Even if he had never been brought before the king to have his spirit altered, he would still remain loyal. His master was not worried, so he wasn’t either. And should the king be wrong and Angrääl were to fall, he would defend it to the last. If Darshan and his army dared to march on Kratis, they would be marching to their end.
No matter what happened, he would see that Kratis endured.
Chapter 26
Gewey was surprised at how easy it had been to convince Linis, Dina, and Nahali to stay behind in Valshara. Kaylia suggested that perhaps Dina was concerned for her mother’s safety, but neither of them really believed this. High Lady Selena had also been acting in a most peculiar way, and even Weila wasn’t quite herself – though there was never any question of her not traveling with them to Althetas.
Weila had spent their few days at Valshara getting to know the elves who dwelled in the temple. News of a desert elf’s arrival had quickly spread and she found herself with no lack of company. However, the resident’s first reaction to her was one of confusion. Their desert kin’s rejection of the flow made it seem to them as if Weila wasn’t really there – at least, not in the way that elves sense one another. But their trepidation quickly vanished. Only a few short months ago they would have been unable to imagine living among humans, but these days they were growing accustomed to new experiences.
On the morning of their departure, Gewey, Kaylia and Weila joined Linis and High Lady Selena for breakfast. Dina and her mother also made a brief appearance but quickly excused themselves. Nahali had discovered a small group of elves within the temple who came from her home village. She had promised to meet with them in the main library to tell tales and renew ties.
Conversation was light and friendly, but still Gewey couldn’t help but notice that no one would look at him directly.
“Is there something I should know?” he asked, exasperated. “If so, now is the time to tell me.”
Selena forced a smile. “We are just worried about you. You go to face an enemy like no other, and we are powerless to help.”
Gewey looked closely at the High Lady. She was lying, and her lie was reflected in the eyes of everyone else there. He surveyed each of his friends in turn with a probing stare.
Finally, he shook his head and stood up. “In that case, I should be leaving.” He tried not to appear angry, but his brusque movements and hard tone betrayed his feelings. “If I return, I hope you will then be able to tell me what you are hiding from me. And perhaps explain why I have not earned your trust.”
“We trust you,” said Linis. “Never think we do not.”
Gewey paused. The sincerity in Linis’ voice, together with the expression on his face, went far to calm his frustration. He chuckled and held up his hand in a gesture of acceptance.
“Forgive my irritation,” he said. “If you have secrets, then I am sure you have good reasons to keep them.”
He sat back down and finished his breakfast. This done, Selena bid the trio farewell. Linis walked with them to the gates where three horses awaited.
Weila’s faced twisted in displeasure. “I prefer to walk,” she grumbled. “I do not enjoy riding on the back of these beasts.”
“Nor do I,” said Kaylia. “But if we are set upon, we will need their speed.”
“What fool would attack Darshan on the open road?” scoffed Weila.
“Never underestimate a person’s capacity for stupidity,” Kaylia replied, smirking.
They had just mounted when Dina and Nahali arrived to see them off. Nahali was glowing with sheer joy. The reunion with her kin had clearly gone well.
It was moments such as this that reminded Gewey of how far the people of this world had come in so short a time. These days, any mention of the Great War was rare, and always spoken of with regret. Human and elf acted as if they had lived as one for many years rather than just months. Even the older elves who were still uncomfortable with the way things had changed were no longer protesting, content simply to grumble and glare. War, it seemed, however terrible, could produce something far more than just death and hardship.
As they rode through the gates and on along the narrow canyon, Gewey could feel eyes following him. They were watching from above, just out of reach. From precisely where he couldn’t tell, but he knew exactly who it was.
“Melek,” he muttered.
* * * * *
After the first day Weila refused to continue riding her horse, instead choosing to walk beside it. There were few travelers on the road at first, and those that were took little notice of them. Gewey’s face was not yet easily recognizable - a fact for which he was truly grateful.
He continued to feel Melek’s watchful gaze and knew that Kaylia was feeling it as well. He tried several times to reach Aaliyah, but as before, she refused to make contact. Though this caused his concern to deepen, there was nothing that could be done about it for now. He had to trust in her friendship and loyalty.
When they were but a few hours away from Althetas’ city gates, the traffic along the road suddenly increased sharply in both volume and urgency. A seemingly never-ending stream of wagons loaded with men and building materials jostled along in both directions, while everywhere they looked there appeared to be yet more construction sites for half-completed homes and markets. The thudding of hammers and clinking of picks, together with the raucous shouts of workmen, became a constant assault on their ears.
“It looks like King Lousis is taking advantage of victory,” remarked Kaylia.
“If this is indeed the king’s doing,” countered Gewey. “They are building as though the war was already over and the threat of invasion gone for good.”
“Perhaps it is,” suggested Weila. “If this god Melek has completely destroyed the armies of your enemy, who can say differently?”
Gewey frowned. “The Dark Knight was dealt a devastating blow. But I don’t believe his entire force has been destroyed. The danger remains and Althetas should be prepared.”
When the city walls finally came into view, Gewey could not fail to miss a gigantic streamer flying high above the towers; it bore a silver sword set against the full moon – the sigil of Darshan.
Barely had this sight registered when he spotted half a dozen soldiers on horseback racing toward him. Two of these were carrying tall banners also bearing his sigil. Gewey groaned with despair, and then again when he noticed it splashed across their breastplates as well.
They halted a few yards away and saluted in unison. A soldier with a lieutenant’s red chevron on his arm dismounted and bowed low. He removed his helmet, revealing a youthful face and a mane of shimmering blond hair.
“Greetings, Darshan,” he said. “Your arrival has been highly anticipated. King Lousis has sent us to lead you and your companions through the city to his manor, where a feast is being prepared in your honor.” After another sharp bow, he remounted his horse.
Gewey looked down at Weila. “You should ride from here onward.”
He thought back to the first time he had been within the walls of a big city, not long after Lee had spirited him away from his farm. He smiled inwardly at the experience the desert elf was about to have and hoped it wouldn’t be too jarring for her.
Weila huffed, but mounted her horse.
“If you become unsettled,” said Kaylia sympathetically. “Try to keep your eyes focused straight ahead.”
Weila straightened her back and steadied her nerves. “I am not a child. There is no need to worry.” She then saw the kindness in Kaylia’s eyes and her tight expression gave way to an appreciative smile. “But thank you for the advice. I’ll remember it.”
The two standard bearers rode ahead while the rest fell back. The gates to the city were flung wide, and even before they entered Gewey could see that the streets were lined with thousands of people, many waving tiny sword and moon flags. Atop the ramparts, twenty men with golden trumpets let out a mighty blast.
The crowd erupted with deafening cheers the instan
t they passed inside, causing their horses to stomp and rear nervously. Weila looked as if she was ready to leap off, but Kaylia calmed her own mount and then quickly reached over to grab hold of the other woman’s reins. It took a few seconds, but Weila gradually regained her composure. She nodded to Kaylia in appreciation.
Flowers and silks were being thrown from windows, and the name Darshan was on everyone’s lips. Guards lined the edge of the avenues to keep the crowd at bay.
“I suppose we should wave,” said Gewey jokingly.
Kaylia frowned. “I think not.”
Gewey glanced over his shoulder. Weila was staring straight ahead, her hands gripping the reins so tightly that her knuckles were white. Kaylia noticed this too and eased her horse close enough to reach out and take hold of Weila’s hand. She did not resist the touch and mouthed a silent ‘thank you’.
When they arrived at the king’s manor more trumpets rang out and the gates ceremoniously swung open. Lousis was standing immediately in front of the large, double oak doors. He was dressed in a white silk shirt with gold stitching, matching pants, and a resplendent purple cape fastened at the neck by a thick gold chain.
The king smiled broadly and held his arms wide apart in greeting.
To his left stood Nehrutu, and to his right, Aaliyah. Nehrutu was clad in a black satin shirt with matching pants. A long, thin sword with a jewel encrusted hilt hung loosely at his side. Aaliyah wore a blood red dress with a white sash tied around her thin waist. Their smiles were bright and friendly, but their eyes told Gewey a different story. Melek’s influence was apparent, and he could feel anxiety slipping through the bond that Aaliyah had so closely guarded. She leaned over to Lousis and whispered something in his ear.
The trio dismounted and strode along the newly cobbled walkway to their waiting friends.
“At last!” exclaimed Louis, laughing boisterously. “The mighty Darshan, savior of the twelve kingdoms has arrived.” He wrapped his arms around Gewey in a welcoming embrace. “And the beautiful Kaylia. Your light warms my heart and brightens my fair city.” He kissed her hand. “Aaliyah has just informed me that you have brought a very special guest to my home. An elf of the desert.” He turned to Weila. “Welcome. Word of your arrival will cause quite a stir among the elves in Althetas.”
“I am Weila, Your Highness,” she told him, bowing low. “I have been sent as an emissary until the rest of my people can join me.”
“Yes,” said Lousis. “We were surprised to see supply ships so soon after the fall of Baltria. But they were a welcome sight, to be sure.”
Aaliyah took a step toward Gewey. “It is good to see you, my friend. We have much to talk about - after you have rested from your journey, of course.”
Gewey nodded and forced a smile. “Indeed we do.”
Aaliyah embraced Kaylia, then looked at her belly and grinned. Next, she introduced Weila to Nehrutu.
Nehrutu looked at her with an odd, twisted expression. “You were correct. No flow at all.”
“My people have rejected it,” Weila explained proudly.
Nehrutu held up his hand apologetically. “Forgive my rudeness. Aaliyah told me, but I was unprepared for how it would feel. In any event, I am pleased to meet you. Our people reuniting from the desert and from across the sea can only be the design of fate. I look forward to knowing you better.”
“As do I,” agreed Weila. “And I pray that our reunion will give us the strength to defeat our enemy.”
Lousis let out another hearty laugh. “Enemy? Thanks to Darshan, the enemy will soon be crushed throughout the whole of the world. We will see peace quite soon I think.” He stepped back, allowing his guests to pass inside. “But we can talk of war after the feast. All of Althetas is celebrating your arrival. Such joy has not been seen among my people in quite some time.”
“And what of Melek?” asked Gewey. Speaking his name caused his skin to crawl. “Will he be at the feast as well?”
“Of course,” replied Lousis. “It was Melek who arranged it all, and he certainly wouldn’t miss his master’s banquet.”
“I see,” said Gewey. He didn’t want to reveal what he knew until he had a better knowledge of the situation in Althetas. He also needed to know why Aaliyah had refused contact. “Where is Mohanisi?” he asked.
Lousis stopped with a jerk. There was an awkward silence.
“I’m afraid Mohanisi will not be joining us,” the king eventually said. He spoke as if searching for each word. “A few unfortunate things have transpired in your absence.”
“He is ill,” Aaliyah cut in. “But you can see him after you have been shown to your rooms if you wish.”
“Yes,” said Gewey apprehensively. “If he’s ill, perhaps I can help him.” He wondered what illness could possibly have afflicted Mohanisi. His suspicions immediately turned to Melek.
Aaliyah sighed. “I doubt it. All that can be done, has been done. He suffers from a malady of the spirit. It is rare among my people…and incurable. Melek has already attended him and failed. But still, you are welcome to try.”
Hearing Melek’s name spoken so casually was disquieting. None of them knew the depths of the evil they were openly welcoming into their lives. The horrors Melek had unleashed upon the first born, the slaying of his own wife…and his desire to kill the Creator herself. Gewey shuddered at the thought of what he might have in store for the world now that he was finally free from Shagharath.
“I will indeed try,” he told Aaliyah. “And I would also like to speak with you privately before the feast.”
Aaliyah nodded. “Of course. I will join you in your quarters in one hour.”
Two young serving maids approached and beckoned for Gewey, Kaylia and Weila to follow.
“Until tonight then,” said Lousis.
Gewey and the others had only walked a few yards when the king called after them. “I forgot to ask. Why are Linis and Dina not with you?”
“They decided to remain in Valshara for a time,” replied Gewey.
Lousis grinned roguishly. “I can understand why. I would much rather be in the company of High Lady Selena than in the beehive that has become Althetas.” He sighed. “But alas, rebuilding what war has torn down requires my presence for the time being.” He shrugged and waved his hand dismissively.
The serving maids led them upstairs and down a long corridor lined with a series of polished oak doors. Weila was given a spacious, beautifully furnished room fully equipped with a shower. The sand master stared for a moment in awe at the sheer scope of it. She had stayed at a small inn near to the docks while in Baltria, and even the rooms in Valshara, though far from uncomfortable, could not compare to the luxury that was now before her.
“I-I can’t stay here,” she stammered.
“Of course you can,” assured Kaylia. “Don’t worry. I’ll help you settle in.”
She turned to the nearest maid. “Is our room nearby?”
“It’s the next one down,” the girl replied.
“Well, that’s most convenient,” Kaylia said. She ushered a still uncertain Weila into her room, at the same time looking over her shoulder to flash Gewey an amused smile.
Gewey smiled back and moved down the corridor to their room. Once inside, he immediately stripped off his dusty clothes and turned on the shower, moaning with pleasure the moment the hot water struck him.
A selection of new clothes had been provided for both he and Kaylia in the massive wardrobe. After picking out a pair of tan pants and a white cotton shirt, he was just about to pull on a pair of suede boots when Kaylia entered.
“It’s all a bit much for her,” she said. “I do believe she would rather be in her desert hut.”
Gewey laughed. “She’ll get used to it.”
Kaylia kissed his cheek. “You did.”
She showered and picked out a pair of black pants, together with a red linen shirt that clung nicely to her athletic form. She was still searching for a pair of shoes when there was a soft knock on the
door. Gewey answered. Aaliyah was standing in the hall, a sweet smile on her face.
“Where is Nehrutu?” he asked.
“Helping King Lousis to prepare for the feast,” she replied.
They took seats around a breakfast table set just across from the enormous canopy bed. Silence hung heavily. Only the muffled sounds of the city making ready to celebrate could be heard through the closed window. Aaliyah looked first to Gewey, then to Kaylia, her smile never fading.
“He is not your enemy,” she finally said. “He wants you to know this. He also wants you to know that he remains your servant, in spite of the lies you may have been told and your anger toward him.”
Her words caused the hair on the back of Gewey’s neck to stand up.
“And what lies might that be?” he asked.
“He didn’t say. Only that there was a possibility you have been misled.”
“And do you believe him?” asked Gewey, trying to maintain an even tone.
“I do,” she affirmed. “He is here to help us. He has destroyed our enemy and saved my love. There is no evil in his heart.”
“How did he save your love?” asked Kaylia.
Aaliyah told them of the battle, Nehrutu’s wounds, and of Melek saving his life.
“I see,” mused Gewey thoughtfully. “And what has he had you doing for him since then?”
“He told us to help the people of Althetas,” she replied. Her voice was filled with contentment and pride. “We have aided as best we could by healing the sick and bringing comfort to those who have been displaced. He said that once the Reborn King has been destroyed, you and he will usher in a new age of peace and prosperity.”
“I have tried to reach out to you,” said Gewey. “Why have you kept me away?”
Aaliyah laughed almost girlishly, her usual reserved manner giving way to an inner bliss that was apparent even without their bond bleeding out her feelings. “Melek asked me to wait until you arrived.”
The Godling Chronicles : Bundle - Books 4-6 Page 62