The Godling Chronicles : Bundle - Books 1-3

by Brian D. Anderson

  “That is good,” said Aaliyah. She relaxed noticeably.

  “You didn't think we would extend our hospitality only to do you harm, did you?” This brought another round of gay laughter. “You should spend more time among us. That is, if I can convince you not to complete your quest.”

  “Sadly, it is a matter of great importance,” said Aaliyah. “We would not ignore your warnings if it were not so.”

  Pali sighed heavily. “The Sand Master will not take you there.” He put his hands on his knees and pushed himself to his feet. “But I will. Though I can only take you to the edge of your destination, I will not have new friends brave the desert alone.” He took one more long drink from the bottle before adding quietly to himself: “And I thought the Sand Master was in a foul mood before.” With that he left.

  Gewey watched him walk away. “What is a Sand Master?” he asked the others.

  This time it was Ghenti, a broad shouldered elf with a hawk like nose and piercing gray eyes who spoke. “The Sand Masters are our guides in the desert. They know the sands better than anyone. Though we can all navigate our way, the Sand Master is able to find the easiest trail, nearest water, and nearest shade with barely a thought. When an elf turns eleven, the child is blindfolded, taken deep into the desert, and left alone. If the child finds its way home, training begins as a Sand Master.”

  “What if the child doesn't make it?” asked Gewey, afraid to hear the answer.

  Ghenti met Gewey's eyes. “Then the child dies.” His tone was harsh and low. He didn't look away for several seconds, then slowly his face broke into a smile. The others began to giggle and smirk. “We bring the child home, of course.” He tossed Gewey the bottle, then addressed his comrades. “I do believe the boy thinks us savages.” His tone was teasing and light, as were the voices of agreement from the others.

  Gewey felt foolish and embarrassed, but forced a smile.

  Soon after this, the meal was ready. Aaliyah and Gewey ate and talked with their new friends for a few more hours. From time to time a fresh face appeared by the fireside, eager to meet the strangers from the west. The conversation kept away from serious matters, and though Aaliyah seemed more at ease than before, Gewey could tell that something still bothered her.

  Just as they were about to settle down to sleep, a short, stout elf woman with deep brown hair and careworn eyes approached. Unlike the cheerful expressions held by the others, her demeanor was grim. She sat across from Gewey and Aaliyah, crossing her legs and studying them for several minutes before speaking.

  “I am Weila, Sand Master,” she said finally. “Pali tells me that he is to lead you to the Black Oasis.”

  “If that is the location of what we seek, then yes,” said Aaliyah, “though he did not call it that.”

  “I assume he has warned you of the dangers?” she asked.

  “He has.”

  “Then you should also know what he does not,” she continued. “The Oasis was always a queer place, but in the past few years a new evil has arrived there.”

  “I did not know....” said Pali.

  “Of course, you didn't,” snapped Weila, cutting him off. “You only think you know everything.” Her stone gaze made Gewey uneasy. This was clearly a woman to be reckoned with. “You are strangers here.” Her eyes drifted to Aaliyah. “And though you are an elf, we are not the same. Certainly, you have sensed it. Your kind steals life from the Mother. We do not, and that leaves you blind to our presence.”

  Aaliyah started to respond, but Weila held up her hand.

  “You cannot deny that it has caused you concern,” she continued. “I can see it in your face. But our way has kept our people alive and strong for many generations. If you go to the Black Oasis you will do so alone, and the creatures that now haunt it will know you are coming.”

  “If you cannot draw power from earth, air, and water, how can you know this?” asked Aaliyah.

  Weila sneered. “You think us unaware of these powers simply because we do not use them? You are blind to us, not us to you.” She leaned forward. “You will face an enemy there with no fear and no remorse. It will not hesitate to destroy you.” Her eyes shot to Pali. “Or anyone with you. I will allow Pali to guide you, but you must swear to me one thing.”

  “What is that?” asked Aaliyah.

  “Once you come to the edge of the Oasis, you cannot allow Pali to continue.” Her face became strained. “Swear it! No matter how much he pleads.”

  “I told you, mother....” Pali protested, but another glance again silenced him.

  Aaliyah nodded with understanding. “I swear to you, he shall guide us only as far as the edge, and no farther. And though you may feel my use of the powers is wrong, I also swear that I will use them to keep him safe.”

  “I do not fear for my son in the open desert,” she replied. “But I thank you.” She leaned back. “I know I must appear hard and inhospitable to you. But I assure you, I am not.”

  “You have no need to explain,” said Aaliyah. “I too am responsible for the lives of others, and understand the need for caution when it comes to the safety of my people.”

  Weila's countenance softened. “Then I shall let you rest. Tomorrow you will get proper clothing for your journey.”

  Aaliyah and Gewey bowed as the Sand Master rose to her feet.

  “That went better than I thought,” remarked Pali.

  “You're lucky to have a mother who cares so much,” said Gewey. He thought of his own mother and her absence from his life. “Mine died when I was very young.”

  “I am sorry to hear it.” Pali cocked his head. “You share much with our kind. I see that you are accustomed to the company of elves. That is good to hear. Most of what we have heard about the west are stories of hatred and war.”

  “The stories are true,” said Gewey. “But things are changing.”

  They sat up for a few more minutes, then bedded down for the night.

  Chapter 12

  Kaylia awoke screaming and crying uncontrollably. Linis and Theopolou were at her side within seconds.

  “It's gone!” she cried. “It's gone!”

  Theopolou pulled her close. “What's gone?”

  It took her a moment to stifle her sobs. “My bond with Gewey. It's gone!”

  Theopolou closed his eyes and breathed deeply. He placed his hands on her head. “It is not gone. It has been somehow blocked.”

  At that moment Nehrutu approached. “Is everything all right?” His shimmering red pants and shirt, along with his effortless regal movements, made him easy to recognize. As graceful as the elves of this land were, they appeared awkward by comparison.

  Kaylia tried to rise, but Theopolou held her fast. Her eyes burned. “Aaliyah is behind it! I know she is!”

  “What has happened?” asked Nehrutu.

  “I believe Aaliyah may have somehow blocked the bond between Kaylia and Gewey,” Theopolou explained. “At least, that is the only explanation I can imagine.”

  Nehrutu leaned down and placed his hand on Kaylia's shoulder. His eyes closed for a full minute. “Yes, she has,” he confirmed.

  “That witch,” Kaylia hissed.

  “Can you undo what she has done?” asked Theopolou.

  “I could - perhaps,” Nehrutu replied. “But I will not.”

  “Why?” Kaylia screamed. “Why will you not help me?”

  Nehrutu sighed. “Aaliyah has done this, and she has her reasons. It is not for me to interfere. Take comfort that she did not break your bond completely. She is certainly strong enough.”

  “But why?” asked Linis. “What purpose does it serve her?”

  Nehrutu thought for a moment. “The only reason would be to help Shivis Mol. If the bond hindered his training, she would not hesitate to block it. I would do the same.”

  Kaylia's anger boiled over. Pulling away from Theopolou, she jumped to her feet and stood only inches away from Nehrutu. “And if you did, even the powers of the Creator would not save you. Nor would
they save Aaliyah, if she were here.” Tears welled in her eyes as the pain of Gewey's absence grew.

  Nehrutu's face was expressionless. He met her eyes unflinchingly. “Then it is both fortunate that I did not do this, and that she is not here to face your wrath.”

  Linis gently took hold of Kaylia's arm. “There is nothing to be done. I am certain Gewey will find a way to undo this.”

  Kaylia stepped back and walked away into the darkness. Over and over she tried reaching out, but to no avail. Finally, she collapsed on the ground and wept. The vast emptiness was more than she could bear. The bond with Gewey was a fundamental part of her. It was as if it had always been there, and until that moment, she thought it always would be. For nearly an hour she wept in the darkness. Then she heard footfalls approaching. Expecting to see Linis or Theopolou, she wiped her eyes and stood. But instead, she saw Nehrutu.

  “I do not want to speak to you.” Her voice seethed with hatred.

  “You may change your mind when you hear what I have to say,” said Nehrutu.

  Kaylia folded her arms and turned away.

  “You are aware of Aaliyah's intentions toward Shivis Mol,” he said.

  “His name is Gewey,” she shot back.

  “As you say.” He took a step closer. “We are not all in harmony with her intentions. Particularly me.”

  Kaylia turned. “And why is that?”

  “Before we became aware of...Gewey,” he replied, “I was Aaliyah’s betrothed. We were to be joined.”

  This took Kaylia aback. “And now?”

  “Aaliyah is determined,” he said, lowering his eyes. Kaylia could see the pain in his expression. “She truly believes that it is her duty to join with Gewey, and she will not relent. That he loves you is your greatest ally. But Aaliyah is clever and powerful. She will not make it easy for Gewey to refuse.”

  “What can I do?” she asked desperately. “How can I stop her?”

  “You must learn to use the powers that the Creator has provided.” He took her hands and looked into her eyes. “I can help you, but only if you let me. I do not want to lose Aaliyah, and I fear I will. But if you show yourself to her as an equal, she may very well step aside.”

  “How can I do this?” Kaylia’s voice cracked. “I am no seeker, nor am I an elder.”

  “You have the ability inside you,” he assured her. “If only you will allow me to show you how, you will discover your true gifts. Then perhaps we can both find peace and contentment.”

  Kaylia nodded slowly. “I would be grateful for your help.” She pulled away and rubbed her arms from the chill night. “How is it she simply abandoned you?”

  Nehrutu gave her a sad smile. “You should not judge her harshly. She is dedicated to the well-being of our people. She looks to the needs of others above her own desires. Everything she has done has been for the good of our people - though I often wish it was not so.”

  Kaylia choked back her tears. “When shall we begin?”

  “As soon as possible,” Nehrutu replied. “With your fire, we should accomplish much.”

  They walked back to camp together. Kaylia felt more at ease, though the loss of the bond still wrenched at her heart.

  Since Gewey and Aaliyah's departure, preparations to retake Valshara had begun. Mohanisi, through the power of the flow, was able to get word to his ship and send it back to his homeland. Kaylia and Linis both remarked on the huge advantages of such communication.

  The elders immediately sent messengers out to muster the elves, and to bear news of the recent events at the Chamber of the Maker. Theopolou had one of his guards take a letter to Selena in Althetas, informing her of their intent. They reckoned it would be at least four weeks before they were ready to mount a viable assault, and decided to use that time to gather intelligence on the temple occupation.

  The first night of Kaylia's training was more frustrating than anything she had ever experienced before. Nehrutu took her away from the camp and sat her on a soft patch of grass.

  “The earth will be first,” he said. “It is the simplest to achieve. Once you master it, you will be able to do many things that were far out of your reach before.”

  “I have seen Linis and Theopolou use such power,” she said. “I know....”

  “You know nothing,” he said, cutting her off, though he did not raise his voice. “The elders and your seekers have no idea of how to harness this power. In my land, elf children can do more.” He leveled his gaze. “I am at odds with Mohanisi by my instructing you exclusively. Do not make me regret this by thinking that you know what you do not.”

  “I am sorry,” said Kaylia. “I will listen to your instructions.”

  “Good,” said Nehrutu. “Now close your eyes and reach out with your spirit as you do through your bond. Only this time, touch the world around you.”

  Kaylia tried, but could feel nothing. For hours she concentrated, still with no results. Finally, Nehrutu stood and held out his hand.

  “I am sorry,” said Kaylia. “I tried.”

  Nehrutu smiled warmly. “You did well.” She took his hand and he pulled her up. “Most cannot sit so long without breaking their concentration. You are using a power you have forgotten. Should you not use your legs for a hundred years, would you walk the first day?” He offered her a flask of honeyed water, which she gratefully accepted. “You will get stronger very soon. This I promise.”

  Over the next three days Kaylia's frustration grew even more, but still she did not give up. For hour upon hour she continued to reach out, hoping and striving to feel something - anything.

  It was on the fourth day that it happened. It was nearly time to end the lesson when it came to her. It was almost intangible in the beginning, so slight and quiet that at first she doubted it was really there at all. Then it grew stronger. Gewey had once described it as a pulse, but to Kaylia it was a heartbeat. The heartbeat of the earth.

  Her eyes popped open. “I felt it!”

  Nehrutu smiled broadly. “That is good. And sooner than I expected.”

  “It was wonderful.” She trembled with excitement. “It was as if I could feel the living earth all around me.” She closed her eyes, but Nehrutu placed his hand on her shoulder.

  “That is enough for tonight,” he said.

  “But....” she began to protest.

  Nehrutu's stare silenced her. “Tomorrow will come soon enough,” he said. “And I am weary.”

  The next three days were like nothing Kaylia could have imagined. Though she felt ready, Nehrutu warned her against actually drawing the flow inside.

  “Only see it for now,” said Nehrutu. “Hear it sing its song. Let your own heart beat with the same rhythm. Once you can do that, then you will be ready to go further.”

  By the end of the third week she was ready. Drawing in only small amounts at first, little by little she increased this. Before long, her entire body was saturated with power. For the first time, Kaylia felt that she now fully understood what Gewey experienced, and the intoxicating effect it had on him.

  By now the field was rapidly filling with hundreds upon hundreds of elves, with many more yet to arrive. Bellows had been erected, and the sounds of the smith's hammer echoed all over the field. The smell of war filled the air. The pavilion had been taken down and the rubble cleared away. The field was covered with tents and piles of provisions. By the time they were ready to march, their force numbered twenty-five hundred. More than enough, Kaylia thought, to retake Valshara; and this was still barely a portion of what was to eventually come.

  On the morning of their departure, Theopolou addressed the elves. He’d thought long on what to say. He had not spoken of war in five hundred years, and he knew that he must inspire.

  “I have received word that the High Lady of Valshara has petitioned the King of Althetas to aid us,” Theopolou announced. His voice was clear and forceful. “And he has agreed to do this. The city guard will be awaiting our forces north of the temple.”

  He lo
oked out over the gathering. “This will be the first time in our history that we have fought alongside humans. But rest assured, until the Dark One in the north is defeated, it will not be the last. I know that many will resist this notion, but the time for old hatreds has passed. We fight for more than the possession of one human temple. We will show the powers that seek to divide and destroy us the peril they place themselves in when choosing to take what is not theirs. And we do not belong to Angrääl. We will not believe their lies. We will not be played for fools. And we will not allow them to annihilate our people.”

  A chorus of enthusiastic cheers rose up. Theopolou waited for them to subside before continuing. “Though our brothers and sisters on the Steppes had been brought under the yoke of the Dark One, we will not suffer the same fate. So now we march.”

  He stood silent for a moment. The gentle breeze bent the tall grass, and the smell of oil and leather permeated the air. Theopolou’s final two words then broke the silence, booming and echoing all over the field.

  “To war!”

  This time the roar of cheers and war cries was deafening. Theopolou’s heart raced. It had been five hundred years since he had spoken words of war, and though he’d hoped he would never have to do so again, the fire in his people’s eyes told him that it was time. Time to live in the world once more. Time to fight for the right to survive. And, if good was truly destined to overcome evil, time for victory. It would all begin here.

  In less than an hour the elves had formed ranks. Unlike a human army, there were no wagons and horses. No banners fluttering in the breeze. No. An elf army was marching death, fast and efficient. Theopolou, Linis, and Kaylia stood at the head, with Nehrutu and Mohanisi close behind. The rest of the elders would march among their individual tribes.

  Kaylia looked back on the field to where she and Gewey had spent their first night together truly bonded.

  Nehrutu touched her shoulder. “Your love will return,” he whispered.

  She grasped his hand lightly. “As will yours.”

  Theopolou raised his hand high. “Forward!”