Young Writers Society

Everything was still as Ryan’s grip on the Gem tightened, a vein in his forehead beginning to throb. “Richard, where did you get this?” His icy green gaze never left the boy.

Both Ryan and Richard stared each other down, slowly standing up, Richard snatched the Jewel out of Ryan’s hands a light spark of yellow flashing across its surface. “It doesn’t matter. It’s no good anyway.” Quickly he placed the Jewel in his back pouch sealing it closed.

“No good?” Ryan asked, an eyebrow raised. “Richard, do you even understand what that thing is capable of doing?” He folded his arms over his chest awaiting Richard's response.

Seeing there was no point in hiding the truth any longer Richard sighed, “It’s a nuclear weapon.” he began, “I didn’t know what it was when I got it, it was only a few hours ago when Rachel and I found out what it was capable of doing,” His eyes narrow as he spoke.

“I see you haven’t read your parent's letter yet,” Ryan said calmly, the anger from before slowly fading away. “Richard that Jewel is one in a million, and it’s not just a weapon.”

Looking up with an expression full of confusion Richard asked. “What do you mean? What more could it be?”

Sighing Ryan sat back in his seat, his gaze going to the ceiling. "There isn't any way for me to explain it. Other than its a secret portal into another world of some sort. There have only been a few in history, and they are incredibly rare to come across." Resting his elbows on the table Ryan placed his chin on his crossed hands. "Richard, how did you come upon this Jewel?"

Richard knew this question was going to come up at some point, he just didn't know how he was going to respond. "It was the other day..." he began feeling cold shivers run over his body. “To cut the story short, I was down in the village, and there was a robbery at least that's what I know. So I chased the man down resulting in his death and the retrieval of the Gem."

"And you didn't return it?" a gray eyebrow twitched as Ryan listened, his green gaze always on Richard.

Richard shook his head. "I would have trust me...But there was something the man said before he died that changed my mind."

"Oh? Really?" Ryan drawled, unamused.

Continuing Richard closed the book he was reading. "He mentioned something about the king wanting the Jewel and that was why it was taken. To me, it seems like the king has men working under him in hiding gathering the pieces he needs for whatever plan he has in mind."

Standing Ryan began to pace muttering words under his breath before facing Richard enraged. "And you didn't keep him for questioning? Richard, he could have been a key piece to finding out the king's plan! You must know these things!"

Taken aback by the outburst Richard balled his hands into fists, gritting his teeth trying to keep his anger inside. “He was a harder opponent than you would think!” He tried to say calmly

“Oh yes, I’m sure.” Ryan hissed. Letting out an aged sigh he placed his hand on his forehead. “I was hoping you would have read the letter by now.”

Confused Richard waved his hands in front of him, his forehead creased. “Wait what, what does the letter have to do with any of this?”

“I’ll tell you once you read it, otherwise you won’t understand.” With that Ryan stood and walked out the room, the cold air chilled against Richard’s skin.

Not sure what to think Richard sat there staring at the door. What did the letter have to do with anything? Standing up from the table Richard gathered up all the books Mikel had given him and headed for his room.

The warm torchlight danced along the cold stone walls as Richard shadow passed, walking into his room Richard heads for the desk he had near the window. Letting out a low sigh Richard placed the bag of books on the surface leaving them there as he headed for his bed.

His mind racing he sat on the edge of the bed, the frame squeaking under his weight. Staring at the wooden chests drawers Richard couldn't help but go back to what Ryan had said. How did he know about the jewel, was there more out there? How would his parent's letter help with anything?

Running a hand through his blonde locks Richard reached for the drawer handle the metal cold to the touch, his heart pounding in his chest as Richard slowly pulled it open, inside his eyes landed on the delicately wrapped scroll. Was he ready to read what was inside? The truth about his parents, and his brother. The reason they went on the mission? So many questions flooded his mind as he picked up the paper and began to untie the smooth red string.

Slowly he edges the scroll open, the old paper crackling under his fingertips. Carefully written words met his cobalt eyes as he began to read, not sure what to expect as deep down he feared the worst.

Dear Richard,

If you’re reading this... Well, it means your father and I are no longer with you and your brother. You must be 19 by now, ha how time flies. So I guess it’s time to tell you the truth. Your father and I knew the mission we were going on would most likely take our lives or force us into deep cover…I do hope it’s the latter.

Because you and you’re brother where so young at the time, we couldn’t tell you about our mission, and what we were doing, and what it could mean for you two no matter how much it pained us, we knew it was best to keep it hidden.

But now that you’re old enough, I think it’s time I explained so that you can carry out the mission your father and I failed to.

King Gregory is a smart man, and he knows what he's doing. From our years of watching him, we think we might know his plan.

We think he wishes to be rid of the rest of the outside kingdoms, so he alone holds the power over everything. But first, he must form an army, and the tools that are needed, so he's taking young children from their family and training them at a young age. There must be much more to his plan, and why he wants to remove any threat to he’s rain, but we couldn’t find anything other than these few clues. It’s up to you and you’re brother now to stop the king, Richard. Only you can stop his plan.

Now I have a few other things to tell you that will help, something you’re father and I never managed.

There is a Gem with a strange power we’re not sure what it is, but we have a feeling the King is after it, you must find it before he does otherwise…who knows what will happen to the kingdom, another thing about this Gem is that it has multipole ability’s, I don’t know them, but if you can find it, it just might put an end to the war that is at hand.

There is another thing you must know, as I am sure you’re living with your Uncle, Ryan, so that must mean you’re in the mountains. Now listen closely Richard, your father and I had a hideout down by the coast, it’s secluded and hidden away, but if you follow my instructions I’m sure you will find it.

If you go down to Vinnara Coast you can head to the place your father and I used to take you and your brother all you have to do from there is head to the woods that outline the beach.

Once you’re in the woods, you’ll head north, and if you keep heading in that direction you’ll cross a stream and head into a riven a little way south from the river if you go street through the riven you’ll come across a cave opening in the rocks a few meters from the opening.

Inside is the notes, equipment, and clothing your father and I used on the missions, it might be useful to you.

Oh, Richard, there’s so much more I wish I could tell you, but there is only so much I can say to help, just know your father and I love you and always have, and we believe you will be the one to stop the king and bring peace to this kingdom it’s only a matter of time before he attacks and puts it into play.

You and your brother must put a stop to King Gregory's organization, otherwise, all will be lost.

I wish I could have told you this face to face, but, life tends to change your plans.

I wish you the best of luck Richard, your mother, Amanda.