The Godling Chronicles : Bundle - Books 1-3

by Brian D. Anderson

  Gewey smiled wide. “One thing I realized when I was with the spirits is that time and distance don't amount to much there. Now that I know the way, I can return.”

  Dina became alarmed. “But won't you risk being trapped again?”

  “Not likely. The spirits will leave me alone now, and they are the ones who trapped me in the first place. Without them in my way, I should be able to come and go as I please. With Kaylia there to help me find him, I think I can reach Malstisos no matter how far away he is.”

  “I still can't ask you to risk it.” Lee shook his head. “If you're wrong...”

  “He is not wrong,” said Kaylia. “Reaching out and returning is not the challenge. Finding one particular mind is. We have an advantage in that Malstisos will probably be the only elf in the area, so it will be easier to single him out. That's where I come in. Our bond allows me to travel with Gewey, and my familiarity with an elf’s mind should increase our chances.”

  “When you say travel...” said Dina.

  “I mean it literally,” replied Kaylia. “It's different to when one touches the mind of another, the way you or I would do. The world where we go is as real as this one in a way.”

  “I am familiar with this sort of contact, as you know,” said Lee. “But it's still difficult to understand.”

  “As much as I'd like to show you, I'm not sure what the risks would be,” explained Gewey. “Just imagine yourself in a dream where anything is possible, only you’re wide awake.”

  “Sounds wonderful,” said Dina.

  “It is.” Gewey nodded. “But it can be terrible too. If it wasn't for Felsafell saving us, we'd probably still be trapped.”

  “That's probably the most confusing thing about your tale,” remarked Lee. “Little is known about him, and if Theopolou is right about his being a part of some ancient race, then his motives are a mystery. I don't like mysteries.”

  “Whatever he's after, it doesn't seem he means to harm me,” said Gewey. “Until I can see him again, that will have to be enough.”

  “But he was the one who freed you,” said Lee. “What if the spirits decide to keep you there again?”

  “They won't,” said Gewey. “Even if they did, I think I could escape them if I needed to.”

  “And you really think you can contact Malstisos?” asked Dina.

  “I do,” Gewey nodded. “Tonight, I will try.”

  Lee nodded reluctantly.

  With that settled, Kaylia turned to Dina. “I see you are in full dress.”

  “Indeed I am. While you and Gewey slept, I was elevated to full cleric. I'm a temple historian now.”

  “That is wonderful,” said Kaylia. “I know you'll do well.”

  “I'm going to try. The High Lady has put a great deal of trust in me.”

  “You won't disappoint her,” said Gewey. “I know it.”

  Dina smiled and her cheeks flushed. “I hope you're right. It's everything I've hoped for. I just didn't think it would happen so quickly.” She choked back tears of happiness. “But enough of that. Do you really think you can open the Book of Souls?”

  “I'm not sure,” Gewey admitted. “I do believe it's the only way to bring the elves over to our side.”

  “I agree that we need them,” said Lee. “But I'm not sure this is the best way to go about it. Why not leave it to Linis and the others to sway them?”

  “Do we have that kind of time?” asked Gewey. “If the Dark Knight moved on us today, what would happen? Could we fight him?”

  “Then perhaps if I can't go with you, Linis can,” suggested Lee. “We could insist upon it.”

  “We could request,” corrected Kaylia. “But Linis is an outlaw as well. It may prove difficult. But, I agree that it's worth a try. Outlaw or no, he is among the greatest of all the seekers, and his presence carries weight.”

  The door open and Selena returned. Lee told her about their idea of Linis accompanying them.

  “I like it,” said Selena thoughtfully. “I think if I agree to allow the Book of Souls to return to the elves, Theopolou will agree also. I'll approach the subject in the morning.” She took a long look at Gewey and Kaylia. “I think it's time you two rested. We can talk more in the morning.”

  Gewey protested, but Selena stopped him with one stern look. Lee and Dina embraced them tightly and bid them goodnight.

  “I'll wake you if I'm successful,” Gewey called to Lee as he was leaving. Lee nodded and shut the door.

  Chapter 6

  Malstisos felt a cool breeze caress his cheeks as he walked between the massive redwoods. The noon sun shone through the leaves, making the grass sparkle like a million tiny emeralds. The forest was familiar, but like a distant memory from childhood. He reached over and touched the almost black bark of a nearby tree. It should have been hard and coarse, but it wasn't. It was soft and smooth, and yielded to his touch. He withdrew his hand in amazement. He reached out again and gently moved his hand over the bark. Light rippled up the length of the tree and back down again. Malstisos stood transfixed by the sight.

  “This can't be real,” he whispered.

  “It's real,” a voice called from behind.

  Malstisos spun around, but there was no one there. “Who are you?” There was no answer. He reached for his knife and found that it was no longer at his side. “Show yourself.”

  “I am here.” This time the voice was softer and clearly feminine.

  “Why can't I see you?” he asked, straining his eyes. The forest began to blur and shift. “What's happening?”

  “Don't be afraid. We are friends.”

  “We?” he said. “Who are you, and what do you want?”

  “It's Kaylia. I'm here with Gewey.”

  “Kaylia? Why can't I see you? What is this place?”

  “You are at the edge of the spirit realm. Why you can't see me, I do not know. I suspect that you would in time. But time is not a luxury we have. We have guided you here, though I do not know how long you can remain.”

  “How do I know you are who you say you are?” he challenged. “How do I know this isn't just a vivid dream?”

  “Does it feel like a dream?”

  “Yes - and no,” he said. “I feel awake, but all this…”

  He looked around as the forest ebbed and flowed like a green tide. “It can't be real.”

  “It is real,” said Kaylia. “At least, in the sense that this is a real place. This is only our second time here, but I think that it changes with your thoughts and emotions. I do know that the dangers here are very real.”

  “Dangers,” said Malstisos. “What dangers?”

  “There is no time to explain. Gewey is struggling to keep you in this world. Did you succeed in saving Lee’s wife and son?”

  “His son is with us,” he replied. “But I'm sad to say that his wife has been taken north to Angrääl. Millet is taking the boy to Baltria, while I escort Maybell to Althetas.”

  “I see.” She paused. “Stick to your plan. Lee will find Millet in Baltria. Gewey and I have our own task, but you will be met in Althetas. Go to the Frog’s Wishbone when you arrive. An agent from Valshara will contact you there.”

  “How am I to know....?” Malstisos began, but he was already losing contact. The forest turned into a swirl of light and color. He felt as if he were falling. Then blackness.

  Malstisos awoke drenched in sweat, his heart pounding. For a moment, he didn't know where he was. As his mind cleared, he heard the sound of Millet, Jacob, and Maybell's deep, regular breathing. He reached over and shook Millet.

  “What's wrong?” asked Millet groggily. Malstisos recounted his experience.

  “Do you believe it was them?” Millet asked.

  “I do. How they accomplished it I can't imagine, but I sensed no deception.”

  “Then we should keep to our plan,” said Millet. “It's several hours until dawn, so we should try and sleep. Maybell can be told of this in the morning.”

  Malstisos nodded in agreem
ent and drew his blanket tightly around him. Sleep came slowly and his dreams were troubled.

  The morning brought the smell of crisp bacon and fresh bread. Gerald was busy setting the table and humming.

  Millet was first to rise and helped with breakfast. At first Gerald protested, but soon realized Millet wasn't one to be deterred. The duo had the table prepared a full ten minutes before Malstisos and Maybell stirred. Jacob was last to awaken.

  “Things are in order from the smell of it.” Maybell yawned and stretched. She looked over to Malstisos, who was just waking up. “I always imagined elves to be early risers.”

  “My sleep was troubled - and eventful,” he replied. “But we'll discuss that after breakfast.”

  About halfway through their meal Gerald excused himself and left them alone at the table. Malstisos informed Maybell and Jacob of his dream experience.

  “Amazing,” remarked Maybell. “Well, I'm happy that you'll be met in Baltria.”

  “I'm not,” Jacob growled. “I have no need of my father, and have no intention of seeing him.”

  “If you intend to go to Baltria, you won't have much of a choice,” stated Millet. “According to Malstisos he will certainly be there, so you had better get used to the idea.”

  Jacob folded his arms. “He had better stay out of my way.”

  “Calm yourself,” said Malstisos. “First you must arrive at your destination, and that may not be easy.”

  “We'll get there,” said Jacob. “If I have to kill every soldier I see on the way.”

  “Young man, you would do well to take Millet's lead,” said Maybell. “He has seen much more of the world than you. If getting to Baltria means saving your mother, then you'd do well to keep your mouth shut, and your eyes and ears open.”

  Jacob glared at Maybell, but could find no words to reply.

  “I do not think you should take time to speak to the Oracle when we arrive in Manisalia,” said Malstisos.

  Millet nodded. “I agree. In fact, I would have you avoid the city entirely if it's possible.”

  “I'm sure I can find a way around if need be,” said Malstisos. “But, seeing as how I intend to leave you with the remainder of the provisions, Sister Maybell and I will need to resupply once you're departed. There is no way we can avoid the city, at least for a few hours.”

  “Good,” said Maybell. “And I most surely would like to consult the Oracle - if she's still there.”

  The front door opened and Gerald entered, smiling. “I see you've nearly finished breakfast. I hope you enjoyed it.”

  “Very much.” Maybell returned the smile. The rest nodded in agreement.

  “I've readied your horses,” said the boy. “I'll bring them 'round front whenever you'd like.”

  “We'll be leaving shortly,” said Millet. “You can bring them now.” Gerald nodded and dashed off.

  They gathered their belongings and filed out of the front door. As promised, Gerald had saddled their horses and had them lined up a few feet away. He bowed to each in turn, handing them a cloth wrapped around a piece of roast lamb and a loaf of bread, thanking them for their kind donation. Maybell embraced the lad tightly and whispered into his ear. Gerald smiled sadly, turned and entered the hospice.

  Travel that day was slow and miserable. By noon, the wind howled through the trees and the sky filled with clouds that promised snow.

  Malstisos stopped periodically to check for signs of pursuit but found none.

  “I think perhaps whatever that creature was, he must have been alone,” said Malstisos during one of their stops. “That is not to say that more are not waiting for us ahead.”

  Millet shivered at the thought. The monster’s distorted features still burned in his mind.

  “Let them come,” boasted Jacob, “I don't fear them.”

  Malstisos snorted loudly. “Then you're a fool. Fear may keep you alive. You are no warrior. That I can clearly see. If you encounter one of them, you should run if you can.”

  Jacob leaped from his horse and drew his sword. “I have had enough of your insults, elf.”

  Malstisos stared down at the boy for a moment, then casually slipped out of the saddle. “Come then,” he said. “Let us see what you're made of.” He didn't bother to draw his blade.

  Jacob's mouth twisted into a malevolent grin. He lashed out at the elf, his blade seeking flesh, but it found only cold, winter air. Though Jacob moved with uncanny speed, he was no match for Malstisos.

  “Come now, boy,” Malstisos taunted. “Certainly you can do better than that.”

  Now thoroughly infuriated, Jacob ran headlong at the elf, slashing maniacally. Malstisos ducked quickly, spun around, and brought his heel into the back of the boy’s knee. Jacob’s leg collapsed, and he fell hard on to his back. Malstisos stepped on Jacob's blade, trapping it. Jacob struggled to pull the blade free, but Malstisos bent down, pressing his knee on Jacob’s throat.

  “You have passion,” said Malstisos. “But no discipline.”

  Jacob bucked and twisted, but Malstisos only pressed harder. Slowly, Jacob stopped struggling and relaxed. After a moment, Malstisos released him and held out his hand, but Jacob only glared, his eyes filled with hate and anger.

  “Take my hand, young one,” said the elf. “The fight is done. You have lost, but there is no shame. You did well considering your lack of training.”

  Jacob reached up, took Malstisos' hand, and allowed the elf to pull him to his feet. He brushed himself off and retrieved his sword.

  “Now, if we are done with all this foolishness,” said Maybell. “We have distance to cover.”

  “That we do,” agreed Millet. “If we quicken our pace, you and Malstisos should be able to reach Manisalia in three days.”

  “As we are no longer followed, that should be easy,” added Malstisos. He took another look at Jacob, who was mounting his horse. “It appears you are uninjured.”

  “I'm fine,” Jacob grumbled. “It takes more than that to hurt me.”

  “I do not doubt your toughness,” said Malstisos. “But mind your pride and your anger. It will be your undoing if you are not careful.”

  “That comes from his father,” said Millet. “He was the same way.”

  “I'm nothing like him,” said Jacob.

  Millet shook his head sadly. “I know you must think he abandoned you and your mother. But he only left to protect you. One day you'll understand.”

  “Then explain it to me,” said Jacob in disgust.

  “It is not my place,” said Millet. “Your father is the only one who can reveal his motives. For me to do so would be a betrayal.”

  Jacob sniffed and turned his horse. The others followed close behind.

  The rest of the day the group traveled without speaking, and when they made camp Jacob chose to sleep far away from the others. Millet tried to convince him to come closer to the fire, but he was met with cold silence.

  The next morning snow began to fall. Gently at first, but by midday it was well on its way to becoming a full-blown blizzard.

  Millet shivered. “If this gets much worse, I'm afraid we will freeze to death long before we reach Manisalia.”

  Malstisos nodded in agreement and glanced back at Maybell. She was slumped in her saddle with her coat and a blanket wrapped tightly around her.

  They trudged on for several hours until they were virtually frozen. About an hour before dark, Malstisos motioned for everyone to stop.

  “There is a large group of humans ahead,” he said. “They have many horses and wagons.”

  “Could be a merchant caravan,” suggested Millet.

  “Or soldiers,” said Jacob.

  Malstisos slid out of his saddle. “Wait here.” With that, he disappeared into the brush.

  “I'm hoping for merchants,” said Maybell, rubbing her arms. “We can barter for a place by a fire.”

  Millet nodded in agreement.

  By the time Malstisos returned, the snow was coming down in earnest. “Merchant
s,” he announced. “Ten wagons strong. And something else...” His face wore a strange expression.

  “What is it?” asked Millet.

  “There are elves among them. I didn't notice their presence until I was nearly upon them, but there is no mistake.”

  “What difference does that make?” asked Jacob. “At least you don't have to hide.”

  “You don't understand,” said Malstisos. “In the west there are places where we have dealings with humans. But as far as I know, no such alliances exist here.”

  “Did they know you were there?” asked Millet.

  “I don't think so. But I cannot be certain.”

  “What should we do?” asked Maybell.

  Malstisos shrugged. “What choice do we have? Winter has come early, and we are not prepared for this type of weather. If we don't seek shelter we will freeze to death.”

  Millet sighed heavily and urged his horse forward. The caravan was camped a quarter of a mile away in a large clearing on the north side of the road. Several large canvas tents stood in a semi-circle, and a half dozen cooking fires flickered in the center. At least three dozen men and women, all wrapped in thick coats, were busy preparing the evening meal. As they came closer, two cloaked figures walked toward them. They were tall, lean, and wrapped in heavy wool blankets.

  “Elves,” said Malstisos under his breath, and looked to Jacob. “Do not speak until we know why they are here.”

  Jacob scowled. “I'm not stupid.”

  “I did not say you were.”

  The elf turned his attention to his approaching kin. He jumped down from his horse and raised his right hand in greeting. The other two elves returned the gesture.

  “Greetings brother,” said the elf on the left. His voice was deep and rough, unlike the elf voices Millet and Maybell had heard before. “I am Grentos, and this is Vadnaltis.”

  Malstisos took a step forward. “Greetings.”

  The two pushed back the blankets from her heads, revealing their features. Both had honey blond hair, pulled tight in a long braid that disappeared into the folds of the wool. Their skin was ivory pale and flawless.