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<\/a><\/div>\n<\/p>\nThirty minutes later, they were all seated in the library, looking attentively at the messenger, a slim, proud youth about Rugal\u2019s age possessing the distinctly dark, handsome features of a citizen of Tolan.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/span><\/p>\n
Dressed in riding leathers, the youth had thick black hair and the beginnings of a beard. He bowed formally from the waist, and with Rugal\u2019s nod of acknowledgment, he began to recite his message:<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n\u201cI, Johan of Sharvindar, in the name of King Handerbin of the kingdom of Tolan, bear greetings from my sovereign and wishes of health and happiness to the esteemed royal family of Elayas. News of Oldag\u2019s overthrow and the restoration of King Rugal, rightful sovereign of Elayas, in accordance to her laws and traditions, has brought us great joy. Our sorrow has been long in knowing that the evil king Oldag\u2019s birthplace was Tolan, and it gladdens us that he has finally met with justice.\u201d Johan paused for breath, and his listeners leaned forward in anticipation of his words.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n\u201cWe wish to reassure you of our good intentions. Long have our countries viewed each other with mistrust, kindled by Oldag\u2019s rebellion. We are also aware of the theft of the Ring of Rosin, and we believe that those responsible are members of the Kargoliths, who have come to inhabit what has been the unsettled territory of Tolan, earmarked for future expansion.\u201d<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n\u201cHow did you know?\u201d Rugal interrupted. \u201cAbout the Ring of Rosin?\u201d<\/span><\/span><\/p>\nJohan met Rugal\u2019s gaze squarely. \u201cKing Rosin had the ring made by one of the most skilled craftsmen in all of Tolan. It is a fragment from the stone of fire.\u201d<\/span><\/span><\/p>\nMura nodded. \u201cThat makes sense. I know my cousin had made a special commission for its creation. I was never told the exact details, but that it arrived from a mysterious location. I remember the day it was shown at court for the first time.\u201d<\/span><\/span><\/p>\nRugal\u2019s voice sharpened. \u201cThat still doesn\u2019t explain\u2026\u201d<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n\u201cWe intercepted a message from the Kargoliths, which is what prompted King Handerbin to send me here.\u201d Johan hesitated, leaning forward. \u201cThe leader of their tribe has the Ring of Rosin. King Handerbin has sent me to help you retrieve it. You will need a guide, someone familiar with Tolan.\u201d<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n\u201cJust what are you proposing?\u201d Jackal stood up, shoulders tense.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\nThe Swordsman put up a hand. \u201cIt\u2019s okay, Jackal. It makes sense.\u201d He glanced at Soldar, who nodded. \u201cThe Kargoliths have been searching for the shards of the stone of fire for many years. It is woven into their history. Fables of old, when the wondrous bird captured it and flew to the mountains, are told around their campfires from one generation to the next. If they have the Ring of Rosin\u2026\u201d<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n\u201cThey will not give it up. This is the Year of Wisdom and the Day of Questioning approaches. They will demand King Rugal\u2019s presence.\u201d Johan looked significantly at Rugal. \u201cFor only he will be able to activate its power on that day.\u201d<\/span><\/span><\/p>\nRugal cocked his head. \u201cDay of Questioning? I have no idea what you are talking about.\u201d<\/span><\/span><\/p>\nSoldar cleared his throat. \u201cAn oversight on my part, Sire. We did not cover the fables of the Kargoliths, as I saw no need.\u201d He glanced at Johan and raised his eyebrows. \u201cPerhaps I was mistaken.\u201d<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n\u201cIt certainly seems relevant now, Soldar,\u201d Rugal let out a noisy breath. \u201cPlease explain.\u201d<\/span><\/span><\/p>\nHis eyes contemplative, Soldar exhaled. He turned his attention to the dark youth, and Johan nodded almost imperceptibly. Soldar turned back to Rugal.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n\u201cThe Ring of Rosin has a property that no one knows about. It has been entwined in the lore of Tolan and the Kargoliths for many years and is thought to be conjecture. Apparently, that is not the case, or it would not have been stolen. Not only does it identify the true king of Elayas, but it also imparts wisdom to the king.\u201d Soldar paused and rubbed his eyes. \u201cThe Kargoliths must know the Ring of Rosin has this power.\u201d<\/span><\/span><\/p>\nJohan spread out his hands. \u201cYou are correct, Soldar.\u201d He bowed his head briefly. \u201cBut there is more to the fable.\u201d He continued with a storytelling inflection to his words, \u201cThe rightful king of Elayas will be able to ask the Ring of Rosin anything he desires, and the ring will impart that knowledge to him, but only once in every ten years. This day is designated as the Day of Questioning.\u201d<\/span><\/span><\/p>\nRugal\u2019s eyes narrowed. \u201cAnything? Even another person\u2019s most deeply held secrets?\u201d<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n\u201cYes, indeed,\u201d Johan agreed. \u201cWhich is why it is so powerful. But it will only respond to the queries of the King of Elayas, and only for the Time of Sun Shadow on the Day of Questioning. This is when the sun is completely engulfed in shadow, but only for a few minutes. It is as if it is nighttime, yet it is still day.\u201d<\/span><\/span><\/p>\nThe room remained quiet as everyone contemplated the ramifications of what had just been revealed. Finally, Rugal rubbed his cheek. \u201cSo, they stole the ring in anticipation of the Day of Questioning. But what good will it do them without me?\u201d<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n\u201cExactly,\u201d Johan replied. \u201cThat is why I am here.\u201d<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n\u2013 Excerpted from Ring of Rosin by Nancy Golden, Golden Cross Ranch LLC, 2024. Reprinted with permission.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/b><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n
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