The Legend of Lynchwood

by Cathrin van Tonder (South Africa)

A leap into the unknown United Kingdom

THE BEGINNING The whole city of Selenia was gathered in the town hall for the big unveiling. The mayor, Mr Gargendall, was going around the meeting, shaking hands and taking pictures. Gran and I stood in the far left corner of the enormous rectangular shaped room; which has been decorated in the colours of our City – The brightest of Purples, Golds and Emeralds. Gran talked about how the hues of our beloved city remind her of her wedding to her first love, Harold… “Ava? Are you listening to me?” Granny asked. “I’m so sorry, Gran. I was miles away. What did you say?” I asked snapping out of my daydream and diverting my attention back to her. Gran looked across the room and saw him – Dressed in a black and white tux; deep chocolate brown hair and icy blue eyes. “You should go over there and introduce yourself, Ava,” Gran said raising an eyebrow. “Gran, won’t that seem too… forward?” I asked, wringing my hands. “Honey, if I had to wait for your Gramps to come over to me, I’d still be waiting to this day.” She said chuckling. “Well, damn. My Grandma, the wing woman.” I said as I sidestepped and headed my way toward him. “I wished we had front row tickets.” He said to the older gentleman, which looked precisely just like an older version of himself. “Hi, I’m Ava. I didn’t mean to eavesdrop, but I do have an extra ticket in the front row if you are interested.” I said holding out my hand toward him. “Hi, I’m Connor and I’d love to accompany you to the front seat.” He said taking my hand and bringing it up to his lips, brazing my knuckles with his soft, succulent lips. “Well, then I strongly suggest we get a move on it before the show begins,” I said gesturing towards the front. “Lead the way, Milady.” He said with a slight bow. Just as we sat down, the lights dimmed and Mr Gargendall stepped on to the stage. “Good evening Ladies and Gentlemen.” He said whilst straightening his suit jacket. “As you all know, our beloved Yeoman and Yegirl have gone into retirement, but unfortunately, Evil does not retire and therefore we needed to come up with a way to keep our city safe – And I am proud to represent to you our newest invention – Bluedroids, the city’s first-ever robotic police officers.” He said as he turned and the screen behind him gave way and unveiled thousands of blue robots with black and chrome-gold trimmings. The crowd stood up and applauded and the reporters rushed to the front, lights flashing and yelling “Mayor Gargendall! Mayor Gargendall! Please tell us more about how you ensure the safety that these Bluedroids will not turn against our city?” The tall man said as he shoved the microphone forward. “Ava, I’m so sorry.” Connor said, “My sister is in labour and we need to get to the hospital.” He said getting up. “Okay. Go” I said looking up at him. Boy, he was handsome. “Please – Please settle down. Our team has designed these robots were specifically designed to protect the citizens of Selenia they have built-in Anti-Hacking microchips which ensure that they will never be hacked and used against the citizens of Selenia.” “Connor, wait” I called out, but he was already gone. Damn, I never got his last name or number, how will I find him now? “The only way these robots will ever malfunction is if they are destroyed,” The Mayor said with squared shoulders and dignified expression. Two of the Mayor’s security personnel stepped on stage. “Sir, we need to leave. NOW!” The one-man said and escorted the Mayor off stage. Gran came from behind. “Ava! Watch out. There’s a bomb!” She yelled as she pushed away, but it was too late and the bomb went off with a flash and a big bang. The flames engulfed the stage as it dispersed towards the crowd sending the robots and residents of Gardenia flying through the air. Ears ringing I frantically called for Gran and entered the unknown as the world faded to black...