The Pilgrim Stone

by J D Bowens

  Consus followed his hand and noticed the case tied to her belt. Leiwyn's back stiffened, and her hand drifted toward the scroll case. "You have a keen eye, Master Kyran. Indeed, the parchment is important to our cause, but I must have your word that nothing you hear will leave this room."

  Kyran raised his hand to his heart as Consus and Altin did the same, "You have our word."

  Chapter 9

  A shadow in the night, the raven floated on the wind above the rooftops for a moment before landing on a roof across the street from the Pig in the Pot Inn. She hobbled about on her one good foot before finding a place to perch.

  She could hear the cook flirting with one of the maids in the kitchen, the heavy steps of the giant innkeeper, and the soft scurrying of mice just below the floorboards . The cook had not dumped out the old food yet. She hoped mistress would let her have some before the rats got to it.

  “Look, look,” the voice in her head said. “Where are they?” She focused and looked around the inn. There! A lit room with two women and three men. She tried to listen but heard nothing. Was her hearing getting worse? “Move closer!”

  She hopped into the air and flew towards the window. There were three men! Just like she heard. She watched the elves sit down. “Good,” she heard the mistress say. She perched herself on a neighboring rooftop and watched them.

  -----------------------------

  “We have been traveling for quite some time,” Leiwyn said. “Karinne and I left the Valenforn over a year ago, in search of an ancient relic, the Pilgrim Stone. The records in our library had said that it had been destroyed nearly two thousand years ago with the Vol’ Vathura, but I have reason to believe that it exists.”

  “What is the Pilgrim Stone?” Kyran asked. “And Vol’ Vathura?”

  “The Pilgrim Stone is an artifact the ancient priests used to travel to the realm of the gods,” she said. She appeared to consider her words before speaking again. “The Vol’ Vathura is not as easy to explain in Common Tongue.”

  Kyran turned and looked at Consus. “You are the scholar, little brother. Do you know what Vol’ Vathura is?”

  Consus stood up straight and puffed out his chest. “It is elven for 'Fall of the Gods.' According to ancient lore, the whole continent of Amarant once worshipped two gods - Arden and Nemoth. Arden was the creator of life and light and Nemoth, the Father of Blood and Shadows. The priests of the two gods constantly battled, destroying each other’s temples, and slaughtering their followers. For centuries, the continent of Amarant was plagued by an unending war. Then one day - thousands of years ago - the gods disappeared. They stopped answering prayers, and the priests lost the divina magica abilities. No one has seen any real sign of divina magica since."

  “That is correct,” she said. “The artifact we are looking for may be in a secret temple along the coast of the Nor Sea.”

  Kyran raised an eyebrow and gave a wry smile. “We have met many treasure hunters who have heard a tale or two about some lost ruins with a great treasure --”

  “I assure you,” Leiwyn interrupted, “I am not such a person. I have done my research.” She pulled a small parchment yellow with age from the scroll case. “We came across this document buried in the records of Maar Inish Library in the Southern Empire. Karinne and I lived in the city of Sanhaalin for months before I came across it. It’s the only place on the continent that possesses a complete historical record of the ancient gods, perhaps more so than we elves of the Valenforn.”

  “May I?” Kyran asked extending his hand to Leiwyn. She carefully placed the parchment in his hands, and he held it before the light. “Consus, come here and take a look at this.”

  “I believe this is Ancient Common,” Consus said looking over Kyran’s shoulder. “Roughly translated it says, ‘Stand before the Nor sea, there you must be, under the light of the moon, shall you find the tomb.’ Although ‘tomb’ also means ‘temple’ in ancient common.”

  “That is precisely what it says,” Leiwyn said. “Not many humans are familiar with Ancient Common; it’s such an old language.”

  “Well, I did enjoy reading many of the ancient stories, and I find them to be much more enjoyable in their native language,” Consus said.

  “I find that to be so very true as well.” She took the parchment back from Kyran.

  “So, this temple by the Nor Sea,” Kyran said, “can only be found in moonlight? That is quite a challenge considering shoreline is a large area to search. Perhaps my brother, Ewan the ranger, can narrow down the location with a proper map. A trip to the Dawnrose should give us some direction.”

  Leiwyn smiled as she tucked the parchment back into the scroll case. “So, you agree to help us then?”

  Kyran raised a hand to protest. “Well, first, there is the small matter of payment. As experts of the Grenloch region, we are more costly than a typical guiding expedition. Searching for an unknown temple in the dark is dangerous work, particularly since it is discouraged by the Servants of the Quintetta. We would be placing our lives and honor at risk. The mage will not be joining us so the cost of service will decrease a bit but we will also have to take a detour to obtain the proper maps and supplies before we begin travelling to the sea --”

  Leiwyn reached under her cloak to retrieve a small brown purse, apparently made of silk.

  The pouch is so small it couldn’t possibly be enough coin to pay for the journey.

  She handed the purse to Kyran who looked at her with great suspicion before opening it. "This should pay for the guidance and all costs associated with the journey. Upon the recovering the Pilgrim Stone you will receive a purse of similar size and value."

  Kyran’s eyes opened wide as he examined the contents.

  “What is it, Kyran?” Consus asked.

  Kyran poured the contents of the pouch into his hand and held them before Consus. Tiny translucent white stones fell like drops of water into his palm until nearly thirty of the gems filled it. “Diamonds,” Kyran said.

  “Not just any diamonds,” Consus said. “Amaranthium Diamonds, taken from the sap of the trees of the Valenforn.” He looked from Kyran to Leiwyn, her face without expression save for the soft smile on her lips. Each of these stones is worth twice what we would earn in a year. These diamonds are rare among even the elves. One would have to be near royalty to obtain them.

  "They are worth quite a price," Kyran said before turning back to Leiwyn and pouring the diamonds back into their pouch. “M’lady, you are quite generous --"

  “It is as you said, Master Kyran,” she said. “You are putting your lives and honor at risk on our behalf. Am I to understand that this is suitable compensation then?”

  “It most certainly is,” Kyran said.

  "Can we leave in the morning then?" Leiwyn asked.

  "We can leave whenever you bloody well please,” Kyran said. “I mean, we'll need a little time to gather a few things. But morning shall be more than fine. We can meet you outside the walls at first light."

  "Well it seems our business this evening is concluded," she said as she rose, and Karinne with her. "I look forward to our partnership and our journey tomorrow."

  Consus was the first to shake her hand before she left. “I promise you a safe journey to your hidden temple.”

  Kyran promised her the same shaking her hand and thanking her as she left the room. He closed the door behind Leiwyn and waited several moments before speaking. The spell of silence was still cast.

  “What good fortune we have come upon,” Consus said. “Escorting elves to an ancient temple. I doubt many can lay claim to such a quest.”

  Kyran nodded in agreement. “Aye, and to be so well paid for it as well. After this, our debt will be paid and we shall have more than enough capital to start the trading company.”

  Altin tapped a finger to his chin. “I would advise caution, brothers. This is the second time in only a couple days that we have heard of the lost divina magic.”

  “What would you caution us aga
inst,” Kyran said. “You yourself said that you were uncertain if what you saw with the brög was actually divina magic. It could be some other unknown magic, could it not?”

  “Perhaps, but all the same travel carefully with the elves. They are more than they appear.”

  Consus moved away from the door to the center of the room. “I agree with Altin, they are certainly hiding something. I have never seen so tense a person as Karinne, and those diamonds they gave us, only elf nobility could afford such a thing.”

  “Whatever secrets they’ve got they can keep,” Kyran said, “as long as they pose no threat to us. Do not be so concerned, Altin. We’ll be careful but I wish you could stay with us.”

  “I wish I could too, but I will leave in the dawn as you do. I would like to know if this sanctuary is more than a wild goose chase. It would be quite the tale.”

  “Bah, I don’t even know we’ll find the Pilgrim Stone,” Kyran said. “I doubt it’d work if we did find it.”

  -----------------------------

  The raven lifted into the night sky from where she was perched. She could sense her mistress was pleased. She had not been able to hear much of the conversation. She knew it was magic. But that did not seem to bother her mistress.

  “I release you for now,” she heard her say. The raven was elated as she floated around the Inn to the back. Discarded scraps of food from the kitchen littered the dirty streets and were already being scavenged by a cluster of mice. She snatched one of them with her only foot, flapping and wrestling with it for a moment before closing her beak around its neck.

  Synara pulled herself from the hypnotic connection with the raven. The hex symbol drawn into the floor was lined with candles. Their flames lit the dark room but provided little warmth. She smiled to herself as she rubbed the chill from her robes. I have found them. I found the elves. Oh, won’t mistress be pleased!

  Chapter 10

  Consus stood in the middle of a gray stone bridge that arched high above a canyon separating two realms: one bathed in fire and another covered by tall thick oak trees. Below him was the canyon with a river flowing through it. To his left, columns of flames shot up from the ground, spewing ash and smoke into the sky. The ground appeared blackened and split by the dry cracks that scarred the surface. In the distance, he could see a mountain of fire, a volcano where lava overflowed and dripped down its sides. Strange figures danced in and out of the flames and smoke, casting terrifying shadows. Their howls and screams were not human.

  To his right Consus observed a land in absolute contrast to the realm of fire. A quiet woodland beneath a night sky bursting with stars. No screams or howls emitted from beyond the trees. A gentle summer wind blew through the forest and rustled the leaves. The call of an eagle echoed down from the sky as some of the stars moved slowly against the darkness.

  How did I come to be here? he wondered. A figure wrapped in smoke appeared at the end of the bridge that touched the realm of fire. It was reptilian in appearance but as tall as a giant, its red eyes burning through the smoke. Black wings stretched out of its back and carried it towards him.

  A dragon? But they don’t exist. They can’t exist. He tried to run toward the other end of the bridge but found his legs were slow to move, as though they were caught in mud. The dragon let loose a roar that ripped through the air and with renewed fear Consus began to move a little faster towards the trees. “Help me,” he called weakly to the trees, but there was no one there to respond.

  Consus cried out in pain as he felt his left forearm burn. He lurched to a sudden halt in his retreat. Looking down at his arm he saw a burning chain wrapped about it extending from the mouth of the dragon like a strange tongue. Consus pulled at the chain in an attempt to free himself but it appeared to sink into his flesh, becoming one with his own skin. He could hear the dragon croaking with what he assumed was laughter.

  My sword.

  Consus reached down to his side and pulled his sword from its sheath. It glowed with the brilliant blue color as it had the previous night when he killed the brög. He brought the blade down upon the chain. Sparks flew into the air as the chain snapped apart. The chains around Consus’ arm clattered to the ground, severing himself from the dragon.

  Consus awoke gasping in his bed at the inn, a sheen of sweat covering him. He looked around the room frantically, searching for the dragon.

  Altin and Kyran slept comfortably on the other side of the room. He could even hear Ewan’s snores from the other room. Through the window, he could see the stars still lingering in the night sky; no sign of the fires or the shadow being that had attacked him. He looked at his forearm and was relieved to find no chains there and no scars or burns. It was just a dream, he realized. He lay in bed for several moments wondering what it meant. Had his encounter with the brögs been so frightening he was now receiving obscure nightmares?

  He needed more sleep but feared encountering the dragon again. He closed his eyes and thought of the library in Duenmer. His exceptional memory could recall every detail: the tabby cats that lounged in the sunlight, the rows of bookshelves, the many cases of scrolls, and the empty tables piled with books. Consus imagined himself walking over to one of the tables and sitting down. A cat leapt into his lap and he began to read a book on history until he fell asleep.

  Chapter 11

  Consus walked to the city gates leading his horse with the reins in his hands. “What do you think the dean wants from you?” he asked Altin.

  Altin fussed over the wrinkles in his robe as he walked beside Consus. “Hard to tell. Not like Margaret to be so secretive.”

  As they stepped past the stone wall and the open gates of Normead, Consus could see sunlight creeping over the horizon just above the small houses that spread outside the city walls. He watched his breath float as vapor and evaporate in the waning cold.

  “I shall take my leave of you now, brother,” Altin said. “The coach station is just behind us. I will take it south and then another coach to Anidrack.” Altin had already said his goodbyes to Kyran, Ewan, and Milo, but Consus insisted on accompanying him to the gate for one last goodbye.

  “I wish you could stay with us,” Consus said. “You are the only person I know who’s read as many books as I have. Who shall I talk to?”

  “Brother, no one has read as much as you. But the halfling is well versed in lore and Kyran’s wit is sharp enough. I doubt you will long for intriguing conversation and besides, you have a whole new adventure in an ancient sanctuary to look forward to.”

  “Do you really believe such a place exists?”

  Altin shrugged his shoulders. “I can’t tell, but the elves are quite knowledgeable in the history of the continent. With long lives come long memories and well-kept records. You should tell me what you discover.”

  “I will most certainly write to you about it.” Consus gave a sad smile and clapped his brother on the shoulder. Anidrack was a great distance from Normead, almost in the Southern Empire. It may be more than a couple of years before he saw Altin again.

  “Well, here is my ride,” Altin said.

  Consus looked at a black horseless carriage. The windows were shuttered closed, and the wheels were decorated with shiny white flecks. It wasn’t the first time Consus had seen this carriage. The last time he had seen it was as a child when the mages of Anidrack came to escort Altin to the college. The magical transport could cover in mere hours distances that horses would take days to cover.

  Altin embraced him and whispered goodbye. “Remember what I told you, brother. Trust me and be on the lookout for adventure. You will find your place in the world, but I do not believe it to be in a library. Go now; our brothers wait for you at the road.”

  Altin climbed into the carriage. It sped off into the horizon like a shadow passing over a hill, a trail of white flecks falling to the ground as it did. They twinkled and vanished, and the carriage was soon too far away for Consus to see it any longer.

  Mounting his horse, Consus rode ou
t to meet Kyran, Ewan, and Milo at the outer limits of the city, past the small wooden homes and shacks of Normead’s poorest residents. The morning was already becoming warmer as the sun rose higher in the sky.

  “Are you ready then?” Kyran asked as he approached. They were already mounted. Consus nodded in reply. “We are to meet them just beyond that ridge over there.”

  Consus noticed a strange leather bag tied to Ewan’s horse. “What have you there?”

  A wide grin spread across Ewan’s face. “Ah, some new tools that we may put to use while in the caves.”

  Kyran rolled his eyes. “He and the halfling bought some blasting powder this morning. They were waiting outside the shop for an hour before it opened.”

  Consus raised an eyebrow and looked back at Ewan. “Do you even know how to use that powder? I have heard of miners blowing themselves up with it.”

  “Bah, I got the gist of it.” They turned and rode to the ridge just before the horizon, away from the road. Consus made a note of keeping his distance from Ewan and his horse.

  A light autumn fog drifted across the fields as they drew closer and low clouds were quickly taking the morning sky. Consus thought the presence of the elves brightened the dreary morning. With the city behind them, Consus realized why Kyran had recommended they meet here. Away from the view of the city and behind this ridge, it was hard for anyone to see the elves but very easy for the brothers to see if they were being followed.

  “Do you think someone is watching us?” he asked Kyran.

  Kyran shook his head. “No, the elves have been careful about who they speak to and have moved through the city unnoticed. But I’d rather not take my chances with the Servants of the Quintetta and their crooked guards. I’ve had enough trouble with them this week, and I don’t plan on being burned for associating with elves.”

  Leiwyn and Karinne sat on their horses. Leiwyn greeted them with a fair and warm smile, Karinne with a simple nod and a stony face. Kyran introduced Ewan and Milo who bowed slightly on their horses.