by Duane Alston
“Great, we get to spend the night at a cursed, haunted and what's more important, a food-less place. Will the joy never end!” Tom said with less humor than Jalaby thought he meant.
Jalaby was about to question Henry more, when the stone around his neck gave him a vicious jolt that made him gasp.
“What is it Jalaby?” Sarah asked with concern in her voice and on her face. All eyes were on Jalaby.
“It's OK. It has been so long since I have felt the stone that it was just a surprise, that's all. There is something, but it is quite a distance away. I expect it would take many days before it would be near.”
“Not if there is one of those travel portals around here that the Fog Warriors can use.” Connel said with concern.
Jalaby just nodded in agreement and went back to his questions. “Henry, I think I'll be able to recognize where to go once I get there but do you know of any building or area in Stoneburst Settlement that is special?” Jalaby asked.
Henry's puzzled expression lasted but a few seconds before he answered. “I think the hotel is the only place that has been talked about. I know my Uncle is afraid of that building in particular and won't even walk on the same side of the street. He won't go near it and he's not alone.” Henry finished and went back to eating, along with the others, while Jalaby sat back and pondered all he had heard.
After lunch, Tom, Connel and Talisbon drifted off with Henry to take a look around town, leaving Jalaby with Sarah, which he didn't mind at all.
“Now that Henry's gone, what about what you felt from the stone. We're alone so you can tell me all now.” Sarah said looking concerned.
“Actually I was pretty truthful, I felt something, in fact do feel something even now. It is quite a distance away but what I didn't say is that it is definitely headed our way. I do believe though, that we'll have time to explore Stoneburst Settlement and hopefully the two stones I have will lead us to the last stone. I think now we can't afford to take a rest like I wanted. We'll have to travel to Stoneburst tomorrow.”
“Tom won't like it, as usual. Say if we're only here today I want to see what shops they have and you owe me an outing or something.” Sarah finished with a soft smile that filled her face.
“OK, you've got it. Maybe there will be some sort of candy shop or bakery that will meet our needs.” Jalaby laughed and grabbing Sarah's hand led her off to see the not so wondrous sites of the town of Neteos.
The day was long and Jalaby spent most of the day with Sarah but they finally joined up with the others back at the Holdeff Inn late at night. At first the mood was light but despite his wishes to the contrary, Jalaby soon put a damper on their spirits by getting a powerful jolt from the stones. He let out a gasp despite all efforts.
“Jalaby!” Sarah cried out.
“It's alright, at least, what I mean is, I'm alright but as I said before, they're coming, Fog Warriors, perhaps several thousand. There is a portal somewhere not too far away. They are gathering but not moving yet.” Jalaby said startling everyone. “There is no time to waste. While we look for the third stone we need to get some support going. Here's what I want. I would like Brand to head back immediately to contact Constanto and tell him that we need his help. Let him know that we expect several thousand Fog Warriors at Stoneburst Settlement very soon and we don't know anything more than that; but Brand, on the way I would also like you to find the first Zeffert you come across and have the Zeffert take the same message to Malno, their leader. It is a long journey back so travel as quickly as you can.” Jalaby looked at Brand who nodded eagerly back. Brand, here's some cash so you can buy what you need along the way. I know it's asking a lot but you are young and fast and I know you'll be able to get there in time. Good luck.” Jalaby finished out of breath, either from his long speech or the jolt from the stones. Brand moved forward and shook Jalaby's outstretched hand and headed to the stables.
“Now for the rest of us, we need to immediately head for Stoneburst Settlement. All the stores here are closed, so after we get there, we will see what we need and Tom and Connel can come back tomorrow to get enough supplies to last a week or so. I know it is dark now but we've traveled at night before and the moon will be full,” Jalaby said.
All the group took their impending quick departure well and based on the warning of danger approaching, there was really no alternative. Jalaby set it up to meet Henry in about an hour in front of the Holdeff Inn so they could get organized and be on their way. With that taken care of, they all went to gather up their belongings.
Everyone was back well before the hour and all seemed anxious for this final leg to Stoneburst Settlement to start. Henry was as good as his word and joined them as planned, but they soon headed to the stables because Henry didn't have a horse. Despite not having Brand's help, they were still able to get a reasonably priced one that made Henry joyous at the prospect of riding.
With little fanfare, they were off and their quiet procession gently rode out-of-town, very much as they had ridden in; with very few of the town's folk paying any attention.
Henry led the way north and on Jalaby's map it showed that they were moving towards a short branch range off the Neteos mountains that was perpendicular to the main range. The night was lit by a full moon but was somewhat cloudy. Tom had his good humor back and began to sing his odd songs.
With one little stone,
we knew that there was danger.
With two little stones,
everything got a little stranger.
With three little stones,
no telling what may come to be.
In Stoneburst Settlement,
we'll just have to see.
Jalaby and the original group had heard it all before but Henry seemed to enjoy it, based on the smiles and laughter Jalaby observed. Despite the stone around his neck letting him know that Fog Warriors with bad intentions were headed their way, he felt his spirits lift. He smiled at Sarah and she smiled back. It was good to be here!
After many hours of riding, the clouds lifted and the full moon began to let them have a limited view of the world they rode through. Farmland turned to grassland and grassland turned to forest, which eventually disappeared in favor of rocky scrub oak terrain similar to what they had gone through near the base of the Neteos Mountains. Jalaby figured, based on the change in terrain and the fact that it was now getting close to morning, they must be getting near the Stoneburst Settlement; but there was another reason. The combination of the two stones around his neck had begun, some hours earlier, to vibrate in a peculiar manner that was unlike anything he had ever experienced. He knew instinctively that they must be nearing the third stone. He signaled Henry, who was riding next to him, to stop.
“Henry, how close are we?”
“We are near. Probably another hour. Do you see that dark area on that mountainous slope, there?” Henry ask as he pointed and continued without waiting for a reply. “That's Stoneburst Settlement.”
The moon over the Neteos Mountains was high enough to bathe the mountains ahead in its glow. Directly ahead it appeared somewhat darker.
“Why is it darker?” Jalaby asked.
“The rock buildings of Stoneburst were painted with some sort of dye made from plants that grow around here. It's actually a very dark blue. You can tell when we get closer.” Henry said with a quick smile.
“Jalaby, the horses are dead tired, not to mention the rest of us, so if we are going to make that last climb we better break for a few hours. Perhaps we better camp below the settlement and go in when there's better light in the morning.” Sarah suggested and looked at Jalaby for a reply.
Henry chimed in before Jalaby could speak. “I agree with that. I'm glad we are not getting there in the dark because it's pretty spooky even in the daylight.”
“OK, OK. I get it. Henry, lead on and we'll stop at the first good spot we come to,” Jalaby answered and sounded anything but reluctant.
They were tired and hastily made camp, quickly ate an
d everyone, except the loser of the coin toss, Connel, laid down for a quick nap. Jalaby didn't know about the rest of the group, but he was having some difficulty sleeping because the stones were producing both the new sensation caused from being close to the third stone and also the ever increasing intensity from the new threat. Jalaby thought about removing it from his neck but knew that not knowing would be worse. At least he could try to protect his friends by being forewarned of danger. Sometime in the middle of these thoughts, he fell asleep.
Despite the brevity of sleep, Jalaby awoke with energy and resolve. Remembering the reading of the letter that had brought him here, he knew he would do all he could to make his Uncle proud. It didn't take much time to break camp and the day was bright and clear.
“Before we head out, I'd like to say that it took all of us to make it here and together we will end the Fog Warrior threat forever. That's all the speech I have so let's get going.” Jalaby said feeling a little awkward. He had intended to say a bit more about how he felt but couldn't get it out.
Tom laughed. “That was a terrible speech. You're suppose to pump us up, you know, get us excited and ready for action. There might be Fog Warriors up there you know.” Tom meant the last in jest but Henry seemed visibly startled.
“OK, OK Tom enough with the ribbing, you're upsetting Henry. Don't worry Henry my stones say the danger is far away, anyway I wasn't intending a speech but in my own way trying to say, thanks,” Jalaby finished sheepishly.
“You are welcome, now let's get at them ghosts or whatever haunts this settlement,” Tom said good-naturedly.
“Layoff Jalaby, I heard him tossing and turning last night.” Sarah said lightly.
“Oh, ah ha! Sounds like I'm going to have to get back to watching you two again!” Tom said imperiously.
“No, not that again!” Sarah sounded exasperated.
“OK you two, let's go. Henry lead the way. Looks like only a short distance from here,” Jalaby finished and felt better with hearing the familiar brother sister exchange.
Chapter 30
Stoneburst Settlement was a lonely place. It was eerily quiet for an area with trees and other plant-life that should contain wildlife of some sort. The trees and plants had taken over many of the rock constructed buildings such that the buildings now blended into the mountainside. There was just a hint that thinking beings had been at work here and as Jalaby and his group neared, the hint became obvious. They rode in on what Henry knew as the main street but Henry confessed that there was really only one street and beyond that was a myriad of paths that crisscrossed above and below the main street. The settlement was built on a naturally occurring gentle slope in the middle of a much larger and steeper slope.
Everyone was silent and looked around in disappointment at the crumbling remains of Stoneburst Settlement. It was obvious from their faces that this was not what they had envisioned many months ago when they had begun this adventure. Each building they came to was so dilapidated that you could no longer enter it. Roof trusses, roof coverings and ceiling material filled the interior of the rooms and over time small trees and other plants had begun to grow in the rubble with one exception, the hotel. When the group arrived in front of it, they were surprised to see that it seemed intact. Jalaby wasn't sure what the roof was made of but he thought it must be something strong and durable to withstand the elements; perhaps at one time it was a giant cave which somehow was transformed into a structure suitable as a hotel. It was evident that something was protecting it and in fact, much of the structure was actually built into the hillside.
Everyone dismounted as they arrived in front, except Henry, who hesitantly dismounted looking a bit frightened, which gave Tom his opening.
“Come on Henry, we've licked everything that's come our way, so we're not afraid of a spook or two.” Tom laughed and slapped Henry on the back which made him jump.
Jalaby felt a unique vibration in the stone pair that he had around his neck. It was unfamiliar and try as he might, he could not determine what it meant. He had hoped for an easy way to find the third stone but so far nothing had been easy.
The doorway to the hotel had been boarded up many years ago but age and determination made easy work for Jalaby, Tom, and Connel as they pulled off the rotting boards and pushed open the two large doors of the hotel. Jalaby was not sure what the others were expecting, but to his disappointment, there was no protection from time and it looked very much in disrepair. Certainly at one time it might have been grand and at least the ceiling was intact, but there was a layer of dust and dirt covering everything. No trees or plants had invaded yet but it would not be long. There was a large lobby with two staircases on opposite sides that met at a large balcony on the floor above. It was totally devoid of furnishings. Not a chair or table anywhere.
“Not a soul around.” Tom said with little mirth.
“Let's hope so,” said Jalaby with a smile. “I hate to say it but I want Tom, Connel and Henry to start heading back to Neteos and get supplies for about a week now that they know where we will be.”
“Back!” groaned Tom. “Hey, wait a minute, that's not too bad. At least I'll be eating in town tonight and sleeping in a warm bed for a change. Sounds great, let's go.”
“Well I hate to split up the group, but I see the point.” Connel added somewhat reluctantly and all three headed outside, saddled up and waved as they headed back to Neteos with Tom having the biggest grin among them.
“Now, same as before, let's get our horses indoors, set up a place for them and Talisbon would you mind taking care of that chore while Sarah and I set up a quick camp site, here in the lobby.” Jalaby ask and seeing him nod his agreement continued. “I want to get started looking for the third stone as soon as possible.”
A little while later Talisbon came through a set of double doors off the lobby a little out of breath. “This place is huge and by the way, I think it was probably the dinning room where I stabled the horses and kacks, but most of the tables and chairs were gone.”
“We have set up here in the lobby and tonight each one of us will take watch at the hotel entrance. As soon as we locate the kitchen, we'll see if we will be cooking tonight or eating cold food. Talisbon, it must be just off the dining room. Get back in there and see if there is anything left of the kitchen that we can make use of,” Jalaby said pointing back the way he came.
“OK, OK. I'll find out.” Talisbon left sounding disappointed, obviously wanting to search for the stone.
“Come on Jalaby, enough putting it off. Let's get to finding that last stone!” Sarah said smiling.
Jalaby knew she was right. Despite the urgency of Fog Warriors on their way, he was reluctant to find the last stone, but he didn't know why, just a feeling.
“OK, you win. I was dragging my feet a little. As much as I need to find it, I am aware that the stones have become more important than me.” Jalaby finished and Sarah quickly jumped in.
“That's ridiculous. As we've tested, only you can use them so without you there would be no chance to end the Fog Warriors once and for all and go back home,” said Sarah firmly.
Home. Jalaby hadn't thought about that prospect for a long time and wondered how different it might be. He also wondered how different it might be between Sarah and him but as if sensing his thoughts, Sarah grabbed his hand, squeezed it and began to lead him in search of what he knew he had to find. The third stone.
“What's first?” Sarah asked as she stood poised at the bottom of a large and one time elegant stairway leading up to the next floor balcony.
“That looks a little old but the wood may be good.” Jalaby said while studying the staircase in front of him.
Sarah looked dubious but said nothing.
“I think it will hold. I'll test it first.” Jalaby said and began to climb but every so often he would jump up and down.
“Be careful Jalaby, that seems an odd way to test it.” Sarah said urgently after one of Jalaby's more vigorous jumps.
&nb
sp; “Well it's about the only way we have. It's plenty strong and there doesn't seem to be any wood rot.” Just then Talisbon arrived.
“Found it!” Talisbon said looking up at Jalaby. “The stove that is. It's in working order and there is plenty of coal so we'll be eating hot food tonight. Why are you jumping around up there?”
“Just testing to see if it can handle our weight. So far so good. Not sure what to look for but I feel we should start with the second floor. We can re-check the first floor later tonight after we eat. Come on up.” Jalaby said as he arrived at the top of the stairs which opened into a large area of balcony above the lobby.
They did as Jalaby suggested and gathered around him.
“Two ways to go from here but there are too few of us to split up.” Jalaby said although if he had a choice he would rather be alone with Sarah.
“Come on Tally my man. First one that finds the stone doesn't have to wash dishes for the rest of our journey.” Sarah said mimicking Tom's name for Talisbon and led him by pointing her lantern down the hallway. Talisbon, Jalaby noticed, did not see the humor and looked quite apprehensive or was it something else. Talisbon had been very quiet recently which made Jalaby worry a bit. Even after all they had been through, there was a bit of mistrust he still couldn't shake.
Jalaby, Sarah and Talisbon held their lanterns high and moved down the long hallway. Jalaby was surprised to see some of the wallpaper intact after so many years. Dust and debris were all along their way. Some doors were off their hinges and others were closed. They entered each room as they came to them and they were all bare rooms, empty and dark. The lantern's light played their shadows eerily on the hallway walls but Jalaby had grown so accustomed to the effect that it didn't bother him.
