by Duane Alston
The fire crackled and popped a bit, which momentarily drew their attention before Sarah spoke. “We've been learning all we can from Constanto, but you're right, we haven't discussed the nature of this place in the up coming months and I think it might take us months to get through to where we can cross the Neteos Mountains.”
“You know Sarah, I was against you coming on this trip but each day your worth to the group has been proven over and over and damn it, I'm glad you're here!” Jalaby meant it sincerely but felt Sarah tense up a bit, so he had to ask, “What? Did I say something wrong?”
“No Jalaby jerk,” Sarah's words were harsh to Jalaby's ears but he realized he didn't hear the anger in her voice that he had heard so many days ago on Golden Gap Hill, only perhaps a bit of weariness.
“How about my worth to you,” said Sarah and the words hung there as another crackle of the fire disturbed the quiet of their night.
“I'm not good at this Sarah. I can't explain it in so many words, but I can show you what you mean to me.” As he finished, Jalaby gently leaned over and kissed Sarah tenderly on the lips, to which Sarah responded. The fact she had kissed him back both relieved and thrilled him at the same time and they both laughed as Jalaby leaned back with is arm around her.
“Glad Tom didn't see that, he would tease us both with no mercy,” Sarah laughed.
“Speaking of Tom, his watch will start in an hour, you might want to be on your own sleeping mat before he wakes up.” Jalaby said.
“No, I'm quite comfortable here Jalaby Langmaster,” and Sarah snuggled even tighter.
“Fine with me.” Jalaby said lightly and they kissed and kept warm the best they could, before both falling asleep sometime before Tom took his watch.
Connel shook Tom awake and nodded to where Jalaby and Sarah were sleeping. Tom just shook his head and whispered. “They're both going to get spankings in the morning. Well, duty calls.” He then headed up, lantern in hand to start his watch.
When Jalaby awoke, he was ready. His energy was back and he knew it was time to continue their journey. Sarah was not now sharing his blanket as she was when they fell asleep and he looked around and saw Tom tending the fire.
“Where's Sarah,” Jalaby asked lightly and then added, “Ah, er, good morning.”
“Where'd you think, she's having a poo. You know there's a messy side to all relationships so you best be aware of all things.” Tom had not turned his head from the fire so Jalaby didn't know how to take his comment.
“I know it Tom, and that's a pretty crude remark. Just so you know, I would never hurt your sister.” Jalaby said seriously.
“Better not. Hey and I'm the Chaperon remember. I let you get away with that blanket sharing routine because you were sick, but you look pretty healthy now, so I'll be watching.” This time Tom faced Jalaby with a big grin on his face and Jalaby knew everything was alright between them.
“OK funny man, it's time. Let's get everyone together. It's time to move on,” said Jalaby, who now stood and although he felt a bit wobbly at first, his legs soon began to feel more normal.
“About time, I'm getting bored with this place and I haven't seen a Screecher or anything. Everyone else is having all the fun.” Tom finished with a light laugh and started yelling for everyone to come for a meeting.
They soon were all present.
“OK, it's time to continue this adventure of ours. Talisbon, can you ask Constanto a couple of things? First, how many days until we get to the foothills of Neteos Mountains and second, is the weather going to be a problem as we go through the forest?” Jalaby paused as Talisbon questioned Constanto.
“He says it will take about thirty to forty days to get to the foothills and as far as the weather is concerned, we are in good luck. The canopy above us seems to hold in the warmer air and keep out the majority of snow. He says it never freezes.” Talisbon finished looking incredulous.
“OK, sounds good; everyone prepare your horses and kacks to leave at noon. Wait, one more question, ask Constanto how often will we find places to camp like this one?” Jalaby finished by waving his hand around the campsite.
“He says there should be plenty of places along the way. This was once a very popular route and travelers and others have built accommodations all along the road at various locations, and he knows them all. In anticipation of your next question, there is also plenty of food and water.” Talisbon smiled knowingly at Jalaby's surprised look.
“OK, carry on everybody, let's get ready,” and as Jalaby moved with steady legs, Sarah watched him for any indications that it was too soon to travel. Seeing none, she started packing.
They journeyed for several days and Jalaby grew stronger each day. Although it was difficult talking to Constanto through Talisbon, he wanted very much to know all about Constanto and his people.
Constanto had informed them that there were three purposes established, since time began, for his people to fulfill. The groups his people aspire to are the Providers, the Protectors and the Professors. As Jalaby expected, the providers gathered and grew food, medicine and anything else that was needed to sustain life in the forest. For instance, they maintain the road system and make sure there is a place to camp every one day's ride along the main road. They also gather and maintain medical knowledge from generation to generation.
The second group is the protectors and as the name implies, they guard the Woodland Forest from outside intruders. While it's OK to journey through the Woodland Forest, it is not OK to commit any crime against a Woodland citizen and much more to the point, the standing army keeps the Fog Warriors away. Jalaby found this last point very interesting, but although he pressed for more information on this aspect of their culture, he could get no further information.
Finally, there is the professor group. If something needs to be resolved, calculated, computed or arbitrated, this was the group to do it. In fact, most often the supreme leader usually came from this group.
Jalaby found out that Constanto is part of the Provider group, that is why he knew so much about the medicine they needed. He was tending one of his medicine gardens when Jalaby ran into him or rather tripped over him.
It was the second week after the accident and the traveling, although tedious, was not difficult. That is when Jalaby noticed the Stone of Crieton began to faintly tingle and it was strongest in the direction they were traveling. Based on this, he had Talisbon get what information he could from Constanto on what lies ahead, such as landmarks, settlements, special places, anything that might give him a clue as to the danger ahead. Constanto had indicated that the only place of any distinction was an ancient portal that has not worked in years. Not since the great war. At the mention of this, a feeling of dread came over Jalaby. Upon conveying this, Talisbon grew solemn and his face seemed fixed with a strange expression, like that of amazement tinged with fear.
“He did say we would go near the old portal but the road veers away a couple of miles before reaching it,” Talisbon said keeping his eyes fixed on Jalaby. The others were not nearby so they could not be overheard. “You seem disturbed; why is the old portal so unsettling?”
“Well Talisbon, if you must know, the Stone of Crieton has become a little bit bothersome so I'm not taking any chances. It may or may not have to do with the portal but we had better be prepared just in case.” Jalaby spoke firmly and continued. “But for now, keep it to yourself. I don't want to alarm the others. Believe me, if it gets worse I'll let everyone know.”
It didn't take long. They traveled a few miles down the road and the stone began zapping Jalaby some pretty good jolts.
“OK everybody, listen up,” Jalaby spoke in a loud commanding voice. “The Stone of Crieton indicates trouble up ahead. I'm not sure of the distance but Constanto says there is an old portal that Fog Warriors used during the Great War and it also just happens to be up ahead. That may be the source of danger but I can't say for certain. We must travel cautiously and be armed at all times until we can determine t
he nature of the danger. Until we pass the trouble, I will take the lead. Maybe this stone will give us an edge in getting past the danger, whatever it is.”
“You know I've been hearing about Fog Warriors ever since I was a baby. Watch out or the Fog Warriors will get you, blah, blah, blah. So I'm itching for a peek at these terrifying beings,” said Tom with a chuckle. But his words made Jalaby reflexively put his hand on the sword his uncle had given him and he hoped it would bring him the same good fortune that his Uncle had when fighting the Fog Warriors years ago.
Sarah said nothing, but Jalaby saw her check her supply of crossbow arrows and he realized that he had little opportunity to be around her since that night when they shared his blanket. Lately the roads had been too narrow to ride side by side and at the end of a day's ride, either they were just too tired or Tom made it uncomfortable. So they just smiled at each other once in a while and it had seemed enough, but not now, so when they took a break at a wide spot in the road, Jalaby deliberately went to where Sarah was watering her horse.
“Sarah, I'm sorry we haven't had much chance to talk in the last many days and believe me I wanted to. Your brother can be a real pain sometimes.” Jalaby moved closer and Sarah laughed.
“I know exactly how you feel, remember I grew up with him.” Jalaby thought how good it felt to hear her laugh again.
“I know I'm vague on the danger up ahead. I didn't want to frighten anyone but felt you all should know what I know.” Jalaby finished and based on Sarah's expression he knew he might have pushed the wrong button.
“What do you mean frightened? I've fought off a forest full of Screechers so I don't think you'll see me cower in the bushes.” Sarah's tone was actually less angry than Jalaby expected, despite the bluntness of the language, and he put up his hands in mock surrender.
“First off Sarah, I didn't mean you in regard to being frightened, it was more Constanto that I was thinking about. I thought the words I said before, that you've more than proven yourself to all of us, was enough on that account.” Jalaby moved closer and took Sarah's hand after seeing her expression soften.
“Sorry, I must be tired,” Sarah said as she squeezed Jalaby's hand.
So Jalaby took that opportunity to embrace her and kiss her lightly.
“I'm going to get mad at you more often if this is my reward,” said Sarah smiling brightly. “But back to more serious business, what is your plan?”
“Well, it was evident that the Fog Warriors were closing in back in Gatson and they were sure to find out our travel route through the Woodland Forest, so I suspect they will use the ancient portal, if it is usable, to attack us up ahead. Our advantage is that they don't know I have the Stone of Crieton which should allow us a chance to sneak up on them.” Jalaby stood with his arm around Sarah's waist and paused momentarily to allow a response, but hearing none he was about to continue when she began to speak.
“What gets me, is why are they bothering with us at all. We certainly don't seem to be much of a threat to anyone. Four barely adults and an old man of some sort. That's four swords and whatever weapon Talisbon can use; how can that change the course of who rules the people on either side of the river.”
“That I don't know, all I know is that some answers can be found at Stoneburst Settlement and if the Fog Warriors are interested in us, then they must feel that we present some danger to their existence. In truth, we know very little about these boogie men.” Jalaby took a moment to brush back a red curl of hair that fell across Sarah's face, that had been put there by a small gust of wind. Sarah acknowledged Jalaby's gesture by grabbing his hand before she spoke.
“OK, can you at least tell me why are they called Fog Warriors and what exactly is Crieton's Fog?”
Jalaby sighed and then paused trying to recollect his uncle's description of the Fog Warriors from all the times he had told his war stories. Finally, feeling Sarah becoming impatient, he answered.
“The origin of Crieton's Fog is what we hope to find out, but what we do know from the history of the Great War, is that the Fog Warriors can only survive if from time to time they engulf themselves for some length of time in the dark gray fog called Crieton's Fog. Also, when Crieton's Fog exists during a battle, somehow it seems to aid them in terms of movement and their ability to fight. The Fog Warriors seem to float through the fog and uneven rough terrain has no effect; they glide smoothly along. Although they are some sort of energy being that can die, this movement ability makes it difficult to beat them if they are in large numbers. The individual fog warrior is dressed head to toe in a blue robe that covers their entire body including the head. A red headband with multiple stripes denotes rank. The more stripes around the head, the higher the rank. No one knows for sure how they communicate because they are totally silent. From what I have been told by my uncle, there is nothing more eerie than being attacked at night by silent floating Fog Warriors; still, they can be beaten. My uncle has slain hundreds in battle. I mentioned before that I suspect they will attack us up ahead, after thinking about it, they will probably just send a small party to locate us and call up a larger force once they know where we are. Of course in that case, it would be best if we could get past them undetected because if they know we are here, they will send for more Fog Warriors. Alternately, if we kill them all, whoever sent them will know by their absence where we are. It's a tough choice.” Jalaby finished by stroking his chin with his free hand.
“I can see you've thought a great deal about it. I suggest you bring the others in on this, since they may have an idea or two that we have not thought of. Anyway, they need to know.” Sarah's tone was very serious.
“You're right.” Jalaby said simply and knew it was what he needed to do. So pulling Sarah along with him, he called everyone together one more time.
As each person arrived, Jalaby took notice of their demeanor. Tom and Connel arrived together, with Tom giving Connel a little shove and both laughing before becoming more serious. Talisbon was with Constanto and was, as always, stoned faced and quiet. Constanto was looking from face to face and fidgeting with nervous energy, as usual, while Sarah was calm and smiling.
“Based on the Stone of Crieton, I believe we are facing a small group of Fog Warriors up ahead. My uncle told me a little bit about them and I believe there will be an individual among the Fog Warriors called a Minder. According to my uncle, the Minder communicates with and translates for the Fog Warriors. I want to talk to this Minder. As much as I would like to just start cutting down Fog Warriors by the dozens, I realize that personally, they have not done anything to me. Call it what you like, I cannot just attack them without a reason or justification, so I purpose this. First, we need to know how many we are dealing with, so I'll try to use the stone to pin point their location and we'll sneak up on them. I want us all together because that will make us stronger. If I feel we have sufficient strength, then we'll try to get the Minder alone and see what we can find out. Otherwise, we'll try to just bypass the Fog Warriors with the help of Constanto and some of his out-of-the-way paths and trails.” Jalaby paused for a response and seeing Connel with a puzzled expression, he asked. “Connel?”
Looking up, Connel responded. “Oh, yes I was just thinking that it would be better if we are not so heavily loaded. Perhaps we should sneak past them first, setup a base to leave our horses, kacks and supplies, and then follow your plan?”
“You have a point, but it would mean leaving one person to guard our belongings. That would drop our strength, but I like your idea. We can't fight with all this equipment and horses with us. The question is, who shall stay.” After Jalaby looked at each one in turn, Talisbon spoke up.
“Well to tell the truth, I may not be much good to you in a fight and you may need Constanto to make a quick getaway, so maybe I should stay.” Talisbon shuffled his feet but steadfastly gazed at Jalaby for a response.
Jalaby smiled. “I'm not sure I agree with your assessment on your physical ability in a fight. Back at the mill, I s
aw you jump down from a thirty foot balcony and land like a cat.” Jalaby and the others laughed lightly and Jalaby continued. “But you're probably right. You would be the best man for the job. You are certainly strong enough to fight off a few Fog Warriors if need be. OK, that's settled,” and Jalaby shook his head in affirmation as if answering a lingering doubt he had.
Jalaby took the lead followed by Constanto and Talisbon, in case Jalaby needed directions. Using the stone, he was able to visualize the direction to the danger that lie up ahead but he was also getting something new. It was a feeling of just how far away the Fog Warriors were. It wasn't very precise yet, but each day he seemed to have a better feel for how far away the danger was. Of course he knew if he was wrong, then he was risking the lives of everyone in his party.
Chapter 21
It was beginning to rain a fine mist and they all rode with hooded rain coats, looking wet and miserable, with their heads down, bobbing with the beat of their horse's gate. Jalaby stopped, turned to face back and pulled the hood off his head.
“I can sense that there is some danger at the portal location but I also feel there is some danger where the road to the portal meets the main road. So Talisbon, find out if there are any alternative routes around that junction. Make sure Constanto understands that the way must allow for horses and kacks and not some path that only a three foot being like himself can use.”
From Constanto's animated response, Jalaby felt he was going to get an agreeable answer and was not disappointed.
“Yes, Constanto indicated that in about a half a mile we will come across an old shortcut we can use. Since the main road turns several miles up ahead, this cut off will save us time and put us on the east side of the Fog Warriors, if that is the danger you are sensing,” Talisbon said gravely.
Based on his last remark, Jalaby felt that Talisbon might be questioning his ability to read the stone, but he chose to ignore it and motioned for Constanto to lead the way.
