JOPHIEL’S TEAR

JOPHIEL’S TEAR

When Adrian got there, the small town of Rohl was already being severely scorched by the sun. He had had a long journey that led him to cities, towns, farms, and even caves; all based on rumors and legends of a lost treasure of immense power. It was a treasure thought to be from a tear of a goddess or an angel; the embodiment of the being changed depending who he asked, which crystallized into a stone. No matter the variation of the legend they all said the same thing, that this stone housed a powerful magic, the like that has not been seen since the collapse of the Old World. A renewed sense of urgency had recently permeated the rumors surrounding this item. Adrian had first overheard people looking for this item in alehouses and inns during his aimless travels. Words were spoken in these establishments' dark corners or along alleyways, all among the underworld society of witches, warlocks, and people who buy magical items. Adrian was concerned about the ambitions and avarice of some of these members of this society, whom he knew, and what they might do with such a prize. His first step was to find out if this item was based in reality or in a fantastical legend. He asked the only being he felt would know the truth, Samael. Although Samael confirmed that this item was a real object, he would not give Adrian any information about its whereabouts, except for pointing him towards an elderly woman in a city who would be able to help him, and some random pointers along the way when he decided to be around Adrian.

This was how Adrian started his journey to find this crystallized tear. Along the way he had heard many names being given to it, but he liked the name Jophiel’s Tear. All of his travels now brought him into Rohl, a small town in the Republic of the Netherlands, and to a woman called Aleida. A farmer assured him that Aleida would know where to find Jophiel's Tear. He pulled his horse by the reins into the small town because he was excited that his journey might actually be over. As he moved through the streets, he felt people watching him, doubtless curious about him. Adrian was aware that he stood out in small towns where everyone seemed to know everyone and where, like Rohl, they hardly ever saw tourists. He saw a baker standing outside his shop, putting breads on racks and starring at him. Adrian reasoned that he should start with him to get some insight into Aleida's location. “Good morning sir! I had hoped that you might be able to provide me with some information. Adrian smiled as he walked over.

“What exactly?” the baker crossed his arms.

“A farmer by the name of Aart told me that I would meet a woman here named Aleida? Would you happen to know her?”

"Where do you come from?" Adrian could feel the distrustfulness coming from this baker, not that Adrian held it against him. He had once mistrust for newcomers and travelers after spending so long in another village. Still, he felt some irritation, no doubt due to his exhaustion and worry about the other seekers of this stone.

“I’m from London. I’ve had a long journey-“

The baker jumped in before Adrian could finish his sentence. “Why’re you here?”

"As I have stated, I must locate a woman named Aleida," “Yeah, you’ve said, but why are you here.”

Adrian felt a bit irked by this gentleman’s abruptness. “I’m looking for an object, often called Jophiel’s Tear or the Goddess’s Tear.”

“Ah,” the baker rolled his eyes, “chasing myths and fairy-tales.”

Adrian refused to succumb to his growing impatience. He had to remember what it was like to be on the other side of this conversation. He was sure that he must have come across as rude to many travelers that had asked him questions in the past.

“Yes…well, I was hoping you could point me in the direction where I could find her.”

You can visit Erich, the apothecary across the street. He can help you.” The baker then returned to his shop and left Adrian alone. Heaving a sigh, Adrian began to lead his horse as he walked beside her through the streets towards Erich’s shop. He had some trouble understanding the hazy directions because the one street over was actually one street over, down an alleyway between rows of houses, and then onto a smaller street. He found the shop with the help of a resident. Adrian felt uneasy tying his horse to the post outside the storefront, but he did not have a choice. Giving her a rub and a whispered promise that he would be quick, Adrian entered Erich’s shop.

A plethora of scents flooded Adrian's nose right away. He could smell various herbs and chemicals that almost made him gag but he stopped himself from doing so as a man, he assumed to be Erich, came out from the back of the shop.

Is Erich your name? The baker pointed me to your shop so I may ask about a person I am trying to locate.”

The shopkeeper, Erich, nodded and put down a vial of blue liquid. “I am Erich. Who are you looking for?”

“A woman named Aleida. A farmer by the name of Aart directed me to your town and to her while I was looking for Jophiel's Tear. "Hmm, Aart. Yes, he’s a friend of mine. Why are you looking for this?”

“I heard that there has been a resurgence of interest in this object, and there are a lot of people looking for it, people I don't trust to use it well. If it is real-”

Erich sat down and tapped his fingers on the counter. "It exists. Now, who can say for sure that you are the right person? "Are you sorry?" “How can I be sure that you are not one of these people who won't like it?” Adrian crinkled his brow as he studied this unassuming man behind the counter. He did not come here for a debate. “Do you know where I may find Aleida?”

"Yes, I do know," Erich said with a grin. You want to ask her about this stone and where you can find it. But what makes you the right person to have this stone?”

Adrian sighed as he shifted his feet. “I understand how you must feel about me, I have been there myself. Although I am aware that you do not know me and that I am a stranger and wanderer, I am asking you to trust me despite the difficulty “Blind faith?” Erich interjected; Adrian could hear the amusement in the shopkeeper’s words.

“Yes. Blind faith. I am one of the best people who can keep this stone safe from those who would mean harm. I have traveled far searching for clues about this stone’s whereabouts, along the way I met many others searching for this same item. If some of them had this stone, and could command its power, then they would do evil with it and I cannot have that happen.”

Erich was silent as he studied Adrian. Adrian could feel the weight of the man’s gaze, as if Erich was staring into his soul and discerning his true motives. It made him feel uncomfortable. At last Erich gave a curt nod towards him and stood up.

“Come,” he waved his hand for Adrian to follow him, as he turned and went into the backroom. “I’ll introduce you to Aleida.”

Adrian hurriedly entered the back room and shut the curtain that covered the entrance behind himself. The smell of rosemary and lavender was strong here. Erich went over to a young woman who was bent over the mortar and pestle, grinding the two herbs together.

“Aleida,” she looked up at the sound of Erich’s voice. “This is Adrian,” she looked over to him as he was introduced, “he has a question about the Stone of Liere.”

Aleida wiped her hands on her apron after putting down her pestle. “What of it?”

“I was told by a farmer named Aart that you might have some information about this stone?”

Aleida looked over at Erich, who gave her a slight nod, before looking back over at Adrian. "If he allowed you to return here, my uncle here must have believed you to be trustworthy." “His intentions are true, Aleida.”

Adrian felt a surge of optimism. "So, will you direct me to this stone?" “Lead you? No. You were able to talk to my uncle about it, but that does not mean I will give it to you. Why ought I to?” There are a lot of people looking for this stone, some of whom are powerful individuals in and of themselves. For some reason there has been a renewed interest in finding this stone. There are people from every class looking for this stone and I can keep it from them.”

“So can we. How do you think that it hasn’t been found in all this time? There have been common travelers, Duke’s, even Royalty, who have searched for this stone throughout the centuries and none have found it. Why should it be any different now?”

“Because some of the people who are currently looking for it would not hesitate to torture people or destroy their homes in order to find it. If I have it with me then I can save many from this fate.”

“What if these bad people still come here? Just because you have it does not mean we are protected from them.”

Adrian sighed heavily and shook his head. “One of these men looking for the stone is a warlock who has committed many crimes. He especially is the one I want to keep this stone away from and I do not believe that it will be safe here anymore. I will be able to draw them away from Rohl by spreading the word that I, Adrian, have found Jophiel's Tear and that I have it on me. If I have it with me, I can hide it somewhere else. Aleida picked up her mortar and pestle once more and began to grind the herbs. Erich took a sachet off the table and put the contents in a different mortar. He studied the contents in the mortar as he spoke. We were given this stone to keep safe. We call it the Stone of Liere. Our family wasn’t always from around here and when we moved, it moved with us. Perhaps we will be moving again if the rumors are pointing the seekers here to Rohl. Our family has always been blessed by the Goddess with abilities. I was able to look into your soul and see your true intentions, and I believe you to be true Adrian, but this stone was given to us for safe keeping. We will continue to keep it safe.”

"When do you plan to move? These men are searching for it now, and they will come here. Rohl, the people, you two, are no longer safe.”

“I have three patients to tend to. We can move after.” Aleida poured the oils from the herbs into a small vial. “If, it is as you tell us, that these dangerous men are coming soon, then we should leave Rohl. Perhaps,” Aleida looked over at Adrian with a small smile, “you would join us then? You feel strongly about keeping the Stone of Liere safe.”

You informed me of your extensive travels. Perhaps you could direct us to a safe location? Erich inquired. Adrian was silent for a while as he thought about this. He was aware that taking the stone on his own would be quicker, but Aleida would not give it up, and Erich would not assist him either. The stone needed to leave this place, wherever it was hidden, but he felt a sense of impatience that Aleida seemed to be under no direct sense of urgency to leave today.

“How soon will you be able to leave?”

“Four days from now. These tinctures need time to blend and the process can be lengthy. Four days is the best that I can do.” She glared at Adrian when she heard his impatience sound. “If you will join us then you can start helping my uncle by packing up the essentials. We will leave in four days.”

While she focused on her work, Aleida turned her back on them. Adrian looked over silently at Erich, who gave him a meaningful look before coming around the table and leading Adrian and himself out from the back room.

“Aleida has always had a strong will. She is the healer behind this shop, just like her aunt, my late wife, was, and she remains devoted to her patients. Four days will give us enough time to pack up what we need before we leave…if you intend to join us, I hope?”

“Yes, I…” Adrian trailed off for a moment before gathering his thoughts, “I will stay and help you. I will direct you to a safe location for both this stone and yourself. "I appreciate it, Adrian." Erich’s face beamed with gratitude.

Adrian and Erich spent the following few days busy packing their belongings into a large cart. Aleida helped where possible, mostly by packing up her tools and apothecary supplies. They only took their cooking pots and pans, blankets, pillows, shop supplies, and food, leaving behind the majority of the furniture. Aleida sat next to her uncle while Erich rode their horse that pulled the cart, and Adrian rode his horse next to them as they left early in the morning. Adrian assumed that they would be stopping off at the stones location before leaving Rohl behind for good but after two hours of travelling, Adrian began to have some doubts.

“Where is the Stone of Liere hidden? I thought we would be going to its location?”

Aleida gave a small chuckle before removing a glove and showing him her hand. She wore a ring with an iridescent stone set in the center, a moonstone if Adrian thought correctly. “It was always hidden in plain sight. There are no secret caves or hidden vaults where this stone lies. It has always been passed down from woman to woman in our family.” She replaced the glove on her hand. “That way, it is always on one of us so we can keep it safe.”

“Where will we go?” Erich called over a sudden gust of wind.

“To the West, towards Malaga. A long way away but it will be easier to hide. Along the way I can also spread the rumors that I have seen this stone in other locations, hopefully that will pull attention away from Rohl.”

“I hope so,” Aleida clasped her hands together tightly. “Those are good people.”

Adrian nodded. He had lived a long time and met many good people along the way, many of whom had bad luck. He could only hope that this act would spare Rohl from misfortune. Perhaps this was not quite the way he had imagined his journey to go, but he had been travelling alone long enough, with only his horse as companion. He had begun to miss being with other people, so this might be a nice change of pace for the foreseeable future.

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