The Stone Tablet

By Dee Willis

The Land of Kalarum is in the mist of the Dark Hour – a time that was prophesied centuries ago – and to defeat it, the stone tablets must be reunited as one. After the attack on Tinsgates, Belcrest barely escapes with his life. Severely wounded he makes his way to Hollow Woods. It is there he meets Nasira – High Captain of the Vycar Legion.

Unknowingly, the evil creatures that attacked Tinsgates had stolen one of the tablets. Unable to reunite them all, the Elven Chieftain tasked them with gathering the remaining stones. Since the tablets were dispersed to various races within the land – which they had no clue existed – they had to rely upon legend to guide their journey and quickly the 19 year old Nasira learns that the land she had known is full of mystery and shocking truths. Legend and myth become reality and there is no turning back from the road she must now travel.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Dee Willis
• Release date: Aug 4, 2018
• ISBN: 9780986168628

Dee Willis

Dee Willis is a multi-talented mother of 4 children, who loves everything empowering. To escape from the everyday grind, she writes fantasy and paranormal romance fiction novels and novellas for young adults and the grown N Sexy.She is a new and upcoming author that loves the supernatural, puzzles and fiction so she combines those elements into her writing style. She doesn't consider herself a "writer" but a "creative spirit". Dee believes writing is about creativity and there is no right or wrong way to express yourself. To her, writing is just like music or art. It's your own expression.She has already release her first Novel in the Kalarum Trilogy called Kalarum: The Stone Tablet and she has more books coming your way. She is scheduled to release the first Novella, to The Stone Tablet Novel called Immortal Legacy by December 2018.

Book preview

Prologue

Centuries ago, the great lord Zorto lived amongst the various races in the Land of Kalarum. His task was to unite the races and bring back the magic that was long forgotten. On his journey, he traveled far distances – places that were unknown to man – giving a piece of the stone tablet to each race whose heart was pure. It took him ages to accomplish what he was destined for.

Zorto stumbled upon a city, known to its people as Tinsgates. The people who lived there were mortal – humans. Their appearance was much like his own, even though he was different. He was born immortal.

While in the city of Tinsgates, the stone called to a man, a shepherd, by the surname O’Roghan. The glow was strong and powerful, but only those who had magic inside of them could see it. Zorto knew that this man’s family was blessed and had been chosen by the stone to have its powers bestowed onto them.

Late one evening, Zorto had a meeting with the shepherd before departing Tinsgates. Zorto told him that he will one day return to the city, but before leaving he had given the shepherd, the tablet.

Decades passed before he came back to Tinsgates. Everyone was much older or no longer alive. As promised, he returned to the shepherd, only to find him upon his death bed. His descendants held high positions within the city and they welcomed Zorto with open arms, giving him the title of The Great Lord Zorto.

Zorto’s pleasant personality uplifted the people of Tinsgates and the ladies considered him to be quite charming. Every eligible maiden in the kingdom practically threw themselves at his feet, but he had never taken upon a woman there.

As more years passed and generations later, they saw that Zorto did not age. He looked as young as he did when he first arrived. They knew he was a magical being, but never felt threatened by him. This is how Tinsgates became known as the Immortal Kingdom.

The time had come when Zorto knew he must leave for good. He created an army – the defenders of Tinsgates and they became known as the Immortal Guards. Zorto himself, became the first Master Guard, laying the foundation of their legacy. After the formation of the Immortal Guards, Zorto decided to build a tower made of stone from his magic. It was magic alone that operated the tower. After naming a successor, he would then pass his knowledge onto him, making him the next Master Guard.

No one other than the Master Guard would ever step foot inside of the tower, not unless the city was ever in danger. If the Immortal Kingdom had ever come under attack, Zorto made it so that the tower would protect the people of Tinsgates. That was his gift to the city in which he made his home.

At his last address to the kingdom he said, Citizens of Tinsgates. It is my honor to have created this tower for you as a symbol of your kindness. A symbol of life and of hope. A symbol that will one day allow Stone Tower to be a beacon of hope for all of those living in the Land of Kalarum.

Zorto had never left the tower much since then. Everyone was worried and thought that he was sick or that he was dying. Then one day at the patrol assignment in the main courtyard he announced the new Master Guard, Arkmus O’Roghan and from that day he was never seen or heard from again.

Chapter 1

The two moons shined across the Land of Kalarum above the city of Tinsgates – known to its people as the Immortal Kingdom. The city sat in the center of Lightingale Forest, enclosed by a fence that reflected a soft pearl glow from the trees that surround it.

A cool breeze swept through the city as Belcrest Reinhart was on his way to report for duty. Dressed in his Immortal Guard uniform bearing the golden crest of Tinsgates – sword clasped across his back – he whistled as he strolled down the cobblestone road.

When Belcrest reached Stone Tower he stopped and stood idle in front of the stone door. He couldn’t help but feel compelled by it. How I wish to one day become the Master Guard, so that I could see the magic for myself, he thought.

Several years had passed since Belcrest first swore his oath to protect the city of Tinsgates and the powers that were secretly held deep within the tower. It was cherished by many within the Kingdom, especially Belcrest, who had a deep admiration for the tower since he was a young boy.

He remembered all the stories that were told to him over the years. The stories of the Great Lord Zorto and how there was great magic hidden inside. It was once said, that Zorto lived amongst the people of Tinsgates and he told them that, ‘One day the tower will become a beacon of hope for all of Kalarum,’ but that was before he disappeared over a century ago.

Belcrest continued to stand there, his eyes fixed upon the vines that nestled firmly against the stones – in a unique pattern. As his eyes traced the vines, he slowly began to walk closer to the door, as if he was in a trance. His hand reached out to touch it, but his concentration was quickly interrupted.

What are you doing Bel? The croaky voice was unmistakable. Are you ready for duty?

Belcrest stopped in his tracks, confused for a brief moment, he turned around. Yes, Otiszanga. Are you ready? Though the remark was meant to be sarcastic, the sound of disappointment was clear in his tone.

Yes I am ready, my friend, Otiszanga returned the sly remark with a smile and placed his hand onto Belcrest’s shoulder to greet him. Are you alright? he asked, arching his left brow – something he did often when he suspected something was wrong.

Belcrest tried to hide his confusion, but he could tell by the look on Otiszanga’s face that he was not doing a good job at it. Otiszanga had been Belcrest’s friend since childhood and they were of equal age, but he was shorter. His face had the same square dimension – a feature that many men in Tinsgates shared – but his chubby cheeks made his cheekbones almost non-existent. Belcrest couldn’t bring himself to tell a lie, so he kept quiet, nodded his head and smiled.

 Alright, Otiszanga said, taking his hand from Belcrest’s shoulder. We must go Bel before we are late.

You are right. Let us go, Belcrest said, before briefly turning around to look back at the tower once more. What just happened? Shaking his head, Belcrest quickly dismissed the thought as nothing and proceeded with Otiszanga down the road.

 When they entered the courtyard, Belcrest saw the other guards standing around in clusters talking amongst themselves.

It’s colder than usual out this night Otis, Belcrest mumbled, his voice trembled as he rubbed his arms to take away the chill.

It is… and there is also a foul odor on the air, Otis replied, scrunching up his nose.

Belcrest lifted his head to smell the air. I do not smell anything.

"That is because only I have a nose for these things Bel, he smirked at him and looked over the crowd of guards. Where is Kylon?"

Belcrest hadn’t noticed that Kylon was missing. He immediately began to scan the courtyard. I do not know. He should have been here by now. He said that he was going to be back on time.

Where did he go? Otis asked.

He didn’t say, but he said he will be back on time for the patrol assignments.

Look there. Otis pointed to the new guard who was trying to put his sword into its carrier. There goes Morvinn. I will go over to him. He looks like he needs assistance, Otis laughed, before walking off.

You go. I will stay here and look for Kylon.

Belcrest walked slowly around the courtyard, making sure to pay close attention to everyone. He was almost about to give up, but then he looked over by the southeastern corner of the main gate, there he was Kylon – the Master Guard. His gray hair blowing behind him in the direction of the wind – hands folded behind his back, he stood motionless peering out into Lightingale Forest.

Sir, Belcrest said softly, making sure not to startle him.

Yes Belcrest. Turning around, he dropped his arms from behind him and placed his hand onto Belcrest’s shoulder. My apologies, you all must be awaiting my presence for your patrol assignments this night.

Yes. I’m surprised nobody noticed you standing over here. How long have you been here? Belcrest asked, noticing the troubled look on his face. Is there something wrong sir? Where did you go?

There is nothing wrong my son. I’ve been here a while. My thoughts consume me this hour.

It was clear to Belcrest that Kylon was keeping something from him and he conveniently avoided telling him where he was earlier. Bel didn’t want to pry, but he knew something was off. Kylon never lost track of anything, especially time.

Belcrest, I need for you to do something for me this night. Tilting his head, signaling Bel to walk with him in the direction of the other guards. I need for you to patrol the eastern gate region, but I would also like for you to pass by the tower for me. Can you do that?

You want me to patrol the tower, sir? You usually do that. Belcrest started to lag behind in order to keep his distance from the others.

No, not patrol, just check on the tower while you patrol the eastern gate. You are the only one I trust with this task Belcrest. This is something only you can do.

Belcrest could not imagine turning him down, but it did make him wonder why Kylon would ask this of him. Yes sir, I can check on the tower tonight for you.

He could tell that Kylon was adamant about it and he had already questioned him enough. There weren’t too many people who could question the Master Guard, but Belcrest was special. Kylon raised him, so he had a way with Kylon that no one else did.

As they approached the guards who were still talking amongst themselves, Belcrest spotted Otis and Morvinn. Kylon greeted a few of the guards before passing out the patrol assignments. He saved Otis and Morvinn for last.

Otiszanga your assignment this night will be to patrol the western gate region. Belcrest will be at the eastern gate. Kylon then turned his attention to Morvinn. You are new correct?

Yes sir, Morvinn replied swiftly. His sword finally in proper position, thanks to Otis.

I believe you will do well in the alley this night. You will have both Belcrest and Otiszanga patrolling the roads alongside you.

Bel could see that Otis did not miss the seriousness on Kylon’s face, but neither did he. Bel stood by silently, waiting for Kylon to finish, but he also knew that Otiszanga’s unspoken body language did not go unnoticed by the Master Guard and he was sure that Kylon would say something about it. But to his surprise, he didn’t.

So everyone is clear on their assignments here? Kylon asked.

They all nodded.

Bel stayed behind and watched as Otis and Morvinn left the courtyard. Turning to Kylon who was standing nearby, he asked, If I am checking on the tower for you … where will you be tonight, sir?

I will be right here this night my son, keeping an eye on the main gate, he murmured. There was a level of uncertainty in his voice and Belcrest saw that Kylon’s eyes were once again fixed upon the forest. Be safe my son. Placing his hands behind his back, Kylon began walking towards the main gate.

---

The light from the moons graced the cobblestones as Belcrest walked along the eastern gate region. He slowly approached a group of men that were walking in his direction. They were drunk and could hardly stand afoot. The men had their arms hanging over one another, staggering, while singing slurred melodies. As they passed by – they greeted Bel with a sloppy salute.

Have a safe night gentlemen, Bel replied, giving them a smile and a slight nod of his head.

To Bel, the night seemed no different than any other. Only a few people were out on the road. Lanterns hung on the homes in the distance and faint chatter sprinkled through the kingdom. The stars were sparkling above and the rodents were scavenging through Mr. Montauks’ – the baker’s – rubbish for a late night snack. Everything appeared to be normal.

Bel decided to cut through the alley to check on Morvinn before making his way to the tower. He saw him walking towards the western end of the alley. Belcrest walked up behind him quietly and when he was a fair distance away he shouted, Morvinn!

Morvinn turned around swiftly, almost losing his bearings. Laughing, Bel walked towards him. A wise man once told me that you should never let your guard down.

You scared me to death Belcrest, Morvinn said.

My apologies, I was not able to help myself, he said, continuing to laugh.

That’s not funny Belcrest, Morvinn replied.

Another cool breeze swept through the city causing Belcrest to shiver. It is getting colder out, looking around in disbelief of the climate. It should not be this cold this time of season.

It is odd, Morvinn agreed.

That odor is getting worse. Otis came stepping into the alley. People are coming from their homes asking if something had died.

Bel lifted his head and inhaled through his nose, I smell it now. The odor is very foul.

I smell it too, Morvinn said. What is it?

I’m not sure, but I am sure we will find out something come morning. Belcrest didn’t want to waste any more time. He knew that he had something he must do. I must take my leave now.

Why are you in such a hurry Bel? Otis asked.

I must check the tower, Bel replied.

You are patrolling the tower? Otis asked, surprised.

No. I am just checking on it for Kylon.

Why? Why would he ask you to check on the tower?

I am not sure Otis. Maybe because he is patrolling the main gate. Belcrest started to walk from the alley. I will see you on my next round, he said, flicking his hand up into the air before he turned the corner."

Belcrest continued heading north up the cobblestone road and when he had the tower in his sights, his eyes widened. It was just something about the tower that called to him and he never understood why. The limestone was bright from the reflection of the moons glare, which highlighted his favorite part of the tower – the arrow loops – narrow slits within the stones that circled up the tallest part of the tower. Then out of nowhere a deep voice consumed his mind.

-Come to me my child.-

Belcrest blinked his eyes several times to make sure that he was not dreaming or hearing things. He turned around to see if Morvinn was trying to get even by pranking him, but then he heard the voice again.

-Come to me my child. There is something I must give to you.-

What is going on? Give me what? Bel uttered.

-Do not fear my child. We are running out of time. Hurry and come to me.-

Then Belcrest realized that the voice was in his head. A warm sensation traveled throughout his body. He was not sure if it was fear or if the voice in his head was making him feel different inside. Bel saw a red glow coming from the arrow loops within the tower, he began to walk towards the stone door. He felt destined to go inside. Then the light disappeared.

-It is too late. You must stay safe my child. You must return to me.-

Before he could take another step, the warm sensation began to subside. He felt the ground tremor beneath his feet. Stopping and turning around quickly, he did not see anything. Bel turned back towards the tower, but the voice did not return. The ground started to rumble harder and faster — something was coming.

The growls and snarls were faint, but they filled the night air. The lanterns that hung from the homes began to rattle, falling to ground. Small fires ignited from the oil that spilled from them. People began to come from their homes trying to locate the cause, but by the time they saw what was happening it was too late. The smell of death was upon them. A familiar voice, which was not in his mind, echoed throughout the city.

To the gate, everyone to the gate, Kylon shouted.

It wasn’t long before the citizens of Tinsgates filled the cobblestone road, running for their lives. Gruesome monsters had penetrated the kingdom. Women and children were falling to the ground and being left behind.

Slow down, do not panic, Belcrest shouted.

He bent down to help a young boy to his feet. Looking at the terror that filled the little boy’s eyes Belcrest told him, Go now, head north of the city. He patted the boy on his shoulder, Go now… head north… hurry! Belcrest pulled his sword from his back and ran toward the main gate.

All the people in his path made it hard for him to pass. Belcrest could barely fight his way through the crowd running towards him. He heard the voices of his comrades and could hear the whizzing from the swings of their swords throughout the city. The Immortal Kingdom was being attacked.

Running as fast as he could, he suddenly stopped, hearing an unfamiliar sound coming from behind him. He did not only hear it – he felt it – within him. When Belcrest turned around, he could not believe his eyes. The tower was shaking. The people were screaming that the stone door was opening. It’s true, he muttered, remembering the story that the stone door will open without the Master Guard if the city were ever in danger.

That was a magical moment for Belcrest – a moment that he was not able to fully embrace due to the screams of a woman close by, holding an infant child. Looking in her direction, a horrendous monster with thick white foam coming from its mouths, was walking towards her. The three headed monster had yellow eyes and razor sharp teeth. Run! Run to the tower, Belcrest shouted, his sword in hand, he charged at the beast. All the creatures’ heads turned at once, making Belcrest its main target, but his distraction gave the woman enough time to escape.

Belcrest was enraged. He had never been so angry and the inside of his body was boiling. When it was within a few feet, Belcrest side stepped and with one swing of his sword, decapitated one of the creatures’ heads. The monster stumbled and fell to the ground, but it did not stay down for long. It was back up quickly – standing on its hind legs – even angrier than before, it charged at Belcrest again. He observed the creature within a few seconds – thinking of a way to cripple the monster with haste.

Bel was an excellent swordsman, taught by the Master Guard himself. He bent down and slid between its legs, cutting its ankles. The unknown creature rolled forward and fell for the last time. Crippled and unable to stand he walked over to the beast, placed both hands around the handle of his sword – hollered in a state of rage – and put his blade right into its chest and watched as its body became lifeless.

When Bel looked up, he noticed that the Kingdom had been overrun. There were too many of them. Continuing to make his way down the cobblestone road, he saw that Morvinn was being attacked in the alley. Ready to risk his own life, he proceeded to enter, but Morvinn stopped him.

Nooooo! Save yourself, Morvinn shouted, as the creatures continued to claw at him. Their razor sharp nails ripped through his skin, splattering his blood onto the stone walls of the alley.

Belcrest watched him helplessly. He knew that there was nothing he could do to save him. Morvinn continued to swing his sword, with his back braced against the wall, he fell to his knees. Morvinn took a final look at Belcrest and smiled.

Bel was surrounded by chaos. Sadness fell upon him as he looked around the city. He saw many of his kinsmen dead upon the road, their bodies mutilated and monsters fighting over their dead corpses. The only people he could think about were Kylon and Otis.

No sooner did Belcrest reach the courtyard a creature – running on all four legs – came from nowhere, grabbed him by his legs with its mighty jaws and slung him around in the air. Its teeth sunk deep into his flesh, Bel hollered. His sword fell from his hand, as the monster threw his body to the ground.

The three headed monster walked up to him and with its claws sliced Belcrest across his chest. His body rolled over from the force of the blow and the beast struck him again across his back. The pain was excruciating, and right when he was ready to accept death as a way to escape the pain, a blade engulfed in flames tore right through the monster’s body, splitting it in half and then the blade flew away. It took Belcrest a moment to realize what had just happened. The city had become a spectacle of flashing red lights. It was hard for him to believe what his eyes had revealed.

Belcrest get up! The roar of Kylon drew his attention. Get up Belcrest! Kylon commanded.

When Belcrest looked over towards the courtyard he saw that Kylon and Otis were the only ones standing. He was relieved to see them. Belcrest gathered his strength and reached over to get his sword. The blades of fire were protecting him, keeping the monsters from attacking as he made his way through the courtyard towards Kylon and Otis. Limping and holding his chest, Belcrest noticed that Otis was injured. His uniform was falling from his body and blood was gushing from his wounds, but he continued to fight. Belcrest knew that Otis was tired and ready to give up.

Hurry Belcrest, Otis shouted. Did you see Morvinn?

He has fallen, Belcrest said, dreading the look in Otis’s eyes. He knew that Otis was barely holding on and was waiting for him to get closer to Kylon.

When Otis swung his sword at the creature that charged at him, he missed, and the creature sliced him across his torso. His wounds were too deep. Otis fell to the ground, his eyes open, he was dead. The monster tried to sink its teeth into his flesh, but when Kylon looked over at Otiszanga’s body upon the ground he became infuriated. He held out his hands and from them came more inflamed swords. They began attacking the creatures, slicing them effortlessly in half and setting them on fire. The inflamed blades followed the creatures with heat seeking accuracy.

"Sir, I do not believe we are going to