Champion of the Gods, Books 1-2

by Andrew Q. Gordon

  “We do.”

  “Will you support them as they set forth on this journey? Will you be there for them in good and bad times, in happiness and sorrow, offering them any help they’ll need along the way?”

  “We will.”

  Glendora paused and looked at the pair, a twinkle in her eyes. “Those closest to you agree; you should be joined this day. Do you agree this is what you want?”

  Farrell turned toward Miceral and saw his smile reflected back in his partner’s face. “I do.”

  “There is no mystery, no special words which join one person to another. Joining is something couples decide together, so it is fitting that it is their words that join them. Have you two decided who will go first?”

  Farrell turned back to Glendora. “I will.”

  Facing Miceral, he took his partner’s hand. “Miceral, it is my desire to spend my life with you. This is not a decision I have made lightly or without thought.

  “You are everything I had hoped for in a partner. You’re kind and loving. You hold me when I’m sad and laugh with me when I’m happy. You’ve seen the flaws in my soul, and still you stand by me, offering your love and help instead of walking away to find someone else. When I look in your eyes, I see the same love in them I feel for you.

  “I can’t promise it will be easy being my partner. There are things that lie ahead that will make it hard for us both. That you still love me, knowing my destiny, has been a source of strength I’ve never known before. When we’re together, I feel there is nothing that’s too difficult.

  “I’m not perfect, and I know I will fail you, though never will I do so willingly. I promise to love you with all my heart and always be there for you. Every day I’ll try to be better than the day before and to never let anything or anyone come between us.

  “Miceral, if you will have me, I want to join with you today and be together the rest of our lives.”

  Miceral appeared teary-eyed but kept his smile. “Farrell, I knew the day we met you were the one I had waited for my whole life. From that moment, I knew we would one day be joined.

  “In you I found my true soul mate. When I look in your eyes, I see you love me so clearly it makes my heart beat faster. You’re kind and gentle, yet strong and resilient. It humbles me to know you are capable of loving me in ways I cannot hope to match.

  “I too can’t promise it will be easy being with me. There will be times I’ll fail as well. But I promise if I do, it’s not because I want to hurt you. I ask that you be patient with me and help me be a better partner every day.

  “What I pledge today is that you will always have my heart and my love. I’ll support you in all that you must do, willingly and gladly. Without hesitation I will face death with you so long as we face it together. To do otherwise would be to turn my back on the most amazing person I ever met.

  “I love you, Farrell, with all that I am. I want to join my life to yours if you will have me as your life partner.”

  Farrell let go of Miceral’s left hand so the pair could face the altar. Glendora’s smile never waned.

  “Friends and family, I am a simple priestess of a great goddess. I have no words to match the heartfelt vows these two have spoken to each other. I can offer only words of guidance and prayer for them on their path.

  “Farrell, Miceral, today you embark on a journey whose path you will not know until you have traveled it together. By your words, you profess your desire to take this walk together, and that is as it should be for two people so in love as you are. Not even the gods and goddesses know what is truly in store for you both. What your life will be like together is in your hands. It will be what you make it, so make it wonderful.

  “Together you’ve shown yourselves capable of great love and understanding. That’s good, because a lifetime together requires all you’ve shown thus far and much more. Anyone who tells you it will be easy is being untrue. But a life shared, despite the rough patches, is far better than a life shorn of love. Together your lives will be richer than you can imagine today. If you let your love grow, together you will overcome problems that alone would defeat you.

  “Honor each other; respect each other; love each other. If you do these things, the path to happiness will be clear.” With a smile that had grown throughout the ceremony, Glendora motioned for the other clerics to join her. The seven formed a circle around the pair. “We who are honored to serve our gods have no power to join your hearts. Only you can do that. But together we acknowledge your commitment before all the gods of Nendor and sanction your commitment for all to see.”

  “In Lenore’s name, I join you, Farrell, to Miceral and you, Miceral, to Farrell.”

  A screech and a whinny filled the temple. Hovering above Farrell, the white eagle of Honorus and the white-winged unicorn of Lenore filled the cavernous room with their light. Farrell quickly dropped to his knees and bowed his head. From the corner of his eye, he saw Miceral do the same. Impossibly, the space between the clerics and Farrell and Miceral expanded to allow both avatars to land and stand before the still-kneeling pair.

  “Rise up, favored sons,” the voices said together. When they stood, they kept their hands entwined as the avatars addressed them. “This union We decreed long ago, though you knew it not. Where once you were alone and servant to just one, now you are one in Our eyes and servants to Us both. Accept Our blessings this day and know you are favored in Our eyes. This union and your love for each other is Our gift to you both for the services you have and will do in Our names. Go forth in love for each other and with Our love.”

  As quickly as they appeared, the ethereal creatures disappeared. With no flash, no pop, they just vanished. Farrell noted the shocked expressions on everyone, including Teclelion and Verona.

  “I take it this doesn’t happen at everyone’s union ceremony?” Miceral asked Farrell, who shrugged.

  “No, child, it does not.” Glendora smiled at them. “It was Their gift to you both.”

  Standing, Glendora turned to the stunned gallery. “Friends, what more proof do we need that these two people were meant to be joined? Let us wish our newlyjoined all life’s happiness before we begin the Winter Festival celebrations.”

  Their friends began to come forward when Farrell felt his father and brothers take to the air. A deafening screech filled the temple, forcing Farrell to look up. Many of their guests had started toward the exit.

  “It is still proper for the new couple to take their leave before those invited to join in their day!” Rothdin’s booming voice in Farrell’s mind almost made him wince. “Keep your places, or my sons and I will help you!”

  Grohl and Takala landed in front of the massive doors, glowering at anyone still in the aisle. Those ill-mannered enough to break protocol quickly returned to their seats.

  “Thank you, Father,” Farrell said when Rothdin landed. The giant peregrine moved quickly to wrap his Farrell and Miceral in his wings.

  “Son of mine and his mate. I wish you endless skies in your journey together.”

  Teclelion cleared his throat politely, standing at the head of the other clerics. “My lords? If you would permit me, I would lead you to the exit so you may begin your life together.”

  Farrell bowed to the high priest, aware that few, if any, received such treatment. “You honor us, Holy Father.”

  The older man gave him a wink before inclining his head slightly.

  Standing at the exit beside Miceral, Farrell accepted the hurried well-wishes of his guests. Most rushed to leave so they could regale others with what had just occurred. In short order, only friends and family remained.

  Miceral gave Farrell a serious stare. “I believe you’re stuck with me for the rest of our considerable lives.”

  Farrell beamed at his partner. “Awful as that sounds, I think I can manage.”

  EARLY IN the planning stage, Horgon had recognized that most of Haven would want to attend the Winter Festival celebration Farrell normally attended. To prevent mass ov
ercrowding, everyone agreed the couple would make an appearance at the six main festivals—one for each displaced nation—during the course of the night.

  “I hate spending our night stomping from place to place,” Miceral said as they reached Haven’s Great Hall.

  Taking his partner’s hand, Farrell pushed open the door, setting off a roaring welcome. “Being concubine to the Lord of Haven comes with its demands. One of which is that the people need to see whom the Lord is joined to.”

  “Concubine, is it? Perhaps you’d like to spend your celebration sleeping on the couch.”

  Farrell leaned in and kissed Miceral. This set off a new round of cheers. “Only if you join me.”

  It took the pair several minutes to wade through the throng of well-wishers. When they reached the central meeting area, Farrell scowled as he scanned the stage.

  “Didn’t Horgon tell the organizers we wanted all newlyjoineds to meet us here?”

  Miceral’s smile faded when he looked around. “I heard him dictate the request.”

  Searching for the festival organizer, Farrell readied a seeking spell when he noticed the official at the head of a large group of confused couples.

  “Guess that answers that,” Miceral whispered in his ear.

  After an obligatory first dance with the other couples, Miceral led Farrell toward a long table set aside for them. Swimming through the sea of well-wishers, Farrell let out a sigh of relief when they reached the far corner of the hall.

  “Farrell?” He turned when he heard his name, scanning the crowd for the speaker.

  Miceral pointed to their left just as Ostert and Lillian made their way through the throng.

  “Congratulations on entering the ranks of the joined.” Ostert clapped Miceral on the back while Farrell gave Lillian a hug. Reaching for Ostert’s hand, Farrell stepped back.

  “A dress tunic and no sword?” Farrell smirked. “You even wore your uniform when we came to dinner. I didn’t know you owned anything else.”

  Lillian rolled her eyes and shook her head. “If you only knew the effort it took to get him to wear this today.”

  Miceral reached out to hug her. “You only have yourself to blame for the monster you created.”

  She nodded. “I know. You remind me every time I complain. If I hadn’t let him wear the uniform to our union ceremony, he wouldn’t think it’s acceptable everywhere.”

  “At the risk of upsetting you”—Farrell pulled out a chair for Lillian—“I think he looks rather handsome in the uniform.”

  “Thank you.” Ostert gave his wife an exaggerated nod. “But I still don’t find you attractive, Farrell.”

  Farrell laughed, remembering their conversation when they first met. “That’s a good thing, since you’re about to become a father soon. I would hate to have your lovely wife vexed at me.”

  “Hey.” Miceral poked him on the upper arm. “You should be concerned about your new life partner. Telling other men you think they’re handsome on our union day is not the best idea.”

  Realizing the mistake he’d made, Farrell couldn’t think of a good comeback. He must have looked as confused as he felt because Miceral pulled him closer for a long kiss.

  “Do that some more and I won’t even notice other men exist.” Farrell leaned in for another kiss before he let Miceral step back.

  “Were we that bad?” Ostert asked his wife.

  “We? No, we weren’t, but you were worse.” She smiled at him.

  “Me?”

  “Oh yes.” Farrell pointed at his friend. “For days after the ceremony, you wore a smile as wide as your face.”

  “So how’s the baby?” Miceral asked.

  Ostert’s face broke into a grin. “The healers say he’s doing great.”

  Farrell turned to Lillian. “He? I thought you said you didn’t want to know the sex.”

  She let out her breath and turned to her husband. “I didn’t, but I agreed to find out if he agreed to dress properly for today.”

  Miceral laughed. “I think she played you.”

  Turning from his wife to Miceral, Ostert looked deflated. “Really?”

  Putting an arm around his friend, Miceral shook his head. “If she really didn’t want to know, do you think she would have bargained just to get you in a tunic? She obviously didn’t mind finding out but used it to get you do something she knew you’d resist.”

  “Miceral!” Lillian’s eyes narrowed as she fixed her stare on him. “You’re not supposed to tell him my secrets.”

  Gently taking her hand in his, Miceral brought it to his lips for a brief kiss. “My apologies, Lillian. Ostert is like a younger brother to me. Someone has to teach him what to expect.”

  In the process of taking a sip of wine, Farrell choked and sprayed the red liquid all over the table. When he recovered, he waved his hand to clean up the mess. “You’re teaching him the ways of women? Where did you come by this knowledge?”

  Turning Ostert away from Farrell, Miceral glared at his partner for a moment. “Don’t mind him. Just remember to ask me next time.”

  Before Ostert could answer, a small group of well-dressed festivalgoers descended on their table, offering their congratulations. Soon the small group became a crowd, and Farrell lost sight of his friends. He did his best not to show his annoyance at the newcomers for chasing his real friends away. Another reason he wished they had joined in secret.

  Knowing they had five more celebrations to attend, the pair danced with the other newlyjoineds, ate sparingly, tried to make the rounds to meet as many people as they could, then moved on to the next festivity.

  At every festival site, Miceral and Farrell met the other couples celebrating their union ceremonies. The energy and excitement from the other just-joined couples proved contagious, and Farrell found himself having more fun than he’d expected.

  They returned to the festival in the Great Hall for a brief appearance to say good night to their friends and family. Before they left, the crowd coerced them into one more round of dancing.

  “I could cast an illusion that looked like the two of us dancing, and we could sneak off.” Farrell raised his eyebrows suggestively.

  “What happened to the lord showing off his concubine, duty as lord, and all that other nonsense you told me?” Miceral stared down his nose at Farrell.

  “That was earlier. Now I want you all to myself.”

  “We have a lifetime for that.” Miceral scooped him up, moving farther onto the dance floor. “Tonight we celebrate the one and only night we were joined.”

  Farrell stuck out his tongue. “Fine, but when I fall asleep on you, remember who kept who out late.”

  They danced another ten minutes, then said their good-byes. Farrell did his best not to rush through the hall, despite the surprise he had waiting for Miceral in their suite.

  When they finally made it outside the Great Hall, Miceral stopped and pulled Farrell toward him. “I haven’t had the chance to say this much since we were joined. I love you.” He kissed Farrell deeply in the middle of the hall before they walked back to their chambers.

  “I hope you’re ready for one last surprise.” Farrell couldn’t suppress the grin he tried to hold back.

  “Surprise?” Miceral gave him a quizzical look. “When did you have time to arrange a surprise?”

  “I have my ways, you know.” He waved his hand in the air, creating a ball of blue light that winked out a second later.

  Miceral shook his head, feigning a frown. “So I’ve been told.”

  “Well, since you don’t care, I’ll just cancel the week away I planned for us.”

  “Wait.” Miceral pulled them to a stop. “You arranged a trip? For us? Away from Haven?”

  “Um, yeah, that’s what a week away means.” He rolled his eyes. “Most couples take a trip somewhere after their nuptials, to be alone. Horgon agreed to run everything while we’re gone, and Nerti can get in touch with me if needed.”

  A snort erupted from Miceral. “Wha
t have you done that you’re so blasted pleased with yourself?”

  “Remember that day when you asked me what was to the west of the mountains?” When Miceral nodded, he continued. “I arranged a trip to Belsport. Booked us a suite at the finest inn in the city. And we’ll be going as simple travelers, so no formal state visit, no diplomatic mission, no meetings, nothing. Just time for us to spend together doing whatever we want.”

  Miceral stood with a silly look on his face. “Are you ever going to stop doing nice things for me so I can catch up?”

  “Nope, never.” Farrell laughed, excited that his partner looked happy. “Not as long as we are together. Besides, after all the things you’ve done for me, I’m way behind, if we were keeping score, of course.”

  Miceral smiled, remaining silent while they continued on their way. When they reached their apartment, Miceral placed a hand on Farrell’s chest, forcing him to stop. Miceral scooped him up and held Farrell in one arm while he opened the door with the other.

  “Just making sure you end up where I want you tonight.” Miceral flashed him a wicked grin.

  “As if you needed to drag me anywhere with you.” With a flick of his wrist, Farrell shut the door, adding a sealing spell for good measure. Tomorrow morning he wanted to be sure no one walked in unannounced.

  FARRELL’S BODY shook, jerking him awake. Miceral rolled onto his back, yawning in the process.

  “You really ought to find a better spell to wake us when someone knocks.” Miceral stretched his arms over his head. “That one makes you jump so much you’re going to fall out of bed someday.”

  Farrell’s eyes focused on Miceral’s groin. “That may be, but you should be glad I sealed the door.” He smirked as Miceral followed his stare.

  “Are you going to tell me you’re not in the same state?”

  Tossing back the sheet, Farrell jumped off the bed. “You have eyes. Clearly I’m in no better condition than you.”

  A loud knock filled the room as Farrell searched for a pair of pants. Frustrated, he closed his eyes and snapped his right hand out. Stepping into the blue pants he summoned, he located his tunic. “How did our clothes get so scattered?”