Chapter Nine
The Stone

Teedol managed to move around the rock in an attempt to get more cover from this monstrous thing which now blocked his path. Behind the creature by some ten yards or so, the entrance to a cave could be seen, its mouth gaping as if to swallow everything and anything that came by. In his head

Teedol heard a loud ringing sound. He knew it was trying to tell him something, BUT WHAT ? He had no idea at this moment in time...

Another blast of flame went searing by Teedol's head, this time it was closer. There was nowhere else to hide. It was as if the only way out was back down, which would mean certain failure...
Still the ringing went on in Teedol's head...

Then memories came flooding back ! At first it was difficult to sort out as Teedol could not get rid of the thought of becoming barbecued. Slowly the confusion cleared. It was something to do with the message from Lord Eldor... Ah yes, that was it !..

It was in the writing of Dragon Lord. What was it ?.. Teedol ran the verse through in his mind or what he could remember of it. Finally he reached the last lines. Only to realize it's all a dream.
With one swing of your magic sword, You slay the mighty Dragon Lord.

" Yet I don't have a sword let alone a magic one...

Perhaps that is not the importance of the verse...

That's it !

It's all a dream !.. The Dragon Lord is not real, he cannot hurt me... "

The bells stopped ringing in Teedol's head and though he did not know why, he stood up and started to walk straight at the demon and the entrance of the cave. Another blast came at Teedol who spoke out loud. " You cannot hurt me. You are not real. " The flames came closer and closer. Teedol closed his eyes, waiting for the burning of his flesh, the searing pain which would drive him off the mountain to certain death...

Still waiting... Nothing...

Slowly he opened his eyes... All he could see was the entrance to the cave. The creature had vanished ! At first Teedol could not believe his eyes.

The opening of the cave gaped as if... As if waiting to swallow him whole. Slowly the aperture seemmed to grow smaller. Teedol wondered as he walked down the throat of this dark secret, would the great black orifice let a soul leave again ? Still he thought to himself

" The only way to succeed is to go onward. "

Just as quickly as it narrowed the passage opened up again. At this point it was four feet wide and eight feet high. It went on for one hundred and twenty feet, after which the passage gave way to a single aperture in the wall which faced him. By the look of the hole, he would just be able to get through.

" Phew ! " Thought Teedol.

" It is getting warm in here. " His mouth had become so dry it felt as if it were full of sawdust.

Somewhere beyond the cavity in the wall, he could hear the sound of running water which added to his eagerness to pass the obstacle.

Teedol placed his hands through the hole followed by his head. He could see the narrow cave gave way to an absolutely enormous cavern. His thoughts were rapidly brought back to the situation he now found himself in. In his eagerness to get through the hole he had become stuck. The more he tried to pass through, the more it seemed to hold onto him. You may think this a ridiculous thought but that's how it seemed to Teedol and in truth, he was right. Teedol struggled more and more. The more he wriggled and squirmed the tighter the grip on the poor little cotchit became.

The struggle went on for some time until Teedol became so exhausted he just slumped half in and half out of this constricting orifice. His mind was reeling from the experience not understanding what was happening. Or even why. All he could do was lay perfectly still. Hopefully he would regain strength and perhaps he could figure a way out of this silly predicament. He was sure he should have been able to pass through the hole without all this difficulty. The cotchit thought for a moment...

As if struck by lightning it dawned upon him, could the cave be the same as the Dragon Lord. He concentrated his thoughts upon a more positive attitude. " I can pass easily ! " Thought Teedol.
His head hit the ground with a resounding thump, his legs went sailing over the top. Luckily the ground was sand and not hard. Teedol had not noticed this during his struggle with the orifice but he was grateful for it now. Slowly he picked himself up rubbing himself down while thinking to himself. The things he had seen were mere figments of his imagination. The view to the left was blocked by a large outcrop of rock. To the right he could see the cavern was large enough to fit the whole of Manap Woods into let alone the village. Teedol walked forward reaching a point beyond the outcrop of rock.

The vision which befell his eyes was awesome. What he had seen of the cavern so far was huge, yet it was only the tip of the iceberg, so to speak...

Before him was a vast lake of luminous blue which filled the cavern with a serene alluring light. Here and there were large stalactites and stalagmites set within the roof and floor. At this the lower end of the cavern were many crystals which glittered and glowed with the colours of the rainbow which was intensified by the irradiation of white light which came from the star on Teedol's forehead. As he rounded the corner he could feel a slight breeze which carried strange sounds like music which he had never heard before.

Walking to the shore line he could see a small boat complete with sails and oars. The only way to go further would be by boat as the shore extended from one side of the cavern to the other. He was not much of a sailor but he had come too far to turn back now. Besides, as king Torem had said.

" Bobo would then have died for nothing. "

Teedol climbed into the boat with a nervous feeling in the pit of his stomach. He would have felt much better if he could see the far shore but all that could be seen on the far horizon was water and then... Even more water ! Sitting down in the boat Teedol picked up one of the oars. He tried to push the boat out from the beach but all it did was rock from side to side. Getting out of the boat he lay down the oar, placing his hands upon the bow he pushed for all he was worth. It was not long before the boat was under sail and heading for the horizon. For the first time Teedol had the chance to rest and think at a normal speed as everything seemed to be moving at an alarming speed.

During this time he realized a few things. Firstly. The lake was high up a mountain ! Secondly. It was inside a mountain ! Where did the breeze come from ? There seemed to be no direct opening to the outside to allow such a breeze. The next thing which seemed odd was the lake appeared to have a tide. He did not ponder these thoughts for too long as he just wanted to relax and enjoy the peace and tranquillity of the boat ride... He had discovered that sailing was a very pleasant pass-time and thought to do more, should he get the chance.

Truthfully Teedol had no idea where he was going and for the moment it did not seem to matter too much. Though Teedol did not know the way himself the starlight could be seen as it lit up the boat. If he turned the wrong way, the light dimmed. Some time had passed, how long exactly he did not know. He was in the middle of nowhere with nothing in sight but water. Still he had no choice but to go on.
More time passed until at last he was sure he could see the opposite shore. Only a short time later he was beaching the boat. Happily standing on terra-firma once again he looked around. The light from the star could no longer be seen as there was nothing for it to reflect from. Teedol held up his hand turning slowly. At least now he could see the light easily. In front of him were two exits. Each one looking identical to the other. The star shone brightest as he faced the exit to the right. Naturally this was the path he took.

The tunnel was of a good size and posed no problems. His passage was quick and easy, though he had only gone some fifty yards turning and bearing to the right as he went. At this point the passage opened into another spacious cavern which was not quite as big as the first.

It was well lit with rich decor. Furnishings of many types were set about here and there all resplendent in adornment. Upon the walls were many pictures each and everyone suspended in guilt frames. As Teedol entered the cavern a large red curtain drew across behind him. The far end looked very much like the cave that had belonged to Golaf with many phials and flasks scattered here and there though it was not as much of a mess as the wizard's den. The mess was caused by volume and not untidiness. The room appeared to be devoid of life, other than himself. It did not take Teedol's curiosity long to start working as he began to wander around, looking at the many wondrous things. The air was filled with a sweet fragrance, like the smell of a beautiful warm summer's day back in Manap. In many ways it reminded him of Pippa's room when she came to stay with him.

Teedol then noticed a glass dome set upon a small table. Walking over to the table he picked up the dome. There was a loud bang followed by a flash. When the smoke cleared, standing before him was a very elegant lady. He knew she was an elf but even so he had never seen anyone so beautiful before.

" Hello little man, I'm Lady Galana. Who are you ? " She asked in a sweet voice.

" I'm.. I.. I'm. Teedol.. I.. I'm a cotchit from Manap. " Stammered Teedol.

" Would you like a drink ? " Asked the Lady.

" Yes please ! " Answered Teedol.

" I don't have much of a choice I'm afraid. I don't get many visitors. So you are Teedol from Manap ?

As I say I don't get many visitors but I have been expecting SOMEONE with a shining star upon his head. Just like yours. I wonder ! Could it be you ? " Inquired the Lady.

" I'm sure I don't know but the star has guided me here. " Replied the cotchit.

" How did you get the star ? " She asked. " Well that is a long story my Lady. " Replied Teedol not wanting to bore the very beautiful Lady.

" If you don't mind telling the story, I will gladly listen. " Replied Lady Galana. Teedol gave a slight cough.

" Er.. No ! I don't mind if you really want me to ? "

Again there was a pause as Teedol thought a moment. Then he began. He went on to tell of the black cloud and the wizard. The red birthmark and the ice cream, giving as much detail as he could remember. Lady Galana listened intently giving an occasional smile of encouragement.

When Teedol finally finished it was the turn of Lady Galana to Tell her tale.

" A guardian had to be found, the Stone could not be allowed to fall into the wrong hands nor could its power be allowed to corrupt it's new owner. So the task of the guardian fell to me. I know why you are here. You are the first to get this far. Also you are the only one bearing the mark of The Chosen One. There have been a few in search of the most powerful known magical item in existence. If you succeed I will be released from my task as guardian. While that pleases me immensely, I must warn you, I have no control over your task. If you fail it will mean your certain death. Your fate is now in the Power of the Stone ! " Exclaimed the Lady Galana.

" I understand all that but what I don't understand is why me ? I have lost my best friend because of this quest. " Said Teedol with sadness in his voice.

" You were chosen by destiny. When destiny comes into play, no one can change it. It is so written. As for losing your best friend though you will not understand right now, you have lost nothing. " Replied Galana.

" But !.. " Interjected Teedol. Lady Galana held up her hand to silence the cotchit.

" You will have to trust me for the moment but for now I cannot tell you any more. All will be well if you do not fail. " Said the Lady.

" Everyone I talk to says I can't tell you more but if everyone knows so much why do they not get the Stone and defeat the Evil One ? " Asked the cotchit who was somewhat dejected not to mention frustrated.

" The Chosen One had to be one who is a non - magic user as well as pure of heart. Look my little friend this waiting seems to be doing you no good. So I think you should now take the test. The only thing I can tell you is this ; You will have to choose the right stone from many. You have only one choice and it must be the correct one. You will then be safe. NOBODY will have the power to harm you ! Though some may still try. As I say, if you succeed, YOU will be the new guardian of the Stone and I will be free. FREE to go home. There is one difference though for you. YOU will be able to use the power of the Stone... " The Lady rose from her seat and took a hold of Teedol's hand leading him to a door at the opposite side of the cavern. " You must enter by this door. I pray for your safe return. Good luck my friend. " Said Galana as she opened the door.

Teedol did not look back as he heard the sound of the door closing behind him. He stood still for a few moments, his eyes closed fearing what he might see. The ground beneath his feet seemed unsteady. Slowly Teedol took a gulp of air which stuck in his throat for just a few moments. He opened his eyes and without looking down he stepped forward. Beneath his feet was a bridge which led from the doorway to a tall finger of granite which made a lofty pedestal in the centre...

Looking far below could be seen a bright reddish glow. It reminded Teedol of the beautiful sunsets he had seen from home... Then the heat hit him in the face. The bridge began to sway, gently at first which made Teedol more nervous. This in turn made him quicken his pace. The greater his pace the more the bridge swayed. Beneath his left foot a sound was heard, his foot disappeared through the wood. Try as he might he could not free it. It was stuck ! He pulled and tugged again and again. The harder he tried, the more firmly the hole held around his ankle. He could feel the heat upon the sole of his foot. Beads of sweat began to run down his face, stinging his eyes as it did so.

Once again Teedol heard the small voice in his head. Still he did not know who it was, or where it came from. He was sure of one thing.

It was a soothing friendly voice. " Move slowly, take your time. It is not a race. " Teedol remained still, taking in a gulp of air. Slowly he turned his foot this way and then that way but this time he did not fight with the woodwork. Gently he pulled his foot from the breach which held it so firmly, his foot free... The cotchit moved forward with greater care. The inferno below certainly seemed to be growing in intensity. Clinging to the ropes as though his life depended on it, he made his way across the perilous bridge which seemed intent on throwing him off. Steadily he continued each precarious step followed by another until finally he reached the other side. THEN HORROR !..

The bridge fell away spinning and turning in mid-air as it did so. Teedol's eyes looking tentatively down, his gaze following the bridge until it finally burst into flames which reached up as if beckoning Teedol to follow. The bridge was no more. He had one terrible thought. How was he to get back ? In front of him was a large slab of granite upon which were many small precious stones. The star upon his forehead was pulsing like crazy which in turn made one of the stones pulsate. All the stones looked alike, all that is with the exception of the one which was pulsating in synchronization with the star. Teedol reached out his hand picking up the Stone. As he did so the whole finger of granite on which he stood began to crumble. The place was filled with a terrible sound, like an earthquake. It reminded him of the wizards cave when it collapsed. The finger of granite continued to crumble until it too finally collapsed. The slab with the other stones fell into the fiery pit of death and destruction below... This did not surprise Teedol. What did however, was the fact he was still left standing there... IN MID-AIR !.. Nothing but death beneath his feet, yet he did not fall. Nor did he feel afraid. Somehow Teedol knew he was perfectly safe...

The door swung open, standing there alone was the Lady Galana. " I see you have found the true Stone. If you wish to come back you have two ways to do it. You can simply think yourself back or you can walk. " Said the Lady with a smile. " Walk ? But there is nothing to walk on ! " Said Teedol.
" You have nothing to fear. You have the Stone which will protect you. Walk ! " Replied Galana. Teedol began to walk, sure enough it felt as if there were a floor. In a very short time he had walked back to where this extremely beautiful Lady was standing.

Once inside the door closed behind him. Upon opening his hand he made a discovery. There in his palm was the still pulsating stone. The Stone of Galana ! The Lady walked over to a large cupboard and opened a drawer from it she took a large ornate amulet. She closed the drawer and walked back to Teedol. " During the years I have been hidden away as the guardian of the Stone I have spent my time making this. The Stone will fit securely inside this small chamber. Place it about your neck and no-one will ever be able to remove it. If it were to fall into the wrong hands there could and would be chaos all over the lands. " Said Galana handing the amulet to cotchit. The stone was placed securely into the amulet, after which Teedol placed it around his neck. The lady smiled again. Each time she did, it had a strange effect upon Teedol. She turned and walked over to a large elegant wardrobe, taking from it a new set of garments which you would expect a wizard to wear. Yet they were too small for the Lady ! She walked towards Teedol handing him the clothes...

" These are for you as well, after all you must look the part don't you think ? " She asked. Teedol took the clothes slipping the long gown over his head. Galana placed upon his head a tall pointed hat. Teedol could only imagine how he looked at this point. " Teedol here is a mirror if you wish to look at yourself. " Said Galana. Teedol walked over to the long mirror and began to admire himself. He did not notice the star had gone from his forehead. He twirled round and around playing with his reflection, just like a child. YET He was now the most powerful wizard in the entire world ! " Now starts your real test. You have to learn to use the POWER of the Amulet. You must use it well and wisely, never for selfish reasons. You can use it in anyway which will help individuals or whole nations but your intent must always be good. The first time it is used for the wrong reasons, it will revert back to the vile evilness it once was. I hope you can see the responsibility you have. You must be the right person, for fate and destiny have chosen you. I would think a rest is in order, perhaps something to eat. Would you like that ? " Asked The Lady Galana.

" Yes I must confess I am rather hungry." Replied Teedol. Lady Galana waved her hands, a table fully laden with food and drink appeared before them.

" Come let us eat and drink while we may. " Said Galana as she gestured Teedol to sit by her side. Teedol sat down and began to eat.

" Do you know Golaf ? " Asked Teedol as he filled his mouth.

" Yes of course. I am a sorceress which means I know all the other wizards, witches , warlocks , sorcerers, and sorceresses. We all know each other, as will you. For the moment it is recommended you meet no others. One of them has turned evil. Whoever it is has managed to keep their identity a secret so far. " Galana paused while nibbling upon some food.

" Do you know about the War of Terror ? Were you there ? " Asked Teedol.

" I do know about it but I was not there I am pleased to say. At the time I was in a land far away. I have heard all about the bravery of your kinsmen especially the one they called the Ringbearer. It was his deeds which turned the ring into the Stone of Galana which you now possess. I'm sure you know the ghedi were in on that one as well ? Terrible creatures they are. They were spawned by some evil magic of the then Evil One... " Said Galana.

" That's all very well but if as you say you know all of the wizards. How come you do not know which one is the new Evil One ? " Asked Teedol. " That is a good question... " Teedol interrupted again.

" Surely the evil wizard is the one which is missing from the meetings. " Galana was about to take a bite of food, placing it on the side of her plate she turned to face Teedol. " A good point, but none of the wizards is ever missing from the greater council meetings. We have tried many different ways to catch the evil one but as he is always present at the meetings he always knows of our plans. We know he has taken over the once beautiful castle at Arinoor. Mysteriously it changed ownership. Now it is called Castle Doom and at present is a formidable fortress. No-one admits to being the new owner. I know you are wondering how we know it is the stronghold of the new Evil One. The answer is easy, it is where the Creeping Darkness stems from. We have tried using magic to stop it but to no avail. " Galana said forlornly.

" What makes you think I can stop it then ? I have not yet learned the use of magic. " Said Teedol.

" Because the Stone is more powerful than all of us put together. The Evil One has tried to find the Stone but it was the Stone itself which protected the whereabouts of these secret caverns. " There was a slight pause.

" Why didn't one of the magic users use the Stone to defeat the Evil One ? " Asked the cotchit.

" There was a part of the Telling which only the soothsayer, Eldor and I knew. It told of a new Evil One rising from the ranks of the greater council, so no-one could be trusted. This is why the Stone was sent far away from Eldale. It also told of a creature pure of heart and not a magic user, who would come from far away in time to save the lands of Earth. This can only be you ! Of this there can be no doubt, for you are now the bearer of the Stone. You need have no fear for the Stone is so powerful it will guide and teach you. You will need to practice some of the things and REMEMBER, the power is strong but so must you be ! The combination of the two will make you undefeatable. You will not have to fight the Evil One alone as all of Earth will be with you. The other magic users will be fighting other demons in other places. We must keep the dark one busy on all fronts, in this way he will not be able to rest. I tell you this so you do not think you will fight alone. Behind you will be an ever growing army. " Lady Galana paused for breath.

" Yes I know. I am to meet many dwarves on the other side of the mountains. We were heading for the castle at Arinoor. I hope to see my other friends and companions first though. " Said Teedol.

" And you will ! Fear not ! In fact you will be seeing them soon. Now I think is a good time to test your new found skills and power. Can you see the small statue over there ? " She asked indicating towards a small gold statue some feet away.

" Yes I see it. " Replied Teedol.

" I want you to concentrate, think of it coming towards you and it will. " Said Galana.

Teedol turned to face the golden statue of a unicorn. He stared and stared... But nothing happened !..

" Don't just look at it. You must think it to you. See it in your mind's eye moving towards you. Want it to come to you ! " Said Galana reassuringly. Teedol concentrated more and more . The statue began to rock and sway. Slowly it began to move , ever so slightly at first. But then it scraped along the top of the table as it moved again. " Teedol you must think of lifting it. It is not heavy, it has no weight , not within your mind. " Interrupted the lady. The statue almost fell over but then all at once it was in the air travelling quite fast towards Teedol. He raised his hand in time. The statue was caught.

" There ! I knew you could do it !.. I knew... " Sighed Galana with pleasure.

" I am glad you are confident. I can assure you, I was not. Well not at first anyway. The strange thing is, it was easier when I relaxed a little. " Said Teedol with pleasure and realization.

" Good, I am pleased. Now I want you to think of your friends. Imagine you can see them, tell me what you see. " Said Galana. Teedol sat back into his seat...
A few moments later he started to speak.

" I see all of my friends. They are all standing around King Torem demanding to know where I am. " Galana's voice was almost a whisper as she spoke. " Tell them you are fine and you will be with them very soon. "

Silence...

Pippa, Spud, Globin and Genty were all standing around the King. Suddenly, from nowhere they could hear the voice of their friend... " Trust me, I am safe. I will be joining you all very soon. King Torem tells you the truth. You have to wait only a little longer. " The voice stopped as quickly as it started. The friends did not know what to think. So they sat down as the king started to tell them the good news...

Teedol now opened his eyes. Galana smiled a sweet smile. It was at that moment Teedol knew he was in love... " See it was not so difficult ! Was it ? " Asked the Lady. " No ! It was really quite easy. Is there a limit to the power of the Stone within the amulet? " Asked Teedol. " Yes there is a limit but only of your mind and will. You must use it wisely at all times. I think now would be a good time to rejoin your friends. "...

Link to Chapter Ten

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