Clan Birth: The Will Traveller Chronicals

By Robert James

The arrival of the Will Traveller, as the long foretold Essene Robert De La Rouge, in a very ancient highland society, acts as the key to unlocking endless intrigues among those that rule each Clan. Right from the very first peace conference, the drums of war begin to sound even louder, as lust, greed and jealousy combine to threaten the very existence of their peoples. But how do you bring five village communities, each run by an hereditary family which claims divinity, each of them more blood thirsty than the next, into a peaceful coalition? A force which can defend itself against the might of the Iron Head invaders from the South is the ultimate challenge facing the Will Traveller.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Robert James
• Release date: Jan 24, 2013
• ISBN: 9781301179381

Robert James

Dr. Robert's life story reads very much like some of his novels. A rock 'n roll run-a-way at thirteen, he has travelled the world extensively in many professions. Blessed with many talents, Dr. Robert spent just over two decades as a performer in the music industry, before becoming an entrepreneur and creator of both audio and video productions. He holds a Bachelors in A/V and a Masters in Science Business Administration. After a major heart attack in 1998, Dr. Robert ceased his business activities, began his current career as a novelist, and also began his Doctorate in Philosophy, which he graduated in 2005 at sixty years of age. Additionally, he holds a 16 year US patent for an 'improved computer game controller', which is soon to be launched. Having started out writing a post-apocalyptic situation comedy series for television, he is now well past his millionth word of fiction.

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By Dr. Robert James

Clan Birth

Copyright © Dr Robert James 2010

Smashwords Edition

All rights reserved.

This ebook is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. This ebook may not be re-sold or given away to other people. If you would like to share this book with another person, please purchase an additional copy for each recipient. If you’re reading this book and did not purchase it, or it was not purchased for your use only, then please return to Smashwords.com and purchase your own copy. Thank you for respecting the hard work of this author.

Cover Image by Kate Andersen

Table Of Contents

Acknowledgements

Author’s Preface

Chapter One

Chapter Two

Chapter Three

Chapter Four

Chapter Five

Chapter Six

Chapter Seven

Chapter Eight

Chapter Nine

Chapter Ten

Chapter Eleven

Chapter Twelve

Chapter Thirteen

Chapter Fourteen

Chapter Fifteen

Chapter Sixteen

Chapter Seventeen

Chapter Eighteen

Chapter Nineteen

Chapter Twenty

Chapter Twenty One

About The Author

Discover Other Works By Dr Robert James

Acknowledgements

I wish to express my sincerest thanks to Katie James-Herbert for her tireless support and effort, to Gary Williams for preparing this book for publication, to Kate Andersen for her magnificent cover artwork and to Melanie Tyrer for her help in editing this book. This book would not have come into existence without their expertise and support.

Author’s Preface

I Hope it is true that a book which is fun to write, is usually fun to read. If it is, then you’re in for a pretty interesting few hours. I have had my heart in my mouth and pulse pounding so many times, over these past few weeks that I have been experiencing and writing this book. It really feels more like my memoirs of a really fantastic mission. Though every word in this book may be classified as fiction, all the remarkable people whom I’ve ‘met’, all the incredible events which I have ‘witnessed’ and been ‘involved’ in, as I wrote this book, are completely real to me.

Perhaps one might say that it is true only in my mind, even though it certainly doesn’t seem so to me. But what does that matter anyway? All of the intrigue, passion and excitement have made it a very real adventure for me and, I hope, will make a very enjoyable read for you. Although this narrative has some similarities to events which seem to have occurred a long time ago, in places which do exist today, I make no claims that it is based on facts. Certainly not in this reality anyway.

Although all the Will Traveller’s missions are to liberate, emancipate, or, in some other way, alleviate the suffering of the great majorities, I am never sure of where or when these totally realistic adventures are taking place. Nor what is going to happen next! The one thing that I am quite sure of, is that where ever, or whenever these journeys take me off to some other place, they always introduce me to many hard-to-forget individuals. Though I doubt that any of them will leave a longer lasting memory with me, than my main ally on this adventure, dear Jacinta. A large, telepathic and very witty white mare!

Warm regards

Dr. Robert

Chapter One

The sound of heavy rain, spattering on the leaves and bushes all around me, had a beautiful, lulling effect. I opened my eyes slowly, more to find out why I was so warm, comfortable and dry, than because I had any intention of stirring myself from this blissful state. I was laying in a translucent, two by one and a half metre, one person tent. I could almost touch the highest point from my warm and comfy bed roll. Lit by the weakest of daylight, the whole tiny interior glowed white, all except a heavy robe that lay beside me. That was blood red. I lay back, hands behind my head, eyes gently closed, seeking to drift away in that euphoric state that deep breathing, comfort and the many sounds of nature can generate.

It almost worked too, then, the rain stopped and my ever-thirsty curiosity forced me to rouse myself and don the thick, red, woollen, full length robe, which was no mean task, in such cramped conditions. Once warmly clad, I peeked out of the tent’s front flaps. Predictably, everything I saw was green and wet, everything that is, except an enormous white horse. The huge beast stood stock-still, water dripping from the bright red raincoat that kept it completely dry, it appeared to be asleep. We seemed to be camped in the middle of a wet, scrubby thicket, because every which way I looked, the view was much the same.

Still on my knees, I slowly ventured further out of my tiny tent.

Its o.k. Robert A sultry female voice assured me There’s no-one around right now, we’re all on our own I couldn’t be sure if I had heard the woman telepathically, or with my ears, either way, with a voice like that, I couldn’t wait to see what she looked like. Getting to my feet, I looked around, but there was no-one to be seen. The horse and I seemed to be the thicket’s only occupants, I looked back inside the tent.

I wish I was in there with you The suggestive female voice telepathed But, well, I really wouldn’t fit would I? The girlish giggle was followed by a soft whinny, from the large, now wide awake white horse.

I turned and found myself pinioned by two of the biggest, brightest, bottomless blue eyes that I’d ever seen in my life.

My name is Jacinta The sensuous voice introduced I’m a thoroughbred paint mare. I won’t tell you my age, but you needn’t worry, I’m young enough to have fun and old enough to take care of business The huge equine face was pointed straight at me. The creature’s enormous eyes were unquestionably fixed on mine, yet, I still couldn’t cogitate that the warm inviting female voice in my head was coming from a horse. Even an exquisitely beautiful mare like this one.

Well, you do know the way to a filly’s heart don’t you? The voice in my head cooed I mean, it’s always nice to receive a compliment, but, coming from you, well now. That is special.

The big white mare came over to stand right in front of me, her head lowered.

Uh, it feels a little strange, you know I said, looking up into those huge blue eyes I mean, do I pat you? Or....

First off Jacinta interrupted me telepathically, you mustn’t talk to me The big mare lowered her head a little more You’ll have people thinking you’re a nut if you do that, just think it, you know how to do that don’t you? She asked archly. Of course I do I replied silently, allowing just a touch of annoyance into my thoughts.

O.k. o.k., I’m sorry Robert Jacinta sounded contrite I didn’t mean to offend, just thought it best to check

Fair enough I relented But what do I do with you? Ride me, of course you silly She cajoled, the double innuendo obvious. What else would you do with an exquisitely beautiful horse like me? Put me behind a plough? She asked. It would seem my equine companion was, as they say, more than just a pretty face. To tell you the truth, I wasn’t too sure how to take this mind-reading, telepathic creature at first, but I was careful to avoid thinking about those concerns.

Are you really a horse I quizzed Jacinta wordlessly. Are you really a human being? The big white mare shot back. Well, what I mean is, are you something else, just pretending to be a horse?I queried tentatively.

Oh course I am, just like you are Came her reply But I can’t pretend to be anything else right now, can you? She asked.

I have no idea what I can do Jacinta I answered frankly Nor where we are, or what we’re doing here I added.

Oh, I can tell you that Robert Jacinta volunteered We’re in the Central Highlands, about to head for Glen Taggart, which is some fifty leagues North She tossed her head in that direction.

And do you know why we’re going there? I telepathed. Of course I do! It was Jacinta’s turn to sound miffed. Please accept my most sincere apology I offered I’m still somewhat confused. Not really used to dealing with horses that can think, not to mention speak telepathically. Do you know what I mean? I asked apologetically

Frankly, no, Robert Jacinta’s voice was haughty I don’t know what you mean, after all, all horses can think and none that I know of can speak out loud, so how did you think we communicated with each other? Jacinta asked silently, eyes fixed on me. My response was in my mind before I could stop it You didn’t know that we did? Jacinta’s voice was slightly incredulous I always thought you ascetics were all-knowing and wise There was a touch of scorn creeping into her thoughts.

Sorry kid must be someone else you’re thinking about. Me, I’m just me, but I do know that I’m the boss, so let’s keep an appropriate degree of respect here o.k.? I ordered. The big mare took a couple of restless steps backwards, she raised her huge head up high, glaring down at me, challenging.

Heart pounding in my chest, I took three long strides towards her, reached up and roughly grabbed her bridle.

Do you want to argue about that? I snarled out loud, the huge head lowering dutifully, as I pulled it back down.

No, of course not Robert The big mare exuded subservience. You’re not going to beat me are you? She asked wide eyed.

Good heavens no Jacinta, what on earth do you think I am? I asked, genuinely shocked.

Well, I have heard of such things The beautiful mare responded gently After all, look what your lot do to each other.

Still, I’m glad to hear you’re not that way inclined Jacinta added, bringing her huge head up next to mine By the way She added sexily Yes you can pat me, that’s nice, you can give me a good head scratch anytime, that’s even better, and, if you really want to show appreciation, for all my hard work, love and loyalty, you can give me an all-over brush down. Now that’s the best way to let me know you care Jacinta added demurely. I just couldn’t help it, I burst out laughing. Here I was, with this lady horse telling me what she wanted me to do, with more eloquence than most of my human acquaintances. It was becoming obvious that I had completely lost my mind.

That’s an odd saying Jacinta was mind reading again That’s the one thing we can’t lose, any of us Jacinta telepathed Our body yes, but we can’t lose our minds, that in essence, is what we are. All the other stuff is negotiable, but you are your mind, you can’t lose it She added sagely. Though I can’t say that I fully understood the meaning of her words at the time, I did know, somehow, that they were true.

Well, now you’ve discovered that you’ve been lumbered with an all un-knowing ascetic, how about continuing my orientation, on the assumption that I know nothing I added grinning.

You won’t get mad at me? Jacinta asked meekly.

I promise that I won’t I assured her sincerely.

Where should I begin? The big mare queried.

Well, start with why we’re going to Glen Taggart? I suggested.

Oh, that’s easy, you’re here in response to the combined will of the Highlanders, they’re meeting there, in two days, to try to find a way of ending all the fighting She replied.

What are they fighting about? I asked the telepathic mare.

Oh, the usual, land, livestock and crops, it’s not just here either Jacinta paused for a moment, raised her head, as if to smell the breeze It’s exactly the same all over the mountain country

What can you tell me about these Highlanders Jacinta? I asked.

Just about everything Robert The white mare telepathed back. They are the descendants of rebels who were driven up here, a hundred years ago, by the blatantly dictatorial rulers of the Southern lands Jacinta informed me silently.

They are tough, one might even say, rather blood thirsty. At the very least, you’d have to say they don’t shrink from violence Jacinta continued They farm and breed livestock, for food and clothing The big white mare continued That’s where all the strife is of course, and....

Hold on for a second Jacinta I interrupted Just what exactly, is all the strife about? I asked Remember, you’re supposed to presume I know nothing, which, in this case, is true.

Oh, right, sorry Robert She apologized. I gave her a gentle pat on her huge jaw and the mare continued The main problem is boundaries, or, more accurately, the lack of them. You see, the animals often wander from one village’s pastures to another’s Jacinta told me silently, her eyes focused on mine.

Then, both villages claim the beast and boom, it’s on again Jacinta continued, adding Same thing at harvest time, fights about who grew which crop. Jacinta tossed her head.

Why don’t they just build fences? I asked my equine ally.

With what? Came her surprised reply It would take more timber than there is left in these mountains, and they’d just keep tearing them down anyway Jacinta pointed out What they need to do, is come to some sort of agreement. That’s why they’re meeting, and that, as far as I know, is why you are here The big white mare continued her explanation.

So, I’m an arbitrator of sort’s right? I probed That’s what an ascetic is supposed to be isn’t it?I asked her. Jacinta hesitated momentarily.

Look Robert, I don’t want to make you angry with me, but, I’m a bit confused She paused thoughtfully I mean, you’re the ascetic, not me. I’m just an exquisite looking mare, a horse. Surely you know where you’re from and what you are. It just doesn’t make sense to me that you wouldn’t Jacinta telepathed.

Well Jacinta, it may not make any sense to you I replied Frankly, it doesn’t to me either, but that, never-the-less, is how it is. So, please be kind enough to continue your most informative dialogue, about these Highlander people I asked the remarkably eloquent mare.

Oh you do have a way with words Robert Jacinta enthused.

Well now, I only know you’re an ascetic, because you can communicate with me, the others can’t Jacinta telepathed, nuzzling my chest gently I know that although all the villagers have prayed fervently for the spirit of co-operation to prevail at the upcoming meeting, few, if any, are expecting that spirit is going to manifest itself as you There was no mistaking Jacinta’s pride. As far as this remarkable horse was concerned, I was a very special event about to happen.

So, I’m not expected then? I asked my large, white equine ally.

Hardly Replied Jacinta, with a throaty chuckle You’ll need a fair bit of magic just to convince these people that you’re not a plant by one or another of the other villages She told me.

I’m a magician too? I asked the big mare. Jacinta looked at me silently for a few seconds before replying.

You’re whatever you elect to be Robert She said At least, that’s my understanding of an ascetic’s abilities. You can defy the so called laws of nature, if you want Jacinta told me and there was no doubt that she believed it.

Where did you get all this information Jacinta? I asked silently Maybe we should go there, so I can hone up on all these things I suggested hopefully.

I wish we could The huge white mare’s sadness was clear My Mother and Father are both long dead however, so you’ll just have to be satisfied with what I can tell you She added.

I’ve no doubt that your knowledge will prove more than adequate for the task ahead Jacinta I assured my equine colleague I have no doubt at all about that I telepathed, adding Now, hadn’t we best be on our way? The massive beast took a step back, raised her head and gave herself a good shaking

You’re right Robert Jacinta lowered her head to my eye level You get packed up and we’re on our way There was no mistaking her excitement. Whatever lay ahead, this lady horse was really looking forward to it. I folded the tiny tent, which appeared to be made of a parachute-type material, packed the pegs and other bits and pieces, then stowed it all into one of the briefcase-sized saddle bags, as instructed by my horse!

Finally, I stowed Jacinta’s red raincoat into an identical bag, on her other side. Standing there in that still wet little clearing, I was very much aware of my equine partner’s enormous size.

Now that has to be to your benefit Robert Jacinta was mind reading again I’m faster than any stallion in these mountains too. You see, we Paints were here before you human beings even, we’ve adapted to the thinner air and steeper grades. Anyway, up you go Jacinta stepped sideways towards me, I reached up to get a grip on her mane and riding blanket, as she wore no saddle really, just a thin, black leather pad, with the two bags attached, on a bright red blanket. Suddenly, I found myself weightlessly rising into the air and floating into place, astride Jacinta’s huge back

Wow! Now that’s not bad for starters She cooed warmly, adding Looks like your magic just might shape up after all We moved slowly out of the thicket and started across the floor of the huge valley that we were in. Occasionally, Jacinta would draw my attention to some landmark, then she’d tell me of the furious, usually futile, battles that had been fought to gain command of it. Because of the big mare’s love of rambling on, a bit like a frustrated tour guide, I soon had some insight into the nature of these Highlanders. It was plainly obvious that the difficulties we faced, in getting any of them to sit down and agree about anything, were going to be considerable.

It took almost a year to get them to agree to even meet, leave-a-lone where Jacinta remarked dryly You could say they’re highly individualistic, perhaps, pig-headed would be much more accurate though She added. She went on to explain that the five village chieftains, each the eldest descendant of their respective founding warrior-chiefs, all claimed ascendancy. Each swore their belief that they had been ordained to rule all five villages, though, Jacinta was of the opinion that their actions were more of a control mechanism than hereditary egomania. They’re all the same peoples really The big mare telepathed If those five didn’t keep ‘em at loggerheads with each other, they’d all become one race Jacinta told me confidently.

Of course those five don’t want them to, because then they’d have to share control Jacinta continued with her briefing.

So, are the intra-village disputes contrived, rather than real? I asked my knowledgeable equine companion.

Yes and no She answered carefully They do have a problem over borders, that’s quite clear. Equally, they are more than intelligent enough to be able to formulate a workable solution, if they really wanted to Jacinta went on, then stopped rather suddenly, looking down unhappily Oh dear, the North Creek Bridge has collapsed Jacinta telepathed We’ll have to go all the way around now The big white mare was clearly distressed.

Where would we end up, if it wasn’t down Jacinta? I asked the white mare telepathically, without knowing the reason why.

Oh, we would be over on that hill to the North She replied absentmindedly Now, we’ll have to ride for an extra day almost....Oh! Jacinta gasped, as we both lifted effortlessly off the ground and floated gently over the small, steep sided gorge.

Whee! This is fun! Jacinta telepathed, letting out a whinny for emphasis Certainly should impress the lads She assured me Though, it would seem I’m not really needed as a mode of transport My equine companion was fishing for complements.

My dear Jacinta I began soothingly, as we landed ever-so-gently on the opposite hilltop I must say that your eloquent descriptions and words of encouragement are of great value.

However I continued my telepathed complement I still prefer riding along with you, to flying through the air like wingless birds I told her. The big mare was obviously quite mollified by my thoughts, as she started on down into the next valley, the watery sun indicating that it was somewhere around noon.

The Taggart family were the first group to move into this area Jacinta restarted my history lesson, then went on to silently tell me how the Clans came to be. It seems the family had run afoul of the money-mad rulers in the South, so they had no choice but to evacuate their lands and head north. It was pretty much the same story with the other four, except that they had all arrived within a year or so of each other, five years after the Taggarts.

Partly because they were first, but, mostly because they were the largest and most powerful, the Taggarts were considered the leading family. Due to vicious family in-fighting, the senior descendant right now was a woman, which somehow evened things out. Magda Taggart’s power, in the military sense, was the only reason she was considered an equal by the other four, though, in Jacinta’s opinion, she was easily the cleverest and most caring of the leaders.

When her elder brother died, in feudal battle with one of her four younger brothers, Magda was thrust into an unwanted supremacy Jacinta told me, adding Now, as the head of the Highlander’s largest village, she has been the driving force behind the coming meeting. She is determined to bring an end to the perpetual fratricide Jacinta’s words indicated approval.

Because of the early death of their mother, Magda, as the only daughter, had to act as a mother to her two remaining, much younger brothers. Thus, their reluctance to usurp her authority can be reasonably relied on The huge white mare summarized for me. This was not the case with the other four clan leaders however. They each had close relatives who coveted their power and plotted to acquire it for themselves.

It’s very important that whatever agreement you get them to make, it binds their whole family and village, not just them Jacinta cautioned A council of five just won’t work She stated.

They’ll be forever trying to get around any agreement, changing their minds, trying to twist things, you know, jockeying for position The big mare laughed at her own pun.

I presume you have a suggestion or two to make in this area I queried silently as we rode on over the hills and down valleys.

Uh, well, as a matter of fact, I do, yes Came Jacinta’s almost embarrassed response.

Right oh then, let’s have it I invited the enormous telepathic horse. Jacinta proceeded to spend the next hour or more meticulously describing exactly the kind of ‘multi-village government’ that the district needed, no detail had been overlooked, in her paint-by-the-numbers type description. There was, however, one, rather awkward problem.

Given the five groups’ deep, albeit artificially induced, cultural differences Jacinta explained I can’t quite see how you’re going to obtain consensus Robert The big mare fell into an expectant silence.

You think that’s what I’m here for? I asked Jacinta, as we crested yet another hilltop.

I’m hoping so Robert, I really am She replied These Highlanders are stubborn, I’ll tell you. They seem to prefer death to changing their minds We laughed together. I knew some people who were like that, though, at the time, I couldn’t remember where from.

Each village is absolutely certain that they are the Lord’s chosen people Jacinta continued noiselessly.

"Of course that makes their chief His representative you see, so, no prizes for guessing who promotes the