to get much shopping done with Beth tagging along.”

His face brightened with a grin. “I’m only pulling your leg.” He nudged her playfully. “We’ll take Beth with us and meet you back here in ...” He paused to gaze at his watch. “Let’s say, in about fifteen minutes, okay? Don’t go far!”

She sighed with relief. “Okay. See ya later.” She left, fumbling through her pockets to check she still had her money.

Crossing the road, Charlotte admired the pretty seaside town lined with buildings all the way to the top of a hill, overlooking the sea. Interesting old houses displayed colourful shop fronts, and a local market filled any spaces in between. She ambled along the well-worn paving stones, not really paying attention to the task of buying gifts for her friends. With her hands in her pockets, she wandered past stalls that spilled out across the path, packed with beach balls and buckets and spades.

She paused for a moment outside an arcade, drawn by the sounds and flashing lights that filled the air around the neon-lit building. Fighting the urge to spend the last of her money on a teddy-grabbing machine, she continued to trudge up the hill, losing interest in her mission with every step.

Halfway along the road she stopped, stepping into an alley to shelter from the glare of the sun. She leaned her back against the bright-red tiles that decorated the archway. Each one contained a small figure. They reminded her of characters from a fairy tale. She turned to examined them closely, running her fingers over the textured surface. Something about them held a strange attraction.

She gazed into the alley. It led a fair way back, but in the gloom she could see the front of a grubby-looking shop with a large ‘Sale’ sign in the window. She strained her eyes for a better view, and wondered if she should have a look just in case she could pick up something unusual for Mum. After a moment’s thought, she decided she had nothing to lose and wandered a little closer, checking over her shoulder as she went.

Reaching the glazed shop front, Charlotte stood on tiptoes to see over the half-frosted glass that obscured her view of the inside. Despite being taller than most kids her age, the contents of the store remained a mystery. She paused at the door before giving it a shove and peering through the gap. Inside, it looked much smaller than expected, with tall shelves standing against the outer walls, each laden with an assortment of objects that appeared better placed in a junk shop.

The hairs on the back of her neck stood on end, but curiosity urged her forward. She stepped inside. An old-fashioned till perched in the centre of a small counter at the far end of the shop. Behind it hung a set of drab curtains with tiny pinholes, allowing slivers of light to seep through. The whole place had an air of gloom and smelt musty and damp.

“Hello. Are you open?” Charlotte called out.

When no one responded, she browsed the shelves, discovering some odd, hand-carved figures, similar to the characters on the decorated tiles around the archway outside. She picked up one that resembled a garden gnome and turned the carving around, searching for a price label. Nothing. That’s not much help. She placed the grotesque figure back down.

A bright flash caught her eye when she turned to leave. She stared at a small bookcase resting against the back wall beside the counter. A gentle glow of green light illuminated the shelves, tempting her to venture further and take a closer look. She crept through the aisle and bent down to examine a small, glass snow dome nestled amongst a variety of clay pots. It looked out of place with the other articles displayed in the shop.

She reached out and touched the surface with the tips of her fingers. The cool surface tingled, a strange yet alluring sensation. With a quick check over her shoulder, she picked it up and tipped it upside down. She cupped the delicate item in the palm of her hand and held it close to her face. No snow.

Inside the crystal orb, a tiny globe like a miniature planet revolved in slow motion, casting eerie shadows against the dreary walls. “It’s beautiful,” she whispered.

“Yes, it is beautiful,” a gruff voice sounded.

She spun around and stumbled back a step. Behind the counter stood a large figure wrapped in a gray cloak, similar to the drab curtains that hung behind him. From what she could see of him in the gloom, his scruffy, charcoal hair hung down to his shoulders. Dark eyes peered out below bushy eyebrows, making his thin face look gaunt and pasty. She shuddered. He gave her the creeps, popping up from out of nowhere and staring at her as though he had never seen a customer before.

“I am sorry if I surprised you. I did not mean to make you feel uncomfortable,” he said, as if reading her mind. “You are very welcome here.”

She put down the small ornament and walked along scanning the contents of the shelves, picking through the strange collection of knickknacks. The entire time, she sensed the old man’s stare following her. She considered leaving, yet the eerie glow from the snow dome kept drawing her gaze back to the bookcase. The temptation from its hypnotic light got the better of her, and she walked back to pick it up again. “How much is this?”

A broad smile lit up the man’s face. “Take it, child. I have no use for it in my shop.”

Her eyes widened. “What, for nothing? I must give you something for it. I’ve got money, you know.”

The old man shrugged. “Well, if you are that keen on striking a deal with me.” He raised one of his bushy eyebrows. “All I will ask is for you to take great care of such a beautiful item. Promise me you will be good and always tell the truth.”

“I always tell the truth anyway. I hate liars!” she declared, a little puzzled by such a strange request. “Is that it? Is that all you want?”

He bellowed with laughter.

She placed one hand on her hip. “What’s so funny, then?”

“I am sorry.” He leaned closer across the counter. His weather-beaten face creased with concern. “Telling the truth is not always an easy thing to do, especially when you find yourself in trouble.” His expression lightened. “I am Goffer, the shop keeper, and if I am not mistaken, you will find yourself in trouble if you do not hurry. Time is getting on.”

Charlotte glanced at her watch. “You’re right!” She rushed to the door in a fluster, but stopped before leaving. “Thank you! Thanks a lot. That was really nice of you.”

Goffer stood motionless, barely visible in the shadows. “I would not be so quick to thank me just yet.”

“What? ... What do you mean?” She cocked her head, waiting for a reply, but none came. “I’ve really got to go. Thanks again.” She hurried from the shop, jogging along the alley and back into the warm afternoon sun.

Racing down the hill towards the car, she noticed her mum scouring the street for her. “Sorry.” She reached the vehicle panting for breath. She climbed into the back seat and slammed the door.

“Did you get sorted?” her dad asked, glancing over his shoulder.

Charlotte struggled to put on her seat belt. “What?”

“Did you get sorted?” he repeated. “Er, you know, the reason you went to the shops?”

She stared, unable to focus with her thoughts still back in the strange, little shop.

Her mum peered over the front seat and studied her face. “You didn’t buy anything, did you? You’ve wandered around with your head in the clouds, just like you always do.” Charlotte recognised the ‘you don’t need to answer that question’ look on her face.

After an uncomfortable pause, her mum turned to face forward again. “You’ll have to pick something from the shop back at the caravan park. If it’s still open, that is.”

Charlotte said nothing. She slid her hand in her pocket and touched the smooth cold glass with her fingers. The sensation made her arm tingle, and she snatched her hand away with a shudder. There was something weird about this mystery object. Why would someone give away such a precious item and not even ask for any money?

Dad fiddled with the keys and the engine chugged several times before it purred into life. “Well, let’s go and eat, before these fish and chips get cold.”



Back in the caravan, a portable television mumbled in the background while Charlotte sat at the awkward, collapsible table, eating her food in relative silence.

“Mm, that was lovely. I was starving,” she exclaimed, whipping her last chip in the smidgen of sauce and shoving it in her mouth. “Dad, are we going to the club tonight?” She clutched her hands together and bobbed with excitement in the confinement of the bench seat she shared with her sister.

Her dad leaned his elbows on the table. It tilted towards him under the weight. “Of course! It’s our last chance to have a bit of fun before we go home to our mundane lives.” He glanced at Mum, who frowned at him. “Your mum is going to stay here and pack the car, so we’re on our own tonight, kids.”

Mum waved her finger at him. “You just make sure you keep an eye on those two. I’m trusting you to be responsible, for once.” She shook her head at her husband’s grin, and laughed at his cheekiness. “I must be mad letting you lot out on your own.”

“Why don’t you come with us, Mum?” Beth asked between mouthfuls. “It’s the last night.”

“No, no. You three go and spend the last of our money enjoying yourselves. I’ll stay here and do all the hard work,” she replied with mock sarcasm. “To be honest, I don’t really fancy getting up at the crack of dawn to do it.” She grinned, shooing them away with a wave of her hand. “Go on you two, go and get ready.”

Charlotte jumped to her feet. “Okay, come on then, Beth.” She whisked her little sister off to one of the caravan bedrooms and helped her squeeze into her favourite dress. Once satisfied Beth appeared presentable, she struggled to put some makeup on her, knowing full well her mum wouldn’t be too happy about it.

Beth fidgeted on the bed.

“Keep still, will ya? You’re smudging your lipstick.” Charlotte folded her arms and flared her nostrils. “You’re not coming out with me looking like a clown.”

Beth giggled. “Yeah, I wanna be a clown. Clowns are funny, and they do magic!”

Charlotte sighed and shook her head. “You’ll have to get Mum to do your hair.” She examined the tangles between her fingers. Her sister’s mousy brown hair fell into little ringlets about half way down her back, giving her the appearance of a cute Victorian doll.

“What’s that, Charlotte?” Beth stared down at the faint glow coming from her cardigan pocket.

Charlotte took out the crystal dome and held it close to her face. “This strange old man gave it to me today, for nothing. It was in this funny little shop, full of old stuff and these weird carved wooden things.”

“What is it? Is it one of those snow thingamajigs?” Beth leaned closer for a better view.

“No. I’ve already tried shaking it, but it don’t work. Maybe that’s why he gave it to me?” She admired it with fascination. “It’s very beautiful though, and I think it’s quite old too. I can’t stop staring at it.”

Without warning, her sister snatched it out of her hand and ran out of the bedroom. “Mum! Mum! Look what Charlotte’s got. I want one,” she cried out, waving the dome wildly in the air.

Charlotte went screaming after her. “Give it back! Be careful! He made me promise!” Reaching the end of the caravan, she saw Beth jumping up and down, shaking the crystal dome in one hand. Charlotte was close to tears. “Mum! Make her give it back. She’s going to break it. She breaks everything and he made me promise I’d ...”
The dome dropped from Beth's hand and hammered against the floor. Bouncing twice, it hit the cupboard door before coming to rest on the carpet. Beth stood still as a statue, her mouth gaping.

Charlotte gasped. She’s broken it! She breaks everything! Tears welled in her eyes. She ran through the van and into her bedroom, slamming the door behind her.

“What on earth is going on with you two?” her dad yelled from outside the door.
Dropping onto the tiny cabin bed, she cuddled Snowy, her much-loved favourite teddy with his tiny, black button eyes and well-worn white fur. He was always the first thing she ran to when she was upset.

A gentle tap sounded on the door. “What?” She squeezed her bear and curled into a ball. She knew she had some explaining to do, but right now, she didn’t want to talk to anyone.

“Can I come in?” her dad asked, his voice muffled from the other side. He poked his head around the door and stepped inside. The mattress sunk as he sat on the edge of the bed. “Come on, gorgeous. This isn’t a good start for our last night out. You’re not meant to start arguing and crying until you go back to school on Monday.” He gave a smile. “Why don’t you tell me what the problem is? I’m sure we can sort it out, can’t we?”

She sat up and wiped her eyes, glancing at the dome in his hand. “Is it broken?” she asked in a croaky voice. He handed it to her and she inspected it for any damage. Much to her relief, it was still in perfect condition. She explained where she had got it from and about the old man in the shop. “He told me to promise I’d be good, and always tell the truth.”

“Good advice,” he said, raising his eyebrows.

Despite her dad’s light hearted reply, she could see the concern in his eyes. “I told him I had money, but he said I could have it for nothing.” She clutched her teddy. “I haven’t done anything wrong, have I?”

His familiar smile returned. “Of course not.” He rubbed her arm.

“Anyway, Beth snatched it off me and dropped it on the floor. She nearly broke it!”

“I’ll tell you what. I will go and tell Beth not to touch it anymore, and you get yourself ready for a magical night out. Yeah? How does that sound?” He gave her a squeeze and kissed her cheek.

She nodded and wiped her eyes on her sleeve.

“If you like, we can pop in and have a look at that shop on the way home. I’m sure your mum would like to see it too. She likes that sort of stuff.”

She watched her dad leave the room and sat for a while hugging her knees to her chest. Before getting dressed, she placed the dome under her pillow.

The argument was soon forgotten as Charlotte and her sister rushed to the club together, their dad trailing, hands in pockets, not far behind. The night flew by much quicker than Charlotte would have liked, but after the show, they enjoyed hotdogs and played for the last time in the park on the way back to the caravan.

As Charlotte crashed through the door, her mum put her finger to her mouth, gesturing for them to be quiet. “Come on now. Keep the noise down. It’s late and other people are trying to sleep.”

“So?” Charlotte remarked in a rather rude manner. She didn’t intend it to sound that way and glanced at her dad to judge his reaction.

“Now, now,” he objected. “That’s enough. Go and get yourselves ready for bed. We have to be up early tomorrow.”

The prospect of going home after such a brilliant holiday made her sad. She trudged to her room to get changed.

“I’ve left you some clean ‘jamas on your beds,” her mum called after them.

She slipped into her favourite, pink pyjamas and reappeared from her bedroom to sit at the rickety table.

Mum presented her with a mug of hot chocolate and a plate of toast. “Come on then, tell me what you’ve all been up to tonight.”

Charlotte competed with her sister to tell her version of events, explaining every detail about their evening, while her mum sat listening to their funny stories.

“Sounds like you had a smashing time. I wish I’d come with you now.” She rose to give them both a kiss on their foreheads. “Off you go then, and I’ll see you both in the morning.” She pointed to their bedrooms.

“Night, Mum! Night, Dad!” they both said in unison.

Charlotte followed her sister into her room and gave her a kiss goodnight.

“Night, Charlotte.” Beth pulled the covers up to her chin. “Sorry about nearly breaking your snow thingy.”

Charlotte knew she couldn’t stay mad at her little sister. “That’s okay. No harm done.” She gave a little wave as she turned on Beth’s night-light and closed the door behind her.

She sat in her room for a while, listening to the muffled sounds of her mum and dad talking at the other end of the van. She couldn’t make out what they were saying, but the sound of their voices and the gentle rock of the caravan as they walked around brought her comfort. She turned on her own night-light and laid down with her teddy. The whole holiday had been a real adventure and quite exhausting. She soon drifted off into a dreamless sleep.



Gusts of wind shook the caravan, waking Charlotte in the early hours. She groaned at an uncomfortable lump under her pillow and tried to flatten it with her hand. “What is that?” She suddenly remembered the hidden dome, and climbed out of bed with a wide yawn. Rubbing her eye with one hand, she fumbled for the delicate object with the other, and held it to her face to examine it in more detail. Its brightness filled the room with a ghostly, green glow. The longer she stared, the brighter it became, filling every corner of her mind.

The room began to spin with the momentum of the rotating globe inside. She wavered, but couldn’t draw her gaze from the hypnotic movement. Her stomach lurched with a sensation of falling. She instinctively flung out her arms to steady herself, dropping the crystal ornament. The brilliant light vanished, plunging her into darkness.

She stood, her hands outstretched. A sudden blast of cold air caught her breath. She gasped.

Something touched the back of her leg, making her jump. She reached down and found a branch draped in wet leaves brushing against her calf. Tugging at it, she discovered it was still attached to a bush. A wave of horror washed over her. As her eyes adjusted to the dark, Charlotte found herself surrounded by bushes.

She froze, panting for breath against her pounding heart. When she turned slowly around, a branch snapped beneath her. She let out a yelp and grabbed her throbbing foot. What was happening? All around her, the silhouettes of tall trees swayed against the night sky.

“Mum?” She wrapped her arms around her body to ward off the cold. “Dad?”

Somewhere in the distance, a rumble sounded. In the same direction came the thrashing of undergrowth. It grew louder by the second. Something was coming towards her fast. Charlotte cowered, clenching her fists to her mouth.

The bushes burst open. A large, black beast charged straight towards her. She threw up her arms to protect her face. At the last minute, the creature reared upon its hind legs and let out a tremendous roar. It dropped back to the ground and charged off in another direction, leaving a large bundle lying a few yards in front of her.

She stood, rooted to the spot. Trembling, she stared at the object left behind. Her head spun and tears stung her eyes. She sensed she was about to pass out at any moment.

“Mum, where are you?” she uttered under her breath.