Jalaby's Journey

by Duane Alston

  “OK, I think we can turn this battle in our favor if we destroy the Minders on the other side of these doors. I've conveyed as much to Tom.” Jalaby said.

  “That's a pretty formidable set of doors. How do you propose we break in?” Sarah asked excitedly.

  “I don't.” Jalaby smiled. “We just project on the other side and attack,” and on the count, they all projected inside and to their surprise there were only one Minder and three Fog Warriors. Jalaby recognized the Minder but before he could attack Tom shouted.

  “Noble is mine. You already had your turn Jalaby,” and he leaped into action.

  In the meantime, Sarah let go a series of arrows killing two Fog Warriors and Talisbon destroyed the other with a smashing attack.

  “Watch out Tom. He may have more powers than the other Minders,” Jalaby shouted above the noise of Tom's blade against Noble's.

  “My power comes from Solari and he'll not let you defeat me.” Noble yelled back.

  “Don't worry Tom. Whoever this Solari is, he has spread his power pretty thin and can't afford to weaken the Fog Warriors outside in order to save this one Minder.” Jalaby responded and as if on cue, with a series of smashing blows, Tom killed Noble.

  “Minders don't vaporize. Do they?” Tom said solemnly, still panting from his exertions.

  “No, they are not generated like the Fog Warriors. They are like you and I, but chose to serve evil. Don't feel bad Tom, it had to be done. Perhaps now the battle will turn in our favor.” Talisbon said.

  “Who me? Feel bad? I don't think so,” but to those who knew Tom, they could tell he was a bit shaken.

  “OK, let's take a look.” Jalaby said and moved to look out onto the battlefield below. “Doesn't look like much has changed. I suspect there are Minders among the Fog Warriors. Wait! Look out there, you can see them spread throughout their area. I'll let Brand know to have the Olandie and Zefferts concentrate on the Minders and -, I don't believe it!” Jalaby finished looking far into the distance.

  “What?” Several responded.

  “It's Kent and his army of young men from Gatson. What do you know. They said they would help and here they are. OK, Sarah you contact Brand and have them concentrate on the Minders and I'll project down to Kent and let him know that I will be projecting some powers to his group to aid in their attack on the Fog Warriors. Hang on here and I'll be back in a few minutes and then we'll join the battle!” Jalaby finished and immediately disappeared without waiting for a reply.

  “Well how do you like that, he's gone and left us. Let's attack them at the front gate and you know with your fancy armor and sword Talisbon, they might just turn tail and run.” Tom laughed as he leaned against the room's stone wall.

  “I think...” Talisbon started to reply but was interrupted by Jalaby's return.

  “They know what to do now, let's do the same. Let's locate the Minders from our vantage point here, project down, deal with them and project back here before they have a chance to respond. We'll do it in teams, same as before. Designate one to take the Minder out while the others provide cover. I think for my group it's best if Sarah takes the Minders out with her crossbow while Talisbon and I guard her. Tom and Connel, you guys decide what you want to do before you project down. Alright, let's see if we can find the Minders.” Jalaby finished and moved to the opening to again view the battle.

  “I see one!” Sarah shouted. “There to the left of their banner, about midway towards the Zefferts.” Sarah said excitedly.

  “I see him. Talisbon, do you see him?” Jalaby asked.

  “No, well yes, I see him now.”

  “OK, Sarah when you are ready, give a three count and we'll project on your orders.” Jalaby said rapidly.

  Sarah quickly readied her crossbow, gave the command and they were immediately in the middle of a group of stunned Fog Warriors. Sarah quickly fired several arrows which all met their mark and the Minder was no more. At the same time, Jalaby and Talisbon slew dozens of Fog Warriors that had been near the Minder, which created a pocket of space around them and helped keep the hundred or so Fog Warriors temporarily at bay.

  “OK, Project back on my count of three. One, two, Three.” Jalaby commanded and they were relatively safe again inside the fortress. Tom and Connel were still gone and Jalaby figured, they too had found a target. “Alright, let's find another Minder,” Jalaby said and moved to do so as the battle raged below.

  “Down there!” Sarah shouted. “Tom and Connel are in trouble Jalaby!”

  Jalaby located them. They were surrounded by hundreds of Fog Warriors and were holding their own. The Minder was being protected with such ferocity that they could make no headway.

  “Guess we better lend them a hand. As before, we'll get the Minder and clear a defensive pocket between us and the Fog Warriors.” Jalaby said excitedly and looked to each and got their nods of agreement. “Sarah, on your count of three again.”

  On three they projected down and Sarah took down the Minder while Jalaby and Talisbon cleared a way to Tom and Connel. It was a bit easier after the Minder was eliminated because the Fog Warriors seemed momentarily disoriented.

  “Pour it on! The Minder that was controlling them is gone so they are a bit mixed up at the moment.” Jalaby shouted over the battle's noise.

  Everyone did just that and began to see the Fog Warriors giving way. Their numbers in the immediate area were dwindling.

  “This pocket is pretty cleared out, let's project back and find another Minder.” Jalaby said and they projected back. “I think we need to stay together and concentrate on each Minder and once he is taken care of, we then eliminate all the Fog Warriors in the immediate area the Minder was controlling.”

  “Glad to see you're adapting,” Talisbon stated and Jalaby was not sure if that was a critique or not, but he ignored the slight, if there even was one.

  “There's a group near Brand's position with the Minder near center. Shall we?” Connel asked.

  “Time to join our friends in the battle. Let's project down to the Olandie group where that Minder is just to the left of Brand. Does everyone have the location spotted?” Jalaby asked and got the answer he needed. OK, project on three, same plan, Sarah targets the Minder and we protect. One, two, three.”

  As before, they took the Minder out but this time as they cleared out the pocket of Fog Warriors, they continued to fight and eventually merged with the Olandie group. The strategy to remove the Minders made all the difference and despite some losses of Zeffert and Olandie, they began to overwhelm the Fog Warriors to such a degree that they broke and ran, or float, as they seem to do. Headed for the transport portal no doubt and Jalaby was tempted to pursue them to the end but decided against it. He knew the Fog Warriors could regenerate but Zeffert and Olandie could not. He would figure a way to get to the source. His father must be defeated and his stones taken, but for now he called a halt to the battle to the cheers of those around him.

  Chapter 35

  They gathered in front of the gate of Fortress Aldon surrounded by their makeshift army.

  “It's a great day for all of us and I wish to thank all who made this possible. There is more to be done but I think a small band is all that will be needed for my plan to succeed. We will infiltrate Castle Langmaster and defeat my father, who has the other set of stones. For you, I ask that you return to your homelands and set up defenses for a possible future Fog Warrior attack. Send word if you have trouble and we will be there with you but it is my hope that this will be all over very soon.” Jalaby finished by shouting the final statement which brought loud yells and cheers.

  “For now, let's eat!” Shouted Tom and this brought a round of laughter but also shouts of orders to set up tables and to bring there meager stores of food forward for a makeshift feast.

  “Before some of us eat, we must return to where we projected from. We'll be back shortly, coming from that knoll over there, so save us some food.” Jalaby said and promptly disappeared along with all the othe
rs who had projected locally. The Zeffert and Olandie who projected from a distance would project back after the feast.

  They were soon back and joined in the celebration which lasted several hours. The mixture of Zeffert and Olandie people was quite interesting thought Jalaby as they sat at a table just outside the fortress front gate. The Zefferts were quite subdued with an almost mechanical quality about their interactions with their one-time enemy. The Olandie on the other hand were quite a noisy jubilant group with much eating, drinking and boisterous conversations. Jalaby had earlier called a meeting with Constanto, Malno, and Kent. The discussion was about what the next steps should be and it was Jalaby's recommendation that when they return home, they should set up a method of communication such that Jalaby could remain in contact with Kent, Malno and Constanto to support them, if and when future attacks occur. All felt the need for this couple of hours to celebrate and time to tend to their wounded before heading home.

  “Home, that's where I'd like to head as soon as possible.” Tom said, shouting to be heard over the noise of the celebration.

  “Yes, that is my wish, but we have one major task left and that is to defeat my father and take the stone set from him.” Jalaby said.

  It was late afternoon when the celebration ended and the parties finally projected back home or began their travel back depending on their situation, leaving Jalaby, Sarah, Tom, Connel, Talisbon and Henry sitting exhausted in the main room of the Fortress Aldon. It seemed to Jalaby that everyone was in great spirits, except Talisbon, who seemed subdued, so Jalaby endeavored to see how things were with him.

  “Talisbon, was it as you expected or a bit overwhelming?” Jalaby asked tiredly.

  “Oh!” Talisbon jerked to attention and focused on Jalaby. “No, I am quite happy with the outcome. I do have concerns that the stones have weakened you and you might want to consider removing them, temporarily of course.” Talisbon quickly added the latter seeing the reaction Jalaby gave him. “You must admit you are quite drained of energy and from what I know of the stone sets, you need to remove them periodically or they can be a form of addiction.”

  Jalaby's first feeling was that of anger but remembered he had thought exactly the same thing, perhaps they were habit forming. It was a mental struggle but he quickly took the stone's off and laid them on the table in front of him, which was also laden with various food and drink.

  “Got to admit, that is a load off for sure.” Jalaby sighed and really felt he could finally relax. He put his arm around Sarah, who was sitting next to him, and she smiled.

  The conversations were light after that and Tom teased and bantered with just about everyone especially Talisbon.

  “You know I never got to try on the stones back on the trail. Was it really as painful as you said?” Talisbon asked Tom, but Jalaby was immediately alert.

  “You know, you were all high and mighty on us and wouldn't try them on, but if you do, you won't like it. Stings like crazy and even burns a bit. You saw the marks I had. Are you sure you are up to it?” Tom asked with a light laugh.

  “I know I was serious back then, but we have defeated the Fog Warriors now and it would be a once in a lifetime thing to say that I once wore the Stones of Creighton even just for a second.” Talisbon said sounding almost apologetic for asking.

  “What do you say Jalaby, let him put them on? I did warn him and he still wants to. Come on, this should be fun.” Tom's eyes sparkled in anticipation of seeing Talisbon jumping around from the pain of wearing the stones.

  Jalaby was reluctant and eyed Talisbon suspiciously but the returned gaze had a look of perfect innocence that made Jalaby feel guilty. After all they had been through together that should have been enough, but it was his look and the encouraging look on Sarah's face that made up his mind.

  “Sure Talisbon, go ahead. Tom did warn you though. It can be quite painful and more than what you felt when I transferred power to you,” Jalaby said.

  Jalaby saw Talisbon's eyes gleam with a look he had never seen before, an almost hungry expression mixed with surprise.

  Talisbon reached down, took the set of stones and placed them around his neck smiling triumphantly.

  “Get ready Talliman, it's going to hurt in another minute.” Tom said smiling brightly and glancing back at the others with a mischievous look.

  “That's not likely for the last surviving relative of Kadel Langmaster!” Talisbon's stature seemed to grow in front of them and his smile was a smirk of enjoyment.

  Everyone jerked to attention with hands that moved swiftly to their swords and other weapons. All but Henry, whose face displayed surprise but little else.

  “Why you played us for fools!” Tom said coldly and Jalaby could see him tense and knew he was going to go for his weapon.

  “Wait Tom! Remember the power of the stones!” Jalaby said loudly and as if to demonstrate, Talisbon quickly disappeared and reappeared behind them, causing them to jump and turn quickly around to again face him, except for Henry who seemed lost.

  “What now Talisbon, you have the power?” Jalaby asked coldly.

  “Well, I think a family reunion is in order.”

  With that cryptic reply, Talisbon seemed to go into a trance momentarily but came out of it before anyone could react. In a matter of seconds there was a flash of bright light and a man dressed in a gold lined red cape suddenly appeared before them.

  “Jalaby, I introduce you to the one you seek, not your father but his brother Solari, keeper of the other set of stones. I am sorry to tell you this but I have been working with Solari to procure this set of stones that I am wearing. It does not matter now, but for your information, Solari has held your father prisoner at his castle for a very, very long time,” said Talisbon no longer sounding like a professor in lecture.

  Everyone was stunned and Sarah cried out, “Talisbon, no!”

  Jalaby saw Sarah's outburst had brought a flicker of something to Talisbon's countenance but he was unsure as to what it was. He ignored Solari and tried to get through to Talisbon. “Why not wield the power yourself, you are Solari's equal now?” Jalaby asked hoping to find some leverage.

  “Stalemate? You think I want to waste my time trying to best Solari while he does the same to me? To what purpose? No! I've made my decision, especially after getting to know you Master Langmaster. No, you will not do. Solari has the personality to wield both stone sets.”

  “Both! I thought that couldn't be done?” Jalaby argued.

  Before he could answer, Solari raised a hand and immediately everyone looked his way.

  Solari was small in stature but the size of his head in proportion to the rest of his body, was large and seemed to command attention. He had a well carved face with hard edges to the cheekbones of his hollow cheeks and a square chin with a prominent cleft in the center. His eyes were sunken but large and bright and there was about him an expression of eagerness.

  “Before we go further. The stones!” Solari stretched his hand to Talisbon; his voice was unusually soft but commanding.

  “Yes your excellency.” Talisbon bowed, removed the stones from around his neck and while bowing presented them to Solari.

  “You're pathetic Talisbon!” Tom shouted with a look of distaste on his face.

  “Silence fool!” Solari said and with a wave of his hand knocked Tom back about five feet and to the floor.

  The others quickly lifted him back to his feet while Solari ignored them as he inspected the stones.

  “Wonderful! Even without the second set I have enough power to rule my world.” Solari stated this to himself and it seemed to the others that he felt no one else really mattered.

  Jalaby noticed that Talisbon seemed taken aback by Solari's statement and now spoke up.

  “But I have brought the original book from when the stones were created and remember the Fog Warriors did meet defeat by poison water in the Great War. Who knows what others may come up with to challenge you. By combining the stones, there will be no power or
entity to challenge you and you will live forever.” Talisbon finished with a great flourish to which Solari became quite animated.

  “Yes, yes that's right. I will be the complete ruler and never again will the likes of a farm boy be in a position to oppose me. Talisbon, the book! Tell me what must be done and you will get the reward I promised.” Solari beckoned Talisbon with a crooked and bony finger.

  “First, you will need to remove the set of stones you are wearing.” Talisbon said and Solari clutched at his stones in alarm.

  “I can see that causes you distress. Possibly, since we are all so close to you in this hall, you might fear we would overpower you and take the stones. There is no need to fear, we can go outside and move away from you to whatever distance you require.” Talisbon said solicitously and bowed again as Tom shook his head and looked at the others. Tom noticed the puzzled look on Jalaby's face.

  Solari nodded and motioned them to move outside without a word. Once outside, Solari stayed near the Fortress front gate while everyone else moved a short distance down the valley.

  “OK, get on with it.” Solari said to Talisbon in a flat calm voice.

  Talisbon seemed to become flustered and nervously responded. “OK, I've got the book on the stones right here. Let me see.” Talisbon paused his speech and began to leaf through the book as Solari impatiently looked on.

  “Don't do it!” Pleaded Sarah, to which Solari raised a hand again but did not take action because Talisbon immediately made a grunting noise that momentarily distracted him.

  Jalaby meanwhile was quietly watching, to the dismay of the others.

  “Jalaby, isn't there anything we can do?” Connel whispered.

  “I think just trust our instincts and hope they are right.” Jalaby said solemnly to which Talisbon glanced back at him but displayed no emotion.

  “Here! I have it my lord. The stones themselves should never touch each other, that was the mistake our ancestors made. You must take off your set of stones and touch the pendants that hold the two sets side to side. This will combine them and when you wear them, ultimate power will be yours,” Talisbon finished and bowed again to Solari.