The Keeper of the Stones

by M J Webb

  We have already achieved much in the past few days. The question we must answer now, is where do we go from here? The first thing to consider is our new army. We have swelled our numbers and we are delighted by that. Twelve thousand potential soldiers now look to us to lead them. But they are not an army yet! They need training and equipping with weapons if they are to stand any chance at all against the trained warriors who serve my brother. All of this will take time, precious time. Time that can only be achieved by travelling south, ahead of any army that pursues us from the north. It is proposed that we should attempt to break through the lines of my brother’s Southern Army. To join with those who already oppose him and have been fighting with some success these last few years. Their defences are weak, but holding. When last we heard they were centred around the mountains of Arechnivar and the besieged city of Dassilliak. That places them near to the borders of Perosya and Nadjan. It will mean a long and arduous journey, probably with a hard fight to look forward to at the end of it, particularly if my brother learns of, or guesses at, our intent, and manages to warn the Southern Army of our plans. All of this, we have to accomplish before we meet with our prospective allies, an army of various nations whose leaders may not even want to join with us. It all sounds daunting, I know. But I can see no real alternative.” the King stated plainly.

  The war council members all studied the map that was sprawled across the table. There were no objections to what was being proposed and no alternatives were given. Everyone agreed, and after a minute or so of discussion, Princess Zephany was the first to respond to the King.

  “Father, you already know that I will follow you anywhere. I believe this proposal to be the correct course of action for us to take. But, if I may? I would like to hear Jake’s thoughts on the subject.”

  Jake was taken by surprise, he’d expected more debate from the rest of the group before having to give his own opinion, and he hadn’t considered properly what he was going to say. He looked at the King beside him. Artrex gestured with his hand, inviting him to reply, before taking his seat. Jake stood up and stared at the faces around him.

  “Well.... Okay then, I believe King Artrex is right. You... Err, sorry we, need time! We need allies and numbers. We have to go south. We have to build up our strength if we’re going to match the Northern Army. Rhuaddan and Nadjan will have to endure Vantrax’ rule a little while longer, until we are ready to return. There are many in our ranks who won’t understand that decision, they will question why we’re ‘running away.’ There will be rumour and dissent. But to fight now, would be stupid! We’re not ready to fight a war and we’re not strong enough to defeat our enemies. I suggest that King Artrex and the rest of you lead the army south as planned. But… You detour along the way, stopping at every village, town and city within reach to recruit as many volunteers as you can. Queen Bressial and Lord Castrad should be paraded in full view of all the population. Let them be seen, and let them be the rallying call for all of Nadjan. Look!” he said, pointing at the map enthusiastically. He was now speaking with real purpose and an excitement that seemed to come from nowhere.

  “You already pass the cities of Nahohial, N’sede, Esorlian, Tiscar, Etriol on your journey. Many towns and villages are also within riding distance. Fly your banners proudly and let your people rise to support you and your allies.” he said confidently, looking directly ahe ueen as he spoke.

  She nodded her head firmly at him. “It will be as you say, Jake. I swear it!” she stated proudly.

  “Ra! Good!” shouted a delighted Artrex, growing excited at the momentum that seemed to be developing. “We leave in two hours! Get your soldiers ready to move.”

  “But… What of Jake and Ben, father?” asked the young Princess before anyone had left the table. “You have not mentioned them in your plan at all. I believe others in this room will want to know the full extent of what is being proposed.”

  Artrex smiled slightly at her and nodded his head a little in agreement. “Yes my daughter, you are right.” he answered. “For those of you who do not know, our two young friends are leaving on a different quest. They will attempt to find the wizard, Tien. Last heard of living in recluse in the Phelanagarth Mountains. Together, they will try to restore or replace the stones that have been damaged, for they hold the key to defeating my brother, and we shall have need of their powers before this war is won, I am sure of it.”

  “Begging your pardon, sire?” Verastus said suddenly. “I would like to go with the Keeper, if he will have me?”

  Jake and Ben looked to King Artrex for approval. Artrex nodded with a smile on his face and the boys looked back at their friend.

  “Be a pleasure to have you along.” said Jake, and he reached over to shake Verastus’ hand.

  “Yeah, big man,” added Ben, “I was hoping you’d ask. I’ve kinda grown used to having you around. Bin’ a bit lost without you actually.”

  The council members all laughed at Ben’s reaction. Princess Zephany silently volunteered to go with Jake’s group also, but King Artrex denied her whispered request with a firm shake of his head.

  “No, Zephany. I need you with me, daughter. I have need of my best warriors and leaders on this journey.” he hissed softly in her ear, so that the others couldn’t hear.

  Zephany didn’t object. She had earned the admiration and respect of everyone for her actions, most of all her father, and that was the most important thing in the world to the young warrior. It comforted her greatly in her sorrow.

  Everyone began to exit the alehouse in order to make their preparations to leave. As they left the room, Zephany gave Jake a smaller map of Nadjan and the rest of Estia. “Here, Jake. Take this, you may have need of it.” she said, as she gave him a gentle kiss on his cheek. “Good luck. Find the wizard for us, Keeper. Restore those stones of yours, and help my father to be a King again.”

  Ben saw and heard the exchange. He playfully snatched the map out of Jake’s hand as he was passing, deliberately interrupting the goodbye. He placed it into his bag as he continued walking. Then, he stopped and looked back at Zephany.

  “Princess, your dad needs no castle or throne to be a King. His actions are enough to earn that title. His courage and honour are there for all to see. But my friend Jake, ‘The Keeper’ West, will see it done for ya!” he said, laughing to himself as he walked away.

  Jake and Zephany looked at each other, not knowing what to make of Ben’s strange outburst. Then they both began to laugh too.

  Chapter 36

  15th-17th August – Northern Army Camp, Astelli Plains - Rhuaddan

  King Vantrax was still standing on the ridge! He was absolutely furious at the lack of progress he seemed to be making. His army had not moved, it was still stranded on the Astelli Plains, the individual commanders having insisted on wasting valuable time and resources retrieving their dead and wounded from the battlefield in Erriard forest. They had all defied Vantrax’ orders to move out immediately to search for the rebels at the insistence of their soldiers. And even the normally ruthless King Vantrax, had shied away from risking an all-out rebellion amongst his troops by ignoring their demands. Both he and Sawdon were desperate to begin the pursuit in order capitalise on the confusion that must surely exist amongst the soldiers of their retreating enemy. But they were thwarted in their desire by their warrior’s stance and a lack of knowledge as to the rebel’s exact whereabouts. Artrex’ army had last been seen entering the T’Nesc Moorlands, the exits to which were varied and many. The rebel King could conceivably choose to remain in hiding there indefinitely, safe from attack in the relative protection that the swamps afforded. Or, he may well have already moved his soldiers from T’Nesc, in any one of a number of directions. Confusion reigned.

  Vantrax had been badly shaken by the effects that the last use of the Lichtus had on him. He’d been left vulnerable and powerless for some considerable time afterwards and, as a consequence, he was loathed to use the Lichtus again unless he really had no other cho
ice. He was now more afraid than ever that its time and effectiveness were finally nearing an end. This thought concerned and worried the evil wizard more than the outcome of any single battle, the Lichtus was the major source of his powers, they were seriously curtailed without it. But following his commanders’ representations he had conceded reluctantly that his large army was not yet ready to move. The wounded were still being loaded onto wagons and carts ready for transport back to the ruins of Heron Getracht and the dead were being buried or burnt, according to their own customs or beliefs. Until all of these tasks were completed, the army was going nowhere.

  Vantrax had chosen to remain with Sawdon in the field rather than return to the fortress to inspect the damage caused by the fire. He was determined to pursue his brother as soon as he possibly could and nothing but the capture of the stones and Artrex concerned him now. As they stood on the ridge overlooking the plain, Sawdon began pacing backwards and forwards in furious frustration. The Thargw warrior hated inaction more than anything else. He needed to keep himself busy, and he was anxiously awaiting news of the enemy so that honsld hunt them down.

  “Why don’t you sit down, Sawdon?” asked Vantrax, in a tone of voice that made it sound more like an order than a question. “You are annoying me and making me dizzy with all that pacing!”

  “Shaaarggh!” screamed Sawdon furiously, as he stopped to answer his King. “Almost a full day stuck on this damned ridge! I have to do something! It is driving me mad! I am no Falorian, laziness in not in my creed. I need action. Give me something to do, please?”

  “Oh, very well then,” answered Vantrax, “take some soldiers and go to the edge of T’Nesc. See if you can determine my brother’s movements, pick up a trail or something. Look for dust, anything that might tell you where they have gone.”

  “Raarr! Yes my King. Straight away.” replied Sawdon happily, as he raced off in the direction of the soldiers of the King’s Personal Guard.

  He summoned the nearest five soldiers to him, they responded immediately and he ordered them all to fetch their horses and report back as quickly as they could. When they’d all returned, he pushed the first soldier firmly in the chest without warning, sending him sprawling on the floor, and he grabbed the horse’s reigns. The other soldiers laughed loudly at their comrade’s humiliation as he stared up at the Thargw pitifully.

  “Follow me!” he cried, as he mounted the horse and galloped away in the direction of the forest and the T’Nesc Moorlands beyond, the horsemen all following behind him as fast as they could.

  Some considerable time later, Sawdon and his small force were circling the T’Nesc Moorlands looking for any signs of the enemy when suddenly, the warrior heard a rustling in the long grass of the moors in front of him. He could see nothing, but he immediately drew his battlesword and shouted ferociously in the direction of the noise.

  “Come out! Whoever you are, you would be wise to come out now. Come out, or I will come in!” he snarled, viciously.

  The grass ahead of them parted slowly and a nervous and exhausted looking Nytig tumbled out onto the plain. He dragged himself up and crawled on his hands and knees for several feet, collapsing into a heap on the floor by Sawdon’s horse.

  “Ra! The servant.” stated Sawdon, gesturing to one of his soldiers to dismount and pick him up. The soldier jumped down from his horse and walked briskly over to where Nytig lay. He lifted the semi-conscious slave up to face the warrior. Sawdon smiled at the pathetic sight, before speaking to the soldier who held him.

  “Put him on your horse quickly. The King will want to speak to him,” he shouted, “that snivelling Rachtis may have information of use.”

  The soldier did as he was ordered and Nytig was thrown roughly over the horse. He didn’t groan this time and he felt nothing. He was out cold.

  * * *

  Sawdon and his small group of soldiers raced back to King Vantrax with all possible speed. Nytig was thrown down onto the floor at the King’s feet. He’d regained consciousness on the ride from the Moorlands and he groaned as his body hit the ground hard.

  “Ha ha… Nytig!” said a surprised and pleased antrax. “What a delight. I did not expect to see you again. You have surpassed my expectations, congratulations. Now, what have you to say for yourself?” the King demanded.

  Nytig rolled himself over, moaning loudly in pain. Every muscle in his body ached and hurt from his endeavours and he showed it deliberately, hoping in vain for some sympathy from those around him. He shuffled slowly over towards the King and coughed several times before speaking.

  “S-sire, I was taken prisoner just as you asked. It was h-horrible! Time and again I thought I was going to die. They took me with them into the Moorlands, bound and gagged I was, but I fooled them sire! I noted the paths we took in my mind and I remembered the way back. I am not the fool that others take me for.” he said, casting a very quick glance in Sawdon’s direction.

  “That, Nytig, is a matter of opinion I suppose.” interrupted Vantrax. “But you know the way through T’Nesc you say? Then we can...”

  “N-no. I… Th-they are no longer there sire!” stated Nytig quickly, with trepidation. “They have left. That is, your brother has left at least.” he added nervously.

  “Left? Left for where, Nytig? Speak!” demanded Sawdon angrily.

  Nytig ignored the Thargw beside him and looked at the wizard King. “Yes sire, not the fool others take me for.” he said, playfully trying to drag out his part.

  Sawdon lost his temper at the impudent nerve shown by the slave, he drew his sword and held it menacingly at Nytig’s throat. “Rrrrrachtis! Speak now! Tell me where they are heading, or I swear you will die here on this ridge!” shouted the Thargw, terrifyingly.

  Nytig looked pleadingly over at Vantrax for help. But the King just laughed, abandoning his servant to Sawdon’s mercy.

  “Soreen! Soreen! They head for the village of Soreen, my King!” he screamed.

  Sawdon released his hold on Nytig and brought down his sword as he looked at the King.

  “Soreen?” asked a thoughtful Vantrax. “Why Soreen?” His mind raced as he attempted to guess at his brother’s plans. “Soreen. Hmmmn... Centre of Rhuaddan. What are they up to?” he asked of his Gerada.

  “I am not certain, sire.” Sawdon replied. “They have a few options open to them. But Soreen takes them away from their usual hideaways, the Siltash Mountains and Seriknath forest for instance. I can see no logic in it. It does take them toward the mines? No, they would not dare to raid the mines, surely?” asked the mighty warrior.

  Vantrax gazed worryingly at the Thargw before replying. “Perhaps... Perhaps they already have? Perhaps, they now ride to meet up with those who raided Heron Getracht? If they raided my fortress, how are we to know that others were not sent to raid the mines? Yaaargh! We would not see the smoke if they had done so, the P’tan Mountains would obscure our view.” stated an increasingly concerned Vantrax. “Pah! We know nothing for sure now, but I do not like it. My fortress lies in ruins, and we appear to be the ones chasing shadows! This is not how it should be! Tell me, Nytig, what news of the stones? You saw them at least?” he asked angrily.

  “Yes my King. The bois name is Ben. He carries them in the box, which he keeps in a bag that never leaves his side. I however, managed to steal it, at great personal risk. But they saw me and many of their soldiers chased me through the swamps. I could not escape from the boy, he was too fast and he almost caught me. I had to throw the bag into the swamp sand in order to escape...”

  “You did what??!!” demanded an incensed Vantrax. “Are you saying the stones were destroyed?” His face was blood red with fury and he was about to kill the slave where he stood.

  “No! No sire! The boy, he jumped into the sand. I heard it, and I could see them through the grass and trees. I stopped running once I knew they were no longer chasing me, I had to see what happened to the stones. It was really something to behold sire, the boy I mean, he nearly died in the sand. His body
was sinking fast and I lost sight of him for a moment. But they pulled him out alive, he saved the stones, and...”

  “Enough!” shouted Vantrax as he flew into another wild rage. He turned to issue his orders to Sawdon. “The army is to be ready to move at first light tomorrow, I dare say another forced night march would be too much for the wretched cowards! They expect to be able to move their dead and wounded, and I have to agree to it. But, tomorrow we will make for Soreen with all possible speed and with all our available strength. You will send out patrols to ride south, they are to warn our soldiers at the border forts and elsewhere that the rebels are heading that way, in case they try to leave Rhuaddan. Patrols everywhere are to be doubled. I do not like what is happening here, I do not like what I am hearing. They are on the move into territory they have never strayed into before. It is not the actions of a beaten army. Far from it, they now appear to have a plan. There is a purpose to their actions which we do not know, and that concerns me. The sooner we catch them and kill them, the better. We have to arrive at Soreen in time to defeat them, before they leave. Yah… I need to know more about their intentions. Curse these damn soldiers! We should be moving! Raaaarggh!!! The dead should remain where they fell!!!”