JC1: Sinner’s Ruby

Langlo: “Exactly, my friend. When we get this we could sell it and we won’t ever have to steal again. So what do you say are you in?”

Tiber: “…I’m in.”

Around this time, Gideon had gotten approval from the local blacksmith to work in his shop. It took Gideon a month to earn enough money to buy proper clothing and a sword. His clothes were now different from Shavron’s native dress. He wore a dark blue long sleeved shirt and over the shirt he had padded armor, the cheapest he could find. He also wore gauntlets because he figured he would do some heavy fighting once he entered Shavron. The most appealing thing about Gideon’s wardrobe was the new sword that he carried. It was broad and longer than his old sword, but it was easy to handle. The blade was not pointed; it had a flat, rounded edge. He even had the blacksmith engrave it for him:

The wisdom of God has led my way. Every step is a step ordained.

At last, Gideon was ready to return to Shavron. He talked to Langlo and gave him money for the time he stayed in his home. Langlo did not refuse and took the money without haste.

Gideon: “It’s very late and I was wondering if I could stay one more night before I make my way back?”

Langlo crossed his arms; Tiber gave him a stern look.

Tiber: “One more night.”

After a few hours of conversation, all three turned in at the end of the day. Gideon had more trouble sleeping than usual. Something was tugging at him or to better put it, calling him. Gideon woke up; but he saw nothing, yet a voice as calm as the wind called his name from outside. The rabbit took his sword and went outside following the sound. He ended up in a small part of the woods, not too far from Langlo’s hut.

Gideon knew he was in the presence of the Holy One. He placed his sword in the ground and knelt down in reverence.

Gideon: “I thank you for freeing me from the prison. God, I also thank you for being with me in those times. I have prepared myself to return to Shavron to stop Jezerah and to reclaim Shavron for your glory. I’ll be on my way this morning.”

HolyOne: “I have created you well, but my will for you is to stay here. Follow your friend Tiber to the Saragonian Temple. Do not look sad. I did not ease Jezerah’s heart just to send you to prison, but to save Shavron. Follow Tiber and stay with him.”

Gideon: “But will I ever see Shavron again? And what is this Saragonian Temple? I don’t understand.”

HolyOne: “Trust me and go.”

The next day Langlo was caught by a surprise.

Langlo: “You’re not leaving! But you said only one more day. You’re staying in my house again.”

Gideon: “I don’t plan on it. I’m going with Tiber to the Saragonian Temple.”

Langlo pulled Tiber to the side.

Langlo: “Did you tell him about this? It was between us two.”

Tiber: “I didn’t tell him.”

Langlo: “Well, Gideon, since you know I might as well tell you what we’re planning. There is a treasure in that temple. We’ll make a fortune if we get our hands on it.”

Gideon: “Stealing again?”

Langlo: “Yeah and what’s it to ya? No one is using it and its just sitting there. Besides, a moral creature like yourself would be in the way with all your: don’t do this and don’t do that.”

Gideon: “Langlo, be quiet.”

Langlo walked away saying a few unseemly words under his breath. Gideon paid him no attention and went to pack for the journey. The squirrel pulled out a map and the two rabbits gathered around him.

Tiber: “So how far is it to the temple?”

Langlo: “About five hundred miles,” he said pulling the map away from Gideon’s sight.

Tiber: “It’ll take us forever to get there.”

Langlo: “Don’t worry your pal Langlo is wiser than you think. We’ll take the ropeway. It will get us half way there.”

Tiber: “What’s the ropeway?”

Langlo: “Something that was built while you were gone. The ropeway gives creatures’ better transportation across the land. It will make crossing hundreds of miles effortless.”

The three made their way to the ropeway. Langlo estimated that they would need to take three carriages to get to their destination. The ropeway was busy and it was an amazement when the hare saw it. There were different levels of carriers that would take a passenger to a specific area. The lower level, which glided near the ground, was the cheapest to rent. The upper level, which soared high in the sky, was the most expensive. There were six levels in all. The carriers were attacked to ropes and the passenger would have to pedal to the next station. Tiber thought it would be best to take the upper level in order to follow the map. But Langlo said he did have the money for it and suggested the third level, Gideon agreed. After climbing a host of stairs, they paid their toll and were off. The ride was slow at first. Langlo insisted that Tiber speed up. Gradually, the carriage picked up speed.

The carriage flew through the air. Gideon could not contain his excitement. He was looking at all the carriages flying by him a high speeds; some came so close that he thought they would crash into them.

Gideon: “Aren’t there any safety device along this track?”

Langlo: “Safety? You pedal as fast as you can and everything else will take care of itself.”

Faster and faster they went. Finally, up ahead, was the next station.

Langlo: “Slow it down. Hit the brakes.”

Tiber pulled back on the lever. The carriage slowed down, but not as much as it should have.

Langlo: “We’re still coming in too fast. Hit the brakes!”

Tiber: “I am…oh no…brace yourselves!”

The carriage came to an abrupt stop, tossing everyone out. They were a little shaken but no one was hurt. The second and third stations were just as enjoyable as the first, minus the terrifying speed. Traveling over rivers, lakes, forest, and hillsides were a sightseer’s delight. Finally, they made it to the half way point.

Langlo: “We covered a lot in one day. We’ll travel a mile and set up camp. Tiber, can you feel it? I can almost see myself holding that ruby right now. Come, let us go on.”

Setting up camp was difficult. Langlo was bossy and Tiber couldn’t start a fire. Gideon found himself doing most of the work, which agitated him. Dinner was the only thing enjoyable that night. Gideon was still wondering why he was on this wild goose chase for treasure. The Holy One knew that he had no use for such things, but there was one thing Gideon would not do, and that was to say that the Lord made an error in judgment. It rained that night and all three were soaked to the bone. Unfortunately no one brought any change of clothing, so they had to deal with what they had. Throughout the day the party of three got lost, they ended up back at the campsite.

Tiber: “Let me see the map. All we have to do is find the great tree, here, and it’s a straight shot to Saragose.”

Tiber’s sense of direction wasn’t any better. They ended up only traveling ten miles in half a day. The trio continued, but Langlo complained about his feet and they rested for a few minutes. Daylight was beginning to pass by and the great tree was no where in sight.

Gideon took the map to investigate.

Gideon: “It should be here.”

Langlo: “I don’t see it.”

Gideon and Tiber sat down with Langlo. They had some fruit and water.

Gideon: “So what is this ruby you’re looking for?”

Tiber: “Its one of the last true treasures of this world.”

Gideon: “If this treasure is so precious there may be traps set when you get there.”

Langlo: “Possibly, but nothing is going to stop me…I mean us from taking it.”

Tiber was looking around as Gideon and Langlo continue to discuss the treasure. He noticed something odd about what they were sitting on.

Tiber: “Hey do you notice something about this base we’re sitting on?”

Langlo: “It’s just a mole hill.”

Tiber: “But mole hills are not this circular or large in size. Help me tear away this moss.”

As they got to work, a funny thing happened. The moss exposed the texture of a tree stump. They uncovered a third of the base until they were sure that they had been sitting on the great tree all that time.

Langlo: “This is good. We are going in the right direction after all. Now we have to cross the plains, and then Saragose! Come, hurry!”

Gideon: “Hold on, it’s all ready night. Let’s sleep. The treasure isn’t going anywhere.”

The squirrel was reluctant to agree. He disliked Gideon’s company the moment he laid eyes on him. He also was beginning to see a change in Tiber as well. Tiber had a happier demeanor than his somber attitude of past years, and Langlo wanted nothing to do with it. As he laid down to sleep, he said to himself: “Shame that Tiber, he turning soft on me. That Gideon has spoiled him, a crying shame.” That night the squirrel made up his mind to take the treasure for himself, but of course he had this in mind from the beginning.

The next day was cloudy and all three were sore from sleeping on the tree trunk. They made their way beyond the forest and across the open plains. It was an easy walk and the fresh air put a new life into their bodies.

Tiber: “You know I was thinking…who could have cut down such a great tree?”

Gideon: “I’m not sure, but all that wood could easily make a few homes if not more.”

Langlo: “Will you two keep up!” he said snapping at them, “The tree is not the purpose; it is the ruby. So if you please, less chattering and more walking!”

They continued to walk. The green grass was becoming brown and scarce as they drew closer to their destination. The ground itself was no longer the rich color of brown; it had turned to a sickly gray that put fear into the creatures’ hearts. Langlo shook off his emotions and stepped forward. Gideon and Tiber did not move.

Langlo: “What’s wrong with you two? Tiber, come on!”

Tiber: “Hey, something’s not right about this.”

Langlo: “There’s nothing wrong. Stop being a wimp and let’s go. The treasure is so close.”

Tiber went with Langlo. Gideon was still looking at the ground.

Langlo: “Whenever you get the courage, Gideon, we’ll be waiting for you in the temple.”

Gideon wanted to say something, but held his tongue. The rabbit followed a few pace behind. The gates, that were once strong pillars, were now in ruins. As they passed through the gates everything was the same color of the ground. The buildings, the streets; everything was a sickly gray.

Langlo: “This must be the capital city. Shame what happened to the citizens here.

Tiber was shaken by Langlo’s words.

Tiber: “What are you talking about?”

Langlo: “Didn’t I tell you? Sorry. I found out that Saragose was once a great civilization. It was the center of trade for all nations.

Gideon: “Greater than Shavron?”

Langlo: “I’m sure it is,” he said dismissing Gideon’s comment, “Anyway, rulers came and went until one of them had an idea. Why not conquer other countries. I was a grand idea and they did it. Murdering, plundering, and all sorts of foul deeds proceeded. The nation became the greatest country of them all.”

Gideon: “I wouldn’t call murdering and plundering great.”

Langlo: “Can I finish my story or not?”

Gideon: “Go ahead.”

Langlo: “But like all good things, it came to an end. I heard that a great power turned the creatures of Saragose into dust, leaving no trace of their kind. Some say the power was of nature others believe it was of God, but I really don’t care, it’s the ruby that matters.

Tiber: “So how does the ruby fit into all of this?”

Langlo: “It doesn’t fit at all. It’s just a treasure of Saragose. The country was full of them, but throughout the years thieves have taken what they could… it’s our turn now. We’re very close, my friend, very close.”

Inside the temple there were two large statues of two kings positioned at the back wall. In between them was a podium the once a held a great treasure.

Gideon: “Looks like someone got here before you two. I guess this is over.”

Langlo: “Not by a long shot. The ruby isn’t up here. We have to go down to find it.”

Tiber: “What do you mean?”

Langlo pointed at the floor. The entire floor of the temple was comprised of hundreds of tiles; each had a faded fresco painted on them. Langlo reached into his bag and pulled out a hand full of scrolls. He quickly searched through them until he found what he was looking for.

Langlo: “Look at this picture. One of these tiles has this picture on it. When we find it we’ll find a trap door that will lead underground.”

The picture was of a half moon with three stars positioned around it like a triangle, but there was one problem: all the tiles looked that way.

Langlo: “Remember, these stars are painted differently than the others.”

Tiber and Langlo franticly looked for the pattern. It took sometime, but Tiber found it.

Langlo: “Gideon, use your sword to pry the door open.”

Gideon took out his sword and began to dig into the crack. The door was opened. A rusty ladder provided means to get into the hole. Langlo went first, followed by Tiber and Gideon. It was darker in the underground passage. Once there eyes adjusted to the dark, they could see that there were three ways to go.

Gideon: “Straight is always the best way.”

Langlo: “According to my research we should go to the left.”

Tiber: “Your sense of direction isn’t one of your strengths, we go right.”

After Langlo insisted that his research was accurate, the group went to the left. The left passage led to a door. All three pulled on it, but it did not budge. They tried to push it and the door slowly came open. The room contained no special treasure. What they found was a room filled with strange tools and knives. There was also a large statue that held a platform in its stone hands. Upon seeing it, Gideon noticed that it was an idol of sacrifice; he had seen a similar one before in his past adventures.

Gideon: “This is a room of sacrifice. There is no doubt that the Saragonians killed their own to this idol.”

Langlo: “Really. If that’s true then some of this stuff is worth some money. Tiber, hand me that pretty knife over there.”

They left the room and went down the straight passage way. The passage ended at a stairwell that went deeper into the temple. All three took a deep breath and went down. The stairwell descended into the darkness until gradually a spectrum of crimson light emerged. At the bottom of the stairwell, the crimson light was intense. The three proceed to the opening from whence the light came. The light came from a large door that looked to have been chewed away by something. Langlo, Tiber, and Gideon stood out from the entrance.

Langlo: “The treasure is in there!”

Before another word was spoken, Langlo ran into the room. The squirrel was stupefied as he stood in place like a zombie. The two rabbits ran in to see an overwhelming sight: Right before them was the treasure. The crimson radiance flowed through the entire room, but it wasn’t the only thing there. Strange insects surrounded the treasure; there were hundreds of them piled upon one other.

Tiber: “What are those things?”

Gideon: “Looks like overgrown centipedes. This could be a trap.”

Langlo: “Maybe, but I didn’t come this far to be stopped by some insects. They don’t even look real. The Saragonians must have made them to scare intruders off. It’s a weak attempt if you ask me.”

In actuality, the centipedes were real. They had come to nest under the temple a year ago. The cool dark underground was perfect for breeding. Hundreds of eggs were laid and hatched; the offspring were in hibernation…at least for the moment.

Tiber: “Are they alive?”

Langlo: “I said they weren’t. I’m going for the ruby.”

Tiber: “No, it’s my turn. I got the best hands in the business.”

Gideon: “Tiber, don’t.”

Langlo: “Leave him alone, Gideon, you’re not his father. Now remember, Tiber, don’t hesitate. Grab and go as I always say.”

Tiber approached the ruby warily. He tried not to step on any to the centipedes around him; however, it was harder than he thought. He tripped over the centipedes a few times before he stood in front of the ruby. The radiance was intense; Tiber found it hard to look at it.

Langlo: “Don’t hesitate!”

Tiber grabbed the ruby and returned. Langlo snatched the ruby out of Tiber’s hands.

Langlo: “It’s superb!”

While they were admiring the ruby, the hibernating centipedes were waking up. Their ending sleep gave birth to a deep hunger for food. The squirrel and the two rabbits would serve as a perfect meal. One centipede quietly crawled over to Tiber and bit him on the leg. Tiber gave out a loud cry. Gideon swiped the insect away with his sword. More centipedes began to move forward, hissing and ready to devour the three. Langlo backed away and took off running. The centipedes came upon the two rabbits.

Tiber: “My leg I-“

Gideon: “Come on.”

Gideon helped Tiber; and as fast as they could, they ran from the opposing danger. The centipedes followed the rabbits out the room and up the stairwell. Langlo was already at the top. He took the right passage way without a second thought. Gideon followed the crimson light as it further away. The right passage had more twist and turns than the others. The squirrel continued to run until he came to a shallow stream of water that ran into a tunnel. The squirrel went in and when he came out he was looking at a series of aqueducts that had once served as the country’s watering source. The aqueduct once carried a steady stream of a mighty river, now only a small stream passed through it. Langlo could see a light at the bottom of the structure. He gradually went down, nearly slipping on the slough that had built up by the water’s constant flow. Gideon and Tiber had gained a considerable lead on the centipedes, but it would not last for long. They came upon the aqueduct. Gideon saw Langlo descending to the bottom.

Gideon: “LANGLO!”

The squirrel caught sight of him and tried to move faster to the bottom. The insects were only a few feet away.

Gideon: “Hey, Tiber, forgive me for what I’m going to do.”

Tiber: “And what’s that?”

Gideon pushed Tiber down. The rabbit slid down yelling at the top of his lungs. Gideon got a running start; and just before the centipedes could eat him, Gideon slid out of danger. The rabbits were quickly gaining ground on Langlo. The squirrel turned around to see where they were. At a glance he saw he was right in the way of the slide. With a crash Langlo was sent through the aqueduct with great speed. He held onto the ruby for dear life. The ride was coming to an end: for up ahead the aqueduct had collapsed. Suddenly all three went into the air and fell into the water below. The impact knocked Tiber senseless; Langlo and Gideon were fine. In the water, Langlo had lost his grip on the ruby. It slowly sank and Langlo went after it, pushing the Tiber out of the way. Gideon took hold of the hare and went to the surface. The ruby continued to sink. Langlo swam with all his might inching closer and closer to the treasure. Finally, he took hold of it and started to return to the top. However, with every stroke he lost more air. He knew he had to let go of the ruby in order to break the surface, but he would not let go; and since he could not take the ruby to the surface, the ruby took him to the bottom of the water.

Gideon returned to the water’s side and called for the squirrel. The outcome was clear and he took Tiber out of the underground into the fresh air of the day.