The stone of black

 

The theft of a soul

 

Breams looked out over then Great Stonewood Pines that surrounded his school but did not really see them. In his mind, he could see great mountain peeks covered with snow and expanses of blue sky. He suddenly felt himself reach out to hold onto something as the dizziness of being up so high took hold of him. He had never liked heights and he felt as if he were standing on a small ledge looking down at the rocks below. The cold mountain air seemed to sting his face. The feeling of being somewhere else had been with him all day and Educator Nettle had already given him extra evening studies for not listening in history.

Suddenly a voice boomed in his ear. ‘Bartholomew Breams are you planning to stand there all day or are you going to honour us with you attention.’

Breams jumped and dropped his staff, ‘sorry sir,’ he said as he desperately looked around to see what he should be doing. Everyone else had found a partner and were about to start staff control exercises.

‘Well, as it is only you left you will partner me young man.’

Educator Berry swung his staff and placed it at the rest position. Breams positioned himself opposite and bowed.

Educator Berry turned to look around the practice arena, ‘Everyone, two sets of exercises, make them controlled and safe.’ He then turned back to Breams.

‘Breams, you will lead and I will follow and please concentrate. I know you are much better than the rest of the class but if you do not concentrate accidents can happen: now do I have your attention.’

Breams desperately tried to cleared his mind and focus on Berry’s staff, ‘Yes, I’m ready sir,’

Whether it was his need to control his thoughts or just his need to get lessons over with he could not fathom but from the moment he started he felt his staff move faster and faster. Berry responded but he neither had the speed nor the skill to match Breams.

Breams felt himself moving but seemed to have no control over his actions. The world spiralled around him as if being sucked into a dark tunnel. There were screams around him but he could do nothing to stop as he spun out of control. The shouts and screams gradually became distant as he felt himself flying towards the mountains in his mind. He thought he could feel someone take away his staff and he cried out in pain then all he could feel was a terrible loss…

 

‘Breams, focus just on my voice .Can you do that for me?’

‘Headmaster Windmaster, I’m doing that.’

‘Good boy, now tell me what you see.’

Breams allowed his mind to wander, feel and see what was around him. ‘I am in a dark room. It’s so black I can’t see,’ He shivered as a cold chill ran down his spine.

‘Breams, I want you to take yourself out of that room.’

‘How sir?’

‘Think of the practice ground and form it in your mind. Push the dark room out. Don’t allow it in.’

Breams made himself create the practice ground in his mind but every time he thought he had it, the dark room swept it away.

‘Headmaster I can’t. Are you still there?’ And he felt himself panicking.

‘I’m with you Breams, and I am not going to leave you but I need someone else to come and help you. You keep trying to find a way out. See if you can move around the room. Will you do that for me?’

‘I will sir,’ Breams minded back weakly.

 

Richard Harrington grabbed his staff and opened a window to Loggerwood School. He did not stop until he had reached the practice ground. A few charred remains of the far fencing were the only sign that there had been a problem. Gregory Windmaster held young Breams in his arms while several Educations looked on in alarm.

Educator Alcost rushed over to greet him, ‘Your Eminence thank you for coming so quickly.’

‘Alcost, terrible business, how are they doing?’

‘Not too well sir, we couldn’t help Berry I’m afraid. Gregory has Breams. He has been able to mind to him but he can’t get him back. The boy appears to be shut in a dark room somewhere.’

Richard Harrington, touched Gregory Windmaster’s shoulder to let him know he was with him.

‘Can you see where he is?’

‘No your Eminence just a black room somewhere. He hasn’t the strength to pull himself out and I shall not be able to hold him for long. Whoever has him is very strong. I fear we are losing him.’

Richard Harrington formed a link to Breams, ‘Bartholomew can you hear me?’

‘I can sir, but I’m scared, please get me back.’

‘Headmaster Windmaster will be with you all the time so you hold tight to him. I am going to find a way of getting you back. What I need to know is where you are and for that I need a few more clues. Is there anything else you can tell me about where you are? Did you see anything or feel anything before you were pulled away?’

            ‘Sir I kept seeing mountains. I almost felt I was up high in them. Then I was pulled into this dungeon but it’s so dark that…’

A flash of light stunned him and although not able to move he captured a glimpse of the room before it plunged into darkness again.

‘Sir it’s not a dungeon its just night. I am still high up. There is a small window a bit like in Mr McDuggan’s castle. The room is empty apart from a stone table. The walls are shiny and the ceiling is painted with a great sun.’

Richard Harrington cursed under his breath, ‘Good boy, I know where you are, we will soon have you safe.’

‘Sir, am I in a dream and just can’t wake up?’

‘Something like that my boy but I am afraid to say it is a little more complicated. Your mind and soul has been taken from your body which is still here with us. You do not have the strength to return your soul to your body so we must come to you.’

‘How could this have happened?’ Breams minded.

‘Someone took control of your soul and tore it from you? I think I now know who. All I need you to do is to keep trying to bring yourself back to your Headmaster. He is going to be with you all the time.’

Richard Harrington let his link go with Breams and sat thinking. Why this boy?  Should he call Breams’ father back from the Northern borders or was that part of the trap. Richard Harrington had no doubt who had done this to Breams, the question was why. His hands shook as he considered what he would do when he met the man again. It had been so long since they had last faced each other.

He touched Breams, ‘Breams I need to give a message to the man that has you. He will hear this. Godfrey, I know this is your doing. Just tell me why and I will come to you?’

‘Ah, Richard, It has been a long time, has it not? I knew you would guess. Who else could or would dare to steal a soul. The boy will come to no harm as long as you and Ribastra bring her new Hatchlings to me. Do not dally: I am not a patient man and time is short.’

Richard Harrington sat still, cold with fear and with a great sense of grief but finally he acted, as he knew he must. He quickly wrote a bubble and flew it. ‘Alcost, please could you call Henry Fothrington, Hamish Mc Duggan and Barley Hollyhock for me. Tell them to bring their coat and staff with them as they will be going on a journey’

            Henry was just starting his pudding when Educator Alcost’s voice echoed in his head, ‘Henry please would you come to the outside  practice ground immediately, bring your coat and staff with you, you will be travelling.’

Henry looked longingly at his treacle pudding but quickly pushed it over to his friend next to him. ‘All yours Harris, I’m off,’ and he dashed into his room to collect his bag and coat. Hurtling around the corner of the longhouse he bumped into Hamish. ‘You too?’ he asked in surprise.

Hamish nodded his face creased with worry. ‘Pilkington says there has been an accident on one practice ground. He reckons Breams has killed Berry and is injured or dead himself and that His Eminence Richard Harrington is here to take Breams away. Loads of people are out there but I couldn’t see much.

Henry felt himself go cold. ‘Breams mate, where are you?’  There was no reply; his usual link to Breams had gone. Now frantic, he raced full speed to the practice ground with Hamish panting after him. ‘We don’t know for sure Henry.’

Henry pushed through the crowd but froze as he saw Richard Harrington and Headmaster Windmaster with Breams in his arms.

‘Breams!’ he screamed.

Educator Alcost grabbed him tight as he lurched forward. ‘It’s alright Henry. They are taking care of him. It wasn’t his fault.’

Henry couldn’t work out what was happening as shock ran through his body. He wiped away a tear not quite understanding why it should be there. Richard Harrington seemed to appear in front of him and took hold of his shoulders, his granite eyes held Henry’s. He tried to turn his head way ashamed of his tears but Richard Harrington held him tight. His words echoed in Henry’s head,

 ‘Breams will be alright Henry. You and I are going to make sure of that. There is a time as we fall asleep when our soul can leave our body. This is only fleeting and for most of us we never have the skill to allow our souls to fly free. But some people can and can fly the spirit plain. Someone evil has aggressively taken Breams’ soul and used his body to kill Educator Berry. Now his soul is captured but it isn’t lost. We are going to find this person who has done this to Breams and Breams will recover. Do you understand that?’

Henry nodded numbly.

‘Good boy, now I need your help. Headmaster Windmaster is having problems keeping hold of Breams’ soul. We must maintain a link with him or we will lose him. I need you to help us to do this. Do you understand what I am telling you?’

‘I couldn’t mind to him sir, our link has gone.’

‘No problem Henry. We can help you find that link again.’  

Henry felt Harrington’s hold on him loosen and he pulled his eyes away from Harrington’s. Hamish and Barley stood silently next to him but their attention was elsewhere. Henry followed their stares and he felt his heart beating rapidly as a dark showdown cover moved across the school. Several students screamed as a large winged creature circled above their heads.

‘Stay calm, she is here to help,’ roared Gregory Windmaster above the screams but panic broke out as students and educators alike dashed for shelter. Few people had ever seen a dragon and Ribastra didn’t look too friendly as she descended and landed in the centre of the practice ground. Ribastra swung her head around and then gracefully padded over to Gregory Windmaster. Her large dark eyes looked down upon Breams, ‘Why would anyone do this to him Gregory?’

Richard Harrington joined them and shook his head, ‘Godfrey has him Ribastra.’

Ribastra reared her head and cried, allowing vast amounts of steam to rise into the air. Those who had been brave enough to venture out to see the dragon scattered and Gregory Windmaster couldn’t help sighing. He was going to have a lot of explaining to do once this was all over.

Richard Harrington, waited for Ribastra to calm down be going on, ‘He is using Breams to bring us to him. He wants us to bring the boys, do you know why he might do that after all these years?’

Ribastra lowered her head her eyes tearful. ‘After so many lonely years and he threats me yet again. I will take you to Godfrey, maybe he will tell me why he destroyed the race of Dragons or maybe he plans to finish the job. I hoped he was dead but now I know he is not, I want to hear what he has to say.’

            Ribastra turned her head towards Henry, Hamish and Barley who waited patiently and then back to Richard, ‘Why the Hatchlings?’

Harrington frowned, ‘Godfrey has demanded I bring them, why I don’t know only that he must see a lot to know you chose them as your hatchlings.’

Ribastra moaned and laid her head on the ground and closed her eyes. Everyone waited in silence wondering what she was going to do next. A tear rolled down her scaling cheek and onto the ground. Richard Harrington bent down and picked it up before touching Ribastra gently on her head. ‘I’m so sorry old lady I know the pain this is causing you. You know I would not have asked if there was another way. We must do this.’

‘I understand Richard my friend and I know you too must feel such pain. We will go to Godfrey together and we will get my young hatchling back. But this time you must promise me you will do what must be done.’

Richard nodded, ‘I promise. I will not fail you this time old friend.’

Ribastra opened her eyes and lifted her head. ‘Come, my hatchlings we have a long way to travel.’

Richard took hold of Breams as Gregory Windmaster climbed up and then handed him back before helping up the other three boys. Finally he climbed up himself.

The rest of the school watched as they rose up and over the Stonewood pines and above the clouds.

Barley and Hamish still did not understand what was happening. No one had explained what was going on but neither felt they should ask.

Barley cleared his throat, ‘Your Eminence, where are we going?’

Richard turned round, ‘Sorry you two, you must wonder what is happening. Well we are going to the Sky Mountain Monastery,’ and he went on to explain what had happened. He gave them a few moments to let the information sink in and then continued. ‘The Wizard that has him is very dangerous, even for me. I believed I was the strongest wizard alive today but to do what this person has done from such a distance is beyond anything I could do. There is only one person who could have done this and I had believed he was dead. He was once a great White wizard, but when we needed him most he turned to black magic. He was condemned to death. Then on the morning of his execution he disappeared. That was many years ago and I have always believed him to have died but now I must face the fact that he did not.

            ‘He has demanded I bring the three of you with me  but I have no idea why.’            ‘Richard I am loosing him,’ came a desperate minding from Gregory Windmaster.

Richard quickly picked up a link with Breams, ‘Breams my boy, hold on to me.’

‘ Can’t sir, it’s too hard.’

‘Henry quickly, see if you can mind to Breams.’

‘Breams mate, please stay with us. We are coming to find you really quickly. You got to hold on’.

‘Can’t Henry, It’s too hard. I’m going to die, aren’t I?’

‘No you are not Breams. I won’t let you, I need you.’ and Henry tried to strengthen his link to Breams.

‘Let him go young Fothrington. Regardless of what his eminence has told you I will not let your friend die. I just can’t allow your link to remain.’

‘If you hurt him I will kill you,’ Minded Henry in fury and grief.

‘I’m sorry to tell you your threat means very little to me and I believe there are several people ahead of you in promising me that. As yet they have all disappointed me.’

‘He’s gone,’ cried Henry, ‘That man has him.’

‘Don’t fret hatchling, this man is many things but I don’t think any harm will come to Bartholomew. That’s right isn’t it Richard.

Richard reached out and held Henry. ‘Ribastra is right. He has done many terrible things but if he said he will keep him safe I think he will.’

 

The spirit plain

 

Breams felt his link with Henry disappear at the same time as he found himself floating above a great castle, high up in the mountains. It was night but the sky seemed to have cleared and a half moon had started to rise in the sky.

            ‘I like it out here at night. Be at peace boy and feel the calm of the night. Soon I will have you back with your friends. We can watch them arrive together if you like.’

Breams watched as an image of a man formed next to him. He felt he should be afraid but found he was calm and almost welcomed the company of this man. He put out his hand to hold Breams stable and Breams saw his bony fingers were covered in a thin leathery layer of wrinkled skin, yet there was comfort in the mans touch.

‘Are you the Black wizard?’ he asked, unafraid of the answer.

‘I am Godfrey, and yes, I am partly a Black wizard but I am also partly a White wizard. Both magics are within me. I am sorry to cause you so much pain but the fate that is mine is loose again and even after all we do tonight will one day fall to another and I could not allow that, not again. I will explain everything when it is safe to do so, but please try to believe me when I tell you I mean you no harm. ‘

Strangely Breams felt at peace with everything around him.

The old wizard looked at him; his granite eyes looked sad and tired. ‘I can not change the terrible things I have done in my life but I can stop them happening again. My end is near and I will soon walk the Ways of the Universe. I will relive those terrible days but I still long for the chance to relive the joys of watching my son grow into a fine young man. One day you will have a son and you will understand the joy and the pain I talk about.’ The old wizard sighed heavily. ‘I would like my son to be proud of me once more but I fear it is too late.’

Breams held his hand, ‘I don’t think you are as bad as Richard said you were. Richard was very sad when all the Dragons died but now he has Ribastra he is much better. Maybe he can help you.’

The old man smiled, ‘Maybe. Now it will be a little while until they arrive. Shall we fly together? I would like some company I have been very lonely.’

 

The Sky Monastery

 

The journey was dark and cold and after losing Breams no one wanted to talk much. Ribastra felt herself catch the great mountain thermals and began to circle higher and higher. ‘Almost there,’ she called. ‘I will land on the roof if you do not mind.’

Ribastra circled and finally set down on the top of one of the round turrets. Gregory Windmaster and Richard Harrington lit several light globes, and led the way down to a small court yard.

 ‘I’m not sure I like this,’ mumbled Barley who hadn’t said anything throughout the flight.

‘I understand how you feel Barley and if you wish to remain with Ribastra I quite understand.’

Barely felt like he had been slapped, ‘I didn’t mean that I wish I wasn’t here it is just this Godfrey sounds really evil, maybe he will kill us all.’

Richard Harrington turned round to look at him, ‘I’m sorry Barley, I didn’t mean to scare you. He is dangerous but I do not think he will kill us. I would not have brought you if I had thought that. How are you feeling Hamish?’

Hamish shrugged his shoulders, ‘Breams is in trouble. If it were the other way round he would be here for me. I just hope we aren’t too late.’

Richard Harrington smiled to himself as he walked on. ‘I could have selected some highly trained Guard but I am glad I have you three instead.’ he called over his shoulder. ‘Of course I can’t say the same about Gregory.’ he laughed.

Gregory Windmaster grunted, ‘I don’t remember you asking me if I wanted to come and I am your only spirit flyer so be grateful. I know Godfrey, Richard and I have seen what he is capable of, both good and bad. I am, however, glad to be here. Maybe we will finally get to understand why.’

 

The Sky Monastery was far more spectacular than Henry had imagined. It looked to have been carved from the rock itself and then polished. The glassy stonewalls reflected the moonlight, and several of the towers tapered to points as they rose into the sky.

‘It’s amazing,’ He said. Richard nodded, ‘I thought so when I first saw it. No one knows how old it is. It never changes. Other buildings have come and gone but this monastery never weathers or shows a single sign of a crack. It’s magic of course but we don’t know from where.’

As they approached the great wooden door it swung open and a monk led them in. He greeted them with a low bow but remained silent. He wore a simple gown with a hood that fell over his face. He seemed to lead them by sense alone as they followed him through the maze of corridors. Barley formed a map in his mind as he went. He had no intention of getting himself lost in this place. The monastery didn’t feel exactly threatening but silent and eerie. Every now and then monks walked by, their heads hidden under their hoods. The corridors were wide and echoed their foot steps and the smooth shiny walls reflected the light of floating light globes. The floor and high ceilings were made of the same polished stone and Barley realised there appeared to be no joins or as Richard had said not a single crack. The only change from one corridor with the next was the colour of the stone. In some corridors it appeared blue and in others sandy yellow or white. There seemed no evidence of many doors just different areas of space. The monk finally came to a stop. Richard bowed to him and he left.

‘Do not be afraid boys. The man we are to meet is in the next room. Come on lets find out why he called us here.’

 

The balance of magic

 

Richard led them into a dimly lit room. It had a single roughly carved chair in which sat a frail old man. His skin was darkened with age, and although wrinkled seemed to stretch impossibly over his bones. His white hair hung unkempt and grey whiskers showed he had failed to shave for many days. He wore a monks robe but his hood lay across his shoulders. His eyes scanned his guests before falling on Richard.

‘Richard, I am grateful for your haste. Gregory put the boy on my bed and I will return him to you but do not interfere with what I must then do. The boy understands.’

A staff appeared in Richard’s hand.

‘Put that away Richard. I do not intend to harm anyone. You do not have the courage or skill to use it on me anyway.’

‘Do not count on that old man.’

The old wizard brushed the threat away, and pulling himself up he used his staff as a walking stick to hobble over to Breams.

‘Breams my boy, open your eyes and see who is here with you.’

Breams slowly opened his eyes and turned his head. Henry could not contain himself and rushed over to him. ‘How are you mate? This man didn’t hurt you did he?’

‘I think I am alright,’ Breams said cautiously as he moved his arms and legs. ‘Fig strange not having your body with you.’ Then he looked up at the old wizard. ‘I am ready,’ he said.

‘Ready for what,’ snapped Henry at the wizard but Breams but his hand on Henry, ‘He has to help me do something before I can’t. Let me do it and then you will understand.’

Breams sat up and took off a wrist band that he had won in a school competition. He looked up at the old wizard for reassurance. The old wizard mouthed some words and Breams copied them.

‘I freely take off the band of black.’

He then handed it to the old wizard. ‘I freely give the band of black. It is freely taken.’

The old wizard flinched as he took the band, ‘I freely receive the band of black and freely wear it.’

Richard stared at Gregory in disbelief. ‘Who did this?’ he whispered hoarsely.

The old wizard shook as he placed the band on his wrist and Richard jumped forward to steady him. ‘What is it?’

‘Get me to my chair and I will explain,’ the old wizard said and Richard gently helped him to his rickety seat while Henry sat down with Breams.

Once he had regained his breath he reached out and took Richards hand. ‘It is good to see you Richard. I know you do not feel the same about finding me still alive and I would have been content to die here if I had not felt the power of that band loose in the world again.

I was trapped by the power of such a weapon and I was a great white wizard, what hope did that boy have? I had to kill the perpetrator of such an evil and devious act and I had to help the child. To do that, I had no choice but to remove his mind from its power, as I could not leave here to find him. But then of course I needed his body here so the band could be removed. Only he could take it off.   To have you bring him was not part of my plan but when I realised it was you I guessed you would have knowledge of these boys. Fortune has shined on us for once. I needed to give them something so I asked you to bring them to me. Forgive an old wizard this indulgence. 

Richard sat on the floor leaning on the wall facing the old wizard. He put his head in his hands, ‘There is much more that needs forgiveness. Is there not?’  

The old wizard nodded gravely. ‘My conduct on this earth will soon be judged. I will relive every painful moment as I walk the Ways of the Universe but I would like you to know that I have spent my last years trying to make sure no other wizard or elf could ever be trapped by black magic as I was. It was a shock to discover the power free again and on a small boy. Now I see I cannot stop the use of this magic but I can help those touched by it to understand how to balance their magic to contain it.

Although you may not think so, I am still a White wizard and can wield white magic but I was ensnared with black magic. I had not understood how to control the two powers within me. It has taken many years for me to reach the truth about myself . When I am gone Richard, take my writings and store them carefully in the great library. My work is protected with magic but one with black and white within them will seek it out when in great need. He will be one that will hold the future of mankind in his hands. I hope I have done enough to ensure the strands of time hold strong but only the actions of those children of the future will truly ensure that.’ The old wizard gave a sad sigh. ‘I can do no more.’  

 Richard looked in horror at the old wizard, ‘Are you telling me someone ensnared you just as Berry has just ensnared Breams?’

‘That is exactly what I am saying Richard,’ and he opened the front of his robe. A large black stone hung around his neck.

‘Why didn’t you just take it off?’ Richard asked incredulously.

‘I can only take it off if someone is willing to receive it. Would you have thought more of me if I had given it to someone else to wear? I have learnt to take control of it. As you can see, it is killing me but I felt it was a price I should pay. I have now freely taken the black band from Breams so my death is not far away.’

            He looked wistfully at Barley and Hamish. ‘Hollyhock’s and McDuggan’s sons, are you not?’ Both boys gave a quick nod.

He then turned to Henry, ‘Gods boy, you are so much like George. When you threatened me, I could hear him in your voice, but to see you makes my heart cry with joy. He regarded Breams fondly, ‘you are so much like your father but I see your mother as well. Boys I am a wizard with many talents. Some I value and some I fear. The one I fear most is the ability to see possible futures. I wanted you to know that each of you will be important in the future of Minuet and Earth. In essence, you are Minuets future. Barley and Henry you will hold the fate of Minuet on your shoulders. Both of you will struggle with that responsibility and I cannot see if you succeed but meeting you I feel sure you will. My gift to you is my work. There will come a time when you will need to protect the Chosen who will carry a heavy burden. He turned to Breams’ In your son will be the future of earth I see him white against a tide of black. It will be a time of great peril. Remember this day. What you have seen and learnt here in this monastery may seem nothing to you but one day the events of today will be important. You will not be able to read my work yourselves but the one in need will be able to.’

The old wizard reached for his staff. ‘Now you must go and speak with Ribastra. Help me to the balcony so I might call to her.

Richard held out his arm and together they walked out onto the balcony.

‘Ribastra,’ he called, ‘I know you can hear me. I cannot change the terrible fate of your kind and I know I cannot ask forgiveness. At the end I did what I could. You are not so alone my old friend.’ Godfrey looked at Richard. ‘Please leave me to tell Ribastra what she must know. Only she must hear my words if the strands of time are not to twist and change.’

Richard walked back into the room and left Godfrey knowing he had no where to hide.

A while later Godfrey joined them. ‘Now I have done all I can. My job is finally finished.’

Richard reached for his staff. ‘I can’t leave you here. You know I must bring you in to account for your actions.’

The old Wizard sighed, ‘I do not want leaving these mountains Richard. Let me die here.’

Richard Harrington stood rigid his face looked tortured as he spoke, ‘I trusted you once before and you betrayed that trust. This time I will not fail in my duty.’

Godfrey looked sadly at Richard, ‘No I suppose not. I half expected you might say that. Oh well, I will not fight you, give me a moment to gather my things and to look one last time at the mountains.’ With effort, he made his way to his bed and sorted out his clothes and then lifted a heavy book and handed it to Gregory.

‘Make sure it remains safe in the library.’  He then walked back onto a balcony. Richard Harrington followed him out.

‘Look at those mountains Richard are they not a wonderful sight, I have come to love these mountains. I hope in time you will come to understand me. Just so you know I have watched your progress and I am truly proud of you my son. Live long and well Richard.’

Richard felt himself turn cold and he swung his head round away from the mountains to look at his father but of the old wizard there was no sign, he had disappeared.