Freistal slashed at the Vrykol's neck; the beast easily blocked the blow with his own blade and brought the hilt up, crashing into the elf's jaw. Freistal staggered back, barely able to keep his feet. Several more arrows pierced the Vrykol's flesh as it brought its blade down, attempting to hew the elf in twain. Freistal raised his knife just in time. Sparks flew as metal clashed on metal.
Kaylia knew this was her chance to flee. Rapidly, she looked at her surroundings. Six Vrykol had engaged the bulk of the company, and though the elves were fighting with ferocity, they were falling one by one to the wicked swords of their foes. Five other elves had joined Freistal in the fight and were driving the solitary Vrykol back, but their blades were useless. Clearly they did not know how to kill the creature. The arrows had ceased, and the elf archers filed in from the forest, blades drawn.
Without hesitation, Kaylia turned and ran. The last thing she saw of the battle was Freistal clutching desperately at the Vrykol's blade, which had run through his gullet only a moment before.
She felt anger and regret, but there was no time to dwell on it. She needed to get as far away as possible. The Vrykol had said Gewey was near, but she still couldn't feel where he was through their bond. She hoped that if she got far enough away, the Vrykol’s influence would wane and she would once again be able to feel Gewey’s reassuring presence to guide her. The trees were a blur as she ran faster and faster.
While she was still in full flight, a dark figure appeared a few yards ahead. Kaylia slid to a halt. A Vrykol loomed, sword drawn. Its cloak was shredded from the battle with the elves, but still she could not make out its form beneath the tattered rags. Instinctively, she reached for her knife, only to realize she was unarmed. She looked around for signs of other Vrykol, but there were none. Her legs tensed for a moment, then burst into action as she ran straight at the creature. Clearly surprised by this unexpected tactic, it sidestepped, slightly lowering its blade. Just as Kaylia was in reach, she ducked and slammed her fist into the Vrykol's knee.
It was like hitting iron. She felt pain shoot through her hand and up her arm, but her blow was enough to part the Vrykol's legs and force it to lean forward. Kaylia immediately thrust her body upward, burying her shoulder into the beast’s chest, sending it stumbling back.
Kaylia knew she had no hope of defeating the Vrykol without a blade, and trying to disarm it would mean certain death. It was far too strong; her only hope was to outrun the creature. But could she? She had seen how fast they could move. Even with several minutes head start, this one had managed to catch up with her. Fear gripped her chest, but she fought it back and ran as fast as she could, not even bothering to glance back. She had unbalanced it, but she knew that would only be for a few seconds at best. I must move faster, she told herself.
She had only run a few yards further when something hard struck the back of her head. She tried to keep on her feet, but could feel herself losing consciousness and tumbling hard to the ground. The world began to turn dark as she heard the footfalls of the Vrykol approaching and the hiss of its foul breath.
She wanted to cry out, but the light faded from her vision as the blow to her head overcame her.
Chapter 2
Linis halted, a confused look on his face.
“What is it?” asked Gewey.
Linis bent down, placing his palm just above the ground and closing his eyes. “Something follows our quarry,” he muttered. “Something unclean.”
“Vrykol,” growled Gewey.
“Yes,” agreed Linis. “It must be. Nothing else I can imagine would leave such a scent. It's like...death.”
“Then we have to catch up with Kaylia before they do,” said Gewey without hesitation.
Linis opened his eyes and looked straight at Gewey. “Don't worry, my friend. We will.”
They continued to race through the forest. Gewey kept a few paces behind Linis, all the while reaching out to Kaylia. He told himself that since he hadn’t lost her entirely, that meant they were still going in the right direction. It wasn't until it was fully night that Linis halted again.
“We must slow our pace,” he stated.
Gewey's jaw tightened. “If you can't keep going...”
“It is not that I am weary, my friend,” said Linis, cutting him off. “But if either the elves or the Vrykol are aware of our pursuit, they may decide to lay in wait. And though I am uncertain of the Vrykol's skill in stealth, I do know that it is unwise to believe the elves are without such ability.” He peered into the night. “I can spot a trap in the deepest darkness. But not if I move too quickly.”
“I can sense every living being for hundreds of yards,” argued Gewey. “There is no way they can hide from me.”
Linis thought for a moment. Gewey had been channeling the flow from the moment they left, and there was no doubt he could do as he claimed. “No,” he said finally. “Whatever is blocking your connection to Kaylia may also be able to hide itself from you. I would not risk it.”
Gewey was silent for several seconds, then nodded sharply.
Linis withdrew a flask from his pocket and drank deeply. “Jawas tea,” he said, handing it to Gewey.
Gewey took the flask and drained it. The tea filled his belly and relaxed his limbs. Even the flow felt as if it came with more ease. He drew his sword, taking in more power. Then, from a few hundred yards away, he sensed something. His muscles tensed as he reached out to find the source. He had done this several times before during the pursuit. Usually it had been a deer or a bear, and once, a fox. In fact, under different circumstances he would have marveled at being able to touch the mind of a wild animal.
But what Gewey sensed now possessed passion and life in a way no human or elf could understand. It lived for the moment, with no care for anything other than survival. And this time, the mind he had found touched him back. Dark and tortured, it was filled with hate and anger, yet also sorrow and desperation. He recoiled and drew back within himself. He knew he had just touched the mind of a Vrykol. And he knew it had sensed him as well.
“They're here,” whispered Gewey. “The Vrykol are here.”
It took Linis a moment, but then he felt it as well. “There are eight of them.” He drew his knife. “This will not be easy.”
Gewey filled his lungs and allowed the flow to saturate him. “Let me handle them. You stay back.”
“I will not,” Linis said, his face set. “You may be powerful, but we still do not know the extent of these creatures’ powers. It could well be that they are the reason you cannot feel your bond with Kaylia. If that is the case, they may be able to do more than we imagine.”
“Then what do you think we should do?” asked Gewey.
“They know we are here,” said Linis. “But they do not move against us just yet. Perhaps they want us to move against them.” He surveyed the area. “We should move past them and put ourselves between them and Kaylia. If I am correct, that will force them to move against us. I would rather them act according to our plan, than us to theirs.”
Gewey nodded, then followed closely behind as Linis led them in a wide arc around the Vrykol’s location. Gewey knew that their movements had been detected. In fact, Linis made certain of it, making just enough noise to draw the Vrykol’s attention.
“Now what?” asked Gewey.
Before Linis could answer, he sensed the Vrykol moving. But to his dismay, only two were coming in their direction. The other six were heading west in an apparent attempt to flank them. Gewey faced the direction of the two oncoming creatures while Linis peered into the forest, listening for the others. Just when the two Vrykol were in sight, they stopped and separated to left and right, forcing Linis to turn his attention away from the flanking maneuver.
“We must kill these first two before the others reach us,” shouted Linis. “If not, we will be overwhelmed.”
Gewey's heart raced. He could feel his sword, hot in his hand. The flow was like a flood raging through him. He turned to Linis with a mali
cious grin. “They will never have that chance.” He took a step forward, focusing on the single Vrykol moving to his left. With a tremendous boom, the earth exploded beneath the creature, sending it flying - limbs flailing. Its screams pierced the air as it slammed into a tall pine and then slid to the forest floor.
“Finish the beast, Linis,” Gewey said in a near whisper. “I'll deal with the other one.” He focused his mind on the second Vrykol. It had stopped a moment after he’d unleashed the flow on the first. Gewey stretched out again, but this time something stopped him. It felt the same as when trying and failing to reach out to Kaylia. A cold chill seized his chest.
Linis had sped off toward the fallen Vrykol. He saw it leaning against the tree, struggling to rise, its cruel sword still in hand. Linis knew he had only seconds before the beast recovered. He rushed headlong at it, swinging his long knife at the creature’s neck. The Vrykol tried to move away, but Linis was too fast. His blade severed its head clean. He glanced over to Gewey for a moment and saw him moving steadily towards the second Vrykol. He then listened out for sound of the others, but couldn't hear them – not anywhere.
Gewey knew now why he was unable to contact Kaylia. Somehow the beasts were able to block him. He tried again to explode the earth beneath the Vrykol, but with the same result.
The soft hiss of evil laughter seeped from within the hood of the Vrykol's cloak. “That only works once, boy.”
“It won't save you,” growled Gewey. The flow was still raging within. Maybe he could not use it to destroy this Vrykol directly, but so long as the flow remained with him, he knew that the monster would stand no chance.
“Perhaps not,” said the Vrykol, its voice was thin and raspy, though clearer than others Gewey had encountered. “But then again, I am not the one that needs to be saved.”
In a flash, the Vrykol charged, its sword held so low it was almost touching the ground. Gewey stood in a wide stance and steadied himself for the onslaught. His sword was fire in his hand as the Vrykol reached him, swinging its blade upward. Gewey easily dodged the blow and stepped to one side, ready to take the beast’s head. Then, from the corner of his eye, he saw a flash as the creature stabbed at his neck with the other hand. Its fingers were wrapped loosely around a small dagger. Gewey turned again, but the tip of the blade found flesh, cutting deeply.
A burning pain shot through his body. He stumbled back, slashing wildly, but the Vrykol moved away just out of reach.
“Arrogant fool,” the Vrykol taunted, twirling the dagger in its hand. “And you hope to challenge my master?”
Dizziness started to overcome Gewey - his vision was slowly becoming more and more blurred. Struggling to keep his focus on the Vrykol, he waited for it to charge again, but it remained still. He reached up and touched the wound on his neck. Blood poured down, soaking his shoulder. Though the cut was deep, it shouldn't have been bleeding this badly. 'Poison,' he thought, with disgust.
“So frail,” laughed the Vrykol. “So foolish.”
The Vrykol feinted left, then right, throwing Gewey off balance. He just managed to bring his sword up in time to deflect a blow that came in a wide arc. He could feel the flow draining from him as the beast pushed forward. Soon, he knew, he would be defenseless. He tried to counter, but his blurred vision was causing him to strike off target each time. A sudden wave of nausea swept through his body. Falling to one knee, Gewey glared up defiantly, jaw clenched tight.
“You see,” the Vrykol taunted. “You are not even a match for the servants of the Great Lord.” He kicked Gewey's sword from his hand.
Gewey leaned back on his knees and held his head high, readying himself for the final blow. He heard the whip of a blade approach. But the expected slash of steel never came. Instead, the Vrykol let out a mighty roar of anger, a small dagger protruding from his left shoulder. The beast spun to meet his attacker, but Linis was upon him before he could react. His long knife cleaved off the Vrykol's leg just below the hip. It toppled back and fell to the ground. Without missing a step, Linis swung again, this time decapitating his enemy. Thick black blood oozed from the wounds, hissing as it touched the soft forest turf.
Gewey smiled with satisfaction, even though the cut on his neck was now burning with an evil fury. He looked at the head of the slain creature - twisted and scorched, but clearly human. Its skin blackened, just like the others he’d encountered, but not nearly as badly. He thought about how the first Vrykol had looked and sounded. This one was most certainly an advancement on that. Definitely stronger. But why?
These thoughts vanished from his mind as another wave of nausea took him. He emptied his stomach with a groan. Linis was at his side in an instant.
“Poison,” Linis spat, examining the cut. “Red Spider Blossom from the look of it.” He smiled. “Nothing to worry about. It is meant to incapacitate, not kill.” He reached to his belt and removed his flask.
Gewey drank greedily, nearly draining it dry. The jawas tea was cool and instantly settled his stomach. His wound still throbbed, but the burning slowly subsided. He sighed with relief. “And the other Vrykol?”
“I don't know,” Linis admitted. “They seemed to have retreated. Why, I could not say, but I take it as good fortune. We will need to rest for at least a few hours. You cannot continue until the poison wears off.”
Gewey shook his head. “We rest only until I can regain my feet, and not a second more.” He tried to let the flow pass through him, but it was sluggish and weak.
Linis looked at him disapprovingly. He thought to object, but could see that Gewey would not be dissuaded. Sighing, he closed his eyes and placed his hands on the wound.
Gewey felt as if a blade of ice had shot through his neck. The sudden shock made him gasp out loud. But then, within a matter of seconds, the intense cold became a pleasant cool sensation. The cut on his neck ceased to throb and his head began to clear. Linis kept his hands on Gewey for several more minutes before finally removing them. He breathed heavily and opened his eyes.
“You should be ready to travel soon,” he said wearily.
“What did you do?” asked Gewey, touching his neck gingerly. The wound was nearly closed. It itched a bit, but the pain was completely gone.
Linis rubbed the bridge of his nose and lowered his head. “I have channeled my flow into you. You are healed, but I am drained.” He squeezed his eyes shut.
Gewey placed his hand on Linis' shoulder. “Will you be all right?”
Linis looked up and smiled weakly. He took the flask from Gewey and frowned as he found it empty. He reached in his belt and pulled out another. “I will be. Though I will not be able to travel as fast, or fight as well, for at least a day. But do not fear. I can move fast enough for our purpose, and I'm still more than a match for our prey. Just give me a little time to regain some strength.” He crossed his legs and bowed his head. “Go back to the path. I must focus. I will be along shortly.”
Gewey sat there for a moment, then struggled to his feet and retrieved his sword. Though still unsteady, his strength was returning and he slowly made his way back to the path. Nearly an hour had passed by the time Linis rejoined him. Gewey scrutinized the elf for a moment. If he was unable to continue, it didn't show. As for Gewey, much of his strength had already returned. He had been listening for signs of the other Vrykol, but just as Linis had said, they were gone.
“I think we should follow them,” said Linis. “I do not believe that this encounter was a coincidence. They will lead us to Kaylia.”
Gewey nodded sharply and focused. The trail the Vrykol had left was clear and easy to follow. “I'll lead,” he said.
Without another word, the two of them raced off after the Vrykol. Gewey could tell that Linis was struggling to keep pace, but he also knew they could ill afford to slow down. Too much time had already been lost. They continued for more than three hours without pause. For a while Gewey could still feel the fatigue left over from the poison, but it soon vanished as the flow continued to course th
rough his body. From time to time he reached out for Kaylia, but her mind was still shrouded.
As the sun waned, they had still come no closer to catching the Vrykol or Kaylia. Then, just as desperation was returning, Gewey was flooded with her presence. So suddenly did this happen, it nearly caused him to lose his footing. He ground to a sudden halt.
Linis almost ran into him. “What is it?” he panted, the evidence of his diminished condition obvious in his voice.
Gewey held out his hand to silence the elf. He closed his eyes and concentrated with all his power. “She is near,” he whispered almost inaudibly. His eyes widened. “And she's in danger.” The sinews of his legs burst into life, propelling him forward with such speed that Linis had no chance of catching him.
The forest was a blur as Gewey ran headlong in Kaylia's direction. She was near, though heading away from him. But there was something else - a Vrykol was pursuing her. Its velocity was great, and he knew Kaylia would not be able to escape it.
He unsheathed his sword and power exploded within him. This caught the Vrykol's attention. It was only a few hundred yards away and standing between himself and Kaylia. The beast turned to Gewey for an instant, then back around. Gewey could feel the hatred spewing out of the creature. Hatred for everything. The creature raised its sword arm.
It was then that Gewey spotted Kaylia. He knew the Vrykol intended to heave its blade at her, and he knew that he was still too far away. He let out a scream, and with all his might thrust a burst of power directly at the Vrykol. He feared this one would block him in the same way the other had, but it didn't. The strength of the flow flattened the creature to the ground. But Gewey had not been fast enough. The blade had already flown from its hand. With one last burst, Gewey tried to change the sword’s direction, but instead he only succeeded in pushing it forward even faster.
The Godling Chronicles : Bundle - Books 1-3 Page 66