He jumped up, slashing in tightly controlled motions. Felsafell loomed above him, seemingly unconcerned when the blade again cut deep, this time into his stomach. With effortless fluid strikes, his ebony fists smashed repeatedly into Yanti’s face. Yanti staggered back, dazed and confused. He stepped hard to his right and thrust low in a vain attempt to keep Felsafell away, but this time his steel found only air. The man was already to his left. He caught only a flash of Felsafell’s boot before the heel sank hard into his gut.
Yanti winced and was sent sprawling. He tried to raise his dagger, but steely fingers crushed his wrist. The weapon dropped into the soft turf with barely a sound.
Before Yanti could move again, Felsafell was behind him, a sinewy arm wrapped around his neck. He struggled for a moment but quickly stopped. It was pointless. He was beaten.
“I am truly sorry, Yanti,” said Felsafell with genuine remorse.
Yanti gasped out a quiet laugh. “I am not.”
Pain suddenly shot through his skull like a piece of hot steel in the center of his brain. He screamed and writhed in Felsafell’s grasp as his master bestowed upon him the penalty for failure.
“Do it now!” he pleaded.
With one quick and powerful twist, Felsafell snapped Yanti’s neck then ripped his head from his shoulders. His screams of agony immediately ceased, though for several long moments they continued to echo in Felsafell’s mind. He stepped away and allowed the body to fall.
After pausing briefly to utter a quiet prayer, he set off to where he knew Basanti would be waiting. He found her sitting cross-legged on the ground with eyes shut and a tiny smile on her face. He sat beside her, confused by her demeanor.
She took hold of his hand and leaned on his shoulder. “I heard his final thoughts,” she said. “They were of gratitude, relief...and joy. I wasn’t sure how his death would affect me. I loved him so much, but now that it is done, I am comforted that he no longer suffers. And I’m happy I was able to see him one final time. In the end, you saved him for me. And I thank you, my love.”
After dressing Felsafell’s wounds, they sat together quietly until the sun began to set. Basanti then stood up, stretched her arms and sighed.
“Are you weary?” asked Felsafell.
“No,” she replied. “But I will sleep, nonetheless. Tomorrow we must leave here and seek out Gewey Stedding. Yanti told me that when the Reborn King uncovered his prison, he also discovered something else hidden within the mountain. He said you would know what it was.”
Felsafell nodded slowly, a grave expression appearing on his face. “I heard you speaking to him. It can only be one thing that he found. Four of the god stones were buried within the same mountain as Yanti.”
Basanti gasped. “If he has found a way to use their power…”
“Then he may be beyond the strength of Darshan,” said Felsafell. “But there is something more that troubles me. While I waited for you, I felt a presence. One that I have felt once before when a great evil plagued the world. One that should not be here. One that could unleash an evil beyond reckoning. And if I am right, then Shagharath has opened.”
Basanti stiffened and turned pale. “Then we cannot wait until morning. But where should we go? To Baltria perhaps? Yanti said that Gewey has taken the city.”
“No,” he replied. “The presence I felt is near Althetas. And if Melek really is free, we must discover what he plans before Darshan confronts him.”
There was a long silence. Then, in spite of herself, Basanti began to laugh. “And I imagined that all we had to overcome is a madman with the power of creation at his disposal. But obviously the fates believe this is not challenge enough.”
Felsafell joined in with her laughter. “Not for creatures such as us. Our love is so vast that it requires the greatest of obstacles. And it seems the fates intend to oblige us with exactly that.”
Basanti wrapped her arms around his neck. “On second thought, perhaps the world can survive until morning.” She kissed him passionately.
“I would not dare to argue,” he replied, smiling.
Chapter 20
Gewey spotted Lee sitting alone on a bench in the rear garden of the Brimm estate. He had been out of sorts ever since the death of his friend, Lanson. Sadly, Gewey had not arrived in time to heal the man. Lee was trying to act unaffected, but it was clear that this particular death had touched him deeply.
Millet had explained earlier that the pair were close friends in their youth. He'd also told Gewey how Lanson, in spite of the danger to himself, had helped Lee and him to flee Baltria only a few months previously.
“I think Lee sees it as a part of his youth passing away,” Millet concluded. “Lanson Brimm was vigorous and carefree in the same way that he once was. It’s what brought them close all those years ago. And he was a good man to boot.”
With no offspring or natural heir, aside from a few personal items to be distributed amongst his friends, Lanson had left everything to Jansi. To Lee he’d bequeathed an ivory handled dagger. Lee wept when he saw this, but said nothing as to why it was so special to him.
He smiled as Gewey approached and invited him to sit. Gewey gladly accepted.
“I hear you are sparing what remains of the faithful,” Lee said with a hint of displeasure.
“I am,” he confirmed. “Though the Baltrian citizens who joined are all exiled from the city. The others can go home. Or wherever else they choose.”
Lee nodded but said nothing.
“I know you don’t agree,” Gewey added.
Lee shrugged. “I know it’s the morally right thing to do. But war isn’t a moral act. It’s savage and brutal. It brings out the hatred and darkness of our nature. To think otherwise is foolish. The men you release will come back to fight you again and again until you are ultimately forced to kill them.”
“Perhaps,” said Gewey. “But soon the fighting will end. I have to ask myself – how much more blood do I want to spill? I could have slaughtered every Angrääl soldier that breathed Baltrian air. But the truth is, even if I killed every single man under the Dark Knight’s command, the war would still not be over. It only ends when he dies.”
“And then what?” asked Lee. “Have you thought about that? Do you think people can just return to their homes and be welcomed with open arms after having served the enemy?”
“I don’t know,” admitted Gewey. “Perhaps not. But exterminating them isn’t the solution. In the end it may be that those who fought with Angrääl can never return home. But then I wonder, what if my father had chosen such a path? Would I welcome him back?” He hunched forward, his elbows on his knees. “I’m sure I would. That he survived would be enough for me.”
“You may be right,” said Lee. “But I don’t think I can ever forgive what this war has taken from me. After the death of your father, Lanson was the last remaining friend I had from my life as Lord Nal’Thain - apart from Millet, of course. Everything that I once was now seems to be disappearing.” He shook his head and rubbed his face. “I don’t know why this has affected me so much. I wasn’t even aware of how deeply I cared for the old scoundrel.”
He sighed and forced a smile. “But you didn’t come here to speak to an old man about his troubles, did you?”
“You’re wrong,” said Gewey. “I do need to know your troubles. The elves leave Baltria for Althetas in two weeks. Once their ships are ready I’ll have to decide what my next move is to be. When they’re gone there will be nothing to stop Angrääl re-taking the city, and both Bevaris and Tristan are convinced that’s exactly what they will do.”
“And you?” asked Lee. “Will you go west with them?”
“That’s what I’m trying to decide. The point of taking Baltria was to draw out the Dark Knight; to let him know that the only way for him to win this war is to face me directly. I must do everything I can to make him come to me.”
“And if he doesn’t take the bait?” asked Lee. “What then?”
“Then I
’m left with only one choice,” Gewey replied somberly. “I will be forced to march an army into the heart of his power.”
“And you want me to lead that army, I suppose?” Lee chuckled. “There was no need for you to have wondered my response, or worry that I can no longer fight. My friend is dead, as is my wife....” The mention of his wife made him pause for a moment to clear his throat. “And yes, my heart grows heavier by the day. But I am not yet done. You have my word on that.”
Gewey nodded and squeezed Lee’s shoulder. “I promise that you will have peace when this is over, my friend. And if I can save your wife, I will.”
A pained expression washed over Lee’s face. “I fear that she is beyond even your power. I ask only that you release her, so that when my time comes our spirits can be reunited.”
“I swear it,” said Gewey earnestly. “But there is also the question of your son. I want him to go to Valshara to be with your mother. He’ll be much safer there if Baltria is attacked.”
“You’ll have to convince him,” said Lee. “But I wouldn’t object. In fact, I would be grateful.”
“I don’t intend to leave him with a choice,” explained Gewey. “But I wanted to have your permission first. I figured it better for him to hate me rather than you for forcing him to leave.”
“He’s no fool,” said Lee. “He’ll know I am aware of it. But the thought is still appreciated.” He rose to his feet and stretched his limbs. “I have sat for too long. I noticed The Plank Walker’s Café is still open. Come. Let’s continue this over the best seafood stew you’ve ever tasted.”
Gewey slapped his knees and hopped up. “An excellent idea.”
He followed Lee through the labyrinth of city streets until they reached the Café. Once settled at a table they spent the next few hours talking on a variety of matters. At first they went over plans for the city defenses and how to best secure supply lines to the west. Most of the proposals they discussed had originally come from either Jansi or Bevaris, both of who had greater experience than them in such matters. After agreement on Baltria’s immediate future, the conversation soon drifted on to more relaxing topics.
That evening Gewey and Kaylia retired early. Jansi had been more than happy to provide them with a room that came complete with a private shower and small dining area.
The elves were already voicing a desire to leave for the west; the cold there seemed to bother them far less than the extreme humidity of the deltas. Linis at first objected quite strongly when Gewey told him to go with them to Althetas, but Dina, understanding the danger that Baltria would soon be facing, helped to convince him. Millet, on the other hand, would not be easily moved. Lee planned to use the fact that they were also sending Jacob to persuade him. Gewey hoped this would be effective.
“You know,” said Kaylia as they lay in bed. “It may not be any safer in Althetas than it is here.”
“That's true,” said Gewey. “But with their supply line cut, Angrääl will be hard pressed to hold land that is not their own. And once elf reinforcements arrive, the enemy will be over matched.” He pulled her close. “At least, that’s my hope. Both Linis and Bevaris agree with me.”
There was a soft knock at their door. Grumbling, Kayla grabbed her robe to answer it. She found Millet standing there, a mixture of excitement and confusion on his face. She ushered him inside and turned up the lamp.
“I’m sorry to bother you,” Millet told them, “but a fauna bird has just delivered some amazing news.” He paused. “Angrääl is defeated in the west.”
Gewey leapt from the bed. “Defeated? How?”
“Their commander sent a message to the temple of the faithful, not knowing that the city has fallen,” Millet explained. He hesitated for a moment, searching for the right words. “They think you are responsible.”
“Me!” Gewey exclaimed. “How could they think that?”
“It says Darshan has descended upon them and is slaughtering them by the thousands. They say they cannot escape and are begging for help.”
Gewey was astonished. “That doesn’t make sense. What could have happened?”
“It could be a deception meant to lure you away from Baltria,” suggested Kaylia.
“I thought that as well,” said Millet. “I sent a message to Althetas just before I came here. If it is a ploy, we may not know for as long as two weeks.”
Gewey nodded and rubbed his chin. “I will contact Aaliyah. Perhaps she can shed some light on all of this. Who else knows about the message?”
“Just Lee and Linis,” replied Millet. “They were with me when I received the parchment.”
“Did anyone else read it?” he pressed.
Millet shook his head. “No. Only Jansi, Bevaris and I are permitted to see the faithful’s correspondence. No need for rumors to spread.”
“Good,” said Gewey. “Tell as few people as possible for now.”
Millet nodded and showed himself out, bowing goodnight as he reached the door.
“There is another possibility,” said Kaylia.
Gewey knew exactly what she was thinking. “It couldn’t be,” he said. “Melek is trapped in Shagharath. There is no way for him to get out. Only Maybell has the power, and she certainly wouldn’t allow him to escape.”
Kaylia gave Gewey a worried look.
He climbed into bed and pulled her close beside him. “I’ll contact Aaliyah. I’m sure there is nothing to worry about. More than likely it’s just as you said before - a ploy.”
He closed his eyes to concentrate on the bond. It always felt a little odd whenever he became consciously aware of it; their link existed mostly in the back of his mind. When he reached out this time however, he was met by a new and strange sensation. It was as if a cloud had settled between them. He could feel Aaliyah’s presence, but was unable to capture her form. The veil still remained even when Kaylia added her power to his.
“Are you there?” Gewey called out.
“Come back to Althetas,” a distant voice responded. It sounded something like Aaliyah, but different in a way he could not grasp.
“What has happened?” asked Gewey.
“You are needed,” the voice told him. “Come back.”
Gewey broke the connection. His eyes snapped open. “Something is very wrong. She should not be able to block me like that.” He could feel fear rushing through Kaylia and gently took her by the shoulders. “What is it?”
“I felt something,” she whispered. “When she spoke, there was a power surrounding her. It reached out for me.”
Gewey furled his brow in confusion. “I felt nothing. What was it like?”
“I have felt only one thing like it before,” she told him. “You. Only your spirit can compare.”
Gewey’s concern deepened. “Then perhaps Melek did escape after all,” he said. The idea was terrifying. To think that a monster to rival the Reborn King in malice and power walked the earth was beyond comprehension. Three warring gods would rip the world apart like wet parchment.
Sensing his sudden fear, Kaylia used her most soothing tone. “What will you do?” she asked.
Gewey shook his head slowly. “I don’t know.” He closed his eyes and took a deep cleansing breath. “I can’t leave though. Not until I know for sure.”
For the next two weeks Gewey was on constant edge, spending most of his time either on the Lanson estate grounds or inside his room. Elves relayed regular updates on preparations for their ships’ departure, as well as news of any messages received by fauna bird. Though there were none of these birds living in the desert, the elves were most impressed with the ingenuity of using them in such a manner. It wasn’t long before there was chatter about using one of their own native species, but no agreement could yet be reached as to which one would be best suited to the task.
The Baltrian citizens were wary of the elves at first, but life under the rule of the Reborn King, which at first seemed like a boon, had turned into a nightmare. This went a long way to easing fears a
nd misgivings. For their part, the elves went to great lengths to reassure the people that they meant them no harm, regularly treating the sick and seeing that food and supplies withheld by Angrääl were distributed to all those in need. Millet had mentioned that people were now even smiling at the newcomers as they passed them in the street.
Lee was equally concerned about the possibility of a mad god rampaging in the west and made a point of taking at least one meal every day with Gewey.
“You can’t send the elves to Althetas if this Melek is there,” he said during a particularly early breakfast. Kaylia was with Dina exploring the city, so they were alone in the parlor.
“If he is there,” said Gewey, “then remaining in Baltria is not a refuge. He will come eventually.”
This brought about several minutes of unsettling silence, broken only by the rapid footfalls of a young messenger. Finding the door ajar, he entered and bowed. Before Gewey could ask, the boy handed him a folded parchment and ran out.
Gewey read the message with a look of amazement. He gave a short laugh. “Apparently, a Vrykol awaits me at the city gates bearing a banner of truce.”
Lee leaned back in his chair and cocked his head. Gewey handed him the note. After reading it for himself, he spread his hands. “What do you want to do?”
Gewey hopped to his feet, smirking. “Let’s see what it wants.”
As they made their way to the gates, Kaylia appeared from around a corner and fell into step. Gewey took her hand. It never ceased to amaze him how in tune she was to his thoughts.
“A single Vrykol?” she asked with mild amusement.
“You should still be cautious,” warned Lee.
“I won’t allow him to get near enough to harm us,” said Gewey. “I’ll rip his spirit to shreds before he can lift a finger.”
The Godling Chronicles : Bundle - Books 4-6 Page 55