Jalaby's Journey

by Duane Alston

  “Narish says, may the truth be known.” Jalaby uttered the words his parents had told him to say to the creature in the old mill and the transformation was quick. The irritating grin had slipped off the face of Talisbon in an instant and his head and eyes jerked in the direction of Jalaby, his face reflected disbelief.

  “What, uh,” was all Talisbon could say. He paused and took a deep breath before continuing. “I remember my debt to Narish and will fulfill my obligation. Why didn't you say Narish sent you. My sincere apologies for my little games but you see I get quite lonely here and must have my fun. I have better accommodations than this bag room. Come, you must use my quarters. It's plumbed and has all the conveniences especially for the young lady.” Talisbon's eyes swept Sarah again and she smiled.

  “What about the map?” Jalaby spoke irritably.

  “Oh yes, I will give you the map as promised but first let's get you all settled upstairs and we can have a long talk. Come this way,” and with no further delay Talisbon led the way out and paused just outside the door to look back to see if anyone was following, but then moved on without waiting.

  Jalaby looked at his friends and they stared back waiting for a response.

  “After you,” said Jalaby waving his arm in the direction of Talisbon. “By the way, don't trust this fellow. He may seem friendly enough, but I'm not sure about him yet.”

  “Seems a good enough sort. Kind of strange and did you see that leap off the balcony, that was something. His strength must be awesome compared to his size.” Tom hesitated and then continued. “Hey, you should be going first, you know, being royalty and such. We mere peasants will follow.” Tom smiled brightly waving his hand forward.

  “Ah, no stalling, come on get going!” Jalaby said with good humor and when Sarah went by, he spoke again but this time in a low voice. “I meant it Sarah, be careful around him, he seems to stare at you a great deal.” Jalaby's voice was urgent.

  “Well, if it wasn't such a strange idea, that is me and Talisbon, I would say you were jealous. So what put you out of sorts with him?” Sarah said softly as she waited with Jalaby while Tom and Connel headed upstairs.

  “Nothing specific, I just didn't like the way he looked at you. Something I can't put my finger on.” Jalaby's face showed all the concern that his message conveyed and Sarah cocked her head slightly as she replied.

  “OK, I see you are serious, but what's all this about you being related to Crieton and that Prince business.”

  “I see I should have told all of you before. I will as soon as we are all together and Talisbon is not around. Tonight after we eat.” Jalaby gripped her slightly on the arm and waved her forward. Sarah nodded and headed after the others.

  The evening and especially the evening meal were quite enjoyable. Talisbon was quite a host and was particularly humorous while preparing the meal. Although he seemed to know very little about the present leaders that governed the land on the east side of Crieton River or about Jalaby's Langmaster family, they soon discovered that Talisbon was quite literate and well versed in most of the books Jalaby and the others had read. There was also another subject that Talisbon was a bit vague on and that was himself. He said little about where he came from and even less about his family. The little he did say, indicated he came from a race of people far to the east and with an inheritance, built this mill well before the Great War.

  “How often do people come to mill their grain?” Connel asked looking quite interested in our new companion.

  “Oh, this time of year, not very often, perhaps one time a month. During the harvest, perhaps three a week. It has all changed,” Talisbon said wistfully. “The farms that are left are quite far away and it takes a two day journey to get here. Over time my trade has dropped off. But I don't need much.”

  “What happened to the nearby farms?” Connel asked.

  “Bad Water! It was poisoned during the Great War and for some reason it has never recovered. Nothing will grow in Paradise Valley now.” Talisbon smiled slightly.

  “Paradise Valley, if it's as desolate as you say, they should rename it,” Tom laughed. “It's sad just the same,” he said quickly after thinking that their host may not like that last remark.

  All went silent for a moment until Jalaby, feeling uncomfortable in the absence of their voices, broke the silence rather harshly.

  “I would like to have that map right now Talisbon!”

  They all stared at him as if he was one of their parents breaking up a birthday party. Jalaby felt bad but focused all his attention on Talisbon. He would not let him get away this time.

  After quite a few minutes of staring back with a slightly angry countenance, Talisbon broke eye contact and replied.

  “As you wish. I will only be a moment,” with that he rose and headed to the room that Jalaby knew to be his sleeping quarters. Minutes later he returned with a small tube that had a lid on one end and handed it to Jalaby. Jalaby nodded looking stern.

  “Well, I will leave you all now. I have another sleeping area that I can use for tonight. You are all welcome to use these facilities as you like. Good night all,” and Talisbon turned and left, closing the door firmly behind him.

  “Well Jalaby, why don't you just kick him between the legs while you were at it. From what I could see it would not have hurt as bad. Geez, you seem to be kind of moody ever since we arrived here,” Tom finished throwing up his hands in a gesture of disgust. The others started to mutter their agreement with Tom's words when Jalaby cut them off.

  “OK, OK. I am sorry, I've had a lot on my mind, but I have a feeling about Talisbon.” There was silence and an unconvinced look from all, so Jalaby continued. “What I will do from this time forward is to keep this to myself and try to be more congenial to Talisbon, but you in turn must be vigilant. Don't drop your guard completely around him. Is that a deal?” They all nodded in agreement and Jalaby continued.

  “Before we take a look at the map, I want to tell you everything my Uncle told me before we started this journey. According to a letter left to me by my parents, Julie and Narish Stebon, my real name is Jalaby Langmaster of the House of Langton. My real father is Crieton Langmaster.” There were open mouths from Connel and Tom at this statement, they seemed to have forgotten or not taken seriously the words that Talisbon had previously said. Jalaby continued. “When I was quite young I was sent to the Stebons as part of my education, but the war broke out and I was not able to be sent back. When Julie and Narish were killed, I stayed with my Uncle and have lived there ever since. Now that I am older, a week ago my Uncle gave me a package from Julie and Narish containing the letter and the stone that you already know about. They instructed me to take this journey to Stoneburst Settlement and eventually to Castle Langmaster. Somehow I'm to bring all the people back together again and if that was not enough, eliminate the Fog Warriors. The other thing that was mentioned was the map. They said it would help get us to Stoneburst Settlement, where they believed we would find some answers as to why Crieton's Fog Warriors came about.” Jalaby paused.

  “That is all I know,” Jalaby, who had been standing, now sat and looked at his lifelong friends and could not tell what they were thinking. Finally Connel spoke.

  “Jalaby, it makes no difference to us whether you're a Stebon or a Langmaster, as we have been in the past, we will be in the future. Only, you should have told Tom about all this hard work and travel so he could have practiced his whining. It has really not been up to his usual standards” Connel said seriously.

  “Hey, I'm the only one who gets to make jokes on this trip,” Tom said in his most wounded voice.

  “Who's joking,” Connel replied.

  “OK you guys, knock it off,” said Sarah. “Thanks for telling us Jalaby and I think from this point on, you should practice not being so introspective. Let us know what you're thinking, especially when it effects us. I think I speak for all of us. We're with you on this journey and I haven't heard anything to change my mind.” Jalaby felt Sara
h's words were very honest and candid and despite trying his best, a mist appeared in his eyes, but he fought what he felt was a momentary weakness.

  “Thank you, thank all of you. Now, let's stop all this soul searching and get at that map.” Jalaby then pulled up a table in front of him, opened the tube, unrolled the brown parchment document, placed it in front of them, and used some drinking glasses to hold down the corners.

  The map was what it was, nothing more. They found the Crieton river, the mill and looked quickly for the Stoneburst settlement.

  “It looks like we need to travel a great distance along the Plains River then across the Neteos Mountains to Neteos Valley. At the end of the valley is where we'll find Stoneburst Settlement.” Jalaby finished looking from one to the other. “Any comments?”

  “Yes, it's quite a journey, so we'll need supplies.” Tom said quietly. But they all spun their heads around and jumped a foot when the next voice spoke.

  “I have plenty of supplies and some additional animals we can use. I also know the way. That map may have been good when it was written but things have changed a lot since.” Talisbon spoke.

  “Talisbon! I am not....,” Jalaby stopped in mid-sentence as the others turned towards him and he remembered his pledge. “Let me re-phrase that. How can you leave your mill unattended, someone might take it over. Who would stop them?”

  “Oh, I've lived a long time and done the same things over and over for year after year, after year. Frankly, I hope I never see a mill again, it's time I retired.” Talisbon answered. “I can really help, really I can.” He finished earnestly.

  Jalaby looked from one to the other of his companions, who in turn nodded that they agreed with letting Talisbon accompany them.

  “OK, your on. We can use your help, but remember, I lead this expedition and what I or we as a group say, is what we do.” Jalaby added firmly.

  “Very good, I am at your disposal. Now for the planning,” Jalaby watched suspiciously as Talisbon joined the group at the table by grabbing a chair and positioning himself next to Tom. Jalaby looked away and saw Sarah looking at him and smiling. Jalaby was sure she was amused, seeing him so uncomfortable with their new member. He just shrugged his shoulders and started to look at the map and a piece of paper that Talisbon was now writing on.

  “A list, we need a list. Now, not here, but I have a small office and stable in the next village called Gatson some two days Journey east of here.” Talisbon's disjointed sentences held an excited tone. “I have a couple of horses and a wagon nearby, hidden in a small stable, just north. I'll drive the wagon with all we can take from here. I'll have a man I know at Gatson take over the running of the mill,” Talisbon finished

  Jalaby thought to himself, so much for Talisbon hoping to never see the mill again. He shook his head.

  “Yes, we can camp the first night at Warner Well. There is drinking water, not a lot but enough and shelter. It was once a carriage depot for those traveling.” Talisbon wrote and wrote and the hours went by, until all at once, there was a lengthy silence when no one spoke. It was as if they had all tired at once. Jalaby nodded and spoke.

  “That's good everyone. I think we need to get some rest now.” Talisbon nodded and his face drooped in a tired smile.

  “I'll say good night to all then and will we be leaving in the morning?” Talisbon asked looking at Jalaby.

  “Yes, we need to be on our way. First thing in the morning.” With that answer, Talisbon bowed slightly and headed out the door and Jalaby looked silently from one member to the other but held to himself any comment he might have wanted to make about Talisbon.

  “OK, Sarah, I suppose you want the bedroom.” Sarah's eyes seemed to dance at Jalaby's suggestion.

  “Yes, I think I do need my beauty rest,” she replied joyfully.

  “Well that's OK, but I want Tom to sleep on the floor of your room tonight,” Jalaby finished.

  “What!” Tom and Sarah said at the same time.

  “That's right, I don't trust our guest, he might have secret passages around here. We certainly couldn't find him when we wanted to and frankly I don't like the way he particularly looks at Sarah. It is for your own protection Sarah and it wouldn't do for Connel or I to sleep there, but I will if Tom doesn't provide you with protection tonight.” Jalaby stood ready for more conversation but the others were evidently too tired. Tom just shrugged and Sarah tilted her head as if in confusion, finally smiled, bounced over to Jalaby, gave him a quick kiss on the cheek and hurriedly ran out of the room.

  “What was that all about?” Tom asked looking as perplexed as Jalaby appeared.

  “I don't believe I know. I thought she was going to bite my head off. Your sister is someone I have a tough time figuring out. Now I need to change the subject. What do you really make of Talisbon?” Jalaby leaned forward as if not wanting to be overheard.

  “He seems right enough,” Connel answered. “Although it seems like you've taken a dislike to him,” but before Jalaby could reply Tom answered as well.

  “Yeah, a bit of jealousy, I bet,” Tom laughed tiredly.

  “That's not it, there is just something I don't trust about him. It may turn out he'll be the most honest and trustworthy member of the group, but I don't have the advantage of knowing him for years and years the way I know you two. Anyway, stay on your guard, that is all I ask and I am serious about Sarah. I don't know his intentions yet and until I do, I don't want anything taken to chance. On your way Tom, don't leave Sarah by herself.”

  “Well, she'll have to be alone in the shower. OK, I'm on my way, no need to push, I get your drift,” Tom quickly scurried out leaving Jalaby and Connel to make their beds and settle down for the night.

  “Another night and now another member on the journey,” Jalaby thought as he drifted into an uneasy sleep.

  Chapter 14

  Despite Jalaby's unease, the night passed peacefully and the noises of morning breakfast cooking brought Jalaby out of a sound sleep. His first thought was of Sarah and he glanced into the kitchen and saw her and Connel preparing to cook. He gave a sigh of relief.

  “Morning everyone,” he said as he stiffly rose to his feet. The floor had been extremely hard last night and he was paying for it this morning.

  “Morning,” said Sarah brightly and Connel managed only a grunt.

  “Where's Tom?”

  “You'll have to get him up. I tried but he just grunted and rolled back over to sleep some more. Some guard you chose for me,” Sarah laughed merrily as she stirred something in a bowl.

  “I'll get him up.” Jalaby found Tom as Sarah had said, snoring loudly away. He shook him awake.

  “Hey, get up. We've got a journey to make.” Tom rolled over and his eyes fixed sleepily on Jalaby.

  “OK, OK, I'm getting up. Hey I smell food!” Tom got to his feet and started to the door.

  “Hey wait. Seems like anyone could have come in last night the way you sleep.”

  “Hey yourself! I'm only sleepy because I stayed awake a good part of the night per your suggestion. I heard some noises, but saw nothing. It must have been this old mill creaking in the night.” Tom finished sounding rather tired.

  “I'm sorry, I didn't mean to imply..., anyway thanks.” Jalaby sounded embarrassed.

  “No need to thank me, she's my sister. Let's eat, you worry too much.”

  Tom and Jalaby joined Sarah and Connel, who were setting the table with plates. As they were about to sit down, Talisbon burst through the doorway.

  “About time you were all up and about. I've been up since four this morning getting things in order, but I'll need help to get the wagon and I have a fine horse for Sarah. I'll need help with that as well. Good, it's time to eat, I'm starved.” Talisbon finished in a rush and stood looking at them. They in turn momentarily stared at him until Tom broke the silence.

  “Man, you are busy! Come on in Mr. Talisbon and have yourself a seat. I like a man who does most of the work, so I don't have to.” Tom pulled a chai
r out for Talisbon.

  “Ah, well it's not Mr. Talisbon. It's Mr. Miller or just Talisbon rather. You just pick one and thanks.” Talisbon sat and continued speaking in one motion. “Sarah this looks wonderful. Come, everyone sit down and eat.”

  “Well it wasn't all me. Connel was a great help this morning. He cooked most of what you see. I just helped.” She smiled and at seeing Jalaby's dreary face, she winked at him and nodded for him to sit, which brought a just perceptible smile to his face.

  “Yes, we are glad to share this meal with you and happy to have you with us on this journey.” Jalaby said graciously and smiled at Talisbon, who was beginning to eat. He found Sarah's eyes and she looked at him questioningly, to which he gave a slight shrug.

  With his hot breakfast making him feel relaxed and ready for the day, Jalaby told everyone but Tom to pack their animals and assemble out front first.

  “Tom, I'll pack Jeremiah for you while you help Talisbon get his wagon ready.”

  “Right. Come on Talisbon my man, I'll show you how to properly pack a wagon or maybe I'll supervise to make sure you've loaded it evenly.” Tom put his arm around Talisbon's shoulder and happily led him away, looking as if they were in search of the closest drinking establishment. The last audible sound from Tom, as he rounded the mill and went out of sight, was him suggesting that maybe Talisbon should lead the way, since he didn't know where his wagon was. Jalaby smiled openly. He was glad Tom was along. Sarah looked at him quizzically.

  “What's so funny,” she asked.

  “Oh nothing, it's just good to have both the Whycourts along.” He smiled and Sarah returned it, as they headed down to pack their animals.

  Jalaby had soon finished packing his things and was working with Sarah on Tom's gear, when Tom rumbled around the corner of the mill in Talisbon's wagon.

  “Here we are quick as a flash,” Tom laughed eagerly.

  “Where's Talisbon,” Sarah asked but before Tom could reply, Talisbon came from around the same corner riding a large black stallion. Everyone momentarily stood staring at this thing of beauty that seemed a marked contrast to Talisbon himself. Jalaby thought to himself, that ownership and riding about on this magnificent animal were acts that were at odds with Talisbon's reclusive appearance or maybe that is just the appearance he wants to project. Something seemed wrong about this particular vision but Jalaby decided to again keep it to himself.