To Find a God

by Mary Hamilton

  Wave after wave came at them. Each wave got a little closer as Klunk was beginning to look tired. Tovi took a deep breath and lunged forward, stamping his feet on the crawling mass. To his surprise, he felt nothing—no pain nor even a sense of substance. Light flashed around him as the bugs flashed out of existence.

  A new sound joined the fray—fluttering wings and high-pitched squeals. The air grew thick with winged beings, bats from the look of them. Except that these bats glowed with the same purplish light. The scorpions, the bats, and glowing crystals—all joined to create a violent surrealistic experience.

  “Back, Tovi! Move back.” Klunk continued to swing and pound but now added swatting to his combat. Swinging his club wildly, he connected with clumps of the flying warriors only to see them disappear in the now familiar flashes of light.

  Tovi stomped and waved his arms, now fighting two different sets of enemies. He backed up as he fought, until he felt the rock wall behind him. “I can’t go back any farther!”

  Klunk fought on without response until suddenly, they disappeared, all of them, at once. The dim light of the wall-mounted crystals shown on a dirty but clear floor. Tovi and Klunk stood side-by-side, staring. Finally, the ogre spoke. “They were not real.”

  “They looked pretty real to me.” Tovi was not convinced.

  “We have no injuries. Look at Growl and River. They are also unharmed. That many scorpions would have killed the two dogs. There are no bodies from the ones we killed. They were never here.”

  Tovi stared in disbelief. “How can that be? I saw them. They were right there.” He pointed at the empty passageway.

  Klunk shook his head. “I am thinking that they were sent to us by our friend, Mugrok.” He started forward again. “And this means we are on the right path. He tried to stop us.” He picked up the pace. “Come. We must hurry. We have little time.”

  Chapter 64: Tovi

  “What was that?” It sounded like a crash, like rocks falling. Tovi turned and peered behind them at the tunnel they had just come through. Several hours of searching had led them into other large areas and then more corridors and more open caverns—but no Kharla.

  Klunk backtracked, creeping back around the last bend in the tunnel. “There is your sound.” He stood staring.

  Tovi followed and, when he turned the corner, his heart fell. A huge rockslide completely blocked the passage—their way back. “What do we do now?”

  “We keep looking. These rocks, they only block what we have already seen. The way ahead is still open.”

  “But how do we get out?” Tovi felt frantic.

  “We will work on that when the time comes. Right now, we must find Kharla. Maybe she can tell us more.” Klunk resumed his investigation of the tunnel.

  They finally made their way into another large cavern, the fourth or fifth such space since the fight with the non-existent scorpions and bats. Klunk stopped at the entrance, surveying the scene. “We must rest. We need food and sleep.”

  Tovi felt conflicted. He was hungry but, more than anything, bone tired. On the other hand, he feared for their female companion. It seemed like more than a day since she’d disappeared. And so far they’d seen nothing of her. A greater fear crept in—was she still alive?

  River eased up beside him. The animal brought with him a sense of peace, although Tovi couldn’t understand how that could be. Having the dog simply standing there made him feel as though everything was going to be all right. He reached up and ran his fingers through the fur at the animal’s neck. “I don’t know how you do it, River, but thank you.”

  The animal nudged closer to him.

  Klunk moved around the perimeter of the space lighting the crystals. He unshouldered his pack and dropped it to the floor, plopping down beside it. Rummaging through his supplies, he glanced up at Tovi. “I have dried meat for one more day along with some nuts. We filled our skins at the last pool, so we should have enough water for maybe two or three days. And perhaps we will come to more water soon. But it is not likely that we will find food within these caves.”

  The unspoken message hit Tovi hard. They would need to think about how they used the food they had. The burden would fall on all of them, including Klik, who dearly loved the topar nuts.

  They ate in silence. Tovi took only a bite of his meat, giving the rest to River. Reaching into his pack, he pulled out the last strip. “Do you want this for Growl? He has to eat too.”

  “Thank you, but no. I share what I have with him.”

  After the meal, they retreated into their individual isolation and then to their dreams.

  ◆◆◆

  “My, how you have grown.”

  Tovi looked up to see his mother beaming down at him. “Mom? Is that you?”

  “Of course, it is. Who else would it be?” She gently touched his forehead with her cool hand.

  “But how did you get here?”

  “I am always here with you. Surely you must know that by now.” Her eyes twinkled in the soft cavern light.

  “So, what? This is just a dream?” He knew it but, just for an instant, he wanted to believe that none of this was happening and he was at home, right where he belonged. “When do I get to come home?”

  “You will come home, my son. But until you do, I want you to know that I am proud of you. I always knew that you were special. And now you are proving it. Be safe, my son, and I will see you soon.”

  He awoke with a start. Shaking the sleep from his head, he propped himself up on an elbow and gazed around the cavern. Klunk lay snoring against the near wall with Growl next to him. River slept soundly, nestled up against Tovi. Klik was, well, wherever he was. He would come out when the nuts came out. Of that, the Azyrean was certain. But what he really missed was his family, even Marzi.

  As he started to lower himself back down to resume his sleep, he caught sight of something across the cavern, a movement of light or maybe a shadow. As quickly as it had registered with him, it disappeared down a tunnel.

  He lay back and closed his eyes. He wanted to hear the voice. And as odd as it seemed to him, he felt the voice trying to talk to him. But nothing came, just a feeling. He reached over and touched River and the feeling grew stronger, but still no words. What was it about this dog? Why did this dog feel so right to him?

  Chapter 65: Jarek

  “You should take it easy on Mathias. He’s carrying enough guilt as it is.” Jarek sat beside Burns outside the cave, basking in the mid-morning sunlight. Insects buzzed, and a gentle breeze found its way through the swamp growth.

  “Maybe. But if we had just talked to the brothers, they might have been able to answer some of our questions.” She drew figures in the dirt with a stick she’d picked up.

  Jarek understood the point, but he saw a larger issue looming. “There are a lot of things that might have been. But Mathias is a good man. He is your friend… and my friend. He did what he thought was right. And, honestly, we may find in the future that he was right to hold back. All I’m saying is that we need to move forward, not backwards.” He scooted around to face her. “I know that I’m the outsider here. But what you have,” he gestured toward the entrance to the cave, “is a group of good people all working for the same thing. It’s a mistake to become divided.”

  Burns shrugged but said nothing.

  The memory of his conversation with Ratio came back. “Wait, I just remembered something that may be important. You remember Ratio, the sort of odd brother?”

  “Yeah, what about him?”

  “After we left the brotherhood, when they were escorting us out, we got to talking. And he said something interesting that I’d forgotten until just now. He said that the other brothers were not much interested in crystals and such. They viewed the subject more as an academic curiosity. That means that they likely don’t have the answers we need. Most likely, we know more about the crystals than they do.”

  “And how is that information useful, other than to let Mathias off the hook?”r />
  “Just this. Ratio did seem to know a lot about the crystals. Maybe he doesn’t know any more than you or me, but I think it represents an opportunity. First, he is another voice, another mind. Second, while his brotherhood may, as a group, not be terribly interested, they have useful resources. I was thinking, this Brother Andrew guy, he’s an historian or something. That means that he may have some old documents or records to help us. And we don’t know who else there might know something. It could be that they don’t know what they know, if you catch my meaning.”

  “Assuming that all you say is true, it doesn’t help if they’re not willing to talk to us.”

  Jarek sighed. “I know, I know. So, I guess what we have to do is convince the commander that it would be a useful exchange. Maybe if she shares more about our group, they will agree to help us.”

  Burns burst out in laughter. “Good luck with that.”

  ◆◆◆

  “What information do you think they could actually give?” Commander West seemed every bit as dubious as Burns had been, maybe even more so.

  Jarek collected his thoughts before responding. “The answer, I fear, is complicated and uncertain. But here’s what I think. We are looking for two types of information. The first is the nature of the crystals and how they relate to travel in general. After all, if you are to traverse the fading, you must know how to use beams, crystals, and portals to accomplish it. The second issue, and sort of related to the first, is how the different colored beams and crystals affect destinations. We know that red beams and portals deliver a person to this realm. But we also know that the king is more interested in blue crystals at the moment. That means that his gaze rests on whatever destination is associated with blue. I have no idea where that might be. And I don’t think that the brotherhood has this information at the ready. But with their archives and knowledge of Aristan and the past, we may be able to draw some associations. If we can solve these two issues, it might give you passage to wherever the king wants to go.”

  Captain Virgil responded, “If I understand you correctly, what you are proposing is an alliance of sorts between our group and the brotherhood. What I am struggling with is the common interest. Why would they care one way or the other about Wyndred’s ambitions? They live in the past, worshiping a dead, or at least absent, god.”

  “I admit I don’t have an answer to that. But I do know that they were eager to know more about our group and our interest in crystals. And we know that the king has forbade any mention of Aristan, which I suppose runs counter to the ideas of the brotherhood. Maybe the shared opposition to Wyndred is enough.”

  Commander West stood and straightened her jerkin, a signal that the meeting was ending. “We will initiate contact and see what develops. No promises. Captain, you will lead a squad. Start with the farm and this Brother Martin. If you feel that there is promise, we can go from there.”

  “If I may, Commander, this seems like an unnecessarily cumbersome arrangement. The captain is going with us for the sole purpose of figuring out whether we should talk to them. Why don’t you come with us? That way, if things look good, we can get started right away.” Jarek thought his idea sounded good.

  West chuckled. “I appreciate your candor, Master Whit. But we make a practice of never having both of us together outside this compound. If luck were to fail us, well, you can imagine if both of us were to perish together, or, worse yet, both of us were captured. No, my friend, as awkward as this may feel, we must proceed carefully.”

  Jarek nodded, although he disagreed with her logic. After all, it was a simple mission with very little danger.

  Chapter 66: Jarek

  The company’s complex structure and tactics amazed Jarek. He had, of course, witnessed Captain Virgil’s leadership abilities on their trip to the monastery and at other times. But this was different. For one thing, the troop was three times larger. And on this morning, the captain sent two scouts ahead, far out of sight. Two more rebels remained behind the group, watching for anything that might follow them. The remainder trekked in two dispersed columns. They moved slowly and silently, turning their heads constantly, always watching.

  As the sun began to recede in the western sky, the party entered the area where Brother Martin’s farm was located. Virgil called a halt, motioning all of the members in close to him. “Mathias says that the farm is just over that rise. Scouts, move up and verify. If all looks quiet, Mathias and I will approach and make contact. The rest of you form a perimeter and keep scouts ranging in the four quadrants until we return.”

  The group crouched down in tall grass as the two scouts maneuvered uphill, alternately creeping low and then stopping to survey their surroundings. It took them about fifteen minutes to cover the fifty meters or so to the point where they would have a view of the farmhouse.

  Jarek watched them as they stopped and stood, silhouetted on the top of the ridge. One of them turned and signaled—upraised arm with fist balled, then hand open, fist balled again, and finally arm dropped. “What does that mean?”

  “Trouble.” Captain Virgil eased forward. “Stay here—full alert.” He signaled for Mathias to join him and they made their way to the scouts. They appeared to talk as they pointed down toward where the farm should have been. After surveying around the horizon, Virgil turned to the waiting band and beckoned.

  Jarek was not prepared for what he saw. Where the farmhouse had stood, only a smoking hulk remained. In the late afternoon light, he could see nothing moving below. His heart fell, and tears threatened at the idea that the family had been slaughtered, presumably by the king’s forces. What troubled him most, though, was the notion that he and the others had somehow played a role.

  The captain’s voice drew the Azyrean out of his angst. “Okay. Let’s do this.” He sent the two scouts ahead. And rather than having the remainder of the band continue to march in columns, he spread them out on either side with orders to encircle the farm and close in.

  As they drew near, the stench of smoking flesh filled Jarek’s nostrils. Nothing moved. He could see the carcasses of sheep lying around a gated pen. He wanted to scream, to shout in horror at the atrocity. But he held his tongue and continued to move in.

  “No sign of life. No human bodies.” The first scout reported to Virgil.

  “Tracks?” The captain gazed around at the destruction.

  “Wagon wheel tracks lead off to the west. Looks like maybe four mounted horsemen accompanying. And lots of boots, not sure how many.”

  Virgil stared into the setting sun. “I’m betting rangers accompanying a platoon of cavaliers. This was not a raid of opportunity. It was planned. And if it was just a routine burn and pillage mission, they would have killed the farmer and his family. No, there was a purpose to this. They’re on their way toward the castle. Its two days’ journey and my guess is that they’ll stop at some point. If the rangers were alone, they’d continue through the night. But with the cavaliers—not the most proficient or disciplined group—they’ll break.”

  Jarek felt a flash of hope. “Are we going after them?”

  “Yes.” The answer was curt and without explanation. Virgil turned to the band. “Grab a quick bite and drink. Be ready to move in ten.”

  ◆◆◆

  They caught up with the king’s soldiers and captives about two hours after sunset. Dusk had come and gone, leaving the land bathed in darkness save for the light coming from their sole moon. The open countryside, with the occasional tree here and there, gave off a surreal luster. The air had become still, and the sounds of human activity reached Jarek and his companions before they could see anything.

  Virgil motioned everyone to halt. “Sounds like they’re just ahead.” He wordlessly motioned the two scouts toward the noise. “The rest of you, be ready.”

  After about ten minutes, the scouts returned and spoke with the captain quietly to one side, pointing and gesturing as they talked.

  “Okay, here’s what we have.” Virgil beckoned the tro
op in close and kept his voice low. They are set up in a standard concentric circle encampment. They have rangers on the outer circle, two on each quadrant. The second circle in are cavaliers with one-handers and shields. The family is tied up in the center with four guards, all bearing greatswords. No fire. That means that we can’t use light to our advantage. The only thing we have going for us is surprise.”

  Complete silence fell over the group. The distant sound of human activity and the buzzing of insects filled the void for a moment. Then the captain rose. His commands were concise and, at least to Jarek, cryptic. “Short bows. Ten meters or less. Chest and neck. No hand-to-hand. No prisoners.” In the eerie moonlight, his face looked almost tortured. His mouth was drawn into a tight line and his gaze cast toward their target. He avoided looking at any of his men. The rebel band apparently understood.

  Virgil turned his gaze to Mathias. “You stay with Burns and Jarek until we’re done.”

  Mathias looked as though he was about to object but bowed his head and nodded. If there was one thing that was crystal clear, it was that Virgil would tolerate no debate. Silently, the band of rebels melted into the darkness ahead of them, leaving the three companions.

  It was scarcely fifteen minutes later when one of the scouts returned. “The captain says for you to come down.” He gestured in the direction from which he had come.

  On the way, Jarek passed two bodies, both clad in dark-colored leather clothing with darker circles on their chests, surrounding protruding arrows. He shifted his gaze to the area ahead so as not to see. Mostly, he feared looking at their dead faces.

  When they arrived at the central camp, Jarek noticed Brother Martin with his wife and children, all sitting and staring at the carnage around them. If the farmer recognized Jarek or his companions, he didn’t let on. Instead, he spoke, seemingly to the ground. “Your men are deadly with their bows. All of this life gone, this blood spilled, without a second thought.” He turned to gaze at the captain. “I am, of course, grateful for your rescue and I mean no offense. It’s just that I am always saddened by the loss of human life, no matter its loyalties.”