Prologue
Once every year during Oidhche Bhealtaine ('the eve of Bealtaine'), the longest day in spring when the sun moves from the vernal equinox into the summer solstice the moon appears full to light a dark night. The magical energies are known to be at their peak. Out of the vast sands of the Morobian desert raises a huge Crestar temple with a hundred steps leading into the inner sanctum. Surrounding the temple is a mighty oasis with lush greenery.
The temple remains poised for seven days and seven nights before entering into the sphere of the summer solstice and returning to the sands from whence it came. It is retold through the generations that during these seven days and seven nights that the Princess who is for all time trapped in stone is given a reprieve to wander outside the temple and mingle among the people of De Lon on the outskirts of Gryka. A tale surely, that was repeated over and over through the circle of time.
The temple the Princess is said to have dwelled in is known as a seantigh, an old house. It was very old much like the old landmark buildings of an ancient Delonian culture. It is also said that if one enters the fortress, they do so at their own peril. Many fortune seekers have tried and perished for within the temple are many opportunities to be ambushed by the cleverly laid traps.
There was one such person who managed to get to the heart of the temple, and their gaze fell upon a life size crystal ball that stood suspended atop a low pedestal in the centre of the cavernous vault. Within the crystal ball was a lone stone figurine of a woman in Delonian garb. The medallion around her neck was pure gold and the crest depicted that of Delonian Dynasty, a star in a half cast moon. On the plaque below the figurine was a scribe that was indecipherable yet the lone figure stooped to placed a piece of paper over the ragged surface and ran a piece of charcoal lightly over to gain an impression no sooner was there a roar the earth rumbled and shook. The sliding sound of stone reverberated as the sand started to promptly fill the crevices and cracks. He rushed through the hobbit door straining toward the azure depths. His feet fairly buckling under the onslaught of exertion, and the very real fear of entrapment. He dived to the floor scrambling on all fours through the barely recognizable gap of light cast in the receding doorway and pushed himself through it – just.
Frantically, he clambered backwards up the shifting sands of the embankment slipping and sliding trying to obtain a foothold as opposed to not being swallowed up by the curtain of sand falling in the yawning chasm that was fast covering the last remnants of the temple spires. Frozen he watched as a swirl of wind blow of the now flat surface with no indents to mark the passing. Frightfully he thought of how close he had come to never getting out alive. Never seeing his loved ones ever again.
Part 1
He slammed the book shut, the sound a loud clap in the silence. “After continued research I had discovered that it was a great Princess indeed that was trapped within the crystal ball. I still have the impression of the scribe that was taken from the plaque that will supposedly release the Princess from the spell.” The head of the house of Suman, Cordial Sumathra told his grandson.
“Please tell me more Thatha (grandfather).” He watched bright eyed as his grandfather paced up and down the study occasionally stopping to scratch his short white beard in puzzlement. His partie (grandmother) had said that the day his grandfather had come back from De Lon, his hair had turned to ash gray. Not that Mayen had believed her for one moment.
“I will not hold lunch for you two a moment longer!” Grandmother stood on the threshold of the study, her eyes twinkling in delight “Is it the Stone Princess again, sweety?”
“No…No! We are just learning out letters. Is it not Mayen?”
“But Thatha…you promised…..” Mayen said earnestly.
“Of course. Of course” he said looking at his beloved wife who was looking back at him with disbelieving eyes, “A few more minutes, darling?” She clicked her tongue in pretend annoyance and went on her way.
Grandfather cleared his throat and proceeded, “Where were we, son? Ah…..Yes. The Princess. She was a great Princess indeed. She possessed the greatest power of the Light People. She was a keeper of the Book of Darkness.”
“The people of the light were a secret group of people who protected De Lon from any threats. And the Princess kept this book that had secrets to their immortality, spells, charms to wipe out pestilence, and to create riches,” His twelve year old grandson knew the story by heart yet he still desired to hear it over and over again.
Cordial smiled indulgently, and then continued, “She was imprisoned in the year 885 by the Magi of Lockmor for spurning his marriage proposal. The Princess who was known only as Raven knew that the suitor was the most evil man of Lockvard, and only wished to possess the Book.”
“-So he cast a spell on her and placed her in the Temple
“Not before - , “he said touching his right finger first to his lips, then wagging it at his grandson ‘he discovered the whereabouts of the mythical Crestar Temple which rose out of the sands of the Morobian desert during the summer solstice or was it Beltaine. It is said to be 6000 years old.”
“Then he cast a spell on her and shut her in the temple for all time”
“Don’t be so impatient, my child. It is believed that it was only to be until she deigned to say “yes” to handing over the Book of Darkness which he wanted above all else in the first place”, he said raising his eyebrows, “but she said she would rather stay buried underneath a mountain of sand than give it to one who wants it to serve his own ends” he put down the book, “So be it said the Magi” Cordial turned the hour glass over “then he cast a spell on her and placed her in the Crestar Temple on the 7th day before the evening had cast it’s first shadow.” The Magi watched in silent wonder as the temple with the Princess cast in stone disappeared below the shifting sands.” Cordial smirked knowingly.
Mayen nodded his head for his grandfather to keep going, but Cordial lifted his hands in helpless surrender, “Well anyway, your grandmother awaits and she will skin us alive if we do not sit down together for our meal” Mayen reluctantly scrambled off the floor and ran out the door his grandfather following.
18 years later
Mayen Sumathra trudged his way into the tent, the scorching sun beat down on his head and back, making him feel light headed. He dusted himself off as best he could; the sand invaded every nook and cranny. What he needed was a good soak in a large ceramic tub to feel refreshed. But he settled for a swipe from a wet rag instead. He tilted the contents of the canteen and dribbled the cool water into his mouth to drive out the metallic taste of sand.
He heard the legend from his grandfather many times to know it by heart. It was his favorite. On his 18th Birthday, his grandfather gifted him the diary and the script of the story that had become legend. Recently, after much research he had come into possession of a few more artifacts and blue prints indicating the possible existence of the Legend of the Stone Princess.
A group of 6 people whom Mayen had hired to verify the legend pitched up their tents the previous day. All permits and grants squared away a month in advance the precipitated event. A person with deep pockets is liable to achieve anything in the shortest possible time.
Among the 6-person team was a decipherer Anita Lindsay, she spoke and translated ancient languages. Mayen was particularly interested in uncovering the meaning of the scribe. After slogging through the vast plains in the blazing hot penetrating sun measuring and determining the exact site for the excavation, they decided to call it a day.
No one could still determine at which point between Beltane and the Summer Solstice the temple will be supposedly in evidence as the time of the season spanned at least two months. He was uncertain if he was camped in the right spot. His grandfather his memories somewhat sketchy about certain information concerning the whereabouts of the temple believed it was only providence that he was in the right place at the right time thirty years ago. The blueprints borrowed from the Grykan museum also suggested that it might be hereabouts in the vicinity with the possible timing of the equinox. They could only hazard a guess due of the lengthy time frame and the shifting sands.
The natives of De Lon were busy making preparations for the Beltane festivities otherwise known as May Day where people decorated their homes with flowers, ribbons and egg shells and lit a bonfire in celebration of revival. It is one of a few customs that has survived to this century. Now people are sparked with awareness about their roots and traditions than ever before.
Mayen had been employed in his grandfather’s businesses since he was a teenager with the intention of grooming him to someday take over from his grandfather as his only heir. He had taken over the reigns 3 years ago when his grandfather decided to retire at the age of 62. In the short period that he had been running Suman Steel he added a subsidiary where steel can be cut and designed specifically for practical purposes. Purposes of creating gates, burglar guards for windows, doors and lovely little tokens for collector’s items. The latest being a personalized Sharmili Royal collection of cutlery. Each article was given the personal touch with a personalized name with a figure head serving as handles in sterling silver. The serving spoon and fork were known as the royal couple, Rajah and Rani. The spatula was labeled Jotha. They are still working on a fourth to the collection. Business has been booming ever since the launch of the collection. Therefore Mayen was able to take the time out to pursue his personal ambitions, one that mimicked his grandfather’s.
The warm stuffy heat hit his nostrils, before he realized a new day has dawned. He rolled out of his camp bed, and went to stand at his wash basin shirtless. He had a swarthy and smooth complexion getting darker by the day as the sun beat down mercilessly as they worked. He was nicely built for he was a very active person, jogging and swimming regularly. He was burly and broad chested. The corded muscles rippled as he raised a hand to rub his day’s growth of stubble. He had deep set light green eyes with specks of gold making it changeable to mood swings. He ran both his hands through his wavy black hair that was cut into a short fashionable do.
The soft whir of a battery operated razor glossed over his cheeks and chin. When he was done he bent at the waist to splash water on his face, his pajama bottoms stretched over a derriere that would have put Van Damme to shame. It was firm and hard and well proportioned, that it itched for a woman’s touch.
He picked up his tooth brush and walked over to the elongated table erected on the far corner of the tent. The blue prints, diary and script were laid out on the table. Another clue was atop the diary. He picked up the coin and caressed the raised surfaces. A gold coin minted in 885, with a side profile of the Princess of De Lon imprinted on one side and on the other a star in a crescent with a 5 on the right side. Could it be the currency of the time? Enfolding the coin in his palm, he extended his forefinger and ran it over the blue print, tapping it for emphasis at a sudden realization.
Just then, Anita walked in. She stopped letting her eyes roam the length and breathe of him. Her tongue flicked out and ran over her lips in slow deliberation, her hands curling at her sides while a rush of desire licked through her body settling low between her legs. Mayen turned catching her rapt expression.
He quickly pulled a t-shirt over his head, he knew the effect he had on women not only was he well turned out but he was also rich and successful which, was an added incentive. He was a very suitable, a very available bachelor. Even though Anita was attractive enough all light skinned and red hair with flashing forest green eyes, he was a very traditional man, who would rather let his partie pick out a partner for him when the time came. He came from a family with a long history of arranged marriages that turned into loving, long lasting and powerful relationships. His parents were such god rests their souls, and so were his grandparents.
He made to pass Anita, when her fingers grazed his arm; she let it linger there a little longer than was necessary.
“I’ve got something to tell you,’ she said a little out of breath
“Right. What is it, Anita?” He said moving out of her reach pulling out clothes from his suitcase. “We are rushed for time, so spit it out.”
Sliding down onto the camp bed, she crossed her legs at the knee, “I am very close to discovering the puzzle which is the scribe.”
“Yes?”
“It is some sort of ancient Delonian dialect which is very similar to Gaelic.”
“Yes. Yes. But what does it mean?”
“I will need a little more time to determine that,“ she put in looking away from him.
“Anita. I am paying you a very hefty fee to unravel this cipher as soon as possible. The equinox will pass us soon and the opportunity will be lost”, he said impatiently ‘I expect a definite answer when you see me next. Pull all the resources that are necessary but give me an answer soon” he turned away dismissively. She uncomfortably got to her feet straightening her ankle length kaki dress. She touched her hair dramatically and exited the tent in a huff.
He laid his tooth brush down on the table, and changed into a pair of cotton pants. He flipped the coin into the air and pocketing it for good luck, he donned his Indiana Jones style Stetson and left the tent.
His six member team was up and about early; they sat around in their camping chairs busy with breakfasts. Niven Suri was an astrologer, Manny Hagan was an authority on temples and artifacts, and he had discovered the whereabouts of the gold coin. And therefore convinced Mayen that he would be valuable to him on this excursion, in order to save valuable time Mayen had agreed albeit reluctantly. Candice Bloom and Corey Mezna were archeologists, and Louis Mabena a student intern on the project and his assistant if necessary, and Anita Lindsay of course.
“The charts depict it to be a good day for the Beltane fast. I can feel the energies growing – “
“Stop your twaddling Niven, the sun is too high already to talk about serious issues” Manny broke in
“You shall face your fears soon enough, Master Hagan it will be your call which way to go,”
“You are being very cryptic, old man. Say what you mean,” said Corey
“I can only tell you what the charts have revealed. Go the other way than that you would.” The astrologer said patiently.
The black man Louis just burst out laughing, at the expression on Manny’s face “Patience is like fine wine Mr Hagan which is always most appreciated” he said in a thick sing-song voice.
Candice Bloom sat far apart from the crowd in the SUV, her legs hanging over the side of the open door. She was leafing through what looked like a journal. She pushed her bifocal glasses back up her nose and sipped on her bottled water. Mayen picked his way toward her with a lethal cup of coffee. She was so engrossed in the journal that she only looked up when a shadow fell on her.
“The Delonian people were a very civilized culture. They could read and write. The papyrus that you have given me suggests that they were very efficient record keepers. Our current Finance Minister could learn a thing or two from them. They made beautiful practical sculpted pottery and utensils. Gryka contained a gold mine which accounts for their comfortable lifestyles. They were exceptional negotiators that they deflected any threat to De Lon. They were very independent and spiritual people. They believed in co-habiting with nature – “
Mayen only shook his head as Candice spoke, “ Can you tell me anything of the Delonian Royalty?”
“Yes as a matter fact”, she said turning over the page, “They were around since the beginning of time. The first female born to the house of De Lon was the natural heir. She retained a secret council to advise her on issues of state. Her council consisted of learned people who were expert in their fields. Most of them were women – “
“Naturally, ‘ murmured Mayen “They are the smartest by far. To get us men to believe in ourselves they need to play to win.”
Candy smiled at that. “There was never a war in De Lon’s recorded history.”
“They most likely discovered the art of war through peace. Which I might add we are struggling with at present”
“You really believe that, Mr Sumathra?”
“Mayen. Please call me Mayen. Yes I do. I believe that if women ruled this country that we will have peace. We have nothing to loose. A woman that is capable of nurturing a family, can nurture a nation” he smiled as he was thinking of his partie. She was very strong willed and intelligent, and well organised. She was very shrewd to and knew how to make the most of what she’s got. If life gave her lemons she knew how to make lemon aid. She was the real head and heart of the home, yet she made his grandfather feel like a king among men. Whenever, she needed something she got him to believe that it was necessary for their home and it was his idea all along. His grandfather’s was a skinflint “waste not – want not” was his motto.
“ The colours for the house of De Lon were red and Purple, it reflected in the day clothes they wore”
“Wouldn’t that make them an easy target?”
“No. They were a nation that revered their leaders. The people were comfortable and provided for in every way. There was no need for them to rebel.”
“If anyone committed a crime?”
“They took care of their own” was all she said
“But how exactly did they take care of wrong-doers, if not the conventional method. Punishment” he insisted
“By all accounts they were not very conventional people for all their organisation. They lived by example.”
Mayen gave up. “Will you be able to find out who were the current Delonian Royalty in 885?”
“Definitely. The information should be contained in this volume” She ran her hand over the top cover of the book to the brittle pages inside from age and ill use. “Can you get me that information as a matter of priority?”
she nodded her head.
Two hours. It took two hours to get to Gryka. The mining town is still in operation solely as a means of trade. The town has flourished with modern fronts and paving for roads. The SUV hit the concrete and bounced onto the smooth surface. Mayen accompanied by Louis went to the main warehouse in town. He dropped Louis outside BilMac Traders with a list of supplies that were needed, and preceded to the little shop of antiquities on the plein further down. He strode into the dark and dusty interior. Something dank assailed his nostrils.
“Anybody here!” he called out “ Yo there” he tried again.
“Out back, sunny” he stepped through the confines and exited on the other side, where a short plump man with rosy cheeks and small friendly eyes was stirring something in a large pot over the fire.”
“You have something for me, Mr Burbine?” The rotund man dropped his stake and hurried into the dim recesses within.
Mayen peeked into the pot curiosity getting the better of him, ‘shoes!” he murmured holding his nose, and he recognized the smell now as cheesy. He followed after a while; Mr Burbine turned a parcel in his hand.
Mayen opened the contents, viewed it and re-tied it again. They exchanged money and thank you’s and Mayen stepped out into the open air.
On the trip back, Louis entertained Mayen with stories of his country South Acasia . About the first diamond that was discovered while playing Beeball, a game that was played with sticks and stones. He also discovered that Louis still had family back there, and they provided for his upkeep as much as they could, that is why he chose to enlist for this project. It could also be a defining moment and he did not want to loose out on a good opportunity to finish his paper on Mythical Wonders…They never seize. Mayen indicated to Louis that he might be in for quite a treat then.
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