Gems of Fire: A Young Adult Fantasy Page 14

  “Don’t fear them, Anna. Who made the jewels, anyway?”

  Anna thought for a moment. “I suppose the Most High, if he brought everything into being,” she answered.

  The old priest’s voice flowed with warmth. “Then why are they any different than any other substance created we take and use for our own purposes? We use the power of moving water to work our mills, we cut down beautiful trees to build our homes, and we turn the horse into a companion and beast of burden. We have the right to do so, but we need to be good managers of what is entrusted to us.”

  “How do you mean?”

  “We can’t abuse what we have been given. We leave enough trees to replenish the forests, and we don’t abuse the good nature of the horses who serve us,” he replied. “There are few things worse than watching a man beat a good horse. It’s because it goes against the order of things—we were meant to care for creation, not destroy it.”

  “But people have done great harm with the gems—to themselves and each other,” Anna said. She pushed back from the table. “They are dangerous if they fall into the wrong hands.”

  “Perhaps. But the right hands have the right to use them. The weapon itself is not evil,” he said. “It is about the heart of the one who uses them. They are a tool that can be used for great good or great evil. The choice is yours.”

  Jack had been silent through this exchange. Anna glanced his way.

  “And what do you think, Jack? If I return with these, how could Father not have me executed? I’ve already used the gems in the hairbrush. This would only confirm my guilt. And besides, any time I’ve ever done something against the rules thinking Father would understand, he never has.”

  “True. But this battle is more important than a horse race. These last weeks have opened my eyes to many things I’d have never thought possible,” Jack said. “Of course, Nicholas is right, Anna. Any common weapon can be used for good or bad. This is something to help us—help your father in a great time of need. And, if you haven’t noticed, we need all the help we can get.”

  Jack, always practical.

  “Daughter, your reluctance to use them is the surest evidence you should,” Nicholas said. The corners of his mouth pulled up. His eyes were kind and soft, but serious. “And this coming war—these men have been called here by something ominous. The Most High is giving you a chance. It’s always His will to fight evil.”

  “Why me?” Anna asked. “Why not Jack or someone trained to use weapons?”

  “Perhaps to remind the world of His existence,” he whispered. “Strength through weakness.”

  As he said those last words, something tugged in Anna’s gut, pulling her toward the table. She crossed her arms and resisted. Immediately, it subsided. They weren’t beautiful pieces of armory. All but the shield looked common at first glance. The jewels deeply embedded in the hilt of the sword were small and the silver around them tarnished. She took a step forward and reached her hand toward the sword. Instantly the pull resumed, and this time she did not turn away. It called to her.

  Her hand pulsed when she took the hilt of the smallish, light sword and gently held it up to inspect it. She reached it out in front of her and felt the perfect balance. No charge of energy shot through her, yet she immediately saw the truth in the priest’s words. It was meant for me. And I’ll use it well. She stepped back and swirled it through the air. It was perfect—not heavy and cumbersome like Jack’s sword. It fit her exactly right. It was peace and calm in her grip. Her eyes flicked to him, and his sparkled back. He nodded. She laid the sword on the table and took up the bow, fingering the arrows that went with it.

  “Do you have string for it?” Nicholas nodded toward the quiver. A small leather bag attached to the side of the quiver held a fine string, shimmering with gold. Her hand trembled at its touch.

  “The gems of the bow make the arrows shoot true,” Nicholas said. “They won’t miss.”

  She strung the bow and laid an arrow to the string, pulling it back and sighting it. “Is the magic in the bow or the arrows?” She relaxed the bow.

  “The bow. Any arrows will do.” His voice was subdued.

  “And the sword? What are its properties?”

  “I don’t know, but my great-grandfather never lost in battle. The blade is strong, I know.”

  The shield was more ostentatious. It was made of a light metal with a large green stone set in the middle, in the center of an engraved eagle. Anna knew it was an emerald. The eagle’s wings were outstretched and lined with hundreds of small stones, red, green, white and blue, in a particular order around its body. Anna ran her finger over them. Beautiful.

  Anna slowly picked up the shield, hooking her left arm in the sleeve. Again, there was no surge of energy or power. She set it down again and glanced at the priest who was watching her every move. She flushed.

  “How can I repay you?” Her voice was soft.

  “You’ll take them, then?” he asked.

  “Yes, but they are a treasure. I want to repay you.”

  He brushed her comment away with a dismissive flick of his wrist. “Just use them well.”

  “Will I know how?” Anna felt the hope and the burden of the weapons equally.

  “When the time comes, you will know,” the priest said.

  Anna glanced at Jack who dipped his chin.

  “Thank you. When this is over, I will return these to you.”

  “I look forward to your visit, but these are a gift. And your life may be too busy when you are queen.”

  “Queen?” asked Anna. “I am the third born in my family.” Her heart skipped a beat. Would her family die? “Is it certain?”

  His eyes narrowed. “The future always changes according to your choices. Don’t hold me to it. I merely had a feeling of what you would become.” His eyes rested on Jack. “Much depends on you as well, young man.”

  “I will do my best,” Jack replied.

  “Yes, I know you will.” The priest had a comforting, calming air about him.

  Anna had so many questions swirling in her she didn’t know where to begin.

  “Sir?”

  “Yes, dear?”

  “Can you explain how the same gems can be used for good and evil? I’m not sure I understand.” Anna furrowed her brow.

  “That’s like asking why the rain falls on both the good and the evil,” he replied. “But I will try to help.”

  “If I’m going to be using these weapons, I’d like to understand a bit more.”

  “Let’s start at the beginning. In our ancient works it is written that the Most High created everything—the earth, mankind, beast and even the lesser gods. The Most High treasured man most of all and the lesser gods grew jealous and worked to deceive mankind and turn them away from him. He would reach out to people, but only a few would hear his voice. The Most High introduced gems to people so they could have a tangible connection to him. Remember, the gems have no power in themselves, but they serve as a conduit to the Most High.”

  Anna nodded and the priest continued.

  “Each gem stands for an attribute of the Most High—love, goodness, healing, blessing, protection, unity, peace, truth, justice and even judgment,” he said. “There are many more.”

  “Judgment?” Anna’s eyebrows shot up.

  “Yes, judgment goes along with love—Sunderland, in particular, was aligned with the Most High. Centuries ago, it was tasked with judgment of the lesser gods’ deception.”

  “What do you mean?” asked Anna.

  “The lesser gods mocked the Most High and influenced mankind to use the gems for evil. Just as the gems were a conduit for good, they could also connect to the lesser gods and be used for evil. War, murder, deception, self-promotion and so forth. The lesser gods would pretend to bless the people in exchange for sacrifices—blood sacrifices.”

  “And would they bless the people?” Jack asked.

  “Many times, yes,” answered the priest, “but all for a steep cost.” He fro
wned. “I’m surprised you know none of this. Did you not pay attention during chapel services?”

  “Father banned chapel after Mother died,” Anna said. “I was only four years old.”

  The priest’s face darkened. “What?”

  “Yes. I have only a faint memory of any chapel services.”

  Nicholas sat up straight. “It is as I feared. You’ve been taught nothing of the Most High.”

  “All I know is that his light burns in the chapel day and night without needing any fuel,” Anna said.

  “And what is the significance of his fire?” the priest questioned.

  Anna’s face flushed. She didn’t know. “I’m not sure.”

  “Oh, child. There is much for you to learn.”

  Chapter 13

  The next morning as Anna finished her tea, Nicholas brought out an ancient-looking book. Its leather cover was cracked and crumbling apart. He set it gently on the table and swatted at a plume of dust as he opened the cover.

  “Jasper, sapphire, agate, emerald, onyx, ruby, chrysolite, beryl, topaz, turquoise, jacinth and amethyst,” he read. “These are the twelve foundation stones.” He turned the book toward her. “Read and study their meanings. Remember, they are channels of blessing from the Most High.”

  Anna squinted at the old, barely legible script.

  Jasper—tracking. There are fifty types of jasper, including Leopard Skin, Bloodstone, Picture Jasper and so forth. Jasper relates to grounding a person to the earth. It is helpful for tracking, providing strength, courage and endurance. Bloodstone is the stone of selfless sacrifice. Picture Jasper allows the user to create a map to someone or someplace.

  Sapphire—mental focus. All sorts of sapphires aid with vision. Sapphire helps you see a way to stay on the right path, as well as a way of escape. Good for battle strategy. Also can help a person sense the future.

  Agate—healing, especially of the soul. A translucent gemstone of almost any color, but it must have bands.

  Emerald—protection, especially against evil.

  Onyx—courage to fight against evil. Comes in many colorations, always with bands. At times, white onyx provides blinding heat of judgment. Black onyx is the destroyer of evil communication.

  Ruby—power. Ruby should be used with sapphire because the surge of power can cloud the mind. Main uses include defense of the defenseless, fighting evil and overcoming attack.

  Chrysolite—good fortune, or luck. The user of chrysolite will experience a way out of troubled circumstances, but not unearned fortune.

  Beryl—truth. Pure beryl is colorless and will expose falsehood and deception.

  Topaz—virtue. The wearer will value virtue, be filled with compassion and wisdom toward others.

  Turquoise—healing, especially of battle wounds. Many consider it a protector as well.

  Jacinth—wisdom. The user of jacinth will be able to better hear the voice of the Most High and have discernment.

  Amethyst—purity. The wearer will have purity of thought and action. Will have a desire to do what is right.

  Anna finished reading about the twelve gems and glanced to the priest. “This is complicated,” she said, thumbing through more pages. “And long. It would take constant vigilance to use the gems correctly.”

  He nodded. “I believe the problems with the gems came when the people become complacent. They cared more for the gems than the one who created the gems. Evil is always standing at the door to take advantage.”

  “So, it wasn’t the gems that caused the Sunderland army to attack each other all those years ago?”

  “It wasn’t the gems.” He frowned. “The men weren’t using them for the right reasons.”

  Anna’s eyes fell on her new weapons. She picked up the sword, pulled it from its sheath and set it on the table. “What gems are these?”

  The priest rubbed his face. “I’m sorry, I was just a child when the gems were banned. Many gems come in similar colors, so it’s difficult to tell.”

  “But someone would know?” Anna ran her fingers across the gems.

  “Yes, but perhaps not in Sunderland.”

  She nodded. “Are you sure they are safe?”

  “Of course not.” He scoffed. “They are the right gems for battle, or they wouldn’t be in these weapons.” He leaned forward and touched her arm. “But I’m sure they are meant for you at this time. Don’t trust in the sword or the gems, trust in the Most High. He is the protector of Sunderland.”

  “And his fire?” Anna asked. “What does it mean?” She studied his blue-grey eyes and thought of the lanterns on the altar.

  “His fire is warmth, life and light to our path, but also exposes the darkest evil. It burns it with the most intense heat to cleanse and purify.”

  Anna nodded, though she was just beginning to understand. She put the sword away.

  “Would you like to come with me to check on my mare?” She nodded toward the door. “I’d like to see what Jack’s up to.”

  They found Star much improved. The herbs were a miracle, but Anna knew she needed at least a couple more days rest. Though Anna and Jack were anxious to keep moving, something about the softness of the wind through the trees above and the quiet manner of the priest put their minds at ease while their bodies rested. The holy man worked and moved with a quiet strength and confidence that was contagious. Anna slept soundly for the first time in weeks.

  Anna visited Star several times a day and each time found her stronger. The woodsmen had packed her wound with several kinds of herbs, brewed in warm water. The medicine drew out the deadly infection. The horses were fed with hay kept for the goats and some corn, for which Anna was especially grateful. Their four-legged partners needed every bite to prepare them for the rest of the journey.

  Anna asked the priest how to repay them.

  “If we return, will they recognize us?” she asked. She had no desire to be stung with poison darts.

  “Yes. I’ll show you how to offer them honor before you leave,” he said. “They are learning.”

  The little mare’s big brown eyes were brighter as Anna approached the third morning. Her ears, which a few days before had been hanging limp to the side, were perking up. Anna passed the time stroking her neck, feeding her and thinking of the remaining steps on the journey. They needed to hurry.

  Finally, on the fourth day since arriving with arms bound, the pair departed with healthy horses, full stomachs and renewed spirits. Nicholas also supplied them with several days’ worth of bread, cheese and loads of the healing herbs to use on Star each night as they traveled. The whole village came out to see their departure. Anna and Jack bowed before the head woodsman, offering their palms up in a gesture of thanks and peace. The chief placed a drop of oil on each of their palms.

  “It means you will be remembered and honored,” the priest said.

  Anna stood, gestured to Star and then crossed her heart with her arms. The chief nodded and bowed his head.

  Anna wished the best for the priest and deeply appreciated what the woodsman had done for Star, but she was anxious to be home.

  Her new sword hung on her hip and the shield lay across her back. The bow and quiver was tied to Star’s saddle, within easy reach. They had packed most of their other supplies on poor Avery to lighten the load on Star as much as possible. The priest had given her a goatskin cloak as well. She relished its warmth around her shoulders.

  They headed northwest out of the forest at a slow pace until it opened up at the bottom of a mountain path. The path curved through trees and rocks as it ascended the mountain. Jack took a deep breath and clucked to Avery.

  All day they climbed, with the air getting thinner and colder with every step. Soon the horses’ breath was spouting out of their nostrils like smoke, enveloping their riders’ knees and then disappearing. Anna’s fingers were numb from holding the reins. She pulled the mare directly behind Avery so she’d just follow along while she loosened her grip on the reins and buried her fingers into the
black mane, soaking up what little warmth she could.

  Looking ahead, Anna saw they were climbing above the tree line. Though it was sunny, a sharp wind blew down on them from snow-capped peaks as they paused on the top of the pass. It bit into Anna’s skin. Her entire body shuddered with cold as she wondered if the old legends of a giant snow beast were real.

  Jack pulled to stop. “Let’s rest.” He dismounted.

  Anna did the same, and in spite of the voice inside telling her to hurry home, she drank in the scene. The bright green grass fed her spirit, and she wondered at its short life before the snowfall would begin again too soon. Cold mountain spring water filled numerous brooks and streams along the way, all gurgling merrily down the mountain. In the distance below, Anna heard what she thought was the distant roar of a larger river, filling with runoff from the smaller streams. From the mountain, she saw the valley below, rolling green grass spotted with trees, villages and farmland. Jack pointed to where they were headed, a castle, known as Hemmington, a couple days’ ride ahead. Anna couldn’t quite make it out on the horizon.

  “Will Lady Avigail receive us?” Anna asked.

  “Of course.” His lips set into a thin line.

  Anna frowned. “What is it?”

  “Nothing,” Jack jerked his chin toward the horses. “Let’s let the horses eat a little.”

  They shared a late lunch and began the trek down the other side, which wasn’t as easy as going up. The terrain was steep and the rocks slippery for the horses. Several times they dismounted and led their horses through the toughest parts, so the horses could balance themselves without a rider. Anna just prayed Star wouldn’t lose her balance and fall on her, but the brave horse was as sure-footed as ever. After a couple hours, they stopped, rested and then went on.

  Sooner than they wanted, the shadows grew long. The sun sank behind the closest mountain. Dusk closed in around them, bringing with it a band of clouds dripping a cold, fine, misty rain. In an hour, the mountain was wet and the sun gone. The slick surfaces slowed their progress to a crawl. The cold, damp air ate into Anna’s clothes. Her cheeks felt raw and numb while the cold sank into her bones. They had hoped to be at the bottom by now. Jack continued to lead them down, down, down, and finally reached a place flat enough to set up a little camp.