The Home Stone

Thanking the healer, the four left his house and headed to the north gate and followed the road that ran along the shore of Haven Bay. Roma guessed that it would take the better part of three days before reaching Castle North and meeting up with Shamus Redfern. Before leaving the city, Roma asked the guard at the gate about any barbarian activity in the area. He told her that there were sightings, but nothing to warrant sending out the army.

They spent the day trying to make up for the lost time on the road that led to Castle North. Back in Haven, Roma had purchased more supplies than what she had given to the healer. She spent the last of her coin on some bread, cheese and had one of the waterskins filled with some good strong dwarf ale. This should last them until they reached the home of Shamus Redfern. They followed the bay and only entered the forest to hunt.

By noon the following day they passed a small tower called Castle Gar. It protected the inner bay from any enemy ships trying to invade Haven. The narrow opening, opened up to a much larger bay that was patrolled by the small Rogalander’s navy. Since the western shore of the Great Western Sea was pounded by eternal rough seas; the king saw no reason to patrol the coastline, for no one could attempt a landing for fear of being crushed against the huge boulders that made up the shoreline. With a small standing army, the royal family counted on the numerous clans, scattered about the countryside, to help in a time when the country would be under attack. They continued along the shoreline path until they came to a very secluded spot with bushes that ran almost to the water. Here for a short stretch the shore consisted of sand and not rocks.

Roma was the first to call for a short stop and went to the bushes, leaving the elves wondering what she was up to. Without looking back, Roma stripped down to her bare skin and entered the water. At first the body was shocked by the cold water covering her hot skin, but then she got used to it and called for the others to join her. Raven spoke to Hollis and then joined Roma. Brianna was a bit more reserved and only took off her outer clothing before entering the frigid water, leaving only Hollis alone to keep watch. After some time the three felt clean again, as they hadn’t had the chance for a full bath since they left the island, some weeks back. When they were dressed, Raven allowed Hollis to do the same. She then approached Roma to speak to her about the next leg of her journey when Brianna stopped her.

“You seem to have some interest in her,” she stated.

“That does not concern you!” she said in an angry tone. “It’s not your business to stick your nose into my affair. You have been chosen to come here for a reason and I’m here to see that you are protected. What I do with my time has nothing to do with you. Have I made myself clear?”

Brianna nodded that she understood and with her head bowed, she turn and walked towards the road.

“A little harsh on her, weren’t you?” asked Roma, as she came closer to Raven who was tying back her still wet hair. “What did you say to her? She seems dejected by what you said.”

“She seems to think that she can bud into other people’s affairs,” Raven answered.

Shaking her head and smiling, Roma picked up her things and joined the young elf. Raven waited until Hollis was dressed and ready to continue, before joining the rest.

The path now led away from the shoreline and deeper into the forest. Here the trees grew straight and tall. They marveled at the height and width of these fir trees that grew to a height of one hundred feet and more. Some trees were so wide in diameter that it would take ten men with their arms stretched out to encircle it. Hollis made a comment that one could hollow out a tree like that and make them a comfortable home inside one.

On the morning of the third day their supply of food ran out and so they had to rely on foraging for berries and water until they reached their destination. They were just off the beaten path and gorging themselves on a patch of berries, when Raven stood up straight and motioned with her hands to be quiet. Listening for a moment, Brianna asked what was wrong? Hushing her with an angry look, Raven turned to Roma and Hollis.

“It’s too quiet,” she stated. “Listen. Not a bird or insect sounding. Something or somebody is nearby.”

As quickly as they could, they climbed the nearest tree and hid up in its thick canopy. Roma, who was closest to the ground, had a clear view both up and down the trail and from her vantage point she would be able to see anyone, or any creature coming. They sat there for some time, when from the north path came six barbarian dressed men. They stopped where Roma and her party had been picking berries and looked around. Searching everywhere and even looking up into the very tree where the four were hiding the six moved on down the trail, as one pointed after giving the area one more look.

When the coast was clear the four climbed down and left the area. They moved as quietly as their boots would let them and after an hour or so ran into a patrol of Rogalanders sitting on a grassy knoll and conversing with each other. Suddenly the first soldier jumped up and withdrew his weapon from its scabbard. Roma held up her hands to show that she had not drawn her sword and the other three did the same.

“We did not come here for a fight.” Roma explained. “We seek a man called Shamus Redfern. Do you know of him?”

The nearest soldier held up his shield that had a fire red fern emblazoned on it and said. “Does this answer your question?” he asked. “Why do you seek him?”

Roma lowered her arms and slowly approached. She explained their presence here and asked once more if they knew Shamus?

“He is our leader,” the soldier said. He seemed to be the highest ranking one with the troop and was clearly in charge here. Roma then told him about the barbarians that were on their way to Haven, or at least part of the way. She also told him that they were probably looking for them. Assuring the four friends that they were in no danger here, because this land belonged to the Redfern clan, they would escort them to the castle.

Darkness had already set in, when they reached the castle. The drawbridge had already been pulled up making any entrance impossible. The sergeant advised not to get too close to the moat that surrounded the castle for it was filled with crocodiles and that they were fed very little food so that anyone trying to scale the walls would not get too far while swimming or even with a canoe. These creatures had a ferocious appetite, especially for man flesh. Giving a guard up on the wall a password that was changed on a regular basis, the drawbridge slowly descended and the friends along with the patrol entered the keep. Once inside the heavy wooden bridge was closed once more and the four were asked to relinquish their weapons. Told that this was a precautionary move to protect the clan leader, the four reluctantly handed over all of their weapons. The sergeant then escorted them to the main hall where Shamus and some other clan members were eating and drinking. All conversations stopped as the diners looked up and saw three Drow Elves standing before them. The soldier then approached a man with a short red beard and whispered something to him. The sitting man stood up and motioned that the four join them at the supper table.

“My good friends,” he began, “we are indeed lucky to have such honored guests tonight. Three, from the great Drow city, in the islands to the south and one, from our neighbor and ally, of Enderby. Won’t you please join us for a humble dinner?”

It was clear to Roma that this man was using a sarcastic tone, for the Drow were not welcome in most parts of the continent. For many years they sent raiding parties into Enderby and Rogalandt, so upon seeing three of them here in the castle were an unwelcome sight to most that lived here.

“You must be Shamus Redfern,” said Roma in a tone that matched their host. “And I thought that the Redfern clan always fought on the side of man and elf, but what I see and hear here this night, makes me think twice.”

Still standing the four friends stared at Shamus. Finally the highlander smiled and in a changed tone asked them to sit and sup with him. Only then did the friends comply and sit down. They were treated to a delicious dinner that consisted of roast venison, mashed potatoes with heavy gravy, boiled carrots and peppers. Along with that a good wine was poured into goblets of gold and for those that preferred ale; pintsize flagons were set on the table. When the meal was concluded Shamus rose from his chair and asked the four to join him in a private room off to one side.

The room was lavishly decorated with wall hangings and large rustic furniture. There was nothing simple about the furnishings here. There was a huge fireplace off to one side and chairs large enough for Roma to curl up in. On the table that stood in the middle of the room stood a bowl filled with fruits and a large carafe that was filled with some of Rogalandt’s finest wine. Filling their goblets, Shamus sat down and faced the four friends.

“Now can someone tell me as to why you have come to my castle?” he asked.

The three Drow looked at Roma, who took a drink and then began her story. She left nothing out. She even told Shamus the part where she was marooned on the smaller island and how she turned a small dingy into an outrigger that could traverse the straights between the two islands. When she was finished, the highlander sat back in his chair and thought. Then he spoke.

“That’s quite a story you have there,” he began, “and I believe every word you spoke. A few days ago, a messenger, from Maitland, flew here and told me to expect you and one other. I was then to take you to Sanctum where Shannon would be waiting. I wasn’t expecting four people. That is why I was a bit rude at the start. I now ask you to forgive my tone of voice earlier tonight and let’s begin anew.”

Roma looked at Raven and Hollis who just smiled and shrugged their shoulders. Brianna on the other hand was not so quick to forgive. She was insulted as to the way she felt she was treated and spoke up.

“We came a long way and along the route and I’ve lost a very dear friend, not to mention the other ten that gave their lives for a good cause,” she said with a tremor in her voice. “Ten we lost in Enderby when we were attacked by a large party of barbarians and another when we crossed the bridge in the Crystal Mountains. We were almost caught again if it hadn’t been for Raven here, not a half a day’s walk from here and then when we finally arrive you treat us as if we were the enemy?”

Roma and the other two were completely surprised as to the tone Brianna took, but inside, they wanted to kiss her for being so upfront with a man they just got to know. Shamus took another gulp from his flagon and offered to refill all the glasses, but the four abstained for now.

“You said that a messenger arrived here a few days ago,” Roma said and finally breaking the silence since Brianna first spoke up for them. “Exactly what was in that message?”

“It was short and to the point,” Shamus answered. “All it said was that you and Brianna were coming and that I was to escort you safely to Sanctum. Once there, Shannon would brief me more on where or what to do next. She should be arriving in Sanctum in three days.”

“How far is this place from here?” asked Raven.

“About a two day’s ride from here,” answered the highlander. “We will rest tonight and tomorrow. Then we shall saddle up and ride like the wind. We should make it just before your friend Shannon arrives.”

“Why can’t we leave in the morning?” asked Roma.

“Simple, the priests of the temple do not like being disturbed and don’t take kindly to strangers. So we leave at a time that we all arrive together.”

It made sense to Roma, but the others still were insisting on leaving early the next day. Finally after some more convincing, the four gave in. Spending an extra night in the comfort of a soft bed would not be a bad trade.

The next day was spent preparing for the next two days on the road. It was decided that they would take some extra food and drink with them. Shamus order fifty men to ride with them, in case they ran into any large raiding party. Twenty-five would accompany the four friends and the other twenty-five would leave the next day and set up camp, so when they arrived everything would be there waiting for them. When asked why half were leaving a day earlier, Shamus explained the traveling with a cooking wagon would only slow them up, but if they left earlier then they had time to set up camp and prepare a good meal upon their arrival.

The day passed quickly and early the next morning Roma and her friends were mounted and ready to leave. Shamus checked to see that everyone was ready and then gave the order to move out. The steel portcullis was raised, then the mighty doors opened and the drawbridge was lowered, before the party could head out. Thin wisps of clouds floated in from the west telling them that rain was on the way. The friends had been lucky with the weather so far, but it would soon end as their journey drew to a close. Raven rode beside Roma who traveled behind the highlander. She liked Roma and was not shy to show it. Roma on the other hand tried to keep a little distance, but found it impossible to do so, as the Drow maiden always stuck close to her. A good-looking woman she was. A little pushy, maybe, but a good friend. Always there to lend a hand if needed. Roma saw that Raven never hung around with the men for long, but spent more time with Brianna or with herself.

They rode on all day stopping only for nature calls and to rest the horses. Then they were off again, trying to make the halfway point and the camp. It was late in the afternoon when the rains finally arrived. It began with a light drizzle and then, a heavier downpour. With the roads muddied from the rain their pace slowed, but they carried on.

By early evening came the first sign that the rain was easing. They rode into camp and found destruction everywhere. Bodies and animals were burned and scattered all over the clearing where their camp was had been set up. The ground was blackened with the ashes of human and animal flesh. Jumping from his horse, Shamus ran from body to body to see if any of his men were still alive to tell him what had happened, but he was too late. Everyone was dead. Their supply wagon was overturned and had been set on fire and the food was strewn all over the ground.

“Come we mustn’t stay here,” he stated. “I fear that whoever did this may still be around.”

Before he could mount his horse, Raven joined him and examined one of the bodies. When she had a good look at the carnage that had taken place, she turned to the highlander and Roma, who were still in their saddles and said. “This doesn’t seem like a barbarian attack. These men weren’t just killed. They were torn apart. Something or things did this.”

Shamus hushed her for he did not want his men hearing what she had just witnessed. “We can’t let the men see this if we are to be able to rely on them come another attack. We have to leave now and ride for the safety of the tower. Only then will I tell them what happened here this day. The road will be easy to follow if there are no obstructions to stop us and we will ride throughout the night.”

They rode hard all through the night and by morning the tall peak of the tower of Sanctum peered over the treetops. Their pace slowed and just inside the trees before the grassy hill the ran down to the tower, they stopped. Dismounting Shamus and the four friends made their way to the edge of the forest and stared at the tower. All was still, but a strange sight was that the tower doors that were always closed, hung open and smoke was billowing from some of the windows. It was an eerie sight and a cold shiver ran down Roma’s spine, as she remembered the bodies of the dead highlanders in the clearing, but hunger and thirst convinced them to ride down and check out why the gates stood open with no one around. After all the priests did have the protection of a troop of soldiers to defend the tower, so Shamus sent four men to scout out the area, while the rest waited within the safety of the trees.

Roma watched the four ride down the hill and dismount just outside the gates. She watched them disappear through the doors and into the castle. Birds flying by overhead and the sounds of crickets singing their morning serenade, told her that there was not any immediate danger around. At least not where they were, but down there, in the tower, it could be a different story. For now they would just have to wait and see. Moments passed and the four men reappeared and gave the signal to come. Down the hill they thundered, until they were close to the tower. There they stopped and dismounted. One of the scouts spoke to Shamus and he ordered his men to stay put while he and the four friends entered the tower. A horrifying scene lay before them just inside the doors.

Roma’s stomach began to churn as she looked upon the dismembered and burnt bodies that lay all about. Some of the priests had the heads ripped from their shoulders, while others lay with their insides protruding on the ground in front of them. It was a horrible sight. They went from body to body to see if any remained alive. Hollis who was the farthest away from the scene suddenly shouted back. “This one’s still alive.”