by Duane Alston
“The first story I ever heard about the stones was when I was a young boy. The legend was that the twin warriors of the Neteos Mountain Kingdom each possessed a set of three stones, which were supposedly fused together and mounted somehow on bronze to form an eight point star pendant. In many cultures, this is a symbol typically associated with regeneration. The stones gave them great powers. I am not clear on the exact origin of these stories, only that the twin warriors' father gave a set to each of his sons. It was his wish that two kingdoms be set up. One kingdom was to be on this side of what is now called the Crieton River and the other kingdom was to be on the other side of the river where you all come from, except for Brand of course.” Talisbon nodded toward Brand. “But the King died prematurely and one of the twin warriors, whose name was Kadel Langmaster, seized both sets of stones and so expected to wield even greater power, but he made a great mistake.” Talisbon paused for effect and perhaps to see if his audience was paying attention, but he needn't fear for everyone was quietly transfixed, waiting for the answer.
“Kadel tried to use both sets of stones simultaneously. The result was catastrophic. Kadel was killed and the sets of stones burst apart and were scattered over several hundred miles. So you see, that is the origin of the place where we are bound. The Stoneburst Settlement!” Talisbon smiled broadly and gazed from one person to another expectantly.
“Interesting, but how was Kadel killed?” Jalaby asked.
Looking somewhat deflated, Talisbon answered and quickly moved on, “That was unclear. I suppose stray energy from the dissolution of the stones. Now I should mention that the twin warriors were not truly twins. The King designated that they were twins in purpose only and actually they were half brothers and quite physically different. Kadel's mother was of a different race than the other mother of the second half brother named Logran Langmaster. Afterward, both Logran and his descendants and the descendants of Kadel searched for the stones in order to put them back together and seize power. Logran blamed Kadel's side of the family and so both families have been at odds to this very day. In case you are wondering, another interesting fact is that the Crieton Langmaster family is a direct descendant of Logran Langmaster!” Talisbon paused again for reaction.
“How about that! Jalaby you're now the descendant of a legend. What's next, say you're not going to become a high wizard or take your daddy's place as king? Why only a short time ago you were shoveling poop out of your uncle's barn.” Tom finished his point with a hearty laugh to which all joined in, except Talisbon.
“I'm sure I'll be shoveling again after this is over, but Talisbon what about the Kadel side, where are they?” Jalaby asked.
As he answered, Talisbon's face reflected sadness. “There are very few left. Perhaps as few as a single family. Life has not favored the Kadel branch.”
Talisbon seemed to lose his professorial enthusiasm momentarily but then came back on subject.
“Now as the legend goes, Logran and his side of the family finally were able to assemble one set of stones and ruled somewhat peacefully for many generations. They used the stones for peaceful purposes, at least that is how the general population viewed it. Now what I am about to tell you is not legend but is what I have derived from present day gossip, rumors and fact. It appears that in order to expand King Crieton's domain, he needed a larger army than the population could supply. He discovered a way to harness the energy of the stones to create what we know as Fog Warriors, which are energy beings that can be controlled. They are controlled in groups by Master Fog Warriors also called Minders. With the Fog Warriors, King Crieton started the Great War and I won't say much on that subject since many of you know more about that recent event than I do.” Talisbon seemed to relax a bit since his narrative was nearly over.
“Now about this quest you are all on. How does that fit into what has come before? We must seek and find the third stone. At least with a set of stones you will be equal to whoever holds the other set! Now I know I have been long winded on the subject and everyone is tired from our journey, so if you don't mind, please ponder overnight what I have told you and perhaps tomorrow we can meet again,” Talisbon said and moved toward his bedroll before anyone could pose a question.
“Talisbon is right, let's get some rest, we have a big day of travel tomorrow,” Jalaby said and then added, “Same watch sequence as usual.” Jalaby acknowledged the nods concerning the night watch.
Despite a ribbing from Tom, Jalaby managed a quick kiss with Sarah before they all settled down to sleep.
The next day came quickly. It would be the last day on the road before reaching the town of Neteos and everyone's mood was lighter than the preceding days.
“Brand, will we get there today?” Jalaby asked as they rode.
“No, I don't think so. Maybe within ten miles or so but I would plan on one more night out on the road. Maybe Talisbon could tell us some more about the stones. I found that very interesting. I come from a woodland where very little happens out of the ordinary.” Brands voice was eager.
“I'm hoping that too. Say how's that horse the Zefferts gave you? He seems a strong mount?” Jalaby asked.
“Very good. This is the first horse I've ever rode. This is turning out to be a great adventure for me,” said Brand joyfully.
“That's good! Well it's time for me to move to the front and take the lead for a while. I'll talk to you later.” Jalaby then urged Willow quickly to the front.
Hours drifted by and spending another day meandering through the Neteos River Valley was very relaxing, thought Jalaby. It really was quite a beautiful bit of land, but he could not totally enjoy it. He didn't know what more Talisbon could say on the subject of the stones. He had taken the legend all the way to present times, so what was left. Well tonight they would find out, but for now he thought Connel could take the lead for a while and he could ride with Sarah a bit.
The camp site for the night was not the forest stage of the previous night, it was just an open grass field at a wide spot in the road and again Talisbon was prevailed upon to add to last night's entertainment.
“Well, I hope you had a chance to digest what I told you. Any questions or thoughts?” Talisbon's manner was as before. He raised his eyebrows ready for a response.
“I'd like to know a little more about the stone sets. What a complete set looks like. We have two stones and they fit nicely together to form a square but if you know something about the shape or color that could help?” Jalaby asked conversationally.
“OK, well you now possess two of a set of stones, so you know quite a bit already. The first stone, called the Aonstone, is small and white but changes color depending on the danger it senses. White to yellow, then to orange, then to blue and finally to red. It also vibrates and shocks to the point of pain when sensing danger. If you don't see the stone, you will sure feel it, as Jalaby can attest.” Talisbon nodded graciously to Jalaby. “The second stone, called the Du-stone, is circular, bigger and mounted in a square pendant. It is large enough to accommodate inserting the Aonstone inside the center. Together they form an orange stone. This combination gives you the same danger sensing powers but also adds some very powerful abilities. We have witnessed some of Jalaby's increased fighting abilities with his sword and from what Brand relayed to me about his combat with the Zefferts, Jalaby has mastered that power very well, but now imagine that power increased tenfold or more with the aid of the second stone. That is what the Du-stone is reported to do. As Jalaby has mentioned before, he also has gained the ability to project his consciousness to another location, giving him the ability to see, feel and convey messages just by thinking of the individual located at that distant place. This is truly amazing.” Talisbon finished this pronouncement with arms spread wide and then asked. “Jalaby, I hope I'm not putting you on the spot, but can you tell us if there are any, well let us say, negatives about wielding these powers?”
“Eh, yeah sure,” Jalaby said awkwardly. “The pain from the danger indicatio
n of the Aonstone you all know about, but I'm getting use to it. There is also, and this may be just in my mind, the desire to never be without the stone. I feel like I should never take it off because I might not sense a danger if it was approaching. The reliance on the stone begins to make me feel that it is the stone that is dictating my movements and decisions. Silly I know, but there it is. As far as the Du-stone, I haven't had it long enough to figure it out. That's about it.” Jalaby finished by nodding to Talisbon as if handing the discussion back to him and on cue, Talisbon continued.
“The third stone, I gather from legend, will be a little harder to assemble but will also bring with it additional powers. When combined, the stones are red. I've heard that with the third stone the wearer can project his new abilities to others. How many, I'm not sure, perhaps thousands or perhaps only a few. The legends are not clear on it. So there you have it, all I know. What I told you is not a complete picture but it may help.” Talisbon finished with a slight bow and a weary smile.
“Well, I'd like to thank you on behalf of the whole group, which I consider you a big part of.” Jalaby was about to continue when Tom spoke.
“Jalaby's right Taliman, you're part of us now so no more holding back. We want to know the good as well as the bad, so if you know anything more just speak up.” After Tom finished, Talisbon looked at him blankly causing Tom to laugh.
“Tom stop teasing him,” Sarah said with a smile, while Connel and Brand seemed to chuckle to themselves as they watched from the sidelines. So ended the last night on the road before the town of Neteos.
Chapter 29
The next morning was cool and bright even with the sun still low in the sky. Everyone was excited. It had been a while since they were in a town and they were all looking forward to it. They traveled a couple of hours before reaching the summit of a small hill overlooking the town of Neteos. It was not a large town by any means, but it was still a welcome sight.
“Well I'll be glad of a big meal and Sis I bet you'd go for a nice soft bed?” Tom said loudly.
“You bet, I can hardly wait. Not to mention a decent bath.” Sarah's face showed all the anticipation that Jalaby heard in her voice.
“Brand, it's funny we haven't seen many folk on this road?” Jalaby asked.
“No, we are approaching from the dry side of the valley. There are more farms and people on the other side of town where there is more water to grow crops.” Brand answered, eager to be of service.
It didn't take long to cover the last remaining miles to the town of Neteos. The road they came in on was definitely not the main street and they entered Neteos with no fanfare and little notice. The street they entered on remained dirt as they began to pass houses to both their left and right. The construction was typical for towns near forest land, mostly log cabins but once in a while plank constructed houses would appear. There were people in their yards and along the street and most eyed them suspiciously. Jalaby had to admit he probably would have too. Six riders with armor and swords on full display, quietly riding slowly and with not a voice to be heard. Even Tom was more reserved than anytime Jalaby had seen him.
“Brand, you know this town, lead the way to the best place to stable our horses and another place for us to stay,” Jalaby said motioning Brand to the front.
Brand led them quickly to the main street of the town. There were more people about but their dispositions didn't change. They were as unfriendly as before but they chose to ignore Jalaby and his group rather than stare at them. The buildings were much more impressive than those on the side street and many had large signs conveying their purpose. There were a couple of general stores, couple of places to get prepared food, a hardware store and at least one stable because that's where they had arrived.
“Hello Brand, back so soon?” A man dressed in a plaid shirt and work pants greeted Brand at the entrance to the stable. Jalaby was glad to finally hear a friendly voice. Jalaby and the others stayed outside while Brand and Connel took the horses and kacks inside.
“Taliman,” Tom said. “This is a far cry from when you took us to Gatson. Now that was a town. Although we had to make a run out of there, they sure were hospitable; well, till the end of the dance that is.” Tom said nodding to Talisbon, who grinned at the recognition.
“Jalaby, is that stone giving you any sense of danger at all?” Sarah asked.
“No, nothing. Which I guess is a good thing, unless it's broken or something.” Jalaby laughed at Sarah's shocked face. Talisbon interrupted their exchange.
“I was talking with Brand and this town is pretty simple. There is no mayor or government like Gatson,” Talisbon said. “Also, there are no town guidance men to relay information back to the Crieton Langmaster government, although I'm sure there possibly may be spies of some sort.” Talisbon finished sounding as if he was posing the question to himself.
“Well I hope it is quieter than Gatson. We need the rest. Say look at that!” Jalaby said quickly and they all peered down the street to see a young boy of perhaps ten or twelve approaching on some sort of four wheel scooter. He would push occasionally and then jump on board but it also seemed to make a noise that would propel it a little further. Looking up, the boy immediately turned his contraption in their direction and was approaching at what Jalaby considered a dangerous speed. Jalaby was about to sound the alarm to the others when the boy came to a screeching halt in front of them.
“What in the world!” Tom said and nearly bent over laughing at which the boy's expression changed from joy to irritation.
“Say, I come over to offer my professional services as a guide, seeing that you're new to these parts, but I don't appreciate being laughed at,” the boy stated.
“I'm sure Tom didn't mean anything by it. You see, we've never seen such a... a conveyance...or a, well that thing you're riding on.” Jalaby said with as much seriousness as he could muster, but he could not remove the amused expression on his face no matter how much he tried.
The boy's hair was bright red, brilliant in the sunlight and quite shaggy. Jalaby thought it had been a while since he had seen a barber and the boy quickly regained the joyful expression after Jalaby's words. Jalaby continued. “Well we might use you. What do you know about Stoneburst Settlement,” Jalaby asked smiling.
The boy's eyes grew wide and an expression of incredulity spread across his face which quickly turned to a sly smile.
“OK, that place is quite haunted. It'll cost extra, that will. Name's Henry by the way, Henry Rose.” The boy finished with a quick nod.
“OK Henry, we'll discuss price later. First where's a good place to stay that doesn't cost too much?” Jalaby asked with a wave towards the street.
“Fine, but we need to settle on a price pretty soon. The best for the money is Holdeff Inn. Good food too.” Henry finished with a bright smile.
Jalaby looked at Brand for confirmation and he nodded.
“Fine, lead the way,” said Jalaby and Henry did so.
“Speaking of money, how are we going to pay for all this? The money your Uncle gave you is probably only good on his side of the river.” Tom asked with a nod in the direction of Henry, who had abandoned riding his scooter and now pushed it along as he led the way.
“Well Talisbon has said he would exchange money with me and also pay some expenses himself. He considers himself a full partner in this little adventure and I know I've been rough on him in the past but he's one of us now. I choose to trust him and welcome his help,” Jalaby said somewhat formally.
“For what it's worth, so do I,” Tom said and smiled. “Now for some food.” Tom finished by rubbing his hands together as they neared the entrance to Holdeff Inn. It was a simple place, small front desk and to the right there was the entrance to the hotel's small cafe. The person at the front desk looked a bit apprehensive at first but then upon recognizing Brand, became quite friendly and rooms were quickly sorted out.
“OK everyone, let's stick together while in this town, so settle into your
rooms and we'll meet back here in thirty minutes to get something to eat in the cafe. Henry, you can either eat here or meet us here later, but I'd like to talk to you some more about our destination while we eat. I'll cover your meal cost of course,” Jalaby said and finished by facing Henry. All the others paused with Jalaby but Sarah quickly grabbed her key and headed upstairs which made Jalaby smile as he glanced her way. Henry smiled too but probably at the thought of a free meal, Jalaby surmised.
“Sure, no problem,” Henry said.
About a half hour later they were gathered in the lobby. It seemed to Jalaby that it looked like everyone had taken the opportunity for a quick shower but perhaps not Tom. Jalaby wasn't positive, but it looked like he had the same clothes on, so he eyed him suspiciously, causing Tom to look back with an offended countenance.
“What?” Tom asked but getting no quick response continued. “I took a shower! Don't you guys know I only have one set of clothes? Maybe I can get some here if Jalaby will free up some cash?” Tom finished with a look of hope towards Jalaby.
“Yeah,” Jalaby laughed. “I think we better or your rank odor may do us in.” Everyone either laughed or smiled and even Tom broke into a large grin before blaming everyone for keeping him from eating.
“OK, Henry's here, let's eat,” and Jalaby led the now merry group into the cafe.
The meal was well under way when Jalaby broached the subject of the Stoneburst Settlement with Henry.
“Oh, it's a dark lonely place it is, and no one lives there or for miles around. I've been there myself only twice with my uncle when I was young,” Henry said and Jalaby wondered what age does Henry considered young.
“Are there buildings left standing or any structures at all?” Sarah chimed in a question which made Henry blush before answering.
“Some old stone buildings are left but the roofs have nearly all collapsed. There is a beautiful old hotel that is still standing and much of the woodwork is intact. Everyone was and is afraid to take anything from it. My Uncle says that's where the set of Stones burst apart, according to what the elders told him.” Henry paused and then added. “You better take plenty of provisions. It's a full day to get there, so we'll have to spend the night.”
