Touchstone (Under Edits)

Revelations About The Touchstone

You would never find what you need searching in the castle...

It took the rest of the entire evening and part of the night to search the entire library and not a single scrap of information about the Touchstone, the Canerie Bells or their connection to his family could be found.

Terren was now sure every scrap of information had been irradiated from the palace.

"What I want to know is when was this done and who did it." Terren's mother asked once he was finished explaining everything that has happened.

Also attending this meeting were the palace advisers, and all the persons who had assisted in the search for Son but one. To be fair, Terren had sent him a message but, he hadn't yet showed up.

"It had to have been a time when there was no one to pass on this information. The previous king would have at least said something, right. That means it had to have happened when great, great Grandfather died. He left 3 children behind all under the age of 10."

"But the Swanson line was already in decline."

"Actually it wasn't. What had killed almost everyone was a disease. Geegee had missed it because he left his siblings and went exploring. Once the news that everyone has passed away reached him, he came home. Three children is great and he was young enough to make more if it hadn't been for the accident.

"Luckily his wife survived and was able to seize control of everything for the children. Still she wasn't a Swan. The best she could do was ensure that the children had everything they could need at their disposal. She just couldn't cater for what she didn't know and with the books gone, she wouldn't ever know. I want you to note here that she did comment on the lack of available information more than once in her diaries and though it suspicious since her husband had told her there would be books available for the children to learn from."

"What about Son? Have you found out anything about him?" Queen Peach asked. 

"He's actually quite safe. I believe his name is Pin and he is the keeper of the Touchstone. He is currently safeguarding Son."

"Alone? You didn't leave a guard! Do you know how much_" One of the Advisors flared up but his temper could not match Terren.

"What does that matter now! Son has been missing for 4 days! His virtue should be your last priority!" He slammed his hands down on the table with a roar that silenced even the rays of the sun. 

"I don't even know the extent of his injuries. Pin would have had to bath him for sure at least. And to be honest, considering Pin's status, it more like Son has compromised him at this point! The Touchstone is the foundation of which this entire place stands_"

"Then if that's the case, surely some of our families will have some information on it." Barnaby suddenly said. "Prince Terren. Use this time to get some rest. We'll be back in time for you to meet your contact this afternoon. This way we can gather what we can and bring it back. Knowing my family, there might be a lot of stuff hidden around. We record everything in triplicate at least." Barnaby stood after suddenly interrupting Terren. He could feel that Son's family had mixed priorities at the moment. Even his mother had been silent.

Yes! Barnaby you are a treasure...

"Are you_?" Terren began but Queen Peach finally interrupted him, her face serene but for a fine line across her forehead. Son had often joked it was the only way to tell she was feeling anything at all.

"I think it is more important right now to worry about the state Son is in than how much he has been compromised. I will go with you Terren, when you meet this person this afternoon."