The Godling Chronicles : Bundle - Books 4-6

by Brian D. Anderson

  “Only birds are meant to fly,” the elf muttered as he checked his blade.

  Gewey gave Linis’ arm a fond squeeze, then returned his attention to their task. The soldiers were a quarter mile to the southwest. Gewey could sense that most of them were huddled around a large fire. Four others were keeping watch at the perimeter. They would be dealt with first.

  The amusement over the river crossing quickly vanished and they made their way through the thin forest of pines and leafless oaks. Gewey allowed the flow to rage: it felt like a welcome friend. He desired to hold it within all of the time but Kaylia still feared it could drive him mad, as it had so nearly done on their journey to The Chamber of the Maker. He knew it was pointless to argue with her. She was probably right anyway. He had come close to losing himself several times – the closest of all at the fortress of the Vrykol – and though it was ecstasy at first, it was inevitably followed closely by feelings of fear and guilt once he realized what he could become.

  As soon as the first soldier came into view, Gewey halted. “Go around and capture the guard to the far west,” he whispered, just loud enough for elf ears to hear. “I’ll deal with the rest.”

  Linis flashed a look of protest, but Gewey ignored him and began to creep forward. Clenching his jaw, the elf shifted direction and disappeared into the shadows of the trees.

  Gewey’s skill at stealth, taught to him by Kaylia, was now beyond that of any elf seeker. He moved to within a yard of the guard without making a sound, invisible to all apart from perhaps Linis or Lee – and even they would struggle to see him.

  The snap of bone broke the silence as Gewey twisted the man’s neck. He could easily have used the flow of air to destroy the entire group in an instant, but his hatred for the Reborn King and all those who followed his banner burned hot. He wanted them to know fear before they died. A quick death for three of their guards was the only mercy he would be displaying.

  Linis had already secured his captive as Gewey laid the third guard’s body gently onto the virgin snow. He fixed his eyes on the remaining soldiers gathered around the fire. Most were quietly sipping on warm cups of wine. Others whispered quietly in idle conversation.

  Slowly he slid his sword free, the familiar warmth extending his powers beyond reckoning. Using the flow of the earth, he caused the ground to tremble. Instantly, loud shouts sounded as the soldiers scrambled to their feet, their frozen fingers fumbling for their weapons.

  Faster than a human eye could see, Gewey rushed in, his blade cutting through three men in quick succession. Their blood spewed out, staining the white ground. Before any of the others had fully grasped what had happened, Gewey disappeared back into the darkness.

  Cries of fear and panic echoed through the forest as the men pressed their backs to the fire. Again Gewey rushed in, this time with a primal yell that caused some of the soldiers to drop their swords in sheer terror. Four more of them rapidly fell.

  This was all the remaining soldiers could stand. In fits of chaos, they bolted in every direction. But Gewey was not about to allow them to escape. A wall of flames erupted, encircling the men before any could make it more than a few feet. The roaring of the fire rapidly muffled their wails of horror and pleas for mercy. By now, every single one of them had dropped his sword and fallen to his knees.

  Gewey felt a hand rest gently on his shoulder. It was Linis.

  “End this,” said the elf.

  Gewey turned. “My home is not far from here, and they have invaded it.”

  “There was no way they could have known this,” countered Linis.

  Gewey glared. “They chose their side.” He faced the flames. “And they chose wrong.”

  A gap in the blazing wall appeared. Without another word, Gewey walked inside and the opening closed behind him. Screams tore through the air as he finished what he had begun.

  In moments, the sounds of the dying ceased and the fire vanished. Gewey stood over the bodies, his expression blank. With a sniff of satisfaction, he walked over to their bound and unconscious captive.

  Linis was unable to hide his revulsion at the carnage and cruel manner in which the soldiers had died. He stared at the ravaged bodies for what seemed like a long time before steadying his nerves and moving to join Gewey.

  “You have changed, my friend,” he said. “And I am not certain it is for the better.”

  “I am still the person I have always been,” responded Gewey, his voice soft, yet still bearing a power that made him sound inhuman. “But the part of me that is Darshan cannot allow these vermin to go unpunished.”

  “They were only soldiers,” countered Linis. “What crimes did they commit to warrant such a terrible end?”

  Gewey met Linis’ eyes. “They have murdered the helpless and defiled temples.” Steel was in his tone. “And I will not speak of what they did to the priestesses in Gath.”

  Linis furled his brow. “And how is it that you know of these things?”

  “I looked into their hearts,” he replied. “I could see what they had done - and what they would do in the future.” He glared at their captive with intense anger. “This one was part of a patrol that slaughtered a group of refugees fleeing the west. Men, women and children – they spared none. They left their bodies alongside the road for the scavengers to pick their bones clean. These are not men. They are vermin.”

  Linis bowed his head. “If this is so, then they do indeed deserve death. But I cannot help but fear for your soul. Such wrath can blacken your heart beyond redemption.”

  Gewey leveled his gaze, then, after a few moments, forced a thin smile. “You’re right, of course. It’s a danger I have faced for quite a while now. If it wasn’t for Kaylia, there’s no telling what I would do - or what I might become.”

  There was a lengthy pause. Linis eventually returned his attention to the still unconscious prisoner. “What do you intend to do with him?” he asked.

  Gewey closed his eyes. “I’ll leave it to you. I already know what I need to know. They were ordered to report if we crossed the river here. There is an army in Baltria and another in Kaltinor, but this soldier doesn’t know their strength. All their other forces have fallen back to the north.”

  “You use the flow of the spirit to know his mind?” asked Linis.

  Gewey nodded. “It’s dangerous. I have to touch a person's spirit and take their memories. It can be…damaging.”

  “And did you damage this one?” asked Linis.

  Gewey shook his head. “No. He is still the same wretched creature he was before.” He rose to his feet and turned toward the river. “I leave his fate in your hands.”

  He returned to the riverbank and waited. A few minutes later Linis joined him, the ice in his stare telling Gewey of the captive’s fate. At once he felt a pang of regret. Not for the soldier’s death, but for allowing Linis to deliver the final killing stroke. His friend felt deeply, and his compassion was without measure. He killed only when he must, and never took joy in the act.

  After a few seconds of silence, Linis sighed heavily and looked to the far bank.

  Gewey laughed. The flow of air burst forth and caressed the surface of the water. In less than a minute, a narrow bridge of ice had formed.

  “I thought you would rather walk across this time,” he said, smirking.

  This helped to lift Linis’ dark mood. He smiled and nodded approvingly. “As will the others, I suspect.”

  While crossing the ice, Gewey allowed himself to feel the life emanating from the Goodbranch. He had found himself doing such things more frequently of late. The rhythm and warmth of the world's essence kept his heart human every bit as much as his love for Kaylia and their unborn child. Each morning since they’d rejoined Linis and the others he would take a few minutes to listen to the song of life that echoed in every corner of the world around him.

  When Lee had first taught him how to listen to the sounds of the earth, he’d been amazed at the sheer beauty of its perfection. Now, he did much mor
e than merely hear the sounds: he was able to become a part of them. The earth took him unto its bosom and made itself one with his own spirit. It was at these times, when the storm raging within his soul was threatening to consume him, that he was able to find peace and calm once again.

  It was nearly dawn by the time they reached the encampment. The elves were already preparing the morning meal. Considering the blistering heat of their desert home, Gewey was amazed by the way they managed to handle the cold. The snow was a constant source of wonder for them, and they never seemed to tire of it. Snowballs constantly flew through the air as they played like children – laughing merrily while they traveled.

  Linis excused himself and headed off to report what they had discovered to Bevaris and the Sand Masters. Gewey had no interest in such matters, choosing to defer to the judgment of others when it came to planning. The power of Darshan would see them through, whatever route they took. He no longer saw their journey as a challenge. He cast a glance north. His challenge was yet to come.

  It hadn’t really surprised him to find that Angrääl was falling back as they marched. Why engage him? Even a god could not be everywhere at once. It would be a simple matter to retake lost ground once he and the elves had gone.

  Helenia was the only city along the Goodbranch River not under direct control of the Reborn King, and without trade, the city would soon starve. Lee had remarked many times on the brilliance of the enemy campaign. Angrääl had conquered almost all of the central kingdoms without a single pitched battle being fought. The east was cowering and fearful of being attacked. Now, only the west stood against them.

  Gewey’s thoughts turned to Aaliyah and Nehrutu. He could feel that Aaliyah still lived, but that her heart was heavy. He had considered reaching out to her through the bond they shared, but Kaylia warned him against it. She feared that the turmoil in his heart would distress Aaliyah. And if the war had escalated, she would not need such distractions.

  As Gewey approached his tent, he cleared his head and focused his attention instead on his bond with Kaylia. She was still asleep and in the midst of a troubling dream. He crept silently inside and changed into a pair of soft cotton trousers and shirt. Kaylia was lying on their bedroll, a thick wool blanket wrapped tightly around her.

  Gewey noticed the foggy mist of his breath and at once warmed the air inside. For a moment he stood over his unorem, watching her sleep. He never tired of her beauty. He lay down and allowed his spirit to drift to her, but before they became as one, Kaylia stirred and threw her arm over his chest.

  Gewey pulled her close and kissed her forehead. “Dawn is still an hour away.”

  “Good,” she muttered drowsily. “They will come for us when they need you.”

  Gewey smiled and allowed his body to relax. His spirit may be that of a god, but his human body still needed rest – and lately he had gotten very little. Even a couple of hours would do him good. In less than a minute he was in a deep, peaceful slumber. Kaylia was eagerly awaiting him in the world of dreams.

  More than three hours passed before a timid voice called for them to wake. Gewey stretched and yawned. Kaylia scowled, unhappy that they were being forced to leave the shared dream.

  “Lee must have returned,” she said, once they were dressed.

  “Where did he go?” asked Gewey.

  “Sharpstone,” she replied. “He left not long after you and Linis.”

  This got his attention. News about home dragged up mixed emotions. Some of his own people had fought on the side of Angrääl near Skalhalis…fought and likely died. And though he was confident no one there would know anything about his involvement in the war - and they certainly had no idea that he was Darshan - facing the mothers of men and boys whom he had called friends would not be easy.

  Kaylia caught his arm just as he was about to leave and motioned to the ground where two bowls of steaming porridge had been left for them.

  Gewey grunted, but did not argue. He took the repast and shared a few minutes of quiet with Kaylia as they ate. Just as they were finishing, familiar sounds of good cheer drifted inside the tent. These were coming from the desert elves, who treated each new day like a blessing. Taking his last mouthful, Gewey closed his eyes and allowed the laughter to lift his spirits.

  The sun nearly blinded them when they first left the tent, its brightness made more intense by the reflection off the fallen snow. Shouts of greeting rang out from numerous directions as they wound their way to the north end of the camp where Lyrial and the Sand Masters had set up their quarters.

  Everyone was already gathered around a small cooking fire. Lyrial, Weila, Nahali, Dina, Linis, Millet, Lee, and Jacob were all just finishing their breakfast. Bevaris and Tristan stood a few feet away, each of them holding a bow and carefully examining it as two elves explained its construction.

  Dina shot Gewey a troubled glance as he and Kaylia sat down. Her bond with Linis would have made it unnecessary for her unorem to tell her what had taken place the night before.

  Gewey nodded to the assembled group and smiled. “I take it we’re not marching today.”

  “Normally it would take at least two full days for us all to cross the river,” said Lee. “But Linis tells me that you can create a bridge. In that case, I thought you might want to see Sharpstone while you have the chance.”

  Gewey’s mouth twisted into a frown. “You halted the march for me?”

  “The march continues because of you, Darshan,” interjected Lyrial. “And even a god cannot know what the future holds. I would not have you meet your destiny without seeing the place you call home when it is so close by.”

  “Bevaris and I scouted the town last night,” said Lee. “It seems Angrääl did not destroy it as I feared they would. But they didn’t leave it untouched either.”

  “What do you mean?” asked Gewey. His stomach knotted.

  Lee’s jaw tightened. “We found Mayor Freidly’s body hanging on a post in the market square. How many others have been killed, I don’t know. But the body had been up there for quite some time, which means people were afraid to touch it. That.... or there is no one left to bury him.”

  “Didn’t you see or hear anyone?” asked Gewey. His anger was renewed.

  “I didn’t have time to look for anything other than signs of Angrääl soldiers,” replied Lee.

  Gewey shot him an accusing stare. With his half-man senses, surely he could have….

  Kaylia reached out and squeezed his hand. He relaxed and sighed.

  “I wish I could have found out more,” Lee continued. “But – ”

  “I’ll find out what has happened,” Gewey cut in.

  “I had a feeling you’d say that,” remarked Lee. “But unless you want the people of Sharpstone to know you as Darshan, you should wait until tonight.”

  “I’ll scout the surrounding area,” offered Linis. “If there are enemies about, they may be waiting for you to return.”

  “If they are fool enough to attack me,” growled Gewey. “Then let them come.”

  “Is that how you want the people of your home to remember you?” scolded Dina. “A vengeful god? How do you think they’ll react if they witness the terrible things you can do? Do you want them to fear you as well?” Her voice bore unmistakable anger – probably because of what he had done to the soldiers while with Linis, Gewey guessed.

  “She’s right,” added Kaylia. “If you ever intend for us to live there, Darshan must never show his face in Sharpstone.”

  “We can go to your farm first,” said Lee. “That, I do know for sure has been abandoned. Then we’ll enter the town after nightfall.”

  “I will come as well,” said Linis. Dina glared at him angrily, but he ignored her unspoken plea for him to stay behind.

  “And what should we do in the meantime?” asked Lyrial.

  “Stay here,” said Lee. “There are no enemies nearby. We will return by tomorrow morning and make our crossing.”

  Gewey rose to his feet without
another word and returned to his tent. Kaylia followed a few minutes later. While he rummaged through his pack for a black shirt and pants, she sat on the bedroll and scrutinized him for several moments.

  “Lee did what he could,” she finally said. “He needed to return in time to tell you what he had found.”

  Gewey didn’t bother looking up. “Lee fled out of fear.” Disgust seeped into his voice. “He didn’t want the enemy to catch him alone and far from aid. He could have easily discovered the fate of the townsfolk and still made it back here before the sun was high.”

  “And if that is so?” shot back Kaylia. “If he felt fear, does that make him a coward? Does it make him less of the man you once knew and admired?”

  Gewey paused, unable to respond. He knew she was right. He knew his anger was undeserved. Lee had always acted with courage and honor. If he had felt fear, he was the type of man who would have pushed it aside.

  “You walk the earth without an equal,” she continued. “I am the only one who can even fathom the extent of your power. Most think you are invincible. But they are not gods themselves, and they are vulnerable. You cannot judge them by your own standards.”

  “I know,” he said in a whisper. “Sometimes, it’s more than I can bear. The idea that I might fail to protect those I love in spite of my strength is agony.” He fastened his sword to his belt and sighed. “I suppose I just miss Lee being the strong one. When I first met him he was a mysterious stranger. Then he became an all-powerful teacher and guardian.” He held out his hand to Kaylia. “Now, he is just another person I am charged to protect.”

  Kaylia allowed Gewey to help her to her feet. “He is much more than that.”

  Gewey forced a smile. “Yes, he is. And if my heart was not in such constant turmoil, I would never forget it.” He put on a black hooded cloak. “Perhaps seeing my home will lift my spirits and remind me of who I really am.”

  “That the enemy did not destroy the town is promising,” said Kaylia.

  “And a bit disturbing,” he added darkly.