The Crystal Children: Keepers of the Blade

By Brandy Rutledge

After their journey to water bearers, Rune has returned to the US to rescue her own brother and sister from their abusive foster father and take them back to the rest of the group now holed up in Scotland. Alisdair must take the reins and keep his part of the crew safe long enough for Rune to return and help them fight off the mythical beasts of the Scottish underworld while looking for a legendary weapon that will not only join Bean and Fane together as the new water bearers, but also resurrect the deceased keepers of the spirit crystals, all while trying to evade the evil that threatens to wake a being so ancient that once awoken, the safety of the entire planet will hang in the balance

• Language: English
• Publisher: Brandy Rutledge
• Release date: Jan 15, 2014
• ISBN: 9781311792631

Brandy Rutledge

I have always had a creative side,wanting to find its way out. I have many outlets, but writing seems to be my most indulgent. I love how characters can become so engrossing they occupy your subconscious! Taking on the task of my first series was an all at once kind of thing. I had an evolving idea instantaneously that consumed so much space it screamed for a format that would allow for its growth. Since starting the Crystal Children series, I have plotted out many more ideas that have varying modalities, but keeping their feet firmly in "fantasy" and spiritualism. In my mundane world, I am a professional psychic and medium, advising hundreds through phone and personal consultations while still being a full time mom to four wonderful kids who are growing way too fast.

Book preview

The Crystal Children: Keepers of the Blade

Written by Brandy Rutledge

Copyright Brandy Rutledge 2012

Smashwords edition

Prologue

He was walking, naked, after seeming to float onto the surface of a strange planet as if he were on a breeze. Only a boy, he was frightened and confused in this new place. No one seemed to notice him as they hurried along a narrow road filled with dust and animals and noise. He stood in the middle of the road, unsure of where to go or what to do when he felt a soft hand on his shoulder from behind him.

A woman in her early twenties had happened behind him, turning him to her. Hair bound in a wrap and drably colored clothes, the woman looked him over, placing a cloak of roughly spun brown fibers around him. She placed it gingerly as she maintained eye contact with this helpless little boy from nowhere. She went to her knees in front of him and spoke.

What is your name, little one? Her soft brown eyes showed only kindness and concern, something this young boy did not comprehend. Everything was new to him and he had no true education as to the ways of people like himself.

To his surprise, he found he could speak and even more so that she understood him. I don't know. I don't think I have a name. She could tell by his concerned expression that he was telling her the truth. She looked down at his little feet, then again at his face when she spoke next. All right then, how about your parents. Are they here? She kept him gently by the shoulders, half expecting him to run off with her barrage of questions no matter how delicately put. Confusion further clouded the boy's eyes as he spoke once more.

I do not know of what you speak, parents. What is that? The simple woman took a deep breath before she continued. Sweet boy, did anyone come with you to this place? Her brows were high on her head, gazing over him quizzically and hoping for a reply she could work with. Her hopes were soon dashed as he said No, ma'am. I am alone and I do not know how exactly I came to be here. He shifted under the cloak uncomfortably, not knowing how to answer her as his answers thus far seemed to be upsetting her.

She rubbed her hands up and down his arms briskly and said with a smile brighter than sunshine No matter. You shall come home with me where I will feed you and clothe you. From there we shall decide what to do with you. Will that be all right? She stayed on her knees until he quietly nodded. Slapping her hands on her bent knees, she said Good before pushing off her knees and reaching for a hand under the cloak.

He looked at her, still bewildered by her action. She leaned close to his ear May I hold your hand? The boy looked down at the woman's worn hand that belied her age and considered it only for a second. He placed his small hand in hers, feeling a surge of something swell in his chest that was not known to him previously, and walked with her to her home.

True to her word, the simple young woman took him into her home. She offered him a bath and a pair of clothes that were almost the perfect size. After becoming acquainted with water and soap, the boy learned how to dress and was led to a table where he sat and ate ravenously. The woman could only stare at the little lost child in front of her. Many thoughts raced through her head as she kept an eye on him. Where would he go? Who would help him if she would not? What would become of him? Finding no good answers to her thoughts, she waited for the boy to finish his meal before asking him.

My little one, where will you go from here? She held her hands in front of her, folded against her chest. The boy looked at her with a blank face. I do not know. There is nothing here that is familiar to me, nor anyone I know. He looked down at his hands before continuing. I don't know what to do or where to go ma'am. Tears started to well in the boy's eyes without him understanding why. There was silence for a moment before she smiled at him once more. Little one, would you like to stay with me? I will care for you as if you were my own son, would you like that? He looked at the woman through his tears and smiled. Nodding, he agreed. He noticed it made her smile, and he liked how he felt when he made her smile. She seemed even kinder when she smiled, and it made him feel safe.

The woman and boy stayed up most of the night huddled around the fireplace talking. She told him she had a son once and that is where the clothes came from that he was wearing. She told him that her son had died in an accident in the farm they tended behind her house. She elaborated no further other than to tell him that she loved her son very much and still carries him with her in her heart. Much like I will do for you if you let me. She smiled once more and he could not refuse her. He nodded again. She patted his shoulder and said Now, I don't think it would do for you to go around with no name, so we must think of one for you. She looked at him, urging him to find one himself.

Giving it hard and thorough thought, it came to him, quite suddenly. Maolik he said looking up at the tiring woman next to him. She smiled widely and repeated it. Maolik. She let the name hang in the air a moment before getting up from the floor. Well young Maolik, you had best be shown your bed, it won't do to have my boy sleeping on the floor! She smiled again and led him up a wooden ladder to a loft in the simple house. She looked a little nervous when she addressed him again.

It's not fancy, but it is yours if you would like. Before she could continue, the boy ran up to her and threw his arms around her waist. It was now her turn to weep, as it had been so long since she felt the hug of a child around her. She held him tight, not wanting to let him go until he was ready. He looked up at her and said Goodnight... He paused a moment and asked What do I call you? He still had his hands on her waist as she replied You can call me mother if you find it acceptable. She held him at his arms as she looked down on him. He took a moment then nodded. Goodnight mother.

He hugged her quickly one last time before pulling the blanket down on the straw filled mattress and climbing into the bed. She walked to him and leaned over him, bringing the blanket up and placing it neatly under his chin. Goodnight my son. She said, bending to kiss him on his forehead before extinguishing the oil filled lamp at his bedside. He smiled as he drifted off to sleep, feeling safe and wanted.

It Starts Anew

Everyone had agreed to meet at the airport. After communicating with Nioni through Fane via more phone calls, the group knew where they were headed and wasted no time getting there. Knowing they were in for a long journey, Alisdair made sure to book all of the flights at once and seated the company in first class the entire trip. All they had to do was show up and collect their tickets. They could all board the plane together and catch up on the recent events that brought them together so soon in the first place. Bean and Blythe were the first to arrive, followed by a very discreet though fidgety Alisdair. Rune arrived within an hour of him. As they agreed they were all in place, they began their walk to security together.

Then they heard her calling after them. Wait! Please, wait! I can't run that fast! Bean knew that voice. He spun around from Blythe to see Fane running toward the group as fast as her land legs could carry her.

Bean still could not stop his heart from racing ahead of him when he saw her. Her long ebony hair had been pulled back in a loose braid that swung wildly side to side and her clothes while expensive were modest and inconspicuous. She was wearing the same style Chanel sunglasses that Rune favored to hide her startling blue eyes along with a white turtleneck sweater and brown corduroy slacks. She finished the outfit with a micro boot and a cropped brown suede jacket. She could show up covered in mud, he thought, and she would still be beautiful. He smiled as he walked to meet her. She threw herself into his arms and found she was lifted from the ground momentarily by his twirling her in a circle. As he put her down, she kept her arms around his neck and reached up on tiptoes to plant a soft kiss on his lips.

Feeling lighter than air, he held her about the waist and returned to the group. Rune was the first to speak up, and she was not happy. This is exactly why we didn't invite you, Fane. Sorry, but you are a distraction, just look at him! She shoved an index finger in Beans direction with a look of disgust on her face. Fane laughed, but her reply was gentle. Sorry Rune, I will be sure to not allow for anymore distractions while I am in your company, I promise! Fane couldn't help but smile, the whole group was back together again and traipsing through unknown territory…Not to mention she had work to do with this wonderful new man in her life and she was determined to get it done.

Rune rolled her eyes and tugged on Blythe's sleeve while Alisdair pinched the bridge of his nose under his glasses and let out a frustrated breath. Blythe felt just as forgotten as she had last time, except now he was her boss and could tell her what to do all the time. She shook her head and just stomped along with Rune and Alisdair, leaving the profusely disgusting couple to their own mushy faced devices. Luckily, the flight would be long and there were ways to block them out. Sleeping would be one resort she would take advantage of if all else failed.

Luckily security wasn't a nightmare and they were able to board quickly and take their seats. Once Rune was settled in, she lowered her glasses and looked at Fane, arching an eyebrow and leaning on her elbow. Just how exactly is it that you came by a first class ticket on our plane so last minute? She crossed her feet at the ankle and shifted her weight on the hip that had the leaning elbow, pushing in on Blythe enough to make the girl scoot closer to the gangly goggle eyed professor. Blythe was grateful he smelled nice enough, even if he was a bit clammy.

Oh, I just used my gentle powers of persuasion with the airlines staff over the phone after learning from Bean what your plans were when the bells and whistles went off. I figured it had something to do with what we dealt with last time so I thought I could be of some use. She smiled as genuinely as she could, but Rune's glaring at her over her sunglasses didn't do anything to ease her tension. Rune gave a dry snort, You mean you used your powers period to get what you wanted? Huh, figures. She pushed her glasses back up her nose and chose to look out her window seat. Fane was about to respond, but Bean took her hand and gave her a look that left her the impression that anything she said now would be irrelevant to Rune anyway. She sighed, defeated, and snuggled into Beans arm instead.

Alisdair had been just as uncomfortable with the displays of affection as Blythe appeared to be. Not being affectionate by nature, Alisdair was more prone to avoid discomfort rather than encourage it. He squirmed in his seat until he was able to excuse himself to get some air. Blythe did the same, except her path took her to the restroom, leaving the three to themselves for the next fifteen minutes. Alisdair had come back before Blythe, so he took the opportunity to find his leather bound journal and his favorite pen. He sidled in next to Rune to leave Blythe the aisle seat. As much as he hated to be penned in, he figured she would dislike it more so. He started asking everyone about what they had experienced when the tremors hit, down to the smallest detail. Alisdair took explicit notes until Blythe arrived. At which time he stopped momentarily to welcome her back, and then began questioning her as well.

She relayed her dream to him, including her near death experience with the furniture in the living room. When she finished, he tapped the book a few times in distracted thought before slamming the journal shut, making sure to put the pen in where he left off when he closed it. Well, he said pensively. I can't see any correlation to the two things at the moment, but I am sure something will jump out when we need it. He smiled at her and patted her hand with his.

Bean sat straighter in his seat and leaned forward, speaking quietly to the group. Here is a dumb question that may have escaped us in the flurry of things. If we all heard and felt the same thing at the same time and there are five of us scattered through the country, why wasn't it on the news? His brow was arched as he leaned his elbow on a thigh, looking around at the other members. Blythe chimed in Government conspiracy? Either they did it and don't want anyone to know about it, or they have no clue as to what it is and still don't want anyone to know about it until they figure it all out on their own.

Alisdair thought it plausible at least. We will think around that a bit more when we get settled in. It had been some time since his last stretch for air, so he excused himself to the aisle so he could stand and extend a bit. He looked out the window after seating himself again to see a pitch black sky keeping them company. I would suggest we all get a bit of a stretch in and then head for some semblance of sleep. We still have a while to go on this thing, not to mention trying to find our accommodations upon landing. He tried to be light and easy going, but it was obvious with the strain of his facial features that he was just as nervous as the rest of the bunch. They did however follow his suggestion, and in no time, three of them faded off to dream land.

Rune refused to catch any sleep until she grabbed a drink from the stewardess to take her pill with. Alisdair watched her, knowing he felt a sense of trepidation oozing off of her but not understanding why this `would be assassin' would have reason to be nervous. He nudged her arm, Do I need to ask the stewardess for a computer monitor instead? It may get here faster. He shrugged with a half grin, trying to lighten her mood without success.

She slowly turned her head from the window before answering him. Taking off her sunglasses, she eyed him with a steady gaze, informing him of her true predicament. I have past life memories that make it difficult for me and everyone around me to get any kind of decent sleep. Just ask Bean and Blythe. I was on the plane with them when I was coming to kill you and they had to experience it firsthand even after I took the pills I have. So joke all you want, but it is a real headache for me and it might be for you too if you get too close.

She put her glasses back on and leaned her head back. She heard him utter a low apology before the woman came with her drink. It's just a good thing I am not getting too much older waiting, and I take a huge amount of medication She tried to smile at the woman through the remark so she didn't appear to be as intimidating as she sounded. She popped the pill she held in her hand and swigged it down with the flat drink the plain woman handed her. She leaned her head back once more and cocked it toward the window. She could feel the coolness coming from the glass so she let it soothe her into a half sleep, vaguely aware of Alisdair telling her goodnight. She didn't answer, leaving him to believe she had already passed out. It was just easier that way…Rude, but easier.

Alisdair took his glasses off, rubbed his eyes, then placed his glasses in a case and left them under his thigh. He tried to think of several other ways that he was more likely to die than on an airplane, but his obsessed mind refused him access to any facts lodged in his brain. His mind wandered to the sword, instead. Thankfully, Nioni had charged the item with magic so that it would appear as nothing more than an ornate letter opener until he recited a verse over it and brought it back to full power. Thanks to the enchantment, it was never noticed as he went through security scanners and boarded the plane, either. He patted his left breast to ensure it was still safely tucked into the coat he had been wearing. He tried to visualize the runes on the blade, hoping to make sense of them, but he came up empty handed. He wished he had his laptop. Rune made sure he had another one, but all his research had to be stashed and quickly to thumb drives all over the place, leaving him with no idea of where those places were now.

He called for a coffee as he pulled his journal out again and started making a list. He was good with those, he found. He felt they would need a list to keep some sort of order once they were back on the ground. Alisdair started to doze halfway through his list making, waking himself with his light snoring. He put the journal away with the pen once more and slept with relative ease for several hours until Blythe woke him. The poor girl seemed to be going through nightmares again so he listened for a bit to make sure she was ok. She seemed to calm a while, to his relief, allowing him to go back to his teetering state of sleep.

The heavy stone door opened slowly. She cautiously glanced through the cold gray doorway, wary of what may lie inside. She made her way through into the dank, shadowy room. She started hearing things her eyes could not see but her imagination gave life and form to. At the far end of the stone room was a painted sarcophagus.

She sucked in a deep breath and proceeded, being drawn to the symbol of death in front of her. As she advanced, she saw that this coffin was laid upon a stone pedestal, steps taking one to the top to view the departed. Small slivers of light illuminated raised ancient texts written around the stone case. As she ascended, she leaned over the grave and saw a face that had been carved into the surface of the lid. She leaned to get a better look at what she found.

It was covered in such a thick layer of dust that she had to take her hand and sweep it away. The disturbance of the decayed matter made her cough and hack and even sneeze before she could continue. Clearing her senses of the scattered particles, she leaned again, looking into the eyes of the stone visage.

It was a male who had been laid to rest here, a knight of sorts. The mask of his helm had been carved in a raised position to show his roughly hewn features. Complete with beard and accumulated scars, a small crown had been carved above his head and helm as well. In his stone hands he held what appeared to be a small blue bowl which contradicted the cold grayness he was made from. She ran her trebling fingers down the cold gray cheek of this immortalized soldier. She was grieving for this earthen man and she had no understanding as to why.

She blinked away the tears she could, wiping the rest of her tears off of her cheeks with the back of her dark hand. As she collected herself before she made the descent back to the door, a small tinkling sound caught her attention. Looking to the far left of the room where the noise had come from, she found the small blue glass bowl had shifted loose from its resting place on the lid. It had fallen to the stone floor. She dismissed the noise and returned to the slab in front of her. She looked down at his face one last time, and found his cold eyes were looking back up at her. Shrieking wildly, she stumbled backward and fell, tumbling to the base of the steps.

Blythe woke in a cold sweat. She turned to take in her surroundings and was comforted by the fact that she was not actually in the stone room being eyeballed by whatever it was that was looking up at her. She took in a deep breath to steady her rattling nerves then made for the bathroom yet again. She closed her eyes once she was inside and leaned against the door. Trying to calm herself, she went to the tiny sink with a small round mirror above it to splash her face with some water. As she came up to dry her face and turn the knobs off, she saw it again. She stumbled once again, backwards, falling this time into the door of the planes bathroom.

Too terrified to turn and undo the door, she tried to get it open with her hands behind her, keeping her eye on the mirror's image the entire time. The figure finally came out of the panel of glass and started to make its way toward her. Oh, my god, no was all she could whisper before her wet hands finally unlatched the door, causing her to fall through it and out onto her behind. She righted herself and quickly returned to her seat, buckling in and getting as close to the snoring Alisdair as she could without waking him, even though she desperately wanted to. Shaking in spite of herself, she huddled into her oversized Michigan sweatshirt and fell into a tentative sleep.

Luckily, time seemed to literally fly by on the aircraft, as before they all felt they could effectively blink the sleep from their eyes, they had landed on solid Scottish ground. Bean took to walking with Fane and Blythe, leaving Alisdair and Rune to fend for themselves. After a half hour walking around the strange airport, they finally found the car that would take them to their small bed and breakfast accommodations outside the main city of Inverness.

The ride was even more intolerable than the plane, the crew found out. The vehicle was small for the seats it would hold and the driver seemed to take the most scenic and drawn out route possible. His accent was so thick, they couldn't understand him as he chatted away to them as they drove and drove. It had grown dark by the time they finally reached the old two story stone cottage near the lake that they would be living out of. After exiting the car, Alisdair spoke with the driver about coming back tomorrow to take them to the lake proper. Thankfully, the man understood the coming back part and agreed with great cheer. He laughed at them all as he drove away, and they could hear him from his open window starting to robustly sing as he disappeared into the night. They hefted their bags and went inside.

The light was not as bright as it should have been. Things seemed to be lit more by all manner of candles than electricity. The inn keep let them know that electricity this far out had been a bit unreliable so to speak as of late, which was why there was so many flames around. Alisdair couldn't help but be grateful the building had been made mostly of stone as he thought about the possibility of the place going up in flames with all the fat and alcohol. He pressed a palm to his forehead trying to stave off a headache as he reached for the room keys the woman handed him over the bar.

Alright, everybody, long day tomorrow and we need to be well rested if we are to sort things out clearly! He felt the need to bring everyone into the loop of his thoughts which irritated Rune. She didn't like being told what to do, no matter who told her. Alisdair, I am staying down here and enjoying a drink or two before I lay this head down. I also believe it might be fairer to the kids if they actually got a bite to eat rather than sleeping on an empty stomach as well. She took a gander at the three of them standing with bated breath at the exchange. Alisdair started to fidget, asking them if they were truly needing food at the moment. Blythe said she might be able to get a bit down and Bean told them he was famished. Fane was the only one to decline, saying she would rather sleep than eat. Alisdair gave in sullenly, admitting he was a bit peckish as well. Rune slapped him on the shoulder with a good man and plopped onto a tall wooden stool and ordered herself a drink.

Blythe wouldn't be so lucky. As much as she may have felt that she deserved a drink, she had to make do with a tall glass of water and a slab of some sort of fish. Adventurous, Bean tried whatever the woman told him he might like. He was going to make the most of this oversea adventure as he wasn't sure when he would have the opportunity to travel and eat like this again. He did however ask the lady serving him to not tell him what he was eating before or after he finished it. He and Blythe washed everything down with some water and dismissed themselves to their separate beds as Fane had done earlier. That left Rune and Alisdair.

She looked at him over her mug, trying to read him and his thoughts. He was busy polishing his glasses, letting his beer go flat as he did so. Rune watched him put them back on his face with precision as he gently sipped the dark brew from his own mug. She chuckled at him which made him choke a bit on his drink as he asked her what she found so funny. You are too cautious my friend. You must learn to let go and live a little. Even the lady said so. She upended her mug and drained the remains in a few swigs.

He just stared at her and her ability to drink. Rune held a hand over her mug as the barmaid suggested a refill. The woman nodded and worked her way back down the bar, leaving the two alone again. Don't worry. I am off to bed myself. Finish your drink and do the same if you can. She gave him a wink and left, making her way up the stairs. Alisdair only shook his head and wondered why she always had to pick on him all the time. He made a point to drain his mug quickly and get to his room before the heavy drink