With boats for sale in Darmon being quite plentiful, they had little trouble purchasing a vessel that was just large enough for the two of them, well-constructed and stable for its size. The current would take them most of the way, though they had a set of oars for maneuvering whenever needed.
Linis kept a close eye on everyone they passed, paying particular attention to the banks of the river. The few curious glances they did receive could easily be attributed to Linis being an elf. Of course, he might well be taken for one himself, Jayden realized, at least from appearances. Everyone in Sharpstone knew he was of mixed heritage, but his ears made others unaware of this fact think him full-blooded. Though elves had become a far more common sight in the larger cities of late, they were still seldom seen in small towns and villages. Sharpstone was a rare exception to this. It was the presence of Kaylia and Linis that had played a large part in attracting the small number who had chosen to permanently settle.
Yet even in Sharpstone – accepting as the majority of humans living there now were of the new arrivals – there had been no shortage of trepidation and tension at the beginning. A few of the less tolerant citizens had protested quite aggressively. As it was, his father’s standing in the community played a large part in calming things down, and eventually relationships had normalized as much as could be expected. Which was still far from perfect. Even today, some of the older folk would give Jayden a disapproving stare – at least, when they thought he wasn’t looking. And they made a point of avoiding his mother and the other elves entirely.
During their first day on the river, the current was swift and boat traffic light, helping them to make excellent time. They spent the first night at a small inn close to the village of Lomin, where Linis inquired about the local happenings. He’d been hoping to catch wind of anything that might give them a clue as to their attackers, but no one had heard anything unusual.
“Feeling out of place?” Linis asked, as they loaded the boat the following morning.
Jayden realized that he had been frequently touching his right ear. “I forget how different I look sometimes.”
“To me you look as much a human as you do an elf,” Linis remarked. “But then, I can see your father clearly in you.”
The two of them jumped aboard, and Jayden untied the mooring, then took position at the front while Linis rowed them further into the river’s center.
After a short silence, Jayden said: “Mother always told me I should be careful whenever encountering elves. That I should avoid them completely if I could.”
Linis pulled in the oars, allowing the current to take them. “I wish I could tell you that she was wrong. However, the truth is that elves are much more likely to accept humans than they are half-breeds. Not that this should cause you concern. I am well known among my people. Should we chance upon any elves, they’ll think twice before challenging a seeker.”
“I still have a hard time picturing it,” Jayden responded, shaking his head. “The stories I’ve heard about seekers…it just doesn’t fit.”
Linis chuckled. “Why? Because I’m a farmer? Is that it? There is much about me you don’t know.”
“Do you miss it?”
Linis leaned in, as if someone might overhear him. “Don’t tell my wife, but yes...I do. Quite often I look into the forest and feel an urge to disappear into its embrace. I sometimes long for the freedom of the wild and the thrill of not knowing what the next day might bring.”
“Dina doesn’t know how you feel, I take it?”
“Actually, I think she does. But in truth, these urges are only passing fancies. I’ve found peace in Sharpstone. Perhaps one day Dina and I will venture away from our farm. Maybe we’ll even cross the sea. But it’s not yet time. I have not shed the violence completely.”
Jayden frowned. “What do you mean?”
“When you’ve lived through truly terrible times and witnessed as many vile deeds as I have, it changes you. And not for the better. I can still see the blood and hear the screams. There are times when I can even smell the battlefields.” He shook his head. “No. When I once again wander the world, I will bring with me the peace I have found as a farmer.”
Jayden leaned his elbow on the edge of the boat. “If I could, I would have left a long time ago. You can’t imagine how much I hate farming.”
Linis laughed. “This is another of my secrets you must keep: I hate it too. But I love my wife, and she deserves a stable home.” Reaching into his pack, he produced two apples and tossed one over. “You have no idea how envious I was when your mother told us she had offered to show you the world.”
The mention of his mother instantly darkened Jayden’s mood. He’d actually been enjoying the new-found freedom he was experiencing, and that must stop. This was not an adventure. He should not be taking any pleasure whatsoever in the fact that he had left home.
Guilt settled in. “I’m not hungry,” he said, tossing the apple back.
Linis could see what he was thinking. “Don’t worry,” he said. “We’ll find a way to heal your mother. Trust me, she has survived dangers that would make a hardened warrior weep.”
“But what if we can’t find my father? She’ll never get better.”
“Gewey lives; of that I am certain. I doubt even the combined power of all heaven could kill him. We’ll discover where he is soon enough.”
Jayden tried to imagine what he would actually say to his father when they came face to face again. What reasons would be offered for keeping him in the dark all these years?
Whatever else happened between them, the lies would have to stop.
***
Even with the river speeding them along, it took more than a week to arrive in Baltria. Each evening when they pulled alongside the bank for a sleep or to stretch their legs, Jayden asked Linis to work with him on his fighting techniques.
He found him to be a rather stern task master – far less patient than his father had been. A few times during these sessions, Jayden’s inattention and casual behavior had earned him a nasty cut on his arm or hand. Linis healed his wounds immediately, but the lesson was well learned.
“Your father was a good instructor,” the elf had remarked. “You’ll make a fine swordsman in time.”
“If I could only learn to channel the flow –”
“Not yet,” Linis responded sharply. “Not until I know more about what has happened.”
“But what if we’re attacked again?” he argued.
Linis eyed him for a long moment. “I understand how you feel. It’s just that…”
When he did not continue, Jayden pressed him. “Haven’t we had enough secrets?”
Linis nodded. “Very well. The truth is, when I healed you the first time, I sensed something unusual. At first I wasn’t certain what it was. Now I am. Someone has been suppressing your ability to connect with the flow. And as far as I can tell, it has been going on for a very long time.”
Jayden’s jaw dropped in astonishment. “Suppressing my ability? How?”
“There are ways,” Linis explained. “Some powerful elves have this ability. However, my guess is that your father is the one responsible.”
“You’re saying that...for all these years...the only reason I haven’t been able to connect is because my father was preventing it?” Jayden’s astonishment turned to anger. Throughout his life he had believed he simply lacked the gift.
“Yes. And until we know why he chose to do this, I don’t want you trying to test your abilities. It could be very dangerous for you, and whoever else happens to be nearby. Remember, your father almost killed me when he was learning to use his powers. Accidentally, of course. Not that this would have been any consolation. Dead is dead, accident or not.”
“So you want me to do nothing?” Jayden was finding this hard to accept.
“For the time being, yes. When we reach the temple where your sisters are living, the elf elders who teach there might be able to help you. Until then, please do as I ask.�
��
Only with great reluctance did Jayden agree to this.
The temple they sought was not so much a temple as it was a school and place of meditation for the elves. Controlled by the Order of Amon Dahl, it was located on a small island buried deep in the marshland just west of the city. Linis did not know how to find it himself, which meant they would be forced to enter the city and locate the liaison who lived in the temple of Darshan.
They dragged the boat ashore a few miles north of the city and then prepared to travel the rest of the way on foot.
“I can’t believe I’m about to go inside a temple that’s dedicated to my father,” Jayden said, as he slung his pack over his shoulders.
Linis laughed. “Gewey wasn’t too happy about it himself when he discovered them being built. It made him very uncomfortable whenever people mentioned it.” He gave the rope a tug to make sure their boat was secured in place. “I remember one time he actually ran across some pilgrims on their way to the Temple of the Far Sky; all of them were his followers.”
“How did he react?”
“He gave them each a gold piece. What else could he do? He was in a foul mood for the rest of the day, I can tell you.” He paused. “If visiting the temple bothers you, there is a friend who lives in Baltria I intended on seeing. We can have him contact your sisters instead.”
“Yes, I think that would be better,” Jayden agreed.
Conversation was light until they reached the city gates. Linis was immediately on his guard. Unlike times past, there was just a small number of men on duty, and only larger wagons were being searched for contraband. Baltria had not suffered many of the problems facing most of the other cities and kingdoms. Its citizens had maintained good trade relationships with lands both to the east and west, and it was well known that elves were welcome visitors. Many had even chosen to make it their home.
For all that, following the attack on the road, Linis thought it best to be wary and cover themselves. Each of them donned a hooded cloak just before passing through the main gates.
“No need to hide,” said a young guard standing beside the gatehouse. “Elves are always welcome here, you know.”
“Forgive my caution,” said Linis. “I am unaccustomed to the company of humans.”
“Come from out west, I wager.”
“Indeed we have.”
“Well, things are not as bad in Baltria,” he said, smiling broadly. “We all get along just fine around here.”
“It will take a little time before I feel comfortable, I suppose,” said Linis. “But thank you.”
Once inside the gate, Jayden was immediately stunned by what he saw. It wasn’t just the vast expanse of colorful buildings and throngs of people buzzing about, sights which on their own would have captured the imagination of anyone who had spent most of their life on a farm. No. Far more than any of this, it was the single massive object dominating the immense square that seized his attention the most. Standing twenty feet high and watching down over everyone was a statue of Darshan. In one hand he held a sword, drawn back and ready to strike, and in the other a scepter that was meant to represent his dominion over heaven.
“Impressive, is it not?” remarked Linis.
Jayden was unsure how to feel. He had seen smaller figures of Darshan, though he’d never really looked at them with any special interest. “It doesn’t look anything like Father,” he said.
Linis laughed. “That’s because no one who saw him can recall what he looked like.”
“And how did he manage that?”
“You will have to ask him yourself once we find him.”
“He’ll be explaining a lot more than just that,” Jayden muttered under his breath.
He continued staring at the statue until he felt Linis touch his arm.
“Come. Let us find a room and a hot meal.”
After taking one final look, he followed Linis into the heart of Baltria. The musky salt air was just like his sisters had described in their letters. The buildings were mostly either single or two-story structures, many of them quite newly built. Since the war, Baltria had become a very wealthy city; most of the older buildings had been torn down, and the new ones replacing them bore the influence of the western architects, with intricate friezes and spiraling columns. The streets had been newly cobbled, and the broad walkways were clean and lined with beautifully crafted iron lampposts surrounded by stunning displays of delicate flowers.
“It’s hard to imagine this place being under siege,” Jayden remarked. “To think that my father fought here.”
“It was actually Lee Starfinder who saved Baltria, not your father,” Linis pointed out. “He snuck in through a smugglers’ tunnel and set off a series of explosions.”
“Then why do all the stories I’ve heard say that Darshan broke down the gates and cast out the Dark Knight’s armies?”
“You shouldn’t listen to most of what you hear when it comes to Darshan. It’s a big world, and not even a god can be in all places at once. But he did fight many battles, and saved countless lives by doing so.”
“I wonder exactly how many lives he took?”
“More than he wanted. That much I can tell you.”
“It’s said Darshan destroyed entire armies.”
Linis nodded. “It is said.”
“So it’s true?”
“Your father did what he had to do to win the war. You shouldn’t judge him too harshly.”
Jayden shrugged. “I guess it’s just hard to believe. My father has always been so kind to people. I don’t think I’ve ever heard him raise his voice before. Thinking about him laying waste to a whole army…I just can’t imagine it.”
“It was a difficult time. Right up until the end, none of us could be sure how the war would turn out. The Reborn King and his armies seemed invincible, and your father had yet to realize his true potential.”
“Did you see him actually fight the Dark Knight?”
“No. But I went to the desert where it happened a few years later. The sands there still bear the scars. Nothing but mile after mile of green glass spreads out around a massive crater: a lasting monument to the clash of the two mightiest powers ever to walk the earth.” Linis shook his head in wonder. “It was the first time I had even a slight understanding of what your father is truly capable of. It’s almost beyond mental grasp. And that is why I am certain he is still alive.”
Right there on the spot, Jayden made a silent promise to go see for himself where his father had fought.
They rounded a corner to where Linis knew there would be inns frequented by elves, and quickly procured a room in one called the Harbor’s End. The common room was empty at the time, though the innkeeper assured them there would be plenty of entertainment after dark. Once they had stowed away their gear they went out again, with Linis once more leading the way, this time over to the city’s manor district.
Jayden was in awe of how huge and luxurious many of the homes were in this quarter, making even Millet’s house look shabby by comparison. The pleasing fragrances wafting on the sea breeze from their lush gardens brought an involuntary smile to his lips. The men and women here were dressed casually for such a wealthy area, he noticed. Nothing at all like the elegant attire he had imagined. The reason for this was easily guessed, though. It was probably to do with the blistering heat and humidity making cumbersome gowns and formal suits impractical.
They approached a particularly large gate guarded by four rough-looking men. Linis motioned for Jayden to lag behind a bit.
“Can I help you?” growled a guard.
“I am here to see Malstisos,” Linis replied. “Is he in?”
“He is,” confirmed the guard. “But he is not receiving visitors.”
“He will receive me. Please tell him Linis is here.”
The guard sniffed. “I don’t care if you are the god Gerath himself. My orders are clear. He is not to be disturbed for any reason.”
It was evident that the man
would not be persuaded. However, Linis refused to be deterred.
“Who is in charge of the household?” he asked.
“What’s it to you?”
Jayden noticed the elf’s hands were now clenched. He was not accustomed to receiving such disrespect.
“Tell whoever it is that I am here. Do it now, or I can promise you’ll be looking for a new employer by sundown.”
After an extended moment, the guard looked over his shoulder to one of his comrades. “Go tell Ursil that” – he paused to sniff in a vaguely contemptuous manner – “Linis is here.”
The man grunted irritably, but did as he was told.
Linis and Jayden stepped a short distance away.
“Who is Malstisos?” Jayden asked.
Linis kept his eyes trained on the guards. “A friend. And the fact that he has closed his house to visitors concerns me. It is most unlike him.”
“Did he know my father?”
“He did indeed. He fought with us during the war...and suffered much as a result.”
“Suffered how?”
“The Reborn King corrupted his spirit while he was attempting to escort Sister Maybell to safety.”
“Maybell?”
It was a name he was familiar with, mainly because one of his sisters had been named in honor of the woman. His mother had told him that Maybell was the most courageous woman who had ever lived, though she quickly became far too emotional to say anything much after that. His sister often claimed to know the story as well, but he’d always assumed that was a lie. Now…he wasn’t so sure.
A short time later the messenger returned, accompanied by an older woman with blonde hair and a round face. She wore a black ankle-length dress, together with a white apron tied at the waist. Her bright blue eyes were friendly, and her smile was welcoming.
“You are Linis?” she asked.
The Godling Chronicles Page 5