“And you accepted?” exclaimed Gewey.
“We were left with little choice,” explained Linis. “They arrived in Valshara and well…they insisted. They said if they were killed, more would come. They knew of a place within the temple where they could hide from Melek’s sight. As it happened, the Oracle was able to hide there as well. Though I did pity her being forced to stay in such foul company. As it turned out, the room was entirely unknown to the High Lady. A fact that she was none too happy about.”
Gewey considered this information. The Dark Knight had once been a member of the Order of Amon Dähl, so it was likely that he’d gained this knowledge during that time. He smiled inwardly at the sheer absurdity of the situation.
“Still,” he said. “It’s amazing that you were able to beat Melek. And fortunate that Weila was among you to strike with the Fangs of Yajna.”
Linis nodded. “Yes. Without her, I am sure we would have failed.”
“Gewey!” cried Kaylia.
Gewey spun around. Kaylia was smiling, but only doing so through a wave of pain.
“Aaliyah was wrong,” she said, straining through each word. “It won’t be one more day.”
It took a moment for Gewey to grasp her meaning; his eyes shot wide and his heart began to pound with panic. Before he could think of what to do, the door flew open and Aaliyah raced to the bedside. Her manner was relaxed and her face glowed with joy as she took Gewey’s hand and kissed his cheek. She then turned her attention to Kaylia.
Linis touched his shoulder. “Come, my friend. We should not be here.” Seeing Gewey hesitating, he added: “She is well tended. Elf men are not welcome during the birthing.”
“I am no elf,” Gewey pointed out, moving to take up position beside Aaliyah. “And I will not leave her.”
Kaylia looked at him, her eyes filled with love. Her lips turned up into a sweet smile. “Yes. I want you here.”
Aaliyah looked over her shoulder at Linis. “You, on the other hand, can go.”
Linis bowed and gave Gewey’s shoulder a squeeze. “I will be just outside if I am needed.”
Gewey didn’t hear Linis’ words. His attention was on Kaylia and the life she was about to bring into the world. A life they had created together.
A life that he would do anything to protect.
Chapter 29
Though the room was filled with his friends, Gewey could neither see nor hear them. He was transfixed. The whole of his world rested inside a soft cotton blanket he held in his arms.
His full head of hair was raven just like Gewey’s, but his skin held the deep bronze tint of his mother. Sleepy ice-blue eyes opened and closed as they gazed at his father.
Only Kaylia’s touch was able to tear Gewey’s attention away. She looked both exhausted and blissful. Gewey carefully handed their son over and wrapped his arm around her shoulders.
“Do you have a name?” asked Dina.
Gewey looked up, suddenly aware that Aaliyah, Nehrutu, Mohanisi, Linis, Dina, King Lousis, Weila, and Nahali were all surrounding the bed. Their faces beamed. With a rush, he wished that Lee and Millet were also there.
Kaylia brushed a finger across the baby’s cheek. “Jayden.” She looked up at Gewey. “It means the light of heaven.”
“Jayden,” Gewey repeated softly.
“A fine name,” said Linis.
“Fit for a god,” added King Lousis.
Dina stepped close. Tears fell down her cheeks as she gazed at the dozing infant. “He’s perfect,” she whispered. “Just perfect.”
There was a long silence as everyone watched Gewey and Kaylia holding the baby Jayden. Eventually, Aaliyah stepped forward and demanded the gathering’s attention.
“Kaylia needs rest,” she stated firmly. “And so do I.”
Everyone took their turn to congratulate the proud parents, then reluctantly filed out of the room. Aaliyah was the last to leave, pausing to examine both mother and child one final time before departing.
“You realize this changes things,” said Gewey.
“I know,” Kaylia replied. “And though I swore that I would never leave your side, I feel I must break my oath. To take Jayden into the jaws of death is beyond comprehension. And that is where you must now go.”
“I will leave you both well-guarded,” he promised. “I sense that Melek’s hold on King Lousis has nearly disappeared. Mohanisi may have had a hand in that, I suspect - or perhaps Aaliyah. But I can leave you in his charge without fear.”
“Once you go east, I will not remain in Althetas.”
“Where then?”
“I will go to the home of Theopolou,” she said firmly, though recalling the loss of her uncle caused his name to stick for a moment in her throat. “It is well hidden and easily defended. There are those among the elves in Althetas who still serve his house, and they will serve me faithfully too.”
Gewey thought on this for a time before nodding his agreement. “Very well, but I would want to send more than just Theopolou’s elves. And no one can know where you have gone.”
“Lord Chiron and Lady Bellisia should be returning from Skalhalis soon,” said Kaylia. “They can provide me with any additional help I may need.”
The idea of being parted brought a huge sadness to Gewey. All of a sudden he wanted to take his wife and child and run, though to where he didn’t know. Only with great effort was he able to push unhappy thoughts from his mind. “That is something we can discuss later,” he said. “For now, let’s just pretend that this moment will last forever.”
Kaylia tilted her head and smiled. “Yes, let’s do that.”
* * * * *
Gewey entered the council chambers. Though sad to be parted even for a moment from Kaylia and Jayden, he knew that he must discuss plans.
Kaylia was not interested in joining him. Her focus was completely on caring for their child, at least for the time being. Talk of war and darkness could wait for a bit longer.
Gewey could feel that his bond with Kaylia had now extended to Jayden, though in a different way. It was just as powerful, yet in some respects more distant. He remembered what his father had once told him on one of the anniversaries of his mother’s death. Gewey was only five, and couldn’t understand why his father was sitting in his chair staring at her picture.
“Did you love her more than me?” Gewey had asked. A silly thing to say - that is, unless you’re a five year-old boy who wants nothing more than his father’s love. And though Harman never withheld his love, on that night every year he was distant and inconsolable.
“No, son,” he had said, wiping the tears from his face. “But my love for her was different. You are my son and I love you beyond your understanding. From the first moment I saw you I knew you were mine, and that nothing could ever change that. But your mother…”
He cleared the lump from his throat. “She was not mine. I was hers. From the very first time she looked at me, I was helpless against her power. She chose me above all others, and for that I have always felt unworthy.” His father’s smile was sad, yet it had still comforted Gewey. “Son. One day you will meet someone who captures your heart in ways you never thought possible. You’ll love her beyond reason. And when you are blessed with a child, you’ll do anything to protect it. You would face a horde of demons, and your wife is the one person who would stand by your side while you did it. This bond you will share is stronger than any other. It is a mutual love, joined in a way only parents can understand.”
Harman’s words had never made much sense to him before. Now it was clear. Their love for Jayden strengthened their love for each other. That she would give her life - as well as sacrifice his - to protect their son was the greatest love imaginable. He pictured her cradling Jayden in her arms and felt the warm rush of happiness filling his spirit.
The sound of the chamber door closing behind him snapped Gewey back to reality. King Lousis, Aaliyah, Nehrutu, Mohanisi, Weila, Linis and Dina were already sitting around the table.
“Not yet,” replied Lousis. “They’re not due back for another few days.”
The door opened and a nervous looking guard hurried over to whisper something into the king’s ear. The king nodded and the guard scurried away. A moment later the door opened again, this time for Felsafell and Basanti to enter. Felsafell wore a long purple robe with undulating gold patterns stitched down the front and around the cuffs. His silver hair flowed carelessly down his back, shimmering in the warm lamplight. Basanti was dressed to match, though with tiny white flowers decorating her hair.
Neither Dina nor the king had ever seen Felsafell before, and the sight of him clearly made an impact. Dina gasped audibly, while Lousis simply stared in wide-eyed wonder.
They took seats alongside Gewey. The chairs were not designed for someone of Felsafell’s unusual height, so it took a moment for him to settle himself.
“I can see that...my appearance has...upset you,” Felsafell said. His words came out slowly as if each syllable was an effort. “Please pardon…my…speech. Your language is… difficult for me…as you speak it. And I…did not wish the voice…of the old hermit to utter forth…from the lips of my true form. Basanti knows my thoughts…and will speak for me.”
Lousis cleared his throat and shook his head. “Do not be concerned. I was told of your coming. And that you would be…different. And your manner of speech is perfectly fine. I have heard your name spoken of many times over the years, and the fact that you always talked in riddles. I am pleased that you will be plain.”
“Felsafell speaks the language of his kin,” explained Basanti. “Gewey understands him, as does Kaylia. But when he tries to speak in your common tongue, the metaphors and symbolisms sound odd to your ears. A fact he has used to great advantage for countless generations in the guise of a crazy old man.”
“You’re beautiful,” was all Dina could manage to say.
Felsafell smiled and lowered his head in a slight bow.
“As you already know,” Basanti continued, “I am the Oracle of Manisalia. Felsafell and I are here to aid you in your hour of need.”
Lousis leaned back in his chair and clasped his hands in front of him. “Fables and myths come to life under my very roof. It is said you are a thousand years old, Oracle.”
“I am far older,” she asserted. “Only Felsafell is my elder in this world. It was he who spun the legend around my name back in a time when humankind had barely left the sands of the east and the elves were still a savage race. But now is not the time to hear our story. Melek is gone, and Angrääl will soon move against you. His armies are driven back, but the king remains on his throne.”
“What would you suggest we do?” asked Lousis.
“There can only be one ending to this war,” said Gewey. “I must face the Dark Knight and destroy him.”
Basanti nodded in agreement. “That much is certain. But as Melek told you, the Dark Knight has found four of the nine god stones. If he has learned to use their power you may be no match for him. Melek knew this and tried to use it as leverage against you.”
“But can Melek’s word be trusted?” asked Linis.
“In this case, I believe so,” Basanti replied. “Melek hoped to force Felsafell into telling him where the other stones were hidden. And if he had succeeded, he would have killed every one of you. He would have had enough power to accomplish all of his goals without Darshan’s aid.”
“Then why enlist my help to begin with?” asked Gewey. “Why not simply find the stones and be done with it?”
“He couldn’t be certain they are still intact,” she replied. “Nor could he be certain that Felsafell knew of their location – not until he’d had enough time to break him. He suspected that Felsafell knew, but if it turned out he was wrong and the stones really were lost, he would be without an ally other than the Dark Knight himself. And seeing as how Melek detested mortals, he would only do that as a very last resort.”
“He certainly did enjoy playing with our lives and minds,” spat Lousis.
“Yes,” agreed Basanti. “But the thought of joining with a mortal in a common cause seemed to be more than his palate could endure. Which is why he sought to persuade Gewey. Only when he was convinced that Gewey would not join his campaign did he try to destroy him.”
“And do you know where the rest of the stones are?” Dina asked Felsafell.
Felsafell nodded. “I do. But they will…not be easy...to retrieve.”
Basanti touched Felsafell’s hand while passing a few words to him in the ancient tongue.
“Felsafell will guide Gewey to their locations,” she said, turning back to the others. “But should the Dark Knight learn of this he will move to stop them.”
“What do you suggest?” asked Linis.
There was a long silence.
King Lousis began to laugh quietly to himself until he had the attention of the entire group. “There is only one way to distract him.” He waited for a moment. All but Basanti and Felsafell looked perplexed. The king heaved a sigh. “We will march on Angrääl. To the very gates of Kratis.”
“You can’t be serious,” said Dina.
“It’s the only way,” Basanti told her. “And many will perish. But unless Gewey finds a way to defeat the Dark Knight, the numbers will be far greater. And he will not stop here.” She looked to Aaliyah and Nehrutu. “Eventually he will cross the Abyss and raze your cities to the ground.”
“I don’t understand,” Dina interjected. “If the Dark Knight is so powerful, why doesn’t he seek Gewey out now? Why not just kill him and be done with it?”
Basanti shook her head and held out her hands. “I wish I knew. Perhaps he has the same motive as did Melek and intends to turn Gewey to his cause. There is no way to know; I truly wish I did. But for whatever reason, he has chosen to remain hidden and locked away in his fortress. And for that I am glad. It gives us precious time.”
“And who will go with you?” asked Linis. He saw Dina’s jaw tighten and her fists clench.
“Gewey and I…will go…alone,” said Felsafell.
Dina was visibly relieved.
“And what of Kaylia and your son?” asked Aaliyah.
“She will go to a location known only to those who accompany her,” answered Gewey. “There can be no risk of discovery.”
“Then you can tell me later,” she shot back. “For I will be with her…and Jayden.”
Gewey was both pleased and relieved to hear this. He had hoped for as much. He would send an army if he could. The thought of Kaylia and Jayden being so far from his protection was becoming ever more unnerving.
“It will take some time before I can muster an army for such a march,” said Lousis. “At least a month or two.”
“Then I intend to spend what time I have left with those I love most,” announced Gewey. He pushed back his chair and stood up. “You will forgive me if I leave the rest of the details to you for now.”
“Of course,” said Lousis. “I would do the same. Go be with your wife and child.”
“I will check on Kaylia and Jayden later,” said Aaliyah. “We can speak about her plans then.”
Gewey nodded and left the hall. One month, perhaps two, to spend with his wife and child. That was all. After that there was no guarantee he would ever see them again and he would not waste a moment of the time he’d been granted.
Kaylia was sleeping soundly while holding Jayden to her chest. He was cooing to the rhythm of his mother’s breathing. At the sound of Gewey’s entry, Kaylia’s eyes cracked open and a smile crept upon her face.
“Two months,” said Gewey. “Then I must leave.”
He recounted the details of their plan. Kaylia nodded approvingly.
“I must say I am happy that Aaliyah will be with us,” she said. “And that Felsafell is to be with you.”
Gewey removed his boots and slid into bed. W
hatever may happen in the future, and however this war might end, at least they would have this time together. And though the Dark Knight may have stolen vast power from the gods and heaven, he would never have enough power to make Gewey give in. Not when he had so much to protect. He wrapped his arms around his family and closed his eyes. Their spirits combined with his.
“If this is all we get,” Gewey whispered, while kissing Kaylia’s ear, “it is still more than I could have hoped for.”
“This is not all,” she promised. “Soon the vision you saw of us living in your home in Sharpstone will become reality. I know it.”
Gewey looked down at Jayden. His tiny fingers were clenching and relaxing, his eyes tightly closed. Determination swelled in Gewey’s heart. He would make this world safe for his son.
Even if it cost him his life, the Dark Knight would fall.
End Book Five
Acknowledgements
Jonathan and Eleni Anderson, George Panagos, Vincentine Williams, Gerald and Donna Anderson, Hunter and Sarah Anderson, Bobby and Bobbie Anderson, George Stratford, The Ramos family, the DiBatista family, Helen Paton and "K", Cassidy Webb, Tom Riddell, Jen Frith-Couch, Alex Harris, Chris and (Fancy) Nancy Jones, Jacob and Elizabeth Bunton, Jenny Bunton, Kitty Bullard, and everyone who has supported me.
I love you all!
The Godling
Chronicles
Book Six
“The Reborn King”
Written by Brian D. Anderson
Original concept by Jonathan Anderson
The Godling Chronicles (Book Six) The Reborn King
By
Brian D. Anderson
Original concept by Jonathan Anderson
Copyright © Brian D. Anderson 2014
Published by Longfire Press
Names, characters and incidents depicted in this book are products of the author's imagination, or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual events, locales, organizations, or persons, living or dead, is entirely coincidental and beyond the intent of the author or the publisher.
The Godling Chronicles : Bundle - Books 4-6 Page 66