Jalaby's Journey

by Duane Alston

  Solari did not answer but they could all see the excitement in his eyes as he removed the stones from his neck and with one set in one hand and the other set in his other hand, he put them together without a word. The result was spectacular. There was a huge deafening explosion and a ball of light enveloped Solari. Everyone watching turned away and shielded their faces just when the force of the delayed blast actually knocked them backwards and to the ground. As quickly as it happened, it was over and not a sound or sight remained. Not even a puff of lingering smoke. It was like Solari never existed. Stunned, Jalaby and the others stared at Talisbon.

  “Stoneburst.” Jalaby simply stated with a half smile.

  “Stoneburst.” Talisbon said and a broad smile spread across his face.

  “I knew all along Talliman. There's no way you could be that evil.” Tom laughed.

  “I'm sorry I doubted you Talisbon,” Sarah said looking embarrassed.

  “No, don't blame yourself. I had to be convincing to make it work. I knew we couldn't go on with perpetual battle and it was actually Narish, Julie Stebon and I who came up with this final scheme so many years ago. I was never sure this day would ever come.” Talisbon looked momentarily sad but seemed to immediately brighten.

  “You were convincing for sure but something in your expression gave me hope. Not sure what but it made me wait.” Jalaby said looking directly at Talisbon.

  “Yes, I tried to convey something subtly because it was you I feared most to risk your life for any chance to stop Solari from gaining any more power, I'm glad you let it happen, cousin.” Talisbon smiled and offered his hand to Jalaby who took it warmly.

  “What about the book and the combining of the stones?” Connel asked.

  “All fake, not a bit true. I just got some old book, borrowed the cover, added some writings of my own and made it look old. I have been getting ready for that moment for many years. That book looks very, very old, even the wording I chose is from ancient books that I have run across. Here Tom, you can have it for a souvenir.” Talisbon tossed it to Tom who caught it with one hand.

  “Thanks and sorry again for giving you a hard time.” Tom finished a little sheepishly.

  Sarah moved forward, stared down at Talisbon and then gave him a huge hug and a kiss on the cheek to which Talisbon smiled, turned red and was momentarily flustered.

  “I knew I wasn't wrong.” She said simply and went back to put her arm around Jalaby's waist.

  “Well here we are again, alone and another journey to make,” Jalaby smiled as he gazed around at them.

  “What do you mean? I think we've done it all. Oh! You mean your real father?” Tom's face went from a challenge to somewhat solemn in an instant.

  “Don't worry, it's a short one day journey this time. It's late, so we'll sleep in our fortress tonight and head for Castle Langmaster tomorrow.”

  “Good, I'm bushed and Connel has been so quiet on this whole journey that he probably won't say it, but he's bushed too,” Tom teased, at which Connel only grunted.

  “You usually tease Talisbon. Is Connel your new target?” Sarah asked mockingly.

  “No, don't worry Taliman, I'm just giving you the night off since you've been so good. Not killing us and stuff like that.” Tom said directing his answer to Talisbon.

  “I'm humbly grateful.” Talisbon responded with a bow.

  Chapter 36

  The next day was bright and sunny and so were their moods.

  “I'm missing that projecting power already,” Jalaby said. “I think we need to have Kent's militia at Castle Langmaster just in case there is trouble but we'll have to do it the old way. Henry, I need to send you after Kent. He only left yesterday so he may not be too far away. Have him meet us at the castle as soon as he can.” Jalaby said and Henry, eager as always, excitedly answered.

  “I'm ready. I've already loaded my pack and can leave immediately.”

  “Off you go then. Be careful.” Jalaby patted Henry's shoulder as the boy quickly turned and raced out the castle door not bothering to close it behind him.

  Jalaby's small party's journey to Castle Langmaster was pleasant. They met many people along the way, mostly merchants or farm families, and all were friendly enough but were oblivious to anything that had happened in regard to Fog Warriors or any news as to who was in charge of the Kingdom. They all had hopes that their heavy tax burdens would be reduced. Jalaby assured them that they would but most folks just stared at him blankly and quickly moved on, perhaps believing that he was crazy.

  On the second day, as promised, they arrived. After a long straight road, they crested a hill overlooking the castle and the surrounding city.

  “So this is Daddy Langmaster's place!” Tom said with both humor and awe, because the sight was quite spectacular. The castle was huge and rose high above the city. They could also see the high walls that surrounded the castle quite distinctly, despite the distance.

  “This is the place Tom, but at present I hesitate to enter until we have Kent's army. There may be some holdouts keeping guard on my father. Do you agree Talisbon?” Jalaby asked as they all sat on their horses looking out over the city.

  “Yes. Wise choice, they should be approaching from that road you can barely see to the west, we could angle that way and wait for them.” Talisbon answered.

  Jalaby nodded and they began to circle the city in order to intercept the west road. Within an hour they were there and made a quick camp among the trees, but within another hour an advance scout from Kent's army came upon them and informed them that Kent was almost there.

  The reunion conversations were brief since Jalaby wanted to get inside the city before it was too late in the day and he soon led the way toward the city.

  Jalaby was luckily wrong about any holdouts from those previously in charge and the friendly citizens who rushed out to meet them informed them that those who had been in charge had all fled, casting their old uniforms aside as they left. Jalaby's group and Kent's army made their way to the castle and entered through the main gate. Jalaby ordered Kent and his men to take over security of the castle's outside walls while Jalaby's small group entered the main castle.

  The castle was huge and made the fortress Aldon look like a small hut in comparison. The triple doors were flung open to reveal a large open area and at the far end was a massive table surrounded by many chairs.

  “This is where King Langmaster conducted the ruling of his Kingdom, before your Uncle took charge. Leaders from the outlying districts would meet with the King to decide the various laws and conduct the business of running the kingdom. There's no one about. The King, I mean your father, must be in his chamber.” Talisbon returned easily to his previous lecture style to the comfort of everyone.

  “It's been a long time coming. Perhaps you should meet your father alone.” Connel said.

  “No, no Connel, we started this journey together and we will finish it together.” Jalaby answered and turned to Sarah.

  “OK Sarah, let's go meet my father.” Jalaby said as he offered his hand to her, to which she nodded and hand in hand they moved toward a large door that they hoped would lead to where he was, while the others followed closely behind. Going through, they found it opened into a long hallway wide enough for three or four people to walk side by side. It was lit every so often by oil lamps. At some distance down the way they could just make out someone at a desk. The echo of their footsteps was obvious but whoever sat there did not look up until they were in front of the desk. To Jalaby's thinking, the man's attire was such that he was probably a higher echelon servant. He was obviously too young to be his father and his dress was all wrong. The man looked up expectantly.

  “We are here to see my father, King Langmaster.” Jalaby said simply and the eyes of the servant seemed to brighten.

  “Then you must be Prince Jalaby Langmaster. He has spoken much of you and long hoped that this moment would come. Here, let me show you the way, my name is Wundores, and your companions?” Wundores as
ked looking particularly at Sarah.

  “This is Sarah, my soon to be Princess, that is if this Kingdom continues,” Jalaby said smiling at Sarah.

  “Sarah Langmaster will do just fine as a new name when the time comes and don't scare Wundores, he looks like you have upset him with your gloomy thoughts. At present my name is Sarah Whycourt.” Sarah finished and smiled at Wundores, which changed his concerned expression back to one of calm in an instant.

  Jalaby introduced the others and Wundores led the way through the door just behind him and into a large bedroom and sitting room. It was easy to immediately recognize Jalaby's father, who was dressed in rich robes and sat at a table reading a book. The resemblance was striking. He quickly lifted his head as they entered, rose and moved to Jalaby, extending his hand to clasp Jalaby's and put his other hand on Jalaby's shoulder. There were tears in his eyes.

  “Jalaby, Jalaby, how I have longed to end this nightmare and see you again and you have done it! You and your fine group. The story of all that has happened has proceeded you and I knew immediately that something had happened to Solari in particular, because all the Fog Warriors disappeared and their minders ran away.” King Langmaster said and then looked at the group.

  Jalaby then made introductions and particularly introduced “cousin” Talisbon and let his father know that Talisbon was instrumental in destroying Solari. Jalaby saved the introduction of Sarah for last and the King was quite delighted to learn of their love and future plans.

  “Now I have a surprise for you and it is to happen in a few minutes. I had someone inform Kent, when he arrived, about the surprise, that way his men wouldn't get too excited.” King Langmaster said and Jalaby's eyebrows rose questioningly.

  “This way everyone, to the top of the north wall.” King Langmaster said and led the procession up a large stairway that ended at a large opening overlooking a great park-like area, at which they were greeted with a thunderous burst of cheering and applause. To Jalaby it looked like everyone who lived in the city was there but he quickly realized that there were others who came from far away. Looking closely, Jalaby saw the Zefferts and the Olandie among those below. It took a while but the King finally quieted down the crowd and began to speak.

  “Everyone, you see before you those responsible for ridding our lands of the Fog Warriors and Solari forever!” The King said, which caused another burst of cheering. “I have an announcement. We will bring back rule by the people and to that end I am re-forming the council.” This again brought another huge round of cheering and applause. “Finally, it's time. After all that has gone on, I am stepping down as King.” This information brought stunned silence. “and in my place I am appointing my son Jalaby as the interim Leader of the council for a period of two years. After that, the people may select a new leader if they so desire, but I would expect you will want him around for quite some time. His task is to establish the new government. I will of course be around to help in any way I can. I need all of you to help him, so he can help you to create a new country for all of us. I give you Jalaby!”

  The crowd roared as the King led Jalaby forward. Jalaby immediately pulled Sarah along with him and as they stood looking out on the people of the new Kingdom of Langmaster, Jalaby thought of his Uncle Lindsay, of Narish and Julie Stebon and all the wondrous people they had met on their wild and often beautiful journey. Jalaby turned and looked into Sarah's smiling eyes and kissed and embraced her while Tom, Connel, Talisbon and Henry gathered around.

  THE END