The Keeper of the Stones

Chapter 34



Night of 16th/17th August – Soreen Village - Rhuaddan



The village of Soreen was a picturesque rural hamlet situated in the heart of the Rhuaddan countryside. It was a place of peace and tranquillity that had been largely untouched by the ravages of war which had so badly scarred Rhuaddan’s other villages, towns and cities. For Jake and Ben it was almost a living history lesson. The houses, cottages, farms and lifestyle resembled all the pictures they’d seen at school of pre-industrialised England. It was set in the kind of idyllic scenery they’d expect to find on the front of chocolate boxes back home. The small farms and cottages that lay scattered awkwardly around the fields and meadows were all beautifully built, with thatched straw roofs and walls that were whitewashed in a local cream-coloured dye, rendering them extremely pleasing to the eye.

The village contained just one alehouse and Inn, ‘Seon’s Shield’, an old reputable establishment which had stood on the same spot for centuries. It was named after a great Rhuaddan Lord and warrior, who had defeated their Nadjan neighbours in the last major conflict fought between the two countries some one hundred and thirty years ago. It was always well frequented as it was the only safe place for recreation within miles. The wooden beams and open fire of the main room made for a very pleasant atmosphere most of the time. The local population were well known for being genial hosts who regaled folk stories steeped in history to anyone who wanted to listen, and many who did not. Given the chance, most of their stories inevitably reverted to song at some point, for all Rhuaddans loved to sing and the more ale they consumed, the louder their song.

Onall’s party arrived at Soreen in the afternoon of the sixteenth of August. His force included twenty-five rebel soldiers, around one thousand freed slaves, and a young boy called Aaralf, the same soldier who’d defected from King Vantrax’ forces at Heron Getracht fortress and who now arrived joyfully home. Aaralf had been placed in Onall’s party deliberately by Jake, who believed that the seasoned warrior was most likely to reach Soreen first and would probably need the young boy’s help to talk to the local villagers, and prepare them for the arrival of the rest of the ‘new’ Rebel Army. Aaralf was overjoyed to be home and could hardly contain himself. The villagers, who had all seemed reluctant at first to leave their homes and welcome the unknown travellers, came out into the streets in force once it was known that one of their own was amongst the group and had returned. Still, Onall and his party had been met with considerable resistance and caution from many of the inhabitants, all of whom feared intensely the probable wrath and vengeance of King Vantrax and Sawdon, should they hear of the villagers aiding the rebels or their allies in any way.

A great heated debate had spontaneously erupted in the main room of the alehouse as Onall and Aaralf attempted to explain to the villagers the magnitude of what was now happening. Some of the locals had stormed out of the room to lock themselves away in their homes, determined to be seen to have nothing to do with Vantrax’ enemies. But many of them had decided to help, after much soul searching and deliberation. They were all fully aware of the possible drastic consequences of their decision, but all were excited by the news of King Artrex’ imminent arrival and further inspired by tales of the return of, ‘The Keeper of the Stones’.

Aaralf and Onall were sitting in the alehouse talking with members of the young boy’s family, trying to learn as much as they could about the Northern Army and its movements, when a loud cheer was suddenly raised by the slaves standing outside. It announced in emphatic style the arrival of Verastus and his group of freed slaves. The alehouse emptied in seconds as everyone raced outside to see what was happening, leaving only Ddesgin, the owner and barkeeper, left in the room.

Verastus was walking at the head of a column of twelve hundred, the slaves and soldiers in his party were all cheering loudly and they raced forward as fast as they could to greet the volunteers of Onall’s party who had lined the streets to meet them, also cheering and clapping to celebrate their collective freedom. They all began hugging and kissing like long lost friends, though few in both parties actually knew each other. Verastus’ head was hanging low and he didn’t join in the celebrations, the deaths of three of his soldiers still weighed heavily on his mind and he wasn’t in the mood for partying. He strode up to Onall and Aaralf who were standing outside the alehouse.

“Greetings my friends, how did you fare?” he asked dejectedly.

Onall looked at Aaralf, the young boy was about to respond excitedly, but he stopped himself to allow the soldier beside him to answer.

“We freed around a thousand slaves. Most have joined our cause and are resting here, or in the surrounding fields and houses. The raid went well, Jake’s plan of attack was good, we took no casualties. And you, Verastus? Did you encounter problems?” the soldier asked, picking up on his comrade’s obvious despair.

Verastus didn’t alter his facial expression as he spoke. “Our raid went well also. But we came across an enemy patrol that was heading for… Well, we had to stop it. I lost three of my men killed in the fight that followed. I think I should maybe have…”

“This is war Verastus!” interrupted Onall sharply. “We all know the risks we take on a daily basis. None of us here expects to live forever my friend, we made our peace with death long ago. We are not afraid to die, we have been fighting for far too long. If our deaths serve a higher purpose and help to restore our King to his rightful place, then we will go gladly. Now, how many slaves did you free?”

“Just short of twelve hundred I would say.” answered Verastus, humbled by Onall’s words.

“Excellent! That, my friend, is a remarkable total for the losses you report! You should be very proud of yourself. Come now, let us drink to celebrate while we await our King.” said Onall happily, placing his arm around Verastus and leading him into the alehouse.

Verastus nodded an acknowledgment. “I will join you, Onall. But I shall not drink if you do not mind? I do not have the stomach for it. I hear what you have said, and I thank you, but it is I who will see the faces of those soldiers in my dreams tonight. And I who will have to live with the choices I have made.”

* * *



In the early hours of the evening, Soreen village was a hive of excitement and activity, everyone was busy searching for lost friends or relatives, ale and wine was flowing freely, many were regaling or listening to the fantastic stories being told about their escape from the mines and the journey to the village. Some were telling of the tales they had heard on the journey of the young Keeper whose arrival and supposed deeds had struck fear into the hearts of enemy soldiers.

Suddenly, the noise in the village was interrupted by the sound of a battlehorn. Everyone looked anxiously towards the western approaches.

The sight that greeted them was like something from legend. King Artrex was riding nobly at the head of his army, his shoulders back, his chest puffed out and his head held high, with Ben riding proudly behind him. His unfurled banners were blowing majestically in the wind and the King looked for all the world like a great, conquering hero returning home.

Mass hysteria gripped the village. Emotion overcame slaves, soldiers and civilians alike. The majority of the ‘new army’ were now standing in the fields and meadows outside the village itself as the sizeable force could not be contained within its boundaries, but this did not curb their enthusiasm at seeing their King, and their joy knew no bounds.

Artrex and Ben fought their way through the jubilant crowds and the King eventually stopped his horse outside the alehouse, where Onall and Verastus stood smiling broadly, waiting to greet them. Aaralf appeared, he immediately dropped to his knees at seeing his King and the majority of the surrounding crowd joined him. Artrex dismounted and helped Ben down before holding up his hand to silence the cheering throng. Everyone was quiet as they waited patiently for the King to speak.

“My friends, this is truly a most welcome sight! To see so many of you here warms my heart, though I admit, I am not sure I understand how…?”

He looked enquiringly at Verastus, who shrugged his shoulders slightly in response. Then he looked back at the crowd and continued.

“…It does not matter now, there will be a time for explanations, and I will listen to them thankfully. But for now, we, my friends, are an army once more. We are now worthy of that title. Now we will take the fight to those who have sought to enslave us. We will strike at a time and a place of our choosing. And when we do, it will be with the wrath and vengeance of all our peoples! Of free people!!! We will avenge our dead!” he shouted excitedly.

The crowd cheered wildly. Even those who couldn’t hear the speech joined in as the King’s words were relayed by those around them. After a short while, Artrex held up his hand once more and they all fell silent again.

“Get some rest now, we all have long journeys ahead of us. We will need all our strength for the trials that lie ahead.” stated the King, waving for the crowds to go with his arm. They dispersed slowly and filtered away. Artrex turned to Verastus and Onall, he placed a hand on each of their shoulders as lked with them into the Inn.

“Come my fine warriors, I need you to explain this wonderful miracle to your King. Spare no detail.” he said happily. Ben followed closely behind, he shouted to them all as they entered the doorway.

“Hey! Please, please, I have to know. Tell me, what’s happened to Jake?”

* * *



The light was fading when one of the rebel lookouts spotted a large group approaching on the northern plains. He immediately took out his Geslaq from his pocket and whirled it around his head to raise the alarm. The rest of the army in the village grabbed their weapons and poured out of every conceivable hiding place to meet the unknown threat. It was hard to make out the shapes in the distance in the diminishing light, but Artrex quickly realised that they weren’t positioned as an attacking force would be and he told his soldiers to relax a little. Verastus strained his eyes, a broad smile formed on his face as he recognised the two shapes at the head of the column.

“It is Queen Bressial and Lord Castrad!” he shouted triumphantly.

Artrex looked at him in disbelief, hardly daring to believe it. The crowd around them began to cheer and celebrate once again and within seconds the King was struggling to make himself heard above the noise. He bellowed at the top of his voice to Ben and Verastus.

“Shaarr!!! The Gods be praised. I never thought I would live to see this day. Oh, Knesh my friend,” he shouted, looking up at the sky above, “you did it! You have given us all hope when we thought that hope was lost forever. Oh day of days!” he cried joyfully, tears of happiness filling his eyes. He turned to look directly at Ben. “You Ben my friend, you and Jake have made all of this possible, along with Knesh. Whatever the outcome of our journey from here, I want you to know now that I will be eternally grateful for this day. I am whole again!! There is a fire in my belly that has been missing for years. I thank you both on behalf of our people. You have earned our respect and gratitude a thousand times over, and we will never forget it!”

Ben was a little embarrassed by the King’s words and he didn’t know how to respond, so he just bowed his head slightly to acknowledge what had been said. Then he replied as only he could.

“Thanks,” he answered casually, “it’s nothing really. I just wanna see Jake.”

* * *



An hour or so later, Seon’s Shield was crammed with well wishers, all of them trying to pay their respects to Queen Bressial. Lord Castrad was trying his best to persuade the Queen to retire for some much needed rest but she was steadfastly refusing to entertain the idea, determined to greet her people and politely ignoring the insistence of her well intentioned cousin. Ben and Artrex were catching up with Verastus, listening to his stories of the incredible liberation of the slaves from Heron Getracht with wonder and amazement, and finding themselves further impressed by the planning of the mine raids and the daring, foresight and vision displayed by the fifteen year old leader of the campaign.

Verastus was still in full flow when the rumbling of yet more celebrations were heard from the crowd outside. He cocked his ear to listen, but his arm was knocked hard by the speeding Ben, who rushed excitedly towards the door. He raced to the edge of the village and fought his way to the front of the crowd that was staring into the darkness to the east. Silhouetted shapes could now be seen still some way off in the distance. Ben couldn’t tell who they were, but he just knew instinctively that it was Jake!

He sprinted towards them, almost tripping in the darkness on the rocks and stones that littered the ground and having to push the bag down as he ran to prevent the bouncing box from hurting his side and falling out. As he reached the oncoming group he recognised the boy leading the first horse, on which two elderly slaves were seated.

“Jake!!!” he cried ecstatically, as he ran towards him.

Jake let go of the horse’s reigns and rushed to meet his friend. The two boys hugged each other tightly and then danced up and down with joy. They each began checking the other for signs of wounds or injuries and both were relieved to find that there were none. It was strange, but neither boy knew what to say at first, there was a momentary awkward silence as they both were inexplicably lost for words. Then, Jake recovered himself.

“Hello mate. Still alive then? How’s things? You’ve still got the box I see?” he asked, nodding with his head to the bag that was slung over Ben’s shoulder.

“Yeah, still got it pal. Ahh Geez Jake, It’s so good to see ya. I’ve got so much to tell you. Knesh…”

“Not now.” interrupted Jake wearily. “Let’s get these people in first, they’ve been through a lot and they need to rest.”

“Sure, okay Jay,” answered Ben, “you’re the boss.” he added, obeying Jake’s command without question or repost. “But... They’ve been through a lot? And so have you, from what I hear?”

* * *



Jake’s entry into Soreen village was a scene of wild celebration that eclipsed even the arrival of King Artrex and Queen Bressial. Everybody went wild with excitement and celebrated as they’d never done before. Jake was lifted high on the shoulders of the awaiting soldiers and it was almost an hour before he was able to extricate himself from the partying to join Artrex, Bressial and the rest inside the alehouse. They all hugged Jake in turn, he was treated like a returning hero, or a long lost family member, and the open displays of gratitude and raw emotion were almost too much for him to bear. He was greatly embarrassed by it all. Ben didn’t leave his side. He kept on telling him that he deserved the adulation for all he’d done, which did nothing to alleviate Jake’s embarrassment. King Artrex was the last to embrace him, the warrior holding him closely for several seconds to a chorus of cheers from the soldiers in the room. The King deliberately looked Jake in his eyes and smiled warmly at him before he released his hold. Then they all sat down. When he’d settled a little and the room had calmed, Jake looked around with mounting concern.

“Where’s Zephany?” he asked.

“No news. Not yet. But I hear she had the furthest to go and a tough journey ahead of her? She will be in soon. My daughter is made of strong stuff, she has had to be. She will be here, I am sure of it. It has been to wonderful a day to be spoilt now. I have heard of your deeds, Jake. Though I can hardly believe my ears. Tell me, how many did you free at the great mine?” asked the King.

“Err, what? Oh yeah, sorry. Two and a half thousand I think.” replied a distracted Jake, who was still searching the room with his eyes.

Artrex spat out his ale in astonishment. “Wh… What??? That is an army in itself! Why I…”

The King was interrupted rudely as he spoke by an increasingly concerned Jake.

“Knesh, where’s Knesh?” he asked, first looking at Artrex and then at Ben.

“We do not know…” began Artrex.

“He’s dead mate!” stated Ben quickly. “He gave his life for us so that we could escape. That’s what I was trying to tell you earlier.”

The news completely stunned Jake. He was staggered and mortified. Everyone in the room suddenly went quiet, unsure of what to say, they all began reflecting sadly on the loss of their greatest warrior until, after a short while, it was Verastus who ended the silence.

“I think we all need to understand what has happened, so that we can all move forward. I will say this, it is my last word on the death of our friend; as I have had pointed out to me recently by a trusted companion, Knesh was a soldier. He knew the risks, and he took them willingly. He chose to lay down his life for his King and we have to respect that. We have to honour him, and we have to ensure that his death was not in vain!”

It was all that needed to be said. A drink was taken in honour of Knesh and, around an hour later, Zephany’s force trudged exhaustedly into the village. She had only twelve soldiers with her, but she had brought more than thirteen hundred freed slaves, all of whom were cold, wet and tired from the long march. They were all greeted like heroes by the rest of Atrex’ new army and it considerably lifted their spirits. But Zephany was still mourning the loss of her soldiers and no one was able to console her.

The news of the death of Knesh hit her harder than anyone could have imagined. She withdrew herself completely from the crowds in the alehouse and retired to a quiet room to grieve in private. Jake instinctively tried to follow her, hoping to comfort her somehow, but he was stopped by the King.

“Let her go.” Artrex said sympathetically. “She needs to be alone right now. Come along with me, and you can attempt to inform me just how it is that you have performed such magic, for I do not understand? The stones are not yet fixed. And yet you have worked miracles here. I would very much like to hear how, if you please? And then, we must hold a war council to decide on a plan of action. For we now have an entire army to equip and train. We have a whole campaign to devise and plan. And we have a war to win!”