The Secret of the Pelemnian Stones

By N. J. Schmitt

Eleven-year-old twins David and Derek Tulley are less than thrilled when they find themselves at their elderly babysitter’s house for the evening. As they settle in for what they think will be the most boring night ever, the twins have no idea everything is about to change when the babysitter’s wheelchair-bound sister, Anna, arrives and offers to tell them a story.

Anna uses a special story stone to help her spin a tale that without warning transports her and the boys to the imaginary land of Pelemnia that is filled with new creatures, tasty foods, and fun places to explore. In the fantastical land, Anna, who has transformed into a little girl again, encounters a childhood friend who helps reveal her past and the mysterious story behind the stone she holds in her pocket. Now the boys must help find a way to turn a poor choice from years gone by into a good choice for today.

In this exciting tale, young twins propelled into a strange fantasy land with help from an elderly woman’s magical stone learn valuable life lessons and how to make God a priority in their lives.

• Language: English
• Publisher: WestBow Press
• Release date: May 30, 2019
• ISBN: 9781973658931

N. J. Schmitt

N. J. Schmitt is a former public school teacher and university professor who enjoys baking, gardening, and working with animals. Her love of God and travel has not only inspired her writing, but also allowed her many outdoor adventures with her two children and husband. Nanette makes her home on a ranch of over a thousand acres in Oklahoma.

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Copyright © 2019 N. J. Schmitt.

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be used or reproduced by any means, graphic, electronic, or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, taping or by any information storage retrieval system without the written permission of the author except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical articles and reviews.

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Any people depicted in stock imagery provided by Getty Images are models, and such images are being used for illustrative purposes only.

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ISBN: 978-1-9736-5891-7 (sc)

ISBN: 978-1-9736-5892-4 (hc)

ISBN: 978-1-9736-5893-1 (e)

Library of Congress Control Number: 2019904059

WestBow Press rev. date: 08/30/2019

Contents

Prologue

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Chapter 8

Chapter 9

Chapter 10

Chapter 11

Chapter 12

Chapter 13

Chapter 14

Chapter 15

Epilogue

Dedication

For my kids, Josiah and Abby,

and my niece and nephew, Elena and Ian

Acknowledgements

More than anyone who walked this path with me, I must acknowledge my daughter, Abigail Rose, whose imagination helped turn an average story into a fantasy quest. Your eagerness about this book and your willingness to let me bounce ideas off your young mind is part of what helped make the writing process enjoyable and dynamic. I could not have done this without you! Special thanks also goes to my husband, Duane, and my mother, Janice Sheetz, who believed in me and were willing to help edit and give me feedback. This is a better book because of you both! Finally, much appreciation goes to my son Josiah who showed great support and enthusiasm to see me finish this project. Thank you for being my steady encourager throughout!

Prologue

9 years earlier…

A fter years of searching, he had finally found the hole. He had rebuilt it, and once it was ready, he had taken only a few days to get his things ready and return. Now he would stay. Unsure of where to go from this point, he simply started to wander. There were some trees nearby, a forest, and beyond that a hill. Perhaps if he climbed the hill, he would recognize something from his visit long ago.

It did not take long to reach the base of the hill but climbing it would be a challenge for him. He stared at the boulders in front of him, searching for a way to begin his climb. If he could only get a short way up the hill, he would be able to see out over the trees.

Wandering around the base, he finally found a way between a couple of boulders which allowed him to climb. From there, he found a few more footholds until he was above the treeline. He stopped and looked around, out to the horizon in every direction. Nothing seemed familiar. What was he looking for anyway? The creature he had spoken to so many years ago? Not really sure, he looked again, noticing one mountain that was taller than the rest. Perhaps that was the one.

Encouraged, he started down off the boulders to head in toward the tallest mountain. It was difficult trying to navigate through the thick trees, but every once in a while, he had a glimpse of the mountain peak and continued to move in that direction throughout the afternoon.

Just as the sun had begun to set, he heard a growl from nearby. Turning toward the sound he saw nothing, but the growl continued to grow. His feet started away from the sound almost before he could think to run, and he moved as fast as he could through the underbrush. The sound of branches breaking behind him let him know that the creature pursuing him was catching up. Soon, he could smell the creature, a warm, reeking breath washing over him with every footstep of his pursuer.

Fear overwhelmed him as he felt long fingers wrap around his upper arm. The claws at the end dug into his flesh as a scream forced itself from his lungs. Before he could turn or try to fight, the creature had enveloped him with his other arm and now held him like a ragdoll under his arm as the creature continued to run through the forest. The man’s head bobbed up and down with each stride until he thought he would pass out from the pain, but after a time the run stopped, and the man was placed back on the ground with firm, long fingers holding him still and upright.

He finally caught a glimpse of the bright green eyes and fanged teeth of his captor. The fingers and claws tightened on his arm as he was pulled, half dragged, into a cave in the side of a hill. As the sunlight was shut out, he was unable to see. His feet slipped over the wet ground, and he had difficulty keeping them under him at the pace with which the creature pulled him down a narrow passageway and into a large, musty cavern, dimly lit by lanterns on the walls. Several creatures were in this cavern, sitting around a low table with food on it.

The man was thrust onto the ground next to one of the creatures whose green eyes narrowed at him. This creature was different than the one who had carried him here, and the man recognized the small yellow eyes and gator-like snout. His fear turned to apprehension as he studied the creature before him. I was looking for you, he cried in hopeful relief.

Chapter 1

H ey, give me that! David yelled at his twin brother, Derek, and grabbed the stuffed pig his parents gave him as a baby.

David…Derek, they heard their mom call from the downstairs kitchen. Come down here, please. David placed the pig back on his bed and started for the door of his room.

Aren’t you coming? he asked as he stepped over Derek, who was still lying in the middle of their bedroom floor.

Derek did not answer right away, then suddenly he jumped up and ran past David yelling, Beatcha there! over his shoulder. They thumped down the stairs together and ran into the kitchen almost unable to stop. The aroma of their mother’s freshly baked chocolate chip cookies filled the kitchen and Derek quickly grabbed one from the counter.

"You can have one of those after dinner, his mom instructed, removing the cookie from Derek’s hand and replacing it on the cooling rack. Your father and I are going to dinner with the Dunnigans tonight. Miss Preston will be coming over in about an hour, so I made some macaroni and cheese for you boys to eat before she gets here."

Why do you always have to ask Mrs. Preston to come and watch us? David asked resignedly, his blond head hanging with disappointment.

It’s MISS Preston, David. And she likes you boys, his mother replied. You’ve never complained about her before. Why the sudden change in attitude? Mrs. Tulley looked at her son curiously. With his lightly freckled skin and blue eyes, he was already quite handsome at eleven years of age. David was generally the sensitive one of the twins and it was unlike him to complain about a babysitter. Perhaps the boys were outgrowing the age at which they needed a babysitter.

She’s old, Mom! Derek responded, before David had the opportunity. All she ever does is read and she won’t let us watch what we want on TV!

Being old isn’t a sin. You will get there someday, too.

She’s just boring, David put it.

She makes doing homework seem fun, Derek added, shaking his head and making his dark hair wipe back and forth across his forehead like windshield wipers. His slightly pudgy cheeks rolled up toward his nose as he made a face.

Mrs. Tulley raised her eyebrows in a slight smile. That could come in handy, she teased.

Can’t you at least tell her to allow us to watch what we want on TV? Derek asked.

Mrs. Tulley stood there for a minute watching her sons. Derek was very different than David, even in looks. He was somewhat larger than his slender, bookish twin. Both had inherited their grandfather’s bright blue eyes but otherwise had few similarities in looks. Derek also was rougher than David and enjoyed more violent types of television programs. Allowing them to freely watch television all evening would most likely not prove to be the best choice she could make. However, she also knew that Miss Preston’s permitted selections of TV programs included only news and game shows.

Why don’t you boys choose one movie right now, and I will tell her that you can watch that one before going to bed tonight, Mrs. Tulley finally suggested.

Just one? Derek asked, already knowing the answer. The boys disappeared into the family room for a few minutes while their mom put their dinner on the table for them. She listened to the quarreling over which movie to watch and was reminded of why she still called a sitter.

Resolution came slowly with the boys, but they finally reappeared in the kitchen. Here, David said resignedly and handed a blue ray disc to his mom. Derek went triumphantly to the table to eat his dinner, having obviously won the battle over which movie would create a more interesting evening.

As David joined Derek at the table, Mrs. Tulley finished her last instructions to the boys and then went to her room to finish getting ready for the evening.

We should just tie up Miss Preston and make her watch what we want like she makes us watch her shows, suggested Derek.

Mom and Dad would love that one! David rolled his eyes. At least you get to watch your favorite movie!

Yours are so boring even Miss Preston would like them, retorted Derek as they heard their mom’s cell phone ring in the bedroom.

I think I’ll just read a book, David decided. But it will be interesting to see if Miss Preston enjoys your movie. He smiled at Derek as though they had devised a truly wicked plan.

A little while later, Mrs. Tulley came back into the kitchen. Boys, Miss Preston can’t make it here toni…

Yes! Derek exclaimed, not waiting for his mom to finish.

What’s wrong, Mom? David inquired. Is she okay?

You are such a sissy! ‘Is she okay’? Derek mimicked his brother, provoking David to throw his napkin at him.

Nothing serious, Mrs. Tulley put her son’s mind at ease. She looked at her boys, biting her lip in thought as to how to break the news to the boys. Miss Preston is having car troubles, but she said it would be no problem for you boys to go over there if I could drop you off, she said firmly, trying not to leave room for argument.

Noooo! Derek dropped to his knees with his hands folded as if begging to his mother, Please don’t make us go!

Derek! Mrs. Tulley scolded her son, Stand up and act your age! She stopped and looked into her pleading son’s blue eyes. Look, I’ve already agreed to take you both over there. I can’t get another sitter at this late date, but if you like, I can look into finding someone else for the future… Or, if you boys prove to me that you can handle it, maybe I’ll consider letting you stay alone in the evening.

Believe me, Mom, David spoke up, "He can’t handle it!"

I could handle it better than you could! Derek defended himself.

That’s enough! Mrs. Tulley gave her sons a sharp look and then checked her watch for the time. We have to get going or I’m going to be late picking up your father, she said, grabbing her purse off the counter.

What about the movie? Derek asked.

Bring it along and I’ll talk to her about it when we get there. She hurried them out the door and into the car.

When they had arrived and Miss Preston’s house, the boys were disappointed, though only mildly surprised to find she did not have a Blu-ray player. So far, the evening had consisted of news, Jeopardy, and half of Wheel of Fortune. Derek was nearly passed out on the couch while David’s curiosity of the various antique-looking items around the room was growing.

Just then the front door opened, and another older woman wheeled herself into the house. Whew, it’s cold out there, she exclaimed, removing a scarf and hat and stretching herself in her wheelchair to hang them up.

Miss Preston got up to help her remove her jacket. You’re late, she said, more as an inquiry than a reprimand.

Heidi wanted some help getting things ready for the book sale at the library tomorrow. Anyway, Bruce drove me home, so there was no need to worry, the newcomer smiled at Miss Preston.

Miss Preston cleared her throat and turned their attention toward the boys, who had been quietly sitting on the couch wondering about the stranger in the wheelchair. She looked a few years younger than Miss Preston and, while still old, very much more beautiful. Her graying red hair fell in long curls over her shoulders and the lines on her face made her blue eyes and happy smile seem warm and welcoming.

My name is Anna, she said as she wheeled herself over to the couch to shake hands with the boys. I’m Mary’s sister. Mrs. Tulley had occasionally called Miss Preston Mary when talking to her, but it seemed strange to the boys to have her referred to by her first name.

I’m David. This is my brother Derek, David replied, shaking hands with Anna and pointing his thumb toward Derek.

Nice to meet you both, Anna smiled at them, nodding as though she had known them for many years. David smiled back, suddenly feeling like the evening might not be such a waste after all, though he wasn’t quite sure what Anna might do to help things out.

So, what have you boys been doing all evening? Anna directed the question at Derek. David glanced at Miss Preston, hoping Derek would be sensible enough to answer kindly as he described the evening’s activities.

Umm, Derek seemed almost unable to look Anna in the eye as he answered. He, too, glanced at Miss Preston and finally answered, We’ve watched News and a couple of game shows. Now it was Miss Preston he could not look at and he watched Anna, hoping she would suggest something different, but not really expecting it.

That’s it? Anna asked in surprise, looking to her sister. Derek began to feel hopeful that maybe things would change. You didn’t even give them any of my freshly baked strudel? Anna’s scolding of her sister was said gently, and she turned back to the boys with a mischievous smile on her face. I bet you boys wouldn’t complain about having a bit of strudel and milk, she suggested. The confusion on their faces let her know that they were unfamiliar with the sweet, German dessert her family had often enjoyed. Your mother used to love to snack on strudel, she winked at the boys and rolled herself into the kitchen.

Anna, the boys heard Miss Preston’s voice through the wall. Maybe they should only have a small piece each. All that sugar won’t be good for them this late in the evening.

Nonsense, Anna’s voice was cheery and confident. They’re growing boys, Mary. They can eat just about anything and it won’t affect them much! Anna returned to the living room with a tray of sliced cherry strudel on her lap. She placed the tray on the coffee table in front of the boys. Help yourselves, she smiled at them as Miss Preston handed each a glass of milk. Now, what to do for entertainment. David and Derek glanced at each other hopefully and then turned their focus to the newly introduced desert presented to them on the coffee table. Derek was the first to grab a slice. David followed, holding the slice of strudel as though to inspect it before eating.

Mmm…, Derek appreciated the new dessert. It’s like a cherry pie, only better! Following Derek’s example, David also took a bite and savored it every bit as much as his brother did. They were soon finished with the first slice and eagerly moving to a second.

Why don’t you tell them a story, Anna? It was Miss Preston’s suggestion. Derek stopped chewing and looked hesitantly at Miss Preston. This suggestion seemed to dampen all hope for an interesting evening. Anna works at the library and frequently has story time there, Miss Preston explained.

Hey, do you know any good ghost stories? he spoke up, looking expectantly at Anna.

Hmm, Anna thought. No, not ‘ghost’ stories, but I do have one I think you might find very interesting. Derek, do you see the stone in the middle of the mantel above the fireplace? Anna asked.

Mary’s expression suddenly changed as she looked at her sister. Anna, perhaps you could just tell them a story from the library, she suggested.

Anna looked thoughtfully at her sister, and then seemed to study the boys for a moment. No, she responded as though already beginning to see a story unfold, tonight is a night for the story stone. Her voice was sure and did not leave room for questioning. She again turned her attention to Derek.

As though to avoid her gaze, he turned his attention to the mantel, stood, and walked over to the stone she had referred to. This stone? he asked. David noticed Mary give Anna a look of disapproval before she left the room.

Yes, Anna replied. Bring it to me, please. He lifted the stone off the mantel, examining the smooth white surface. It looked like a regular stone, perhaps a large agate. It was unpolished and seemed to Derek to be a very usual stone, not unlike what he might find when wandering along a stream except that it was a perfect sphere. Inspecting it as he rolled it over in his hands, he shrugged, glanced at David, and handed the stone to Anna.

Anna squinted as she looked at the stone, almost inquisitively as if the