Sanctuary

Chapter 1

Last but not least, the reason we all joined here. As you already know, my parents and my older sister used to take care of the business. I was traveling throughout Asia for the last couple years. I had to return and take over after the accident. In short: my parents visited Belgium for a possible new shop site, together with my sister and the main staff. A thunderstorm took their charter down during the return flight. Which brings you all in place. I suppose you had enough time during the flight and the drive here to get somewhat acquainted.

Regard the time spent here as a workshop, a team building, but also as vacation. Once we are all back in town, there is a company to manage. When we will not be discussing strategies, we will enjoy ourselves, get to know each other better and learn to depend on the others. For that we will be fishing, hunting, herb gathering, extracting potions, cooking, building camp fires and what not."

Eben continued to lay out the plan for the following days whilst everyone finished breakfast and got ready for the first walk in the woods in search for medicinal herbs. Eben considered that even though everyone of them had their own tasks, working for that kind of a business required them all to have at least some basic knowledge about plants and herbs and mostly their potential use.

The following days passed on smoothly, creating bonds, gathering knowledge, making plans, enjoying nature, cooking different kinds of potions in the small cauldron Eben brought for this specific purpose, and being together. There were few minor incidents, not really worth mentioning, considering they just got together for the first time and in unfamiliar surroundings (well, except Eben, that is). Some small arguments here and there (mostly between Nina and Tim, of which Tim managed to get out due to his calm nature, mostly ignoring her to the point the storm passed), some strong argument regarding cooking between Jan and Laura, some arguments between Jan and Eben due to him constantly joking even while they were discussing important matters or between everyone in turn and Jan because he was almost always late to join the others.

Finally, the last evening of what one would call a successful trip, arrived. They were all sitting around the fire, enjoying some linden tea they gathered and dried up, and to which they added a good shot of some alcoholic liquor Eben brewed a couple days before, after the wild berries gathered during the first walk had fermented.

Everyone seemed to be in good mood. The activities of the last two weeks really helped them become closer. And now they all knew what would expect them should they accept to sign the contracts they were handed out by Eben. Every one of them signed and handed the papers out to Jan.

Since it got pretty late, Eben extinguished the fire, all said their good nights and went to sleep. Eben decided to enter his parent's trailer to spend the night there for the first time in a very long time. Once he opened the door, memories started to flood his mind, memories both happy and sad, taking him through a roller coaster of feelings and making it very hard to fall asleep. And once he managed to fall asleep, dreams kept crawling out of the deepness of his subconscious, not allowing him to get the rest he needed.

"Rise and shine princess. Time to join the others for breakfast. I warmed up the rabbit stew we did not finish last night and also made fresh coffee". Tim stood in the doorway and smiled.

"Princess my ass, I feel more like a raped troll...did not get much sleep last night...give me a moment, I'll be outside in five". It had been a stressful night. Again. Dreams of storms, lightning and planes. Not the kind you want to experience again and again and again...So Eben was tired, very tired.

Tim left the trailer and Eben remained silent lying on his back, dozing off for what seemed to be an eternity. A reality check with the watch revealed only three minutes had passed. He raised himself up, stretched his sorrow back and neck and got dressed. When he walked outside, the others were merrily enjoying the stew Tim prepared. Eben joined them and started to dig in. Eben may not have been rested, but he for sure was hungry.

After breakfast, they packed everything, made sure to lock the trailers and got into the cars. Eben started the engine and was ready to drive but the other car was silent. One quick look revealed the drivers place was empty. Jan was missing.

"Where the heck is he? He is late. Again", Eben asked.

So they all waited. After some minutes had passed, Eben grabbed his cigarettes and got out of the car. He leaned against the car and enjoyed the view. The forest behind them had already turned beautiful gold and red colors, the air got chillier and some clouds gathered in the far. Tim, who decided to drive with him, joined him shortly. Halfway through the cigarettes, Jan joined them at the cars with a relaxed expression. Nothing ever seemed to trouble this guy.

"Jan, did you already process breakfast? Good for you, now get in the car and get us to the airport, god damn it!" Laura said in a not very friendly tone. She was already slightly irritated by the delay.

"I see dark clouds on the horizon. Not literally, all can see those. Glad I decided to ride along with you." Was what Tim whispered to Eben. They both laughed and got in the already running car.