Heartstone: The Time Walker

By Karl J. Morgan

Keedu and his army of black mages have fled after their defeat at the hands of Bill Marshall in Sentinels of Far Sun. While most are content to find a quiet planet and stay out of the way, Keedu thirsts for revenge and is desperate to regain his honor, even though no force can stand before the Master of the Stones. On a small planet at the edge of the galaxy, Keedu encounters the most evil enigma of his home world, who is conveniently willing to help.

Osphalon the demon fed on the life energy of Keedu’s ancestors for millions of years and knows the Master of the Stones will eventually seek him out for his crimes. He convinces Keedu to walk backward in time and change the course of Earth’s history in order to keep Bill Marshall from his destiny and secure Keedu as ruler of the galaxy.

All of humanity will suffer and billions will be enslaved, just to keep one man alive but safely away from the Stones. Will Keedu’s plan succeed, or will Bill’s family and the Stones be able to save us all?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Karl J. Morgan
• Release date: Oct 15, 2013
• ISBN: 9781301658152

Karl J. Morgan

Karl J. Morgan was raised as an Air Force brat, traveling around the country (and world) and never quite fitting in anywhere. As a young boy, he fell in love with the science fiction of Victor Appleton's Tom Swift novels. Later, his favorite writer became Isaac Asimov (especially the Foundation series). The pioneering science fiction television programs like the original Star Trek and Lost in Space helped Karl to believe there is much more to our universe than we can see.While attending the University of Iowa, he studied astronomy under the legendary Dr. James Van Allen. He also took classes in classical mythology and Asian religions. Of course, he took time to earn a degree in finance as well, which led him to a long career in business.With such a diverse background and a sincere love for the written word, Karl began to write. His first book, Remembrances: Choose to Be Happy and Embrace the Possibilities was written to help others (and himself) remember that we chose our lives and those who surround us. It also teaches that this life and this world are far more mysterious and magical than we could hope to imagine.Now, he is focused on science fiction and fantasy. His most recent book: "The Old House: An Everlasting Love Story" is the tale of two souls who find each other in life after life, choosing to remain together. But now, there is another who will stop at nothing to kill them yet again. "The Old House" is a tale of undying love and reincarnation. What would you do to protect the love of your life?

Book preview

Heavy rain was falling in the thick jungle. Torrents of rainwater flowed across the jungle floor toward one of the many rivers that drained to the sea far away. Baku had built a rough shelter to protect himself and Keedu from the weather. Keedu had not spoken a word since Baku rescued him from the ice wizards and the Candu Mali Siwa on Orto Nong. They had been on this uninhabited planet for two weeks now and the weather never changed. Baku had managed to accumulate a large pile of dry wood which he used to replenish their small fire. Each morning, he would head out of the encampment to find edibles for them to eat. Today, he filled a simple metal pan with water and added some tubers and greens he located nearby. Baku squatted next to his pan and dipped a spoon into the soup and tasted it. Lord Keedu, you must eat something! he cajoled.

Just shut up and leave me alone, Baku, he snarled. And stop calling me Lord, you idiot. I personally destroyed the mages. You should have left me there for the ice wizards to kill. Now I’m a damned crippled failure.

Keedu, you must calm down and stop blaming yourself, Baku urged. How could any of us have foreseen what happened? The Candu Mali Siwa was a legend from Bala Napor. I thought it was a fairytale too.

But I should have known! he shouted. I was the leader and led our men into a trap. The Candu Mali Siwa and his granddaughter warned me again and again, but I wouldn’t listen. My head was too full of lust for blood and power. Now look at me. Keedu stood up and waved the stump of his right arm in the air. I can’t fight anymore. I might as well be dead.

Brother, if we can form a circle, we can cure your wounds, the other argued. Surely, we can find eight other mages. I doubt they will all hide from you as the Candu Mali Siwa demanded.

I know we could find some to help, but then I would be responsible for their deaths too. Enough is enough, old friend. Let this be the end for me, Keedu said as he sat heavily on the ground outside the tent. Water poured over his head and body. He dropped his head and sat quietly again.

Baku rose and went over to Keedu and grabbed his good arm and pulled him back under the tent. I am sick and tired of your whining and bemoaning the past! Either stop moping and eat this soup, or I’ll leave you here to die alone. We both have long lives ahead if we just forget about Orto Nong. It’s a big universe, Keedu, and I plan to explore it until I find a place where I can live like Umdala was living on Earth.

Keedu looked at his only friend and knew he was right. The battle against the Ballanan and the Sentinels was an abject failure. But the loss was not due to their weakness or cowardliness. They lost because the stones had conspired against them. No black mage could stand against a Cantu Bagwa or Candu Mali Siwa. It had been thousands of generations since anyone took those old legends seriously. Keedu had just been in the wrong place at the wrong time. It was simply fate that he led the mages at that particular moment. Just give me some soup, Baku, he sighed.

Bill Marshall walked down the hill toward the portal key. Only a single sentinel was guarding it at this early hour. He walked up to Joe Peterson and said, Joe, how are you today?

I’m good, Bill. I see you’re quite a bit early for your jump, the sentinel replied.

What time is it on Goola now? Bill asked.

High noon, Bill, Joe replied. It’s pretty hot and steamy in the jungle today. Let me make the connection for you. Joe turned and began tapping on the control console. After a few moments, the cave on Goola appeared through the portal key. I have a lock on the portal now, Bill. Whenever you’re ready.

Thanks Joe, Bill said, shaking the man’s hand. Please keep an eye on things around here for me, okay? The sentinel nodded. Bill walked through the portal and into the cave on Goola. Gone were the days when he became nauseated by stepping from portal to portal. He knew he did not require portals at all anymore, but traveling like everyone else was comforting in some way. It made him feel like a regular person, although he knew that would never be the case again. The stones owned him now.

Dad, I was expecting you later, his son Frank said, standing behind the control console in the cave on Goola. He stepped around the console and hugged Bill.

Well, things are a bit complicated at home right now, son, Bill replied.

I can imagine. You’re here to help Nan after she has the babies, right? Mom is probably very conflicted right now, Frank agreed.

To say the least, Bill laughed. I’m beginning to think the Candu Mali Siwa stuff is too much for me. I’m not getting any younger.

Of course, you’re not getting any older either, Frank answered. But it’s not like any of us have any choice on that. The stones picked you. Nan saved all of our lives more than once. I think this will all blow over some day.

It used to be I could count on becoming feebleminded in my old age. Now, that could be an eternity away, Dave reasoned. But enough about me Sentinel. Tell me about the improvements made here to date.

It’s slow. As you can see, we haven’t even started to remove the rest of the Heartstone. No one has figured out how to put a full portal key here since the cave is in the middle of a mountain with a sheer cliff at the opening. It won’t be easy to remove a thousand-foot mountain. That’s why we’re relying on the retort now, Frank replied. The jungle city of Non has seen a lot of improvements. The Ballanan have joined with us to rebuild the city. We are adding modern plumbing and air conditioning to most of the buildings. When we’re done here, we will focus on upgrading Chang-A. The biggest challenge is educating the people. Going from the Bronze Age to the Technology Age is a mighty leap. Nan has been helping a lot too. She uses her powers to speed everything up.

Pretty exciting times here, Bill replied. You take care of yourself, son. I hope you can come home to visit your mom soon. The two men hugged.

I will Dad. As you know, I’m still trying to get Cindy and Cybil to come here more often. It’s not easy with school and protecting the Earth, Frank smiled. We have a full crew of sentinels now, so I should be able to spend more weekends there. And please give my love to Nan, Dad.

Bill put his hand on Frank’s shoulder and said, I will son. I love you and will see you soon. Bill turned and walked down the narrow tunnel toward the temple and the city. Entering the temple, he saw Chief Priest Joco Nilt meditating in the first row. His eyes were closed and his head was bowed. Bill sat next to him and waited for the priest to finish his prayer.

Bill, what a pleasant surprise to see you here, Joco said at last.

It’s good to see you again too, Joco, he replied. How are you and your city?

It is so amazing to see the progress, Bill. I have air conditioning, running water, and plumbing in my home now. I could never have imagined such things. Finally Non is a pleasant place to live, Joco beamed. We owe that to you, Candu Mali Siwa.

For my small part, you are quite welcome, Bill replied. But I think the Ballanan and Sentinels get most of the credit. I am very happy for your people.

You are here for the fruition of the Eretz Domma, I presume? Joco asked.

Yes, that’s correct, although it sounds rather sterile when you put it that way, Bill suggested.

I’m sorry if I have offended you, Bill, but this is more than a normal childbirth. Nan-bo-Nan is our most precious resident. Now you and she will have a family. The combination of the Candu Mali Siwa and an ice wizard is a unique occurrence in the history of the universe. We will have parties for weeks after her delivery; I can assure you of that! Joco replied.

I understand, but to me, we are just a man and a woman, Bill said. He dropped his head and sat quietly.

Bill, what is troubling you? This is a monumental day. You have returned to Goola and many wonderful things are about to happen, Joco replied.

Joco, you know I am a married man on my own planet. I have a wife, a son, and a granddaughter. Now I’m having more babies with another woman. It’s not right. I feel like I’ve betrayed both of them, Bill sighed.

You need to relax and stop blaming yourself for this, Bill Marshall, Joco began. What you say is true; however, you have just been following the course of God’s Will. Tell me what would have happened had Lance not been led to your planet by Nan?

We all would have been slaughtered by the vorrath, zongo, and ulluba, Bill replied.

That is correct. And if the ulluba had not led you here, what would have happened to me and my people?

The Ballanan did overrun the city and would have chased you all down and killed you, Bill said.

Perhaps, Joco said raising one finger. Nan-bo-Nan may have stopped them here, but they would have sent more and more troops, killing more of my people.

And if I let Nan die here after the mages attacked her, I would have been killing the one person who saved me, my family, Earth, Goola, Far Sun, and Orto Nong, Bill answered.

And don’t forget she helped you to become the Candu Mali Siwa, Joco laughed. I understand the situation is very confusing right now, but all things happen for a reason. Perhaps you can visit Grand Master Golo Ung in Chang-A while you are here. He understands the flow of time and reality better than anyone on Goola. I am certain he could offer excellent counsel to you.

Thank you, Joco, Bill smiled and put his hand on the other’s shoulder. It is really wonderful to see you again. Give my regards to your priests, especially Malua. His company added a pinch of fun to our last adventure.

If you visit Chang-A, you can tell him yourself, Bill. He is there for a year studying under the Grand Master. That old tradition of keeping Non priests here has been canceled after your arrival. I will go myself next year and am very excited about the opportunity, Joco said. He looked up and smiled, saying, Another gift from the Candu Mali Siwa that we can never repay. Farewell, my friend.

Bill stood and closed his eyes for a moment. When they opened again, he said, Thank you Joco. I hate to chat and run, but I am being summon . . . Before he could finish speaking, he disappeared.

Nan-bo-Nan can be very demanding, Joco laughed.

It was the middle of the night on the jungle planet and the pouring rain had abated somewhat. Both mages were lying on a pile of dried leaves. Baku was snoring loudly and Keedu was lost in thought. The small bowl of soup had helped him think more clearly. He thought about his encounters with Cybil and Bill Marshall again, trying to find clues that might help him get his revenge. There was something they both had said, but the intervening time and the savagery of his wounds had driven most of those memories to the back of his head. He rolled over and fell to sleep again.

In his dream, Keedu was standing with his army of one hundred thousand black mages on the streets of New York City. He was supremely confident his men would slaughter the little child in front of him, claiming to be the Cantu Bagwa. Those were ancient legends no mage really believed. They were like the nursery rhymes told to small children to make them behave and listen to their parents. Who is going to help you, little girl? he had said.

Don’t you read, Keedu? she laughed. The Heartstone and Hopestone are already helping me.

Not more of those ice wizard romantic meanderings about a Hopestone. There is no such thing, Keedu replied. Perhaps my men should exile you along with Bola. My spiders like fresh young meat. The dream faded and he rolled over. Now Baku’s snores were too close and Keedu woke up. Noticing the rain had stopped he rose and walked out of the camp to look around. In the couple of weeks they had been here, Keedu had sat in the same spot, unwilling to leave the camp. It was still the dead of night, but mages had excellent night vision so he was able to bypass lines of ants as well as branches and other litter covering the jungle floor.

He climbed up a small hill where a group of boulders broke the endless canopy of jungle. He sat on the highest boulder and surveyed his surroundings in the pale light of three small moons. There were mountains in the far distance and he thought he could see snowcaps there. Perhaps he and Baku would travel in that direction to get out of this damp mess. He thought again about his encounter with the Candu Mali Siwa. That event had cost him most of his right arm, bitten off savagely by an ulluba under Bill Marshall’s command.

He was beginning to recall those events, and the details flooded into his mind like the torrents of rainwater outside their camp. He stood there on Orto Nong with his army. The Elder Council building had been leveled by his men and they were relishing their victory when the single human came to face them. The man warned Keedu he was the Candu Mali Siwa, but he did not believe it.

Oh, you’re a comedian, I get it, he chuckled. That is a legend, fool. And the legend says that a mage must be the Candu Mali Siwa, and you are no mage.

It’s good that you can read, Zimu, the man replied. But not everything in the ancient texts should be taken so literally. But I am the Master of the Stones. You should run away while you can.

The hilltop was now bathed in bright light. Keedu looked around and noticed a blob of light coalescing next to him. He had never seen ball lightning or anything else that would resemble this image. After a few moments, the ball of light resolved into a short human of great age. He face was covered with deep wrinkles and his thin hair was wispy and white. His skin was so thin Keedu thought he could see the veins and tendons through it. What the hell are you? Keedu asked. Is this your planet?

No Keedu, this is not my world, but I was curious why you and Baku are here? the man said.

How do you know our names, old man? Keedu asked.

My name is Os Balakak, he said, and I know many things about you and your brother over there. After all, I am from Bala Napor as well as you.

That’s preposterous! Keedu scoffed. You are no mage and you certainly aren’t an ice wizard. Tell the truth before I strike you dead where you sit!

Os laughed out loud. You cannot harm me, mage, because I am not really here.

Keedu was irate. He pressed his index finger against the old man’s temple. Never tempt fate when you are with a black mage. A blast of plasma shot from the finger and through the man’s head and flew out into the jungle, where it faded away.

Os was still laughing. Ouch, you got me! he chortled. I hope that made you feel better, Keedu Mongala Zimu. But I wouldn’t waste your energy here. There are many wild beasts that would love to crunch your remaining bones, he said looking at the stump of Keedu’s arm. By the way, would you like me to heal your arm?

Keedu sat with his mouth open. He had just shot a lethal burst of plasma into this old man to no effect. Now Os was using his full name. Keedu was certain he was dreaming now. None of this was possible. That’s it. Now I know I was dreaming. You’re not real, old man. I’m going to wake up now and forget all about you.

Os patted the mage on the back. Well, if I am a dream, then it wouldn’t hurt if I repaired your arm, would it? Normally, I would charge quite a few years for this, but I don’t want to take advantage of a sleeping mage. This one is on the house! Os rose and walked around to the other side of Keedu, who tried to twist his body to avoid the man’s touch. Now don’t be such a baby, Keedu! It will hurt, but I’m sure you’ll agree the result is worth it. Stop squirming and sit still! Keedu moved frantically to avoid Os for several moments. Finally, Os grabbed Keedu’s head with both hands and shouted Enough!

Keedu was frozen in fear. Os smiled at him softly, then grabbed Keedu’s stump. Searing pain shot through Keedu’s body, but he couldn’t move. He felt his body being consumed by a fire inside of him. All of his muscles strained to move and flee, but he could not budge. He was able to move his eyes to see his right arm as he fought against fainting under the extreme pain and heat. He had to be dreaming, he thought, but the pain seemed totally real. He thought he could see bones and sinew growing out of the stump. New muscle covered the bones and skin began to grow to cover the muscle. He was beginning to see the beginnings of a new hand when the pain overwhelmed him and he passed out.

Chapter 2

Bill found himself in the large open room in Nan-bo-Nan’s palace. Nan was sitting on a large couch with three other ice wizards. Two helped her to her feet as Bill approached. He threw his arms around her and kissed her lips. She squeezed him hard and cried with happiness. I am here, Pasha. I’m here, he said.

I am so happy to see you Pashna, she cried. She took his hands and placed them on her swollen belly. The babies are overjoyed you are here too. I can hear them speaking to me even now. Can you hear them?

I’m not sure, Bill said. I can feel all of you in the room, but nothing else right now. I’m sorry, Pasha.

You’re still new at this, Pashna, she replied. After a couple of days, I am sure you will. Please come over and sit with us. You remember Sonjee, of course. These are my other sisters, Paleosi and Narcisa.

Bill yawned. I’m so sorry. I left Earth early this morning and haven’t had my coffee yet. Forgive my yawn. It’s wonderful to see you again Sonya. How is Umdala?

He is well and seems to be adjusting to normal life again, she smiled. I remind him often how his brothers tried to kill him. I’m glad you left the scars on his hands and feet to remind him of that.

Honestly, that wasn’t my intention, Bill replied. For some reason, those scars didn’t heal. But I was very new to this role then, so I probably just did something wrong. He turned to the other wizards and said, It is a pleasure to meet you Paleosi and Narcisa.

It is our pleasure, Master, Narcisa said blushing. If I may be so bold, when might we be allowed to court our own mages?

Bill laughed. You are free to do as you please, but be careful! I haven’t seen any other mages with the streak of good in them like Umdala. And please just call me Bill. I’m no one’s master.

Let me get your coffee, Bill, Paleosi said. You go ahead and sit with our sister. Narcisa, perhaps you can help me make some breakfast for the Candu Mali Siwa?

Keedu was finally resting comfortably. He had already forgotten the horrible dream and searing pain. He was dreaming of living is a vast mansion with thousands of slave girls to take care of his every whim. He had not thought of the Candu Mali Siwa or the defeat of his army. He was at peace, finally. He wished the dream would continue forever, but was now being shaken awake by the fool Baku. Leave me alone Baku! I was having the most amazing dream. Go away and maybe it will begin again!

But Keedu, something magical has happened! How did you do it? Baku shouted.

Keedu opened his eyes and scowled at Baku. He reached out and grabbed Baku’s throat with his right hand and squeezed hard. I said leave me alone or I swear I’ll kill you here!

Baku was looking and pointing at the hand around his neck. Suddenly, Keedu remembered his horrible dream and released the other. Lord Keedu, you are truly the greatest mage in history! he coughed, trying to catch his breath. How did you accomplish this miracle?

Keedu turned his right hand over and back, looking at the new limb which had been just a stump when he fell asleep. This doesn’t make any sense. I had a dream about this, but it was just a silly dream. No mage could do this on his own.

That is very true, said a voice behind them. They spun around to see Os Balakak sitting on the pile of leaves sipping a cup of what smelled like coffee.

Bill and Nan were sitting at the dining table with the other wizards. Bill was savoring the food and coffee, which everyone knew to prepare with cream and sugar to his taste. You look so radiant and happy, Pasha. The pregnancy has made you more beautiful than ever. And I want to thank the three of you for coming here to help my Pasha.

Nan blushed at the compliment. Pashna, we have all sensed the turmoil in your heart about me and Bonnie. I’m sorry for that, and if this is too difficult, I want you to go now and not come back.

Bill dropped his fork and stared at her.