Stones’ Quest:
The Battles Begin
Book 2
by
LaRene R. Ellis
Smashwords Edition
In the first book, Stones’ Quest: In Search of Its Master, the first Stone is found. In Book 2, the battle against evil begins. It chronicles one family’s journey to understand their place in the universe.
Centuries ago, a young sorceress fell in love, but not with the man chosen by her powerful father. Giving up everything she has, the lovers escape fleeing the moon and her father’s hateful oppression. Or so they thought... Battling KOGN and hiding from I-Force, Ghonllier and his renegade crew continue their pursuit of the all-powerful Stones.
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Published By:
Gathering Place Publishers, Inc. on Smashwords
Kaysville, Utah
ISBN: 978-0-9828311-1-3
Stones’ Quest: The Battles Begin
Book 2
Copyright © 2010 by LaRene R. Ellis
All rights reserved. Without limiting the rights under copyright reserved above, no part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in or introduced into a retrieval system, or transmitted, in any form, or by any means (electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise) without the prior written permission of both the copyright owner and the above publisher of this book.
This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, brands, media, and incidents are either the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously. The author acknowledges the trademarked status and trademark owners of various products referenced in this work of fiction, which have been used without permission. The publication/use of these trademarks is not authorized, associated with, or sponsored by the trademark owners.
Smashwords Edition License Notes
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Stones’ Quest: The Battles Begin
Book 2
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To my husband, for making this possible, and my kids, who believed in the story.
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Table Of Contents
Chapter 6: SECRETS OF THE SECOND STONE
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Chapter 1:
GONE
They heard the cries of the birds until the waves crashed onto the beach. The air was humid and warm. The Master Stone revealed to Ghonllier that the beach ahead stretched for miles in both directions. Before they arrived, the Stones showed to Ghonllier that they were on a cliff and he would have to climb down to the shoreline.
Ghonllier and his crew continued to maneuver through the forest, trying to reach the water’s edge. Each step let everyone know they were close. Listening to the sounds of the ocean prompted fond memories of Ghonllier’s childhood, when Justin took him and his friends to the beach. Ghonllier continued the tradition until he married Jenny. She died before he had the chance to share his love for the water.
Thinking of Jenny, he realized Sooner didn’t know of his love for the ocean. It had always been his intention to share it with his son, but his life didn’t go the way he had intended. For a moment, he felt remorse and failure as a father. Justin was a better father, thought Ghonllier. The Master Stone instantly reassured him that the moments weren’t lost but in the future as they stepped onto the edge of the cliff.
Suddenly, they found themselves standing on the edge of the steep high cliff. He watched the waves crash upon the large rocks and sand below. The moment mesmerized him as the mist kissed their faces with the swift breeze suddenly appearing. It brought Ghonllier back to his mission and purpose for being there.
Everyone followed Ghonllier along the edge of the cliff, looking for a path that would take them to the beach. Suddenly, a dark feeling crept over the new Master’s heart and mind as they walked. Ghonllier kept stopping to search the horizon. He felt something evil there but he couldn’t see it. All he saw was the beach, water, and blue sky. Perplexed, Ghonllier asked the Master Stone, Something out there wants to destroy my world. What is it? The Stone didn’t respond and it was unusual for the Stone to not give him some kind of explanation.
Concerned about his son’s safety, he thought about returning to his ship. Before he had made up his mind, the path appeared that would take them off the sheer cliff. He paused to only feel the Master Stone urging him forward.
He looked at Sooner and expressed, “The path to the beach is very narrow and dangerous. Are you ready to go down?”
Looking at the waves, Sooner’s eyes seemed to dance as he nodded.
Placing his hand on Sooner’s shoulder, Ghonllier instructed his son to walk in front of him. Sooner moved out with Ghonllier following. They traversed the narrow trail without incident. Reaching the beach didn’t quiet his previous concerns for his son’s safety; the dark evil feeling only increased as he looked back to see where the rest of his crew were.
#
Then Ghonllier turned his attentions to the horizon. This time, he saw a thin dark line on the water’s edge. Fear struck his heart and he froze, not understanding the feeling. Again, the Master Stone urged him to move without giving him an explanation.
Focusing on the cliff, Ghonllier walked along the water’s edge. He needed to find a cave that was in the cliff and he knew from the Master Stone that it wouldn’t be easily seen. Ghonllier kept his hand on Sooner’s shoulder, guiding everyone. Since Ghonllier would be the only person who knew what to look for, everyone watched and followed his lead.
Suddenly, a cold swift wind crashed in on their backs. Ghonllier took his eyes off the cliff to face the ocean. The dark feeling intensified. The horizon changed before his eyes. The thin dark line on the horizon had changed into black, thick clouds billowing up. His gaze went to the water to see it match the dark gray clouds.
He shot a quick glance towards his crew. Gostler, the former Master of the Galaxy, was studying him. The Master Stones urged him on and Ghonllier quickly returned to his task. He put his back to the ocean, walking forward. Sighing, he had wished that he had come alone.
Gostler fell in step with Ghonllier. “What is bothering you? I’m not getting a clear thought from you.”
“Do you see what is happening behind us?”
The former Master answered, “You keep looking at the ocean. What do you see?”
“You don’t see the dark clouds and water?”
“No.”
Thunder rumbled and both Ghonllier and Gostler looked up. Ghonllier glanced at the former Master. “Did you hear that?”
“Yes.”
“It’s more than just a storm coming,” Ghonllier commented softly. Activating his comset, he ordered, “Everyone, stay together. Things are going to change.”
#
Ghonllier wanted to return back to his ship but the Stone urged him forward. He picked up his pace while he kept his gaze on the cliff. Suddenly, Sooner stumbled as he tried to keep up with his father. Ghonllier looked at him to see they were about to walk into tall boulders, jutting out of the sand. They were scattered on the beach and he didn’t like being this close to them with the approaching storm. Concerned, he made a quick decision to leave and return after the storm. When he went to grab Sooner’s shoulder, he saw what he was looking for as he felt cold rising waters swirl around their feet.
Quickly, the new Master headed for the cliff. A blast was heard and Ghonllier noticed Jason, his administrator, fall onto the beach. Ghonllier shoved Sooner behind him while he reached for his blaster. But they saw no one. Ghonllier ordered Sooner to stay behind the boulder.
They heard another blast and someone yelled they were hit. This time, Ghonllier saw a few KOGN men about to fire their weapons from the cliffs above. Without thought, the new Master returned fire, taking out every KOGN man that he saw.
Relieved, Ghonllier looked at his crew to see them hovering over Jason. Suddenly, they heard another blast and Gostler was hit. He gave Ghonllier a concerned look as he fell back into the rising water.
Ghonllier faced the cliff to find one KOGN man boldly standing on the edge of the cliff with a blaster in his hand. The two men stared at each other. Then he gestured a sign with his hands, daring Ghonllier to fire upon him. The future Master of the Stones didn’t hesitate to use his weapon and hit his mark.
To his shock, every blast bounced off the man. His failure caused the KOGN man to throw back his head with laughter. Anger filled Ghonllier’s heart while he wondered why his blasts didn’t penetrate this man.
“Stone! Who is he?” he questioned.
He expected the Stone to answer, but it didn’t. While the KOGN man mocked him, Ghonllier ordered his field glasses to change to long view so he could see his enemy’s face. Fear gripped his heart as he gazed upon a very familiar face. The man on the cliff was himself. Perplexed, he studied him, knowing he was looking at himself in a KOGN uniform.
In anger, he yelled, “Stone! What is going on here? Why didn’t you warn me about this?”
The KOGN man seemed to be the only person who heard him as he laughed in a mocking tone. For some reason, the new Master and his twin self in the KOGN uniform could read each other’s mind. Knowing what he was going to do, Ghonllier screamed, “No!” He read the KOGN version of himself was going to kill everyone with him.
Knowing he couldn’t stop him from doing it by killing him, Ghonllier decided to use his body as a shield. Using his Vanisher speed, he moved to the person Ghonllier saw in his mind that the KOGN version of himself wanted to kill.
The blasts bounced off of him. But something happened that Ghonllier didn’t anticipate. His KOGN counterpart could also move like a Vanisher. He moved and fired his blaster faster than Ghonllier could match him. His crew was dying and he couldn’t stop it.
#
Realizing he was outmatched, Ghonllier thought about Sooner but was afraid to look at him. He might expose his son’s hiding place. The water rose and it let him know that Sooner was in great danger and he had to do something.
The moment he thought about Sooner’s hiding place, his KOGN look alike turned in his son’s direction with his weapon outstretched. Ghonllier moved like a Vanisher to block the blast. At the same time, Sooner wanted to see if it was safe to come out from behind the boulder and raised his head above it. Ghonllier fired his blaster before Sooner knew what had hit him.
Just as Ghonllier arrived, Sooner slid down the side of the boulder. Ghonllier caught him as the storm arrived. Quickly, he held him to his chest, wanting to feel his son breathing. But Sooner’s body was still. He buried his face into his son’s neck while the Master Stone explained the blast had entered his son’s heart.
#
Thunder rumbled overhead while Ghonllier ran for the cliff. The waves crashed onto the beach, reaching them. Ghonllier braced his body to fight against the ocean’s current, ordering the Master Stone to help him withstand the riptide. He stood his ground against the wave. With the wave receding, he sighed to see he was alone on the beach with his son.
Ghonllier used his Vanisher speed to carry Sooner away before the next wave hit them. Gently, he fell to the sand with his son still in his arms. Ghonllier lightly touched his pale face with his fingertip lightly around his blue lips. Ghonllier’s vision blurred from his tears before he pulled Sooner back into his chest. Feeling his son’s lifeless body, he cried uncontrollably.
Lightning crackled around him and Ghonllier didn’t notice or care. Towering waves crashed overhead, engulfing them. The wave threw him hard against the cliff, momentarily submerging father and son.
With the waves subsiding, Ghonllier struggled to breathe as he looked down at his empty arms. Sooner was gone. Frantically, Ghonllier scrambled to his feet searching the water for his son. The water was dark and looming as it swirled around him. Dark clouds had surrounded him, making him feel isolated and totally alone. His emotions were so devastating; he ached to have the next wave take him, too.
With no place to go, Ghonllier gave into the ocean, expecting another wave to take him. It never came. The dark clouds seemed heavier and closed in on him, causing his chest to hurt. He felt the clouds wanting to crush him. As they thickened, he struggled to breathe.
“Stone. What are you doing to me?”
“THESE FEELINGS LIVE INSIDE YOU, GHONLLIER. YOU NEED TO DEAL WITH THEM AND STOP SHOVING THEM AWAY. IF YOU DON’T, YOU WILL FEEL THIS LOSS FOR THE REST OF YOUR LIFE!” informed the Master Stone.
“NO!” screamed Ghonllier, finding it very painful to use his lungs.
At the same time, his mind seemed to open up to what was happening to him. The dark menacing feeling was his wife’s death. I don’t want to think about my loss of Jenny… take it away.
“IF YOU ALLOW THIS TO HAPPEN, YOU WILL NEVER FIND PEACE WITHIN YOUR LIFE UNTIL YOU UNDERSTAND...”
The voice of the Master Stone was interrupted by a warm touch on his arm. He jumped to hear a faint voice calling his name. All Ghonllier could see were dark clouds. Searching for the voice, he heard it again. This time, it was louder.
He responded, “Where are you? I can’t see you.”
“Open your eyes, Ghonllier,” a familiar woman’s voice requested.
Finally, his blurred vision cleared and he gasped, “Mother!”
#
Stacy heard him yelling and went to his side. When Ghonllier awoke, he seemed to look right through her with glassy, bloodshot eyes. In fear, she repeated, “Ghonllier, wake up!”
With his vision clear, he grabbed her arm while shaking his head. “Mother! It was horrible and I was there!”
“Where’s there?”
“I killed them,” said Ghonllier, releasing her arm.
Stacy let go of his trembling hands to have Ghonllier lean forward upon his knees. He held his head in his hands, while he rested his elbows on his knees. Stacy sat beside him to ask, “Who did you kill?”
“Everyone!”
“Who was there?”
“Sooner, my crew, Jason, and Gostler.”
He finally looked at her, wanting to cry. Stacy noticed someone walking past the windows. Gostler! Relieved, she quickly disappeared into the house while Ghonllier stood to go sit on the edge of the reflection pool.
#
His heart ached, and he was confused. He needed to calm himself so he could sort everything out. Sitting on the edge of the reflection pool, the calm water seemed to quiet his aching heart. It didn’t take him long to reach a deeply relaxed state when he heard someone approaching.
Without looking up, he greeted, “Gostler!” Facing him, he quizzed, “What just happened to me?”
The former Master stared into his red, teary eyes. “Why don’t you tell me? Your mother said you had a dream about death. What happened?”
Looking back into the water, he recounted the dream. After he mentioned Sooner being hit, he went quiet. Gostler read his mind to learn the rest of the story. “You want to know why there were two of you; both invincible.”
Slowly, Ghonllier nodded. Then he faced Gostler and asked, “Why would I want to destroy everything that I live for?”
Gostler cleared his throat before he informed, “The Master Stones have the capability to show you the future.”
Anger raced through Ghonllier’s body. He stood and shouted, “My future! What am I going to become? A monster like my brother?”
The former Master stood his ground, looking at him intensely. “Did the Master Stones tell you what you needed to understand from the dream?”
Ghonllier remembered the Stone telling him that the darkness was inside of him and it needed to come out. He didn’t want to talk anymore about it and Gostler could read it. He waited for Ghonllier to say more. When he didn’t, Gostler started to leave.
It was then he heard, “What do the two men that look like me represent?”
Gostler answered, “You will need to figure that out.”
“What are the Stones doing to me?”
“They are going to reveal to you everything about you. Before you become the Master, you need to embrace every aspect of your life.”
Ghonllier knew it was true. The dream let him know what was in his heart and he hoped it would never affect him. He promised himself to never visit the darkness that he felt. The Master Stone had other plans and Ghonllier wasn’t happy with it.
Gostler read Ghonllier’s mind and raised one eyebrow before he explained, “The Stones will uncover your deepest dreams and desires…and feelings. Things you never knew were inside you.” Ghonllier turned away in frustration and Gostler added, “You are capable of loving again, Ghonllier. Jenny isn’t…”
“Stop reading my mind!” retorted Ghonllier. He walked away while Gostler watched, still reading his mind. Ghonllier whirled around to face him and asked, “Why was I in the dream wearing a KOGN uniform?”
“I can’t tell you.”
“Then you do know why?” Gostler nodded. “Tell me what it means?”
“I can’t tell you.” Ghonllier glared at him. After a moment of thought, Gostler added, “I can tell you that the two Ghonlliers indicate there are at least two incidents where you will have a choice to live or die. Your decision at that moment will determine if your future will have great joy or deep sorrow.”
Looking away, Ghonllier asked, “On the Starlight planet, I was supposed to choose between death or life. Dapper intervened by taking my blast. Is this what you are talking about?”
Gostler nodded. Ghonllier went to the edge of the refection pool and stared at it. Gostler stayed to listen to his thoughts. When Ghonllier’s thoughts went into a particular direction, Gostler responded, “Stacy saved your life this time.”
Ghonllier gave him a sharp gaze. “What do you mean?”
“As you just experienced, dreams from the Stones use all of your senses. The realness can kill you if you do not understand how to bring yourself out of them. If Stacy hadn’t awakened you, the dark crushing clouds would have killed you.”
Gostler looked towards the house. After a very long minute, Ghonllier asked again, “Gostler, will the Master Stones always warn me of my future through dreams?”
“Maybe, probably…they will use the best means of working with you,” educated Gostler, looking at him.
“Why do I need to know everything about myself?”
“You need complete harmony with yourself so you…”
“Harmony! I’m supposed to be happy that Suzair the Great, my brother, killed my wife?”
Gostler nodded. “If you choose to not find peace, you aren’t hurting your brother. It is only stopping you from engaging in life.”
Ghonllier grunted, “You mean finding someone to be Sooner’s mother.”
“Why do you always leave yourself out of the equation? You need…”
“Stop!” In anger, Ghonllier looked away. He was tired of their conversation. In a shallow tone, he asked, “Gostler, why are you here? I thought you were at the office with Father, working on the curse.”
“I was there. Your father, Adamite, sent me here to talk with you.”
“About what?”
“Your father and I have pieced together the history of this galaxy during the first Master of the Galaxy’s reign. We would like a meeting to talk with you so the Master Stone can fill in the holes.”
Ghonllier nodded and Gostler left. He didn’t make it to the steps before he heard, “Gostler, invite Jason to the meeting. I want to talk with him afterwards.”
Gostler nodded as he continued into the house.
#
Sitting on the edge of the reflection pool, Ghonllier lightly rubbed the bridge of his nose. Suddenly, he felt a soft touch on his shoulder. Jerking his head in that direction, he gasped, “Sooner!” Before he spoke, Ghonllier scooped him up into his arms. Holding him tightly, he whispered, “Son, I love you so much.”
The smell of his son seemed to calm his heart as he held him. Surprised by his father, Sooner tried to pull away so he could talk. After his third request, Ghonllier let him go. Seeing his father, Sooner noticed a tear trickling down his cheek.
“Father, are you okay?”
Ghonllier assured him by tousling his hair while he said, “What do you want?”
“Gabala is outside in a transport waiting for you. Something about a meeting with Grandfather.”
Standing, Ghonllier expressed a thank you and, together, they entered the house. After they reached the front door, Sooner opened it as the two exchanged smiles. Ghonllier got down on Sooner’s level, opening his arms. Sooner fell into his arms and they hugged. Holding him a little tighter, Ghonllier started to tickle his ribs.
Sooner giggled, struggling to get away from his father. Finally, Ghonllier let him go and stood. They grinned before Ghonllier left for the waiting transport. Sooner yelled after his father and he stopped to face him. Sooner gave him the sign for love and Ghonllier returned it. Then he continued to the transport.
Stepping through the open door of the transport, Ghonllier was met with a big surprise. Asustie, his sister, was sitting next to Jason. Great! I didn’t want my sister there. Scanning quickly for a place to sit, he saw Sunna, Jason’s sister and Asustie’s bodyguard, watching him. It angered him that Jason didn’t check with him first before inviting the women.
Gabala closed the door as Ghonllier sat away from everyone. Sunna bothered him, since Sooner was so interested in her. Not wanting to engage in conversation, Ghonllier stared out the window.
#
Sunna didn’t miss his disgusted expression. I’ve never met a man with such large mood swings. One moment, he’s loving his son and the next he acts cold and forbidding. Jason keeps telling me it’s the bonding with the Stone that makes him act this way. She watched him lightly tap on the arm of the chair with his finger. She sighed. Somehow, I don’t believe it. This man is just shallow and selfish and Jason can’t see it.
Asustie tried a couple of times to engage Ghonllier in their conversation but he refused. It was obvious he was irritated. Sunna casually joined in, but she mostly stayed out. When they arrived at Adamite’s office, Gabala opened the door. Jason and Asustie exited while Sunna waited for Ghonllier to move. He sat motionless, staring out the window.
“Commander,” offered Gabala.
His reverie disrupted, Ghonllier hurriedly left with Sunna close behind. Since she was now his bodyguard too, Sunna surveyed the activity around them. Jason and Asustie entered the building quickly while Ghonllier walked slowly, deep in thought.
Once inside the building, Ghonllier stared at the lift while Sunna stayed back and watched. She wasn’t sure that he knew she was there. Sunna waited for him to request the lift, and when he didn’t, she became irritated. She was about to step around him and request the lift herself when Ghonllier did it.
Sunna followed him into the lift. When he turned around, he seemed startled to see her. He looked away. On Adamite’s floor, they had to pass guards who saluted them. With the largest server stone in Adamite’s office, he always had guards at the doors.
When they saluted them, Sunna was the only person to return the gesture. It surprised her to have Ghonllier ignore them. Jason had informed her that he followed military protocol to the letter of the law. So why not now? What is wrong with him? She decided to test the waters.
“Ghonllier, are you okay? You didn’t return the guards’ salute.”
“Don’t push it, Sunna,” Ghonllier muttered.
#
Adamite was concerned when Ghonllier didn’t arrive with Jason. But he was relieved after when Sunna and his son entered the room. Gostler had already told him about Ghonllier’s dream and he was very concerned. The former Master didn’t have time to tell him what the dream meant. He kept thinking about his oldest son, Suzair the Great. Did it mean Ghonllier was going to join his brother?
Watching Ghonllier sit on the couch, Adamite knew his heart was heavy by the expression on Ghonllier’s face. For so many years, he watched his children on the server stones, dreaming about having them with him. Now they were here. The experience was becoming something that he hadn’t expected.
Glancing at Jason and Asustie, they were glowing. Adamite could see Asustie beaming when she saw him. He knew for years that Jason was in love with her but he wasn’t ready to give her away to any man. Even though Jason was like a son to him, Adamite didn’t want either one of them to get hurt. Adamite wasn’t completely sure about Asustie truly loving Jason. She had been in a hurtful relationship a couple of months ago and he didn’t want to watch her go through another.
Arriving at the couches, Sunna and he exchanged looks. Gostler joined him and he sat.
#
Clearing his throat, Adamite started, “Ghonllier, thank you for coming on such quick notice. We have completed reading the journals of Sethus, the first Master of the Galaxy. We want to tell you what we found.” Adamite expected Ghonllier to respond or look at him. When he didn’t, Adamite continued, “When our people, the Eraphins, came to this galaxy, sorcerers lived and ruled with an iron fist over the Trons.
“We all know from our history that the most powerful sorcerers used stepping stones to control the galaxy. During this time, one particular powerful sorcerer had a young daughter of marrying age. This was a big event because few sorcerers had children, since their powers often prevented it. This sorcerer didn’t want to lose control of the galaxy by having his offspring marry humans. So he forbade her to talk with Eraphins and Trons. It meant death to them, if she did.
“This sorcerer’s daughter rebelled and married an Eraphin man. She escaped before they could be killed. Wars broke out among the sorcerers and we think they prevented him from finding her. Yet, we learn that he eventually found her through his stepping stone. When he did, he put a curse on her. Since she was under the protection of Sethus, the first Master of the Stones, he was drawn into the war. My great-great-great-grandmother was this daughter…”
Asustie interrupted, “Do you know how she got away?”
“From what we read, Jaclyn, the daughter, was supposed to pick one of three sorcerers to marry. At that same time, Sethus, an Eraphin, happened to be exploring on the Zuffra moon. They first met unbeknownst to her father,” explained Gostler.
Adamite continued, “When her father found out, he captured Sethus and his crew. He accused them of violating his daughter. He planned on executing them at her prearranged wedding. She was a good sorceress herself and she helped them escape, leaving with him.”
“Was Sethus the Master of the Stones when this happened?” asked Asustie.
Adamite and Gostler looked at Ghonllier. He shook his head.
“What was the name of this sorcerer?” asked Jason.
“Bog,” answered Adamite.
“Does Sethus’s journals tell us much about this Bog?” asked Jason.
Adamite leaned forward while Gostler watched him. Softly, he answered, “They describe him and he sounds just like Suzair the Great.” Adamite looked at Ghonllier and asked, “Does Bog have something to do with my son?”
Ghonllier nodded. Sunna asked, “You said he put a curse on his family. Do I understand you correctly that Sethus is your descendant?” Adamite nodded, so she added, “Can the curse affect Sooner, Asustie, and Ghonllier?”
Gostler answered, “Yes.”
“What kind of a curse is it?” asked Sunna, wanting details now.
Adamite and Gostler looked at Ghonllier. He stayed quiet and he seemed distracted. Finally, Gostler said, “Ghonllier, they are waiting for an answer.”
“I do not know. The answer is in Bog’s books and…” Ghonllier’s voice drifted off.
“We think Sethus left us some answers,” Gostler stated.
“What?”
“Sethus makes a big deal about you being a twin and the twins are the only ones who can stop this curse. Do you know why?”
Ghonllier shook his head.
“He’ll know by the time he’s the Master of the Stones,” commented Gostler.
“Did Sethus give any suggestions for undoing the curse?” asked Sunna.
#
Their voices faded as Ghonllier went inside to speak with the Master Stone. He invited Jason to the meeting because he was leaving to pick up the second Stone afterwards. Now, he wasn’t sure. The Stone had showed him some things in his mind about the curse that upset him. He saw it was important that he left now to pick up Bog’s books. Inside them, he would learn the key to unraveling the curse.
He had never been to the moon Zuffra. Sethus made it a forbidden moon to travel or communicate with. For some reason, KOGN and I-Force never went there. It didn’t surprise him that the Master Stone was now giving him permission to go back to the moon.
Wanting to get back to space anyway, Ghonllier stood and headed for the door. Halfway there, he stopped and faced the room to see everyone staring at him. He looked at Jason and ordered, “I want to leave right now. I don’t need everyone but I do want you, Jason, to go with me.”
Adamite stood and asked, “Where are you going?”
“The Zuffra moon,” answered Ghonllier.
“I want to go with you,” requested Adamite.
Ghonllier shook his head. “No, Father. No one but Jason is going with me.”
Reading his mind, Gostler asked, “Are you sure about going in alone to meet the ghost of this sorcerer?”
Adamite’s face went white. He pleaded, “No. You can’t go there.” Ghonllier grunted and Adamite added, “I can’t lose all my sons to this evil man.”
Ghonllier glared at him for a moment and continued towards the door. Everyone heard it lock and the new Master faced his father. “A locked door can’t stop me, Father. I need to go and I need to do this alone.”
Sunna and Adamite exchanged looks. Then he pleaded, “Son, please send in the Vanishers to get what you need.”
Ghonllier shook his head. “You don’t understand…”
“No! You don’t understand. I refuse to allow you to go—”
“Allow!” retorted Ghonllier. He stepped forward and added, “What are you afraid of, Father? That I will start to wear a KOGN uniform and take over for my brother but this time no one will be able to kill me?!”
“I didn’t say that,” stated Adamite, feeling like Ghonllier had just read his mind.
“You don’t have to. I heard Gostler speaking to you in the ancient Eraphin language. You do not do that unless you are talking about me,” stated Ghonllier, looking at Gostler. He added, “I know he has promised to tell you everything about me.”
Gostler looked away and sighed. Adamite pleaded, “Ghonllier, as one father to another, how would you handle this if Sooner was in your shoes?”
Ghonllier gazed at the floor as he thought. “I wouldn’t want me to go alone either,” he whispered.
“Please take your elite force and please allow me to join you,” requested Adamite.
The new Master saw the pain in his father’s eyes and he knew he would feel the same way if this was Sooner and he. Giving in, Ghonllier warned, “You can come but you need to stay out of my way, Father. You like to control too much and I won’t tolerate it.”
Gostler said something in the Eraphin language and Ghonllier exploded, “What did he just say?”
Adamite kept his gaze on his son. In a soothing tone, he answered, “He told me that he agreed with you. I interfere too much and I apologize.”
“Thank you,” stated Ghonllier, looking at Jason. He ordered, “Have my complete elite force come and I want to leave in two hours.”
“Even the Trons?” quizzed Jason, standing.
“No. I will not need Trons for this,” answered Ghonllier.
Jason looked at Asustie. He whispered something to her and she gave him a half smile. Then she said, “Jason, I do not want to go.”
Sunna sharply looked at Gostler and Adamite. He looked to see Ghonllier was almost through the doors. He stopped Ghonllier and asked him to wait. While Adamite joined Ghonllier, he watched Sunna, Jason, and Asustie leave together.
#
Adamite joined him as Gostler passed them. They watched Gostler leave before Adamite said, “Son, I need to talk to you about Sunna.”
“Did her transfer come through?”
“Yes and since Asustie isn’t going, I need to explain a few things to you.” Ghonllier gave him an unsure look as he explained, “The Master Stones have asked Sunna to join your elite force.”
Ghonllier felt the Stone heat up. He started to shake his head. “No. I don’t want her.”
“Well. This is something between the Stone and you. It told Gostler to make her your personal bodyguard. She is over your whole family’s security.”
“No! I do not want her around Sooner!”
The new Master could tell from the Master Stone that it wanted her and he would learn why later. Ghonllier wasn’t going to accept it lightly. He kept pleading with the Master Stone and it answered him that Sunna stayed.
Adamite was quiet as he watched his son pace, knowing he was talking to the Master Stone. He knew enough to stay out until Ghonllier had calmed down. This was between the Master Stone and Ghonllier. He was relieved the Master Stone requested her and not him. Ghonllier didn’t have Gostler’s temper but he was someone you wouldn’t want to reason with in a moment like this.
Finally, Ghonllier hit his fist into the top of the couch and bellowed, “So that is why Sunna hovers over me when she is around me. That is why she wouldn’t leave me at the Zummer moon.”
Now, he was starting to make sense of his life. Sunna bothered him and it had to do with her being so protective of him. The Master Stone told him that he would understand why he resented her attention. But Ghonllier blew off the Stone’s words, thinking he resented her for replacing Dapper. It reminded him of his mistake.
Ghonllier put his hands on the back of the couch and leaned forward on them. He shook his head.
Adamite soothed, “Son, what is it?”
“She will break my son’s heart.”
“You don’t…”
Ghonllier glared at him as he interrupted, “The Master Stone confirmed it. She will break his heart.”
“This is her home. Maybe, she won’t—”
“Trust me, as I am the Master. She will break his heart and others.”
“Others?”
Ghonllier dismissed his words.
Adamite divulged, “Sunna has accepted a position with Justin when she is through with this assignment. You are right. She will leave.”
“How do I protect my son?”
“Sometimes, we can’t protect our children. They just have to go through it.”
Ghonllier studied his father’s face and knew he was right, but it didn’t make it any easier. He needed to go home and pack. So Ghonllier left and Adamite joined him.
#
Adamite stayed quiet as they walked home. He could tell by Ghonllier’s behavior it was best for him to let him process the new information.
Finally, Ghonllier broke his silence and asked, “Were you with Gostler when he first bonded to the Master Stones?”
Adamite looked away. “I wasn’t there in the beginning, but your mother was.”
“When did you join him?”
“During the second Master Stone.”
“What was it like for him?”
“It almost destroyed our friendship.”
“How?”
“With the second Stone, you can read everyone’s minds and thoughts. Gostler found out the woman he was about to get engaged to was falling in love with someone else.”
“When Gostler got the first Stone, he was engaged?” Adamite nodded. Ghonllier asked, “Who was she in love with?”
Glancing at his son, he divulged, “Me.”
“You?”
Adamite nodded. “Gostler was engaged to your mother…and I hope that I haven’t jeopardized anything with the Stone by telling you.”
Ghonllier knew from the Master Stone that he shouldn’t ask anymore questions about Gostler’s life. So he decided to change the subject. “Father, was it hard living with Gostler while he bonded to the second Stone?”
“Yes. It was very hard for him and us.”
Ghonllier walked a little further in silence. They had arrived at the steps to the house. As they climbed them, Ghonllier asked, “Did you find it hard to stay friends after you married Mother?”
Adamite whispered, “He came to the wedding and he said it didn’t bother him.”
They entered the house together. The father and son waited for the lift. While it arrived, Ghonllier said, “It sounds like Mother and you fell in love very quickly.”
Adamite smiled as the lift opened up. “I dated a lot of women when I was single. There wasn’t a special one until I met her. We never dated until after Gostler disappeared. We became good friends long before we ever dated.”
“What attracted you to Mother?” asked Ghonllier, getting into the lift with his father.
“I don’t know if it was just one thing. I found her intriguing the minute I saw her. I still find her fascinating. I love her more with each passing day.”
Ghonllier grunted and smiled. Adamite assumed he was thinking about Jenny. “I hope you find love again. The Master of the Stones doesn’t have to be alone.”
The door was about to shut when they saw Stacy approaching them with Gabala at her heels. Adamite caused the door to the lift to stay open.
“Ghonllier, what are you going to do with Sooner?” she asked worriedly.
“What do you mean?”
“I watched your meeting on the server stone,” explained Stacy.
“You have a server stone here?”
“Yes, we do. That way I could watch you and Asustie,” clarified Stacy. Impatiently, she added, “Ghonllier, are you going to take Sooner with you?”
He smiled at his mother and leaned in to give her a kiss on the cheek. “Where is he?”
“He’s playing outside with friends,” said Stacy. Ghonllier started to get out of the lift and she added, “Do you want me to get him for you?”
The Master stopped and educated, “Mother, I will leave him because I think that is what he wants. He loves it here with you. Please send him to my room so we can talk about it.”
Beaming, Stacy left to get her grandson. Ghonllier stepped back into the lift and the door shut. The father and son exchanged looks before it disappeared into the ceiling. They exited the lift on the third floor and separated to pack for the trip to the Zuffra moon.
#
In a short amount of time, Ghonllier had everything laid out on his bed. While he started to put his things in the bag, Sooner entered the room. He greeted his father before he bounced up on his bed. Ghonllier greeted him with a “hi.” Sooner looked inside his bag and said, “You are leaving?”
“Yes. I shouldn’t be gone for long. Do you want to come with me or stay with your grandmother?”
“I would like to stay with Grandmother. Is Grandfather staying here or going with you?”
“He’s coming with me. Your grandmother needs to be taken care of since Grandfather is leaving for a while. Will you take care of her and Aunt Asustie?”
“Is Sunna staying?” asked Sooner, causing anger to come into Ghonllier’s heart.
Carefully, he answered, “No. She is coming with me. Your grandfather, Justin, has made her part of my crew.” Sooner pouted and Ghonllier ignored it.
Ghonllier left for one of his dresser drawers. Reaching in, he came out with a C-stone. Returning, he sat on the bed and held up the C-stone. Sooner’s eyes got big. “Are you giving that to me?”
“Yes,” answered Ghonllier with Sooner reaching out for it. “I’m giving you Dapper’s C-stone. I want you to contact me every day and tell me what happened in your day.”
“Sure,” said Sooner, turning it over and over in his hand.
“Be careful with it. You aren’t supposed to have this. It’s military equipment. Don’t talk about it or show it to your friends.”
“I promise,” grinned Sooner.
“Remember, you can contact Jasper with this C-stone. We programmed Jasper’s C-stone to call this one. So you will be able to talk with your friend now that you aren’t on the ship.”
Sooner threw his arms around his father’s neck and the two just held each other. Letting go of his father, Sooner gazed at his very own C-stone. Then he bounced off the bed and said, “I want to show this to Grandmother.”
Sooner disappeared out the door, leaving Ghonllier to stare after him. Where did all the time go? He is growing up so fast. Soon, he won’t need me anymore. He sighed. Then I’ll be alone…or too busy to care. Either way, it is lonely.
#
Ghonllier quickly finished packing his bag and it felt good to swing it over his shoulder. Walking into the hallway, Ghonllier found Asustie entering her bedroom. He noticed a tear trickling down her cheek while she opened the door.
Using his Vanisher speed, he arrived at her side. “Asustie, are you okay?”
She faced him and he saw there was more than one tear. In a choked voice, she said, “Ghonllier, please take care of Jason.”
He gently reached up to wipe away a new tear and said, “So you do have feelings for him.”
Asustie moved his hand away and stated, “I’m not sure. He just kissed me goodbye and told me that he loved me.”
“Does that upset you?”
She shrugged her shoulders while Ghonllier sat his bag next to the wall. “What’s bothering you?”
“I’m scared,” confessed Asustie thoughtfully. “I like Jason, but I don’t see how he could have fallen in love with me so quickly.” Looking at Ghonllier, she added, “I don’t believe him and… I want to believe him.”
“Then believe him,” he whispered.
She gave Ghonllier a startled look and said, “You don’t understand what I’ve been through. He probably says he’s in love with me because of you.”
“I know you were engaged and he deeply hurt you.”
“Did Sunna tell you?”
“No. Jason did.”
Asustie leaned against the door and whispered, “I don’t want to risk my heart again.”
“Sister, I promise you, his love is sincere and it wasn’t quick. He has been in love with you for ten years.”
She gave him a startled look of shock. “How could that be?”
“He fell in love while watching you on the server stone. It was his job.”
Asustie closed her eyes and moaned, “He never told me that. I thought Father and Mother were the only ones who watched us… I’m so embarrassed.”
Ghonllier chuckled, “I told Jason the same thing when I found out.”
His sister’s face changed to anger. She stated, “I don’t like how he fell in love with me. It’s wrong—”
“Asustie, be patient with Jason.”
“Why didn’t he tell me?” she retorted.
“Asustie, it has been difficult for him to be in love with you.”
Asustie looked at Ghonllier with thoughtful eyes. She slowly asked, “Why?”
“He fell in love with you in the first week. Then he had to watch you in other men’s arms. Can you imagine what it was like to watch them kiss you?”
“And ask me to marry them,” added Asustie.
Ghonllier nodded and then he squeezed her hand. He whispered, “You know, Asustie.” He picked up his bag while he let go of her hand. “Now you have a server stone to watch him. You can find out what kind of man he really is. There can’t be any façade using the server stone. Maybe you’ll understand him and decide if you like what’s there.”
Asustie let out a sigh while Ghonllier smiled at her. Then he tossed his bag over his shoulder and left.
She replied, “Thanks for the advice, little brother.” He paged for the lift and winked at her. She added, “Have a successful trip, and be patient with Father.”
The lift door opened and he got in. They looked at each other before he left. Asustie stayed leaning against the wall, thinking about their conversation.
Chapter 2:
Leaning against the corridor of the Liberty Quest, Adamite watched Ghonllier walk into the conference room. I’ve dreamt so long about being here, and he totally ignores me. I’ve never seen him act like this before. He sighed. I wish Dapper were here. He would know how to handle this. Ghonllier ignored everyone, not just his father.
They had been flying for four days now. The last time Adamite talked with Ghonllier was on their walk home from the office. By coming, he hoped to bond with his son. In his mind, Adamite had expected to ride with Ghonllier to his ship. It hurt to have Gabala tell him that Ghonllier had already left. He hoped his son would’ve checked him into his quarters. Instead, he sent Jason to do it when the captains paged him.
With each day, Adamite hoped to have normal contact with Ghonllier. Instead, he watched his son refuse to talk with everyone. He spoke to Jason and it was only to give him orders. It didn’t stop Adamite from taking Ghonllier’s behavior personally. Staring at the door, Ghonllier had just entered. He wondered, Maybe Dapper and Justin were what he wanted in a father. I never saw him shut them out like he is doing to me.
Entering the conference room, Adamite saw his son standing by the window with his back to the group. They weren’t alone. Gostler and Situaman sat around the conference table, bantering about the past. Situaman was the leader of the Control Temps and one of Adamite’s friends from his youth.
Jason and Sunna were in the room too. Sunna sat at the table next to Gostler, being entertained by them, while Jason ignored everyone. He was doing his duty as commander of the ship, recording a report for Justin on this mission. Since Ghonllier was reported dead, the job fell on Jason to be the commander of the ship.
Adamite caught Sunna’s gaze as he stood in the doorway. Joining her, he leaned over and whispered, “Did he talk to anyone when he came in?” She shook her head. They both watched Ghonllier with great concern.
#
Gostler and Situaman’s conversation was irritating Ghonllier, so he left through the door to his old office. Sunna was surprised; he left the door open. Usually, he shut it. Maybe he’s ready to talk. All he needs is an opportunity.
Standing, she followed him. Jason had warned her when she boarded that Ghonllier knew she was his bodyguard. Now she wanted to know how he felt about it. Entering the office, she mused, I hope this isn’t a mistake. Ghonllier had positioned himself next to the window with a blank stare on his face.
Quietly, she sat in a chair by the desk, unaware it was Dapper’s favorite. Unknowingly, she began lightly tapping her fingers on the desk, watching Ghonllier. The new Master heard the tapping and it triggered a scene in his mind.
#
Suddenly, he felt the presence of Dapper and he so wanted to talk with him. The tapping of a finger was meant as a secret message that either Ghonllier or Dapper wanted to talk. Glancing in the direction of the sound, the Stone allowed him to see Dapper in his old chair, giving him a serious look.
Stunned and excited, Ghonllier blurted out, “Do you want to talk?”
“Of course.”
Ghonllier smiled to hear Dapper’s voice. “Where have you been? I have needed you.”
“I’m here. I’ve always been here.”
Ghonllier’s voice cracked, “I miss you so much. Why did you take my blast? It was meant for me.”
The new Master saw Dapper but he heard Sunna’s voice. He blinked his eyes and the scene of Dapper vanished. Instead of his friend, he saw Sunna sitting in the chair. Quickly, he looked away as she quizzed, “You miss me? What blast are you talking about?”
Embarrassed, he grunted, “You’re sitting in Dapper’s chair while tapping your fingers like he always did. For a moment, I …”
“I triggered a memory of him. I’m sorry,” finished Sunna.
Ghonllier started to leave. Sunna stopped him. “I would like to talk if you’re willing.”
He stared at her, so she added, “What’s going on with you? You’re very pensive.”
“What do you mean exactly?”
“You remind me of a person who is listening to something intently. What is it?”
Ghonllier looked away from Sunna and smiled. Dapper always used the word “pensive” and I haven’t heard it since his death. He still could feel Dapper’s presence, as if he were really there. Hoping in his heart that Dapper was there to talk with him through Sunna, he responded, “Why do you say I’m listening to something?”
“Just a gut feeling. Are you saying I’m right?” Staring at her, he nodded. She asked, “Who’s talking to you?”
“I don’t know. He just keeps calling my name.”
“Do you know why?”
“The voice wants me to come to him. He says he can help me find what I’m looking for.”
“Has he told you what you’re looking for?”
“In a way he has.”
“Is this voice Bog?” Ghonllier nodded. “So he’s aware of you?” Sunna stood and added, “How does he know about you?”
Hearing Dapper’s verbiage again, Ghonllier looked away and smiled. It meant a lot to know Dapper was trying to let him know he was there. The Master Stone let him know Dapper wanted to help him and was aware of his thoughts. It made him feel quite emotional and he didn’t want Sunna to see. Without another word, he disappeared into the corridor.
#
Sighing, Sunna thought about Ghonllier’s words. I wonder if he has accepted me as his bodyguard. At least he confided in me about Bog. I hope he feels like he can trust me. Suddenly, she heard a sound behind her. Startled, she realized Adamite was there. He had entered through the open door from the conference room. He charged towards her. Instantly, she knew what he wanted and she hurried to follow Ghonllier into the corridor.
“Sunna! Did you talk with him?”
She kept going until Adamite grabbed a hold of her arm, stopping her escape. Adamite repeated, “Sunna, did he speak to you?”
Nodding, she pulled away from his grip and briskly headed for the door, hoping Adamite wouldn’t follow. But he was hot on her heels.
Blocking her escape, he asked, “What did he say?”
Staring into his concerned face, she answered, “Not much. You know him.”
“Did he say he was upset about you being his bodyguard?”
“We never talked about it.”
“Then tell me what he said.”
“I’m not going to tell you what we talked about, Adamite. It was between him and me,” stated Sunna sternly.
#
Adamite started to threaten Sunna when they heard, “David!” Gostler used Adamite’s birth name when he wanted to speak to him as a friend. Adamite glanced at him as Gostler added, “She’s right. If you wanted to know what the conversation was about, you should have stayed home and watched on the server stones.”
Looking back sharply, Adamite implored, “Can you read his mind?”
“No,” said Gostler, “he has me totally blocked.”
“Then I want to know what he said,” repeated Adamite.
Gostler answered, “If you force her to talk, he’ll never trust her. He doesn’t trust Sunna now nor does he trust you, Adamite. You have to stop trying to run his life.”
The former Master’s words hurt Adamite and frustrated him. He had always been in the background protecting his son and he wanted to be close to him. Sunna gave him a defiant look when he pressed her again. When she refused to tell him, he threatened that he would put this on her report. It would affect her getting her commission as commander.
Sighing, Gostler asked, “Sunna, does this concern his safety?”
Sunna glanced at Gostler. “Maybe,” divulged Sunna barely above a whisper. “It’s between him and me. I am his bodyguard.”
“I’m his father,” Adamite reminded. “I have to know why he is acting so distant. If I’m going to…”
Gostler placed his hand on Adamite’s arm. Shaking his head, he advised, “Let go of the thought of losing him or you’ll drive yourself crazy.”
“I’m not backing down. I want to know exactly why my son isn’t talking to anyone.”
“David. Don’t do it,” warned Gostler.
Adamite looked back at Sunna and threatened, “Sunna, you tell me or I’ll keep you from ever receiving your commission as commander.”
Seeing Adamite wasn’t going to back down, Gostler consoled, “Sunna, you know I’m behind you. The galaxy’s very existence sits on Ghonllier’s shoulders. What did he say? I’ll take the blame and explain this to him, if he finds out.”
Slowly, she took a deep breath, wanting to keep her status as a commander. She divulged to them that Ghonllier was hearing someone calling out to him. Adamite got upset and he started to imagine Bog was going to pull him into the curse. It upset him that Sunna didn’t ask Ghonllier about Bog having the power to draw him into the curse and he wanted to know the answer now.
Adamite stormed out the office, wanting Ghonllier, and Gostler followed. He said, “David, no! I warned you about interfering with him. He has to see this out and make his own mistakes in the process.” He went to the green strip on the wall and paged for Ghonllier. As he waited for the captains to report back to him, Gostler warned, “David! Stop and think before you do something rash. You need to trust Sunna and him.”
Through gritted teeth, he said, “Trust him? Bog wants the Master Stone. Sethus said it in his journal. My son and the Stone are inseparable. I think he’s in over his head. He needs the other Stones before he confronts this ghost.”
Gostler implored, “You can’t do this, David. Think of the consequences before you do something you’ll regret. Let your emotions calm down before you talk with him.”
“We’re close to the Zuffra moon. I have to stop this now.”
#
Sunna listened to them and shook her head. She went to leave when Ghonllier entered the corridor from the command center. Adamite headed for his son. Sunna moaned and Gostler reassured, “I’ll make it up to you, Sunna. I’ll defend you on this. This isn’t your fault.” Sunna rolled her eyes, turning in the opposite direction to leave. Gostler stopped her. “Sunna, stay with us.”
“Gostler, could Bog kill Ghonllier?” asked Sunna.
He looked at her and explained, “Yes. It’s possible. That’s all I can say.”
“Is there a chance that he could become a cold-blooded killer like his brother?”
“Maybe. I don’t understand the curse enough and our lack of understanding makes us vulnerable,” explained Gostler as they watched the two men meet.
They could hear Adamite vocalize, “I need to talk with you… now!”
“Not now,” responded Ghonllier, stepping around him.
“Son, we need to go back home and come back later.”
Glancing away, Ghonllier glared at Sunna. Seeing it, she quickly looked away. The new Master guessed what had happened. He looked at Adamite and conceded, “Fine.” Then he headed for the conference room.
The former Master watched as they entered the room. Then Gostler dragged Sunna in, which let Adamite know that she had talked. It angered him to know that she had given in so easily to them. Now, he really didn’t trust Sunna and wanted her out of their lives.
Adamite interrupted his thoughts. “Is it true Bog is trying to talk with you?” Ghonllier looked away. “We need to go back and get the second Stone. You aren’t strong enough to meet Bog.”
He looked at his father and expressed, “Thank you for your opinion. I will take it under advisement.”
“So you are not going to turn this ship around?”
Without changing his expression, he looked at his father and coldly said, “No, Father. I have no plans on doing such a thing.”
“Please don’t go. I don’t want to lose you this way. I can’t go through it again. You are my last son. Please…I beg you. Go back home.”
Ghonllier could only imagine what it was like for his brother to instantly change personalities and kill his two brothers in front of others. Understanding his fears, Ghonllier asked, “What is your opinion, Gostler?”
“You know what you’re doing. We should stay out of it.”
“Son, let the Vanishers go in to get the books.”
Not responding, Ghonllier left the room, giving Sunna a disapproving look.
#
In anger, Adamite hit the table with his fist. “That stubborn man!”
“Just like his father,” commented Gostler, looking at Sunna.
Feeling betrayed, Sunna said accusingly, “Thanks for smoothing things over, Gostler.”
“Sunna, all he has to do is ask the Stone to show him what happened. He will understand you were forced to talk,” soothed Gostler.
“You saw his face! If he played it back, he will see what he wants to see. He’ll see a woman who wants her commission at his expense. You’ll have to have someone else be his bodyguard. He wouldn’t ever trust me…” said Sunna, leaving abruptly.
She was so angry about her whole situation. Sunna didn’t realize how much she wanted her commission of being a commander until it was threatened. She found a weakness in herself and it disappointed her.
#