Melek moved toward Gewey, his footsteps seeming to scarcely touch the floor planks. Holding out his hand, he smiled warmly. Gewey reached out without thinking and allowed Melek to lead him to the window.
“For untold centuries I have been trapped here,” said Melek. “Because of the love I held for my children, I allowed myself to be deceived. Within you rests the strength to right the many wrongs done to us both. Together, we will do just that.”
“I still don’t understand how you know so much about me,” said Gewey. He wasn’t ready to yield his trust just yet.
Melek draped an arm around Gewey’s shoulder. “Tell me what you see.”
He sighed and looked out of the window. “Nothing but dust, smoke and ash.”
Melek nodded. “And where are you now?”
“Inside your home?”
“Good.” Melek removed his arm and took a step back. “And can you see me?”
Gewey frowned. “What kind of question is that? Of course I can see you.”
Melek chuckled. “What you actually see is a construct of your mind. I have no physical body in this place. And this house is no more real than my body.”
The room shook from another powerful blast of wind. Once again, it was accompanied by the ghostly howls.
“And I suppose that wasn’t real either?” said Gewey. He understood the concept. It wasn’t much different to when he was in the dream or spirit world.
Melek shook his head sadly. “No. I am afraid those sounds are very real.”
“What are they?”
His face tightened. “Though this place was made for me, it was not made to keep out mortal souls. Though it is rare, occasionally one finds its way here.”
Gewey thought he saw a tear form in Melek’s eye, but couldn’t be sure.
“It drives them mad,” he continued in a half whisper. “They were never meant to be here. I have tried to help them, but they cannot accept that I exist. In time, they fade into nothing more than the hollow sounds of pain and confusion - their spirits forever lost.” He looked up at Gewey and forced a smile. “But you have nothing to fear. You will not dwell here long enough to endure the trials I have. And even if you were to do so, you are a god. It is beyond the power of Shagharath to drive you insane. Only mortal minds succumb to the madness in this place.”
“Is there nothing we can do for them?”
Melek shook his head and took a pained breath. “I have tried many times. They are beyond our reach.”
“How many are there?”
His face became awash with guilt. “I’ve forgotten. I am ashamed to say that I no longer pay them mind. When I finally realized it was hopeless, I did what I could to push them from my thoughts. I know I shouldn’t have, but it was too heavy a burden for my heart to bear.”
“I understand,” said Gewey. He could see Melek’s pain reflected in his slumped posture. “Perhaps, after we escape, we can find a way to free them too.”
Melek took a long deep breath. “You have a kind heart. I had forgotten what it is like to hear words of comfort spoken aloud. But before we leave, there are things you must know. Things only I can show you. And they will not be easy for you to see.”
“What things?” asked Gewey.
“I will show you what Gerath hoped you would never know.”
He took hold of Gewey’s hand. “I need your help…and not just to leave Shagharath.”
Chapter 6
Lee sat beside a small fire, silently staring at the flames as they swirled and licked in a chaotic dance. The sound of laments forced their way into his ears, bringing a snarl of frustration.
Millet, Jacob and several others had tried to speak with him, but he was in no mood for conversation. Gewey was dead, and now all hope was lost. More than that, he had sacrificed everything only to fail. His wife was dead - or worse. His son had grown up without a father, and he spent what could have been the best years of his life playing the eccentric noble in a shabby little farming village far from everything he loved.
He glanced up at the nearby pavilion where Gewey’s body rested. Through the thin cloth he could see the silhouette of Kaylia kneeling beside her dead love. Many elves were gathered just outside the pavilion, but none dared to approach her. Kaylia had already attacked three of the desert elves merely for suggesting funeral rites, and only Linis’ quick reflexes had prevented her from actually killing them.
By the time Lee and Linis had returned to camp after finding the Sharpstone villagers and convincing them to go back to their homes, Kaylia had already carried Gewey body’s back and was standing over him, eyes wild and knife drawn. She scarcely recognized anyone, and gave not the slightest reaction when the elves began erecting the pavilion around them.
Linis approached, his eyes still red from weeping. He sat beside Lee and ran his fingers through his hair.
“The desert elves are wondering what we are to do,” he muttered, as much to himself as to Lee. “Their spirit is broken.”
Lee snorted. “I care nothing for the spirit of the desert elves. Let them do as they will.”
“I understand your pain,” said Linis. “But now we must -”
“We must do nothing.” Lee’s voice was a deep rumbling growl. “I will no longer take part in this bloody war.”
“What will you do?” he asked, not sounding surprised.
“I will go north,” Lee replied. “I will face the Reborn King.”
“Then it is as I feared,” Linis remarked. “You intend to seek your own death. However, I think your son may object to such foolishness.”
“I don’t care who objects.”
“I see.” Linis paused. “Will you at least help us sort out what to do with Kaylia?”
Lee shrugged. “What is there to sort out? The best thing you can do is leave her be. Otherwise she’ll gut you.”
“Of that, I am certain,” agreed Linis. “But she will not allow anyone near her, or Gewey. She keeps muttering that he is not really dead. I think her mind may be gone.”
“And what do you think I can do about it?” Lee snapped. “Her friendship with you is far stronger than it is with me. If she wants to sit here until Gewey’s body rots - then so be it.”
“Have you no love for her?” Linis’ tone was disapproving. “Have you no compassion for -”
Lee’s hand shot out and grabbed Linis roughly by the collar. Eyes ablaze, he pulled the elf nose to nose. “Don’t you dare speak to me of love and compassion, elf. I was robbed of my love.” Pushing Linis back, he returned his gaze to the fire. “And as for compassion - it was compassion that twisted my mind and made me abandon my family. Compassion for a child that now lies dead. Dead, just like the hope he was supposed to bring.”
Any anger Linis might have felt over Lee’s outburst was well concealed. Instead, he stood slowly up and brushed himself off. “I will leave you to your despair,” he said quietly.
Lee did not bother to respond, or even glance in his direction.
Several minutes later Millet approached and sat down just across from Lee.
“Linis tells me you intend to commit suicide,” he said. His voice was hard and accusing.
Lee shot him a hot glance. “I do as I choose.”
“You will do as I say, Lee Starfinder,” countered Millet. “You are in the service of the House Nal’Thain, and are honor bound to remain so until I release you.”
The fury in Millet’s expression and the steel in his voice forced Lee to avert his eyes. His mind reeled and his heart began beating wildly. He would not be spoken to like that. For an instant, a part of him wanted to reach out and throttle his former servant and current lord.
But the anger faded as quickly as it had formed. Like it or not, something in Millet’s words had touched him deep within his heart, and all he could feel now was deep and humiliating shame. A tear escaped down his cheek as he struggled to keep himself from weeping openly.
Millet’s tone softened considerably. “Your son is waiting for
you as we speak. Whatever you may feel right now, I know your love for him has not diminished. Yes, Gewey is dead. And yes, this will likely mean our doom. But until our fate is upon us, Jacob still needs you. He still needs his father.”
Try as he might, Lee could no longer hold back the tears. His body jerked repeatedly from his stifled sobs. “My entire life…a waste. I have failed everyone through my stupidity.”
“Nonsense,” Millet told him. He shifted, as if thinking to move beside his friend, but then settled back down. He knew this was not quite the moment. “You left Hazrah to protect your wife and child. More than that, you have stood proud against the oncoming darkness. You have stared into the eyes of doom and not lost courage. Where most men, be they human or elf, would have fled for their very lives, you have remained firm.”
Millet sighed and smiled. “I have known you since you were nothing more than a child. I may have thought you were stubborn and rash, but never have you been a coward.”
“Until now,” added Lee.
“Bah!” This time Millet did move beside his old friend. “You despair like the rest of us. Only you have taken it upon yourself to be responsible for Gewey’s death.” He put his hand on Lee’s shoulder. “The Dark Knight caused this. He killed Gewey. He is the one ravaging the world.”
Lee nodded slowly. “I know. And I wish I could banish the shadow that blackens my soul.”
“As your friend, I would tell you to look to those who love you. They will bolster your strength.” His hand seized Lee’s shoulder tightly. “As your lord, I tell you that I swear you will have your chance to let loose your wrath.”
Lee looked at Millet, momentarily surprised by his intensely dangerous tone.
Millet forced a smile that quickly disappeared. “I am not unaffected by what has happened. I had hoped that Gewey would avenge Lady Penelope - or perhaps even save her. But that hope is gone. All I can do now is stand against our enemy and make him pay dearly for his arrogance.” Getting to his feet, he held out his hand. “And if I am to die, I will have you with me.”
Lee paused, then took a long, accepting breath. He grasped Millet’s hand and stood beside him. “Where is my son?”
“He is speaking with Lyrial and Bevaris,” Millet replied, motioning to the far side of the camp. “They are debating on what to do.”
“And what of Kaylia?” he asked. “Linis tells me she has completely lost her reason.”
“She still will not allow anyone near Gewey’s body. She claims that she can still feel him.”
“But their bond is broken,” Lee pointed out. “She may be insane with grief, but that much she was able to tell us.”
Millet’s jaw tightened and there was a long pause.
“What is it?” pressed Lee. The look on his friend’s face told him there was more to Kaylia’s condition than he was being told.
“She claims she can feel him through the bond that connects Gewey and....”
Millet hesitated before adding: “Between Gewey and their unborn child.”
This information hit Lee like a hammer. “She’s pregnant?”
“Yes,” said Millet.
Lee stood silently as he allowed this new revelation to sink in. “Then it is clear what we must do,” he said finally.
“What is that?”
“We must protect her at all costs.”
“She will not abandon Gewey’s body,” explained Millet.
“Then we’ll bring it with us.” Without another word, Lee strode off in the direction that Millet had earlier indicated he would find Jacob.
By the time he reached his son and the others, Dina and Linis had also joined the group. Lee gave Linis an apologetic nod. The elf nodded in return and seized Lee’s shoulders fondly.
“It is good you are with us again, my friend,” he said.
“I regret....” began Lee, but Linis shook his head, silently telling him that such apologies were unnecessary.
Lee turned to his son and gave him a loving embrace.
“Now don’t start apologizing to me as well,” joked Jacob with a youthful grin.
Lee was grateful for the moment of levity, but a second later the mood turned grave.
“Millet has told you about Kaylia?” Dina asked him.
Lee nodded. “He did. Have you been able to get through to her?”
“No,” she replied. “She is unable to see beyond her pain.”
“I think....” began Weila.
“No!” Linis cut in angrily. “We will not burn Gewey’s body. It would destroy her.”
“He needs to be given proper rites,” Weila countered stubbornly. “Darshan must be laid to rest. Only then will she move on.”
Lee shook his head. “If you try, she’ll kill you. For now we must do whatever she wants. And her child must be protected. Gewey has died, and because of that the world will burn. But perhaps his child can one day redeem us.”
“How will we do this?” asked Dina. “Now we are without Gewey, the armies of Angrääl will surely attack us very soon.”
“I don’t know,” admitted Lee.
“We could take her to the desert,” offered Lyrial.
“No,” said Lee sternly. “Eventually they would find her there.” He thought for a moment, then said: “We must get her to Aaliyah. She can take her across the Western Abyss to her lands.”
There was a long silence. Gradually, the entire group began nodding in agreement.
Dina cleared her throat. “I should point out that for us to get her to Aaliyah, we must first get her out of the pavilion.”
Lee sighed. “I will attend to that.” He walked off with renewed purpose.
Despite his determination, Lee could feel the uneasiness in his stomach steadily growing. He knew there was a good chance she would not listen to what he had to say. In fact, she may even try to kill him. The last thing he wanted was for things to turn violent. Kaylia was a deadly foe, even under normal circumstances. How he might be able to subdue her without causing any physical harm was beyond him.
As he neared the entrance to the pavilion he could hear Kaylia shifting to face in his direction. Clearly, she was aware of someone approaching. He pulled back the tent flaps and cautiously stepped inside.
She was crouched over Gewey’s body like a great cat ready to pounce. The long blade in her hand shimmered in the dim light emanating from a small lantern in the corner. Lee couldn’t help but notice that Gewey’s body was not pale; in fact, he looked as healthy as one merely sleeping. She must be using the flow to keep his body warm, he thought.
“What do you want?” she demanded. Her voice was steady and emotionless. But her eyes told a different tale.
“To help,” Lee replied, holding up his palm in a gesture of peace.
“If you think for one second that I will allow you to burn him....”
“I have no intention of burning him,” Lee quickly assured her. “But we do need to take him away from here.”
“He still lives,” she said, not seeming to hear what he was telling her. “Our child can still feel him.” Her hand passed in front of her belly and she flashed Lee an accusing stare. “I know what you want. You think Gewey is dead. You want to spirit us away so that our child will fight your battles for you when he grows up.”
Lee was momentarily stunned by her insight. He could see her muscles tense, preparing to burst forth. He shook his head in denial.
“Do not bother to lie, half-man,” she hissed, before Lee could respond. “I know your mind. Do you think I would allow my child to be used as you have used Gewey? The child of Gewey Stedding will live a life of peace. And do you know why?” Her voice was becoming increasingly loud and shrill. “Because my unorem is not dead. He will rise. He will cleanse the world and make it safe again. You will see.”
Lee tried to keep his voice soothing and sympathetic. “Kaylia - think. If you are right, then we must move him soon. The enemy will attack before long, and we will not be able to stop them.”
&n
bsp; “We remain here!” she shouted.
Lee took a step back and crouched down, putting himself at her eye level. He knew this made his situation much more dangerous. If she attacked, he would be off balance.
“Please see reason,” he pleaded. “If you remain here, they will take Gewey from you. Let us take him away from this place. Let us keep him safe.”
“I will keep him safe,” she shot back. “I do not need you - or anyone else. And when he returns you will pay for your lack of faith.” She let out a maniacal laugh. “You will then truly know the power of Darshan.”
Lee could see her madness growing with each passing second. There seemed little doubt that this would have to turn violent. In a final effort, he reached out to her with his thoughts.
The raging turmoil that had become Kaylia’s mind threw him back effortlessly, in the process making him momentarily dizzy. In the time it took for Lee to recover, Kaylia had spanned the distance between them and was bringing her blade across in a tight horizontal slash in an attempt to open his throat.
Her speed was astounding. Lee was only just able to rock back out of danger in time. Not that this bought him anything but a moment’s respite. Kaylia pressed in, furiously thrusting with the blade. In spite of her insanity, her attack was calculated and controlled. Lee had only a split second to react. A lesser man would have already been slain. But Lee’s years of experience and training had taught his muscles to do exactly what was required. Springing forward inside Kaylia’s guard, he gripped her wrist firmly. Not wanting to injure either her, or more importantly, her unborn child, he brought her arm back and twisted with just enough force to make her release the knife.
But Kaylia was not to be so easily overcome. Her other hand shot out, striking Lee in the temple. The force of this blow stunned him long enough for her to bring her knee sharply up. With a dull thud, it made contact right in the middle of his groin.
The Godling Chronicles : Bundle - Books 4-6 Page 39
