Jalaby's Journey

by Duane Alston

  “Hey, it's me Jalaby, not some dangerous madman. I'll explain later why I did what I did and I'm sorry, I should have let you know what I was doing. Come, we have to get back to Talisbon, he's liable to eat all of Tom's food.” Jalaby laughed lightly but the others did not join in. It was Tom who broke the icy atmosphere.

  “Well it didn't look like the Jalaby we know, you fought like a demon man. Your speed was something else, but I think I can take you.” Tom finished by slapping Jalaby somewhat painfully on the back. “At least I can get some rest tonight from my chaperoning, I feel a little coolness coming in on the love front.” Tom's grin was mischievous but both Jalaby and Sarah seemed too busy with their packs to look up.

  “OK, let's move,” said Jalaby as he took the lead.

  “Bye Noble. I hope to not see you again for a long time. Give daddy Crieton our love and let him know we'll be seeing him sometime soon,” said Tom, then he laughed heartily and began a song.

  Oh Jalaby done went crazy,

  and whooped old Noble bad.

  Oh Noble he's feeling lazy,

  and pooped out so sad.

  This forest is very mazey,

  Could get lost that's bad.

  And Tom is very queasy,

  so Talisbon will be glad.

  Chapter 23

  Jalaby had one word for the trip back to where Talisbon guarded their possessions and that was, uneventful. They were lucky because Jalaby learned from the stone that the other Fog Warriors had gone in the other direction. As soon as they arrived, Jalaby ordered everyone to pack up, mount up and ride. For the next two weeks they did little else but ride. They spent long hours in the saddle and few hours sleeping. Jalaby could feel only a slight danger from behind them and it seemed pretty far off, but he took no chances. One thing that Tom had been right about was that there was a coolness between Sarah and Jalaby but they did get a chance to talk right before leaving the campsite where Talisbon had guarded their belongings.

  “Say I'm sorry if you felt I jeopardized Tom or the rest of our party back there but that was not what I was doing. Sure I tested my ability against a Fog Warrior Minder, but I knew full well I had plenty of backup between Tom, Connel and yourself. This is the beginning of our conflict with Crieton's Fog Warriors and if we can't deal with one, let alone an army of them, then we might as well turn back.” Jalaby saw Sarah was about to speak but held up a hand and continued.

  “You are going to have to bare with me while I sort this out. I think the Stone of Crieton is affecting me more than I had originally thought and I would like to take it off, but we need to know what danger is near, both ahead and from behind, so I'm stuck. What I will promise is that I will include everyone from now on when I decide to attack someone.” Jalaby smiled a weak smile when he finished but got none in return from Sarah.

  “OK, I think I understand your thinking, but I don't like it. There or more ways to solve problems and answer questions than whipping out a sword and thrashing at the nearest enemy. You've changed in the last few days, maybe it's the stone, I don't know, but I and the others will be watching to make sure that the stone is not taking over the Jalaby we know and, er, well, we need to make sure you are here.” Sarah spoke in a mildly angry voice which grew softer as she continued. “As for me and you and whatever we have, just as Tom predicted, we need to cool it off. Perhaps after we know what we are doing here and hopefully we will know that at Stoneburst Settlement.” Sarah finished by touching Jalaby's shoulder before turning to resume packing her horse.

  Jalaby felt a momentary feeling of loss as a recollection of Sarah's laughter in happier days darted through his mind, but he knew she was right and he was determined to focus on getting to Stoneburst with the hope of hearing that laughter again.

  So they continued on and day after day the Woodland Forest began to slowly change. It was not as dense and there were not as many layers of trees underneath the road. At one point while Jalaby rode next to Talisbon, he pointed out that he could actually see the bottom and it appeared to be only several layers thick.

  “Talisbon, how much further until we are out of this forest and to the foot of the Neteos Mountains?”

  “Actually, tomorrow we shall finally see the sky without any trees.” Talisbon seemed very happy to relay the news.

  “Well we've been lucky this last leg, no Fog Warriors and no Screechers. Of that I am surprised. We can hear them at night but always some distance away.” Jalaby shook his head.

  “I asked Constanto about that and he told me that he thought it was because of Sarah. It appears Screechers have a long memory and they probably remember the beating they took that night when Sarah went for the medicine. They are very aware of her location and will keep a safe distance away.” Talisbon nodded towards Sarah. “She's good to have around,” he finished looking at Jalaby.

  “That she is, that she is.” Jalaby smiled a tired smile and kicked his horse to move up front to take the lead from Tom who rode alongside Constanto who was always there to keep everyone going in the right direction.

  “Talisbon says tomorrow Tom.”

  “Good! I'll be happy if I never see another tree for a year.”

  Tomorrow finally came and after a two hour morning ride, they broke out of the trees to behold a large green and brown range of snow capped mountains. They all stopped and stared.

  “Breathtaking,” said Sarah simply.

  “Constanto says he has a location nearby where we can stock up on any provisions we need for the journey across the mountains.” Talisbon said without emotion. “He also wants to tell us a little bit about what to expect. If you agree, he will lead us to the supply area now.”

  “Yes, please lead the way and we are truly grateful,” said Jalaby and looked directly at Constanto as he spoke.

  A short distance away Constanto found the place and it was quite well hidden. There were barrels of water, lantern oil, and boxes of food such as beans, flour, salt and some others that were unusual and not what Jalaby was use to.

  “How strange that all these supplies are here,” Connel wondered aloud.

  “Not so strange, Constanto says his people have relatives on the other side of the mountains, so every so often they use these to supply their trips. He has given us permission to take some for our journey.” Talisbon provided the answer to Connel using his best lecture voice. “Now gather round, Constanto wants to talk to you about Neteos Mountains. I'll translate as usual.”

  But to everyone's surprise, especially Talisbon, Constanto began speaking in their own language and was quite fluent. With open mouths and the occasional look at each other, they listened.

  “The journey across the Neteos Mountains by way of the Altus Mountain Trail is long and treacherous. Based on the speed I think you will make each day, it will probably take you four to five weeks to arrive at the other side. Food and Fuel are the main items you should take but you need only carry a little water since you can melt the snow to drink or use the numerous natural warm water springs that can be found along the way; but I must tell you of another way to get to the Neteos River Valley. The trail we use is called the Altus Cave Trail. Using the Cave Trail you can get across in only two weeks, sometimes less and it is easier going. There is one big drawback to this trail. The caves are home to a very hostile people that we call the Pale Ones. They call themselves, the Zefferts. They are a savage people and will attack anyone that uses the Cave Trail. We, of course, can blend into any surrounding and can usually get past them. We know that some people like yourselves have made it through, so there must be a way to get through even without our special abilities. I'm sorry but I don't know of any special route or anything of that nature that would help guide you through the Cave Trail. The decision of which route to take is up to you but I will go a few more hours up the trail with you to show you where to find the entrance to the cave.” Constanto finally paused and looked at Jalaby but it was Tom that got off the first thought.

  “You are sure a booger Co
nstanto for making poor Talisbon here do all that translating”. Tom laughed and started to continue but Jalaby broke in.

  “We are happy for your help but why didn't you speak our language before?”

  “At first I wasn't sure of your intentions and afterward I just wanted to get to know you as a people but was afraid my previous omission would keep that from happening.” Constanto was very calm and smooth now. No longer the fidgeting little creature they had come to know. Jalaby now knew that was part of an act. Constanto continued. “It's early in the day so I know you'll want to get going. Here, let me show you what we have for you to take.”

  As Constanto uncovered even more equipment and material, Jalaby was both surprised and grateful. He didn't realize the extent of what was hidden at this location. Of course some of the clothes were too small, but Tom tried on a hat and even put one arm through a coat sleeve before abandoning the effort.

  “Always the optimist Tom. That will never fit you,” Jalaby laughed.

  “Well these clothes I have on are getting pretty bad. If we don't find a decent town soon, I'm going to be naked and that's no way to fight a Fog Warrior,” Tom said with mirth in his eyes.

  “Now that could be our secret weapon. I know it would scare me,” Sarah joined in.

  After that lighthearted exchange, Jalaby noted that they were all quite serious in making sure they got what they needed and loaded on both kacks and horses. There would be no riding for a while. Jalaby also noticed that Constanto paid particular attention to Sarah and even went so far as to give her a headband of what looked like black coal chunks on a silver base. It was not exactly attractive at the distance he viewed it. It wasn't long after receiving the headband that she happened to be next to Jalaby, filling her water bags.

  “I see Constanto also bears gifts,” Jalaby said lightly.

  “Yes, that was a bit strange. He said for the right person it will provide light and a way forth. Then he laughed and told me to wear it in the dark and you'll see. Must be some kind of good luck charm from his people, the Olandie. It's not quite my style is it?” Sarah put it on and put her hands on her hips to model it for Jalaby.

  “Oh, you look quite good in anything,” and Jalaby smiled. He was glad they could at least be civil to each other and just maybe he could work his way back to where they had been.

  “Why thank you sir.” Sarah smiled but they both quickly turned awkwardly back to packing up.

  “Tom, I know you are anxious to see the backside of the Woodland Forest so take the lead with Constanto and take us up the Mountain. I'll take the rear and watch our backs,” Jalaby said when they were all finally ready.

  “Right you are, let's go!” Tom shouted.

  The day was clear and warm, but Jalaby knew from one look at the snow capped mountain before them that they would need their heavy winter gear before the day was done. To whoever lurked in the Woodland Forest and happened to gaze at the snow covered peaks of the Neteos Mountains, they would see his group as just small specs in the distance, meandering slowly up the mountain trail.

  Jalaby noted how unusual the terrain was. The forest they had just left stopped abruptly and very little scrub brush grew beyond the tree line. The trail they were on at first was fairly wide and was a mixture of gravel and sand but after an hour it had turned to hard rock and they began to be surrounded by huge boulders about twice and sometimes three times the height of their horses, often obscuring their view. With each mile the air temperature would drop lower and lower, even though they were in full sun.

  Jalaby felt very content, leading his horse and one kack in the rear, knowing the stone would warn him of any trouble and that they were in good hands with those in the lead. He let his mind wander and time flew by. It seemed like they had only just started their upward climb and now Tom called for him to come forward, since it was time for Constanto to go back. So he moved his horse and kack past the others to where Tom and Constanto stood.

  “Sorry to say, I must leave you now, but I need to show you where the Cave Trail entrance is, should you choose to use it.” Constanto paused and turned to point up the mountain. “You see that outcropping that is shaped like a horse's head about halfway up? That is the entrance. Just as you pass three large boulders, turn right. The path is well marked. Of course you would just keep going straight if you choose to travel on the Mountain Trail.”

  They had stopped at a large flat location that gave quite a view of the trail below and the Woodland Forest in the distance.

  “I must leave you now,” Constanto said simply.

  “I can't thank you enough,” Jalaby said and shook Constanto's hand. Jalaby surmised later that to Constanto it may have been a very foreign gesture. As Constanto turned to go, he made a large wave of his arm and to the astonishment of everyone, hundreds, perhaps a thousand, three foot high beings appeared from out of nowhere. They covered the trail and in the distance you could see them all along the tree line of the Woodland Forest.

  “My Gosh!” was all Tom could say, but Jalaby was surprised anyone could muster a voice at all, after such an astonishing site.

  Jalaby realized, that for perhaps the total time they had been in the forest, they could have been surrounded by the people of Olandie. He was about to speak when every last one of the Olandie disappeared just as quickly as they had appeared. Constanto was also gone from view.

  “Incredible. Talisbon did you have any idea that they were all about us?” Asked Jalaby casually.

  “No, it was a big surprise for me too, but he did ask me to tell you after he left, that he actually is more than just a provider for the Olandie people. He is actually their supreme leader. Also, Constanto said if ever we need him and his people to help in any way, to send a message to the site where we just got our supplies and they will do their best.” Talisbon's flat narration of this information and his placid face gave no hint of any emotion.

  “Wow! If that doesn't beat all,” Connel said. “We could have used their help a few times back there. I hope they would have stepped in if we really had needed it. Guess we'll never know if they had been around us or not.”

  Jalaby saw Sarah fingering her new headband as she stared down the mountain.

  “OK, the miracle is over, lets keep moving while we have daylight. I'll take the lead for a while and let you guys decide who'll eat the dust of being last and guarding our backs,” Jalaby said brightly and pulling his hat to one side of his head to better block the sun, he moved to the front. After some discussion, Sarah decided to take rear guard. So on they rode and in a few hours they finally reached the spot Constanto had pointed to and Jalaby could see the three large boulders that he had mentioned. The rocky path was fairly flat at the location where the path to the Cave Trail joined but the Cave Trail itself immediately began with a steep rise. There was plenty of room at this point and Jalaby wanted their opinions before deciding on a route.

  “Well, here we are. I'm always in a hurry, so I vote for the Cave Trail, but I'm OK either way,” Jalaby said. “I also promised someone I would bring you in on any future decision, so what do you think?” Jalaby glanced at Sarah and she smiled.

  “I think it's going to be rough, cold and wet for a month with campsites that are narrow and rocky. At least the cave will give us shelter from the weather. I fear the cold rain and snow more than the Pale Ones,” Tom said flatly. His absence of humor made Jalaby stare at him briefly.

  “I would like to find out why we came here as soon as possible. So I'm for the Cave Trail,” Sarah said and smiled at Jalaby, who immediately nodded.

  “I can go either way. I don't mind a long winter trail because it reminds me of where I grew up and I'm very used to roughing it,” Connel responded and looked towards Talisbon for his thoughts.

  Jalaby wondered why Talisbon had been so quiet lately but then figured it was just that they had all been very busy of late.

  “I'm for the caves. This old body of mine does not do cold weather well, so I would heartily vote fo
r the Cave Trail, but we must be vigilant. These cave creatures are not a joke. I've heard stories from folks back at the mill. Hopefully the stone will give us warning enough to find the right path around them.” Talisbon looked at Jalaby hopefully.

  “OK, the Cave Trail it is. Let's try to make the entrance before nightfall. It may give us shelter,” with that, Jalaby again took the lead and could sense no danger ahead from the stone around his neck. This, for the moment, gave him peace of mind.

  Chapter 24

  The Cave Trail began steep and remained steep but the path was devoid of loose stones and gravel, so man and beast were as sure footed as they could be and progress was steady.

  The sun was low in the sky when Jalaby saw the entrance and was surprised that it had such a large opening. It was at least twenty feet wide and thirty feet high. Yes, this will do just fine for tonight's shelter, he thought. The view looking out from the cave entrance was quite spectacular with a red-orange sunset and far below the ancient Woodland Forest.

  There in the distance was what had worried him the better part of the day. Thunderstorm clouds. At these elevations a lot of snow would drop when that storm pushed its way through, but no matter, they had made it to the Cave Trail entrance. Jalaby continued leading his horse and kack into the cave, which had plenty of light due to the high entrance and the low setting sun. Everyone soon filed into the cave one by one.

  “OK, lets get organized again. Tether the horses and kacks to the left side of the cave, next to that trickle of water running out the entrance,” Jalaby said tiredly.

  “Good enough but that ain't near enough distance from kack poo to suit me and might I suggest we get our water up stream, if we need any. Sarah, how about some help? I think you packed more on my kack than anyone.” Tom moved to lead his kack to the tether area.