Gewey frowned. “Aren’t you returning with me?”
Maybell touched his face tenderly. “I cannot. My body was destroyed when I came to Shagharath. There is nothing for me to return to.” The sound of the mad human souls echoed distantly. “Besides. I have a new purpose. To heal those poor creatures of the wounds inflicted by Melek. Here, I can create a paradise of my own choosing. And I’m safe from the Dark Knight’s power.”
Gewey was rendered speechless by Maybell’s sacrifice.
She pulled his head down and kissed his cheek. “You are a good and kind man, Gewey Stedding. And you will prevail. I know it.”
Gewey embraced her tightly. “I have no way to thank you for this. But I will never forget you.”
Maybell giggled, the laugh matching her youthful form. “I should hope not. And I hope you will be the one to escort me to heaven when the time comes.”
“You have my word,” said Gewey. He released Maybell and bowed low. “I will personally hold your hand while you walk through its gates.”
She sighed. “What a wonderful dream to hold on to. But you should not delay any longer. Your destiny and, more importantly, your wife awaits your return.”
A silver light appeared a few feet away. It was oval shaped and just tall enough for Gewey to walk through.
“All you need do is step inside and you will be returned to your body,” explained Maybell.
Gewey started to speak, but she placed her slender, unblemished hand over his mouth.
He chuckled and turned to face the light. After taking a deep breath, he stepped inside.
Maybell watched with a satisfied smile as Gewey vanished from view. But her satisfaction was fleeting.
From seemingly nowhere, the sound of wild howls suddenly assaulted her from all directions at once. Intense heat began blistering her skin and thick choking dust attacked her eyes. It took a moment for Maybell to realize that it was the souls of the mad humans who were responsible for this attack.
“Fool.” It was the voice of Melek. “You think me without power or influence?”
The dust lifted just in time for Maybell to see Melek passing through the portal, laughing triumphantly.
She cried out and immediately banished the light.
But it was too late.
Melek was free.
Chapter 13
For two days everyone waited anxiously. Once word spread that Maybell had sacrificed her own life in order to save Darshan, songs praising her courage could be heard ringing out in many quarters of the camp.
Lee and Jacob spent most of their time in quiet conversation: Lee telling his son about his many exploits, and Jacob telling of his own youthful misadventures. Millet joined them occasionally, but he understood that Lee felt an urgent need to spend more time with his son, so for the most part he left them alone.
Linis, Dina and her mother used the short respite to get to know each other better. It was clear that Nahali approved of Linis’ union with her daughter, and often wept tears of joy at the sight of them together.
No one knew how long they would need to wait. Kaylia had regained her wits completely and was sleeping well, comforted by the knowledge that her unorem would soon be back in her arms.
In spite of her reservations regarding Maybell’s chances of success, Dina had decided to delay the funeral rites until Gewey returned. This pleased Kaylia, who took time to learn the significance of the ceremony that Maybell had requested.
Bevaris and Tristan, ever the vigilant warriors, took a group of elves to scout the surrounding area. It was feared that if the enemy thought Darshan gone forever, this would embolden them and prompt an attack. Lee was hoping that, since Kaylia had slain all of Gewey’s attackers, word of his demise would be slow in arriving to agents of Angrääl.
Several villagers from Sharpstone had ventured into the camp to speak with Lee and Millet. Most wanted to go west and join in the fight. Their outrage at the occupation of their town, combined with their utter inability to fight back at the time, made it almost impossible to dissuade them. But Millet, ever the voice of wisdom and reason, eventually convinced them that they were needed far more by the people at home than the armies fighting in the west.
Before departing, some of the villagers asked to hear tales of Darshan. They had heard rumors of his powers and triumphs and were now desperate to hear more. Given Darshan’s true identity, Lee felt this was a bad idea. But Kaylia thought differently. She stepped in and regaled them with tales so fantastic and full of heroism that everyone left the camp in total awe.
“It gives them hope when they hear that such power fights for them,” she explained. “And I would see that the people of my unorem’s home have as much hope as I can provide.”
Lee did not dare to argue.
On the morning of the third day Kaylia rose up early and set about educating the sand masters, explaining to them the different landscapes and obstacles they would be facing during their trek west. Weila was far and away the quickest learner. Not only was she soon able to name and describe more than fifty different plants, she could also state where they could be found, which ones were good to eat, and which had medicinal properties.
Kaylia was just about to lead the sand masters into the nearby forest for further lessons when her legs suddenly gave way and she crumbled to the ground. Weila was instantly at her side.
“Are you ill?” she asked. “Is it your child?”
Kaylia looked up at the old sand master, a broad smile on her face. Without replying, she sprang to her feet and ran at full speed toward the pavilion where Gewey’s body lay. The six elf guards protecting the site moved quickly aside when they saw her coming.
She was still at full speed and closing rapidly when the flap opened and Gewey stepped out, shielding his eyes and squinting at the morning sun. Before he even had time to gage his surroundings Kaylia crashed into him, sending them both tumbling down onto the soft turf. The moment Gewey’s back struck the ground she began showering him with innumerable small kisses. This continued for several minutes until Kaylia finally completed her welcome with a single long kiss of deep passion, utter relief, and unending devotion.
Gewey allowed the renewal of their bond to envelop his soul and wash his spirit clean. It was almost painful when their lips parted. He made no move to rise, content merely to gaze into Kaylia's eyes from the flat of his back.
“You have no idea how beautiful you are to me,” he whispered, touching her belly. “I love you both.”
Kaylia's emotions burst forth and she embraced Gewey again, weeping for joy. “I knew you would come back to me…to us.”
By the time they finally got to their feet Lee and Jacob had arrived, while Linis, Dina, Nahali and Millet could be seen fast approaching. Weila was transfixed, for now unable to do any more than simply stare in disbelief. Jacob reached out and touched Gewey’s arm, just to be sure that he was real. But it was Lee who was the first to embrace him.
“I’m sorry,” said Gewey. “I should have never said–”
“Now is not the time for apologies,” Lee told him. “Even if they were necessary. That you live is a miracle.”
The others took their turn in welcoming Gewey back to the land of the living. Dina did so somberly while still holding the urn containing Maybell’s remains.
Gewey knew what they were without being told. He took the urn from Dina, bowing his head with deep respect.
“If you will come with me,” he said, “I will tell you all how brave and pure Maybell is. And what she did so that I might live.”
“We should call for Lyrial,” suggested Kaylia.
Gewey nodded his agreement, then led everyone inside the pavilion and asked them all to sit in a tight circle. When Lyrial arrived she was laughing uncontrollably. That was, until Kaylia cleared her throat to get her attention.
“Can he be real?” Lyrial asked.
“He is real,” said Kayla. “And he has a tale to tell.”
“One that I would
not miss for every drop of water in the desert,” said Weila.
Once they were all settled, Gewey began recounting his experiences in Shagharath, making certain he left out no detail and stopping several times to answer questions. It took the better part of the day, but when he was finished the group was thoroughly astounded.
“Such things do not even exist in legends,” remarked Linis. “And this god Melek that you spoke of – it is hard to imagine that his name could be wiped so completely from memory. Such an evil would be hard to erase.”
“And what about Maybell?” added Dina. “It would seem her true destiny was revealed at just the right time. To think she held such knowledge for so many years and never understood why until now.”
“Without her, I would still be under the yoke of Melek,” Gewey said solemnly. “And there I would have stayed, trapped in Shagharath until the end of time.”
“And now that you are free, will you continue to Althetas?” asked Linis.
Gewey shrugged. “I’m not sure yet. But I can tell you that this war will soon be over. Shagharath has given me the peace in my heart I've longed for. I have been fighting a battle ever since the first moment I discovered who and what I am; Kaylia knows this better than anyone. The part of me who is Gewey Stedding, and the part of me who is Darshan, have been in a constant struggle for control. Now that struggle is over.”
“And who won?” asked Millet in his typical, calm yet scrutinizing manner.
Gewey smiled and spread his hands. “I did. That is to say, both parts of me have emerged as one. The Gewey Stedding in me has tempered the steel that is Darshan, and for the first time in what seems like forever, I am whole.”
“If your destiny is at hand, should you not seek out your foe?” asked Lyrial
“I won’t need to seek him out,” said Gewey. “I intend to draw him away from his stronghold in Angrääl. I want his only hope for victory to be my death. I may not be in turmoil any longer, but that doesn’t make me all-powerful. If I march into the jaws of his strength, he may be able to defeat me. My experience with the Oracle showed me that his power is not to be underestimated. And my intuition tells me that there is something else hidden. Something I have yet to discover.”
He shook his head. “No. I’ll be the one to choose the time and place of our battle. But in the meantime, people are still fighting and dying. That needs to be stopped as quickly as possible.”
“Isn’t that why we go west?” asked Weila. “To aid our kin and allies?
“Yes,” said Gewey. “And I think we should still go. But I have an idea, though I need more time to be sure it won’t lead us down the wrong path.”
“You have friends to help,” Lee pointed out. “Friends with experience you don’t possess.”
Gewey chuckled. “Don’t worry. I haven’t forgotten that I’m still the student. I promise to consult you later. But first of all, I think Maybell deserves to have her rites performed.”
He looked to Dina. “How long will it take to get ready?”
“The ceremony is simple,” she replied. “It’s the Farewell Song of Ayliazarah. That’s usually followed by a celebration, though I don’t see how that will be possible.”
Weila slapped her knees. “Not possible? Bah! You clearly still know nothing of the desert elves. We may lack for wine, and our rations will make a meager feast, but we have fire, kinship, and songs enough to last until the light of the sun dims forever.”
“Until dawn will do just fine,” said Gewey, smiling. He pushed himself to his feet. “And now, much as I have missed you all, I would like to spend some time alone with my wife.”
The entire group nodded with understanding, and all grinned as Kaylia stepped beside him and slipped her arm around his waist.
After everyone had departed, Kaylia stepped outside for a moment and returned with a plate of bread and dried meat, along with a jug of wine.
It may not have been a feast, but they ate slowly, savoring every mouthful of their first meal together since being reunited. Once finished, Kaylia poked her head out of the flap and whispered a few words to the guards. A couple of minutes later two elves brought in a large clay pitcher of steaming hot water and sat it in the center of the pavilion. Kaylia retrieved a rag from the corner, which she dipped slowly into the water. Gewey grinned sheepishly.
“Is there a reason that you are still dressed, my love?” she asked playfully.
He reached into the pitcher and took the rag from her hand.
“I was about to ask you the same question,” he responded.
Chapter 14
Dina performed the rites for Maybell flawlessly. Her clear, strong voice carried out over the entire camp as she sang the Farewell Song of Ayliazarah. At the beginning Gewey did his best not to weep, but he found himself succumbing to his sorrow long before the song ended. The sight of his tears encouraged at first dozens, then hundreds of the other mourners to join him in openly sobbing.
With the ceremony completed, Dina held her arms wide and smiled brightly.
“Let us rejoice in the memory of our friend, Sister Maybell,” she called out with splendid joy. “For she has earned a place in our hearts and put a song on our lips. May Ayliazarah bless her and keep her forever in the light of heaven.”
Though the elves had never witnessed this ritual before, they instinctively knew that it was now time for the celebrations to begin. Their cheers erupted in a symphony of elation.
Weila had been correct about the lack of wine and good food not hindering her kin from merrymaking. Within minutes, the sounds of small wooden flutes and gleeful voices could be heard throughout the encampment.
Gewey and Lee were soon being challenged to wrestling matches and foot races, both of which Gewey respectfully declined. Lee, on the other hand, was in the mood for some sport. He won every match, and all but one race. Jacob clearly enjoyed seeing his father having fun and was more than willing to cheer him on. He even took part in one match himself. But unfortunately this was against Weila, and he was swiftly beaten.
As it neared midnight, Bevaris and Tristan returned. After the initial shock of Gewey’s resurrection had worn off a little they managed to report that scattered units of Angrääl soldiers had been seen, every one of them heading south. None of these units appeared interested in the fact that a large elf army was close at hand, even though their presence would certainly be well known to the enemy by now.
Gewey pulled Lee away from the festivities and together with Kaylia led him to an outlaying area where a small fire burned. This was surrounded by bedrolls and dishes.
Lee pushed a blanket aside and seated himself close to the fire. “With all these games, it’s easy to forget that we are now in the dead of winter.” He looked up and smiled. “At least there’s no snow. I never did care for that white stuff.”
“Not good for a man from Hazrah,” joked Gewey, taking a seat beside him.
Kaylia pulled a flask of brandy from a pouch in her belt and passed it to Lee. “A gift from Linis.”
Lee eagerly opened the flask and took a large gulp. The sweet scent filled the air, encouraging Gewey to breathe in deeply.
“So, I take it that you want to tell me about this plan of yours,” Lee said, as he passed the flask over.
Gewey held the flask under his nose. “You know, I never thought I would learn to truly appreciate plum brandy. But after seeing Shagharath…” He paused to take a drink. “I feel there are many things I will never take for granted again.”
Lee was still chuckling at this remark when Gewey added: “I think we should take Baltria.”
The laughter quickly ceased. Lee sat back, raising an eyebrow. “Do you think we can?”
“I think we must,” said Gewey. “King Lousis fights in the west. And I’m sure we can agree that Angrääl is staging its attack from Baltria’s port.”
Lee nodded. “That would certainly be my guess. It’s probably why he moved there first, and why he secured the Goodbranch. But do we h
ave the numbers for this? Even with you leading us, Baltria is well defended. The approach is made narrow by the swampy terrain and the city walls are thick and high.”
“True,” agreed Gewey. “But if we succeed we take away the Dark Knight’s ability to supply his armies in the west. He’ll have to pull back and try to re-take the city.”
“That, or he’ll march overland and concentrate his forces west,” countered Lee. “Hoping to win there, where resistance is most fierce.”
“Either way, it disrupts his plans,” said Gewey. “With Angrääl out of Baltria we can choke off his supplies, and at the same time create a supply line of our own to the west.”
Lee nodded. “This is all true. And if we had three times our numbers I wouldn’t think twice about going through with your plan.”
“What about Helenia?” asked Gewey. “Perhaps we could convince them to fight with us.”
“I doubt it,” said Lee. “The king fears Angrääl, and thinks that the only reason the city remains unconquered is due to his supposed neutrality.”
“Then perhaps Darshan can help him understand that neutrality is no longer an option.” Gewey grinned wickedly while handing the flask back to Lee. “Surely the name is known there. What would he do if a column of flames erupted in the city square?”
Lee laughed. “I don’t know. But I would like to find out.”
“I think you should leave the people of Helenia out of the fray,” objected Kaylia. “They are your people, Gewey, and the Dark Knight has left them in peace for the time being. We should not tempt him to change his mind.”
Gewey thought for a moment, then nodded. “I suppose you’re right. But so is Lee. Taking Baltria would be much easier with a larger army.”
“There is another option,” Lee suggested. “I have friends and allies there. Perhaps we could even the odds from within.”
“Barty and Randson may still be there as well,” added Gewey. “Is there a way we can get into the city unseen?”
“We can’t,” Lee replied. “But I can.”
The Godling Chronicles : Bundle - Books 4-6 Page 48
