The Pillar Of Nebuwah

Narema and Galeg

"The Prince was manipulated into marrying Delilah." Chris claimed sticking to the royal texts which claimed they were true. He glared that the men before him in anger and disgust and for once in my life I had seen a great change in Christopher's behaviour.

"How do you know that it's true ?" I asked posing the question to both the chief and my brother.

"This story has been passed down from our tribe generation to generation. I , fully and truly believe in this tale as though it were fact because , I am a decedent of Delilah and Paul's son , Asher." , said the chief with pride. His eyes glazed with pride as he mentioned his ancestors.

"I have read the royal texts which stick to facts rather than folktales built up by men. I believe in what I have read and taught." , Chris firmly said in a steel like voice. He was stubborn and I knew would refuse to stand down.

"Alright. I believe both , for we do not know the truth , whatever it may be , I need both of your cooperation." , said I firmly knowing well that neither would accept , eithers tale.

"What service should we be to you ?" , asked the chief , even though his story clearly claimed that his ancestors were banished from the Kingdom , he was willing to help me which took me aback.

"I noticed your skill in camouflage and archery , I will need you to be my archers. I will make sure that once the darkness is defeated , you shall no longer be called the forsaken tribe but shall be known as royal ones. But I expect loyalty and skill and mind you , I say this once but hear me out for all, if you do not stand for me , you are against me and those who refuse to submit their loyalty towards me may leave immediately." , said I authoritatively. My voice rung in the woods , which caught everyone's attention , with dark days of war approaching , I realised that I needed to be firm with others so that they follow my orders.

"We pledge our allegiance to you from this day to forevermore." , the chief said with bow. The tribe followed his example and repeated his words , each of them seemed sincere and loyal.

"Tribe of Asheren , we are on a journey to retrieve the prophecy on the pillar of Nebuwah. We need your assistance." I said glancing at them with authority.

"How should we serve you ?" asked the chief on behalf of his people who we still on their knees.

"We need to get to Galeg , Narema to the pillar of Nebuwah. Could you guide us till there ?" I asked hoping for a yes.

"We apologise , your majesty but we are forbidden  to leave the borders of this great forest until and unless there is either war or the kingdom of light is restored back to its full potential. " , said the chief looking at me with a sad smile.

"However ," He said stroking his beard ," we may lead you till the borders of this forest and from there give you a considerable  about of guidance."

                             * * * 
"Are you sure we were supposed to take this route ? Or was it a  right turn ?" Silvia  asked  , her hands brushing a soft blonde hair. She gazed at the people who were busy in their own way.

The market place was full of hundreds of people and somehow even in such a busy environment I felt home. I felt as though I was in Frodangram  once more.

The men and women shoved passed us and Christopher  and John just didn't seem to like it. As royals from childhood,  they were taught basic methods of queueing and avoiding brushing passed each other. This new environment  just didn't seem to catch their fancy.

"Maybe , we should ask someone." Jason suggested walking up to a shop which sold wine pots. The lady seemed busy wrapping up her stall as though it were the end of the day. She didn't seem in great hurry but she seemed to be happy to go home.

"Excuse me , but we've lost our way , could you help us ?" Jason asked , the lady at stall who was possibly in her mid forties. She was very beautiful with her pale complexion, bringing out her bright warm blue eyes and series of gold ringlets , like hair. Her smile was most heartwarming and eyes had the calmness  of the seas.

"Of course." , said the lady closing a large jar with a lid and offering each one of us a glass of water which soothed our burning parched  throats.

"I'm Jason by the way , and this is Esther , Christopher  , Silvia , Jenifer  , Daniel  and John." , said Jason pointing to each one of us whilst saying our names. The lady nodded at us and smiled warmly.

"I am Maura , how may I help you ?" She asked with a smile.

"We are looking for the ruined castle of Galeg. Do you know where it is ?" Jason asked, politely.

"Oh my dear , I do not know much but my son might. He is over there , with his friends, go ask him." Maura said pointing to a young man amongst a few others talking.

He was a tall man , with wool like blonde hair and  a pale complexion. He had bright blue eyes which gazed back at us with glimmer of knowledge in them.

"Excuse me , sir . Could tell us the way to the ruined castle of Galeg ?" Jason asked the man who smiled at him.

"Of course, " He said ,"Walk towards the end of the market you'll find yourself facing a narrow lane , once you follow the narrow path you'll reach the castle of Galeg. I must warn you that many do not walk through the path that you chose , there will be obstacles. May the grace of Amen be with you." , said the man with a smile as he blessed us to continue our journey to Galeg.

                               * * *
The narrow lane , was full of thistles and wild flowers. The road was made of mud and dust flew everytime  the  wind blowed. The road didn't seem to come to an end , the man was right , the road was full of little obstacles like stones and pebbles , carefully laid so that you may trip and fall.

Christopher,  observed his surroundings , calculating  the length of the road and possibly  calculating  the probability of reaching Galeg after all it was already dusk . John was having a deep conversation with Jason on ancient cities with Daniel passing frequent comments which sparked within the both of them a sense of even deeper interest in the subject. Silvia and Jenifer were having a small talk on the weather and of course the clothing of the Naremans.

It was only me , it seemed , to be cautious  of the road and of any obstacle. My eyes wandered to the trees with rustled with the wind but something caught my eye , a bright pair of yellow eyes , and pair of six beads on the forehead of a ......

"Nerezza !" I exclaimed as , the creature pounced out of the wilderness  along with its companions .

This is the 3rd installment in the Aramandan Chronicles  and probably the last unless you want spin off.  Let me know which of these covers would you like on the book ?

Also a quick cliffhanger for you all !

The girl in the picture above is Esther but who is the guy ? Jason ? Daniel ? Or someone else ?