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    These Are Not the Stones You're Looking For
    These Are Not the Stones You're Looking For
    These Are Not the Stones You're Looking For
    Ebook327 pages4 hours

    These Are Not the Stones You're Looking For

    By Jeffrey Poole

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    About this ebook

    Steve and Sarah Miller—along with an American paleontologist, a couple of dwarves, a wizard, a dragon, and a gigantic bug—have set out on the quest of all time, and it’s a race against an enemy they have encountered before. The invading pirates of Perz and their ruthless Captain Flinn, have already stolen from the dragons and pilfered treasure from the subterranean dwarf cities. Now they are determined to find the second of the powerful Alchos Stones, and the Millers and their team must stop them.

    The search leads to an overgrown pyramid-shaped stone temple in heavy forest, where they must first find their way inside, and then unravel a series of clues through various levels to collect the coveted stone. But they discover that’s only the first step. The pirates aren’t far behind, and the inevitable clash will get really ugly. Will Steve and Sarah manage to retrieve the important stones, and will they finally chase the pirates out of Lentari for good?

    Newly edited and re-released!

    * * *

    Praise for Jeffrey Poole’s epic fantasy novels:
    “I loved this book. It had so much imagination to it. Great for young and old.” - D. Estrada

    “There's adventure & a little humor and all the characters are just right. “ - Happy2Day

    “I especially liked that this story revolved around a husband and wife team, rather than being the typical “hero's journey” of an adolescent boy.” - M.L., 5 star review

    “... plenty of action, adventure, and romance, but is harmless enough for pre-teens to read; it is a well-told tale.” – 5 stars on Amazon

    “If you love wizards, dragons, griffins & such, you have got to read the Bakkian Chronicles!” – 5 stars online review

    LanguageEnglish
    PublisherColumbine Publishing Group, LLC
    Release dateApr 16, 2024
    ISBN9781649141781
    These Are Not the Stones You're Looking For
    Author

    Jeffrey Poole

    Jeffrey M. Poole is a best-selling author who specializes in writing light-hearted cozy mystery and epic fantasy stories with a healthy dose of humor thrown in. He began as an indie author in 2010, but now has all 30+ of his titles traditionally published. Jeffrey lives in picturesque southwestern Oregon with his wife, Giliane, and their Welsh Corgi, Kinsey.Jeff's interests include archery, astronomy, archaeology, scuba diving, collecting movies, collecting swords, playing retro video games, and tinkering with any electronic gadget he can get his hands on.Proud active member of:MWA - Mystery Writers of AmericaSFWA - Science Fiction & Fantasy Writers AssociationPublisher: Secret Staircase Books, imprint of Columbine Publishing GroupMMPB Publisher: Worldwide Mystery HarlequinSeries:Corgi Case Files – cozy mysteryBakkian Chronicles, Tales of Lentari, Dragons of Andela – epic fantasyOfficial website: www.AuthorJMPoole.comFacebook: www.facebook.com/bakkianchronicles

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      Book preview

      These Are Not the Stones You're Looking For - Jeffrey Poole

      These are Not the Stones

      You’re Looking For

      Tales of Lentari, Book 9

      By

      Jeffrey M. Poole

      www.AuthorJMPoole.com

      Sign up for Jeffrey’s newsletter to get all the latest Lentari news—

      Click here AuthorJMPoole.com

      Table of Contents

      Chapter One—On Your Marks

      Chapter Two—Tables Have Turned

      Chapter Three—Temple Trial

      Chapter Four—Pain in the Temple

      Chapter Five—Trouble in Paradise

      Chapter Six—An Unholy Union

      Chapter Seven—Shealk Surprise

      Chapter Eight—Fighting Fire With Fire

      Chapter Nine—The Second Temple

      Chapter Ten—An Ancient Surprise

      Chapter Eleven—Perils of Piracy

      Chapter Twelve—The Key is the Key

      Chapter Thirteen—Dragon Riders

      Chapter Fourteen—Aeia’s Temple

      Chapter Fifteen—Divine Humor

      Chapter Sixteen—Elemental Battle

      Epilogue

      Author’s Note

      For Giliane —

      Insert supremely heartfelt dedication here.

      J.

      Acknowledgments

      Thank you to my wonderful wife of 20 years, Giliane. She has demonstrated over and over that I am the luckiest man on the Earth to be able to have her by my side. Thank you for all you do, babe. Always & forever!

      Thank you, all Posse members, who helped me out with this book. If it wasn’t for you guys & gals, then I would most definitely look—and sound—like an author. Jason H., Wendy E., Louise Weezie C., Carol M., Caryl N., Elizabeth D., Michelle Mefe E., Sharon R., and Diane mom. Also, Secret Staircase Books beta readers: Sandra Anderson, Susan Gross, and Paula Webb—you guys are the best! I’d also like to thank one of the fans, Rick P., for suggesting a name for me to use: Calibran. Thanks, Rick!

      Finally, thanks have to be given to you, the reader. By purchasing this book, you have helped support an author, and that means the world to me!

      Okay, without further ado, let’s find out what those pirates have been doing!

      J.

      Chapter 1 — On Your Marks…

      What was he like? a powerful female voice asked, disrupting the silence that the two of them had been enjoying for nearly an hour. "You must tell me!"

      "I have already told you, an exasperated male voice answered. Several times. Yes, I met him. Yes, I talked to him, and yes, I’ve spent a little time with him, but it’s not like we’re best buds or anything. I really don’t know that much about him."

      You’ve been to his sacred isle, haven’t you? the female voice accused. Admit it!

      You know I have, Pryllan. I really didn’t have much of a say about it. One minute we were on the ground, and one snap of the fingers later, we were thousands of feet up in the air.

      What was it like? Pryllan softly asked. Many of us have dreamed of visiting Astral.

      Steve Miller, resident of Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, glanced up at the distant head of his wyverian friend and smiled. Pryllan, an enormous emerald-green dragon, and mate to Kahvel, ruler of all dragons, had to be his closest friend in Lentari.

      Are you sure you shouldn’t be back in your nest? Steve hesitantly asked. "Don’t get me wrong, I am grateful you’re here. However, you’re a new mother, and…"

      Steve trailed off as Pryllan’s long, reptilian neck bent completely around until she was regarding him with a stern look.

      As I have previously said, the green dragon calmly began, Pylaria’s welfare is now in the capable hands of her guardian. You need not fear for her safety.

      The female zweigelan, Steve recalled, remembering how the two-headed dragon had volunteered to watch over the dragonlet not that long ago.

      Pryllan nodded. Precisely. I do not believe either Lamira or Yamira will admit it, but they have grown quite fond of little Pylaria.

      That’s definitely good to hear.

      How much longer do you wish to search? the dragon inquired.

      As long as it takes, Steve vowed. That temple is out there. We just have to find it.

      We have been flying over this area for close to three hours now, Pryllan reminded him. We are no closer to finding it than when we started.

      Steve shook his head. "True. However, we can’t give up. I saw the map. That diamond key we found purposely moved to a spot up here, in the forest. That means it knows the location of the temple. We’re in the right area, Pryllan. We have to be!"

      Then why aren’t we seeing it? Pryllan countered. I can understand why you might have missed the temple, with your inferior vision, but my…

      My inferior vision? Steve interrupted, with a laugh. Thanks, pal. My visual abilities might not be as sharp, or as pronounced as yours, but I still scored a 20/20 on my last eye exam, thank you very much.

      I do not know what that means, Pryllan admitted, as she dipped her left wing. Once they were flying in the opposite direction, dragon and rider leveled off and dropped even lower. I assume it means your eyesight is considered adequate among other humans of your advanced age?

      Age jokes, Steve groaned. Not you, too. Have you been talking to Sarah?

      Pryllan chuckled, but remained silent. Steve gazed down at the passing treetops and sighed. From this height, Anakash Forest resembled nothing more than a rolling sea of green, endlessly stretching away in all directions. It was no wonder they hadn’t found the temple yet, even though the key had indicated it was in the area.

      Why are you feeling so depressed? his wyverian friend asked, as they reached their unspoken boundary and had turned for another pass. You haven’t given up hope, have you?

      What do you think? Steve grumbled. It seems clear to me that we’re not going to spot this temple from the air. For all we know, the pirates have found it first.

      You don’t even know if Captain Windbag knows of the location, Pryllan soothingly told him.

      Steve snorted with laughter. It didn’t matter how many times he heard it. If someone else referred to Captain Flinn of the pirate ship Emberbrand by any other name, and especially if they used Captain Windbag, Steve would indubitably end up snickering like a schoolboy.

      We are getting nowhere, Pryllan reported, as they passed over a section of forest that was identical to the dozens of other areas they had already checked. Perhaps we have drifted away from our course? Could you refresh my memory and indicate where we should be?

      Steve craned his neck to look up at Pryllan’s distant head. Prithee, how shall I accomplish that task, my scaly friend? It’s not like I have instant recall and can bring up an image of that map again.

      A series of images began flipping through Steve’s mind, causing him to gasp out loud. The images were appearing and disappearing in his mind, like a slideshow going way too fast. Suddenly, an image of the map and the griffin key appeared and remained in place, a memory from nearly three hours ago after the discovery of the temple key.

      The image expanded and focused on the griffin marker the moment Sarah had placed it on the map. The scene shifted, allowing the diamond griffin to remain centered in the image. As soon as the marker stopped, the image zoomed out to show the entire map of Lentari.

      We are in the correct place, Pryllan announced. It should…

      Would you mind giving me a warning before you do something like that? Steve grumped. It’s freakin’ weird how you can manipulate my own thoughts and memories like that.

      Were you not aware we were sharing senses? Pryllan asked, confused.

      Well, yeah, but…

      Have you not previously asked me to search your senses when we are seeking a specific memory?

      Well, when you put it like that…

      And did we not just obtain the information we needed?

      Well yeah, but…

      Then why are you complaining? Pryllan inquired, matter-of-factly.

      Steve waved a hand dismissively. All right. Forget about that for now. You saw the memory of me looking at the map. We’re in the right area? Well, what do we do? Can’t your spectacularly superior eyesight penetrate that canopy to see what’s on the ground below?

      It can, but in order to be of any help, our velocity must be much slower, the dragon reported.

      Fine. So we’ll go slower.

      May I propose another solution?

      I’m all ears, Pryllan.

      That’s a strange expression, the dragon admitted, as she gave the approximation of a shrug. Can you imagine what a human comprised of nothing but ears would look like?

      Steve groaned. It’s only an expression. It means…

      I know what it means, Pryllan interrupted, good-naturedly. What I was going to suggest is that we abandon our efforts to locate the temple from the air and, instead, approach from the ground.

      Steve leaned out over Pryllan’s side and gazed down. Ground? What ground? How can you even think about landing on the ground when we can’t even see it? Maybe if we… what are you doing? Pryllan, don’t even think it! There’s no way you can … holy crap! Watch out!!

      Pryllan had tucked her wings and dropped like a rock, propelling them toward the ground at a frightening rate. Steve cringed and crossed his arms over his face in a feeble attempt to avoid injury. There was a brief moment where branches and tree limbs scratched at his arms, drawing a few choice expletives. Almost immediately, they came to an abrupt stop, so abrupt, in fact, that Steve flew off Pryllan’s back. A huge, scaled hand plucked him from the air.

      Steve rolled onto his back and grinned up at his benefactor. Nice catch. Man alive, that would’ve hurt.

      My apologies. I hadn’t realized the extent to which you had fallen out of practice. With regard to riding a dragon, that is.

      Steve’s grin melted into a frown. I don’t get a lot of practice back home, all right? It’s not like there’s a steady supply of dragons living nearby. Okay, we’re on the ground. Look around, Pryllan. How are you going to be able to navigate through this forest? You’re much too big.

      Pryllan leaned forward and dropped to all fours. Belying her massive size, the emerald dragon gracefully threaded her way, reminiscent of a lizard slithering through the jungle. He should have taken her flexibility into consideration.

      Yes, you should have.

      Would you stop that? We’re not flying anymore, so there’s no need for you to be in my head.

      Pryllan chuckled again and moved off. Bemused, and still shaking his head, Steve followed.

      That’s impressive, Steve commented. It almost reminds me of how the creeg dig their tunnels.

      Pryllan paused to work her way around a clump of trees growing too close together. Oh? How so, if you don’t mind me asking?

      They moved like snakes when they were digging, Steve replied, stepping up beside his wyverian friend. Somehow, their physiology allows them to move forward without using their legs.

      It’s called rectilinear locomotion, Pryllan informed him, as she returned her attention to what lay before her. Or, more specifically, it’s a variant of it.

      Okay, would you care to explain just what that is? Steve asked, as he began following her once more. Pretend I don’t have a clue what recto…

      Rectilinear, Pryllan corrected. It’s a type of locomotion that… you are familiar with ‘locomotion’?

      Steve’s face colored slightly. Yes.

      Excellent. Rectilinear locomotion is one of the slowest methods of locomotion. It…

      Beg to differ, Steve cut in. If you’re talking about those creeg, then I’ve seen those guys dig. First hand. They can tunnel through solid rock faster than any creature can move.

      You didn’t let me finish, Pryllan scolded. I said it’s one of the slowest forms of locomotion, but the creeg developed a variant of it which allows them to move at extreme velocity.

      That’s cool, Steve decided.

      Would you like me to expand on its definition?

      Is it that obvious that I still don’t know what it is?

      Pryllan lifted herself a little higher off the ground, pointed at a series of larger scales along her belly, and turned to Steve. Do you see these scales? Do you see how they’re larger than the others? There is a row of them here and another here.

      Steve stepped close and stared at Pryllan’s abdomen. Okay. I can see some scales which look a little bigger than the others.

      Pryllan nodded. Good. Now, if I so choose, I can use these as a means of locomotion. Each of these scales are alternately lifted slightly from the ground, and then pulled forward. Those scales are then pulled downward and then backward. Since the scales stick to the ground, my body is actually pulled over them. Once I’ve moved far enough forward to stretch the scales, the cycle repeats.

      Impressed, Steve nodded. Really? I had no idea you dragons had that much control over your individual scales. I… hey, wait a moment. Are you telling me you can also move along the ground like the creeg?

      Pryllan shrugged. If you’re asking whether or not we’re limited to our legs or wings, then the answer is no. We’re not.

      You dragons are cool as hell, Steve murmured. You learn something new each day.

      Pryllan chuckled. I don’t. We dragons know everything we need to at an early age. For those rare occasions that we need help, we rely on the Collective.

      We’re getting nowhere down here, Steve complained. Could you ask your Collective and see if anyone has ever spotted something that resembles a temple in this area?

      Pryllan was silent for a few moments.

      An intriguing notion. I will inquire.

      It’d be my luck that someone will know where it is, Steve grumbled softly to himself. I can hear them now: ‘What do you mean you can’t find it? You’re blind as a bat. It’s right in front of you. Why didn’t you ask me earlier?’ I’ll never live this down, Pryllan.

      In our defense, the dragon smoothly began, none of my brethren have ever searched for this temple. Besides, we would never belittle a human because of their inferior eyesight.

      Oh, the belittling would be coming from Sarah, not you guys, Steve wryly corrected.

      Ah. I… Very well. I thought as much.

      What? Steve asked. What’s going on?

      I have received a reply from the Collective. No one has encountered this temple before. The precise location remains unknown.

      Well, that makes me feel better, Steve admitted. A little. Listen, is there any way you can telepathically link Sarah’s mind to mine right now?

      You know I can. I’ve done it before.

      Steve took several calming breaths. Sorry. Poor choice of words. Will you? Will you join us together so I can talk to her?

      Of course. One moment, please.

      Just like that, Sarah’s voice could be heard in his head.

      There’s no way Steve is going to go along with this, Sarah was thinking.

      There’s no way I’m going to go along with what? Anyway, is there any way you could join us? I’m pretty sure Pryllan and I are just going around in circles. I’m hoping you might be able to work your magic and see if you can find this place any easier than us.

      What is it you think I’ll be able to do?

      Steve laughed, but forgot that Sarah wouldn’t be able to hear him, Oh, please. You’re always telling me that your eyesight is better than mine.

      You have a point.

      Snot. I was kidding.

      But I’m not. Very well. Let me make sure Emily is okay and… wait. How am I supposed to find you?

      Get Gareth to help you. He was able to land on Pryllan’s back when she was airborne, so I figure locating an immobile dragon should be a lot easier.

      Okay, I’ll be there as soon as I can.

      She’s on her way, Steve told the dragon. You can disconnect us now.

      Done, Pryllan reported. How long before she’ll be able to…

      Gareth and Sarah appeared on Pryllan’s back, in the exact same place the young wizard had appeared several days prior. Steve waved to her from the ground and waited for Sarah and Gareth to join him. Once they were standing beside him, Steve gave his wife a hug.

      It’s good to see you, Steve told her. I’m hoping you can help us out. Gareth, thanks for bringing her.

      The acolyte wizard nodded. You’re welcome. Are you sure you don’t want to try taking Deez to your world? I’m sure your little griffin could use a playmate.

      Emerion has a playmate, Steve replied. And we call her ‘Peanut’. Thanks, but no thanks. You’re not pawning your problems off on us, amigo. Besides, Deez wouldn’t want to be separated from you. Like it or not, you’re stuck with him.

      Gareth sullenly nodded. You’re probably right. Can I help? I might be able to…

      Sarah was already shaking her head. Oh, no you don’t. Remember what you promised me. You’re looking after Emily, remember? She’s a visitor to this land and we cannot let anything happen to her. Besides, Deez will be missing you.

      Gareth smiled sheepishly, shrugged. and vanished.

      What I wouldn’t give to have that kind of power at my disposal, Steve quietly whispered.

      No, you wouldn’t, Sarah contradicted. With that much power comes a whole heap of responsibility, and let’s face it, that’s the last thing you need right now.

      Surprised, Steve turned to his wife. Are you saying I wouldn’t be able to handle the responsibility of being a wizard?

      Sarah smiled and raised an eyebrow.

      Steve sighed. Okay, fine. Maybe you’re right. So, do you think you might be able to help us out and find this damn temple? Pryllan and I are pretty certain we’ve been flying in circles.

      What would you like me to do? Sarah asked. You’ve been doing the searching. What will I be able to do that you two haven’t?

      We wonder whether your jhorun might be able to locate the temple faster than we can search.

      My jhorun? I’ve never been to this temple before.

      True, Steve acknowledged, nodding, but you might be able to wiggle your nose and find it for us.

      Sarah put her hands on her hips and frowned. "For the last time, I don’t wiggle my nose. But, I suppose it couldn’t hurt to try to see if I can get a vision. Just don’t get your hopes up, okay?"

      Steve and Pryllan anxiously watched Sarah close her eyes. Steve shared a look with the dragon and grinned. If anyone could do the impossible, it’d be Sarah. Hadn’t she been able to visualize locations without having stepped foot on them before? Steve could only hope his wife would be able to do the same once more. However, after only a few seconds, Sarah’s eyes opened and she frowned.

      Hmm.

      What’s the matter? Steve asked, as he hurried to her side. Everything okay? Do you see anything?

      Nothing. Let me try that again.

      Sarah’s eyes closed, but less than three seconds later, they opened. Her frown quickly escalated into a full-fledged scowl.

      Okay, what’s wrong? Steve asked. Clearly, something isn’t going the way you’d like.

      Every time I close my eyes, and ask my jhorun for a picture of this temple, my eyes open. It’s like I’m not allowed to see the image. Why would that be?

      Steve shrugged helplessly. I should’ve known there’d be enchantments on it, which would prevent its location from being revealed.

      This time, Pryllan grunted.

      What? Steve asked.

      I have a theory.

      Sarah gratefully smiled. Good. Let’s hear it.

      Pryllan took a few steps forward, stretched a scaly foreleg out in front of her, and pointed. The reason Sarah is unable to get a vision is that there is no need to. I do believe it is less than a hundred feet from our present location.

      Steve’s eyes shot open. What? Seriously? I don’t see anything.

      I don’t either, Sarah admitted.

      Steve grinned victoriously. "I knew we were in the right area."

      No, you didn’t, Sarah said.

      No, you didn’t, Pryllan echoed.

      So, where is it? Steve anxiously asked.

      Just at the top of that ridge.

      I still don’t see anything.

      Pryllan sighed and nimbly navigated her way through a clump of trees. They followed. Pryllan turned to point straight ahead. Steve looked in every direction.

      Okay, so, I’m clearly blind as a bat. Where is it?

      Sarah was silent as she studied the hill directly in their path. Oh! I see it now! It’s right over there. Do you see the hill?

      The one directly in front of us? You’re telling me that’s the temple? No way.

      What lay before the three of them resembled nothing more than a pyramid-shaped hill that had been reclaimed by the forest. With broken slabs of stone here and there, it didn’t come close to what Steve had imagined. No wonder they hadn’t found it. There was nothing left!

      It’s a mess! There’s nothing there that resembles a temple.

      You aren’t looking past the obvious, the dragon accused. Look beyond the vegetation. Look beyond the neglect and disrepair of the structure. What do you see?

      A big green hill with a few broken rocks, Steve reported. I don’t think that’s it, Pryllan.

      It’s there, Sarah exclaimed. That’s why my eyes kept opening after I tried to get a vision. My jhorun was telling me that the temple was in front of my face the entire time! Granted, I will admit it doesn’t look like much. Clearly the reason this place hasn’t been found is because it’s been completely neglected.

      Pryllan strode forward until she was standing before the base of the hill. Then, she leaned forward and sank one of her talons deep into the turf, bringing up an enormous chunk of earth, complete with shrubs, grass, and roots. She made a second swipe, this time coming up with an even bigger chunk of earth. Visible beneath the thick layer of vegetative material were portions of a stacked stone wall.

      It was the temple, the place the map had shown where the second of the Alchos Stones awaited!

      I never would have found it, Steve quietly admitted. I never knew plants and trees could completely grow over a building like that.

      Maybe an Ancient had something to do with its disguise, Sarah guessed. You’re right. Do you see how thick those roots are? If Pryllan wasn’t here, we’d be spending the better part of a day just to see this much.

      No wonder no one has found it, Steve mused.

      You two look for a door, Sarah instructed. I’m going to fetch the gang.

      Steve nodded. We’ll do our best.

      By the time Sarah had returned with Breslin, Athos, Gareth, Deez, and Emily, Pryllan and Steve had managed to clear a section nearly forty feet long and at least half that high. The architecture of the building was definitely appearing pyramidal in shape, but thus far, no entrance had been found.

      Would you look at that? Emily excitedly exclaimed, as soon as she pulled her hand off of Sarah’s. It looks Mayan!

      How can you tell? Steve asked, perplexed. He gestured at the torn strip of earth. Look at this. All we see are stones.

      The paleontologist walked over and pointed at the closest one. "Look at this. Do you see how large it is? Just as with the pyramids of Egypt, each consecutive layer sits back nearly two feet and rises by at least four. But, I will say that this temple appears smaller than what the Mayans built.

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