David Bishop and the Legend of the Orb by T.C. Crawford (tools of titans ebook .txt) 📕

The three companions moved further up the ever-increasing path to get clear of any beasts that may have had a mind to follow them into the foothills.

After a long climb they finally came to a rocky ledge. The large rock jutted out from the side of the mountain and had a recess beneath that would provide them ample shelter for the night. They decided this was a good place to stop and started to set up camp for the remainder of the night.

Orin started on the fire while David set up the bed rolls and Rex worked on some defensive barriers to set around the place to ward off any threats in the night. He moved several nearby boulders to line the entryway in order to make the opening narrower and block the light of the fire. He knew if there was an attack, it would serve them well to minimize any areas where intruders could get in so they could pick them off one at a time.

When the tasks were finished, they sat down to enjoy some of the left over jerky while they roasted a few chunks of what looked like potatoes that had been growing in the surrounding area. Rex said they were a common food for his people and mentioned that since they were growing near here that they couldn’t be too far from home.

The roasted potatoes were surprisingly delicious and filling, and once they were done eating, they sat around discussing what was to come next.

“I can’t wait to show you my home. It’s been so long. I’m thinking that some of my folks will be happy to see me again, but some of them won’t be so thrilled I’d say.” said Rex, rubbing his hands in front of the fire.

He mentioned that it had been a few years since he was last home. After his wife had died suddenly from a severe sickness, he left Ravenfell to find a new home, one that didn’t carry a painful reminder of the life of joy and love that he could have had. He eventually wound up in West Post.

“West Post was the only place that was rowdy enough to take me in. They liked having me around to keep folk from causing too much trouble in the pub. I got free drinks for taking care of the mess that came through now and again. It seemed a good enough place for me, so I stayed.” he explained. “But it’s nothing like back home” he finished, a distant look in his eyes, reminiscing of days long passed.

“Rex…why did you say some of your people wouldn’t be happy to see you?” asked David.

“Well…it’s complicated you see…some things are just better in the past I suppose.” he replied, apparently unwilling to tell the tale.

David left it alone and decided to change the subject, so he asked another question instead, “Do you think your people will be willing to help us take back the kingdom?”

“Honestly? I’m not so sure they will, but we’ve got to try, don’t we? If anyone can help, it will be them. They’re a tough lot, the bunch of them…hardheaded, but tough. If we can convince them to come along, we might just have a shot at this after all” he said.

“Well, I suppose we will figure that out soon enough” chimed in Orin. “David, about earlier…how did you unleash your power back in the field?” he asked hesitantly.

“I don’t know…I don’t remember doing anything. I was scared. I knew we had to get away, but I thought we were done for. Then all of a sudden that light just appeared. It’s like the orb felt my fear, my need…like it was protecting me from the danger.”

“Hmm…that is interesting, but it makes sense” replied Orin. “The orb is the consolidated power and consciousness of the Mystics, after-all, and it is extremely powerful. It would make sense that when the orb felt your fear and desperation, it would react to protect its host... you. After all, it chose you for a purpose. It would only follow, that the orb would need to keep you alive and well to fulfill that purpose.” he ended.

“Yeah…I think so too” David whispered, unsure of it himself.

No one felt much like talking afterwards and, each seemingly lost in their own thoughts and fears, the companions remained silent until finally drifting off to sleep one by one. The next day held yet another adventure and they all knew they had better be prepared for it.

Chapter XV

Erin awoke to the sound of creaking wheels and horse hooves clicking steadily on the ground as they trotted along the road through the forest. She heard the gruff voices of soldiers outside the window of her moving prison cell but couldn’t make out what they were saying. The cell smelled like old sweat and damp wood that has been sitting far too long without a good wash. She felt at least grateful there was a layer of dry hay between herself and the reeking floor.

She wondered how long she had been out.

Scattered rays of sunlight beamed through the canopy and through her window from time to time, so she knew it must be daytime. She remembered the Captain telling the soldiers to bring her back to Eldergate, so she at least knew where she was going, and the irony of it all was that it just happened to be where she was originally headed anyway.

If only I could find a way out before getting locked in the dungeon, she thought to herself.

She had heard horror stories about that place from some locals who had been set free after being held for a couple of weeks. Apparently, they had been wrongfully accused and subsequently set free, something that almost never happens, and that is the only way someone gets out. No one has ever escaped the dungeons.

According to their statements, the dungeons were darker than