Jalaby's Journey

by Duane Alston

  “The real reason I didn’t want you along is that with you along there is the possibility that both you and your brother may not return. In that case, it would be doubly painful to your family. So don’t you see, you really can’t come along, for your families sake.” Jalaby stopped and waited for a response. He could see Sarah quietly mulling it over.

  “I’ll think about that Jalaby. I’ll think about that,” and Sarah slowly walked away into the night, as did Jalaby a minute later, heading for home.

  When he arrived home, Jalaby let his Uncle know that it was his intent to make the journey that his parents had asked him to do. Also, he told his Uncle that Connel and Tom would be accompanying him. “Can you tell the families what’s up after we are over the bridge?” Jalaby asked.

  His Uncle nodded distractedly and then asked, “What about Sarah?”

  Jalaby was surprised, he hadn’t expected his Uncle to ask about Sarah. “I told her she couldn’t make the Journey.”

  “That is your decision son, but for the record, I would trust my life on that girl, she’s got spirit and knowledge to back it up. I would have rested easier knowing that she was with your group,” Uncle Stebon finished wearily.

  “Well, I believe two members of the same family should not go on such a perilous journey,” Jalaby said, using the argument that he had just used with Sarah and hour before.

  “That is true, very true. It would be hard to let the family know that both their children had chosen to cross the Crieton Bridge. You probably have chosen wisely. I will do as you wish and notify the families, once you have crossed the bridge, but you better be careful, there are strange wonders across that bridge and your group had better be ready for anything.”

  “I will, I promise Uncle.” Jalaby then went to bed but slept little, in anticipation of his great journey.

  The next morning, with the help of his Uncle, Jalaby began preparations. “I’ll need to use the farm horse for the journey Uncle,” said Jalaby matter-of-factly.

  “Oh you will, will you. I think not!” Uncle Stebon stood facing Jalaby hands on his hips, waiting for it to soak in.

  “But I can’t make the journey on foot, at least not very fast. I will, if I have to, but I was hoping you would help by letting me use Sunshine. I know he’s a work-horse but he’ll do fine for me.” Jalaby paused to see if his words had any impact at all on his Uncle’s decision.

  “No it won’t do for you. Not at all,” Uncle Stebon smiled. He could no longer torment Jalaby, not so near the time of his leaving. “All right. I’ve got a surprise for you. I picked him up yesterday, come, I’ll show you,” the Uncle said as he motioned with his head toward the barn.

  “Yesterday, how did you know,” Jalaby was not understanding his Uncle at all.

  “I knew. I know you and I knew you would make the decision to go. Here, he’s over here,” he said as he opened the barn and led Jalaby over to the fourth stall on the right. There stood a magnificent white stallion.

  “Amazing, amazing,” was all Jalaby could say, as he patted the chest of the beast.

  “Believe it or not, his name is Willow. I’m not quite sure how it fits him, but that’s the name.” Jalaby’s Uncle stood back admiringly. “I got him from Danver’s place. Best stock he had too.”

  “Must have cost you a lot Uncle. I will pay you back as…” Uncle Stebon broke in.

  “Nonsense, nonsense, you will not. Since I’m too old to be on this journey, this is the only way I can help. Believe me, if I was five years younger, I would be with you.”

  “And you’d be welcome. In fact, you are welcome to come now.” Just for an instance Jalaby felt the great sense of joy and peace that having his Uncle along would bring, but Uncle Stebon removed it.

  “Oh, I know my limitations. This is your journey, I would slow you up and my presence could change the way things should naturally happen by just my being there. No, your parents were specific, this must be your journey. Now let’s get packing and let me show you the saddle and other gear I bought for you.”

  For the next hour or so, Jalaby and his Uncle planned, organized and gathered up what was needed for the trip but as the morning neared its end, they saw two riders approaching. The riders themselves were no surprise because folks drop by often to talk with his Uncle concerning this or that. What was surprising to Jalaby, was that moments before they had come into view, the stone around his neck had become warmer. When he now looked at it, he noticed a slight glow from within the stone.

  His Uncle's voice now pulled Jalaby's eyes back toward the nearing visitors, as his Uncle said, “Looks like Mayor Braxton and his Security Chief Melocarson Taylor.”

  The two men on horseback arrived, dismounted from their horses and moved purposely toward Jalaby and his Uncle. The Mayor was tall and lean, with a hawk like face and eyes, that seemed to bore through you. The Security Chief Taylor was of medium height and build and very nondescript in features, but Jalaby knew him to be a behind the scenes power, who was known to be rather ruthless to those who broke the law.

  “Lindsay,” Mayor Braxton began. “We are a delegation from town and would like a word with you and Jalaby concerning your idea about crossing the Crieton Bridge.” Jalaby knew his expression had betrayed him but could do little to hide his disbelief that they had been discovered so quickly. Sarah's angry determined features popped into his mind and he wondered if she had something to do with this. “I see it is true by your expressions. Please invite us inside, if you don't mind, so we can discuss this like gentlemen,” and not waiting for an invitation, he led himself toward his Uncle's front door.

  After regaining his composure, Jalaby's Uncle responded. “Wait just a minute Harold, I don't care if you are the Mayor, you'll wait to be invited into my home. Stand your ground while I decide whether I want to deal with you folks here in this hot sun or offer you the cool comfort of my living room.” With that the Mayor stopped and stood frowning. Jalaby knew the Mayor hated being referred to by his first name. “OK, I will be cordial to you folks, but remember you have no jurisdiction over the folks that live outside Bridgetown, but we will listen to what you have to say.” Uncle Stebon then led both the Mayor and the Chief of Security into his house. They all gathered in the living room where his Uncle poured some cold water into glasses and then took to his favorite rocking chair while the others found chairs as well. Jalaby alone stood waiting for the revelation.

  “It has come to our attention that Jalaby is planning to cross Crieton's Bridge in the next few days, perhaps even tonight. As you very well know, this is prohibited by law and punishable by death. This is a grave serious matter.” The Mayor was using his speech making voice and it seemed overly loud in the small living room.

  “Who told you that,” Jalaby blurted before his Uncle waved him to stop.

  “I'll handle this son, but that is a very good question.”

  “That is not the point, the point is, it shall not happen.” The Mayor said firmly.

  “This is all just some practical joke Harold. Jalaby cross Crieton's Bridge, you've got to be kidding. There is too much work to do on the farm here for him to wander off anywhere. I think your information source is faulty or someone is feeding him or her some bogus information.” Uncle Stebon then rocked mechanically back and forth while the Mayor's countenance seemed to indicate he was at a loss for words. Jalaby knew that was impossible.

  “Then you deny any intention of Jalaby crossing the bridge?” The Mayor asked.

  “Yes I do and I think I've done enough talking of the subject. Jalaby and I have better things to do than explain away some rumor put about to waste your time and mine,” and with that he rose to dismiss the meeting.

  The Mayor and Security Chief rose as well but the Mayor needed to have the last word as usual. “All I know is that crossing that bridge could endanger our entire way of life and plunge us back into the slavery that was ended by the Great War. Well let me tell you, if anyone crosses that bridge, I will see to it that they ar
e sent to Stone Mountain and there to meet their death as prescribed by law. No one is going to bring back the devastation that we saw in the Great War on my watch and anyone crossing that bridge will be blamed for anything that happens.” The Mayor accompanied with his silent Security Chief then left the house. Moments later as Jalaby and his Uncle sat in silence, they heard the pounding of the hoof beats as the party rode off back towards town.

  Jalaby broke the silence. “What do you make of that Uncle and who told?”

  “I'm not sure whether it was a case of who told or a case of who was listening and in fact we may never know how the information got out. I am also not sure how well the Mayor took my denial.” His Uncle stated looking thoughtful.

  “Will you be in any trouble if I cross the bridge Uncle?” Jalaby realized the Mayor's words may have implied that whoever aided the crossing could be subject to death as well.

  “No, the law is quite specific on that account. Only those who cross are to be punished. I am perfectly safe, but you realize if you do not end the Crieton Fog phenomena that you may never be able to come back yourself.”

  “I realize that Uncle, but there is a purpose to my journey and I will prevail. I will see you again of that I am sure,” and as Jalaby smiled so did his Uncle and that reassurance lifted each one's spirits back to where they were before their unwelcome visitors had arrived.

  Chapter 4

  With that visit though, Jalaby knew thing had changed. The element of surprise was now gone. Security around the bridge and around the town would be on alert and his best option would be to meet with his friends and work out a foolproof plan. Their lives depended upon it.

  Jalaby decided against riding the horse, that his Uncle had given him, over to meet his friends because the sight of him on such an animal would only give credence to the rumors that were flying. He immediately left the farm and headed for Tom's farmhouse which was right next to Connel's house; with luck they would both be there. As he trudged down the dusty road, he ran over in his mind what had occurred and whether it made any difference at all. Jalaby decided that it did not in the long term. He knew, as everyone did in Onan, that there was a penalty for crossing the Crieton Bridge, but it was one thing to go himself and another to involve his friends. He would at least put them straight as to the possible outcome they could face if they are caught. With head down and mind in thought, Jalaby soon covered the distance to Tom Whycourt's family farm.

  Jalaby entered the main farm area that consisted of a large barn, a smaller storage building and the Whycourt home. Seeing no one about, he promptly knocked on the door. To his surprise Sarah answered. She was in a blue dress with a white apron tied around her and baking flour on her nose. Jalaby stood and stared at her, taking in the new image. Sarah, who seemed discomposed as well, recovered more quickly, spoke first and snapped Jalaby out of his fascination.

  “Jalaby, what do you want.” Sarah's expression was not cordial and she stood with one hand on her hip and her face slightly tilted, waiting for a reply.

  Jalaby fumbled a bit but managed, “Tom in?” While he waited for a reply that took a while in coming, he tried not to move his eyes from Sarah's, even though he would have loved to inspect this change in her appearance more thoroughly.

  “He's in the barn loading hay. Sorry you can't come in.” Sarah smiled slightly and shut the door on Jalaby, who now, with reddened face, turned and headed for the barn.

  “Tom, Tom, you in here?” Jalaby called as he entered the barn.

  “Here Jalaby,” shouted Tom from the hay storage area above the stalls. “I'm getting ready for the journey but I have to fill this loft so it will last while I'm gone.”

  “Not so loud, keep it down!” Jalaby said in a voice that was louder than Tom's. He waved at Tom to come down. When Jalaby was facing Tom, he spoke. “We've been found out. Someone has told the Mayor and we need to keep our conversations as private as possible. Can you get Connel to come over here so we can go over this latest problem and perhaps think about when we should attempt the crossing. I also want to make absolutely sure you and Connel know what you are getting into.”

  “We know. Yeah, I'll get Connel and we can meet in the small room at the end of the barn, over there. You better stay here so we are not all three seen together. I'm always over at Connel's so it won't look out of the ordinary. I'll be back shortly.” Tom then ran out the door and down the road as Jalaby found the room that they were to meet in and sat on a bale of hay to wait. The room was small but was open to the loft above on one side.

  Shortly, Tom returned with Connel and Jalaby explained all that had taken place that morning and word for word let them know what the Mayor had said. “I'll understand if you choose not to make this journey with me. It is a lot to give up. I, on the other hand, feel that I must go. I'll ask you both one more time and this time Connel, you answer first.”

  Connel looked down a moment and then lifting his head, spoke. “Jalaby, I will make the journey no matter what the consequences.”

  Tom laughed, “Well you know if Connel the pessimist is going on this journey, then I'm going as well.”

  Jalaby smiled briefly and looked up to thank the stars, but as he did so, he caught sight of Sarah in the upper hayloft, partially under a tarpaulin and undoubtedly she had listened to every word they had said. He did not acknowledge her and thought that she may not think he had seen her. Good he thought, maybe now she'll understand exactly what they are up against and the penalties involved. That would surely keep her from further involvement. Jalaby just hoped the information to the Mayor had not come from her, for that would be very disappointing. As best that he could read her character, he felt it would not be in her to turn against a life long acquaintance, but after some additional thought he realized perhaps he did not know Sarah very well at all.

  “OK, I've got to get back. There are a few minor items we can tackle as you walk me to the main gate.” Jalaby led Tom and Connel outside the barn and into open air. Once he was sure he was far enough away so Sarah could not hear, he spoke. “We need to meet in secret for the next few days. Let's plan on meeting at my house at two o'clock every day until we are prepared. A couple days delay may cool things off as far as security patrols and also give us time to better prepare. Connel, you keep track of town and bridge security. Keep a log of any new changes that have been put in place. You have a good many friends that work in that area and may provide you with the latest information, but be discreet. Tom, you work to improve the escape plan itself. We may need a fall-back plan if the burning hay bales do not work. We may only get one shot at this, so we better be ready. Have you all been able to get a horse and a couple of pack animals.”

  Tom said, “Yes, I have a horse called Jeremiah that I bought from my Uncle and it is one of his best. I told him I was going into racing. I also have three pack kacks we got from the uplands that we can use for pack animals.”

  “kacks? I'm not familiar with that animal, we don't want any trouble like I had with the burros,” said Jalaby, thinking of the time he was bitten by one of his Uncle's burros.

  “No, the kacks are not as feisty as burros. They look similar to burros except they have extremely long hair, especially their mane and over their eyes. Anyway, they are very placid and sleepy in temperament.”

  Connel spoke next. “I also have my horse named 'Mildred', and don't let the name fool you, she is a fast horse as far as farm horses go. I also took my fathers old sword and breast armor from when he was in the Great War, so I'll have all I need as far as protection is concerned. I'm in the middle of getting the food and water packaged together and should have it together by later today.”

  “Great! Let's finish getting supplies together today and since my Uncle is in on this, we can store everything in our barn. Tomorrow I'll stop by and pick up everything and we'll meet at two o'clock to determine our final plan.”

  “Wait,” said Tom with his head bowed toward the ground, in thought. “What about Vera? Maybe you sh
ould talk with her before the journey, Sarah says she knows everything and Vera is our eldest Predictor.”

  “Nonsense, I don't believe in that sort of thing,” said Jalaby in a tone that was weaker than the harshness of the words themselves. In his mind he had often wondered about the Predictors. They seemed to be right more often than not.

  Tom seemed almost shocked by the words but defended his suggestion anyway. “Look Jalaby, you have nothing to lose by asking for a prediction. You don't have to tell her anything, just listen. What harm could that do?”

  “OK Tom, I'll think about it.” Jalaby thought to himself that Tom would probably be satisfied with that and thought that there would be no need to actually talk with Vera.

  “Good. That was it. Just thought that it might help,” finished Tom who seemed pleased that he was able to offer a good suggestion and that Jalaby might act on it. They all stood momentarily in silence.

  “Well it's time I was heading back home, see ya!” Jalaby waved a half salute and the others waved back before he turned to go. At the gate, he glanced back and caught site of Sarah near the barn entrance, staring after him. She sure looked different in that blue dress, yes quite different.

  Jalaby sat at the dining table at Endless House. His Uncle had gone into town and he was pleased to have the quiet solitude of early afternoon. He had not been able to eat much when he returned from Tom's but made an effort since he knew he would need all the strength he could muster very soon. He was thinking that this effort of planning the journey was more work that he had figured on. He sat and continued to ponder his blank sheet of paper, trying to anticipate what would be needed in the matter of supplies. With tousled hair, a pencil between his teeth and a determined look, he began to sort the supplies out in his mind. Jalaby figured they would need food for at least a week, that's for sure. What about water? That was another question. There was no way they were going to carry much water, perhaps only a two day supply and hopefully they would be able to find more along the way. He figured they would be along the Crieton River for the first day or two, so there should ample supply until they turn inland. That's settled. With one pack animal each, there won't be much else they could carry. The one thing Jalaby decided he could afford to take was the small tent that he used during camp-outs, since it weighed next to nothing and could be very important if the weather got bad. At some point it might be the only shelter available. Jalaby then detailed his final food list and began to rummage around the pantry stacking flour, salt, sugar, and jerked beef in a pile just outside the pantry door.