Gods Above and Below

by Loren K. Jones

  A feast shall be presented in front of the Temple of Arandar, and the Blessed One shall be present for all to see.

  In the name of Alred Dahlgren Faran Zel’Broldan, King of Reynadia

  Stavin and Karvik read the notice with a shared feeling of disquiet. Karvik looked at Stavin and said, “No. Absolutely not.”

  Stavin shook his head slowly as he considered the proclamation. “It seems to be the only way, Kar. We have to make her come to us, and I have to be the most tempting target around.”

  “Stave, it puts you out there as a target for every religious fanatic and mental defective in the city. Arandar might protect you from Terror, but I doubt He will protect you from some fool who just wants to make a name for himself.”

  Stavin sighed and shook his head. “True, Kar, but that’s been my life since Kalin and Marina named me a Friend of Evandia. Alred and Tana are going to be right beside me, and he is increasing the guards around us. I’ll also be in full armor, and I’m going to be armed. That took some arguing, but Alred finally overrode the objections of his guards and allowed it.”

  Karvik looked puzzled as he asked, “How’d he manage that?”

  Stavin chuckled. “He pointed out that buried among my other titles is Senior Warmaster of the Evandian Royal Guard. I’m not only allowed to be armed around the king, I’m required to be armed around the king. His general looked like he’d eaten a crab apple, but he accepted it.”

  Karvik snorted in amusement. “I’ll bet that was an unpopular decision.”

  Stavin grinned as he said, “Not as bad as this one: You and Var are going to be on the dais behind me.”

  Now Karvik laughed out loud. “That must have been some argument.”

  “No,” Stavin replied with a slight shake of his head, “not really. Alred simply pointed out that as a prince of Evandia I was required to have my personal guards around me.”

  Now Karvik’s amusement turned to hilarity. He gasped, “At least one of you obeys the rules,” between bursts of laughter.

  The two days before the festival were spent in preparation. King Alred freed up some of Stavin’s time by simply accepting all his trade proposals without any further negotiations. That upset Minister of Trade Zel’Nardat, but delighted Princess Callissen.

  The princess presented herself at Stavin’s suite within moments of the council’s dismissal. She approached the guards and said, “I’d like to talk to Prince Stavin.”

  The guardsmen exchanged glances, then the senior guardsman respectfully asked, “May we know your name and the nature of your business with our prince, my lady?”

  The princess looked surprised that they didn’t recognize her, then bowed her head regally. “I am Princess Callissen Ravala Alantana Zel’Broldan, fifth in line of succession to the throne of Reynadia. My business with Prince Stavin involves his translation text of the ancient glyphs of Vaskan.”

  The guardsmen all bowed and one of them immediately turned away and knocked on the door. Matron Fel’Keran opened the door and bowed when she saw the princess.

  “Welcome, Princess Callissen. I will inform Prince Stavin of your arrival.” She stepped aside and motioned for the princess to enter the suite.

  Stavin had heard Harsan and walked across the room. He asked, “Princess Callissen, how may I serve you?” as he bowed.

  “Prince Stavin, I was hoping to discuss the ancient glyphs, if you have a moment to spare for me.”

  Stavin smiled broadly and motioned to the door on his right. “I would be delighted, Your Highness.”

  The princess wrinkled her nose and said, “Call me Calli.”

  Stavin bowed and replied, “I shall if you will call me Stavin.”

  The room was the suite’s sitting room, and was brightly lit by a set of five tall windows. Stavin hadn’t been surprised to see the glyphs of the Gods Above at the top of each window.

  Princess Callissen grinned and said, “Deal.” She laid her book on a table and said, “I’m having trouble with--” Stavin worked with Callissen on the glyphs for twelve spans.

  “--so you see, most of the glyphs have the same meaning. Some have had elements removed, some have been added to, but the basics are the same.”

  Callissen shook her head as her eyebrows drew together. “I wonder why our ancestors changed them?”

  “Master Scribe Kel’Zorgan explained what he thought happened. Are you familiar with the Varkat Plague during the reign of Emperor Jestat Zel’Marlan?” Callissen nodded, so he continued.

  “During that outbreak, most of the scholars and scribes at the Luxandian Repository were killed. The plague was harder on the elderly than the young. Afterward, a lot of half-trained students were thrust into master’s positions. If you look at our glyphs beside the ancient ones that have the same meaning, you’ll see that a lot of them are just simplified versions of the ancient glyphs.”

  “So, they’re not really different,” Callissen mused, “just more elaborate versions of the same glyphs?”

  Stavin nodded. “Yes, and once we figured that out the translation went much faster. There was a difference in the language as well, but Master Kel’Zorgan said that was just drift due to the addition or loss of words over the thousands of years since Inatat ruled Vaskan.”

  Princess Callissen got a dreamy look in her eyes and said, “Wouldn’t it have been wonderful to live in that time?”

  Stavin shook his head. “No. When you get a chance, you should read the Book of Inatat. By our standards, Vaskan was a brutal, barbaric place where life was hard on all but the elite, and nearly worthless. The Vaskan warrior elite had the power of life and death over the commoners, far more so than your father and our Chosen. There is one incident detailed in the book of one of Inatat’s young guardsmen killing a man and raping his daughter with her bent over the body. That was Vaskan.”

  The princess’ hand had come up to her mouth in shock as Stavin spoke. “That’s horrid. What was his punishment?”

  “Promotion to corporal. He was rewarded for proving his willingness to be brutal.”

  Princess Callissen covered her face with both hands for a moment. She whispered, “Why did you have to tell me that?”

  Stavin reached over and squeezed her shoulder. “Because you need to realize that beyond the glyphs, there was nothing noble or admirable about Vaskan. Their culture revered the Gods Below over the Gods Above.”

  Princess Callissen nodded and took a deep breath. “I understand, Stavin. I just didn’t know.”

  Stavin smiled and squeezed her shoulder again. “How old are you, Calli?”

  “Fifteen.”

  “You’re old enough to know that not everywhere is as nice and civilized as our kingdoms.” He paused and got her to look at him before continuing. “Even the lands north of Andaria, in the so-called Kingdom of Zamaria, are mostly wild lands where might makes right. Law is a thing of the moment and depends on the person making the law having the strength to enforce it.”

  “Like Kavadia?”

  “Worse. In Kavadia the Traders’ Guild runs things. They want peace and stability because it’s good for Trade. In Zamaria, once you get away from a city or town, you’re on your own.”

  Princess Callissen nodded, then stood up and bowed. “Thank you, Stavin.”

  Stavin had come to his feet at the same time. “It was an honor, Calli.” He bowed deeply and watched as she allowed Amarna to guide her out of the room.

  Karvik was standing just inside the door and bowed as the princess passed. Turning to Stavin he said, “There was a time not so long ago when all of that could be said of Farindia as well, Stave.”

  Stavin nodded his agreement. “I remember, and there are still places where a lone traveler will disappear. But those are fewer and fewer each year.”

  Karvik nodded. “So, what’s the possibility of you canceling this madness and letting me sleep peacefully for a change?”

  Stavin laughed. “You know better than to ask me that.”

  Karvik sighe
d. “I know, but I had to try.”

  “Relax, Kar. This will work out for the best.”

  Chapter 24

  THE FIRST DAY OF THE FESTIVAL dawned clear and warm, promising to be hot by mid day. Stavin was dressed in full armor, much to the disgruntlement of his butlers, and stood in front of his mirror like a golden statue of Arandar Himself.

  Varik muttered, “Quit preening,” as he loomed over Stavin’s shoulders.

  Stavin looked at the figure reflected above him and laughed. “I’m not preening, Var. And you shouldn’t talk. How long did you spend polishing your helmet and hilt?”

  Varik chuckled. “Point taken. You don’t expect trouble today, do you?”

  Stavin shook his head. “No, but we’re going to be ready for it anyway.”

  Varik nodded and moved away, only to be replaced by Karvik. “King Alred and Queen Alantana are playing a dangerous game, Stave.”

  “I know, and so do they. Servallan hasn’t been seen anywhere since she killed her guards. She has to react to this provocation. The royal family has always been neutral, honoring all of the Gods Above and Below without favoring any of them. Now, in response to the killing of the innocents and my arrival, they’ve openly shown favor to Arandar and the Gods Above. The Gods Below have to react, even if it’s just in the form of protests from their priests.”

  “And you stand out there with a target on your chest.”

  Stavin turned and clasped both of Karvik’s arms. “Yes, but remember how tough a target I am. Unless they bring a dragon against me, or one of the Evil Ones takes a direct hand in the proceedings, I’ll be fine.”

  Karvik shook his head. “Unless Rava’s Avatar has Her power.”

  Stavin shook his head. “I don’t think she can, Kar. That would be direct interference and would invite direct reprisals from Arandar, or at the very least Sahrana. I don’t think any of them will risk that.”

  “Still don’t like it.”

  Stavin patted Karvik’s arm and walked around him to address his guardsmen. “The Reynadian Royal Guards are going to be out in force today. King Alred ordered all but one watch section on duty. That means five hundred royal guards will be at your sides. We’ll all be well protected behind their lines, and your only responsibility is going to be protecting me.” He turned and nodded to Karvik. “Major?”

  Karvik stepped forward and addressed his men. “Prince Stavin is still our responsibility, so we follow him where ever he goes, and eat whatever he eats. Just don’t try to keep up with him. The only difference is he gets beer, but we don’t. There will be no fuzzy heads while on guard duty. Understood?”

  As one the twenty-one men on duty answered, “Yes, Major.”

  Karvik said, “Very well,” then turned toward Stavin and bowed. “After you, Prince Stavin.”

  Stavin laughed and led the way, heading out of the palace. They reached the courtyard and found a reception party waiting. A Reynadian Royal Guards major walked up to them and bowed.

  “Blessed One, we have been given the honor of reinforcing your guards detail. I am Major Berdal Zel’Jalavan, commander of Dragon watch.”

  Stavin bowed his head slightly. “Greetings, Major.” He raised his hand to the figures towering over him and said, “On my right is Major Karvik Kel’Carin, and on my left is Lieutenant Varik Kel’Horval.”

  Major Zel’Jalavan’s jaws clenched for an instant, but he bowed his head to Karvik anyway. “Major, I have been instructed to place myself and my men under your command.”

  Karvik bowed before replying, “Thank you Major Zel’Jalavan. Please take over Prince Stavin’s left side from the lieutenant and have your men form up beside ours. How many men did you bring?”

  The major stood straight and tall, but still had to look up at Karvik anyway. “I have my twenty top men with me.”

  Karvik’s eyes narrowed for an instant. “I have twenty-one. Four columns of ten with Lieutenant Kel’Horval in the lead?”

  Major Zel’Jalavan nodded. “I have no objection to that.”

  Stavin had stayed out of the discussion until now, but felt that he needed to say something. “Major Zel’Jalavan, I am pleased to have you with us. Please guide us to the Temple of Arandar the Bright. I don’t want to keep his Majesty waiting.”

  The major bowed deeply to Stavin, and his men followed his example. “It would be an honor, Blessed One. If you will lead off, I will guide your steps.”

  Stavin nodded and headed toward the gate. The major murmured, “Turn to the right, Blessed One.” That turned out to be the only instruction he needed to give. The road in front of the palace led straight to the Great Temple Complex of Rey on the Glimmer.

  The people of Rey had been waiting for Stavin, and thousands of them lined the road to see him. Many of the people cheered as he passed, but he noticed that not everyone was cheering.

  Karvik noticed as well. He muttered, “This is not a good idea.”

  Major Zel’Jalavan heard and replied just as softly, “That’s why we’re with you, Major Kel’Carin. My men are all followers of Arandar or Sahrana.”

  “I still don’t like it,” Karvik replied as his eyes scanned the crowd.

  The walk was a long one. Stavin guessed they had walked twenty dragons or more before they reached the temple complex. He slowed to a stop at the encircling wall and stared.

  The Great Temple Complex was easily ten dragons across. A wall circled the temples of the Gods Above and Below, with a wide, sinusoidal, raised pathway running east to west dividing the circle with the temples of the Gods Above on the north side, and the temples of the Gods Below to the south. Arandar’s temple was located in the widest part of the northern half while Eshokanal’s temple was on the far side of the circle in the widest part of the southern half. The rest of the temples were evenly spaced around the circle in the order of precedence of the gods.

  Karvik whispered, “This is almost more than I can handle.”

  Stavin grunted in the affirmative, then took his first step into the temple circle--and froze. Feelings assaulted him from every direction, some friendly and some malevolent, and every one of them familiar.

  Stavin whispered, “Kar, they’re here.”

  “Who’s here?”

  “The Gods: All ten of them. Remember what I told you about the temples in Aniston? Now I feel all five of the Gods Below as well.”

  Karvik grabbed Stavin by the shoulder and spun him around. “We have to get you out of here.”

  Stavin swallowed to wet his suddenly dry throat and shook his head. “It’s too late. I’m sorry, Kar. I don’t think I can leave here until this is settled.”

  Varik was beside Karvik now and put a hand on Stavin’s shoulder. “What do you need from us?”

  Stavin shook his head. “Just stay with me. We’ve stood here long enough.” He swallowed again, then turned and resolutely started walking toward Arandar’s temple.

  Prince Jerlan and his family were already there and Princess Alankira smiled broadly as Stavin mounted the steps up to the platform. “Well, Cousin Stavin, what do you think?”

  Stavin bowed his head to Prince Jerlan before answering. “I’m overwhelmed, Cousin Kira.” He looked around and shook his head slightly. “I can feel them all. Each of them watching and weighing me, seeing if I measure up or am in some way deficient. And I can’t escape them.”

  “Stavin, what do you mean?” Prince Jerlan demanded as he stepped closer and grasped both of Stavin’s shoulders.

  “All ten of the Gods are here, Jerry,” Stavin whispered. “It’s as if this was preordained. Servallan is here, that I’m sure of. This is the final battlefield. One of us will not leave here alive.”

  King Alred arrived just in time to hear Stavin and grabbed Stavin’s shoulder in one hand. “You can’t be certain of that, can you?”

  “I can, Your Majesty,” Stavin replied as he faced the king squarely. “I told you what I felt from the Gods Above in Aniston, King Alred. Here I feel all five of them as well as Pa
in, Terror, Sorrow, Anger, and Confusion. And it’s very apparent that they can feel me as well.”

  “We have to get you out of here. Clear a path,” the king ordered, but Stavin shook his head.

  “I don’t think that’s possible, Your Majesty. I don’t think they’ll allow it.”

  “Stavin?”

  “I was brought here for a reason, Your Majesty.” Stavin looked around and shook his head as he bit his lips. “I was brought here to kill--or die.” Karvik punched Stavin in the back of the helmet, knocking him forward two steps.

  “Snap out of it, Stave!” he shouted as he took a step toward his friend. “Damn it, Stave, that’s not you! It’s them! It’s Rava playing on your fears, and Kysander muddling your thoughts. You’re probably getting hit by the rest of the dark ones as well.”

  Stavin had gone from a terrified funk to a blazing fury in the two steps he’d taken, but now that rage was cooling into clear logic. “Thanks, Kar. I needed that.” He turned and snarled as he looked across the circle toward Eshokanal’s temple. His gaze shifted to Ravashanal’s temple and he hissed, “Bring it on, bitch!”

  The ground trembled and people started screaming, but there was a strangely clear path to the center of the wall that divided the temple circle. Stavin’s eyes locked on the tall, elegant figure on the far side and he started forward.

  “Stavin, wait!” the king commanded as he made a grab for Stavin, but his hand couldn’t grip Stavin’s shoulder. Instead it slipped off as if it had landed on an ice sculpture.

  Karvik, Varik, and all of the Evandian Royal Guards and Stavin’s Reynadian Guards detachment marched forward behind him. When they were twenty paces from the wall they could go no further. Something stopped them in their tracks.

  Stavin sensed when Karvik stopped. He wasn’t surprised. There was no one behind Servallan either. He slowed to a stop three paces from the wall and said, “Lady Servallan, we’ve been looking for you.”

  Servallan smiled, and something in that expression made Stavin shudder. “Have you indeed, Prince Stavin? That was foolish.”