Age of the Gods: The Complete, twelve novel, fantasy series (The Blood and Brotherhood Saga)

by Laszlo,Jeremy

  “Mostly, yes.”

  “I think much of that will be settled today. Anything else of interest?”

  “Yes, my king,” the beast man growled. “There are little provisions, supplies, food, or any other resources in the city for that matter. Sigrant took the bulk of everything with him on his campaign and from what I gather, nearly all of the supplies now lie at the bottom of the newly formed lake.”

  “That could be a problem. I have seen in Valdadore, homes with plants growing within the windows during the winter. Would it be possible to do something similar but on a larger scale here? Could we not build a large structure of windows and grow crops within? Tending them and building the actual building will employ many people.”

  “I’ll seek out an engineer and see if we can find a suitable location, my lord.”

  “It sounds to me like the people here are hungry, without hope, and without work to keep their idle minds busy. Let’s begin recreating their city. Use whatever resources you have at your disposal to get the people working on community projects. These indoor crop houses should be the pride of communities. We need a proper city wall with defenses. Old and dilapidated buildings need to be demolished, and new homes and structures rebuilt. Send men to the forest we used as cover just yesterday and begin cutting and drying lumber. This keep is carved of stone, and I would bet there is more beneath our feet if we look for it. Begin a quarry. Put these people to work and get them fed and we’ll solve most of our problems. Create a council or committee if you need to, I do not want to oversee all this work. I have other duties to focus upon.”

  “I can handle the defenses,” Sara stated from behind him.

  “Good. See. We are already making progress,” Seth grinned.

  “It is a tall order,” Jonas admitted, “but I will do what I can to find the right people to get the jobs done.”

  “That’s all I ask, Jonas. I don’t expect we will be staying here long enough to see it complete, but at least we can create a better life for those who will remain behind.”

  “As you wish,” Jonas said, bowing low.

  Seth watched the mottled-colored werewolf turn as he traversed the narrow corridor back in the direction he had come. So large were his wolf troops that their shoulders barely fit between the walls of the corridors this high up in the keep. As such, Seth barely stifled a laugh, watching the man retreat with his head hunkered down and arms pulled in tight to his sides.

  * * * * *

  Although she would like nothing better than to spend the day, week, or month simply lounging around in bed with her husband, Sara joined him as they dressed in preparation for the day’s events. She knew Seth had something planned aside from attempting to fix the boy, but as of yet he hadn’t said what it was. There was a lot going on inside that mind of his of late, and with recent revelations she could only imagine what it was that he pondered in those moments when all emotion was absent from his eyes. Sometimes, it was as if he were in two places at once, but gone was the defeat from his features. That was sign enough for Sara that all was as it should be with her husband.

  Prepared to meet their audience, Sara took her husband’s offered arm and together they walked down the corridor to the steep spiraling stairs that would take them all the way down to the ground floor. Entering the back of the throne room, they crossed its expanse, collecting Borrik, Jonas, and a handful of Seth’s other altered troops in the process before reaching the entry doors to the keep. Sara watched as the great wolven troops heaved the doors open wide to a combined gasp of surprise shared by more than a thousand people who had come to witness the demons for themselves.

  With both Borrik and Jonas taking the lead, more than a dozen rat troops followed, creating a living wall that climbed down the dozen steps to the courtyard sprawled out before them. Stepping out to the top step with her husband, she felt more than saw as he extended his wings up and to the sides of them, casting them in the shadows of his creation. There, upon the top step, she looked out upon a sea of opened mouths, catching a glint of light out of the corner of her eye. Reaching out, almost by instinct, she caught the bolt before the twang of the bowstring even met her ears. Snapping it in her hand she bore witness as Borrik leapt into the crowd, sending bystanders sprawling out from beneath him as he ripped the would-be assassin from the shadows, hefting him overhead for all to see.

  “There is no need for alarm, good people,” Seth said calmly, his voice carrying over the commotion unnaturally. “I do not wish you any harm. I must warn you, however, those who are closest to me are not fond of such attempts to end my life.”

  Returning to his master’s side, Borrik tossed the man to the ground, resting one immense foot upon his chest, pinning him securely. Sara fought the grin seeking to escape her lips, but it won the battle so she smiled out over the crowd in an attempt to show them her humanity.

  “I know your previous ruler left you ill prepared to defend yourselves, let alone survive the winter. I intend to remedy that problem, with your help, if you would be so kind. Those who work will be rewarded, and those who work the hardest will find themselves in a much better place.”

  “His words are like poison. He tricks us to feed upon us as we sleep. They are demons, just look at them!” a voice shouted from the crowd.

  “Do not be fooled by our appearances. Yes, we are no longer like you, but we have the same needs, wants, and desires,” Seth defended against the accusations. “How many of you know Captain Xander?”

  Sara watched as hundreds of heads nodded about the crowd. Some people even spoke of their connection to the man who had been sworn to their defense and upholding the law for years. She knew already that if Seth was successful, he would sway the opinion of many.

  “Then many of you know of his son. You know he was born without the ability to properly use one of his legs. He was born a creation of the gods you have worshipped and led to believe were all powerful, but I tell you that all you have been taught is a lie. The gods you know are not perfect. They do not want what is best for you. They do not hold limitless power, as this boy’s crippling infliction shows,” Seth said, pointing to Captain Xander at the front of the crowd, holding his crippled son in his arms.

  Sara looked first to the father and then to the boy. She could see the effect of Seth’s words on the people and it wasn’t good. It was blasphemy to all they knew. Only a demon would talk ill of all the gods. Her husband needed to act before the people’s anger grew larger than their curiosity.

  “Come, Captain Xander. Bring me your boy and I will show everyone here, that it is not the power of the gods that is absolute.”

  Xander took a tentative step forward as the rat men and women blocking his way created a path. With both fear and hope in his eyes, he climbed the steps slowly, almost cautiously, before coming to kneel before Seth, holding his son up to his new king like an offering to the gods.

  “How old is your son?” Seth asked.

  “Nine, my king.”

  “And he was born this way?”

  “Yes.”

  “And you have sought the help of healers. What did they tell you?”

  “That only the gods could save my son.”

  “Did you pray to the gods?” Seth questioned.

  “Yes, my king. Especially to Gorandor, the god I serve.”

  “And what was their reply, those gods you begged to make your son whole?”

  “There was no reply.”

  “So they ignored your pleas?”

  “I… I guess it was not their will to help him, or perhaps not his destiny to walk.”

  “You’re right,” Seth said as the crowd exhaled loudly in disappointment. “He was not intended by your gods to walk. They are mean and merciless gods who wish us all dead. That is why they create champions of men to wreak mass destruction. Your son was not meant to walk by the gods you worship, but I tell you, he was meant for more. I do not wish to see him walk either,” Seth admitted to the crowd. “I wish to see him run!”
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  Without warning Seth was engulfed in a cloak of flame as the very light illuminating the courtyard seemed to rush inwards towards him. Sara knew it was all for show, but by the expressions on the faces of those watching, it was having its intended effect. Within seconds, the boy in Xander’s arms screamed out in pleasure, not pain, giggling and laughing as his gnarled and crooked appendage began to recede within his body. A moment later, his ill-fitting britches fell slack where once was a wasted appendage of skin and bone. Without delay, a new bulge protruded from the boy’s clothing and growing and stretching, bone became visible beneath the flesh before it began to inflate as if muscle, blood, and sinew were being pumped into it from within. Longer and longer the small leg grew, sprouting thin transparent hairs, before a kneecap became defined at the joint. At the end of the leg five nubs began to extend as a foot grew where a second before there had been none. Over the span of perhaps two minutes, a newly formed, fully functioning leg replaced what was once a misshapen lump. Grinning and smiling to his father who held the tears in his eyes from falling, the boy tested his leg, wiggling his toes and even attempting to stand on his own.

  Sara watched as the captain sworn to defend their new keep pulled his boy into his arms for the first real hug they had ever shared while standing. The moment was one of compassion and love, and one she would never forget. Though his appearance was frightening to some, her husband was a kind soul with a love for people unheard of in these times. He understood better what it was to be human than most and now he was trying to show them, trying to teach them what it was that he had learned.

  Looking out upon the faces of those in the courtyard, it was apparent that they were a mixed lot. Some appeared skeptical and others cried openly. Others wore masks of fear, and yet some just stood open-mouthed, unable to believe what they had just witnessed. Murmurs swept through the people as they spoke in hushed tones before finally one of them shouted again.

  “I still say he is a demon. This is a trick to earn our loyalty!”

  “This is no trick!” Sara shouted in reply before even realizing she spoke. “Look to this man you know. He is just as loyal to this city and these people as any one of you, and my husband has given his son a chance at a full life. He has put a family back together, making it whole. If anyone is a demon, it is you making the accusations, calling this boy’s and this father’s happiest moment a fraud.”

  “Good people. I know my words are not enough to sway you. I do not expect you to lay down your fears and judgments of me so easily. You are no fools. All I ask you, is that you accept my people as your own. Allow them to help you rebuild your city. Give me time to prove myself to you and at the end of that time, if you still think me a demon, then I will leave this city, renewed, restored, and in the hands of this very man before you,” Seth offered the people.

  “Aye, tis a fair offer!” a shout erupted from the people.

  “Give him a chance!” the voice of a child added.

  Within moments, Sara watched as Xander helped his son down the stairs and into a crowd that mostly shouted and cheered their approval. She knew there would still be obstacles to overcome and likely more attempts on Seth’s life, but she also knew that it came with the territory. He had planted a seed in the people of a different world where they were not slaves to the gods and now all that was needed was to nurture the seed and help it grow.

  “My love. Do what you can to bring hope to these people. Seek me if you need my guidance or help. I need to go and find the answers I seek. I’ll be below the keep,” Seth said, turning to her ear.

  Nodding in reply, she knew her time of reveling in his arms was over, at least for now, and watched as he turned and strode back the way they had come. For many moments she remained on the steps with Jonas and Borrik, listening and watching as people broke from the crowd to inspect Xander’s son’s new leg. It was nearly an hour before they began to filter back out of the gates that separated the courtyard from the city beyond. It was three hours when the last of them left and only Sara, Seth’s troops, Xander, and his son remained. She found herself caught off guard when Xander left his son behind and climbed the steps once more to join her.

  “Good day, Captain Xander,” Sara greeted with a genuine smile.

  “The best I can remember,” Xander admitted, clearing his throat. “I am ashamed to admit that I doubted your husband and his claims.”

  “Most doubt him at first,” Sara replied, “but don’t be ashamed. Just serve him well and repay him with loyalty that which he gave you today. Do that, and he will be the best man you have ever served.”

  “No, my queen. He is already the best man I have ever served.”

  Chapter Fourteen

  Having spent the entire night rediscovering every inch of her body, Garret rolled off of his lover, pulling her lithe body with him as he lay on his back. With her head on his chest, they peered at each other with hungry eyes and Garret sighed loudly, feeling as if a great weight had been stripped from his heart.

  “I cannot express how glad I am to have you back,” Garret half whispered.

  “Oh, I bet you could express it if you tried really hard.”

  “I didn’t know how you would appear now that you are better and your blessing is gone.”

  “Are you disappointed, my love?”

  “No. Not at all. You do look different, but you are just as beautiful as ever.”

  Garret was surprised at how different she actually did look. She still had petite features and high cheekbones with striking eyes, perky breasts, and a bottom worthy of all the smacks it could handle, but so too were the differences vast. Her hair was now a red hue, and her eyes similar in tone. Her flawless skin now showed freckles and scars, that before had remained hidden beneath the power of the god she had served. Not only that, but she actually appeared younger than she had before, if that were possible. The whole thing was wondrous and amazing. Had he passed her on the streets, he would not have recognized her at all, and the thought of such a possibility made him feel sick to his stomach. It wasn’t just her appearance either. Her voice was different without her blessing, as was her scent. Literally everything about her was different now, though somehow familiar, yet it didn’t really matter. He had her back and that was all he wanted. All he needed.

  “What do you think we should do today?” Garret asked.

  “What do you mean? I would think that you have a kingdom to run, do you not?”

  “I do,” Garret’s mood dropped a noticeable tone. “But you could come with me. We are meant to rule together, are we not?”

  “I don’t think I am ready for that.”

  He understood. To be honest, he’d been through so much recently that he wasn’t ready either, but with her back and with a possibility of rebuilding and creating a better Valdadore, he finally felt up to the task.

  “So I suppose I will see to my duties as king, but what will you do to occupy your time?”

  “Oh, I imagine I can find something to keep me busy.”

  “I can’t wait to tell Zorbin that you came back.”

  “No!” she replied. “Don’t do that.”

  “What? Why not?” Garret questioned, confused.

  “Because, love, people will not understand. This is our gift from the gods. People don’t just come back. Besides, look at me. No one will recognize me at all.”

  Garret could see the logic in her words. She had been smarter than him from day one so it was no surprise that her intelligence remained.

  “Then what do we do? I don’t want to hide you from the world. I want to have you with me where you belong.”

  “Me too, but we have to think. We don’t want people causing an issue over this, or worse, thinking you crazy. If no one is going to recognize me, then how about I just pretend I’m not me?” she asked, pulling a lock of auburn hair away from her freckled cheek.

  “So just pretend I’ve found a new lover and future queen? And you’ll pretend to meet people you already know?” />
  “Yeah, it’s perfect. I’ll pick a different name and you can begin to introduce me to everyone and I’ll just pretend to be ignorant.”

  “If you think that it’s best, I think it will work,” Garret agreed. “Now I suppose we’ll have to figure out what to call you.”

  “I like Anna. I’ve always liked the name and had thought to name a daughter that if ever I had one.”

  “Anna it is then.” Garret smiled. The plan was actually really good so long as Linaya could play the part. He personally couldn’t imagine her being ignorant to anything, but nonetheless, it was a way for them to be together without raising any alarm. “So what now?”

  “I think you should go about your duties for a week or two. After all, you’re still mourning Linaya. You wouldn’t want to disrespect her by finding a new lover too readily.”

  Garret simply nodded. Again she was right. He couldn’t just appear with a new woman as a king to a realm. People would think him flighty or unable to rule on his own. They would wait and introduce her slowly.

  “When I do begin to introduce you to people, where will we say I met you? Where will we say you are from? How old are you? There is a lot of questions we might be asked.”

  “We’ll say I’m from Traiven and came to Valdadore for protection against the invasion. We can tell people we met upon the wall while defending the city. The rest just leave up to me. I will have a lot of time on my hands these next few weeks and will figure out my whole story.”

  “Okay, beautiful. I’m happy you came back.”

  “No one is happier than I to be here by your side, my love,” Anna replied.

  Garret stood and dressed, peeking over his shoulder regularly to reassure himself she was really there, and to remind himself of her new features. It would take a little while to adjust to the many changes she had undergone, but they had all the time in the world. Climbing back atop the bed he kissed her hard one more time before rising and turning to stride out the door. He couldn’t help but feel good about the day and actually looked forward to seeing Zorbin and Ashton. Nothing could go wrong on such a day. He was truly blessed by the gods.