Angel of the Stones

By Emil Crise

Randy Phillips smitten by lost love and financial failures finds himself at the crossroads of life. Eager to reverse his misfortunes, he embarks on a move to the wild frontier of Alaska to mine for gold. His journey leads him through unexpected twists and turns finding a gift far more precious than gold, and far more deadly as powers vie for its control

• Language: English
• Publisher: Emil Crise
• Release date: Dec 11, 2014
• ISBN: 9781311041548

Emil Crise

Emil Crise is a fiction writer. You can reach me at [e-mail]

Book preview

Special thanks for the creative art design, formatting and editing by Edward Williams. And proof reading and editing by Katherine O’Malley and Marc Crise, now the journal to see if we can prevail over the rough waters that beckon, and capture the artfully adventurous minds we have set sail for.

Table of Contents

Prologue: Impending Change

Chapter One: A Damsel in Distress

Chapter Two: Loyal Friendship

Chapter Three: Old Friends, Old Habits

Chapter Four: Ancient Book

Chapter Five: Alaskan Gold

Chapter Six: Captain Bob

Chapter Seven: Home Sweet Home

Chapter Eight: Mountain High

Chapter Nine: Guardian Cave

Chapter Ten: Pilot Transportation

Chapter Eleven: Closing The Past

Chapter Twelve: Seek Ye Riches

Chapter Thirteen: Mistaken Serenity

Chapter Fourteen: Crystal Mystic

Chapter Fifteen: The Book’s Secrets

Chapter Sixteen: Selling Out

Chapter Seventeen: Walker Intrusion

Chapter Eighteen: The Invite

Chapter Nineteen: Misread Calculations

Chapter Twenty: Michelle’s Father

Chapter Twenty-One: Tesla’s Contribution

Chapter Twenty-Two: Crystal Clear

Chapter Twenty-Three: Sanctioned Love

Chapter Twenty-Four: Fortunes and Futures Foretold

Chapter Twenty-Five: Veil of Life

Chapter Twenty-Six: United Past

Chapter Twenty-Seven: Old Miner’s Wisdom

Chapter Twenty-Eight: Saying Goodbye

Chapter Twenty-Nine: Standard Procedures

Chapter Thirty: Crystal Shadow’s Revealed

Chapter Thirty-One: Friend Or Foe

Chapter Thirty-Two: The Escape

Chapter Thirty-Three: Majestic Sky

Chapter Thirty-Four: The Tabernacle

Chapter Thirty-Five: Self Doubt

Chapter Thirty-Six: Crystal Revelation

Chapter Thirty-Seven: Canyon Visitation

Chapter Thirty-Eight: Switched Fortunes

Chapter Thirty-Nine: Drums Of War

Chapter Forty: The Cavalry

About the Author

Acknowledgements

Prologue: Impending Change

The Doctor, sleepless and gruff in appearance swiftly passed through the maze of wounded soldiers, stopping only when beckoned by an anxious aide calling for his attention. As a seasoned Doctor of battlefield medicine, he had developed a quick yet meticulous measurement of evaluation on the wounded. Looking at the young staff nurse Erin, he shrugged his shoulders.

What’s he trying to say? Sounds like pistols he’s not armed is he? The doctor took a closer examination of his battle wounds, and then turned to the nurse. They’re bad alright probably fatal, his vitals don’t look very stable. He has a subcutaneous rupture here where the bone has fractured. A lot of hemorrhaging from the popliteal artery. Erin, you’re going to have to do this yourself. Make a medial incision right here. Clamp it and evaluate. If I can get back, I will. You’ve seen me do enough of these. I know you can do it.

Tears began to well up in Erin’s eyes. I can’t doctor. What if I make the incision wrong? What if I kill him?

If you can’t Erin then he’s already dead. The doctor in frustration grabbed the arm of the patient displaying a tattoo.

You see what he has, look at the insignia. It’s the tribal insignia of the rebel gangs that started this damn civil war. The doctor seeing the conviction in the nurse’s eyes and firm empathy softened his anger. I’m not passing judgment, and I’m not playing God Erin. Someone’s got to win and end all this madness, it’s been seven years already and sacrificing anymore of the limited resources on the enemy just doesn’t seem like its helping. Erin looked at the wounded soldier then back to the doctor.

If your enemy is hungry, give him food to eat; if he is thirsty, give him water to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head.

Apache saying? The doctor asked.

No, Erin responded, Bible proverb 25:21-22.

The doctor sighed attempting to release his tension then re-addressed Erin.

Erin if he does live he’ll be sent to the camps. And from what I hear death ain’t such a bad option given that choice.

The doctor hearing his name turned to see another aide attempting to get his attention. Acknowledging her summons, he then turned back to Erin.

I got enough of our own boys right now to worry about. It’s going to be up to you if you think he’s worth saving. I’ll send the anesthesiologist over and you make the decision. The doctor verdict in hand, left to assess another wounded soldier.

The nurse mesmerized by the tattoo on the man recognized the red blue and green colors outlining the dream catcher artwork. She knew the meaning of the three feathers woven around the stone emblems, and she knew the name, Against the Wind. She rubbed her hand across his tattoo. Then she brought her hand to rest on the same tattoo with her Apache name Nitika covered by her nursing scrubs.

Making one last attempt to comfort the patient before the anesthesiologist started his procedure, she took his hand. Against the Wind, she whispered softly into his ear. Can you hear me?

The patient responded grasping harder to her touch, then using all his might called out Michelle.....

Chapter One: A Damsel in Distress

Yes Randy I hear you, you got my attention, she said. Why do you always do that?

Do what? Randy asked.

Keep repeating my name as if you think I'm not following what you’re trying to say, she said gazing into his eyes.

Randy sitting at the table returned her gaze with a strong driven fixation. A look deep into the soul from which neither he, nor she, could free themselves.

The strength of each gaze penetrated normal boundaries, a look that took him beyond his setting. It brought energy back into his life. A force he desperately needed. Words between them only encrypted their desires providing a safe harbor which neither had the courage to sail beyond.

In his own life, Randy considered himself a risk taker willing to put his own safety at jeopardy to taste the thrill of living on the edge. But deep inside he knew his quest for living on the edge only substituted for his inability to allow his heart to be put at risk. Tonight he thought, it would be different, he had convinced himself that he could no longer hide behind the cloak of uncertainty. It was time to play out his hand. Break through the barrier that kept their secret safe. That’s right, he told himself. Tonight would be the night he would sail from the harbor.

As he broke from his thought and gazed downward he began to speak. Michelle, I need to share something with you. Something I have wanted to tell you for some time but didn't know if it would be the right time or place or if it even mattered to you.

Suddenly seized by apprehension his mind began to race. Fear and doubt started to cloud his thoughts. He hesitated.

Michelle feeling uneasy by his silence responded. Share what Randy? You know I care what matters to you. What is it you want to tell me?

As Randy started to regroup his thoughts, a loud knock came from the back door. Glancing over he saw Roy poke his head through.

Roy Landers had been a local guy in town that had spent time during the summer helping Michelle revitalize a rundown horse business left by her uncle. Friendship turned into occasional overnights, then longer visits until one day Roy moved in permanently.

Michelle always said there was no true feeling between the two of them but he seemed to provide a comfort zone for her during a tough time in her life. Randy always perceived Roy to be a likable guy but one who liked to talk up his ambitions rather than apply them.

I thought I seen you two in here, Roy said So what do you think of our boy here? he said patting Randy on the shoulder. He's finally going to do it.

Michelle and Randy turned their sights towards each other in unison. Do what Roy? Michelle asked.

Sell your place Randy, Roy said sitting down next to them. Airport and all, stock and barrel. Howard down at Green Realty let the cat out of the bag on that one. Said that crazy brother of yours finally got you sold on digging for gold in Alaska. High tailing out the minute you sell your place.

Michelle gave Randy a subtle look then turned away.

So that’s what you were trying to tell me, another one of your living on the edge sagas.

Michelle rose from her chair forcing a smile on her face and then started clearing the dishes off the table. Randy could sense her disappointment. He wanted to grab her, hold her, and tell her that she was all wrong. Then again he thought, maybe it doesn't really matter to her.

I better go, Randy said, cautiously maneuvering himself back to the safety of his harbor. The weather looks good. It should be a busy day tomorrow.

Michelle barely lifted her head to say goodbye. As he walked down the sidewalk, he could hear Roy and Michelle discussing tomorrow’s activities for the barn.

Hearing Randy’s car pulling out of the driveway she walked to the window. A single tear traced from her cheek.

The ride home seemed longer than usual as Randy pulled through the gate to his place. He stopped at the office, cracked open a beer and turned his CD player on.

What will it be tonight? Randy said to his dog who had eagerly acknowledged his return, Sammy Kershaw, Bruce Springsteen, or Michael Stanley Band? The dog tilted its head unsure of Randy’s request. Okay MSB it is. How about Rosewood Bitters? Yeah that seems befitting given the night. The dog confirmed his choice by eagerly wagging his tail. Randy popped the CD in and took a sip of his beer as Rosewood Bitters started blasting from his CD. He slouched down in his chair and started to reflect on the night.

Roy was only half right. Yeah his brother Ross in Alaska was a little different. Not many people clamored to a dream of gold prospecting. But Randy thought of Ross more like a visionary. Ross's dream consisted of an old gold mine in the foothills of the mighty McKinley basin, a beautiful pristine land in Alaska. The mine had most of the heavy equipment needed to make a go of it but lacked both money and human capital to keep it running. Randy was not really sure how his brother Ross had acquired the land. A lot of Ross’s life was a mystery.

Ross had been a wanderer most of his life, left home at the age of eighteen. For twenty years of his life, he avoided all contact with family. He always said he had issues to resolve that didn't involve the kinfolk. Recently he had tried to reestablish contact and make up for lost time. Ross thought he could provide an opportunity that Randy couldn't pass. For Randy more than anything the timing of the opportunity appealed most to him. It was going on three months since his divorce had finalized.

Randy had married his high school sweetheart, Maria. The relationship had lasted over fifteen years. Over the years they drifted apart and realized the path to reconnect had grown too far apart to mend. At best they would remain friends. Her biggest complaint was that Randy could never settle for his lot in life, a restlessness he had that she just couldn’t deal with. His complaint was much simpler, she never took the time to try and understand him.

The divorce had hit Randy hard. It came at the same time his business was all but bankrupt. For Randy, his business was his passion in life and truly the only time he felt free. He had sunk his live savings into a small airport consisting of ten hangars, three 152 Cessna’s and one older model 172 Sky Hawk. Maria often thought he was crazy for buying it in the first place. She said he was too impulsive.

She was right. He had purchased the airport after driving past it. The same day he took his first flight lesson he cashed in his retirement, quit his job of ten years, and took over a business that he overpaid for and knew nothing about.

To Randy, now seemed like the perfect time to leave all this behind and start over. If he didn't sell the airport soon, the bank would own it within months anyway. Michelle was all wrong. It wasn't him wanting to live on the edge. It came down to survival and the trip to Alaska might be his last opportunity. At thirty eight, he felt his options were starting to close in.

The morning came early. Randy performed his daily ritual of coaxing the dog from the bed, a tradition that had started when Maria first brought the dog home. Maria had given the dog his name Coal due to his thick black fur coat. They both originally agreed to keep Coal outside but after the first heavy snow storm the dog found a new home inside and never left. When the divorce finalized, Maria persuaded Randy that the dog being accustomed to the country would be better adapted to staying with Randy. And although Randy would never admit it, she knew he had grown quite fond of Coal.

Peering out the window, Randy could see the clear sky. Going to be a good day, he thought to himself. He hoped he would see enough activity at the airport to at least pay off the fuel bill.

After showering and grabbing a quick coffee, Randy headed to the airport office building. His walk was short. The airport office sat fifty feet from the trailer he now called home since his divorce. His airport was a small community airport with one runway facing east and west, a maintenance garage, some fuel pumps, and ten hangars that housed up to forty small aircraft. His ability to lease this space served as the meat and potatoes to his livelihood. Selling fuel and providing lessons the gravy. The airport has special importance to him outside of his passion for flying. Randy had met Michelle at the airport and always felt fate had played a role in their friendship. The memory remained as clear as if it happened yesterday. He started to reflect back on the first day he had met her.

It was the same day he had gotten his pilot license. After finishing his check ride, he put the plane in the hangar. While locking the office he turned at the sound of a truck and noticed a blue dually truck pulling in the lot. Out of the truck stepped the most beautiful and innocent creature Randy had ever seen. "It was love (or at least heart-pounding lust) at first sight. Her tall perfectly proportioned frame decked in a white T-shirt, faded blue Wrangler jeans, and a pair of well-worn cowboy boots, gave a grounded elegance to her gracefulness.

Randy couldn't stop himself from surveying every inch from top to bottom as she approached him—blonde hair cascading over her shoulders and hips shifting ever so slightly with each step of her graceful stride. As she got closer, Randy could see her face more clearly.

He focused first on her soft tantalizing lips, then her high cheek bones, and then the most striking feature, her perfectly almond shaped deep brown piercing eyes. Before he realized it, Randy found himself lost in those eyes.

I hope I am not too late? she spoke. I’m here to pick up my fiancé. He was supposed to land at seven o’clock tonight.

You are too late. Randy joked. I landed at six o’clock and I’m already married.

Michelle gave Randy a look of cynicism.

We have a joker I see.

Well, I’m not usually so quick-witted, but I am coming off a good day. I finally convinced my instructor to pass my check ride and make it legal to fly these things. By the way my name is Randy, and you are?

Nice to meet you Randy, I’m Candy, Michelle said cracking a smile.

Yeah I see it, Randy said. A sadness in your pretty face that no man can keep Candy safe.

Michelle began to blush, Oh I get it. You’re a Boss fan too. No, I’m not that Candy…. just a bad attempt at rhyming with Randy. And Michelle is my name. Do you know if this airport is still open?

We’re actually closed right now but planes still use the airport to land. You say your fiancé was supposed to land around seven o’clock? He didn't happen to be coming out of Chicago did he?

Well yes as a matter of fact. He was coming back from a business trip and his company was to have him chartered back here.

Okay then, I think I can help you out. During my check flight we stopped at the Alliance Airport. Bumped into a man named Ben. He mentioned he was waiting on his ride. Ben wouldn’t happen to be the same fiancé you’re picking up is he?

Michelle broke into a frown. He told me this airport, not Alliance, how far is Alliance from here?

Oh…. about fifteen minutes, Randy remarked while hesitating slightly. That is, fifteen minutes by air. About two hours by a blue dually truck.

Michelle’s demaeanor changed to a tautened look of annoyance. I'm going to kill him. . ., she vented. He was supposed to meet my family tonight. As she continued to convey her frustration, Randy couldn't help but notice how beautiful she came across even in her anger. It brought a smile to his face. A smile she caught in the corner of her eye as she continued to rant. What’s so funny? she inquired. Trying to remain firm in her conviction then allowing the contagiousness of his smile to soften her. You don’t understand we had everything...

Passions Poison, Randy interrupted her.

Passions Poison? Michelle repeated with a mystified look. What the hell do you mean Passions Poison?

Your perfume, its Passions Poison isn't it?

Michelle’s smile sprouted from cheek to cheek across her face. Awestruck by his perceptive awareness she stood back for a moment allowing her-self to examine her new acquaintance. Her eyes darted downward then back up along the length of his body. She could see he had a strong chiseled frame maybe six three or taller. His hair long and dark curled in waves. Her eyes locked into his green piercing eyes for the first time almost as if to say hello to a long lost wayward soul mate of sorts.

Yes, she said as her smile now dominated her face. Passions Poison, you are quite observant aren't you?

Well - I told you before I’m coming off a good day. You’re catching me at my best. As a matter of fact, I’m having such a good day I’m going to share some of this karma with you and offer to fly you over to Alliance and pick up Ben. That is, if you not afraid of flying with a newly appointed flying ace. Go ahead inside and call the Alliance Airport. Someone should still be there. You'll find the number posted by the phone. I’ll get the plane ready.

Are you sure? Her voice softly asked no longer strained in frustration. I don’t want to put you through all this trouble.

No trouble at all. It’s a code of pilots. Before shutting off all lights we’re required to make sure all damsels in distress have been rescued.

The flight to Alliance went by quicker than Randy had remembered it earlier in the day. In the short time he spent with Michelle, he felt totally captivated by her, almost as if he had always known her and too much time had passed since they had last met. After the initial short exchange of history new friends often share, they settled into topics that gave each a glimpse into their souls. Randy could sense a playful free spirited innocence in Michelle. A wildness only confined by a structured belief system instilled in her earlier years. He found that combination amusing. But the real allure Randy felt for Michelle was the intrigue he felt for a shrouded mystery that surrounded her aura. Continuing in conversation, it was apparent they both felt a natural attentiveness to one another that could easily complement a relationship beyond friends.

For Michelle she had never met someone who seemed to be in-tune to every word she spoke. His focus gave her a warm feeling, and demonstrated to Michelle that he respected and cherished her point of view. When the conversation turned to family and relationships, Randy was finally smitten by a playful comment she made about love. Her comment alluded to the idea that the illusion love created in new courtships was the magic scepter that eroded over time dooming the spirit of eternal love.

Landing back at his airport Randy felt a touch of disappointment that the trip had come to an end. Picking up her fiancé had repossessed her attention. Michelle and her fiancé not wanting to waste more precious time quickly deplaned and hopped into her truck. The initial bond Michelle and Randy had developed had now shattered. Fortunately for Randy, her relationship with Ben would suffer a similar fate several weeks later.

As she started to pull out, she noticed Randy standing next to his car and rolled her window down. Oh I’m sorry. I almost forgot to thank you. It’s good to see there are still some good people out here that will help you when you’re in a fix. I guess I’ll have to go out and share the karma, isn't that the way it’s supposed to work?

Yep, something like that, Randy replied.

Well, thank you once again and before you leave you better turn off the office light. You wouldn't want another damsel in distress thinking there was still hope to be rescued tonight would you, especially if Candy showed up?

Randy remembered how he felt driving home that night. Michelle had awakened his senses unlike anything he had ever experienced before. Strangely though, he cautioned himself. If they did meet again something in the back of his mind told him this one was special. Be careful he thought to himself. Be careful with this one.

Chapter Two: Loyal Friendship

Randy’s memory of his first meeting with Michelle began to fade hearing his voice being called. Randy, ground control to Major Tom can you hear me? a voice attempting his best David Bowie imitation, repeated.

Oh hi Bud, Randy finally replied breaking out of his trance and seeing Bud approach from the maintenance hangar. How are you doing today? Didn't see you in there.

Bud was the heart of the airport and for the most part the brains. He was an old pilot that had worked for years at the airport before Randy had purchased it. He was versatile in his contributions, and wore a wide selection of job hats, while working mainly as a mechanic and instructor.

Bud had started flying crop dusting in his teens, even spent a stint flying missions in Baghdad during the first Gulf war. He brought a wealth of experiences and stories to go with them. For a short period Bud worked as a commercial pilot for the airlines but being more of a free spirited individual came to loath the regimented lifestyle of the trade. When he left the airlines he had promised himself he would never allow himself to get caught in what he termed, the grind, every again.

Embracing his free spirited nature, he would sometimes tell Randy he needed time to get away, then take his plane and disappear for weeks. The only stable part of Bud’s life seemed to be the airport. He would always return to it. Years ago Bud had bought ownership into it. But his frequent escapades started to create tension between him and his colleague and he resold his share back to his partner. It often frustrated Randy when he would leave but he knew without Bud he would have lost the airport years ago.

I’ve got some good news and bad news, Bud said. The good news is the Red beast is back and ready to fly, that wheel shouldn't give you any more trouble on landings. The bad news is Neil called off today something about finals coming up and being behind.

Great, Randy thought to himself. The weather is good, I’ve got a full booking of flight instructions and I’m minus one instructor. I guess I’ll try to get hold of Ken and see if he can cover for Neil.

Already took care of that. Ken will be in at eleven, Bud commented then added. You better have a talk with that boy before he goes out. He’s letting those students tear up the planes on landings, seems like every time he goes up with a student I’m spending the next day fixing it.

Randy gave Bud a sign of acknowledgment then headed into the office. The answering machine had a slew of messages already on it:

Hi Randy this is Paul Fleming, First Federal, please give me a call, we really need to talk. Call me on my cell phone, today Randy. We need to talk, okay I’m serious you need to call me today, talk to you later, bye.

Thank God for answering machines Randy thought. Recently he had been avoiding Paul as much as he could. He didn’t need to call him back to remind him where he stood. Randy had financed the airport with Paul and had fallen desperately behind on payments. The next two messages were sales related. Salesman, Randy snickered, it brought back memories when he worked in the electronics field doing sales himself. He could easily recall the grueling task of spending the better part of his day leaving messages to voice mail hoping for a call back. He hated voice mail then. Now it was his only line of defense from the bank. Randy continued to go through his messages. Green Realty, two cancellations on flights, one inquiring about lessons and finally Ross.

He replayed the last message:

Randy this is Ross. I thought I might catch you. Look I’m going to be out of town until Friday. Call me at home. Things are starting to develop and I need to know if you’re in on this deal, really excited about having you up here. Oh, almost forgot, if you get on the Internet I need info any info on ATS Corp. They’re a North American mining company I think based out of Toronto or New York City. Talk to you later.

Randy deleted all but Ross’s message. He had hoped Michelle might have called if for no other reason than curiosity about his intentions that Roy had so eloquently blurted out the night before. After all he reflected, it wasn’t as if they didn’t at least say hello every day if not by phone then through texting. The more he dwelt on it, the more it started to piss him off. He felt Michelle would sometimes set the stage to pull him into the theatrics of her life then completely shut down. This act of distancing herself from Randy, made him unsure of his relationship with her. Screw it, he thought, I’ve got enough troubles without worrying about something that doesn’t exist.

The day ended good for the airport. A steady crop of students, two new hangars leased for the duration of summer and a full schedule for the next day weather permitting. After the last flight, Randy sat at his desk and started to go through some of the bills. While going through the mail he noticed a letter sent by Ross. Opening it, he made a mental note to return Ross’s call.

How about a beer? Bud asked as he entered from the garage and immediately grabbed two cold beers and handed one to Randy.

Sounds good to me Bud, Randy said tossing Ross's unread letter into the maze of bills already on the desk, then perching his feet on top of them.

Just too damn good of a day to go through this mess, Randy said leaning back in his chair and sipping his beer. The campfire talks were ready to begin. Randy and Bud spent many of late nights sharing stories and discussing the next day’s events always over a shared companionship of a few beers. They were kindred spirits connected with their passion for flying. In some ways Bud provided a mentoring relationship with Randy. Always happy to share knowledge from some of his own experiences he encountered over the years.

The only part of his life Bud never really talked about was his tour in Desert Storm. Randy felt Bud’s experiences in Iraq may have led to Bud not living a more traditional life. From all accounts, Bud started out on a fast track towards a conventional lifestyle. He started flying planes before he was driving crop dusting by age sixteen in his hometown Newton, Kansas. At eighteen he had gotten an offer to play minor league baseball in a bush league team in North Carolina. He instead opted to attend Kansas State on a baseball scholarship. He graduated with honors in political science. His original ambition was law school. Compelled by his father’s service during WWII with the Marines, he put his law degree on hold and instead enlisted in the war effort. With his background he was accepted into the flight school and started training at the officer’s candidate school in Quantico VA. After spending short stints in Cherry Point NC, Pensacola FL, and Whidbey WA, Bud was shipped over to Iraq for nine months. Bud had flown quite a few missions while on tour. He was even shot down once. When Bud’s tour ended he wed a woman he had met while stationed overseas then got on with a commercial airline. From that point on his life started to unravel.

After ten years with the airline he left his job and his wife. After years of seasoned travel, numerous jobs, and three more divorces Bud found contentment tinkering with planes at the airport and taking extended trips now and then. He said the airport offered him simplicity and an anchor to his life. He summed it up as, sometimes you just know where you’re meant to be.

The unpretentiousness of the statement always amused Randy. Of all the places Bud had traveled and experienced, the airport was home. And unlike Bud’s usual philosophical