The Godling Chronicles : Bundle - Books 1-3

by Brian D. Anderson

  “Not a chance,” Lee said, pulling out a red scarf from his pocket.

  “This, my dear, is traditional attire in this region, and it should cover up your more…obvious attributes. Besides, Gewey needs looking after, and it seems like you’ve volunteered for the job.”

  “Mind your tongue,” Kaylia fumed.

  “I didn’t think you could blush,” Lee teased, paying no mind to Kaylia’s anger. “I guess I was wrong.”

  Just then, Maybell and Dina returned.

  “How are things at the temples?” asked Lee.

  “Better than I expected,” Maybell replied. “I spoke to the High Priestesses at the temples of Gerath and Ayliazarah. They’ve been suspicious of Salmitaya for some time. Apparently the witch wasn’t as careful as she thought.”

  “So why didn’t they move against her?” Lee inquired.

  “It’s not as easy as you think to oust a High Priestess,” she answered. “Even a corrupt one. Besides, Salmitaya was well protected within Kaltinor - and still is, from what I’ve learned. We have no soldiers to simply march in and remove her. But I am pleased to say that if she is caught outside the city walls, she will spend the rest of her life in a temple prison.”

  “What else did you find out?” Lee asked.

  “Not much,” she admitted. “At least, nothing useful.”

  Lee looked concerned. “I had hoped we could get an idea of what we might run into as we travel further west.”

  “Communication between the temples has become spotty at best,” added Dina. “I spoke to a few of the Sisters, and from what they told me, suspicion between the temples has become a plague. They hear the rumors about the growing strength in the north, and even claim there are agents of Angrääl living openly in some cities, gathering followers.”

  Lee scratched his chin. “I want you to go to the other temples tomorrow and see if you can find out anything else. For now, we should all keep our eyes and ears open.” Everyone nodded in agreement.

  “But now, my friends, Millet and I have an errand to run and must leave you,” Lee said. “Be washed by sundown, Gewey; I have a surprise for you.”

  Gewey looked confused as he watched Millet and Lee leave the inn. “A surprise? What could he possibly be up to?” he wondered aloud.

  “With that one, who knows,” Maybell replied. “But if you don’t mind, I haven’t seen an acrobat in years.”

  They all watched until the acrobat had finished, then retired to their rooms to wash and get ready for supper. The smell from the kitchen promised roast lamb and fresh bread. Gewey’s mouth watered at the thought.

  Lee entered the room just as Gewey had finished bathing. He was carrying a bundle tied with twine. “Here,” Lee said, tossing him the bundle.

  Gewey opened it. Inside were a set of new clothes and a pair of fine leather boots. The long tunic was gold silk with silver embroidery, and the pants were of the same design. A polished black leather belt completed the outfit. Gewey stared, not knowing what to say.

  “Well?” Lee asked happily. “Are you going to try them on or not?”

  “I don’t get it. Why did you give me this?”

  “To wear at your coming of age celebration,” he said matter-of-factly.

  “My what?” Gewey cried. “I’m only seventeen.”

  “True,” Lee replied, smiling. “But the way I see it, the age of a god should be counted differently. Besides, who knows if you’ll have the chance to celebrate a real coming of age party?”

  “True,” Gewey acknowledged, holding up the clothes in front of him. “We might be dead by then.”

  Lee laughed heartily. “Not what I had in mind, but a good point,” he admitted. “Now get dressed. I’m going to Millet’s room to get ready. I’ll send him for you when it’s time.”

  An hour later, Millet showed up at Gewey’s door dressed in fine blue linens, looking very much a city dweller. His face beamed with delight when he saw Gewey in his new finery.

  “Now that’s proper dress,” Millet remarked. “You look very much the young lord.”

  Gewey felt awkward. He had never worn anything fancier than festival robes before. He couldn’t stop pulling and tugging at the long tunic, and the heeled boots made him feel as if he would tip forward at any moment.

  “You’ll get used to it,” Millet laughed. “One day, I suspect you may dress like this all the time.”

  That idea didn’t please Gewey. He felt far more comfortable in his own clothes - the clothes of a farmer. He smiled anyway, and tried to stop fidgeting.

  When Gewey entered the common room, everyone smiled cheerfully and clapped their hands with approval at the sight of him. He saw that the others were dressed in fine attire as well. Lee was decked out in a bright red suit with gold buttons. Dina and Maybell both wore emerald green dresses with matching scarves wrapped tightly around their heads. Their hair, adorned with tiny white flowers, fell loosely from underneath the scarves. Dina’s eyes were painted, giving them an elfish quality that made Kaylia appear less obvious. Kaylia wore a similar dress, but hers was light blue and tied at the waist with a deep blue sash.

  Minstrels were just arriving and tuning their instruments in the corner. The dozen or so patrons looked on, whispering, with smiles still on their faces.

  “Now that’s more like it,” said Lee, as he threw his arm around Gewey’s shoulder and led him to the table. “First we feast, then we celebrate.” He jumped up on a chair and addressed the entire room. “You are all welcome to join us. Let everyone celebrate and be merry.” This was met with enthusiastic cheers and applause.

  By the time the meal was served, the minstrels were already playing. The crowd in the common room swelled as word of the celebration got out. Before long, more than fifty people were gathered in the hall, all laughing and feasting.

  “Not bad for a last minute arrangement,” Lee said as he surveyed the room. “Even if I do say so myself.”

  “It’s wonderful,” Gewey agreed. “Thank you.”

  “Not exactly discreet, My Lord,” Millet pointed out.

  “You’re right about that,” Lee replied. “But sometimes the right thing isn’t necessarily the smart thing.”

  Millet smiled. “Quite right, My Lord.” Lee smiled at Gewey and hopped up on his chair.

  “Ladies and gentlemen,” he shouted above the crowd. He had to repeat this several times before everyone settled down and paid attention. “Tonight we celebrate the coming of age of a young man who I have come know and love. Through adversity and hardship he has shown himself to be a man of honor and respect, and is most deserving of our admiration.”

  Voices yelling “Here, here!” and the beating of mugs on tables sounded throughout the room.

  “In the years I’ve known him, I have never seen him falter or turn a blind eye to someone in need. I consider it a privilege to be here with him today, and to be part of this celebration.” Lee looked down at Gewey, his eyes showing a touch of sadness. “I only wish his father were here today to see him. He would have been so proud of the man I see before me. I look at you, and I see him. His bravery and loyalty live on.”

  Gewey felt a lump in his throat and choked back his tears.

  “So, without further ado,” Lee continued, “I present to you, Gewey Stedding!”

  The crowd erupted in cheers and yells. The stomping of feet and slamming of mugs shook the room. Gewey stood and bowed low.

  “Thank you,” he said, once the crowd had calmed down. “I’m not much for making speeches, but I do want to say this to my friends: I love you all. I am honored to have you with me, and I hope that we have more reasons to celebrate in the days ahead.”

  He bowed again, then turned to embrace Lee. The room erupted once more.

  “Thank you for this,” Gewey said, tightening their embrace.

  Soon, the wine was flowing. The room became alive with music and dance. Gewey danced with Dina, careful not to step on her feet this time. It was during the second song that he felt a
tap on his shoulder - it was Kaylia. Dina smiled and politely stepped aside.

  To his great surprise, he found dancing with Kaylia was easy and natural; he was able to anticipate her every movement. They spun gracefully around the room like a top. Gewey found himself laughing out loud and full of joy.

  Lee cut in for the third song, but by then Gewey was feeling dizzy and was ready to sit anyway. He sat at the table and watched as Lee picked Kaylia up by the waist and spun her around. The elf threw her head back with laughter.

  Dina sat down beside Gewey. “You look every bit the man,” she said. “How do you feel?”

  “Happy,” he answered. “Very happy.”

  “Kaylia’s very beautiful,” she said, looking at the elf. “Don’t you think?”

  Gewey felt himself blush, “Yes she is,” he said shyly, trying not to meet her eyes. “But so are you,” he added.

  Dina placed her hand lightly over his. “Careful,” she said, giggling playfully. “You wouldn’t want two women competing for your favor, would you?”

  Gewey tried to think of something to say, but was only able to manage a nervous grin. Dina squeezed his hand quickly, then asked Millet to dance. Millet was more than happy to oblige; Maybell had been bending his ear for most of the evening about etiquette and customs in the western cities.

  The night wore on, but the party gave no indication of dying down. Gewey was sitting across from Kaylia when suddenly he saw her back stiffen and eyes narrow.

  “What is it?” he whispered.

  “An elf,” she said.

  “Here?” Gewey asked, startled. “Where?”

  Kaylia nodded subtly toward the door. Gewey scanned the room, and saw a tall, hooded figure standing alone in the corner.

  “We need to tell Lee,” Gewey urged her.

  “Not yet,” she said. “I doubt he’s here to fight. He wouldn’t risk it among so many humans.” With that, Kaylia got up and started to the back.

  “Where are you going?” Gewey asked anxiously.

  “To talk,” she replied.

  “Then I’m coming with you,” he said, and moved to her side before she could protest.

  Kaylia paused a moment, then proceeded to her room. It was only a few minutes before there was a soft knock at the door. Kaylia opened it, and the tall hooded figure stepped quickly inside. He looked at Gewey for a long moment before turning to lock the door.

  “You wish for this human to be present?” the elf asked.

  “He wishes it,” Kaylia replied gravely. “And I do not object.”

  “Very well,” he said, pushing back his hood. His skin was much darker than Kaylia’s, but his sharp features and elven ears clearly stated his kinship to her. Gewey thought it must be wonderful to live among such people.

  “I’m Linis, of the western tribes,” he announced. “I’ve come to warn you and give aid.”

  Kaylia was taken aback. “Warn me? How would you even know me? It’s been many years since the western tribe have had dealings this far from their home.”

  “You’ve been away from your people for a long time, Kaylia,” he replied. Kaylia was shocked to hear him use her name. “Much has changed.”

  “Speak your intent,” Kaylia demanded. “Or leave.”

  Linis sat down on the edge of the bed. “You are known to many of our kin. Word of your pending judgment has traveled fast and far.”

  “What of it?” Kaylia asked defiantly. “How is this your concern?”

  “You will not live to be judged,” he answered. “The elders have sent word that you are to be killed, and even now you are being hunted.”

  “I gather from your words that you are not among the hunters,” she observed.

  “No,” Linis replied. “I am not here to kill you, and I do not wish you judged at all.”

  “But I have broken the law,” she countered. “And do not wish to avoid judgment.”

  “Old laws for an old world,” Linis scoffed. “The elders are holding on to a life that no longer exists. The time for the old hatred is over. If we are to survive, we must learn to live with the humans. We cannot hide from the rest of the world forever. Eventually it will find us.”

  “You speak of a second split!” Kaylia cried, outraged. “I will not be a part of it.”

  “The choice is no longer yours,” he said. “The elders break with tradition by ordering your death without trial. They fear the words you may speak, and seek to silence you before you become a threat to their power. You are already a part of this, like it or not.”

  “How did this happen?” she asked solemnly. Her face was pained with the thought of her people turning on each other once again.

  “It started five years ago,” Linis began. “My tribe was approached by a man claiming to be from a stronghold in the north. He told us there were armies preparing to march on the kingdoms of the west. He offered to return our lands for us to rule, so long as we agreed to become their allies.

  “We contacted the other tribes, only to find that they had been given similar offers. Many wanted to take the offer in hopes of achieving our former glory, but others knew it for what it was - a lie. My tribe sent scouts north to gather information. When they returned, they said that the land of Angrääl was alive again, and was indeed gathering strength.

  “Our elders remembered the old stories and rejoiced, believing that Rätsterfel had returned once again to battle the gods. But some of us refused to believe this. Some of us had actually gone out to see the world while the elders locked themselves away, letting their hatred of humankind stew and fester.

  “We tried to reason with them, but they threatened us with death or banishment, forbidding us to speak of it. It was then we made contact with the humans.”

  Kaylia sat up straight. “You did what?”

  Linis laughed. “Is it really so surprising?” he asked, motioning toward Gewey. “You travel with humans yourself. Have you not found that they are not the demons we’ve made them out to be?”

  “Do the other tribes know?” Kaylia asked.

  “Some,” he replied. “Most choose to do nothing as the world passes them by. But we will not be so foolish. Darkness is consuming the land, and if we do nothing to stop it, we shall be consumed along with it.”

  “How do you move around?” she asked. “If you’re known to associate with humans, aren’t you hunted? I imagine you would at least be called forth for judgment.”

  Linis held his head high and proud. “I will not face the judgment of fools,” he said determinedly. “As for being hunted, most choose to leave us alone for the time being. Those that have come after us have been turned back. We are more numerous than you can imagine. We even have a few locations in human cities where we can gather and walk about the city openly.”

  Kaylia’s mouth gaped. “How did you accomplish this?” she asked skeptically.

  “It took time, but we opened relations with a few of the lords. After a while we gained their trust. Many humans still view us as killers and assassins, but that attitude is slowly beginning to change. It’s a thing never seen in a hundred lifetimes.”

  “I’d like to see that,” Gewey said sincerely. “I think it would be wonderful for elf and human to live side by side.”

  Linis nodded in approval. “You choose your companions wisely, I see. But we’re a long way from peaceful co-existence. For now, it’s our task to break down old ideas and replace them with new ones. Perhaps human and elf will one day live together, but we still have much work to do.”

  “You said you were here to warn us,” Gewey reminded him.

  “Yes, my young friend.” Linis turned back to Kaylia. “A small group of elves is waiting just outside the city with the intention of killing you, and any that travel with you. I’m here to make sure that doesn’t happen.”

  “How?” asked Kaylia. “I travel with others that would make escape impossible. Unless you can grow wings and fly us away from here, they will catch us.”

  “Don’t underest
imate what a determined Seeker can do,” Linis advised.

  “What’s a Seeker?” Gewey asked.

  “In human terms, it would be woodsman or tracker,” he answered. “It takes two hundred years to attain the rank of Seeker, and in the whole of the world we have no equal in the art of evasion.”

  Gewey stared in wonder. He had thought Kaylia could never be surpassed in skill when it came to avoiding being seen, but she was only one hundred and three years old. Linis had trained for two hundred years. It was difficult for him to grasp the concept.

  Kaylia saw the look on his face and smiled. “You see, Gewey, there is still much to learn. For both of us.”

  Linis laughed. “You will find me to be a willing teacher. And from the way you move, it seems as though Kaylia has already given you some instruction. She has done well. You are fortunate to have such a graceful teacher.”

  Upon hearing Linis speak well of Kaylia, a pang of jealousy suddenly struck Gewey’s chest.

  “Five of my kin are waiting just outside the city walls,” Linis continued. “Tomorrow night we will escort you west, where you can be safe for a time. You should inform your companions of our intent and tell them to bring only what they can carry. I will return at dusk tomorrow. Be ready.” He rose from the bed and put his hands on Kaylia’s shoulders. “All will be well, Kaylia. I know I have given you much to think about, but you must trust me. There is no other way for you and your friends to escape.” With that, he left.

  Gewey was still boiling with jealousy as Kaylia sat on the bed and looked up at him. “That’s quite enough,” she scolded.

  “I don’t know what you mean,” Gewey lied. Somehow, though, he knew she could feel what he was feeling.

  “You have no cause to be jealous,” she explained. “If he approached me with interest, he would have immediately sensed there is a suitor; unless he was prepared to challenge you, he would not interfere.”

  “I’m not jealous,” he replied stubbornly.

  “Of course you are,” she said. “It’s perfectly natural. It’s a consequence of touching the mind of someone you’ve spoken the declaration to. I told you those ancient words have meaning. But they also have power.”