“I told you before, I had nothing to do with that,” said Sialo. “It was Yanti who gave the order.”
“Then Yanti is a fool,” he roared. “And when I see him....”
The door flew open. Yanti strode confidently in. “You will do what?” He laughed. “My good king, nothing has been done that wasn't according to my design.”
Halmara snarled. “Your idiocy has ensured that the other kingdoms will surely align against me. They probably gather as we speak.”
Yanti stopped. His eyes grew dark and threatening. “Mind your tongue, Highness, or you may find your long reign becomes a fleeting moment. I have enough soldiers to crush Althetas. They cannot muster enough of a force in time to stop us.”
“I will not be intimidated by you,” Halmara said. But his voice wavered.
“I do not try to intimidate,” said Yanti. “I only want you to know your situation. You are a vassal of Angrääl, and will bend to the will of the Reborn King. And his will is what I tell you it is.” He leveled his eyes. “Are we clear about this, Your Highness?”
Halmara felt as if his breath had been taken away. He slumped down onto his throne, defeated. “I still think it was a mistake to poison King Lousis.”
“I'm truly sorry, but that had to be done,” Yanti explained. “After poisoning my poor dear Salmitaya, it was imperative.”
A messenger burst through the door and bowed low. “I bring news, Your Highness.” He handed the king a rolled up piece of parchment. The boy bowed again and hurried away.
Halmara unrolled the parchment and read it carefully. “It would seem your attempt on King Lousis' life has failed.”
Yanti smiled and waved his hand carelessly. “It matters not. Once the army is assembled and ready, then we will see to him.” He turned to Sialo. “How go the preparations?”
“On schedule,” he replied. “Will you be staying?”
“Of course,” said Yanti. “I have learned not to leave these events unattended. Now, if you will pardon me, I desire a wash and a fresh set of clothing. Please tell me this place is civilized enough to possess a shower.”
The king didn't bother to respond. He instead rose, led Yanti to the door, and instructed the guard to show him to his chambers.
“You should be careful, Your Highness,” warned Sialo. “The Reborn King puts a great deal of faith in Yanti's judgment. You should maintain a pleasant relationship with him.”
King Halmara returned to his throne. He rubbed his finger along the cushioned chair arms and wondered how much longer he would be allowed to sit here.
King Lousis had been right. But it was too late now.
Chapter 30
Kaylia wandered the halls anxiously. Ever since Gewey had told her of the ships bound for Skalhalis, Valshara had been in a panic. Elf and human soldiers had been arriving for over a week, but so far there were only fifteen thousand in total, not nearly as many as they needed. The rest would not arrive for several more weeks.
Selena was distraught when she heard of the attempt on King Lousis' life. She knew it was because of Salmitaya. That the king survived was the only thing that kept her from flying into a rage.
Riders and fauna birds came three times every day bearing news from the elf and human nations. The elf elders had succeeded in galvanizing their people and they were ready to fight, but many of these were far away. Assembling their armies would take up much valuable time.
Nehrutu ordered his ship to patrol the coast, but stay far out of sight, and to only observe and report. Should enemy ships attempt to invade the Althetan harbor they would face skilled navigators more than capable of running their ships aground.
Maybell had been escorted to Valshara two days prior. She was no longer the unyielding yet witty woman Kaylia remembered, and after hearing what had become of Malstisos, Kaylia could understand why. The thought of such a noble elf falling prey to evil made her want to weep. Selena had taken Maybell under her charge and kept her close. Kaylia hoped that in time it would help Maybell become her old self again.
Ertik was also recently arrived. When he told her that Theopolou had left him behind in Althetas to speak for the elves, Kaylia had burst out laughing. Only a short time ago he’d been totally opposed to any kind of contact with humans, and yet now he was actually allowing a human to speak on behalf of his people. Kaylia wished she could have seen her uncle one last time before he went north. She feared that he may never return.
While trying to find things to occupy herself with, Kaylia heard cheers coming from the courtyard. She hurried to see what all the fuss was about. Just as she neared the front entrance the door flew open and standing there - dusty, hair tangled, and smiling widely - was Gewey. Aaliyah was just behind him. Kaylia was still trying to recover from the overwhelming joy and surprise of his appearance when Gewey dropped his pack and ran to her. He lifted her up, crushing her to his chest. Her heart surged with happiness. It was a moment she never wanted to end.
Gewey looked into her eyes. “I missed you so much.” He kissed her with desperate intensity, as if he were trying to make up for their time apart in a single moment.
When their lips parted she was temporarily unable to speak. Instead, she grabbed his head roughly and pulled him back close, kissing him again.
Eventually she released her hold and smiled at him. “I have a surprise for you,” she said, holding out her palm. A tiny ball of flame came to life. It hovered there for a second before she closed her hand, snuffing it out.
“Nehrutu has been a good teacher,” said Gewey, unable to take his eyes off her. “Speaking of Nehrutu, where is he?”
“I am here, Shivis Mol.” Nehrutu was standing in the doorway just behind Aaliyah.
Aaliyah spun around. “It is...good to see you.”
Nehrutu smiled. “It is good to see you as well.” He stepped closer. “We have much to teach these people, Aaliyah. But there are also things I have learned from them.” He grabbed Aaliyah and pulled her close. For a moment he gazed into her eyes, then kissed her with tender intimacy.
Gewey smiled, suppressing the urge to laugh.
Aaliyah looked to Gewey and Kaylia, then back to Nehrutu. “Then we shall face the world as they do. Together as one.” She pulled away from Nehrutu and walked up to Kaylia. “Please forgive me. I only acted out of a sense of duty. But Darshan has shown me that I was mistaken. You are his true mate, and I will never doubt that again.”
Kaylia took her hands. “There is nothing to forgive. You were trying to protect your people. I might have done the same.”
She then cocked her head to one side as the realization struck her. “Darshan?”
“I will tell you all about it,” said Gewey. “There is much for us to talk about. But right now I need to bathe and change.”
Selena approached from the far end of the hall. “It is good to see the two of you safe. And not a moment too soon.” She hugged Gewey before turning to Nehrutu. “Please have Ertik gather everyone together in the receiving hall in two hours.” She glanced at Gewey and Kaylia, smiling. “No, make that four hours. You will forgive me, but I have things to attend to. I am excited to hear your tale.” She bounded off.
“That is as happy as I have seen her in some time,” remarked Kaylia. “But all this for later. For now, come...”
She led Gewey to her chambers.
The room was simple, yet comfortable. A large oak bed was pushed against the wall in the far left corner, with a small desk positioned opposite. Just beside the door stood a polished maple wardrobe, together with a small round dressing table and mirror. One unique aspect Gewey noticed was that, instead of the usual lanterns seen elsewhere in Valshara, here, there were elf orbs hanging from the ceiling in each corner of the room.
Keeping hold of the bow given to him by Gerath, Gewey set the rest of his gear next the wardrobe and took a seat on the bed. He laid the precious bow beside him.
“The wash water will take some time,” Kaylia said. “You can tell me more about
your journey until it comes.”
Gewey grinned happily. Ever since Aaliyah had lifted the block on their bond, he had been so elated that he’d scarcely told her anything of his journey during their contacts. Now, he picked up the bow and carefully handed it to her.
The moment she touched it, amazement showed on her face. She stood up, staring at the weapon in awe. “This is what you found in the desert?” she asked.
“Yes,” he replied. “Along with some other things. And now that I've given it to you, only you can use it.”
“I know,” she whispered. “I can feel it.”
“I wanted to give the staff to Theopolou,” said Gewey. “Where is he?”
“Perhaps you can save your tale for when the others have gathered,” she suggested. “Much has happened since you’ve been away.” She recounted the events of the past few weeks. She had just finished telling him about the poisoning of King Lousis when two servants arrived carrying a brass basin filled with hot water.
Smiling and giggling impishly at them, the servants left. Kaylia stood and offered Gewey her hand. He took it and allowed her to help him to his feet.
“Enough talk for now.” Her voice was soft and seductive. “I have missed my husband.”
Gewey’s heart raced as Kaylia dimmed the lights. No one would disturb them for some time. He now felt as he had done on their first night together. He stripped off his travel worn clothes and tossed them into the corner. Dust flew as they landed on the flagstone floor.
Gewey smiled. “I'm filthy.”
Kaylia retrieved a washrag from the wardrobe. “Not for long, my love.”
Chapter 31
As they lay in bed, Gewey felt utterly content, his mind far away from the obstacles he had already overcome and the troubles he had yet to face. Kaylia smiled sweetly as she lay with her arm draped over his chest.
“I never want to leave this room,” said Gewey.
As if the fates had been challenged, there was a knock at the door. “The High Lady sends word that it is nearly time,” came a shy voice.
Gewey groaned, then called out loud enough for whoever was on the other side to hear. “Very well.”
Climbing out of bed, he rummaged around inside his pack for the elf clothes Theopolou had given to him. He held them up and frowned. They were wrinkled and stained. In fact, all his clothes were in the same condition.
“I have clothes here for you,” said Kaylia. “I would not have you looking like a vagabond.” She went to the wardrobe and pulled out a black silk shirt and matching trousers.
Gewey held up the shirt and cocked his head. “I'll miss the comfort of my elf clothes,” he remarked.
Kaylia laughed. “I'm sure we can find you some more. But this must suffice for now.” She took out a pair of leather boots and a silver belt. “Do not worry. You will be covered with dirt again soon enough.” She grabbed his arm and had him sit on a chair in front of the dressing table mirror.
He looked at himself in horror. His beard had grown to nearly an inch long and his hair was a tangled mess. “I can't believe you can bear to look at me.”
“Don't worry,” she said, kissing his neck. “I will see to it that you are presentable. Get dressed. I will return shortly.”
She donned a cotton robe together with a pair of silk slippers and left the room. A few minutes later she returned with a young girl dressed in a plain, green tunic and skirt.
“Go with her,” said Kaylia. “She will see to your grooming.” Her last word came out with a light titter.
Gewey gave himself one final look in the mirror and sighed. “Not exactly inspiring, am I?”
“We'll change that, My Lord,” said the girl, with a perky bounce.
She led him to an unused chamber and set to work. Soon he was shaved and groomed. Just as the girl was finishing, a guard came in to tell him that Kaylia awaited him in the receiving hall.
The guard escorted Gewey to the hall. Just outside the doors he saw Chiron speaking quietly to Bellisia.
Chiron beamed as Gewey approached. “Ah, now you are a welcome sight.”
Gewey bowed to them both. “When did you arrive?”
“Just now,” he replied. “Mine and Bellisia's lands are closer than the others. The remaining elf nations will be here within the month.”
“Is it true that Angrääl has taken the city of Skalhalis?” asked Bellisia.
“It would appear so,” Gewey replied. “It looks like time has run out. War is come.”
“I hear that dear Theopolou left Ertik of Valshara to speak for the elves in Althetas,” said Chiron. “How times are changing.”
“For the better, I pray,” added Bellisia. “The idea of elf and human living together is still unsettling to many of my people. But they are coming to accept it as inevitable, as I have.”
“There is much you will hear that will surprise you, Lady Bellisia,” said Gewey. “Aaliyah and I made many discoveries in the eastern desert.”
“What could possibly be discovered in such a barren waste?” she asked, looking doubtful.
“I am sure Gewey will tell us everything once we are inside,” said Chiron. He reached out and opened the door. “Shall we?”
Inside the receiving hall, a large oval table had been placed in the very center of the room. Most of the chairs were already filled with finely dressed men and women, some with obvious military insignia on their attire. Of the elves present, Gewey recognized several from the Chamber of the Maker. Aaliyah and Nehrutu were sat together near the far end. Aaliyah had changed into a deep blue dress with emerald embroidery, and her black hair was now decorated with tiny white flowers.
At the very far end sat Selena, dressed in the ceremonial robes of Amon Dähl. Ertik was to her left, and Maybell to her right. Maybell smiled when she saw Gewey; he waved and smiled in return. Kaylia was at the other end, next to an empty chair directly opposite Selena.
The room went silent as Gewey made his way to his seat. Kaylia touched his hand gently. Chiron and Bellisia found a seat near to Ertik. Chiron whispered something into Ertik’s ear that brought a pleased look to his face.
Selena stood and addressed the room. “We all know why we are here. War has come sooner than expected. Angrääl has landed ships in the city of Skalhalis, and will surely march on the attack any day now. We must decide how to act. I know that most of our force is still gathering, but we have already gathered soldiers from Queen Lilian of Farthing and Prince Loniel of Sieren Bay, along with ten thousand elf warriors. King Lousis will have more men here by morning.” She sat back down.
A tall, grizzled-looking man with silver hair and rough features got to his feet. “I am General Keise Halman of Farthing. Do we know the numbers we will face, or shall we march blindly into battle?”
“We are trying to find out how many Angrääl has sent,” Selena replied. “But as of this moment we do not know their exact number.”
Prince Loniel spoke. “I think it is more important to know if they march on Valshara, or do they look to Althetas.”
“We do not know for certain,” said Selena.
“What, if anything, do we know?” asked General Halman.
Gewey stood. “We know that if we don't move quickly, this war will be over before it even begins.” His large frame loomed tall and commanding over the gathering. “On my way back from the eastern desert we spotted fifty ships bound for Skalhalis. Angrääl is moving to end this war here and now. It doesn't matter what we do not know. What we do know is that we must attack now or all is lost.”
General Halman sneered. “From the looks of you, boy, I wouldn't think you know much at all of battle and strategy. Perhaps you should join the rank and file, and leave the planning to the soldiers among us.”
Kaylia very nearly leaped up from her chair, but Gewey held her in place with quick glance.
“And what experience do you have, General Halman?” asked Chiron. “Border disputes? Roving bandits? Before you embarrass yourself any further, perhap
s Gewey should take a moment to tell us of what he found in the desert. Those of us who know him would most certainly like to hear of this. And those in this hall who do not yet know him - well, they may benefit as well.”
Gewey nodded, and went on to recount in detail his adventures in the eastern desert. As he finished, some of the generals and captains in attendance snickered and laughed. Only the elves nodded their heads with understanding.
“And what proof do you have of these outlandish claims?” asked General Halman, looking amused. “I mean, if you can kill fifty men, and are truly a god, then surely you can offer up some sort of proof.”
“Gewey is what he says he is,” said Bellisia. “And I do not doubt his tale. He need not prove himself to you.”
“Clearly this boy has made fools of you all,” said Halman. “Can't you see that? What does a god need with armies? Could he not vanquish our foes with a wave of his hand?”
Without another word, Gewey waved not one hand, but both. Flames shot out from each, racing in opposite directions all around the walls of the hall until meeting just behind the general’s head and exploding with a thunderous boom. Halman lurched forward, crying out in fear and scurrying onto the table.
Gewey met the general’s eyes. We do not have time for debate and bickering. So tell me, General Halman, is there anything more I can do to ease you mind?”
General Halman crawled down from the table and took his seat. His hands trembled as he shook his head.
“We will crush Angrääl regardless of how many soldiers they have sent,” stated Gewey. His voice boomed and echoed off the walls of the chamber. “I will lay waste to the forces of the Dark Knight. I shall march with you to Skalhalis and burn them to cinders. And now we have new allies in the east to aid us.”
Anger and hatred swelled inside him. His power grew. Kaylia reached out and touched his mind. He could feel her concern. He looked down at her and whispered: “I'm fine.”
“And what would you have us do?” asked Prince Loniel.
“Gather your soldiers,” said Gewey. “In two days we march on Skalhalis. And when we arrive, Angrääl will know firsthand what it means to face a god.” The ground shook for a moment, then subsided. The flow of the spirit raged through him, bursting forth and spreading everywhere at once. He could see it touching the entire gathering. It passed into each one, washing over them like a torrent.
The Godling Chronicles : Bundle - Books 1-3 Page 96