The Tree and the Tablet (The St. James Chronicles Book 1)

by Kathryn O'Brien

  It wasn’t difficult to build a fire, there’d recently been a windstorm in the area which caused some of the loose, dry, wood to fall from the trees. This made it much easier for me to gather the things I’d need to keep a fire going for an extended time frame. There was a heavy weight sleeping bag rolled up, attached to the bottom of my pack. After clearing the debris from under my covered area, I laid it out and got comfortable.

  After taking a couple gulps off my water bottle, I thought to myself how suddenly calm and comfortable I felt. Briefly, I wondered why the group hadn’t noticed I was missing yet, but then again, I was the one who got lost. I laughed raucously and found myself snorting. Another nervous chuckle escaped my mouth again and I settled into my space to review the journal some more, reflecting on the writings within it. The fire was blazing nicely which lulled me into a warm state of fuzzy sleepiness. Soon, I was drifting off into a befuddled state of euphoria. My eyelids drooped and I was sound asleep.

  A haze of purple clouded my vision. Suddenly, there was what looked like gnarled and clawed fingers in front of me. Feeling as though I were looking at myself, I was confused because it wasn’t me. Seeing haggard clothing, I ran my hands over it and was shaken by the unfamiliar cloth in my grasp. There was a small puddle of water where some minuscule light reflected within it. Slowly leaning forward and bracing myself for what I may see within the puddle’s reflection, I took a deep breath in preparation and closed my eyes as I reached the edge.

  Grappling with my need to see, but fearful of what would present itself to me as my reflection, I stuck my neck out to hover over the shiny surface and opened my eyes. As they began to focus on the image, I gasped. Placing my clawed hand up to my face, I was looking at a dragon. But Dragons aren’t real, are they? With everything I’d been through lately, I decided to go with it. In reality, it couldn’t be anything else as the huge eyes looked like those of a cat with large yellow orbs staring at the reflection in the water, which blinked repeatedly. Poking my nostrils and running my claws along the jagged fangs protruding from the front of my snout, I was amazed by what I saw. The tattered cloth had been replaced with what looked to be layers of rocks. Or maybe it was scales. It was too dark to tell. Inside my head, I heard a deep rumbling voice. “Hello, Earth Child, daughter of Valor. I have waited long to feel your presence again.”

  My mind whirled. In my own feminine voice, I heard my words, “Are you talking to me?”

  A deep rumbling laugh followed. “Yes, little one. I have been waiting for you to arrive. I feel your presence is near.”

  This has got to be a joke.

  “What is a joke?” Came the rumbling question.

  “What?” Realizing the dragon could hear my thoughts, I replied, “Oh, sorry, a joke is when you tell someone something that’s unbelievable or funny.” The reflection of the dragon cocked its head to the side and scrunched up its face as if it were trying to determine the meaning of what I had just said. I expounded, “You know? To make someone laugh?”

  “Ahhh. I remember this.” His face seemed to relax with comprehension. “It has been a very long time since I have laughed.” He sighed. Looking over his shoulder, he proclaimed in a hushed voice, “There are others nearby. I smell them. Mostly I feel the presence of the tiny one and the small animal.”

  Gasping, I asked, “You are near to Kelsey and Peanut?”

  “What is a Kelsey and a Peanut?” He chimed quizzically. He then said, “There is one who smells badly though. That one is not quite right and there is a smell of fear and unbalance about it.”

  Calming my racing heart, I asked, “The little one is named Kelsey and the other is a small dog named Peanut.” I smiled mentally at his look of understanding followed by a mirrored smile in the pool of water. “Can you tell if they are okay?”

  “Yes, they are fine. No need to worry. The little Kelsey has a strong warrior’s heart and her little Peanut is very good at keeping her calm.”

  Sighing with relief, I queried, “What’s your name?”

  Steady and strong came the response, “I am Duck, the guardian of the tablet of power, a guide to those who are of the house of Valor, possessing the eye of Shalandria and seeking to right the wrong.” I giggled. I really couldn’t help it. Pulling himself up to his full height and glaring into the pool of water he retorted, “What is funny that I have said?”

  “I’m sorry, Duck, but your name doesn’t fit your stature or your appearance. Who named you?”

  “It was many years ago, but my creator, Shalandria, of Valor, gave me this endearment when I was brought into being.”

  “You mean when you hatched?”

  Duck shook his head slowly. “No, she created me from the stone within these caves for her daughter as a wedding present.” His voice became deep and monotonous as he calmly recited, “I am of this earth, brought into being by the Goddess. I was transported to this land as a guide to the tablet and protector of the house of Valor until the day that she who is of earth and fire will come into her power. She will unleash the sacred song of the seven sisters and bear the strength of the amulet’s fire to vanquish the evil one’s heir into obscurity with love and light.” His voice trailed off as he completed this prophetic phrase.

  Reminded of the words within the journal I wondered aloud, “But, who is that and what does it mean, Duck?”

  At that moment, Duck turned rapidly away from the pool. His next words met my ears as if they were a whisper that was quickly fading on a breeze, “Someone approaches. I must leave you now. Rest now, daughter of Valor, for soon you will need to focus much of your energy toward the greater good.” A deep silence met my ears.

  “Duck?” Calling out again, “Duck?” A deep nothingness responded to my pleas. Darkness was closing in on me and reaching out my hand which now looked like my own, I whispered once more into the void, “Duck....” the silence surrounded me and my soul was calmly lifted into a state of bliss as I drifted into a calm and soothing slumber.

  Chapter Nineteen

  The first sound I heard was the calm and soothing birdsong of a robin somewhere nearby. Shortly after that came the raucous cry of a really loud and annoying raven. Opening my eyes and squinting in the direction of the offensive screeching, I found the largest black bird standing on a branch of the fallen tree, hopping up and down, back and forth and staring at me with an accusatory look. I laughed, “Well, good morning, Mr. Happy Pants!” Giggling again at myself for talking with a crow, it cawed flamboyantly at me one more time before it flew away. The little robin made its way down to rest on the ground near me. Looking at me sideways, I guessed that I’d been found.

  “Good Morning, Jaxon.” Shivering slightly, I wrapped my arms around myself and looked for some wood to throw on the dying embers. Glancing up through the trees, I guessed that it was somewhere around dawn, but without being able to see the exact placement of the sun, it was difficult to determine the time. Fiddling with the fire for a bit, I came to the realization that I was going to be leaving soon and decided to throw dirt on the fire rather than wood. As I shivered again, I sat pensively and watched my remaining hopes of warmth dwindle under the moist earth I’d kicked over the embers as I listened to my surroundings. Looking at Jaxon, I tilted my head sideways and asked a bit tersely, “So, I assume this means that you’ll be able to lead me to the team now?” I was slightly miffed that Daniel hadn’t come to my rescue. After all, if Jaxon could find me, then so could Daniel.

  My frown was aimed at the dying coals of the fire, while I contemplated my next move when the beautiful bird hopped up and down and twittered the most awkward sounds. Again, I was awed by the interesting and odd noises he made having never heard anything like it from a robin before. Surfacing from my contemplation, it made me grin. Glancing around for a spot to relieve myself, I quipped, “Well, then, I’ll need some privacy for a moment and then you can lead me to them.” He responded by turning his back to me. My laughter was so loud, a group of startled bushtits soared into the air
from its hiding spot a few feet away. It was quite comical that I was standing in the woods, talking to a robin.

  After I was finished, I packed up my belongings and prepared for our trek out of my hidden fort. Piercing Jaxon with an expectant expression, I bowed low, sweeping my hand outward and sarcastically spouted, “After you, my liege.” Laughing at myself, I waited for his response.

  He flitted from branch to branch, waiting patiently for me to catch up to him while keeping me within sight. As I hiked along, I thought about the writings in the journal and my odd conversation with a stone dragon named Duck. It was funny but a couple of months ago, I never would’ve given credit to having a conversation with a dragon. In addition, I definitely would’ve chided myself for having girlish fantasies of dragons and pixies or talking trees and birds; however, I had yet to talk to or see a pixie. So, there was that to look forward to. Looking back, my life had never really been extraordinary except for the little telepathy stuff that I did with Andrea when we were kids.

  Thinking about Andrea now, I realized that I needed to communicate with her, but I had to focus on Jaxon. She must be so worried. I’d take a moment when we got to camp and communicate with her about what was happening.

  In no time, we were entering a clearing and I could see the wide expanse of the lake sprawled out before me. My first thought as I looked at the cool stream-fed waters was that it reminded me of Daniel’s eyes.

  No sooner had the thought crossed my mind then coming out of the water was the god-like man himself. The sun shone brightly down onto his bare skin which was covered in tiny droplets of water. Throwing his head back, the dark mass of his glistening hair threw water in an array that caused a rainbow to shoot out behind him.

  Looking up from the water, his eyes locked with mine and he unabashedly strolled right out of the lake in front of me. All six feet of muscle-formed man came straight toward me. A pair of tightly fitted black shorts covered his midsection but the rest of him was all man. Clenching my jaw, lips parted slightly, to keep my mouth from dropping open in awe, my breath whistled through my teeth. He looked like an Olympic swimmer all muscled and shiny with not a speck of hair to be seen. My eyes were burning for lack of blinking as I drank in the vision before me.

  Licking my lips, I sucked in the small amount of saliva that was forming in my mouth at the sight that made me want to become a cannibal. He looked yummy, all I could think about was licking that water off his torso. All thoughts of my recent hurt flew away as my eyes met his. While his long strides closed the distance between us, I caught a knowing look and a slight grin on his face before it was quickly covered under a more serious demeanor.

  Grasping me by my shoulders and looking me over from head to toe, he pinned me down with his eyes as he proclaimed in a gruff voice, “It’s a good thing we have Jaxon here. You really need to be more careful!” With that, he let his hands drop and stepped around me to walk away. My mouth fell open so fast, it might've hit the ground if I hadn’t caught it. What just happened? This was not the welcome I’d envisioned. Feeling shattered, I turned on my heel and marched after him all fire and brimstone. My blood was boiling. He just treated me like a senseless child. There was no — Oh, Maggie, thank god you’re okay! — followed by kisses and cuddles.

  Coming up behind him, I tapped him on the shoulder. When he spun around, I slapped him square across the face, grinding out angrily, “Jerk!” To his credit, he stood there dumbfounded for a split second, and then grasped me by the shoulders to pull me into him. Instantly, I knew exactly what he was planning, but that moment had passed. Ducking low, I spun around breaking his grip. On my way out of the embrace, I stomped on his foot.

  Hopping up and down on his other foot, “Ouch,” he exclaimed as he turned toward me. “Maggie, what the hell?” He honestly sounded surprised at my reaction.

  “How dare you think you can treat me like that?” Fuming as I turned to face him and sent him a scathing look, “I was lost, alone in the woods and you sent Jaxon to find me. Then, when I return, you treat me like a child who wandered off?”

  Stomping my foot on the ground, I spoke in a barely audible whisper that was filled with innocent pride and pain, “My niece is out there alone and frightened and you have the audacity to send a bird to find me? Stop playing your childish games with me. You won’t touch me again!” A bewildered expression crossed his face, but I was done with conversation. If he couldn’t understand what he did was wrong, then I wasn’t going to explain it further. “Which tent is mine?” He had the good sense not to speak and simply pointed across the way to a small green tent.

  Turning toward the tent, I walked away with my back held straight. As soon as I entered, I dropped to my knees and tears formed in my eyes. Wiping at my eyes angrily, I chided myself, “No more tears, Maggie!” Determined to change my attitude and stop hiding behind my emotions, I set my pack down and looked through it for a change of clothes since mine were moist from sleeping on the ground.

  After changing and hanging up the others to dry, I grabbed an apple to eat and settled down with a cup of coffee. Tatyana had quietly set the cup inside my tent when I was rummaging through my bag. She hadn’t said anything, just opened the bottom of the tent flap and slipped the hot mug of coffee under the flap. The kind gesture brought a smile to my lips. Sipping my coffee, I crossed my legs and practiced my meditation breathing. Now was as good a time as any to let Andrea know how things were going.

  Focusing my energy outward, I was soon standing face to face with Andrea. “Drea!” Relieved to be close to a friendly face and having successfully connected with her, I exhaled and hugged her tightly to me. The uncertainty of whether I would be able to communicate with her from such a large distance, had silently weighed on me. The vision of her and the feel of her in my arms, made me feel suddenly overwhelmed and I held onto her a little longer and tighter than usual.

  Pulling back and searching my face, “Maggie, what’s happened?”

  Not wanting to worry her, I stepped back with a weak smile and replied, “Nothing.” At her doubting expression, I waved her off and explained, “We’re at the campsite. I had a communication last night with a creature that lives in the cave where Kelsey and Peanut are being held.” Andrea clapped her hands in front of her and her expression became hopeful. Interrupting her, I continued, “We aren’t there yet.” At her crestfallen expression, I reassured her, “Don’t worry. She’s safe and I think we’ll find the cave today.”

  Andrea smiled, but her voice revealed her fear as she quietly pleaded, “Oh, Maggie. Please hurry. I can’t stand the thought of my baby all alone in a cave.” She turned away from me. Her shoulders shook with her silent tears. Stepping over and placing my arms around her, I just held her.

  “Andrea, Jaxon’s with me and everything will be okay.” She turned around and looking me in the eyes, she took a deep breath to steady herself.

  “Maggie, I trust you. I know you can do it.” She hugged me again. Her image started to waver and become transparent.

  “Drea?” Reaching out to her fading image.

  She looked at me fearfully. Her hand moved toward me as if to hold onto me, her voice became weak, “Maggie, please hurry! The tree....” the whisper trailed off and with a pop, she was gone.

  Deep down inside, I felt desperation grasp hold of my heart like the talons of my new dragon friend. Without warning, I found myself falling through a spiraling vortex and taking a deep breath, I landed with what felt like a thud back into my body. Opening my eyes, I was still sitting cross-legged in my tent, but Daniel was sitting in front of me, staring at me with a questioning expression on his face.

  Surprised, I stammered, “Daniel, wh-wh-what are you doing here?”

  Still off balance, I was mildly shocked when he clasped my hand gently in his. He raised it up to his lips. “I’m sorry, Maggie.” Trying to respond, he placed his finger on my lips. “Please, let me finish.” Blinking in confusion, I nodded while continuing to consider his eyes. “Magg
ie, I can’t give you what you want, but I can’t deny what I feel for you either.” My heart leapt out of my chest at the admission. “I didn’t handle losing you in the forest very well.”

  I arched a brow. “You think?”

  Looking up at my sarcastic tone, he grinned cheekily. “Please accept my apology for the way I responded. But also, I need you to understand why I didn’t go looking for you when I discovered you missing.”

  “I’m all ears.” Sarcasm oozed from my pores.

  Taking a deep breath, he explained, “I felt responsible, but I was also angry. I was mostly angry at myself. Somehow, I also knew that I needed you to find your way without my help.” He sighed and looked down. “As soon as I spoke my concern for you, Jaxon flew off into the forest.” Running his other hand through his hair, he met my gaze, “I’m not sure what it was, but a feeling came over me and I knew you were safe. You are so strong, but I knew you could find a way to overcome the odds on your own.” Taking a deep breath in, he absentmindedly stroked my fingers with his, “I’m not the person you think I am...”

  Nodding again, I continued to peruse his face to determine the merit of his words as it seemed like there was something he wanted to say but not sure how.

  Knowing I expected more, he let out a ragged breath. He continued to hold eye contact with me and shifted his focus, “Maggie, I think it’s time you came clean with me about what’s really happening with you.”

  As I started to shrug my shoulders and deny anything, he interrupted me, “Please. I’m not blind.”

  Looking away, I made a point of grasping my coffee cup which was significantly cooler now and seemed as if it had moved about six inches further away. Bringing the cup to my lips, I couldn’t help but glance over the rim at his beautiful face. He was patiently waiting for a response. Setting my cup down, in that moment, I chose to continue to hide my ability. Not sure why, but an alarm bell rang in the back of my head. I wanted to tell him about my gift, but I just couldn’t. The effort it took to not confide in him made my heart race. Swallowing a huge lump in my throat, I looked him in the eye steadily as I calmly replied, “There are things I have learned in my past. I use meditation to clear my head and help me focus on details to find solutions.” The words kind of spilled out of my mouth. It was easy to see he was disappointed, and he wasn’t buying it.