The dark helicopter approached from the north like a buzzard on the wing. It’s rotor blades slicing through the cold night air with a truly hellish fury. As it descended, a tall thin woman wearing a full, dark suit rushed out.

Behind her came armed troops and a short medical type who wondered why the hell he was there.

The chief constable extended a hand that she took gladly.
“Triad?”
“Who else. I got the report.”

The chief looked worried.

“I can hardly believe the things that I’m being told. Yet here we are and the ruddy morgue is full of medieval bodies.”

“Any casualties?” Triad asked.

“Two of my officers. They died outside the station.Two civilians perished upon the hill. Want to see them?”

Triad nodded coldly as she was led into the grim hospital morgue.

The approaching corridor was full of trolleys and each one was covered in a sheet.

The young mortician was only thirty and for her, this was a major disaster.

“How many more should we expect sir?”

“We are still looking. Triad wants to see our four by the way.”

The grim faced woman opened the cold storage trays and Triad winced.

“DI Nixon and his sergeant I recognise. Charly too.”

“A sword killed Grant and a lance the other one. The officers died from arrow wounds and a mace.”

“What the hell happened in my town of Foxley?” the chief demanded.

“If I knew that chief, I would be somewhere else you know.”

As the bodies were rolled back inside Triad had a thought.

“I understand that Baker farm was the epicentre of all this.”

“Most of the corpses were found there,” the chief said. “Including a women and her ruddy crown.”

“A crown? Are you sure?”

“Definitely. She’s in the corridor. We put the crown in the bank vault. Damn thing is solid gold you know.”

“I don’t need to see the woman,” Triad said. “I’ll have to examine that crown though.”

“Then you had better follow me.”

When they got outside, Triad called Peters across.

“You better bring that analyzer doc. I’m sure we will need it.”

He ran to the copter, and pulled out a small box before heading after her. The waiting troops took up their customary defensive positions around the copter, ready for anything.

When the crown was removed from the vault, the analysis began. They waited with baited breath for the final result.

When it came, the doc looked rather surprised.

“It’s not medieval sir. It has a few modern impurities and others I can’t even recognise.”

“Try guessing then,” Triad urged.

“If I didn’t know better, I’d say this came from the future.”

“That’s crazy,” the chief said.

“Not as crazy as medieval knights doing battle in the 21st century,”
Triad reminded him.

“The answer must lie upon that hill,” Triad muttered.

After a pause, she made a decision.

“I’m taking over from here chief. You can do the paper work.”

“How about the bodies?”

She gave him a filthy look.

“Cremate the lot of them and warn the local media to keep their mouths shut.”

As she led the way to the waiting copter, she turned.

“What about Charly’s cat. Christine I think he called it.”

“A kind woman took it in. She’s at forty two, the same block. We had to break the door down.”

Triad nodded sadly.

The military team landed safely upon the scene of that final, tragic battle. The farm stood quietly watching as Triad surveyed the scene.

“Seems so quiet now,” she remarked.

“So what are we looking for?” Peters asked.

“If this theory of yours is true doc, there may be traces here.”

“So you want soil samples do you?”

“That would do nicely.”

As he scoured the blood-soaked trodden dirt, his fingers suddenly came upon something hard.

“Whatever’s this?”

Pulling it free, he rubbed the dirt away and gasped.

“Hey sir, look at this.”

Triad ran over and examined the new find.

“It looks like a woman’s ring.”

“Perhaps it came from that queen?”

Triad thought so too.

“The damn thing’s so clumsy though,” she muttered.

She placed it upon her ring finger and as she did so, a writhing whirlpool suddenly appeared.

“Take it off!” the doc screamed.

Before any of them had a chance to react however, the vortex sucked them in.

Ep 2

On the other side of time, far more than a millennia, the team were unceremoniously dumped upon a sodden Earth. Wrecked during the transfer, the remains of the copter came out like shrapnel. Once it was over, the members of military intelligence picked themselves up.

“Where the hell are we?” Triad shouted through the wretched storm.

“Obviously at the end of the time vortex,” Peters shouted back.

As thick dark clouds rolled overhead, a continuous barrage of
thunder and lightning rent the sky.

“This reminds me of hell,” Triad said as she looked around the barren hillside.

“The ruddy town’s gone,” she said in shock.

A trooper ran over and pointed into the remote distance. The woman screwed her eyes and shook her head in disbelief.

“I don’t know about you doc, but I rather think we have gone backwards.”

Peters stared at what looked like a medieval castle that was some miles distant.

“I would rather be in there than out in this ruddy weather.”

“Let’s go then. Keep those weapons primed.”

They formed a single file and marched towards the waiting stone edifice, unaware that they were being closely watched.

The ground started to dip, when the crossbow bolts smashed into the ground.

“Take cover!”

Everyone hit the ground and Triad tried to see where the shot had come from. Peters took the bolt and gave it a cursory exam.

“Well it's of an ancient design.”

“It certainly fits the bill,” Triad said.

A second volley landed near and a trooper whispered, “There must be more than one mam.”

“Any ideas where they are coming from?”

A trooper pointed to a small dip.

“Open up then. Try a few grenades to flush them out.”

A volley of machine gun fire was quickly followed by explosions, as the grenades went off. Silence followed and Triad gave the order.

The troops broke cover and ran toward the enemy position firing continuously. When they reached it, they saw the broken bodies lying in splinters.

“We got them sir.”

“Make for the castle then. There may be more around.”

As they got closer, they saw the towering walls and the heavily guarded towers and battlements. They slowed down as Triad tried to work out how to approach safely.

“Have a kerchief on you Peters?”

When he handed it over, she suddenly stood in full view of the archers and waived it wildly.

From the battlements a gruff voice shouted, “Approach and be
recognised.”

The troopers quickly joined her as the guards watched with deep suspicion.

“We need entry,” she shouted up. “We are not really your enemy you know.”

The archers lined their bolts up as the front gate rolled up. Twenty armed men bolted toward them and quickly hauled them inside.

“We are friends,” the doc said as they entered the central courtyard.

“You had better be,” a pike man warned. “Drop the weapons.”

Triad nodded and the troopers complied.

“Where you from?”

“Foxley originally. It seems we lost it somewhere.”

The pike man noticed the queen’s sapphire ring and shouted, “Fetch the king. He’ll want to see this.”

The team were now thoroughly confused as the monarch was called for.
Despite the torrential downpour, Triad saw a tall, medium built gent walking from the dryness of the interior. The golden crown looked a little out of place beneath those blue eyes and full cheeks. The body was protected by a suit of gleaming armour, and from the waist hung a jewelled sword belt.

“My name is Henry the Ninth, to whom am I addressing?”

Realising that this was the future, Triad bowed courteously and gave their names.

It seemed that the monarch recognised them. He walked forward and took the woman’s hand.

“Where did you find this prey tell me?”

Triad noted that his own ring was identical.

“Foxley battlefield my liege.”

The king smiled.

“Had you known of its time travel properties I believe that you would still have put it on.”

“We like investigating the unknown,” Peters added.

“Come with me out of this hellish rain then. Bring hot soup for our guests.”

The interior was much dryer and much warmer than the outside world. A square chamber it was with thick tapestries hanging from the walls. The room was dominated by a thick wooden table and a royal throne.

“Please be seated,” the king said happily. “We get too few guests these days.”

After being made comfortable, Triad said, “You don’t seem too surprised to see us.”

The king nodded.

“After leaving your time, I realised that the harlot’s ring had been left behind. It would be found sooner or later.”

“You were fighting the queen then?” Peters asked.

“After her rebellion I had no choice. The battle cost too many lives.”

“I hate to be a silly bugger my liege, but what year is it?”

The king laughed.

“We do not use calendars now my dear. I will say this though; your men could be really useful.”

“The rebellion is still ongoing?” Peters asked.

“There are still groups lurking around.”

“We managed to deal with one of those,” Triad said.

“Glad you did. Gave them hell I hope.”

“There is one thing I’d like to ask, Peters said. “Can we get back to our own time?”

The king nodded.

“The device works in both directions. It will activate again in twelve hours.”

“Whatever you want us to do sire, it cannot last a second longer.”

The soup duly arrived and they tucked in quickly. With it came large brown chunks of fresh bread that was delicious to savour.

As they ate, a thought stirred inside the woman’s brain. She waited
until the meal was finished before daring to ask.

“On what side did Charly fight sire?”

The king nodded his understanding.

“With my forces. He and Grant are brave indeed.”

Triad screwed her eyes at the unusual choice of words.

“I saw their bodies sire,” she said softly.

“You may have done but you still don’t understand.”

“What are we supposed to understand?” the doc asked.

“I think an explanation is in order. Follow me.”

The monarch led them into another chamber and up a rickety staircase. At the first wooden door, he stopped and entered.

“We have guests,” the king said.

Triad walked inside and damn near fainted with shock. Sitting upon a leather sofa was Grant and Charly.

“We wondered when you would arrive,” Charly said grinning.

“How come? I’ve ordered your ruddy cremation.”

“You can blame him,” Grant said pointing at the king. “I’ve been resurrected twice now.”

“You restored life?” the doc asked.

“Do we look dead to you?” Charly asked.

“Someone better explain,” Triad said sitting.

“I returned to do the deed,” the monarch explained. However, they insisted on duplicates being left behind. Apparently they desired to retire.”

“What about my cat?”

Triad looked at him.

“She’s being looked after.”

“She had better. After this little escapade is over I’ll come back with you to collect her.”

“You would prefer to stay here?”

“Why not? You lot don’t really need me. Despite the constant rainstorm, this world is a lot better. No cars you see.”

“I’m sorry to hear that Charly,” Triad said coldly. “Especially after the killing of Nixon and Percy.”

Charly’s face blanched.

“I didn’t know. I told them not to leave the ruddy station.”

“They both died just outside,” she added.

“By the queen’s men?” the king asked.

“We don’t know sire.”

Grant stood up, and stroked his long grey beard.

“That changes nothing. Has the king explained our situation?”

“About the band of rebels? Yes he has,” Peters said.

“They are a little group of upstarts,” Charly said quietly. “Grant and I tracked them to a hideaway only this morning.”

“So why didn’t you deal with them then?” Triad asked.

“We were unarmed as usual. The king was planning an overnight raid.”

“With twelve hours remaining it should be overnight,” the king added.

“You have a plan sire?”

“I intend to take my best knights into that rabbit warren of mountain paths.”

“That really does not sound like a smart thing to do,” Triad advised. They would pick you off.”

“You have an alternate then?” Grant asked.

“A small raiding party would be best. How many are there?”

“Not more than ten,” Charly said. “Heavily armed though.”

Triad looked at the troopers.

“Don’t worry sir. We can handle it.”

The woman smiled as the monarch said, “Then it is agreed. I shall lead you myself.”

“I would rather you stayed here sire,” she said. “I really know what to do. Your presence would be a rather dangerous distraction.”

The king scowled and Charly interrupted.

“I tend to agree sire. She really is the best you know.”

The king paced the stone floor.

“My instinct is to lead but on this occasion I will yield.”

Triad smiled happily.

“Shall we leave at three then?”

When the hour came, the troop left the safety of the castle and set off through the hideous rain for the nearby hills. Grant and Charly wore woollen smocks and hats to keep them from getting drenched to the skin.

Within their trusty hands lay crossbows that they had learned to use during their short stay. Arrows were slung over their backs as they plodded on.

“Does it rain here all of the time?” Triad asked.

“Sure does,” Grant replied. “This world has gone to hell. Brigandia is one of only two countries that still boast a population.”

“What’s the other one?” the doc asked.

“Would you believe France? Less than a million between them though.”

“What happened?” Triad asked.

“A mix of natural and man-made disaster,” Charly explained. “We can’t discuss it though. To be truthful the kings knows little about it.”

“Don’t they have records?” the doc asked.

“Very little survived the disaster,” Charly said sadly. “Did you notice that lake?”

Triad nodded.

“That’s where Foxley used to be,” Charly said grimly.

They reached the paths and began climbing slowly up the hillside.
The troopers readied their weapons as Charly and Grant led the way.

“It’s not much further you know,” Charly whispered. “They have an encampment at the summit.”

As they approached, a bolt struck a trooper’s chest.

His comrades opened fire at the attacker who fell at once before
Charly and Grant led the charge. Bullets and bolts rained in all directions as the rebels bolted.

When they reached the summit, bolts forced the troopers to take cover as fire was returned.

“They don’t like going quietly do they?” Triad asked.

“If you were facing an axe, death by battle seems a lot brighter,” Grant said.

Triad pointed to a small gulley and two troopers ran for it. As covering fire was given, a few grenades helped to keep the enemy down.

“We have them outflanked now,” Triad whispered. “I just can’t kill them though.”

“What have you planned?” Grant asked.

Triad raised her voice and shouted, “This is useless. Throw down your weapons and surrender.”

Only bolts replied to the desperate entreaty.

“You have no choice now,” the doc reminded her.

With a sad expression, she gave the order.

First of all the two troopers ran from the gully as Triad’s second force opened up. With machine guns blazing, the two men reached the enemy position and cleared it out.

An arm was raised to indicate that it was over.

“I don’t want to look at them,” Triad said. “Come on, let’s go home.”

The remaining hours passed quickly enough, and as they stood upon the hill, the ring activated once more. Appearing in their own time,
Triad and the team set off for Foxley.

When Charly saw his smashed door, he was rather annoyed. When Triad located the flat where the cat waited, she knocked gently as Charly hid in the background.

Triad managed to persuade the owner to relinquish the animal before restoring it to its proper owner.

Christine meowed and cried continuously as they made their way back onto the street. Charly gazed at the familiar town and stroked his beloved cat with thanks.

“Will that ruddy ring get you back?” Triad asked handing it to him.

“Don’t doubt it for one second. Grant and I have an archery
competition on the morrow.”

Triad smiled and took his hand.

“Is this really the end?”

“I think so my dear. My life is no longer in this time.”

She watched as he walked away and was surprised when he stopped.

“I damn near forgot.”

He swivelled and tossed the keys to the ancient mini.

“Keep it eh? You know what?”

“No I don’t,” Triad said.

“I don’t know your ruddy name.”

“State secret Charly.”

He shook his head.

“I’ll tell you mine if you go first.”

Triad resigned herself.

“Helen Carter.”

Charly smiled.

“Lovely name by the way.”

“Now your turn. Fair is fair.”

“Charles Olivia Darling.”

“Good God!”

Charly laughed.

“Why do you think I prefer Charly? With a ‘Y’?”

“I know why Charles. I can update my file now.”

“You do that,” he said vanishing into time.

Author: Felt bad leaving the cat trapped inside flat..Hence this unexpected adventure...

this story is my favourite. i feel bad tho ...im getting a great book to read and its free, :)...hope to see a new chapter soon, lol....No rush, :)

The dark adventures of charly has been published. This story does not appear...Prob add it later...

New story underway today...Back to Foxley...I would love to live there! So much going on! Lucky sods!