Lee looked at Gewey in wonder. “You have changed so much. Even your words seem different.”
Gewey seized Lee’s shoulder fondly. “Much has happened since we first started out from Sharpstone. And still there is much to do.”
Gewey and Kaylia set about healing those they were able to, not stopping until dusk. Exhausted, they were led by Linis and Dina to a small fire where the others waited. The army was camped about a mile away, and Lyrial had commanded that no one should disturb Gewey until the following morning.
“If you are too weary, talk can wait,” offered Linis.
Gewey shook his head. “No. It can’t. I can manage for a time. My strength isn’t completely gone.”
They took their place beside the fire where a bowl of hot stew and a bottle of wine were waiting. Once they’d finished their meal, Gewey leaned in and stared into the fire.
“I never thought I would see so much bloodshed,” he muttered. “And there will be more to come.”
“How is it you are here?” asked Dina. “We thought you were in the west.”
“The Oracle of Manisalia told me to come,” he replied. “She said you would be destroyed if I did not.”
“The Oracle?” said Lee. “I had heard she vanished.”
“She was in hiding,” said Gewey. “She is with Felsafell now, though she sacrificed her safety to send me to you.”
“The Oracle... Felsafell…” Dina shook her head. “So many things have happened since we saw you last.”
Gewey nodded and recounted his adventures, omitting only Kaylia’s pregnancy. The tale continued on well into the night, and soon it became clear that his fatigue was growing. When he finished Lee stared at him for a moment before bursting into boisterous laughter.
“It is little wonder that we have heard your name spoken of so often,” he said. “An entire fortress of Vrykol destroyed, the Oracle revealing her true nature, and as for Felsafell - I always suspected that there was something odd about him. But to think he has walked the earth for so long…”
“Your power is amazing,” said Linis. “And it is no surprise that the enemy fears you. Still, you cannot be everywhere at once. What do you plan to do next?”
“Once I have seen you safely to Althetas,” Gewey replied. “I will seek out the Dark Knight and destroy him.”
“How will you reach him?” asked Lee. “You can’t simply walk into Angrääl and knock on his door.”
Gewey shrugged. “I might do just that, though I hope he will come to me.”
Jacob cleared his throat. “I’m sorry, but I must ask you this.” He paused, unsure what to say next.
Lee squeezed his son’s shoulder and told Gewey of what had happened to his wife. “If what I was told is true…”
“If I can help, naturally I will,” said Gewey. “But I must tell you that I am only just discovering the extent of my power. And so far the flow of the spirit has been difficult for me to control. I cannot promise that I would not do her more harm than good.”
“All I ask is that you try,” said Jacob.
“I swear it.” Gewey forced a weary smile. “Now, before all of my strength is gone, I would hear your tales.”
Each took their turn in telling Gewey and Kaylia what had happened to them. Gewey scowled when hearing about the invasion of Sharpstone, but his heart lightened when he was told of the marriage between Dina and Linis, and of Dina’s reunion with her mother.
“And where is your mother now?” he asked her.
“With Lyrial,” Dina replied. “You will meet her soon.”
When all the tales had been told, Gewey leaned back and smiled.
“It would seem we have all had adventures worthy of songs,” said Linis. “And now we are all back together again.”
“All but Maybell,” corrected Gewey. “Though I am glad she is not here to share in our hardship.”
“Based on the short time I knew her,” said Jacob. “I would wager she could keep pace.”
“There is little doubt of that,” agreed Millet, smiling. “But I do wish her peace and safety. She has earned it.”
“Agreed,” said Gewey. “And once we arrive in Althetas, it will be our duty to see that she gets it.”
“I must admit,” said Lee. “Until I saw you on top of the hill today, I thought my end was at hand. Now hope is renewed, and I feel in my heart that our victory will come soon.”
“Hear, hear,” said Dina as Linis pulled her close. “Now that we are together again, nothing can stand before us. Especially not with the mighty Darshan leading the way. Though to me you will always be Gewey.”
“I never wanted to be anyone else,” he said. “At least, not in the eyes of my friends. And regardless of how strong I may become, my true power flows from all of you.”
There was a long silence.
“I think it is time we slept,” said Kaylia, dragging Gewey to his feet. “We have a long road ahead and plenty of time for talk.”
After bidding everyone else goodnight, they walked a few yards to where two bedrolls had been placed around a small bundle of wood. Gewey lit a fire and they lay down, allowing the warmth to soothe their bodies. The others were still gathered together talking quietly, the excitement of the day still running hot through their veins.
“Your mind is troubled,” whispered Kaylia, stroking Gewey’s hair.
“They seem so different now,” he replied. “In a way, almost fragile. Even Lee. It’s strange.”
“You see them through different eyes now, that is why,” said Kaylia. “Compared to you, they are fragile. At least in body. But their power is in their spirit and love for each other. And for you.”
Gewey peered into her eyes. “And I love them all in return. Though not as I love you.” He kissed her lips with tender passion.
“Of course not,” she said, the hint of a laugh in her voice. “But still, it is enough. It is the one thing our enemy lacks, and it is his greatest weakness. He exists without love.”
“I know.” Gewey closed his eyes, allowing himself to drift. “I just fear that when the time comes, love won’t be able to protect them. Nor will I. Or possibly to do so will mean that Gewey must die, and Darshan must live.”
The memory of Kaylia’s vision shot through their bond and a pang of anxiety entered them both.
“I will not allow that to happen. I will keep you with me.” Kaylia’s voice tensed with resolve.
“But at what cost?” Gewey’s voice trailed off, his mind wandering into the realm of dreams.
Kaylia stared at his sleeping form. “I will keep you right here.” She closed her eyes, knowing that the morning would herald the beginning of their final march. Once they reached Althetas, Gewey would seek his destiny.
Then, one way or another, the war would finally end.
End Book Four
Acknowledgements
Jonathan and Eleni Anderson, George Panagos, Vincentine Williams, Gerald and Donna Anderson, Hunter and Sarah Anderson, Bobby and Bobbie Anderson, George Stratford, The Ramos family, the DiBatista family, the Gnyp family, Helen Paton and "K", Cassidy Webb, Tom Riddell, Jen Frith-Couch, Alex Harris, Jacob and Elizabeth Bunton, Jenny Bunton, JKS Communication, Kitty Bullard, the writers and staff at GMTA Publishing, and everyone who has supported me.
I love you all!
About the Authors
Brian D. Anderson was born in 1971, and grew up in the small town of Spanish Fort, AL. He attended Fairhope High, then later Springhill College where his love for fantasy grew into a lifelong obsession. His hobbies include chess, history, and spending time with his son.
Jonathan Anderson was born in March of 2003. His creative spirit became evident by the age of three when he told his first original story. In 2010 he came up with the concept for The Godling Chronicles. It grew into an exciting collaboration between father and son. Jonathan enjoys sports, chess, music, games, and of course, telling stories.
* * *
[1] The Jewel of Dantenos-“A Lee Star
finder Adventure”
The Godling Chronicles: A Trial of Souls (Book 4) Page 33
