Discovering the Jewels' Secret

by Walters, Janet Lane;

  “And their powers?” Mara asked.

  Jindera moved from man to man. She used her Jewel to examine the living. “What made them wizards has been burned away.”

  “Like the mind-blasted ones?” Reena asked.

  “Not exactly. Those men’s powers were blocked. These are gone.”

  Reena looked up. “Tomon is dead.”

  “Killed by powers he didn’t understand,” Jindera said.

  “Or had no talent to use,” Mara added.

  Andalor reached for Reena’s hand. “We need to use the tunnel and find our horses.”

  Reena rose. “They said there were ten more of their kind and that they were on the way. We need to stop them.”

  “Not tonight,” Andalor said. “When we reach the palace, we’ll let Liara know.”

  “Shouldn’t we go there now?” Mara asked.

  “In the morning.” Reena followed Andalor. “When we reach the inn, I want to visit the baths and have a meal.”

  Andalor paused at the entrance to the tunnel. “What about these men?”

  “We’ll find someone to see to them,” Corin said.

  * * *

  Liara studied the final words of the journal she and Valmir had discovered in the hollow bedpost along with the scroll containing their thread. The record keeper had fitted together the pieces of parchment and preserved the journal under pieces of glass. Now they had the entire story of how the stone containing the Jewels had fallen from the skies and of the methods the wizards had used to change the crystals into the Jewels of Earda.

  If one only used the Jewels for good, each gem would become a White. Alas, the wizards had used a spell so the Holders had no idea how an action would be judged. The wizards of those long ago days had been more powerful than the ones who had tried to seize the rule.

  Liara sighed. The dilemma was unsolveable. The Jewels and the stone that had fallen from the skies had to be destroyed. Before the battle on the plain, the screams of the hills had killed anyone who entered the cave. The exercises Tana had taught had kept Liara alive.

  The Jewels had to be destroyed. How? Even of all seven threads were found, the metal frame used to create the Jewels had been missing for ages. Without that, she and the other holders would remain prisoners of the Jewels.

  Valmir rose. “Do thee think we can succeed?”

  “I don’t know.” She drew a deep breath. “Without the mold we can’t. We will need to set out on another quest. And each time the Jewels are used, we run the chance of becoming evil.”

  “We must find it. When thee entered the cave and found the White, did thee see anything else?”

  “When I was there to retrieve my Jewel, I used mind exercises Tana had taught me. I saw nothing except the Jewel. Destroying the White and the others makes me sad for who will heal the dawizard caused by the Black and the wizards?”

  He shook his head. “I don’t know. While these Jewels seem to enhance or give talents to the Holders, there are people who use talents without a gem. Corin, Lajin and Jindera have. Maybe even some of the others.”

  She clasped his hand. “The wizards took boys with talents and forced them to use these skills for ill. The healers are a bit different. To become one, a girl has to be descended from healer stock and have a gift. We must find all who have talents and enlist their help for the land.”

  “We will.”

  A rap on the door brought Valmir to his feet. He reached for the handle. “Who?”

  A servant answered. “Queen Liara, there are strangers in the courtyard. Though the women claim to be Jewel Holders, one of them travels in a peddler’s wagon.”

  “Jindera and Corin,” Liara said. “How many people are there?”

  “Six.”

  She grabbed Valmir’s hand. “Let us see which of the other Holders have arrived. The time of change draws near.” They hurried from the library and ran down the hall to the main door. Their boots tapped a staccato rhythm on the stones. A guard moved through the door ahead of them.

  “There is no danger,” Valmir said. “These are our friends.”

  Liara darted onto the forecourt and then ran down the broad stairs. “Reena, Mara, Jindera. I’m so glad to see you’ve arrived.” She hugged her cousin and the other Holders. A babble of greetings erupted. Liara couldn’t make sense of what was being said. She laughed. “Enough.”

  Valmir gestured to the door. “Come inside. You’re in time for the midday meal.” He called the guard over. “See that the horses and wagon are taken to the stables and cared for.”

  Liara walked beside Reena. “We sound like gabbling bantas.” She led them through the halls to the small dining room and sent a servant for beverages and food. “Now, one at a time. Tell me what you’ve been doing since you left the wizards’ lair.”

  “I’ll begin.” Mara related the events that had occurred after she and Lajin had left the stronghold and ended with the tale of Beder and finding the scroll.

  Lajin continued with their search for Tomon and their steps to aid people on their way to Pala. “We found a few dead ends but finally learned he was on his way here. We’ll tell you how he was found after you hear from the others.”

  “Mara, did your Jewel darken after you confronted Beder?” Valmir asked.

  “Yes.”

  “We feared this would happen,” Liara said. “How do you suppose your thread was hidden in the storage house?”

  “My mother found it in the Healer’s House in Desert’s Edge,” Lajin said. “When she left to marry my father, she took it.”

  “We were fortunate Tomon and his aunt didn’t find the scroll.” Mara filled a mug with tea and poured kaf for Lajin.

  Jindera chose meat, cheese and raw vegetables and rolled them in a round of flatbread. “We nearly encountered Tomon when we found the remainder of the Healer’s Inner Circle. He carried away something they called a mold.”

  Liara’s head jerked up. “Does he still have it? We’ll need that for the ceremony of unmaking.”

  Corin half-rose. “I have it in my wagon.”

  Valmir waved for him to sit. “Later. Tell us how you found your thread.”

  While Jindera ate, Corin began. When he stopped, Jindera continued. She spoke of the poisoned women and how Tomon or the wizard had killed his aunt. She rolled her eyes. “I wish he wasn’t my relative.”

  “I can see what you mean,” Liara said. “Fortunately, we’re not our relatives.” She thought of her aunt and her mother and how they had fought over the Black Jewel.

  “At least your parents kept you safe from them,” Valmir said. “What next?”

  Corin leaned forward. “We left the Inner Circle and went to the Garden. My debt to the Peddlers’ Guild has been paid.”

  “That’s good and may help us.” Liara turned to Reena. “Where did you find your scroll?”

  Reena reached for a sweet biscuit. “In the Screaming Hills though they’re quiet now.”

  Andalor smiled. “We had some adventures on the way.” With the cadence of a story teller, he spoke of what they had seen and done from the time they left the stronghold. “So we rescued Reena’s foster father and continued on our way. The plains are no longer barren and the hills no longer cry. In a cavern beyond the smaller cave, we found the scroll and a circle with six pillars surrounding a central one. Embedded in the stone were Jewels of each color from the darkest to light and light to dark.”

  Reena nodded. “I stumbled over the bones of someone who had died there. In doing so, the Orange cap Jewel came free. The pillars fell. The earth shook and the cavern collapsed. The cache of Jewels is gone.”

  Liara smiled. “Then one part of the ending of the tyranny of the Jewels has happened.”

  “And where did you and Valmir find your scroll?” Reena asked.

  “In a hollow post of the Queen’s bed. We also found an ancient journal that spoke of the days when the stone fell from the sky and how the Jewels were changed.” Liara finished her meal. “You can read it later
. How did you manage to arrive here at the same time?”

  Andalor looked at the others. “Yesterday, we met in a tavern.”

  “Why did you wait until today to come here?” Valmir asked.

  “There was something we needed to do,” Lajin said. “Mara and I followed a hidden wizard from the Peddlers’ Guild House. Corin recognized him and warned us on the inner path. He entered the tavern where Andalor was singing.”

  Mara smiled. “Last night we attacked them. They performed some ritual and Tomon died.”

  “Nine wizards died. Eleven had their talents burned out,” Jindera said. “We told the tenants of the building to see to them.”

  “You’ve confirmed my suspicions,” Valmir said. “The Peddlers have ties to the wizards and the wizards had a hiding place in Pala.”

  “Do you think there are more in town?” Liara asked.

  “No,” Reena said. “But there are ten or so on the way.”

  “And the Peddlers? Is the entire guild corrupt?” Liara asked.

  Corin walked to the door. “Not all peddlers. For sure the Guildmaster. Maybe some of his underlings. He is a man who likes power.”

  “Do you think all the hidden ones have been found?” Liara asked.

  Reena nodded. “Except for the ones who are on their way here. The men we saw in the basement room seemed weak in power.” She rose. “When will the others come?”

  “I pray soon,” Liara said.

  “What will we do while we wait?” Lajin asked.

  Liara walked to the door. “Valmir and I will show you to rooms in the wing where we have ours. Then we can visit the prison and free those who were placed there by order of the wizards. I believe many there did nothing wrong.”

  “How will we know which ones?” Valmir asked.

  “Our Jewels will tell us,” Jindera said.

  Corin frowned. “Don’t you fear the Jewels will lie?”

  “They may exert some control. Though they’ve darkened, they are not at the midpoint of the cycle yet.” Reena shuddered. “I will remember those shades forever.”

  Liara nodded. “Once we’re all together, we will destroy them.”

  * * *

  When each pair was settled in a suite, the eight left the palace and walked across the rear courtyard to where the prisoners were held. Once inside, each of the Holders and her Chosen went to one of the four floors.

  Valmir followed Liara to the lowest level. As she moved from cell to cell, he offered his strength when she faltered. He wasn’t sure how the energy flowed from him to her. Perhaps the Jewel or maybe through the inner path. Would this be lost when the Jewels were gone? If so, he would miss the closeness he and Liara shared.

  All of the prisoners on this level had been condemned by an order from the wizards, though few had committed a crime against the land. They had defied the Queen who held the Black or Gregor, her wizard companion. Most of the prisoners were ill and near starvation. All bore scars from torture and beatings. To help them, Liara had to use the Jewel. Twice, she stopped to drink herbal tea sweetened with honey and seasoned with healal.

  By late afternoon, they reached the last cell. Liara stopped inside. The prisoner screamed and crawled to the far corner. “No more. No more.” His tattered clothes showed he’d once been a Queen’s Guard.

  “I won’t hurt you,” Liara said.

  “Have. Will.”

  Valmir drew Liara outside. “Do you suppose when Reena was controlled by the Black she harmed him?”

  “A fool to go to the Screaming Hills,” the man screamed.

  Liara paused in the doorway and held the White Jewel so the man could see the gem. “She was a fool but the Black led her there and was destroyed. I am Liara, Holder of the White. I’ve come to set you free.”

  The man laughed. “Free to be pulled in a cart and live as a crippled beggar. What good will that do my family?”

  Liara turned to Valmir. “Ask Jindera and Corin to come. I’ll need their help to heal his broken bones.”

  Valmir dashed up the stairs and found Jindera on the next level. “Are you finished? Liara needs your help.’

  Jindera clasped Lajin’s hands. “We saw the last few minutes ago. What has Liara found that the White can’t heal?”

  “Broken bones that weren’t set,” Valmir said.

  “Then Corin and I will come. This healing might take all of us.”

  As they walked downstairs, Corin turned to Valmir. “Many of the people we freed had run afoul of my Guildmaster.”

  “That doesn’t surprise me. Liara and I believe he’s not to be trusted. Your report about the hidden wizard you followed from the Guild House confirmed these suspicions.”

  “How will we handle the Guildmaster?”

  “Very carefully.”

  When they reached the cell where Liara waited, Jindera and Corin entered. She held the Jewel in one hand and directed Corin and Valmir to move the sleeping pad to the center of the narrow space. She knelt on one side of the man. “Liara, kneel on the other side and open the inner path. Corin will show us the pattern of how the bones must be. You’ll need Valmir’s support.”

  Liara followed the Red Holder’s directions. Valmir placed his hands on her shoulders. As he opened the inner path, he became aware of the other two. Patterns of breaks and reuniting formed. He felt Liara’s draw on his energy and saw or felt the bones become straight and the articulations at the knees lose their stiffness. Valmir drew a deep breath and stared at the man. He watched the pain lines disappear.

  Jindera slumped against Corin. Liara started to fall forward. Valmir caught and lifted her away from the man. He poured a stream of energy into her. A short time later, she stood. “Thank you. I’m fine. Could thee help this Guard walk so we can leave this dreadful place?”

  Jindera accepted Corin’s help to stand. She smiled. “Sir, you’ll be weak for a tenday or so but with good food and exercise your strength will return.”

  He caught her hand. “Thank you.” His voice broke.

  Valmir and Corin helped the man to his feet and up the stairs. When they reached the hall at the top of the steps, Valmir signaled two of the Guards. “This Guard was falsely imprisoned. Take him to the barracks and see he’s cared for. His rank is what it was before.”

  “You have my allegiance,” the man said.

  After they had gone, Liara linked arms with Valmir. “Are we finished?”

  The others nodded.

  “I think a meal is in order.” Valmir led the way back to the palace.

  The steward greeted them. “Queen Liara, though you didn’t summon them, the Council has arrived and demand your attention.”

  “Tell them to wait if they wish. We will come after we’ve eaten a light meal.”

  “But –“

  Valmir glared. “The Council cannot demand. Inform them the Queen and Holders have been healing those injured by the wizards. They can wait or return tomorrow. Have cider, tea, cheese, sweet biscuits and fruit brought to the small dining room.”

  While they ate Valmir waited for the steward to return. The man arrived. “The Council?” Valmir asked.

  “They will wait.”

  Valmir looked from Liara to the other Holders. “Are you ready to face them?”

  Liara shrugged. “I suppose we must.” She drained her mug.

  Valmir walked beside her. The three Holders and their Chosen followed. The eight entered the great hall. Queen’s Guards flanked the group. Valmir and Liara entered first. They crossed the marble floor to the long table and sat. Valmir smiled at the way the Guildmaster of the Peddlers expression changed. His mouth gaped and his eyebrows rose.

  Corin pulled the chair opposite the man for Jindera. He bowed to the Guildmaster. “Did I neglect to tell you I’m the Chosen of the Red Holder?”

  “I … I …” The man’s face blanched.

  Andalor stood behind Reena’s chair. “We have come to tell the Council how a nest of hidden wizards was rooted out and destroyed."

>   Corin laughed. “The one who left the Guild House just as I arrived became our guide. At night, three Holders and their Chosen entered the hiding place.”

  “Nine died and eleven have no idea of who they are.” Lajin said.

  Valmir nodded. “Guards have taken them into custody.”

  The Peddlers’ Guildmaster rose. With a fluid movement he threw a knife. Rays of red, orange, green and white struck the blade. The weapon turned and slammed into the man’s chest. He fell to the floor.

  Liara looked at the other Council members. “Does anyone else wish to confirm an involvement with the wizards?” When no one spoke, she smiled. “Are you prepared to renew your allegiance and take responsibility for the loyalty of the members of your guilds?”

  For a time no one spoke. Then three of the Guildmasters swore for themselves and their guilds. As the head of the Clothiers tried to swear, her words were garbled. Her eyes bulged. She slid to the floor.

  Jindera knelt beside her. “She’s taken poison.”

  The Guildmaster for the Minstrels saluted Andalor. “I believe we should return to our guilds and examine our ranks.”

  Once the Guildmasters were gone, Reena moved next to Liara. “Once I was happy to receive the Orange Jewel, not now, I wish the gem was gone.

  Liara nodded. “Your wish is the same as mine. Sister/cousin, don’t put aside what you hold yet. When the rest of our friends arrive, we will learn what must be done.”

  Chapter Nine

  The jewels honed the women’s talents. Among their sons were those who envied their mothers and sisters for no woman gave birth to more than one daughter and some had no children at all. The sons schemed and plotted to find a way to control these gems and the women who could use them. From seven metals found within the fallen rock, they constructed a metal mold and used their talents to enchant the metal. With women who had not been chosen to have a Jewel, seven gems were placed on the metal circle at the time of the spring equinox during the dark of the moon. The character of the Jewels mutated. Their use hovered between deeds of good and deeds of ill. Then never realized that what had been wrought could be undone in the light of the sun at the time of the autumnal equinox.