Jalaby's Journey by Duane Alston

Author:Duane Alston [Alston, Duane]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2017-12-15T18:30:00+00:00

Chapter 19

“Talisbon, talk to Constanto and find out what these Screechers look like. I would like to be somewhat prepared if we run across one.” Sarah's voice was uneven due to the sword that bounced against her leg and the backpack she carried that held her crossbow, two lanterns, lantern fuel and other items. It wasn't uncomfortable yet, but Sarah knew later its weight would slow her down.

“OK, I'll see what I can do, but he's calm now so I hate to stir him up,” Talisbon then began to talk to Constanto.

“He said they look like a shadow; they have dark coloring except for their yellow eyes. Their bodies are proportional to humans in many respects but they have a large reptilian head with a massive set of teeth below a hooked beak. They are also bird-like in that they have feathers, wings and talons.” Constanto began talking again and then Talisbon continued. “He says he saw a dead one once in the daylight and that is why he can be so detailed.”

“OK, reassure him again and let's get the lanterns out, it's getting dark.” Sarah quickly got one of her lanterns lit and it seemed to immediately cheer up Constanto, because he jumped up and down doing a little dance.

“OK he's happy, let's move it, we need to get it and get back before Jalaby gets worse.” Sarah brushed back her hair and motioned Constanto to lead the way, which he did.

It was dark and what little light the lanterns provided, showed that the forest and road had changed very little. The lantern's yellow light dimly lit the road and cast a slight glow to either side, creating their shadows that danced on the trees that lined the road. Suddenly a screech that seemed more akin to a scream, filled the air and they froze.

“I take it that was a Screecher,” Sarah stated calmly and Talisbon just grunted in reply. Constanto on the other hand bolted and before either Talisbon or Sarah could react, he was nowhere to be seen.

“Oh no!” Sarah's voice took on all the despair she was feeling. “Talisbon did you get anything else out of him before he left. Which direction to go? Anything?”

“The only thing he said was that an unusual tree marked the turnoff. It was the shape of a horse's head, but after that, I don't know.” Talisbon held the lantern high as if trying to look as far down the road as possible. “I am profoundly disappointed, I really thought he would stick by us. That Screecher must have really unnerved him.”

“It didn't help my nerves either. Well let's keep going, perhaps we can find the turnoff and hope that Constanto finds the courage to come back,” but as Sarah finished, Constanto appeared before them and after a split second of confusion, Sarah knew he had been there all along. Using his special ability, he had blended into the surroundings such that they could no longer see him. He began to talk quietly to Talisbon.

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