Champion of the Gods Box Set

by Andrew Q. Gordon

  Kel nodded. “Life’s journey is like a circle. Where we start is where we end up, only in a different role. I was only a bit older than you when the first war began. Much like you, though people could see my power, they couldn’t look past my youth. The great wizards of my time also didn’t approve of my approach to magic. It was only after I did what none of them could do that they gave me some respect. Even Velchuck, who became one of my closest friends, treated me like a child.”

  “I thought you were contemporaries.”

  “In a sense we were, but he was three hundred years old when we met. He and I were kindred spirits. Though he was powerful, other wizards of his time held him in low regard.”

  “Why?”

  Kel shrugged. “As you learned, most wizards believe there is only one way to do something. Like you, Velchuck questioned everything. If something didn’t make sense, he wouldn’t accept the generally accepted explanation. That constant questioning annoyed his peers.”

  Farrell shifted in his seat, eager to learn more about one of history’s most enigmatic figures. Unlike Kel or Beatrice, there was little written about Velchuck. Most of that was simply to include him in the list of great wizards.

  “How come there is so little information about him?”

  “Like me, he didn’t believe we should use our powers just to help the rich and powerful. Unlike me, he never became a king. Instead, he spent most of his life traveling the world looking for places he could do the most good. He rarely gave his name to those he helped. Even when he came to visit, he would slip into Yar-del unnoticed and leave without fanfare. Were it not for his heroics at Trellham, the world wouldn’t remember his name.”

  “Holding back an entire army alone until reinforcements arrive is a good way to become a legend.” Farrell eyed his grandfather. “Almost as good as ending the war by casting an impossible spell.”

  Kel waved his hand dismissively. “The spell was not impossible. You recreated it without any trouble. Small minds that refuse to move beyond their boundaries are what make things impossible. Only when you believe in yourself will you be able to do what others think impossible.”

  “If I doubted myself, I wouldn’t have gone to Kentrish alone.”

  “Excellent.” Kel rubbed the top of Farrell’s head. “If you would heed what the Six tell you, then my work would be finished.”

  “You just said it was good to challenge the generally accepted way of doing things.”

  The smile left Kel’s face. “The two are not the same. Understand that the Six may only give limited guidance. When They give you clear instructions on what you must do, that is about as close to an absolute truth as you can get. Something even Velchuck wouldn’t have questioned.”

  Their light moment gone, Farrell nodded. “I understand. Though I joke, I’ve learned the hard way the folly of ignoring Their directions.”

  Kel cocked his head to the side. “Then perhaps we are almost done with your training.”

  Their arrival at Fracturn set off a firestorm of activity. The guards didn’t know what to do at first when their guests arrived. Farrell didn’t know Kel planned to show up without notice. If he had, he’d have sent Drendar a message.

  Upon seeing the high king, the guards all turned at same time and ran toward the palace. Farrell and Kel exchange bemused looks as they were left alone at the entrance. A moment later the dwarves stopped running and began a lively discussion amongst themselves. Finally, two walked back to their guests and gave Farrell a sheepish salute.

  Fracturn had a different feel than Colograd and Trellham. Farrell couldn’t say why until they reached the palace. Like the pair of life-sized dragons that guarded the entrance, Fracturn proclaimed its strength.

  “Our apologies, Your Majesty,” one of the guards said. “Though we were not expecting your visit, that is no excuse for leaving you unattended at the gates.”

  Farrell returned the salute. “Nothing to apologize for. My grandfather often has that effect on dwarves.”

  The guard furrowed his brow and looked to his companion.

  “Stop confusing him,” Kel said. “We will wait here until you have alerted King Drendar.”

  Soon Farrell heard the sound of booted feet marching their way. Drendar approached surrounded by a large company of dwarves. When they reached the visitors, the guards in the front parted to let the king approach his guests.

  “Hail, brother.” Drendar held out his arm in greeting. “Next time you bring such honored guests to my kingdom, I must insist you tell me in advance.”

  “You’re correct, brother. Unfortunately, it is difficult for a messenger to move faster than we can.”

  “Magic.” Drendar frowned. “What urgent business brings you to Fracturn and sets my guards in a panic?”

  “I don’t know.” Farrell hitched his thumb at Kel. “My grandfather said this was the next stop on our journey.”

  “Miceral said you and Kel had left Haven to complete your training.” Drendar stepped back and gestured the way he had come. “Let us speak in a more private place.”

  “The city reminds me of Dreth,” Farrell said to Kel.

  “A bit, but unlike Hevnor’s heirs, Fracturn’s kings planned its growth. Dreth has a chaotic sprawl. Fracturn’s size is more ordered.”

  Fracturn’s tunnels were wider and taller than in the other dwarf kingdoms. The abundant light almost convinced Farrell he was outside. Even the ever-present echo of boots on stone seemed muted. Finally, they stopped at a large sitting room.

  Dwarves scurried about carrying cushions, chairs, tables, platters of food and drink. They’d set out several large vessels Farrell assumed were for the unicorns and Rojas. Drendar glowered at the dwarves, and the staff renewed its efforts.

  “They should have finished before we arrived.” Drendar motioned toward the chairs and cushions. “I think there are enough for everyone.”

  The king sat in one of a pair of matching chairs that looked like miniature thrones. When Farrell moved toward a seat opposite Drendar, Kel nudged him away.

  “He had the two set out to honor you. It would be rude if you sat elsewhere.”

  Without missing a step, Farrell altered direction and sat next to his host. “You honor me, brother.”

  Drendar nodded. “I would have greeted you in a more formal setting, but I fear our other guests would not be as comfortable.”

  “For which we thank you,” Nerti said. “But then the dwarves of Fracturn have always been known for their hospitality.”

  “The niceties of decorum have been met,” Kel said. “Would you care to know why we are here?”

  “The thought did cross my mind,” Drendar said with a smirk.

  “I assume you still have ambassadors to the surrounding kingdoms,” Kel said. He glanced over the lip of his cup before taking a sip.

  Drendar raised a bushy eyebrow. “Of course, it would be imprudent to ignore our neighbors. Why do you ask?”

  “The final confrontation is drawing near. Although the most important fight will take place at Haven, the rest of the world needs to be on alert.”

  “You believe Meglar is going to try to conquer the entire world at the same time?”

  “Not exactly,” Kel said. “Neldin lost the first war because the Six united all Their followers in one place. I believe Meglar is trying to create chaos and fear around the world to prevent the Six from doing that again. A small threat will be enough to freeze otherwise available soldiers from answering the call.”

  “If that happens, it would be as good as if he had conquered them,” Drendar said.

  Kel nodded. “Correct.”

  “You should assume Meglar has contacted the surrounding kingdoms,” Nerti said. “He only needs one to listen to his lies about the glory they can attain with his help.”

  Drendar rubbed his chin. “There are more than a few fools for him to choose. What do you suggest we do to prevent that from happening?”

  “I fear it is already too late,” Ke
l said. “Unless I’m wrong, Meglar has already found the one or two he is looking for. As Nerti suggested, he will fill their minds with lies about how others have wronged them. Then once they agree, he will flatter them with talk of how they alone deserve to rule Erd. Before we leave, Farrell can use the Eye to find out who has been corrupted. I suggest you warn the rest of the kingdoms of the danger they face. I would also recommend you seal your gates and activate the spells your clerics created to defend Fracturn.”

  Drendar leaned back in his seat, steepled his fingers, and rested his chin on his thumbs. “Your counsel is we remove ourselves from the affairs of men?”

  “It is. Neldin is aware of the long memory dwarves possess,” Kel said. “Even He must realize the futility of trying to turn you from the Six. Rather than waste time doing that, He will do the next best thing. By creating enemies at your doorstep, He can keep your troops in Fracturn.”

  “Are you confident the defenses will hold up if we empty Fracturn of soldiers?” Drendar asked.

  “If Meglar arrived to lead the fight, no, they might not, but this won’t be a full-scale invasion. Instead it’s a ruse. Designed to keep you in place and prevent you from being where you are most needed.”

  “That would do what Neldin wants,” Drendar said. “How do we free our dwarves to help defeat Meglar?”

  “Help the humans build an alliance amongst themselves. Together they can address their wayward neighbors. By the time that fight is resolved, the real fight will be over—for good or ill.”

  “What of Colograd?” Drendar asked.

  “I’ll send word to Thrinton before we leave, but they are in much less danger than Fracturn,” Kel said. “They are far removed from any kingdom of note. There are other power centers on Lourdria that are easier to compromise.”

  “Very well.” Drendar slapped his thighs and stood up. “Now let’s talk about why you’re really here.”

  Farrell expected Everard’s tomb to be in a dark, out-of-the-way hallway. Instead it was in the Hall of Kings, a great room lit with thousands of globes and full of visitors. Dozens of statutes lined the room, marking the resting places of Fracturn’s kings. Dwarves moved about the room, some stopping to read the inscription on a stone tablet in front of a likeness. As the lone human in the room, Everard’s place was easy to find.

  As when they arrived in Fracturn, Kel and his party attracted significant attention. Among such unique company, Farrell found himself low on the list of who the crowd gawked at. Without his guards, Farrell was easy to overlook standing with Kel, two unicorns, and a snow panther. But it didn’t last long.

  Walking next to Nerti, his identity wasn’t hard to guess once the shock wore off. At first he heard whispers behind him. Next came dwarves pointing in his direction, and then the crowd moved closer.

  A pair of young male dwarf detached themselves from a female Farrell assumed to be their mother. They tentatively walked up with the older of two holding the younger’s hand.

  “Excuse me, are you High King Farrell?”

  “Yes.” He nodded and tried to maintain a smile. It proved more difficult when the boys bowed in front of him. “Who do I have the privilege of meeting?”

  “I’m Tarog and this is my brother, Eraygt, Your Majesty.”

  “A pleasure to meet you both.” Farrell returned their bow. “How may I help you today?”

  “Help? No, Your Majesty, we don’t need anything,” Tarog said. “We just wanted to meet you. Our da is an officer in the army, and he went with King Drendar to Agloth.”

  “Is it true you fought a whole army by yourself?” Eraygt asked.

  “I was not alone,” he said and placed a hand on Nerti’s shoulder. “Queen Nerti was with me.”

  “Not the entire time.”

  Farrell didn’t need to check to know she’d sent that only to him.

  “Da said you rode out alone and stared down the enemy as they approached the holy city,” Tarog said.

  “It sounds grander than it was. We were safely behind magical shields at the time.”

  “Don’t listen to him, lads.” Drendar appeared at his side. The twinkle in his eye boded ill for Farrell. “King Farrell and Queen Nerti rode out alone, heads held high. They set themselves just outside the magical protections that ring Seritia’s holy city. Still as a mountain, they stood as waves of foul creatures washed against the protections King Farrell wove around them.

  “When the hordes of Neblor couldn’t make a dint in his shields, the dark wizard who led the army appeared. He stepped forward and issued a challenge. Like any dwarf worth his boots, His Majesty accepted.”

  Drendar recounted in surprisingly accurate details the fight between Farrell and Vedric. He left out Nerti’s reaction to her son’s death or that Farrell nearly died. The absence of those details reinforced the notion that he and Nerti had stared down the entire army alone. It also put an end to Farrell’s anonymity. Drendar, however, seemed pleased with his storytelling. When he’d finished, all eyes turned to Farrell.

  Staring at the ever-growing crowd, Farrell was at a loss for what to do next. He couldn’t match Drendar’s bardic talent. Regaling the crowd with one of Drendar’s exploits seemed inappropriate as well. The awkward moment continued until Kel cleared his throat. He announced he wanted to see his son’s tomb.

  The dwarves took a step back and opened a path for the party to continue their walk. Farrell couldn’t tell if his grandfather had acted to save him from embarrassment or was impatient. When he saw the expression on Kel’s face, he knew the request had been genuine.

  “I’m sorry, Grandfather. I shouldn’t have held you up for that.”

  “What? By the Six, there’s nothing to be sorry for. It is well they hear about your exploits from someone as talented and credible as the king.”

  Kel didn’t wait for a response before he walked away. Farrell and the others followed a few steps behind. He debated not going at all, but Farrell needed to see the son Kel mourned above the others.

  The statute stood at the end of the sarcophagus looking out at the chamber. For his eternal image, Everard wore a shirt and pants popular in his age. He held a staff topped with a red jewel that sparkled in the light.

  Everard appeared hale and vibrant. Farrell guessed the image had been taken from an earlier time rather than the end of his days. He resembled the first image of Kel who guarded the Eye and the Arm.

  Bowing his head, Farrell said a prayer to the Six for his ancestor. Kel stared at the face with his hand on the coffin. He seemed lost in his thoughts, so Farrell stepped back. Drendar stood a polite distance away, and Farrell joined him.

  “It is one of the worst experiences to bury a child,” Drendar said. “I lost a son many years ago, and the pain never abates.”

  “I can’t imagine.” Farrell stared at his grandfather, who had buried all his children and his wife. Even after so short a time with his own children, the loss would be devastating. “Nor do I wish to find out. It will be hard enough when Kel dies. I’m not sure what I’ll do when that happens.”

  “You will do what we’ve all done—pick up and carry on.”

  “No, I know that. I mean, without him.” Farrell shrugged.

  “Without him, you’ll do fine.” Drendar reached up and put his hand on Farrell’s shoulder. “You’re one of the most capable beings I’ve ever met. And I want to be clear. I said ‘beings’ because you’re not just a dwarf. You’re one with all the beings on Nendor.”

  Farrell considered the words for a moment before he answered. “I don’t follow you.”

  “Think about what has happened to you. You’re joined with a Muchari. Rothdin adopted you as his son, and Nerti treats you like one of her foals. By Khron’s word you are king of Trellham, and Arritisa kissed you so you could walk among her servants. Every race on Nendor can lay claim to you.”

  “I’d never thought of it that way.”

  “It was something Thrinton and I discussed at your coronation.”

&nb
sp; Farrell raised an eyebrow. “How did that topic come up?”

  “I commented on your lack . . . on how humble you are whenever you are dealing with others.” Drendar looked him in the eye just as Farrell frowned. “There is no insult in my words. You are humble. Despite all your powers, titles, and status with the gods, you don’t act better than anyone. Thrinton has a touch of that, but he’s been a dwarf king long enough to know he needs to throw his weight around more. That and he is a feared warrior. Only a fool would challenge him.

  “Just as only a fool would disrespect you.”

  “Thank you. I don’t know what to say.” The notion he belonged to everyone hadn’t occurred to him. “Does my belonging to everyone . . . Did you two come to some conclusion? About it, I mean?”

  “The Six want you to unite the world. No one has ever been as connected to each of the races on Nendor as you. But had you been as arrogant as the petty little king from Pelipan, no one would follow you. Nendor needs to stand as one, and only you can bring us together.

  “The world needed someone like you. Powerful, compassionate, and humble. We would not have followed a trifling, spiteful human or any being. We believe in you because we know you won’t abuse that trust. That’s a lot of words to say that when you step out of Kel’s shadow, you’ll be fine.”

  Drendar stepped away, leaving Farrell alone to mull what he’d heard. What he’d said made sense and was obvious had Farrell given it a thought. Rothdin had told him no one but the Six knew the entire plan. Only in hindsight would the necessity of things be seen.

  “The wisdom of the dwarves is rarely mentioned because they are slow to offer their opinions,” Flemin said. “In this, I believe they are correct. You are the one who can bring us together. Each of the races has seen you through their eyes, and in their own way. They connect to you because they think of you as one of them. Perhaps now that it has been said in way you understand, you will believe in yourself.”

  Farrell stared at Flemin until the unicorn met his gaze. His tone lacked his brother Nordric’s gentle compassion. It had an edge, but it wasn’t the wise, all-knowing feel of his mother or the authoritativeness of his father. There was wisdom and command but also frustration.