The Sword and The Seven Stones: Diamond
()
About this ebook
As the old man’s hands pulled back the worn leather, Alman looked at what lay within. He reached out and touched the finest of steel. Embedded in the hilt, a perfect diamond. Upon accepting the sword, Alman had to go where no one ever dare go before. He needs to pass mountains where some never return from. Will the fires keep him safe along the way and keep whatever is lurking in the shadows at bay? Will he live to save the others? His father’s Kingdom depended on him. What magic were they dealing with?
Nicholis the king of Maramar regretted the words as soon as they left his lips. He knew his only son could be rebellious and now he knew that he would have to send men to keep him safe. The storm stayed steady and as the four of them walked into his great hall, he took one look at Madeline, the village girl he has taken in and knows who she would be perfect for.
Karen Doherty
I have always been writing. I love to write and it is the one time in the day that I can take myself away and enter into another world. to bring stories to others is a dream and one I hope I never wake up from. I live in the country with my husband, three children and two dogs. I love being close to nature.
Related to The Sword and The Seven Stones
Related ebooks
Diamond: The Sword and The Seven Stones Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsBitten By A Vampire: Pendle Hill Vampire Serial Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsHounded Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsThe Amish Widow's New Love Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsFalling For A Wolf #6 (BBW Werewolf Romance): Falling For A Wolf, #6 Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5Falling For A Wolf #6: BBW Werewolf Shifter Romance Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsBattle For No Man's Land Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsThe Dancing Girl and the Turtle Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsUncommon Expectation Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsRaven's Choice Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsThe Amish Widow's New Love: A Fresh-Start Family Romance Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsAugust: The McGraph Brother, #1 Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsSam and the Dragon: A Medieval Mars Story Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsThe Chellion Days Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsThe Quest (Part One of The Kingdom Trilogy) Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsFoxes In The Spring Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsTowers & Crows Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsScribbled in Margins Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5The Secret of Benes' Castle Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsThe Pindar Diamond: A Novel Rating: 3 out of 5 stars3/5The Mountain of Gens Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsSingle Gal Mary Ellen Waiting to Be Married Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsOver Sea, Under Stone Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5Amma's Liberation: Acabar Series, #1 Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsTo Love An Earl: Mayfair Brides Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsClarkesworld Magazine Issue 180 Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsReforged 1 and 2 Box Set (Smoke and Rain, Lightning and Flames): Blood of Titans: Reforged Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsBlood Moon Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsA Sorrowful Sanctuary: A Lane Winslow Mystery Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5The Adventures of Marco and Carla: The Ghost of Black Crow Bridge Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratings
Action & Adventure Fiction For You
Outlawed Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5The Darkness That Comes Before Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5The Princess Bride: S. Morgenstern's Classic Tale of True Love and High Adventure Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yarros Summary: by Rebecca Yarros - A Comprehensive Summary Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsMurder Your Employer: The McMasters Guide to Homicide Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5Summary The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue: by V.E. Schwab - A Comprehensive Summary Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5Wool: Book One of the Silo Series Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5The Last Kingdom Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5James Patterson's Alex Cross Series Best Reading Order with Checklist and Summaries Rating: 3 out of 5 stars3/5The Count of Monte Cristo Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5The Most Dangerous Game Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5The Scarlet Pimpernel Books Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5The End of the World Running Club Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5The Golden Notebook: A Novel Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5The Shack Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5Mr. Penumbra's 24-Hour Bookstore: A Novel Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5Huckleberry Finn Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5River God Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5Termination Shock: A Novel Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5The Grace of Kings Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5Shift: Book Two of the Silo Series Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5Our Town: A Play in Three Acts Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5Learn Italian! Impara l'Inglese! ALICE'S ADVENTURES IN WONDERLAND: In Italian and English Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5The Poisonwood Bible: A Novel Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5Learn German! Lerne Englisch! ALICE'S ADVENTURES IN WONDERLAND: In German and English Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5Shantaram: A Novel Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5Travels with My Aunt Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5Leave the World Behind: A Read with Jenna Pick Rating: 3 out of 5 stars3/5The Eight Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5Swamp Story: A Novel Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5
Related categories
Reviews for The Sword and The Seven Stones
0 ratings0 reviews
Book preview
The Sword and The Seven Stones - Karen Doherty
Chapter 1
Summer Solstice
Alman had this conversation with his father once before and he knew that it wasn’t going over well now. It wasn’t easy trying to converse with a King. You want to do what?
his father shouted at him. No one in the Kingdom has ventured through that part of our land.
His father walked over to the window. From his private quarters he had the best view of his kingdom. The village below to the mountains in the distance. Turning to his only son, he tried to figure out what was going through his head. Could it have to do with the passing of his mother? No, it couldn’t be. She had been gone for two years now. Father, I will bring an army of men with me if that makes it any better. Alman watched as his father took a seat behind his desk. The weather was getting worse outside. The storm started to roll in just after noon. Now the skies were dark and the lightening spiked down. The rain was hitting the windows from the gusts of wind that seemed to get stronger with each passing hour. Nicholis looked at his son.
I forbid you to go. Not another word. when he saw Alman was about to say something else, he held up his hand and stopped him.
Now leave me. I have work to do. With the end of the conversation, a clap of thunder shook the castle walls. Alman got up from his seat.
I didn’t come here for your permission. I came here to tell you that I’m going. With that, Alman walked out of the room. Nicholis sat back and watched as his son left. No one in the history of Maramar had ever ventured to that part of the kingdom. He threw his quill down and yelled for Gavin, his right hand man. Gavin heard the shout from the staircase and walked into the room.
Did I hear someone calling my name? he said with a smile on his face. He took the chair that Alman had just vacated and waited to see what his majesty wanted from him today.
I need you to follow Alman. He has this idea to go to the west mountain. Gavin shook his head when he heard this. He knew why Alman wanted to go there. He had been trying to show his father that he was a man now for the last year. Unfortunately, his father was King first, then father. Gavin looked at his friend.
You know what you have to do, don’t you? Nicholis looked at his friend who had been by his side since they were babies.
Gavin, he is not ready yet. When he is, then I will make him King. Gavin stood up.
There may not be enough time for that. Nicholis looked at his friend.
I know but he doesn’t need to know right know. There is still time." As Gavin left, he hoped for his friend’s sake that there was enough time.
Alman got back to his room. Another loud clap of thunder shook the walls again. It seemed to get stronger with each one. He thought to leave in the morning but now with the way his father acted, he decided to leave right away. He swung the bag over his shoulder and left the room. He went down the service stairs and out through the kitchen. As he did, he filled a bag full of food because he knew it could take days to get there. As he left the kitchen, the stables were only a short walk from there. Walking into the stables, the stable boy rushed over to get his horse ready for him. He liked Alman. He was pretty good to him. Here he is, sir,
He said to Alman as he brought his horse out of the stall for him. Alman threw a couple coins in the air and the boy caught them and smiled. Alman mounted his horse and nudged him with his knees. It didn’t take long after they were out of the stable and onto the road that would take them into the village.
It all began two weeks before. They went into the village because Harry wanted to go see his girlfriend and since he had nothing better to do, he went along. They tied their horses and Harry took a walk over to the water hole. A pretty girl smiled as soon as she saw him. Alman decided to walk down to the market to see if any of the craftsman had any new things displayed. As he walked by the blacksmith shop, he noticed someone new standing there. He held a piece of iron with prongs and placed it into the coals. Hello there,
Alman said to the man. As he got closer, he realized that the man was very old. The way he handled the hammer and used the fire, Alman knew he must have been blacksmithing for most of his life. You’re new here. What is your name?
The old man turned and looked at the boy who stood in front of him. My name is Ishma. You are the reason I am here.
He turned and walked over to the table and picked up the piece of leather that lay there behind him. Alman followed him out of curiosity. As he watched, the old man unveiled what was hidden in the wrap. Alman felt a sense of calm come over him. The old man’s hands pulled back the worn leather and Alman looked down at the most beautiful sword that he had ever seen. Trailing his fingers over the hilt. The detail in the craftsmanship was something to envy. As his fingers crossed the stone, the diamond shone bright for an instant, then faded out. The old man smiled and then held the sword up. The steel gleamed. Alman took the sword from the blacksmith and he would have sworn it was made perfectly for him. The weight was precise and the swing was good. How much for the sword, blacksmith?
The old man looked at the sword, then back at Alman. This sword can be yours for free but it comes with a price. If you commit to the price then the sword is yours.
Alman looked at the fine details interlaid in the steel. How can it be free if there is a price, old man?
The blacksmith came around the table and leaned against it. Bring me back an almond sapling from the clearing in the west forest by the new moon.
Alman heard the stories of the west forest and knew that most men were afraid to go there but for this sword, Alman would do anything. Once I commit to the deal, the sword is mine then?
The old man nodded and Alman put the sword in the wrap and shook the blacksmith’s hand. Then I commit to the deal.
The old man went over to the coals and took the poker to them. You will go through many trials when you search for the thing that you need. You must conquer them all to save those around you. Alman looked down at the wrapped leather, then looked up to see that the man was gone. Alman tucked the sword under his arm and looked around. He was standing in front of the only door to go out of, so the old man had to be in here somewhere. He looked in each room but no one. The blacksmith’s dwelling was only three rooms plus the outside lean-to for working. The walls were done with river stone and clay. All the houses in the village were built in the same technique. He came out of one room and turned around quickly at the sound behind him.
Hello Sir, is there anything that I can do for you? Burtis stood there in his apron holding the shoes in his hand that he had taken off one of the horses in the stalls behind him.
Burtis, did you see the older man I was just talking to? The new blacksmith. Burtis looked at him a little strange. Had he been into the cups already? It was past noon. Sir, I am the only one here. Does your horse need to be done?
Burtis put the shoes down on the wood table. He would always do Alman’s horse first. He was the King’s son. Alman put his hand up. My horse is fine. Never mind, Burtis.
Alman walked out of the smith’s shed and back to the water hole. Harry and the girl were still sitting there. He nodded to Harry when he finally got his attention. Harry kissed the girl’s cheek quickly and then ran over to him. Let’s go get a cup and some food, then head back to the castle.
They walked into the meeting place and sat down. It wasn’t long before they were served by a beautiful waitress who tried to get Alman’s attention. Harry just laughed and took a drink. Alman looked at him. He lowered his voice almost to a whisper. I went into the blacksmith’s just now and talked to an old man there. I didn’t realize Burtis had someone new working there. This guy pulls out a beautiful sword and told me that if I went into the west forest, and brought something back, I could have the sword. I shook with him that I would, because Harry, you haven’t seen a sword like this.
He took a drink of his beer. I turned around for less than a minute, then looked back. Harry, the guy was gone.
He told Harry how he searched the whole place and he wasn’t to be found. Harry thought the best thing they could do at that moment was to get Alman and the sword out of this place. If anyone were to overhear them, they could get ambushed after they leave. He said as such to Alman so they left the pub and got on their horses.
Soon as they got back to the palace, Harry followed him up to his room. They shut the door as soon as they were there. The fire in the fireplace kept the room comfortable, with the dampness from the mist that occurred almost daily. Placing it on the table, Alman unwrapped the leather. Harry reached his hand out to touch it but before he could, Alman grabbed his arm. Harry looked up into his friend’s eyes and noticed something strange about them.
What happened to you while you were gone?
Harry pulled his arm from Alman’s grasp. Alman looked down to see that he was holding Harry’s arm, then let go of it. I just went up the street to the blacksmith’s, got this, and then came back.
He walked over to the window. I’m going to the west forest, Harry. You coming with me?
Harry and Alman had been friends since birth. Harry’s mother was best friends with Alman’s mother and Harry lived at court with them since his birth.
The rain was coming down hard as he thought back to what his father said and what happened two weeks ago. He knew this time, like so many others, he would disobey his father. This time it wasn’t out of fun though. This was out of need. There was something inside him that was letting him out of this. As the storm rolled over their heads, their horses spraying mud behind them, Harry and Alman knew that the travel will not be easy but Alman knew he committed himself to a higher force and he knew that he couldn’t turn back now.
Chapter 2
"What do you mean he left? I told you to do one thing and that was to keep him here until I could talk him out of this. Gavin was so angry right now. If he didn’t find Alman, then friend or no friend, Nicholis would have his head for this. The guard informed him that they left three hours ago.
When Gavin got to the stables, his horse was already there waiting for him. His four best men would go with him. Nelvil, Jordan, Churil, and Reed. He had never been close to this part of the land but he heard the stories that some men would talk about when they were into their cups. Gavin wasn’t born into a rich family but was born to a lady’s maid of the Queen’s. She was from a proper family but had no riches. As the King grew up, Gavin was there by his side. Nicholis made him head of the King’s army. He knew his friend did that so that he could have a title.
Grabbing the reins, He put his foot in the stirrup and threw his other leg over his horse’s back. As he turned the horse around, he noticed that his men were waiting on their steeds. All five of them looked so menacing. He could only hope that they would find Alman soon.
Alman and Harry stopped at a cave for a while, to get out of the rain. The storm had gotten worse over the last hour. They had been riding for five hours straight and the horses were tired. They were glad that the cave was big enough to bring the horses in. This way, they wouldn’t get spooked from the lightening. Harry found some kindling and dried moss and started a fire. They decided to stay there for the night. The horses were spent anyway. Harry got a good fire going and Alman took out some food that he packed from his bag. He knew eventually they would have to hunt for food but for now, they could eat the cheese and bread that he took from the kitchen on the way out. Okay, so you get to keep the sword if you find this guy an almond tree? Why don’t you just cut one down from around here? There are hundreds of them,
Harry asked him as he took another bite from the sandwich he made out of his portion. Alman thought the same thing but for some reason when they guy told him where to find it, he knew that he couldn’t substitute it with another. The old guy would know. No, I thought of that too but I have a feeling that I’m being sent on a quest for some reason. It isn’t even that I want to go to that part of our land. It is a need inside me that I have to get there. The sword is what is pulling me there. Harry, the first time I lifted the sword in my hands, I felt it had become a part of me. I know it doesn’t make sense.
Alman shook his head. He didn’t know if he was explaining it right to his friend. Harry wanted to believe him but a sword becoming a part of someone was ridiculous. He heard that men form a special bond with their swords but they didn’t become part of them. Plus, how could a sword give out feelings? For a minute, he thought his friend may have drank something in the village to make him go a little strange. The only reason why Harry came with him was to make sure he was safe. Alman would be the next King one day. It was his duty to remain by his side. Harry finished his sandwich and rolled up his bag to make a pillow out of it. Well friend, I’m going to sleep. We can set out in the morning.
Alman knew that it sounded crazy but it was true. Something happened when he held it for the first time. Rolling up his bag, he went to sleep too. He knew the fire would keep till the morning and the horses finally settled down. He hoped the storm would be gone by