Linis introduced himself and the others, taking care to use the name of Gewey rather than Darshan.
“I am Aquilia,” she said, giving a slight bow. “What brings you ashore?”
“We spotted the wrecks as we were passing and wondered what had happened,” Linis replied.
The woman sighed. “I was not here at the time. But I have spoken with many who were.”
She went on to describe the destruction of the ships as related to her by wounded survivors of the battle. “It was as if our enemy had acquired the wrath of heaven as its ally,” she concluded. “The dead and wounded were beyond counting.”
Linis and Gewey exchanged glances.
“You don’t have the look of a warrior or seeker,” said Linis. “So what is your purpose here?”
“We came to heal the wounded who could not travel,” she explained. “Once we had done all we could, a few of us remained to keep watch lest more enemies approach. In fact, had you not landed, we would have sent word ahead to have your fleet intercepted before you reach the next port.” She smiled and sighed. “But the name Linis is well known among all the elf clans, and your ships will now pass unmolested. Even though, I do not recognize the rest of your companions.”
“They are friends,” said Linis. “But not known widely among our people.” He lied convincingly, though it was against his nature to do so and chaffed his morals.
“Then they are most welcome,” she replied
“Do you have need of supplies?” asked Linis.
Aquilia nodded. “If you could spare any, we would be most grateful. Game is scarce and there is little vegetation this close to the ocean. We have been forced to venture further and further from our camp to find what we need.”
“You shall have it,” said Linis. “But you will only require enough for your journey home. Angrääl has been defeated in Baltria.”
Her face brightened. “That is good news indeed. These old bones long for my soft bed. Come, let us tell the others.”
The camp had been set up a few hundred yards back on the far side of the dunes where the sand gave way to firmer grassland and sparse pines. Gewey offered to return to the ship and make arrangements for supplies to be brought ashore. Meanwhile, Linis set about gathering any information that might be useful.
The elves still there were mostly elders and healers who had come from their lands in the east to aid their kin as best they could. All of them were delighted to hear the news of Angrääl’s defeat and now appeared as anxious as Aquilia to return home. They informed Linis that most of the wounded who were unable to travel under their own power after being treated had already been moved back to their homeland by wagon. This included both elves and humans.
“They will be the first humans to set foot within elf borders since the Great War,” remarked Linis approvingly.
The others shrugged indifferently.
“The world changes,” said Aquilia. “Old elves like us can only watch and hope. Our fighting days are far behind us, and most of us who remember the Great War will be gone soon enough.”
Linis quickly realized that there was little of practical value to be learned from this group and so allowed Dina to guide the conversation. An elf named Froemis was from her mother’s village and knew of Nahali, but said that those living there had thought her dead for many years. He appeared very pleased to hear that she was in fact still alive and returning home.
Linis could see the fatigue in everyone’s eyes and posture, but this disappeared as soon as he mentioned the elves of the desert.
“It was they who captured Baltria,” he explained. “And they still hold it at this very moment. One of their kin travels with us now - a woman sent as an emissary for her people.”
“To think that those legends of a lost tribe really were true,” remarked Aquilia. “If only we could meet her.”
“You will meet many of her people very soon, I suspect,” said Linis. He went on to tell them what he knew of the desert elves, and about his time among them. They were amazed to hear of their long life and rejection of the flow.
By the time Gewey returned, everyone was laughing and talking as if they had not a care in the world. While Linis and Dina were happy to talk for a while longer with their new friends, Gewey ventured off to scout the area. The lessons learned from turning back the storm had been well remembered, and he soon discovered that they could be applied in other useful ways. By allowing his spirit to drift free and spread wide, he was able to see over vast distances quite easily. He made certain that the elf elders would be traveling back home unmolested, at least for the first day.
Eventually they all said farewell and returned to the ship. While Gewey was making his way across the deck he noticed that a carved figure had been fixed to the rail surrounding the main wheel. He groaned as he realized what it was and pointed it out to Kaylia.
“A few of the sailors have even made pendants with your likeness engraved upon them,” she told him.
“Yes,” remarked Dina. “You appear to have gained quite a following.” She paused to look closely at Gewey before adding: “I wonder where it will all end?”
* * * * *
The remainder of the journey was without incident. Gewey ensured that the wind was in their favor, but spent most of his time in the cabin. Kaylia told him that the crew had built a small shrine to Darshan in their quarters, and that his name could be regularly heard throughout the ship in quiet prayers. Gewey tried telling them to stop, but each time they simply looked at him with stricken expressions and begged forgiveness. Eventually, he could do nothing more and was forced to accept the situation.
After some thought, he decided to disembark just west of Valshara to see Lady Selena. Weila, Linis, Dina, and Nahali would all accompany him and they would determine their next move from there. When the time came for them to board the small landing boat the entire crew lined the deck to bid the group farewell. Rugged sailors wept as they descended the rope ladder, many of them shouting out desperate pleas for a blessing. Gewey waved in response, then using the flow of wind and water, caused the boat to speed away.
The sun was just setting when they reached the shore, though Gewey was in no hurry to arrive at his destination. After selecting a suitable spot on the beach to make camp, he watched the fleet disappear slowly into the distance.
While sleeping he could feel Melek’s presence, albeit distant and unfocused. He knew that Melek was aware of him too, though he seemed content to leave Gewey alone for now. This in itself was unsettling. Melek was powerful, true – but thousands of years in captivity had allowed his madness to fester. In his mind the people around him were inconsequential. He would not hesitate to burn them all if he thought it would gain him advantage.
During the next few days Gewey set a leisurely pace and kept all conversations light and friendly. By the time they arrived at the gates of Valshara he was feeling much more at ease. Dina was treating him with far less suspicion and doubt now. In fact, she and Kaylia had begun having almost girlish conversations about where to live once the war was over. Kaylia had practically begged her and Linis to choose Sharpstone, stating that she had no desire to be the only elf living in the village.
It was heartening to see that the gates of Valshara were now fully repaired, and that soldiers were standing at regular intervals along the ramparts. Six elves in polished leather armor and carrying long spears guarded the entrance. They recognized Gewey instantly and snapped to attention. As the gates swung open a trumpet blared a greeting, its shrill blast echoing off the cliffs and temple walls.
After stepping through, Gewey immediately noticed that the pathways and buildings were cleaned as new. The lawn was meticulously manicured and flowers had been planted in little round gardens all along the covered walkways. The sword in the center was polished so brightly that a person could see their reflection in its blade. Even the roof tiles on the main temple had been replaced. Humans and elves were scattered everywhere – talking, reading and
walking about – giving Valshara renewed life. This was a complete contrast to the first time Gewey had set eyes on the place. Back then it had been all but abandoned, housing only a handful of priests, priestesses and knights.
“They have been busy,” remarked Linis, also taking note of the changes.
While approaching the main temple, Gewey noticed that two of the guards had filed in behind them and that passers-by were looking at them with open suspicion.
The doors swung wide to reveal Ertik, a welcoming smile on his face. He was wearing a casual brown shirt and pants, together with soft suede boots. Gewey recalled him not so very long ago clad in the ill-fitting leather armor. He grinned. “I see you’ve discarded your battledress,” he teased.
“And I see you have once again come to our door in dire need of grooming,” replied Ertik, with a good-natured laugh.
Gewey chuckled while brushing some of the dirt from his trousers. “Sadly, life on the long road takes its toll on grooming and clothing.” He touched his hair. It was indeed becoming long. “And I have no attendants to keep me neatly clipped and shaved.”
“I’m certain that we can arrange something for you,” said Ertik. He bowed low to the others, settling his gaze on Dina. “The High Lady will want to see you at once, I suspect.”
“I will go to her as soon as I am presentable. There is much she should know.”
Ertik noticed Linis holding Dina’s hand and smiled. “I see. As for the rest of you, I’m sure you are all hungry and tired.” He nodded to a young boy standing just inside the door who quickly stepped up. “This young man will show you to your rooms while I arrange food and bath water.” He bowed once more and disappeared down the hall.
Inside, the temple was far busier than Gewey remembered. Hundreds of people scurried about, though he noted that very few of them were wearing the robes of the order. Most were clad in simple attire that could be seen in almost any city or town.
The boy showed them to their rooms, and soon after that food and bath water were brought. Ertik stopped by to let them know that High Lady Selena would send for them before the evening meal, which was still a few hours away. In the meantime, they could do as they wished.
Once Dina was ready she immediately set off to see the High Lady. Linis accompanied her. As for the rest of them, Weila and Nahali decided to explore the temple and grounds, while Gewey and Kaylia chose to remain in their room and rest for a while.
Dina knocked on their door some time later to escort them to Selena’s private chambers. Linis, however, had the slightly more difficult task of tracking down Weila and Nahali, who by now had disappeared deep into the labyrinth of the temple.
As they walked, Gewey could see that Dina’s expression bore deep concern and even a touch of fear. Kaylia noticed it as well. Gewey guessed that her meeting with the High Lady had not gone well.
Selena greeted them at her door and gave them both a fond embrace. “Come and sit,” she said, offering them chairs placed around a glass-topped table near an arched window.
The woman was largely unchanged, though perhaps slightly more careworn. She wore a simple, white cotton dress and soft satin shoes. Her hair was tied loosely away from her face.
She poured everyone a cup of wine and took her seat across from Gewey.
“Dina tells me that you are expecting,” she said. Her smile was genuine, but something in her eyes was trying to hide her true feelings.
Kaylia nodded in affirmation. “A fact we would not have spread about until things are dealt with in Althetas.”
Selena clasped her hands together. “And we must speak of that soon. But first, there is something you need to know.” She took a deep breath. “Lord Theopolou is dead.”
Waves of pain and sorrow shot through Kaylia and Gewey simultaneously. Kaylia gasped loudly, and tears filled both of their eyes. The words they'd just heard seemed unreal - as if they hadn’t been spoken at all.
Kaylia swallowed hard. “How? How did it happen?”
Selena recounted the story as Mohanisi had told it. When she was finished, Kaylia instantly got to her feet and walked to the door. Gewey started after her but she held up her hand.
“I need some time,” she said, choking back her sobs. “Time alone.”
Gewey was in anguish. He was feeling the loss of Theopolou keenly. But the whole experience was being made even more torturous when combined with the utter misery that flowed into him from Kaylia. He knew how much Theopolou had meant to her. Other than himself and their child, she had loved no one more.
“If you need time,” started Selena, but Gewey shook his head and wiped his face.
“Time is fast running out,” he said, sitting back down. “And our enemies know it.”
“And what enemies do you speak of,” asked Selena. “Your…emissary has told us that the war will soon be over.”
“So you have seen Melek?”
The sudden sharpness in Gewey’s voice caused Selena to lean back and scrutinize him for a moment. “I have,” she said. “He came to see me as the armies were returning from the south. He claimed that you had sent him to destroy our enemies. Even so, his attempt to manipulate my spirit and alter my perception told me that there was something more to it than that.”
“What exactly did he say?” asked Gewey.
“No more than what I've already told you. He merely introduced himself as your emissary and said that the enemy would soon be defeated. Once he was convinced that I was accepting of this, he left.” She gave a thin smile. “I would guess he thought I was already under his influence and needed no further conversation. But I have resisted the full onslaught of your powers when you unleashed the flow of the spirit. I am not so easily overcome.”
“And the king?” asked Gewey.
“Before we go on, I must ask…”
Gewey looked straight into her eyes. “He was not sent by me. He is not my emissary. And if you fear him, your fears are justified.”
“Then perhaps you should tell me who he really is.” Her request was actually a demand, though her tone never changed.
Gewey told her of his experience in Shagharath, and of his escape. Selena was greatly saddened to hear of Maybell’s death but accepting of her choice.
She sat in silent contemplation for several minutes after Gewey had finished. “Then Lousis is undeniably under Melek’s control,” she said finally. “As is King Victis, though to what extent I can’t tell. I lack the talent of the elves. But I am guessing that he has given them only a slight push in the direction he requires. I’ve sent spies to the city, but so far they have been unable to discover anything useful.”
“And what of Aaliyah and Nehrutu?” Gewey asked.
Selena shrugged. “I have not seen or heard from either of them. Nor Mohanisi for that matter. I shudder to think what he might have done to them.”
Gewey closed his eyes and reached out to Aaliyah. But just like every time before, a thin fog obscured his vision and dulled their bond. She was alive. But that was all he could tell without forcing his way through. And if Aaliyah resisted him in this there was a danger that he might do her great harm, so he dare not try.
“What will you do?’ Selena asked.
“There is only one thing I can do,” Gewey replied. “I must go to Althetas and face Melek.”
Selena nodded and gave a tight smile. He knew that she was holding something back. But what? He didn’t think she was lying, but there was definitely something she was not telling him.
At that moment Linis entered, along with Weila and Nahali. Linis’ eyes were red from tears.
“I saw Kaylia on our way here,” he said. “She told me about Theopolou.”
There was a moment of silence. Linis then cleared his throat and set about introducing Weila and Nahali.
Selena gave them a formal bow. “You are both most welcome here.”
Gewey stood and excused himself. The pain he was feeling from Kaylia was relentless and clearly reflected on his face. In spit
e of her insistence for solitude, he needed to find her.
“We will speak again before you leave,” said Selena understandingly. “But for now, I’m sure I can learn all that I need from those here.”
Gewey found Kaylia walking the halls with her arms folded tightly across her chest. Her eyes were now dry but the pain was obviously still raw. For a long while he did nothing but walk silently beside her. Eventually, she took his arm and rested her head on his shoulder.
“So many have died,” she whispered. “But Theopolou was like a father to me. I feel his loss so very deeply.”
“I feel it too. And I wish I could take away your pain.”
Kaylia stopped and looked at him sharply. “Do not wish that. Theopolou was my uncle and loved by many. He deserves to be mourned. And I will give him what he is due. To take away my pain would be to take away my love, and I would not want that.” Her features then softened and she kissed his cheek. “For now, allow me to hurt and just walk beside me.”
Gewey smiled and took her hand. Knowing it was fully dark, they made their way outside and took in the crisp night air. It was then he noticed a small bump beneath Kaylia’s shirt for the first time. Without thinking, he reached out and touched it.
“Do you know when?” he asked.
Kaylia squeezed his hand. “An elf carries a bit longer than a human. I would say we have six months yet.”
Six months, he thought. Not much time to defeat the two greatest threats to all life on earth in the history of creation.
“You will triumph,” she said, hearing his thoughts. “I have faith in you.”
* * * * *
Linis sat back in his chair, scowling. “I do not feel right keeping things from him.”
“Nor do I,” added Weila.
“We must,” argued Dina. “Everything depends on it.”
“If Gewey discovers our plan,” said Selena, “we risk failure. And then we’ll be at the mercy of Melek. From what I have learned thus far, that is not a position I want to be in.”
“How do you plan to succeed without his knowledge?” asked Linis. “Timing will be everything. If he is ignorant to our actions…”
The Godling Chronicles : Bundle - Books 4-6 Page 60