Molvie’s Children
a novel in rhyme
by
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The train pulled out of the station and chugged along the track. Each of the four knew deep inside there was no turning back. City gave way to countryside, past Loch Lomond they sped. Each of them was quite anxious regarding what lay ahead. They passed through wonderful scenery, lochs with water so pure. Hills and glens with trees and heather, then barren Rannoch Moor. They travelled ever northward, skimming past Glencoe. Then through the Blackwater Pass the railway train did go. All four were enjoying the journey and all the sights they'd seen. They marvelled at the countryside as they passed through Glen Spean. They looked out for Ben Nevis, but could not see the top, as they came into Fort William where they made a short stop. Then over Glenfinnan viaduct, and as they ate their meal, saw Prince Charlie's monument at the head of Loch Sheil.
They chatted much along the way, each had stories to tell. Surprisingly, every now and then, Molvie joined in as well. Just how similar all four looked had them quite dumbfounded. But, learning more about themselves had them really astounded. Sixteen years old was each one, all born in the same week. They shook their heads in amazement, too bewildered to speak. Was that why they were selected? Similar age and looks? They asked Molvie for an answer, each one on tenterhooks. But Molvie gave a wistful smile with this succinct reply. "Please be patient all of you. In time you'll all know why.” Little more was said following that, everyone was deep in thought. Wondering why they were alike and were all being brought up here to this highland place for purposes unknown. Would they remain all together, or be split up on their own?
The train drew in to Mallaig station about five minutes late. "Please take all belongings with you.” Molvie did slowly state. All baggage was hauled and carried down a Mallaig street, heading towards the harbour, and someone there to meet. They soon were at the quayside, where Molvie waved his hand to a woman in a small boat bearing in to land. She docked, and smiled at Molvie, greeted him with “Hello. It's good to see you once again. Are you all set to go?” Just then, David lost his footing, and fell towards the brine. But as the others began to shout … everything was fine. David stood there in amazement, having had a shock. He could not understand why he had not fallen from the dock. He stood exactly where he'd been before starting to fall. But how on earth he got back there, he'd no idea at all. "What happened there?” Andrew asked. Much to his surprise David had not fallen down before his very eyes. No one understood what happened. They didn't have a clue. But deep inside, the four of them suspected Molvie knew. Neither Molvie nor the lady showed it upon their face, that anything unusual had just taken place. Molvie frowned and looked at David. "What is it you fear? Do not worry, for in two weeks it will all become clear. Rid your mind of all strange questions, forget the `why' and `how', just be well prepared to learn. Let's board the vessel now.” "Come on, David” said the woman, as she stood by the wheel. "Let's get you all back for some supper, I bet you'd love a meal. Come aboard George, and welcome Pat, nice to see you Andrew.” But how this lady knew their names they did not have a clue.” Molvie nodded to the woman, and then he climbed aboard. As soon as this had been achieved, "Cast off!” Molvie roared.
The vessel soon left the harbour, The lady at the tiller. She was a good friend of Molvie's, and was called Meg Miller. The water it was slightly rough, with stiff breeze from the west. Meg's sailing skills were excellent, she certainly impressed. Everyone admired the views of the Isle of Skye. Standing superbly across the water as they sailed on by. The `sailors' stood and looked around. No one sat in their seat, as they surveyed the splendid sights around the Sound of Sleat. They turned into Loch Nevis, Sgurr na Ciche standing proud. "Goodness, how I've missed this place.” Molvie thought aloud. He looked at the three boys and Pat, welcomed them to Knoydart. All four reckoned it would be soon, that their hard work would start. They disembarked from the vessel, looked up the mountainside. Andrew breathed pure highland air, and his heart swelled with pride. "There's nothing here but hills and water.” George was heard to bleat. "No one but ourselves to talk to, and no one new to meet.” “This will be the perfect place for you all to learn your skills.” Said Molvie, pointing at the peaks. "You'll see much of these hills. A most salubrious place, you know.” George looked mystified. "He means it's pure and healthy here.” Andrew to George replied. As he spoke, a mist rolled in and moisture filled the air. Then some light rain drizzled down, but no one seemed to care.
They were shown their new home, and given a tour around. Very soon they knew their way, and where things could be found. This single storey stone building was to be their abode. Miles from any other house and nowhere near a road. This was a very tranquil spot, ideal for them to train. Indeed, the only sound for miles was a pattering of rain. It had been a very lengthy day, a long time since the dawn. All four were very tired indeed, and all began to yawn. But still they were in good spirits, as supper they were fed. Then all bade Molvie a good night, and made their way to bed. Yet, absolutely none of them had an inkling of a clue, as to how long they would be there or what they were to do.
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About the Book
Molvie's Children is a novel written entirely in rhyme. It begins with Molvie going to collect Andrew from a family that has been looking after him since he was a baby. Andrew discovers that he is part of a `special' group who have been cared for by humans. Now, as they stand on the threshold of adulthood, they are taken to the Scottish highlands to be trained in a variety of disciplines, and find their individual special powers. Earth is a planet with multiple planes, and life forms exist other than those that we already know. Even in our own plane, other life exists which is mostly unknown to mankind. They are descendants of an ancient race, whose purpose is to preserve human life. They cannot readily be distinguished from other humans, but posses special powers, such as acute hearing and sight, contortionism, mind reading, invisibility, and the ability to travel so fast that all others appear motionless. Molvie is one of these beings. He has suffered in the past - all his children were killed by monsters from another plane. With the somewhat staid Molvie as their mentor, and the more flamboyant McBryce as a trainer, the scene is set for many escapades and adventures. But, before the teenagers have been fully trained, Molvie is seized during an attack, and taken through a portal. This is the biggest challenge to face them, but are the teenagers ready, not only to assist in the defence of the Earth, but to enter another plane on a hazardous rescue mission? Molvie's Children tells the story of four teenagers cast adrift from a life they had previously conceived to be normal. There are many adventures and discoveries to be made, but the most important thing is that each of the teenagers discovers themselves.
About the Author
Brian Whyte served with Grampian Fire and Rescue Service from 1977 until 2007. The last seven years of his time there was spent in the Fire Education Section., where he explored new and effective ways to convey fire safety messages to the public. Part of this remit was to produce material for the schools programme, and as a result of this, Brian created many cartoon stories and humorous verses (all containing serious fire safety messages) aimed at promoting fire safety awareness to schoolchildren. Many of these works were distributed on both a national and a local level. His work in the field of fire safety was recognised in 2005, when in the Queen's Birthday Honours List, Brian was awarded the Queen's Fire Service Medal. After leaving the fire service, Brian was appointed Deputy Chairman of Crimestoppers Scotland, and became first Chairman of the newly formed Tayside Board. In this capacity, he continued to create stories in rhyme, but this time the focus was on the dangers of crime and promoting the charity's aim of providing a means of reporting crime anonymously. However, whilst on holiday on a world tour, Brian began jotting down some rhymes, etching out the bones of a story, rather than focussing on a particular safety message. He found the challenge of writing a novel entirely in rhyme to be an exciting prospect, and so on every fight during the trip (as well as some relaxing moments basking in the sun) he put pen to paper. Harking back to the time he spent on an outward bound course as a fifteen year old in the Scottish highlands, he carved out a tale of teenagers embarking on a voyage of discovery. Fantasising on his experiences there, the story of Molvie's Children was created.