When they’d finished, they were both physically and mentally drained. Everyone fell silent for a while, and in due course, it was Verastus who spoke.
“So, Tien. What now? You have heard the tale so far, will you once again write the pages of history? Does your promise of earlier still hold true? Will you help us to restore the stones?”
Tien stared at each of them in turn, as if trying once again to gauge their sincerity and fortitude. Eventually, he replied.
“Yes, Verastus. I will help you. After all, it is what I do. It will not be easy though! I know of a few stones. We may be able to replace the corner gems, if our journeys are free from incident, which I seriously doubt. Vantrax must know of your intentions by now, he will not let you restore the stones if he can stop you. Word will have spread of your deeds, Jake. The journey will be fraught with danger. But, the centre stone... There is only one piece of Reolite that I know of which is large enough. That is...”
“Yes. I know, Tien.” interrupted Jake, guessing correctly the wizards thoughts. “But if that is what has to happen, then...”
“Ra! Spoken like a true Keeper.” Tien shouted, his spirits buoyed by the determination in Jake’s eyes. “So be it. The journey will begin tomorrow. The centre stone will wait until last. We may find another way, another stone perhaps?”
“Tomorrow?” asked Ben, a little disappointed. “Why not now?”
“Ha, ha... Time is getting on, Ben. It is late in the afternoon, we will not be able to travel far before having to rest for the night, better to rest fully in the safety of the mountain and start early in the morning. We will need the time to put as much distance between us and those Taskans as possible!” stated Tien.
The old wizard shuddered as he mentioned the warriors he knew were combing the countryside below them. He knew the Taskans had doubled their patrols after chasing the three fugitives, for he’d seen it all in a vision.
Tien knew a lot more. More than he could tell, though he desperately wanted to speak.
In the end though, all he could manage was, “Yuurgghhh, Taskans. Nasty creatures!”
Chapter 40
17th August – The Pursuit of the Rebels
The entire Rebel Army now poised to leave Soreen village knew how much depended upon the success of Jake’s mission to find Tien. Without the wizard, the stones couldn’t be restored. And without the stones, the Rebellion had little hope of combating King Vantrax’ evil magic and winning the war. King Artrex watched the three friends disappear over the horizon and then mounted his horse. He waited for the other riders to do the same and then waved the new army forward. The ground beneath them shook as thousands of horses, men and women began walking at the same time. It was still early morning in Rhuaddan, the sun was shining brightly and there was a cool easterly breeze blowing across the open fields which caressed the soldier’s cheeks, like a long lost friend. It was yet another beautiful day as the rebels headed for Nadjan and the besieged city of Dassilliak.
They journeyed for several hours and for some distance without incident, the King riding happily beside his daughter and Queen Bressial, with Lord Castrad following closely behind, still refusing to let his cousin out of his sight now that she’d been safely delivered back into his care. The pace of their march in the first few hours was painfully slow, many of the soldiers in the new army were on foot, wearing old, worn out shoes or no shoes at all, and there was a shortage of horses and transport, which hampered their progress. It was beginning to seriously concern the King.
“Raaargh!” he suddenly shouted in frustration, startling all those around him. “We will be caught in the open if we cannot increase the pace. We are far too slow. It will not do!” he shouted angrily.
“I agree father,” answered Princess Zephany, sharing Artrex’ concern that the enemy might catch them, “can I suggest something? Castrad and I can take some soldiers with us and ride into the surrounding villages and towns? We can borrow and steal if we have to, we need carts and wagons and horses. In the circumstances, I think…”
“Yes, daughter. A fine idea.” answered Artrex, interrupting her before she’d finished her sentence. “Only, we do not want to make enemies of our people, we