The Godling Chronicles:Book 05 - Madness of the Fallen

by Brian D. Anderson

  Mohanisi nodded his head and frowned. “Then good luck to you.” He reached out and seized Gewey’s arm as he was rising. “And if Melek has ensnared them, free my kin.”

  “I’ll try.”

  Gewey opened the door and, together with Kaylia, stepped into the hall where Aaliyah was patiently waiting.

  “I’m sorry,” he said, feigning frustration. “There’s nothing I can do.”

  Aaliyah placed her hand on his shoulder. “Thank you for trying. But I knew Melek was right. He is beyond hope.”

  “Yes,” said Gewey. “Melek. I’m really looking forward to seeing him again.”

  Chapter 27

  The banquet was due to begin just after sundown, though Gewey and Kaylia arrived early to take up the places especially set for them on a dais at the front of the hall. Weila, after finding the turmoil of their arrival a bit too much, had decided not to join the festivities. Instead, she was gratefully settled down in her room reading some books of elf tales that Kaylia had found for her.

  To Gewey’s disappointment, Melek was conspicuously absent so far; he had been hoping to see him before the celebration got under way. He cast his eyes around again. Banners bearing the sigil of Darshan were hanging everywhere, and a band of musicians were already filling the massive hall with their lively tunes, even though many of the guests were still to arrive.

  By arriving first, Gewey had hoped to avoid fanfare. But as each new guest entered they made a point of passing by his table and bowing low, praising his name in every imaginable way. This continued until King Lousis arrived and the hall was finally full.

  The king was accompanied by Aaliyah and Nehrutu - also a young man Gewey had never seen before. His tousled blond hair, simple tan-colored clothing and boyish smile made him appear an unassuming figure when alongside the majesty of the king and the splendor of the elves. But Gewey knew exactly who he was the moment their eyes met.

  The four of them stopped in front of Gewey and Kaylia to bow before taking their seats. Gewey’s eyes never left Melek.

  The corners of Melek’s mouth turned up in the slightest of smiles. He spread his arms in a low, exaggerated bow. “It is so good to see you again, Darshan.” His voice dripped with false cheer. “Your absence has pained me, as well as the entire city of Althetas.”

  Gewey forced a smile in return. “I am happy to be back.”

  “I told Melek that you were anxious to see him,” said Lousis. “But the dear fellow insisted there were still preparations to be made.”

  Melek's seat was just on the far side of the king. He leaned forward and looked at Gewey with a humble expression. “I wanted things to be perfect for your arrival. Do you approve?”

  “It is very nice,” Gewey replied. He was simmering inside, but somehow managed to keep his tone civil.

  “Nice?” cried Lousis. “Why, this city has not seen such a celebration since the end of the Great War. People have come from many miles to celebrate your return and the defeat of the Reborn King.”

  “The Reborn King is not yet defeated, Your Highness,” corrected Gewey. “He is merely halted for the time being. The war is far from over.”

  “My lord is too modest,” countered Melek. “There is no army that can stand against him. And no mere mortal claiming kingship or godhood who can oppose his will. The Reborn King will soon fall and fade from memory. And it will be Darshan who is the instrument of his doom.”

  “Hear, hear,” bellowed Lousis. “But let us not speak of war and hardship. Tonight we feast!” He raised his glass and drank deeply. Aaliyah and Nehrutu did the same, and though their smiles were friendly, their eyes remained guarded.

  Lousis rose to his feet, the wine glass still in his hand. Trumpets instantly sounded from the four corners of the hall, silencing the crowd.

  The king’s voice boomed and reverberated from the stone walls. “We have gathered here on this joyous occasion to honor he who has delivered us from the foul grip of the evil that seeks to envelop the world. And though there is no way to truly express our gratitude for the strength of his spirit and generosity of his heart, I can say to all of you that I pledge my life, my honor, my kingdom - indeed all of the twelve western kingdoms - to his service."

  Lousis raised his glass high. "To Darshan!”

  Suddenly, everyone in the hall was on their feet, cheering and calling out Darshan’s name. Wave after wave of unrestrained love and admiration washed over Gewey. It felt as though it was never going to stop. The king motioned for him to stand. He could see Melek’s amused grin. His voice sounded in Gewey’s head. This is what you really want, isn’t it? See how they love you…how they worship you?

  “I would like to thank King Lousis for this honor,” announced Gewey. “But in my heart I know that there can be no victory without the courage you all have shown. And though we still have far to go, I know that the free people of this world, both human and elf, will see it through to the end. And it is I who is, and will ever be, at your service...come what may.”

  “Praise Darshan!” shouted a single voice, prompting the crowd to explode into a renewed fervor of cheers and adulation.

  With Gewey seated once more, the king held up his hands to call for quiet. “And now I would like to recognize Melek, the emissary of Darshan. He has risen from the depths where he was cast after a foul betrayal – newly liberated to help deliver us from certain destruction.”

  Melek rose, hands folded in front of him, an embarrassed smile on his face. “You honor me, Your Highness. But I have only been the instrument of Darshan’s will. When he bravely entered Shagharath to release me from bondage, I knew that a great and benevolent power walked the earth that would not, could not, be denied. Once, long ago, I lived in heaven as a god, but through my own weakness I failed to protect the people whom I cared for so very deeply. And for that I paid a price beyond imagining. But now, what I left undone will be made possible. And it is all because of the strength and courage of my lord and master.” His eyes drifted to Gewey. “All hail the mighty Darshan!”

  Yet again the crowd erupted. Gewey could feel the smug satisfaction coming from Melek. What do you hope to accomplish with all this? he asked.

  Surprised at having his own thoughts invaded, Melek stiffened and shot him a bewildered glance, though he quickly relaxed before this was noticed by anyone else.

  As the evening wore on, Gewey felt his anxiety continuing to grow. Melek made regular small talk with King Lousis and would occasionally whisper in Aaliyah’s ear, but he made no effort whatsoever to talk to Gewey himself. When midnight arrived and the celebration was still showing no signs of ending, Gewey's patience was finally exhausted. He was on the point of getting up and demanding to speak with Melek privately when he heard a whisper from close behind him.

  “Come, my friend.”

  The warmth of Melek’s breath on his neck gave Gewey chills. Kaylia began to rise, but Gewey shook his head. “I must speak to him alone.” She nodded her acceptance of this, even though he could feel her concern.

  Melek made their excuses to King Lousis and led Gewey from the hall. Cheers and offerings of praise followed them out. Gewey remained silent as they headed to the main entrance, with everyone they passed on the way either staring in dumb wonder or falling to their knees. This was not altogether surprising. Gewey could feel that Melek was allowing the flow of the spirit to form an aura around them.

  When they exited the manor, the lights and sounds of the city celebrating momentarily stunned Gewey. The bliss felt by the whole population was overwhelming.

  “Do you see?” said Melek, after they had walked through the manor gates. “You have made them so very happy.”

  “I have done nothing,” countered Gewey irritably. “Your deceit has given them a false sense of security. And if you think to deceive me…”

  “I intend to educate you,” he cut in. “I forgive you for leaving me in Shagharath. You were misled by that…human. She showed you false images and lies. Had I been aware of h
uman power in Shagharath, I would have taken precautions.”

  “I do not need your forgiveness,” snapped Gewey. “And what I was shown was the truth. Maybell did not, and would not, lie to me.”

  Melek stopped short to face Gewey, his eyes burning with suppressed anger. “Maybell is a mortal fool who thought she could be my master. What she showed you was distorted to fit her own designs. She could not fathom the depths of who I am - and neither can you.”

  Gewey met his gaze with equal fury. “Perhaps not. But I know evil when I see it. And I also know the malaise of madness.”

  “You think me mad?” Melek chuckled. “If I am, then it was caused by the same beings who trapped you in this miserable world. I still need your help, Darshan. And now that I am free, I know that you need mine as well.”

  “I need nothing from you,” Gewey shot back. “You seek domination and death, and I will not be a part of that.”

  “You think you can defeat your enemy without me?” scoffed Melek. “You have no idea what you will be facing. We most certainly do need each other.”

  “I would never accept even the smallest aid from you, Melek.” Gewey’s rage was building.

  Melek shook his head and smiled. “This argument is pointless. I must show you.” A blast of wind lifted him off the ground. “Come.”

  Gewey watched for a moment as Melek disappeared into the night sky. Then, clenching his jaw, he used the flow of air to follow. He could hear Melek calling to him as he flew south at astonishing speed. He did his best to keep up, but was soon trailing many miles behind.

  “You see?” said Melek’s voice. It sounded as if he were right beside him, yet Gewey could sense his presence far to the south. “You have no idea how to use your abilities. Without my help, the storm you encountered would have destroyed your ship. And look at you now. Unable to even keep pace. I can change that. I can teach you all you need to know. I can show you powers that you never have dreamed of.”

  Gewey wanted to answer, but could find no words. He knew that Melek was right. Though he was now forcing the air to move him as high and fast as possible, he was still unable to catch up even by a little. The wind roared in his ears and blasted cold across his face.

  Guided only by the directions called out to him by Melek, he traveled on over a vast distance for more than two hours. Finally, he sensed that Melek had landed in a small clearing just a mile or so away from the shores of the Western Abyss. All along the beach, several thousand soldiers were camped. The stench of sweat and decay wafted on the breeze. He knew at once that they were from Angrääl; their fear carried on the flow like a cry for help. Something had terrified them, and Gewey thought he knew what.

  He set down a few feet away from Melek, who was staring up at the night sky. A few clouds passed in front of the stars, briefly winking them out of existence before allowing them to reappear as bright and magnificent as ever.

  “Do you know what they are?” asked Melek. “I do.” His voice was distant. “I speak of the stars. I was there when they were created.” He glanced down at Gewey and sighed. “There is so much I know. So many wonders. And I can share it all with you.”

  Before Gewey could respond, he felt the flow spring forth from Melek. But this time it was in a way he had never known before. It wasn’t quite earth or air, nor water or spirit – but a strange and wonderful combination of all four. The ground trembled for a brief moment, then two pillars of earth pushed themselves up about two feet above the ground. They twisted, swirled and expanded, slowly taking the form of two chairs. Gewey gawked in amazement.

  “Even such simple things are beyond you,” said Melek. He sat down, motioning for Gewey to do the same. “But they don’t need to be.”

  Gewey approached the chair and brushed his finger across the arm. It was as solid as granite, yet warm to the touch. When he sat, the seat gave way as if he were settling onto a soft pillow. He looked up at Melek, trying to mask a sudden feeling of inferiority.

  “You have tremendous power, Darshan,” he continued. “And considering your teachers, you have come far. But it is time for you to leave mortals behind you.”

  “I am as much a human as a god,” Gewey contended. “And I am bound to this world. If you think I can simply turn my back…”

  Melek held up his hand. “I don’t expect that. Why do you think I have seen to it that you are to rule here once I am gone? If you want this world - take it. I have never desired this place, or its people. If you want to amuse yourself with humans and elves, I will not stop you.”

  “I have never wanted to rule. And the people of this world are not playthings put here for amusement.” Gewey calmed himself and leveled his gaze. “I can’t allow you to carry out your plans. The gods didn’t wrong you, and war on the Creator is insanity. Can’t you see this?”

  Melek was unmoved. “The gods wronged us both. The real insanity is that you fail to understand this. As for the Creator…she will fall, even if I have to tear down heaven to make it happen.” His fists clenched tightly together, and for a moment his eyes became wild. Then it was gone. He regained his composure and leaned forward. “You are not accepting the inevitability of your situation. You cannot win without me. And even if you could, what do you imagine is going to happen once heaven is free?”

  Gewey thought, but quickly realized that he had no real idea.

  “When they learn that you have freed me from my prison,” Melek continued. “Do you really believe they will be forgiving?”

  “I didn’t free you,” Gewey contended. “You escaped.”

  Melek laughed sardonically. “That won’t matter. They’ll hold you responsible anyway. Then war with the gods will come in spite of all your efforts. And like me, you will fall.” He sat back and folded his hands. “That is, unless you help me. Then we can both have what we desire.”

  Gewey couldn’t help but see his logic. But the glimmer of a lie hiding behind his boyish smile was something he could not ignore. “Before we go any further, there is something I would ask.”

  Melek gave him a friendly grin. “That we are going further is encouraging. Ask your question.”

  “What did you do to Malstisos?”

  Melek chuckled and scratched his chin. “He proved to be an entertaining distraction. Your enemy – the one you call the Dark Knight – had corrupted his spirit. Mohanisi healed him, but only to a point. His spirit was still weak and tormented. It was simplicity itself to wrench the information I needed from him.” His expression was distant, as if recalling something amusing. “He screamed and begged for death, swearing to me that he knew nothing. Which of course, he didn’t. At least, not consciously. The funny thing is that he had no idea of what he really knew. The healing process had wiped most of the knowledge from his awareness. But I found it. It was still there, buried deep in the dark recesses of his mind.”

  “So you killed him?”

  “Of course,” replied Melek, waving a hand dismissively. “He had served his purpose. And I needed to know the extent of his kind’s tolerances. He was a stubborn one, to be sure. I was amazed as to how much pain he could endure before madness took him. But don’t worry. Everyone believes he has gone east.” He cocked his head and shrugged. “Everyone but Mohanisi, that is. He knew what I had done, so I was forced to deal with him as well.”

  Gewey fumed and very nearly leapt from his seat. But he needed to know more. He took a deep breath to steady himself. “And what of Aaliyah and Nehrutu?”

  This time Melek burst into laughter. “Those two fools have actually sworn fealty to me. As if I would desire such service from those wretched mongrels. I saved the male after he had been injured in battle, and the female thought me her savior for doing so. I knew her to be your friend, so I used her to ease any fears of those I was unable to influence directly. I had planned on killing them both later. That is, unless you have some other use for them.”

  “You will not touch them,” commanded Gewey hotly. “Or anyone else.”

  Mele
k scrutinized him for a long moment. “Before I agree not to harm your pets, I would show you something.” He pushed himself up from his chair and rose skyward. “Follow me.”

  Before Gewey could object, Melek was racing away. Grumbling, he set off after him. A few minutes later he found him hovering a few hundred feet above the Angrääl soldiers.

  Melek waved his arm in a grand sweeping gesture. “Can you see them? Can you feel their weakness and fear? Are you not appalled that they would dare to challenge you? These festering boils on the face of the Creator actually had the audacity to count themselves your equal. But look at them now, huddled together, devoid of hope, groveling in the mud and slime like the worms they are. The mortals you care for are no different, and soon you will understand this.”

  Gewey knew what was about to happen. He flew forward to prevent it, but just as he was within reach of Melek he stopped short. It was as if he had struck a wall. He dropped like a stone for several feet, only to be caught and held fast by invisible hands.

  Melek looked down and shook his head. “Why are you fighting me? They are your enemies and not deserving of mercy.”

  Gewey struggled to respond, but his voice was muffled. Melek turned him over so that he could see the soldiers below. A massive blast of fire was slowly descending upon them. It extended for a mile across, turning the night into day. The terrified cries of the men below raked at Gewey’s ears as the flames continued to fall. Then, when the blazing inferno was a mere twenty feet above the ground, it suddenly vanished.

  Melek pointed to the vast mass of men running aimlessly around trying to save themselves. “Do you see how they tremble? How they run?” He began to laugh like a child with a new toy. “I could burn them all if I wished. But then, what would that teach you? You are perfectly capable of doing the same thing yourself. No. What I have to teach requires a different method.”

  Gewey looked on in horror as Melek reached inside the soldiers… thousands of them, all at the very same time. Almost as one they fell to the ground screaming while he crushed them from the inside. Blood spewed from every orifice as they spent their last agonizing moments writhing and squirming, pleading for mercy. Then all was still.