Giants in the Land: Book Three - The Cavern of Promise

By Clark Rich Burbidge

Thomas and his giant companion have disappeared!...

Thomas finds himself at the mercy of the evil king of Westland, with no hope for escape, He must face an impossible test for survival amidst a quest for the greatest of all the giant secrets. Book Three caps this award-winning trilogy with a danger-ridden trip

• Language: English
• Publisher: Clark Rich Burbidge
• Release date: Apr 15, 2023
• ISBN: 9798218185602

Clark Rich Burbidge

Clark Burbidge was born and raised in the high mountain valleys of the Rockies. He earned an MBA from the University of Southern California and a BS degree from the University of Utah. Clark spent 35 years in the banking, investment banking and corporate finance professions. He has ten published books including the middle reader/teen Giants in the Land trilogy of which this is the second. Nine of his books have been awarded gold medals by the Mom's Choice International association as top in category including each book in this trilogy. Clark and his wife, Leah, live near Salt Lake City, Utah, where they enjoy their blended family of ten children and eleven grandchildren.

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Giants in the Land, Book 3: The Cavern of Promise

© 2015, 2023 Clark Rich Burbidge

All rights reserved. This book or any portion thereof may not be reproduced or used in any manner whatsoever without the express written permission of the publisher except for the use of brief quotations in a book review.

Published by

Clark Rich Burbidge

Woods Cross, Utah

www.giantsinthelandbook.com

ISBN: 9798218185596

Library of Congress: 2015936658

Dedication

To my sons and daughters whom I love beyond measure.

My spirit walks beside you along every path in storm and sun.

As long as there is life there is always hope.

Contents

Prologue: Journey into Darkness

Chapter 1: Survival of the Fittest

Chapter 2: The Seer and the Captive

Chapter 3: The Best of Bad Choices

Chapter 4: Backdoor to the West

Chapter 5: The Middle Space

Chapter 6: The Hospitality of Flora

Chapter 7: The Horsemen of Marshtown

Chapter 8: The Sight of Sonspeaker

Chapter 9: The Burden of the King

Chapter 10: City of Sorrow

Chapter 11: Mountains and Dungeons

Chapter 12: Into the Theatre

Chapter 13: Of Mercy and Death

Chapter 14: Herdshepherd’s Final Act

Chapter 15: Plans within Plans

Chapter 16: Into Danger and Doom

Chapter 17: Watchers in the Night

Chapter 18: The Madog

Chapter 19: Heart of a Rose, Hope of a Son

Chapter 20: Of Lies and Treachery

Chapter 21: Desperate Race

Chapter 22: The King’s Gamble

Chapter 23: Trial of Virtue

Chapter 24: The Cavern of Promise

Chapter 25: The King’s Judgment

Chapter 26: Promises Revealed

Chapter 27: A Time of Change

Epilogue: The Forest Ward’s Return

Aiden’s Letter to Big John (Titled by Healthminder – Shadow in the Woods)

Author’s Notes

Glossary of Characters

Prologue

Journey into Darkness

Thomas knelt, bent and battered, in a huge, ornate hall. The ceiling rose to such a height that he could not clearly see it. Less than a week had passed since parting with his grandson Tom. His hopes had been high, but now all had been dashed and broken.

Herdshepherd was dead.

Thomas still couldn’t believe how it had happened. His giant companion had been felled by a weapon of enormous size as they talked around their campfire five nights earlier. At least, I think it was five days ago. His state of shock made him unsure of anything. The past few days were a blur.

As best as he could remember, his captors had driven him over marsh, forest, and plain. They were large folk, dressed in thick animal skins. And they had moved fast.

Thomas had drifted in and out of consciousness the first day. However, as he began to recover his senses, he had tried to stay focused. He was observant by nature, but he saw none among these people who could have hefted the massive weapon that struck down Herdshepherd.

Thomas had only eaten cold, ill-tasting gruel, which did nothing to provide him strength, and he had found it difficult to keep up. It did not help that his hands were bound tightly. A rope connecting his ankles allowed only enough length for each step to cover three hands’ distance. Running was impossible. His captors ignored his plight and beat him if he didn’t keep pace. Thomas only knew he was in a large city called Westland.

See the fate of foolish trespassers from the east, one of his captors crowed to the crowds. Those who would spy on our people and steal their treasure will know the king’s firm hand.

The crowds jeered and laughed as one of his jailers dragged Thomas stumbling behind him. He had then been roughly tossed into a dungeon cell.

You must let me speak my true purpose— Thomas attempted to explain.

But the thick, wooden door slammed shut mid-sentence and left him to lie with his frustration on the fetid, coarse straw for hours. Thomas tried to sleep, but sleep would not come. The stench of death made the air thick with its overpowering fumes. It forced involuntary short and shallow gasps as if each breath carried with it deadly poison.

The cell’s thick, cold stone was mute; Thomas knew they would reveal no secrets regarding countless previous acts of injustice played out on this lonely hopeless stage. In the darkness, Thomas cringed at the sounds of rats and who-knew-what other vermin. A small barred opening in the heavy, wooden door faced a featureless, stone passageway. A torch’s flickering light in the hallway testified alone that he was not blind.

Time has no meaning here, Thomas lamented as he collapsed into the shadows. And hope has no welcome shore.

Sometime later, the heavy door screeched as it swung and hit the stone wall with an earth shaking boom. The guards had finally come for him. One laughed and said, You’ll get yer chance to be heard, spy.

They tore away his forest-green robe. Thomas fought to retain it, but a firm blow to the jaw with an armored fist rendered him unconscious. Supported by his two sneering guards, he revived only as they dragged his bleeding body into an enormous and spacious hall.

Thomas’s legs felt rubbery and would not stand beneath him. The guards hauled him across the immense stone floor, then dropped him at the base of a dozen broad steps at its far end. He looked up and saw a huge platform that supported an oversized throne. He wondered at the massive size of the room and its contents.

One of the guards struck him hard by his right ear, causing it to ring. Keep yer head down, scum. Yer not fit to look at the king. The guards seemed to take satisfaction in treating him roughly.

Thomas remained in this position for several minutes and heard others enter the hall. Finally, a deep voice echoed in the chambers. All rise for the king.

He tried to obey but was once again cuffed by his captor. "Not you, thief!" He fell flat, scraping his bruised face on the cold, tiled stone and struggled to kneel without looking up.

Thomas heard movement and heavy steps that caused the floor to shake around him. He dared not move.

Who kneels before the king? boomed a deep voice.

We found this whelp and his giant trespassing in the king’s lands, said one of the guards. We took care of the giant, but thought you would want to question this spy.

What errand brings a fool and his giant into my kingdom?

He claims to be a Forest Ward, answered the guard.

Sweat mixed with filth dripped off the end of Thomas’s nose.

We need no Wards here, the voice said in disdain. "This is a lie. Stand up and speak, Ward!"

The guards hauled Thomas to his unsteady feet. He looked up for the first time through bruised and swollen eyes, and his mind froze in shock and wonder.

Why did Sonspeaker not tell me about the king of this land? Why would that knowledge have been kept from me?

Thomas’s mind raced in a futile attempt to understand. The king of Westland is a giant, and he is not the only one!

Survival of the Fittest

"W hat did you think to learn, spy? asked the king. Or should I say, what did you hope to steal, thief?" Laughter buzzed through the gathered crowd.

You are mistaken, O Great king. Please hear me.

You brought a giant with you from the east, the king interrupted with anger. One of our ancient enemies, and now he is dead.

Thomas tried to respond, but remorse bound his tongue as thoughts of Herdshepherd flooded his memory. His regret squeezed the breath from his lungs.

You are beyond help, bellowed the king, and he threw an enormous golden goblet at Thomas. It grazed his shoulder, knocking him to the floor and splashing its fruity contents on both him and his guards.

The guards reacted with rage by kicking him with hobnailed boots in the sides and legs. There was no effort to stop the guards’ abuse.

Your giant is dead, the king continued in a deep, powerful voice. "You are a spy or a thief, or perhaps both. You remain alive only as long as it suits me."

The guards pulled Thomas to his feet. Every inch of him throbbed, but he was not afraid for his own life. Rather he felt a deep, aching pain of regret for the loss of his friend. The king seemed to recognize this.

"You will not die today, Ward. You will wallow in the dungeon and be tortured by your own guilt. The monarch smirked, turned away, and growled, Return this spy to the dungeon until he wishes to tell us of his true purpose."

After the vicious guards dragged him back to his cell, Thomas curled up on the dirty straw in the dark, damp dungeon. He barely noticed a rat skittering in the dark corner of the cramped room. The events of the past few days would not allow his mind to rest. He wondered if he could have done something differently.

How could I have been such a fool? he spoke aloud to the stout, stone walls. Surely, the mountain pass had been watched and the trap carefully lain. Thomas was the most experienced Forest Ward in all the lands. Yet he had been careless, and it had cost Herdshepherd’s life.

Long, lonely hours ticked away, allowing Thomas to relive the terrible event over and over again. How could he have changed the outcome? Struggling with his pain, every thought drove him deeper into despair, but he couldn’t stop the dark slide. Hopelessness crept into his mind, and he held his head as if to stop the irresistible force. Defeated, he collapsed on his back in the straw and let the sorrow flow. His mind drifted back a week to that innocent day when they left on the journey that would end in tragedy.

They had said their goodbyes to his grandson Tom and hiked to the west through the narrow, mountain pass. They found the western side of the mountain range steep and unforgiving. Several times his giant companion Herdshepherd carried Thomas down steep cliffs or over dense underbrush. They moved like ghosts through the dense forest; their passing hardly disturbed bird or animal.

On the evening of the second day, they set up camp in the lower foothills. Neither had seen a soul, so they felt comfortable making a fire to warm their hands and cook dinner. They roasted and ate a large deer Herdshepherd had taken with an expertly thrown boulder.

Tomorrow we will get our first look at the people, Herdshepherd said. I saw smoke rising from a village a short distance ahead. It will be good to begin our task.

I agree. Thank you for your help these last two days. I am getting too old to be a mountain goat, said Thomas in a cheerful voice.

My purpose is to serve, so I am glad to do it, responded his giant friend before ripping his teeth into a piece of deer meat. Do you think there is hope for the people of these western lands?

Thomas knew Herdshepherd had never journeyed as a Forest Ward’s companion before. His usual companion, Earthwatcher, was engaged in other matters far to the southeast. Thomas felt confident because Herdshepherd was a true friend and well-tested. Yet he realized the giant would benefit from further guidance.

Sonspeaker would remind us that there is always hope, said Thomas. I see no reason to believe this land is any different. This will be my last journey as a Forest Ward. I am glad to be sharing it with such a good and faithful friend.

It is entirely my honor, Thomas Hopegiver. My family is already telling stories about our journey together. Do you think the people will listen?

I suppose some will, but others may react with fear or feel threatened, said Thomas. That was my experience in my own village. We also found it to be true in Westhall. We may indeed find those who respond with anger like the Keeper of Westhall. After all, he did come from the west. So, my friend, there is need for great caution until we know more.

A people cannot be judged by the behavior of one, or even a few. Herdshepherd wiped his greasy hands on the dried leaves.

Of course, you are right. We must listen and observe to discern their hearts. Only then will we know if they are prepared to accept The Way of Things.

They ate in silence. For some reason, Thomas’s mind wandered. He recalled teaching his village about the giant’s code. It’s really quite simple.

What’s that? asked Herdshepherd.

The code of the giants, Thomas continued. It is not hard for a people to understand or accept.

Yes, I suppose that is true. But accepting such simple concepts requires one’s whole heart. I guess that’s really what we are looking for here—those who have open hearts and hope to fill them with something better so they may Become something more.

Well said, my friend. You will make a fine companion for any Forest Ward.

The conversation trailed off. Thomas laid back and gazed at an endless blanket of stars. The foothills carried a crisp touch of the mountain’s chill air. He felt glad for the crackling fire, and his mind wandered again to the giant’s code. It consisted of seven principles. He smiled at their simplicity.

He also remembered how difficult it was for some to overcome their fears and accept that something so simple could produce such powerful change. He knew only such humility made it possible for the necessary faith to grow. Faith had to displace fear before Becoming could happen. It took humble practice over time to make the principles part of one’s own heart. And it was the size of one’s heart, not stature, that made a giant. Yes, such principles will also serve well the western people.

Sonspeaker had told him that seven principles were given to the giants by Worldmaker. They are school masters to guide us in honoring our promise to always care for the land and its people, Sonspeaker had emphasized.

Thomas had first seen them ornately carved into a plaque that hung above Forestmaster’s hearth in his great lodge.

Serve others before self.

Believe in those you serve.

Each must choose his own path.

Become more than you have been.

While there is life there is always hope.

Mercy and faith produce a bountiful harvest.

Step wisely that others may safely follow.

There is much we may do to help this people if they will allow it, Thomas said, still staring skyward.

Thomas thought about his long and significant association with Herdshepherd and his once rebellious father, Horsetender. Herdshepherd had grown wise over the years and become a great friend and leader. He once had been a lost prodigal soul wandering in the wilderness, convinced that the time of the giants had passed. Herdshepherd’s sense of lost purpose drove him to accept slavery as the only way to serve. Yet his life had found purpose again in saving the eastern land from the Keeper of Westhall and his slavers. Yes, Herdshepherd was a worthy companion for any Forest Ward.

But I fear the journey may be long and my old legs will slow you down, my friend.

Herdshepherd smiled. Then I will make it a smooth one for you. My shoulder is broad and strong and you may ride— The giant stopped in mid-sentence. Without changing his expression, he whispered, Did you hear that?

Thomas had heard it too—a sound that did not fit into the natural chorus of the forest. The two companions listened. The sound came again. It would have gone unnoticed by almost anyone else. But these two were experienced travelers and knew a footfall on dried leaves when they heard it.

Herdshepherd casually stood, winked at Thomas, and continued the conversation as if nothing had happened. If we are lucky, we will make some new friends in this pleasant land, he said as he picked up a ten-foot log. Thomas knew what Herdshepherd could do with such a weapon. The giant pretended to play with it, tossing it from hand-to-hand.

Perhaps I should make friends first. They might be frightened if they see you suddenly step out of the woods. Thomas laughed while reaching for his staff.

The sound of a heavy footstep came again, and the two companions turned in its direction. A large man dressed in layers of animal skins stepped from the forest into the firelight. Why do you sneak into our land? he asked in an overly loud and pompous voice.

We do not sneak. We are traveling openly, answered Thomas.

You lie! the man said. You have come from the east to spy. You seek our riches and treasure.

We come to meet you and learn of your ways. We hope to build friendship and trust. Perhaps our lands may open trade. Thomas willed his voice to sound calm and nonthreatening.

You bring a giant to dominate and impose your will. You are foolish to think you could rule here as you do in the east. The man drew his sword and advanced toward Thomas.

Please, we do not wish to fight. We would rather return to the east if that is what you wish, Thomas said.

The man continued to advance and swung his sword. A loud wooden THWACK echoed through the trees as Thomas easily blocked it with his staff. He swung again, and Thomas parried it a second time. The man growled and swung two more times. Thomas blocked the blows again, but this time used the other end of the staff to strike the man in the side hard enough to knock him down, sending his sword clattering to the ground.

Please, we beg you, let us reason together, Thomas pleaded.

The man screamed, Now! and four more large men jumped out of the brush to engage Thomas. He was outmanned.

Herdshepherd stepped between Thomas and the onrushing men. Now just a moment. Calm down. We only wish to be friends.

The men continued to advance. Herdshepherd tossed the log he held sideways at the men. It caught all four at chest height, and they fell back under its weight. Three of them struggled under the log, but the fourth seemed to be unconscious. Herdshepherd stepped forward to take the last bit of fight out of them. Then Thomas heard a movement to their left in the woods and a rush of air.

It happened so fast neither could react. A long spear flew from the dark and caught Herdshepherd in the lower chest as he leaned forward to talk to the men. The spear’s length rivaled Herdshepherd’s height, and its point had a sharp, barbed end. It had flown with such force that its point buried deep. The sickly sound of snapping bones accompanied its path through Herdshepherd’s body until it burst out of his right side covered in crimson. Herdshepherd stood for a moment with a surprised look on his face. He turned toward Thomas and reached a shaking hand in his direction. The giant tumbled sideways, barely missing the blazing campfire.

Thomas ran to his side. My friend, we can use your poultice and you will recover.

Herdshepherd looked at Thomas with glazed eyes and spoke in short, strangled breaths. I feel … strange. I need to rest … for a moment.

No! cried Thomas. Stay with me. Look at me.

I am sorry … I could not do more. I should have seen … those in the wood. The giant struggled for breath. I have failed.

You have not failed. You have done all anyone could ask.

Tell my father … I have always been … honored to live the way of a giant. Thank you … for being my friend. You saved my soul … gave back … my purpose. Herdshepherd smiled and then closed his eyes in a sleep from which one does not awake.

What have you done? Thomas cried. As he turned to face his attackers, a club caught him on the side of the head. He tumbled into darkness, and the question remained unanswered.

The Seer and the Captive

It was late. Rose and