Evadeen Brickwood - The Speaking Stone of Caradoc

“Honourable Lady, there is no reason why not. The random channel has not yet closed. We have the best prospect of success.”

“The sooner after the crossing of the objects the better. Otherwise, the channel will close again and the original point reference is lost.”

“I’m aware of this Thujan. If the procedure fails, the object might be lost in time and space. Let’s begin then without delay.”

They were both transported back to the observatory in the Iapetus Hills by teleporter beam, together with the flying object that had invaded their airspace and time. Thujan and his team of scientists went straight to work. He later found the Lady outside, watching the first coloured light on the eastern horizon.

“We were able to calculate the exact point of crossing. I am pleased to report that the reversal was instantaneous and successful, honourable Lady.” He bowed a little and the Lady sighed with relief.

“The Earthmother be thanked. Let’s get some rest before the morning breaks.”

The Lady of Kamûk walked to the waiting citadel vimaan and was soon on her way to town, where bad news awaited her.

Trevor, Chryséis and Katherine had been completely unaware of the nightly incident. So were most of the D’ântillans. Another event however got everybody’s attention when Kamûk awoke to another busy day.

News quickly spread that the ‘Speaking Stone of Caradoc’ had been stolen from the citadel. Outrageous! The tragic loss of two harbour guards was also reported. And two Gabari citadel staff had gone missing.

The time travellers learnt about the theft during breakfast. At sunrise when the crime was discovered, the guards in the Lady’s audience room had raised the alarm. They had neither seen nor heard or felt anything. But there was no doubt as to who had been behind the plot.

“These Edfunians mean business!” Katherine worked on a boiled harpee egg. ”They are really keen on that speaking stone.”

“It’s bad news. I wonder what the Lady’s going to do now.”

At least they can’t suspect us this time.”

“I thought we could hear the stone speak sometime.”

“Oh Trevor, as if.”

“I’m sure there is something to it.”

“Sure there is.”

The ‘Speaking Stone’ was soon located thanks to a secret tracking device. The moonstone was moving north on an Alesian trading-navis, whose captain did not respond to thought transfer. The plan was obviously to reach Ruta Ynis before nightfall and then to cross the Saturnian Sea into Edfun. The D’ântillans had to act fast. If the priceless stone was taken to Shuruk, it would be near impossible to retrieve it. Soon captain Thëlamôn stood before the Lady of Kamûk.

“Thëlamôn, old friend, you have to change your plans.”

The ‘Navis Arion’ was not simply a trading ship, but also a well-equipped fast ship that had been chosen to protect the important passengers from Cydonia.

Captain Thëlamôn was a former D’ântillan sealord. He had been among the allied counsel to advice the Lady of Cydonia during the recent conflict with Edfun.

“As you wish, honourable Lady. One is glad to be of service.”

“The council of elders has decided. With your experience, you are the perfect choice to retrieve the ‘Speaking Stone of Caradoc’ from the Edfunians. The merchant crew will be exchanged for marine soldiers. More than one ship could attract too much attention. So you are on your own. The Cydonians will come with you, however.”

“I will ready the ship. We can sail as soon as you say the word.”

The citadel gave out misleading stories to throw possible spies off track. That the search had been abandoned, since there was no chance of finding the stone, that a delegation had been sent to Alesia, that an army were on its way to Shuruk to declare war, and the like.

The elders were also aware that Rutian elves could be quite moody. Elfinûr, queen of the elves, had to be won over gently with a worthy gift to lend her assistance. A small harp made of yellow songwood would be perfect, since it was a very special instrument to elves.

During all these preparations, the Lady of Kamûk summoned the Cydonian visitors. “I admit that I do not fully understand the Lady of Cydonia’s position in this. She asked that the children accompany you throughout.”

“So our good Lady has no doubts that we will retrieve the Speaking Stone.”

The Lady of Kamûk sighed. “I do not approve of children being involved in a possible battle, myself. What is your opinion, Honourable Junior Delegate?”

As their guardian, Kheton needed to speak on behalf of the time travellers. “I bow to the wishes of my ruler,” he said.

By midday the Navis Arion had already reached the high seas to the north of D’ântilla, racing toward the island of Ruta Ynis.

And the time travellers were on board.

Kheton had asked them to stay below deck, because the ship was virtually flying across the Atlantean Sea. Lucky that neither Chryséis nor Trevor felt as seasick as before. Katherine’s uncle Harold lived on the Isle of Man and sometimes invited the family to come and take a sailing trip on his yacht. After her first sailing trip, Katherine had never been seasick again.

Kheton had asked them to stay below deck for their own safety. Lucky that neither Chryséis nor Trevor felt seasick like before. Katherine’s uncle Harold lived on the Isle of Man and sometimes invited the family to take a sailing trip on his yacht. After her first sailing trip, Katherine had never been seasick again.

“This ‘Speaking Stone’ must be real special for them to race after it like that.”

“What’s the big deal? Stones don’t have brains - or lips.”

“Why is everybody so keen to get their hands on this thing then?”

“Maybe it can actually speak.”

“I read in a history book about whispering stones and even moving stones,” Katherine said.

“Moving stones? That must be some kind of trick.”

“What kind of trick transports a huge boulder tied down with metal straps from one island to another during the night?”

“I don’t know. But it sounds impressive.”

“So you actually believe in this stuff?” Trevor mocked.

“Why not?”

“Cause it doesn’t make sense.”

“And an island where elves live. That makes sense?”

“Are you kidding? Of course it does.”

“Oh, you’re infuriating! What are we doing then chasing after some giants, who have nothing better to do than to steal an egg-shaped stone that can apparently speak?”

“I think they should just use the raygun to destroy Shuruk and be done with it.”

“Yes Trevor, that’s very civilised.”

“What is it with boys and guns?” Chryséis rolled her eyes.

“That reminds me we should tell Alun about the raygun and the stone and all.”

“Why don’t you try some telepathy yourself for a change, Trev?” Chryséis was not in the mood to make contact with their friend in Cydonia. ”Then you can tell him all the nasty bits and you would save the world.”

Trevor shrugged his shoulders and let it be. They sat on a narrow couch in the main cabin. One had an almost panoramic view of the sea through three large têrakhon windows. Another ship came from an easterly direction and quickly passed them on their right.

“Why didn’t they protect this stone better if it’s so important? I mean they have electromagnetic shields and all that,” Trevor said.

“Maybe the Lady of Kamûk was waiting for the stone to speak. And it can’t do that with electromagnetic shields around.”

“Maybe that’s why they managed to steal it in the first place.” The sun dipped lower in the western sky.