| The GodStones |
PROLOGUE
Chalania slowly drew the shape she wanted. The lines of magic hung in the air before her, glittering brightly. When she
was satisfied with the figure, she picked up a handful of the ground mix of silver and Giliv's Star then threw it on the
magical construct. For a moment a winged unicorn, an alicorn, hung in the air, slowly flapped his wings and tossed his
horn. Chalania spoke a word of power, clapped her hands together and the alicorn vanished in a brilliant flash of light.
When her vision cleared, the sorceress studied the silver alicorn design now inlaid on the floor. She nodded her head
satisfaction with the power contained in the glittering shape and spoke another word of power. A silver tray appeared
before her carrying twelve black star-shaped stones.
She picked up one of the stones and traced a design on its surface with the tip of her finger. "Afelassi," she said as a silver
dove etched itself into the glossy surface of the stone. She cupped both her hands around the stone and felt the cold
surface grow warm. A slender tendril of mist snaked its way from between her fingers and moved to anchor itself at the
base of the alicorn's horn. Chalania placed the stone at the point where the mist merged with the alicorn, then picked up
the next stone from the tray.
Twelve stones, one to represent each of the Gods of Salamacia were placed on the alicorn. The magic imbued in the
stones connected and merged with the magic contained in the figure. Chalania closed her eyes and studied the power
fields. Everything was balanced together and ready for the final casting.
She reached for the parchment with the words of the ancient prophecy she had discovered years ago, when she was still
the High Priestess of the Isle. A prophecy buried in the deepest levels of the temple along with knowledge that was
forbidden to all but the High Priest or High Priestess, but forgotten over the centuries. Knowledge that at one time there
had been only one God. One God, whose sacred symbol and avatar was the alicorn. Just as the twelve had their sacred
animals, which also served as their avatars, so had the One. However, alicorns had not been seen in Salamacia since the
cataclysm that had sundered the world and the Pantheon.
Chalania had found the information in one of the texts hidden in one of the deepest rooms of the temple. An area only the
High Priest and High Priestess were allowed to enter. She had almost passed the small room by except for the glint of
silver in the dust on the wall that had caught her eye. Cleaning the layers of dust and grim from a small plaque, she had
found these words:
#
That Which was Complete
Then Torn Asunder
Must Be Rejoined
The Many Made Two.
#
Twelve Stones of Power
All Parts of a Soul
Two Shall Join Together
The Many Made Whole.
#
Chalania recited the words of the prophecy and felt the power build in the casting chamber of her tower. The pressure
threatened to crush her with its weight and force. She raised her staff and held it in front of her, parallel to the floor.
Slowly, she circled the alicorn twelve times, reciting the prophecy as the power continued to build. When she was done,
she brought the tip of her staff down to rest of the point of the alicorn's horn. The pressure vanished and Chalania
staggered from the sudden release. She smiled as a gray mist filled the area of the alicorn and twelve tendrils formed and
connected with the stones.
The tower shuddered and Chalania fought to maintain control of the magical energies still at work. Another shudder and a
crack appeared in the floor, splitting the alicorn. The mist vanished and with it all but one of the stones. The stone
representing Draykon, the God of Deception, whose avatar was a dragon.
The tower shuddered a third time and Chalania fell to the floor. The last thing she saw as the stones of the building began
falling around her was a flash of lightening and a large blue dragon coiling itself around the remaining stone. That and the
thin tendril of mist still connected to the black stone bearing the image of Draykon's avatar.
CHAPTER ONE
Dwynia looked up from the black hoof she was examining on her horse when the temple bells began ringing. It was time
for those participating in the games to assemble to receive the blessing of the Goddesses. She glanced around the stable
and saw no one else there with her. She knew she might be missed, but she had a more important task than listening to the
chants of the priestesses this night if she expected to win at the games.
Her best horse, Moonmist, had picked up a stone yesterday and was still having problems with his right foreleg. If he was
to run in the races, he needed to be sound. If she was to win the races, she needed him. While she intended to compete in
most of the combat categories, Dwynia knew it was in the equestrian events she would be able to excel. Provided she
could get Moonmist healed in time.
"Dwynia!" A commanding voice yelled across the stable. Several of the horses snorted and began pawing at the straw in
their stalls at the intrusion. A few neighed challenges and kicked at the doors of their stalls. The voice echoed in the large
stable making it difficult to identify who had shouted.
Moonmist threw up his head and started to rear. Dwynia caught his halter and pulled his head down. She talked to him in a
soft voice, as she dodged his dancing hooves.
As she calmed the high-strung stallion, Dwynia caught a glimpse of movement out of the corner of her right eye. She
turned to face the intruder. "What were you thinking, yelling like that in here?" she demanded. She froze when she saw her
mother, Larissa, standing there.
Her mother was in her formal robes, with the golden staff and crown. Her crown sat easily on her head, holding the mass
of black curls from her face.
"My apologies for my tone," Dwynia said with a bow. She had learned long ago to treat her mother with the respect due
her position as Queen when she was in full formal mode.
"You were not among those going to the temple for the Goddesses blessing. Why?" Larissa leaned her staff against the
wall as she watched her daughter and the silver-gray stallion.
"Moonmist picked up a stone yesterday. I needed to check him."
"Is it healing?"
"Not as well as I would like. He's still tender in that hoof. I don't think he'll be able to run; not after the trip to the games."
Her mother stood quietly for a moment. "Find Rigodia. Ask her to prepare a poultice of crushed Gwewien's Tears. Apply
that to the bruised area. Take another mount for the trip and allow Moonmist to travel without a rider, gear or packs. If
you let him take it easy on the trip, he should be able to compete."
Dwynia nodded then smiled. "Thank you. I'll go find Dia right away." She patted the horse's neck then opened the stall
door.
"She is at the temple -- where you should be." Larissa frowned at her daughter.
Dwynia bowed deeply. "I'll go there immediately. Again, my apologies." She hurried past her mother.
#
"Cerigan, the procession to the temple will be beginning in a few minutes. Are you ready?"
The crown Prince of Gwelidan looked up from the book he was reading and sighed. "Yes, father, I am ready." He
carefully shelved the book, buckled on the sword he was expected to carry as a symbol of his position and smoothed his
dark green tunic.
Cerigan stepped out of his library and looked at his father. Johakor was a large man whose presence filled any room he
was in -- no matter how big. He was dressed in his full formal gear, including the large silver ceremonial crown he hated
wearing. He was taking his son's participation in his first games very seriously. Cerigan hated the idea he might disappoint
his father by failing to be named one of the hundred to go to the Isle of the Gods. However, since all he wanted to
participate in were the scholarly events he doubted the High Priest would deem him worthy. At his father's urging, he had
agreed to participate in several of the tactical contests, but he didn't expect to do very well. He would do his best, but he
knew there were others with more knowledge and skill in those areas that he.
Cerigan walked with his father down the steps of the castle and looked around as the procession waited for them to take
their places at the head. Young boys, too young to be allowed into the games, stood with the torches that lit the way to the
temple. As the last person in the procession passed each pair of torches, the lights were extinguished. Last year, he had
been one of those with the torches, this year he led the procession with his father.
The King and Crown Prince bowed to the High Priest, who met them at the entrance to the temple. "We are here to ask
for the Gods' blessing for those who would honor them at the games," Johakor said.
The High Priest raised his arms. "May the blessings of the Gods be with you and those that accompany you to the City of
the Gods. Enter in and let their spirit fill you as you take this last step in preparation to honor their names."
Johakor bowed again, then he and Cerigan stepped aside to allow the other participants to enter the temple first.
#
Dwynia ran swiftly through the dark streets of Gwewien. She reached the temple and entered as quietly as she could.
Before she could go in search of the healer, she was stopped by one of the junior priestesses.
"The temple is reserved tonight for those participating in the games," the young woman said.
"I am one of the participants," Dwynia snapped.
"That you come so late to receive the Goddesses' blessing is not a good sign, Princess," the High Priestess said, as she
walked up. "There is still space in Theliria's Chamber, which you may use."
"Thank you, but I am here to find the Healer Rigodia. It is important," Dwynia said.
"The healer is in Areani's Chamber. Cirella, please inform her that the princess wishes to see her."
The younger priestess bowed to Dwynia and the High Priestess, then hurried out of the room.
"Princess, it will be several minutes before the healer arrives, perhaps you would like to make use of the Great Mother's
meditation chamber while you wait." The High Priest drew back a gray curtain, revealing the small alcove dedicated to
Gwewien -- the Mother Goddess. Within the small room was a silver mirror mounted on the wall. Under the mirror was a
gold stand holding a single candle.
Dwynia nodded and stepped past the High Priestess into the small alcove. This room was normally reserved only for the
ranking priestesses of the temple and she wondered why Miana had offered to let her use it to wait from Rigodia.
Dwynia sat crossed-legged in front of the candle and cleared her mind as she entered a meditative trance. She felt herself
relaxing as the warmth of the meditation alcove surrounded her. The silver mirror on the wall misted then cleared with a
bright flash, flowed by several images. Most of then vanished before she could properly register what they were, but a
couple managed to stay in her mind. Images of a black star-shaped stone guarded by a dragon, of a golden alicorn rearing
before her; its wings spread wide, and of a young man with golden brown hair and dark brown eyes.
"Dwynia?"
Dwynia shook her head, clearing it of the visions. She stood slowly then stepped out of the alcove. "Here, Dia." She
nodded to the red-haired woman waiting for her.
"What's wrong? It isn't your mother, is it?" The healer stood there, twisting her hands and shifting her weight restlessly.
"No, although she did tell me to talk to you. It's Moonmist."
"Moonmist? You interrupted my mediations because of a horse!"
"Moonmist is as much a participant as I am and he needs your healer's skills," Dwynia said. The princess glanced down at
the floor. "Please," she said softly.
"Come on, let's take a look at your favorite stallion," Dia said, putting an arm around Dwynia's shoulders. "What's going
on?"
Dwynia hugged her friend tightly. "Thanks, I'll explain on the way."
#
Cerigan stepped out of the small alcove as the midnight bell rang out, ending the evening meditations. Both he and his
father had planned to evening in the Chamber of Freinnor, but the High Priest had intercepted him and guided him to the
room dedicated to the Great Father. He was contemplating the visions he had seen in the silver mirror when his father
touched him on the shoulder. Visions of several dragons; each one guarding a black star-shaped stone, of a golden alicorn
that bowed to him, and of a young woman with midnight dark hair and flashing green eyes.
"An unusual honor, Cerigan," his father said. "Perhaps, it is a sign that you are to blessed above all others in the games."
"Perhaps," Cerigan said.
"It is now time to rest, we must start early tomorrow if we are to reach the city at the appointed time. The rest of the
participants are making their way to the gathering area, we should join them."
Cerigan followed his father out of the temple to the area outside the city where the travelers would leave from at dawn.
#
Dwynia and Rigodia led the tall silver-gray stallion through the streets to the gathering area. His right front hoof was
wrapped in a shimmering cloth and his hooves rang in an odd three beat rhythm.
"Dwynia, remember, you are not to ride him during the journey to the City of the Gods. I'll check the poultice when we
camp tomorrow." Rigodia gave the princess a quick hug, then left to find where her tent had been set up.
Chalania slowly drew the shape she wanted. The lines of magic hung in the air before her, glittering brightly. When she
was satisfied with the figure, she picked up a handful of the ground mix of silver and Giliv's Star then threw it on the
magical construct. For a moment a winged unicorn, an alicorn, hung in the air, slowly flapped his wings and tossed his
horn. Chalania spoke a word of power, clapped her hands together and the alicorn vanished in a brilliant flash of light.
When her vision cleared, the sorceress studied the silver alicorn design now inlaid on the floor. She nodded her head
satisfaction with the power contained in the glittering shape and spoke another word of power. A silver tray appeared
before her carrying twelve black star-shaped stones.
She picked up one of the stones and traced a design on its surface with the tip of her finger. "Afelassi," she said as a silver
dove etched itself into the glossy surface of the stone. She cupped both her hands around the stone and felt the cold
surface grow warm. A slender tendril of mist snaked its way from between her fingers and moved to anchor itself at the
base of the alicorn's horn. Chalania placed the stone at the point where the mist merged with the alicorn, then picked up
the next stone from the tray.
Twelve stones, one to represent each of the Gods of Salamacia were placed on the alicorn. The magic imbued in the
stones connected and merged with the magic contained in the figure. Chalania closed her eyes and studied the power
fields. Everything was balanced together and ready for the final casting.
She reached for the parchment with the words of the ancient prophecy she had discovered years ago, when she was still
the High Priestess of the Isle. A prophecy buried in the deepest levels of the temple along with knowledge that was
forbidden to all but the High Priest or High Priestess, but forgotten over the centuries. Knowledge that at one time there
had been only one God. One God, whose sacred symbol and avatar was the alicorn. Just as the twelve had their sacred
animals, which also served as their avatars, so had the One. However, alicorns had not been seen in Salamacia since the
cataclysm that had sundered the world and the Pantheon.
Chalania had found the information in one of the texts hidden in one of the deepest rooms of the temple. An area only the
High Priest and High Priestess were allowed to enter. She had almost passed the small room by except for the glint of
silver in the dust on the wall that had caught her eye. Cleaning the layers of dust and grim from a small plaque, she had
found these words:
#
That Which was Complete
Then Torn Asunder
Must Be Rejoined
The Many Made Two.
#
Twelve Stones of Power
All Parts of a Soul
Two Shall Join Together
The Many Made Whole.
#
Chalania recited the words of the prophecy and felt the power build in the casting chamber of her tower. The pressure
threatened to crush her with its weight and force. She raised her staff and held it in front of her, parallel to the floor.
Slowly, she circled the alicorn twelve times, reciting the prophecy as the power continued to build. When she was done,
she brought the tip of her staff down to rest of the point of the alicorn's horn. The pressure vanished and Chalania
staggered from the sudden release. She smiled as a gray mist filled the area of the alicorn and twelve tendrils formed and
connected with the stones.
The tower shuddered and Chalania fought to maintain control of the magical energies still at work. Another shudder and a
crack appeared in the floor, splitting the alicorn. The mist vanished and with it all but one of the stones. The stone
representing Draykon, the God of Deception, whose avatar was a dragon.
The tower shuddered a third time and Chalania fell to the floor. The last thing she saw as the stones of the building began
falling around her was a flash of lightening and a large blue dragon coiling itself around the remaining stone. That and the
thin tendril of mist still connected to the black stone bearing the image of Draykon's avatar.
CHAPTER ONE
Dwynia looked up from the black hoof she was examining on her horse when the temple bells began ringing. It was time
for those participating in the games to assemble to receive the blessing of the Goddesses. She glanced around the stable
and saw no one else there with her. She knew she might be missed, but she had a more important task than listening to the
chants of the priestesses this night if she expected to win at the games.
Her best horse, Moonmist, had picked up a stone yesterday and was still having problems with his right foreleg. If he was
to run in the races, he needed to be sound. If she was to win the races, she needed him. While she intended to compete in
most of the combat categories, Dwynia knew it was in the equestrian events she would be able to excel. Provided she
could get Moonmist healed in time.
"Dwynia!" A commanding voice yelled across the stable. Several of the horses snorted and began pawing at the straw in
their stalls at the intrusion. A few neighed challenges and kicked at the doors of their stalls. The voice echoed in the large
stable making it difficult to identify who had shouted.
Moonmist threw up his head and started to rear. Dwynia caught his halter and pulled his head down. She talked to him in a
soft voice, as she dodged his dancing hooves.
As she calmed the high-strung stallion, Dwynia caught a glimpse of movement out of the corner of her right eye. She
turned to face the intruder. "What were you thinking, yelling like that in here?" she demanded. She froze when she saw her
mother, Larissa, standing there.
Her mother was in her formal robes, with the golden staff and crown. Her crown sat easily on her head, holding the mass
of black curls from her face.
"My apologies for my tone," Dwynia said with a bow. She had learned long ago to treat her mother with the respect due
her position as Queen when she was in full formal mode.
"You were not among those going to the temple for the Goddesses blessing. Why?" Larissa leaned her staff against the
wall as she watched her daughter and the silver-gray stallion.
"Moonmist picked up a stone yesterday. I needed to check him."
"Is it healing?"
"Not as well as I would like. He's still tender in that hoof. I don't think he'll be able to run; not after the trip to the games."
Her mother stood quietly for a moment. "Find Rigodia. Ask her to prepare a poultice of crushed Gwewien's Tears. Apply
that to the bruised area. Take another mount for the trip and allow Moonmist to travel without a rider, gear or packs. If
you let him take it easy on the trip, he should be able to compete."
Dwynia nodded then smiled. "Thank you. I'll go find Dia right away." She patted the horse's neck then opened the stall
door.
"She is at the temple -- where you should be." Larissa frowned at her daughter.
Dwynia bowed deeply. "I'll go there immediately. Again, my apologies." She hurried past her mother.
#
"Cerigan, the procession to the temple will be beginning in a few minutes. Are you ready?"
The crown Prince of Gwelidan looked up from the book he was reading and sighed. "Yes, father, I am ready." He
carefully shelved the book, buckled on the sword he was expected to carry as a symbol of his position and smoothed his
dark green tunic.
Cerigan stepped out of his library and looked at his father. Johakor was a large man whose presence filled any room he
was in -- no matter how big. He was dressed in his full formal gear, including the large silver ceremonial crown he hated
wearing. He was taking his son's participation in his first games very seriously. Cerigan hated the idea he might disappoint
his father by failing to be named one of the hundred to go to the Isle of the Gods. However, since all he wanted to
participate in were the scholarly events he doubted the High Priest would deem him worthy. At his father's urging, he had
agreed to participate in several of the tactical contests, but he didn't expect to do very well. He would do his best, but he
knew there were others with more knowledge and skill in those areas that he.
Cerigan walked with his father down the steps of the castle and looked around as the procession waited for them to take
their places at the head. Young boys, too young to be allowed into the games, stood with the torches that lit the way to the
temple. As the last person in the procession passed each pair of torches, the lights were extinguished. Last year, he had
been one of those with the torches, this year he led the procession with his father.
The King and Crown Prince bowed to the High Priest, who met them at the entrance to the temple. "We are here to ask
for the Gods' blessing for those who would honor them at the games," Johakor said.
The High Priest raised his arms. "May the blessings of the Gods be with you and those that accompany you to the City of
the Gods. Enter in and let their spirit fill you as you take this last step in preparation to honor their names."
Johakor bowed again, then he and Cerigan stepped aside to allow the other participants to enter the temple first.
#
Dwynia ran swiftly through the dark streets of Gwewien. She reached the temple and entered as quietly as she could.
Before she could go in search of the healer, she was stopped by one of the junior priestesses.
"The temple is reserved tonight for those participating in the games," the young woman said.
"I am one of the participants," Dwynia snapped.
"That you come so late to receive the Goddesses' blessing is not a good sign, Princess," the High Priestess said, as she
walked up. "There is still space in Theliria's Chamber, which you may use."
"Thank you, but I am here to find the Healer Rigodia. It is important," Dwynia said.
"The healer is in Areani's Chamber. Cirella, please inform her that the princess wishes to see her."
The younger priestess bowed to Dwynia and the High Priestess, then hurried out of the room.
"Princess, it will be several minutes before the healer arrives, perhaps you would like to make use of the Great Mother's
meditation chamber while you wait." The High Priest drew back a gray curtain, revealing the small alcove dedicated to
Gwewien -- the Mother Goddess. Within the small room was a silver mirror mounted on the wall. Under the mirror was a
gold stand holding a single candle.
Dwynia nodded and stepped past the High Priestess into the small alcove. This room was normally reserved only for the
ranking priestesses of the temple and she wondered why Miana had offered to let her use it to wait from Rigodia.
Dwynia sat crossed-legged in front of the candle and cleared her mind as she entered a meditative trance. She felt herself
relaxing as the warmth of the meditation alcove surrounded her. The silver mirror on the wall misted then cleared with a
bright flash, flowed by several images. Most of then vanished before she could properly register what they were, but a
couple managed to stay in her mind. Images of a black star-shaped stone guarded by a dragon, of a golden alicorn rearing
before her; its wings spread wide, and of a young man with golden brown hair and dark brown eyes.
"Dwynia?"
Dwynia shook her head, clearing it of the visions. She stood slowly then stepped out of the alcove. "Here, Dia." She
nodded to the red-haired woman waiting for her.
"What's wrong? It isn't your mother, is it?" The healer stood there, twisting her hands and shifting her weight restlessly.
"No, although she did tell me to talk to you. It's Moonmist."
"Moonmist? You interrupted my mediations because of a horse!"
"Moonmist is as much a participant as I am and he needs your healer's skills," Dwynia said. The princess glanced down at
the floor. "Please," she said softly.
"Come on, let's take a look at your favorite stallion," Dia said, putting an arm around Dwynia's shoulders. "What's going
on?"
Dwynia hugged her friend tightly. "Thanks, I'll explain on the way."
#
Cerigan stepped out of the small alcove as the midnight bell rang out, ending the evening meditations. Both he and his
father had planned to evening in the Chamber of Freinnor, but the High Priest had intercepted him and guided him to the
room dedicated to the Great Father. He was contemplating the visions he had seen in the silver mirror when his father
touched him on the shoulder. Visions of several dragons; each one guarding a black star-shaped stone, of a golden alicorn
that bowed to him, and of a young woman with midnight dark hair and flashing green eyes.
"An unusual honor, Cerigan," his father said. "Perhaps, it is a sign that you are to blessed above all others in the games."
"Perhaps," Cerigan said.
"It is now time to rest, we must start early tomorrow if we are to reach the city at the appointed time. The rest of the
participants are making their way to the gathering area, we should join them."
Cerigan followed his father out of the temple to the area outside the city where the travelers would leave from at dawn.
#
Dwynia and Rigodia led the tall silver-gray stallion through the streets to the gathering area. His right front hoof was
wrapped in a shimmering cloth and his hooves rang in an odd three beat rhythm.
"Dwynia, remember, you are not to ride him during the journey to the City of the Gods. I'll check the poultice when we
camp tomorrow." Rigodia gave the princess a quick hug, then left to find where her tent had been set up.
