to stand alongside them both.
“It is true sire, they have the stones, my King.” he stated boldly, speaking as if his life depended on it. “These boys are not what they seem to be. I know they are of funny appearance, but you have to try to look past that if you can sire. This boy!” he said, pointing directly at Jake. “He is a very strong warrior. I have seen him fight. He has much to learn, but I have seen none faster. He is ‘The Keeper’ reborn. I am sure of it. There is no doubt in my mind sire. The legend has come true once more. The stones have returned to you in this, your hour of need. The smaller boy has a large heart. He is the Keeper’s companio and friend. I, Verastus of Falor, owe them both my life. I come to you now to offer you my sword, my King. From this day forward, I pledge to you my allegiance. I will serve you loyally and faithfully if you will have me. But know this sire, in the spirit of honesty and in good faith; I have a debt to repay to these boys that I intend to fulfil!”
Verastus stopped speaking and there was a brief silence. Artrex was looking him up and down, as if sizing him up for something. The King was normally a good judge of character, he prided himself on it and when he looked closely, he saw nothing but honesty in Verastus’ eyes. But he still glanced at Knesh for confirmation. The Gerada smiled confidently at him and nodded in agreement.
“Very well. It is decided. We have much to discuss I think. Verastus has spoken for you, and he has spoken well. Such loyalty is not so easily found or earned. We all must take a leap of faith it seems, if we are to aid one another. You have the stones. If you truly are the Keeper, then you are most welcome. Come. Sit with us and we shall talk.” said Artrex, in a softer, more relaxed tone as he gestured to them to sit down at the table.
“But father, what of the soldiers we sighted?” asked Zephany anxiously, a little upset that her report had been largely ignored because of the strangers and their ‘little box.’
“Tuh? A scouting party of six?” Artrex replied. “We can deal with them I am sure. And our soldiers will warn us in plenty of time to move if an army is sighted. There is no need to make any rash decisions whilst Erriard protects us. We stay here for the time being. We talk. We learn. The reappearance of the stones and the Keeper, changes everything!”
Chapter 14
14th August – Near Erriard Forest – Rhuaddan
As Sawdon and Adrob made to return to Heron Getracht fortress, each of the warriors was thinking differently of the news they had to deliver to a no doubt angry and frustrated King Vantrax. The wizard King’s temper and fury was legendary, and the two soldiers had already witnessed a terrifying demonstration of his powers with the slaying of two of his soldiers at the well. Adrob was certain that it would be he who would be slain this time. He was convinced that Vantrax would want to vent his anger at someone and Sawdon, he thought, was valued far too highly to be disposed of in such a fashion. His stomach churned at the thought of the meeting that lay ahead and as he neared the gates, a bead of sweat trickled down his brow. Sawdon on the other hand, saw only opportunity in the day’s events. He knew that the boys had the stones and that Vantrax would stop at nothing to get them. H also knew that the rebel camp was within the Forest of Erriard and that their numbers were depleted to such an extent that he could be very confident of victory. He was sure that if he could return to Heron Getracht before nightfall, the Northern Army could be hastily manoeuvred into a position from where it could launch an attack at dawn.
Sawdon was a Thargw. Like all Thargws he lived for war. His whole life he had prepared for it, he enjoyed everything about it, and he knew it was something at which he excelled. The mere prospect of a battle had him quivering now with excitement. He believed strongly that this battle could completely destroy the Ruddite Rebellion once and