Asacat – The Start of Something Big, Amurlate Ch. 3
Summary: The adventures of Merlin’s apprentice Amurlate and his magical panther Long Claw.
Archival Note from The Jewel Riders Archive: This story is presented as it was originally published on Stormy’s “Avalon” fan site in the late 1990s and early 2000s. It is presented for archival purposes and for the enjoyment of the Jewel Riders fandom. If you are the author of this story and wish to have it removed from the Jewel Riders Archive (or wish to share more!) please email us at archivist@jewelridersarchive.com. Happy Reading!
Marlana {part 1}
This story takes place at the same exact time as the story of Amurlates’ adventure.
But instead of being at Wizard Peak, this story develops in the northern part of Avalon. At the very top of the county, called
Northwoods. Only one village, New Hope, claims this section of wasteland, home.
Marlana get thrown out of the wild magic, by a force unknown by her. Her jet-black hair is entangled with knots and tree
leaves. She picks her self up and dusts off her black dress. She moves her hands around, feeling around for any cuts and
scratches.
Frustrated and somewhat deranged. “Now where am I?”
She starts walking east towards some houses that she sees in the distance. From what can be seen, it is a small village. A small
number of houses and a group of men work in the fields. Then, to her surprise, a girl of ten years or so of age comes up to her.
Taya hopping up and down and smiling. “Hello lady, my name’s Taya. What’s yours?”
Marlana, somewhat shocked, lies. ” My name is Elana.”
Marlana continues. “I was walking through the Northwoods when I got lost. I now seek some food and shelter. Do you know
where I can get some?”
Taya. “My grandfather is the store keeper in town, he also has sleeping rooms. Come on, I’ll show you.”
Taya bring Marlana to its only shopkeeper in town. Tayas’ grandfather sees his grandchild bringing in a new customer.
Morton pats Taya on the head. “I see my grandchild has brought you to my shop, my name is Morton. If there is any thing that
I can do for you, please let me know.”
Marlana looks around the sparsely stocked store. Not much to choose from, for a wizard or human. Then IT caught her eye.
There, in a small glass case, lay her Wishstone.
Marlana, a smile creeps onto her face. ” Yes, dear shopkeeper, how much for that ebony rock in the case?”
Morton. “Sorry, madam, that ebony rock is not for sale. For you see, my granddaughter found it while digging for roots. She
gave it to me as a birthday present, which I cherish deeply.”
Marlana stands very close to the counter. “But, I must have it!”
Morton places his hand on his sword. “No, you can not. Now leave!”
Marlana lets out a laugh. “Oh, I will after I take what’s mine.”
She lifts up her hands and calls for the Jewel. The Jewel crashes through the glass and races to her hand.
Morton pushes his daughter to the side and unsheathes his sword.
Marlana with a grin. “Put away you stupid sword, fool, before it bites you.”
Morton. “What?”
The sword changes into a Viper in front of his eyes. The Viper strikes Morton in the arm. The venom instantly enters into the
blood stream; he falls to the ground, dead.
Taya looks at her grandfather through tears and then screams. “How could you, you witch!”
Marlana puts the jewel down on the counter and looks at Taya. “For your kindness to me, I now will show a kindness to you.
I will grant you one wish. But, this wish, it will cost you this Jewel.”
Taya, under a teary eyed face. “My grandfather. Bring back my grandfather.”
Marlana. “Fair enough, The Jewel for his life.”
Then a flash of light fills the room. The shop once again is silent, and only Taya and her grandfather, Morton, remain.
Taya runs to her fathers’ side. “Grandfather?”
Morton rises weakly off the floor. He whispers at Taya. “You must notify The Jewel riders at once. Go now and hurry.”
Taya runs out the door and on to her horse. She races south to New Camelot.
Fin.