Taragon Stein: The Search For The Soul Crystal
Page 48
“Off with that Crowmach fellow. Luka says now that the north have been beaten back past the Great Divide, he is due to return within the next few days.”
“What else did our fiery-eyed friend have to say, was there any news of Jaramel?”
Baram grinned. “Apparently he has the use of his arms now, but Luka said it would take another month or so before he fully recovers.”
“Well at least he now has the opportunity to read another book,” I grinned.
Baram returned my smile before a look of sudden remembrance shot across his face.
“By Thundar’s hammer, I almost forgot! He left you a gift, there on that table.”
“Me?” I replied turning to view a bulky object hidden from view under a piece of black cloth.
“Yes, smiled Baram, “I had the impression that he was here to see you rather than me anyway.”
With my curiosity aroused, I moved slowly to the table before cautiously lifting the corner of the cloth. What lay underneath was instantly recognisable to the eye.
“My Glowball staff!” I said aloud whilst throwing back the rest of the shroud.
“Luka said that it does not have the worth of your last one, but it works just the same.”
Through a smile, I bathed the room in brief illumination, before the second touch of my hand diminished the magic within the globe.
“Well imagine that!” I said genuinely pleased. But Baram’s expression had taken a turn for the sour.
“Is everything okay my friend,” I asked bemusedly.
“Yes…everything is well…it’s Just that upon the King’s return, I am to receive a medal!”
“A medal,” I returned surprised, “that’s news indeed Baram, and well deserved.”
Baram rolled his eyes towards me. “There is going to be a ceremony and everything. You were to receive one too, but I have already informed Luka that you would not be attending.”
“And a wise move to my friend, so tell me why the glum looking face?”
“Damn it Taragon,” the big man snapped, “I don’t deserve it! You, yes, and Jaramel, but not I. I did nothing apart from getting in the way… It would have been best if I just stayed at home!”
With his head hanging low Baram looked like a child that had lost a puppy. It was time to correct this oaf on a few matters for his consideration.
“What of the arrow?” I asked.
“The arrow?” Lifting his head, Baram frowned.
“Yes, the arrow,” I said again more forcibly “If it were not for you getting shot in the leg and poisoned, we might never have found Ackrulas, and hence still be searching even now about the Dead Lands for the Soul Crystal.”
“Well…yes but I….”
“And do you think for one moment,” I interrupted, “that myself and Jaramel could have survived the Wolvern’s attack if it were not for your Axe?”
Baram took on a look of thoughtful contemplation before breaking into a grin.
“Should I continue, or will you accept the fact that your award is well deserved?”
“You know… you may be right,” grinned Baram whilst rising in stature, “I shall graciously accept the honour,” he smiled.
“Indeed!” I agreed. “Now if pride has not swelled your head too much, maybe you could possibly fit it through this door and see me to my horse?”
With his spirits lifted, my friend walked through the streets of Ranak-Lore as if they had been built for him and him alone. He talked about a great many things as we walked, and I pretended to be interested enough to listen. But even after we collected Storm, and came to stand outside the City’s gates, we continued to avoid the fact that this would be the end of our adventures together. Baram’s future remained here within the City, and as for me …well, I still had not found what I was searching for.
Upon mounting Storm, Baram passed me the reins.
“What now Taragon? Where will you go? What will you do?”
I shrugged at the remarks before returning a grin.
“Well my friend, I hear that there is a voluptuous daughter of a wealthy merchant that needs to be saved from a life of moral upbringing in Nashmere…perhaps I’ll head there.”
Baram smiled as he shook his head, “Same old Taragon, you’ll never change will you.”
I returned the smile just as the lump in my boot reminded me I had one last duty to perform. Sliding my hand between the leather, I retrieved the object that had been the cause of much discomfort and tossed it to Baram.
“Here, this is for you…”
With a puzzled expression, Baram unclenched his fist to reveal an enormous sparkling ruby in the palm of his hand. The weaponsmith’s face was a picture of stunned disbelief, as the morning’s sun reflected the gemstone’s worth for his eyes to behold.
“Taragon…I cannot accept this. Why this must merit more than your reward!”
With a hand raised I silenced his words.
“Call it a wedding gift,” I smiled, “Do with it what you will.”
“I do not know what to say…”
“Say nothing my friend,” I replied, “But do hide it away before I remember its worth!”
As Baram secured his jewel, I outstretched my hand, which was subsequently crushed by the big man’s farewell.
“Take care of yourself Baram Oakengood.”
“And you too Taragon Stein, may the Gods always watch over you.”
With a final smile, I pulled upon the reins and headed south. I knew Baram would remain there waiting until I was out of sight. What I did not know at the time was that would be the last time I would ever see him. Our paths were never destined to cross again; his future had been decided, his adventures had ended. Mine however, were just beginning…
Copyright © 2017: Jason L Crocker
About the Author:
Born in Greenwich, South East London, 1971. I was raised by Joan and Douglas Crocker. One of Five children. Born into a loving family, but not a wealthy one it was too my books that I sort my escape from realities of life... as we all do. I was especially drawn to those of the fantasy fiction genre. Brought up on stories from Robert E Howard's Conan, and Steve Jackson and Ian Livingston these authors helped me through my childhood years.
Currently living in Bognor Regis West Sussex, With wife Hannah and Daughter Amy along with Nibbles the Hamster. I want to thank all my friends and family for their support over the years in producing this book, with a special mention to Joanna, who knows only too well what the L in my name stands for.
I fondly remember as a boy, how I longed for a magic portal to open up in front of me to take me to strange new lands full of wizards, magic, and monsters.....I'm still waiting.
Table of Contents
Chapter One:
Chapter Two:
Chapter Three:
Chapter Four:
Chapter Five:
Chapter Six:
Chapter Seven:
Chapter Eight:
Chapter Nine:
Chapter Ten:
Chapter Eleven:
Chapter Twelve:
Chapter Thirteen:
Chapter Fourteen:
Chapter Fifteen:
Chapter Sixteen:
Chapter Seventeen:
Chapter Eighteen: