The Linking Stones: A New Beginning

By Tabitha Robin Pike

Two worlds collide, two warriors united, two hearts are joined in this magical tale of courage. A brave warrior from Scotland, and a Cherokee Indian Princess from undiscovered America set out to find the answer to the Dream that has plagued them since birth. Both find a unique stone in a Forbidden cave in their homelands at a very young age. Little do they know the stones hold many secrets and great power. As they journey down their own path, seeking the answer to the dream their paths become one. A evil being named Abandon seeks to pilfer the stones from them. He sets a evil plan into motion, he sends out his henchmen to destroy the warriors and retrieve the stones.The fate of the World hangs in the balance. If the stones fall into the wrong hands the world will come to an end. A battle between good and evil, a journey of faith and courage, and a story of unforgettable love.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Lulu.com
• Release date: Dec 2, 2016
• ISBN: 9781365578687

Book preview

The Linking Stones: A New Beginning

The DreamTabitha R. Pike

The Linking Stones:

A New Beginning

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The DreamTabitha R. Pike

Also By Tabitha R. Pike

Shadow Walkers

teen fiction

The Burning Bush

poetry

Soulful Ink

poetry

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The DreamTabitha R. Pike

Dream

The Linking Stones Series

Book 1

BY

Tabitha R. Pike

Lulu Enterprise Books

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Text copyright © 2011 by Tabitha R. Pike

The Dream & all related characters and elements are TM of and © Tabitha R. Pike.

The Dream (the linking stones series) Publishing Rights © Tabitha R. Pike.

All rights reserved. Published by Lulu Publishing Enterprise.

No part of this publication may be reproduced, or stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise, without written permission of the publisher & author. For information regarding permission, email to [e-mail]

ISBN# 978-1-4583-6728-0

Ebook ISBN # 978-1-365-57868-7

Printed in the U.S.A

First Edition, February 2011

Edited by Anastasia Young at Ghostwriters Literary Services

Lulu Publishing Enterprise

3101 Hillsborough St

Raleigh, NC 27607

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The

Dedication

Of this book

Is Split

Five Ways:

To John, my inspiring husband,

To Jeremiah, my adventurous son, To Robert, my courageous son,

To Amber, my beautiful daughter,

And to you,

If you have

Stood

byme

Until the

Very

End.

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Rave Reviews

.  . . Numerous adventures and battles of faith abound in this hair-raising tale of Good vs. Evil. A must read for adventure, faith, beauty and romance.

~Ghostwriter Literary Reviews~

.  . . The story of this Novel holds the eye captive. This first Novel of the trilogy is Awesome! I recommend this Book to anyone and everyone.

~Chaplain Major Christopher M Bounds

3rd Divisional commander international Corps of Christians ~

.   . . This is an action packed adventure story, chucked full of romance and spiritual things. It’s a great write. Try it. You’ll love it…I did.

~W. T. Jackson ~

.  . . Tabitha Pike has created some of the most unusual creatures to depict the essence of evil whose mannerisms are enough to make your skin crawl. Tabitha as artfully pulled from her imagination a unique illustration of good verses evil. I am Impressed.

~Linda Straw ~

.  . . Well-crafted fictional/fantasy novel which young adults will love to. It's an interesting and unusual book. The author displays a tuned sense of imagination. At last, I can say it was a delight to read. This novel proves what a great imagination the writer has and her writing talent shows that she has the ability to make her characters come to life which mesmerizes the audience and forces then to stay focused & lost till the end comes. Such a talented writer is never short of ideas I must say. Tabitha Robin’s has a talented gift for writing &. I await her next book. I also congratulate her on a job well-done.

~Samia Muqueem, Author of ~Visions of the Soul~

.  . . A thrilling adventure as true love is entertained in a cosmic battle between good and evil.

~Kendrick E. Williams ~

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Contents

The Cherokee Princess 9

Behind the name 15

The Scottish Warrior 21

Dreams of Foresight 29

Preparing for the Journey 37

The Crew 41

Journey’s Dream 49

The Warning 53

One Heart, One Mind 61

The Unmasking 71

Key to the Stones 77

Discovery of heart 85

The Awakening 93

New Language 101

Vile Blood 109

The Uniting 119

A Call to Allegiance 125

Bane's Captive 133

Into Her Eyes 143

Realistic Nightmare 151

The Ceremony 157

The Battle Within 167

The Water Imps 173

Mêlée for the Crossfire 185

Drone Room195

Triangle of Death203

Hostages 211

Vinayakas' Fury 219

The End of the Dead Zone

Day of Faith 241

Channel of Grief 251

Mirrored Element 261

The Labyrinth of Fire 277

The Ancient Portico 287

Tower of Babel 299

War 311

The Journey Home325

Home Sweet Home335

Sneak Preview 341

229

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Dream

(The Linking Stones Series)

Book 1

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Chapter One

The Cherokee Princess

Chief Red Bear walked around his tepee with anticipation, Where has that child run off to again?

Wind Song answered in concern, I don’t know. I saw Talking Eagle this day and she spoke to me of how she had seen her wandering off yet again.

How many more complaints will we have to endure before that girl listens to me? Chief Red Bear proclaimed in a frustrated tone.

She is just a young maiden, dear. We must allow her to benefit from her youth. She has only a short time left. She will be married soon and will have to take up many responsibilities. Wind Song tried to reason.

Yes, I understand this dear, but she has to be responsible and set forth a good appearance to the tribe. One day it will be completely hers to lead. Chief Red Bear spoke in an earnest tone, I love my daughter.

Tabytha had finished working with her bow. She was getting better every day. Soon she would be the best in the whole village. She mounted her horse and rode as fast as she could back to her village. Tabytha climbed off her horse then ran inside the tepee where her parents were. She felt peculiar when she walked in the room because she heard her name. The atmosphere between her parents was very tense. Thinking quickly Tabytha spoke, How, mother and father, Great morning, it is.

Chief Red Bear and Wind Song stopped speaking and looked at Tabytha with deep concern on their faces. Chief Red Bear began to speak, We must have a word with you.

Oh, Father can it wait? I was about to depart to the river and… Tabytha was interrupted by her father.

No! This cannot wait, it must be now. Chief Red Bear’s voice grew a little louder with frustration.

Tabytha closed her mouth quickly. She realized her father was serious, he was not one to make angry. She looked at her father with willingness to listen. She waited anxiously for him to speak. Rocking on her feet side to side, impatient for this lecture to be over; she wanted to get back to her things.

"Your mother told me that Talking Eagle has provided her information of your comings and goings. She also mentioned that you had not helped with the

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task at hand. Is this true?" Chief Red Bear asked.

Tabytha could not help but roll her eyes wishing that she had stayed back at the river where she was at peace with nature. She sighed, knowing if she didn’t let her father Speak his mind; there would be no end to this harangue. Reluctantly she made her feet stand still. She knew if she didn’t that her father would start in on how she must be proper like the other maidens. He was just too strict she thought. She could not bear it no more and she broke in and said, Father you don’t understand. Talking Eagle is jealous of me Tabytha spoke quickly.

He waved a crooked finger at her, he leaned closer to her. You are a young maiden. You should not be acting as a warrior. You are not a man. You must set an example for the tribe. One day, and one day soon it will be yours. Chief Red Bear said commandingly.

Father, if our village is ever invaded, do you think the enemy will be partial to a maiden? You know as well as I do they will kill any that is before them and death is not the worst thing that could happen. Should safety of one’s self not be important also? , Tabytha rebutted.

Chief Red Bear saw that it was no use. His daughter was very intelligent and made a fine point. With a little more understanding he said to his daughter, I love you. I want nothing but the best for my only child. Get your chores done first then you may spend time working with your bow. Agreed?

Tabytha smiled understandingly at her father then to her mother. She hugged them as if she would never see them again. I love you both so much. I must hurry and get my chores done.

With a warm kiss upon her mother’s and father’s cheek she turned and ran out of the tepee. She walked straight for the baskets. They should have been finished weeks ago. After she had finished weaving the baskets she had left undone, she washed the clothes and then prepared a kettle of stew. The final chore was complete and she still had time upon her hands. She mounted her horse and then headed toward the river.

The smell of the fresh green grass tickled her senses. She felt more alive when she was in nature than any other time. She loved the wonders of the earth, it was peace. After a while of riding her horse she arrived at her destination. Gracefully

she got off her horse and gave him a gentle pat on the hind, and said Go and graze. Enjoy the freedom of this day.

Standing, soaking in the moment of life, the water begins to call to her. She is

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so tempted by its sound and refreshing aroma she decides to take a dip. Throwing off her cow hide attire she takes a leap off a large rock into the water. Rejuvenating and soothing it covers her like magic. After fully enjoying the completeness of the water’s coolness, she returns to the bank, dresses and sits down.

With the sound of the water still singing to her, she smiles a moment, then thoughts rush in and her smile fades away. Her father had arranged for her to marry a man of the Cheyenne Tribe. She did not know him or even love him. This was just not fair at all. Why did these thoughts have to burden her heart? They felt so heavy. She had come out here to get away from all this worry, why did they have to linger even now? She just wanted to relax and enjoy all the sounds, smells and sights of nature. Nothing was ever that simple. The troubles and worries of life would still wash over her from time to time. There was no escape from it.

She shook her head from side to side as if she was trying to shake the thoughts from her head. She took a deep breath then looked around and sighed. The fragrance of newly blossomed flowers of passionate color live with a magical smell of life, but still she was burdened.

The birds sing the song of living and bring a freeing liberty, but yet she was still imprisoned by promise. Deer of the field bring warning and strength, yet she felt cold inside. The eagle soaring overhead, persuading her to adventure on, she wanted to find the answer to this calling. She was lying against a big round towering oak tree, thinking life’s destiny over; and wishing with all her might that she could make her own decisions. She wanted something more; she did not want to be stuck in a loveless union with a stranger.

Beautiful she was, but she did not know it. Her long dark hair flowing like silk, her deep dark eyes could hypnotize anyone that peered into them; they could get lost for a thousand years and not miss a moment. She was tall and slender, her figure curved in all the right places. The warriors of the village were very upset that Chief Red Bear had promised her to a Cheyenne warrior. The maidens of the village envied her and wished to be her. Tabytha was very modest and in-conceited; she would make a wonderful leader.

Tabytha’s mind wandered the entire time that she expected to rest. She wanted to let go of these obligations. She needed and wanted to explore the world and all it had to offer her. She knew something great waited for her but she did not know what. How could her parents have heard a message and then allow a deceitful masquerade cover the truth. Could they not see that she was miserable of this decision of a forced marriage? She could not argue or fight with

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them on this, this was their tradition. But a tradition that she loathed. She could feel her destiny calling to her and she knew she must go, but she did not know how.

She spoke in a silent whisper, as she thought out loud, "Do oost he nah I say goo e? What is this free?"

"Why, why won’t he just let me be who I want to be, why won’t he let me journey onward, I want to be free, I want to decide." She thought.

Her head splitting with pain from the massive thoughts that bore down upon her. She longed to speak with her father about this but did not know how to find the words. He was a very strong willed man, stern in his decisions and was unwavering. She needed to tell him of the silent urgency that called to her. She knew she must leave for a haunting feeling pressed in on her immortal soul.

She slowly placed her hand upon a stone that hung neatly on a gold and leather chain about her neck. It was as pink as the flowers in the field but shined magically. She had found it in the caverns beyond the forbidden forest. No one was allowed to go there, it had been forbidden to all. She was an adventurous type and could not help but to be drawn to it. Not intentionally disobeying her father she had gone into the cave. It was as if she was being drawn into the cave by an unseen force. Once inside the cave she saw a river inside it. It was so soothing and peaceful. She could not understand how her father had forbidden anyone to enter it. A place like this should be enjoyed not forgotten. So peaceful and magical it was, often her sanctuary from the hard times she had to endure.

It had been a while since she had been to the cave of magic, which is what she called it. It was an illuminating magical world of tranquility and hope; it was where she first found her stone. It had been calling her there on the day she found it. The feeling that compelled her to the cave that day was inexplicable. The importance to go to the cave on that day spoke to her. Seeing the Freedom Eagle guiding her there, she followed it. A shimmering light held on to her and pulled her inside the cave. At the edge of the water against the cold, hard stone floors of the cave; she had seen the source of the marvelous shining pink light. It was her stone. She has been wearing it ever since.

Her hand slid down her brown leather cowhide gown and she placed her hand upon her knees. Thinking deeply upon the exigency she has been feeling ever since that dream haunted her. It had been exactly the same since age ten. With each passing year the reverie would give her more; adding a piece to a puzzle, so bizarre and outlandish to her but compelling and wonderful.

Contemplating on what she was to say to her father. She knew she must be

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open about this. If she did not speak with him soon she would be married to a warrior of the Cheyenne and never get the chance to fulfill this calling in her life. Maybe she should not say anything at all. What is she was to sneak off in the night and accomplish the mission set before her? She understood that she must seek out that which must be found.

She wondered about the responsibility she would be leaving behind, if she just left without a word. She sat against the rare white oak, pondering on all these things within her inner being. In a blink of an eye a doe walked up to her. The deer leaned its head down and nudged Tabytha on the shoulder. She gently met the eyes of the creature before her. With a slow motion she placed her hand on the deer’s head and petted it lightly. She knew this was a sign from The Great White Spirit; she began to pray and say thanks.

Once she stopped petting the deer it raised its head and looked at her for a moment. Before she knew it, in a blink of an eye, the deer was gone. A deer was the symbol of great measure; it meant safety, a journey and knowledge. With understanding she knew what she must do.

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A name holds the secrets to who we are

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Chapter Two

Behind the name

Time was getting late; the sky had turned to dusk. Tabytha got up and mounted her horse and headed back toward the village. By the time she got there the villagers where preparing the fire for a dance. She had forgotten all about it. She ran into her tepee and put on her festival gown and got her feathers and wove them into her hair. She then went to her parents’ tepee and to check to see if she was going to be leading the dance as always.

Tonight a young boy would become a man. He would be sent off to the mountain to show he was worthy of the title Warrior. There his faith would be tested and his skills mastered. It was a tradition passed down from one generation to another. It was a prayer and a hopeful celebration that spoke great significance.

After the dance was accomplished, her father, the Chief, would then paint the young one’s face. This was war paint; it signified the young boy battling with his youth to allow the man inside him to live. Once the young warrior had returned home there would be smoke talk and meditation around the fire. Once The Great White Spirit confirmed the transition from boyhood to warrior, they would hold yet another celebration.

Tabytha thought to herself of the amazing events that were just moments away. She enjoyed dancing and bringing a wishful prayer to the upcoming warrior. Tabytha thought to herself as she made her way to her parents’ tepee.

As Tabytha walked into the, Mother, mother, will I be leading the dance tonight? She asked with a concerned look upon her face.

Yes, dear, that is an impractical question. You know that you always lead the dance. Why would you ask me this? Wind Song with a half smile asked her daughter in a surprised tone.

I figure that one day father will get so angry with me that he will not allow me to lead the dance. I know I made him quite irritated today. Tabytha appealed in a pliable whisper.

Your father will never renounce you. He loves you no matter what you do. He realizes he has to be a father to you and a leader to many. He must make an honest, trustworthy foundation for his people. You know that one day you will lead this tribe. Show everyone that you are responsible. People do not want a rambling rose as a chief, they need someone they can confide in and depend on.

"I recognize that mother. I really do. I apologize. I will do better. I will put my

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best in what I do, for that is what is right." Tabytha guaranteed her mother.

Now, you come over here. I want you to wear my nobility sequence tonight. Wind Song smiled at her daughter with delight.

Tabytha looked at her mother with shock on her face. This necklace has been in her family from the beginning, and now she wants me to wear it. I am not worthy, she spoke with a trembling voice.

Wind Song just looked at her daughter a moment with a blank look upon her face, then a kind smile curved upon her naturally deep red lips, My daughter, you are worthy. You just have not seen it yet. Your time has grown near and I understand. Now, Come here and let me put this around your neck.

Tabytha just stood amazed, looking at her mother. She was a brilliant woman and full of heart. She was also beautiful. Tabytha wondered if she would look like her when she becomes her mother’s age. Tall and slender with sun kissed skin as hers, and long flowing hair that shined like black sapphires. In her age she still appeared to be one of the young maidens. She had such a strong and forgiving spirit. I sure have given her a hard time. I have worried her so much. This was neither fair nor right to her. I love her, she thought to herself.

Finally after she stood there and admired her mother her lips curved into a smile and the shock resided. She slowly walked over to her mother and turned around with her back facing her mother.

Wind Song smiled at her daughter and said, That is my girl. Oh, you are so much like me.

She then placed the family ancestral heirloom necklace around her daughter’s neck. With care she tied it gently and then turned her around to face her. You are so beautiful and elegant my child.

Tabytha leaned in and kissed her mother on the cheek and said, Only because of you.

Tabytha could see her mother allow a tear to drop from her eye, and to slide down her cheek. Tabytha then raised her hand slowly to her mother’s cheek and wiped away the tear. What is the matter mother?

Wind Song hesitated, You are growing up, and soon you will be united with the Cheyenne warrior and no longer with us.

Tabytha took her mother in her arms and pulled her tight, she squeezed hoping that this heavy feeling would disappear but it just got heavier and heavier. Tabytha also began to cry. With sobs she said, "Mother, I do not want to

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marry that man."

Wind Song pulled her back a little from her so she could look directly into her daughter’s eyes. She began to slowly speak with carefulness, My Child, do not be afraid. All will be well.

Tabytha responded quickly allowing her vexation to speak instead of her heart, But mother, I ache with pain of this union. I do not want to marry someone I do not know or love. Can not father, allow me to choose my own destiny?

She watched her mother’s expression linger upon her face a moment, her mother then wiped away her tears. Tabytha noticed that her mother was composing herself before she spoke and then with almost a whisper she said, Dear, I understand what you are feeling. I once was in your place. Your father, I did not know and at the time did not love. But I grew to love him and I would not change anything in the world for that. The same will be for you.

Tabytha detected that her mother was trying to make her feel better. She forced a smile on her face and said with a false tone, I realize, you are correct mother, all will be fine.

Wind Song then replied in a more realized nature, Now the dance. We must be going. It is that time.

Tabytha still forcing a smile said, Agreed, I am ready, Let us go.

Her mother then said with love, Let me look at you once more. You look beautiful tonight.

She looked at her deep and long. She turned to her daughter then scooted her out the tepee.

Tabytha and her mother walked gracefully out of the tepee Tabytha gathered her thoughts and she noticed that each one stood ready and waiting for her to lead the dance. The drums began to pound slowly. The flutes began to sing. Within moments they were in front of the tribe dancing the prayer of the journey. Tabytha danced with all her might. She led the maidens around the fire.

Trying to free her mind she put her soul into every movement that flowed from her body. Proud and honored to lead this young upcoming warrior into the journey of becoming a man, she smiled. Then with a great rhythmic pounding the drums everything fell silent. She had done her part in this ceremony, now she wanted to go rest her mind and body. She walks tiredly into her tepee.

Tabytha  tried  to  sleep.  Her  mind  was  cluttered  with  thoughts  she

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remembered her parents tell her about their arranged marriage. They told her how they traveled to this land after they where married and about the cave. What could they be hiding that they did not want her to find out? Why did they not allow anyone to venture into the cave? What really happened there? Tabytha thought hard and long on these unanswered questions.

Her parents explained to her of the dreams they both had. They told her of the Great White Spirit’s son and how he told them of her. He went as far as even telling her parents the very name to give her. Tabytha allowed this to dance in her mind a while. It was so mysterious and spiritual. She had always been a faithful person and loved to hear of The Great White Spirit’s words but somehow this never left her. Especially the day she discovered her stone. There was more to this story or truth than she was told. She just did not know what it was.

Her father told her that she was called for a greater purpose. But no explanation was given to them or her. They were told that she would acknowledge the time when it was right. Now father thinks that marrying this Cheyenne warrior is what she must do. How more wrong could he be? Or was he? Tabytha knew inside herself that this was not what she must do. She knew she must leave and head toward the great waters. She was not sure for what reason, but she knew that she must. Before too long Tabytha drifted off to sleep and began to dream once more. The dream she lingered in was foretelling her of the matters at hand but left out all the directions. She held on to sleep as long as she could, constantly digging for all the information she could.

Morning finally broke into sky and Tabytha woke up and got dressed. She went out again and began to do her chores. She ran into Talking Eagle, You are up early! Talking Eagle taunted her.

Yes, I am about my chores. Don’t you think you should do the same, instead of trying to make small talk? I have many things to do. I have no time for your childish games. It is a waste of my time and air. Tabytha beamed in an aggravated tone.

Tabytha then walked away leaving Talking Eagle with a balmy look upon her face. She also ran into Rain Whispers, she looked so lonely and sad, How my friend. Tabytha spoke in a concerned way.

Rain Whispers replied, As good as I can get, within the circumstances.

Tabytha knew exactly what and who she was speaking of. I see. I only can try to understand what you are going through. Don’t worry, He will be fine. You know they all have come back. Tabytha assured her.

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Rain Whispers then agreed, Yes, I know, but I hate being away from him.

Time will come and he will return to you. But no longer will a boy stand before you, but a man. Tabytha smiled in hopes of comforting her friend.

Rain Whispers said, with a growing smile, Yes, maybe, but I feel as I made him a man the other night before he left.

Tabytha gasped and put her hand to her mouth she couldn't believe what she just heard, What?

Rain Whispers giggled and said, We united the night before in his tepee.

Tabytha in total shock said, What if you have conceived a child, when you have not yet participated in the uniting ceremony?

Rain Whispers said in a worried tone, That is part of my sadness and worry, but my heart is with him.

Tabytha then smiled and said, The Great White Spirit will see you through.

She leaned in and hugged Rain Whispers who was shorter than her and then said, I must be about my chores now. Talk with you later on.

Rain Whispers replied, Yes, until later Princess.

Tabytha turned to go do her chores and noticed Talking Eagle glaring at her. She was mad because her tactics did not keep her from the chores. Tabytha looked at Talking Eagle with a boasting smile with mischievous written upon her lips, then went about her way to see to her chores.

After the chores were all finished Tabytha headed to her sanctuary. She took a nice long swim once she got there and then rested by her favorite white oak tree. She leaned into the trunk of the tree and shut her eyes wanting for a moment to forget the dilemma at hand. Her head began to ache once again from looking for a solution.

She drifted off to sleep. Then she found her self once again within her dream. It was quite different this time, more pressing and more urgent. It also was filled with absolutely more information. Someone else was in her dream this time. It was a man with scars in his hands and in his feet. He did not speak to her at all but spoke to her soul. He told her to Go! Go Now!

She had always dreamed of a blue marvelous light drawing her in. She could see a silhouette of a man but no image or face. Now this time she could see another figure which was liken to The Great White Spirit's son, and the

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silhouette of the other man. They were all together and the nailed, scarred man turned directly to her. His voice was like many waters but he spoke no words. It was His spirit communicating with hers. She knew she must head to the great waters beyond the forest of non-adventured. Her heart called to her with a pulling to journey. She knew that she must go. She could not deny this feeling and calling no longer.

Tabytha stands to her feet and looks up into the sky. Her voice began to float from her lips. A chanting melody and prayer she began to sing. Then she danced before The Great White Spirit for a moment, allowing everything inside her to flow. Medicine for the heart and soul, she found freedom in her dance, and her songful prayer. Her spirit soared for a moment into the clouds of white and she could see the eagle of longing inside herself. She knew what it was telling her but still she questioned it. Then she gave in to The Spirit and spoke out loud to The Spirit.

With another whisper she sighs, Gee a ski lee skoal das see, ah lee yee lee suh! You invited me, time!

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Chapter Three

The Prince of the Pyke Clan

In a far distant land, in a field of luscious emerald green stood a magnificent castle engraved into the side of a towering mountain. Beautiful and carved with such artistic detail, almost as if God, had designed it himself; The Pyke Clan Castle, what a beautiful site. The Pykes of Scotland were the most powerful, and wealthy clan in the whole land. The other Lords and Clans of Scotland looked up to the Pikes. This Clan is the one that everyone comes to for advice. Especially for support during a forthcoming war, people would call them for help.

The Pykes are people of such intelligence and such a powerful breed of man, especially the son of Lord Pyke, John Marshall. He is a young man of 24 years old. He is the most handsome man in all of Scotland. He looks as if he had been carved out stone, so strong and broad. All the women love to look upon his features and his dazzling smile. His eyes are mystical as hazel green gems and sparkled with life. He is extremely intelligent and he is the war leader. He is the one that rode ahead of the Clans of Scotland leading them into battle.

You are a hero! Your name shall live for all time, Darrin announced in his Scottish tongue.

I would not say that. I did what I had to. John replied in a modest tone, leaning back in his chair a little deeper.

Quit being so modest, you know that if you did not lead us into this battle then we all would have died, Darrin began to pace back and forth in front of John.

You say these things because you be mine friend. John rose up and leaned to the edge of his seat and assured him.

Darrin said in a friendly tone, Aye, your my friend, but not because of this I say these things. I watched the battle unfold before My own eyes. I watched you ride in front of the Clans of Scotland and seen you drop ten men before the soldiers behind you could get there. It is the one I got injured in. The battle was beyond our means. The enemy had more men and we with less weapons, though the battle looked unconquerable it did not stop you. You have a fearless spirit My friend.

John smiled, Will you quit limping around you make me nervous.

Darrin chuckled out loud, It brings me such energy when I think about this battle.

21

The DreamTabitha R. Pike

Darrin sits down. He shakes his head and says to him, I don’t know how you do it.

John smiled, It is not I that doth anything. It is by My faith. If is not be for My faith I would be nothing.

Darrin just looked a little confused, You speak of God do you?

John was disturbed, Aye, I speak of God. He is the core of My faith. You did not die in battle. Do you not think it was because of God?

A frown lingered on Darrin’s face and he replied in an uncertain tone. I believe in God, I think I do. I don't understand why there is bad in the world if there is a God.

John stood to his, God does not do badly. He does not do it. We do. We’re born with free will. We have the choice to live good or bad. Let us not get into this matter now. We will end up angry.

Darrin knew that John was growing defensive and understood not to take this no farther. John was firmly grounded in his faith and his belief. No matter what you say to him he would never change his Mind. Darrin shook his head in agreement and said, Aye, My lord you are right. No more of this.

John sat back down and took a long drink from his mug that sit before him on the table. The frothy liquid cooled his throat and calmed his nerves. He looked at Darrin a moment and studied him with concern. He was much shorter than Darrin; he stood about 5'5. His dark dirty blond hair tied back behind his neck. The confused look lingered on Darrin's face. He was really not sure if Darrin even believed there was a God. He was a man full of questions. He had a double-minded way of thinking; even when the truth abides inside his heart. He knew that Darrin felt God; he just could not hear him. He allowed the questions within himself to keep him from peace and faith. John watched Darrin for a moment longer; with a unspoken prayer he hoped Darrin would see the truth. He allowed this discussion to fade away before he said anything else.

Darrin waited for John to speak. I must shoe the horses. Father asked me to do them last night.

With a helpful tone Darrin said, I will help you. John said modestly, I can do it. No need to bother. It is no bother. I want to help. Darrin replied. John stood to his feet, Let us go to the stables.

22

The DreamTabitha R. Pike

Darrin stood up and followed John out of the den and into the hall. John took long strides to the door of the castle. Darrin had to take two steps to John's one, just to keep up with him. John opens the door. It was a handsome spring day. The sky was as blue as the ocean. John walked to the stable; Darrin shadowing every step behind him. When inside the stable John began to get the tools and shoes together for the horses. Darrin walks over to a fine black stallion, with an interested tone, Tell me how you come to find this magnificent animal.

Why? You already know how. I have told you time and time again. John replied.

Aye, but I think it wonderful. Darrin replied

John handed Darrin some tools and said, Let us get to work and I will tell you again.

Darrin took the tools and began to shoe one of the other horses as John took the big black Stallion.

John began to shoe his horse and speak at the same time, Well you see. I was sitting by a big white oak tree waiting for a deer to graze into My sights. I had forgotten that the solar eclipse was to take place. The sky grew pitch black as the moon sheltered the sun. I sat and waited for the light to be uncovered before My eyes, when I noticed something before me.

Darrin smiled and looked over at John when he paused, Aye, and then what?

John began to speak again, It was a horse dark as the night. Wild and free, but speaking to me with its dark eyes; I stand to My feet and jump onto its back fast and quick with a jolt into the air the horse rose to its hind legs and took off running. I on its back holding on for dear life. As the sun began to shine its arms onto the earth once more, I could see we were heading into the cave My father’s law had forbidden to anyone. The great horse threw me off and stood looking at me in a fierce wonderful way.

John stopped speaking for a moment and thought about finding the stone of illuminating blue. When he had picked it up out of the water of the cave the horse stopped acting wild and began to nudge him as it was tame. He would never speak to any one about this stone for it was his peace and hope; never a word to anyone of how his new horse became tame at the sight of the stone. It was almost as if the stone had some kind of power over the creature. It also filled him with warmth and strength. He never felt like this before in his entire life. It was his secret and never would he tell anyone this part.

23

The DreamTabitha R. Pike

Darrin said, What is the matter? Go on.

John was finished with the shoes, Well, I roped him up and brought him home and tamed him.

Darrin said in an non-trusting tone, There is more to this than what you are telling me. Why do you not speak it to me?

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