Just before they stepped inside, the captain called down from above. Gewey stepped back until he could see the man. His hands were draped over the wheel pegs, his clothes and hair still drenched from the storm.
“I asked you what the gods are good for,” he shouted, letting out a good-natured laugh. “And my word, you showed me well enough.”
Gewey smiled and gave him an appreciative nod, but other than that he felt uncertain of how to respond.
“All praise Darshan,” shouted a crewman. “God of the wind and skies.”
Together, the rest of the crew repeated this chant, as if saying a prayer. Gewey glanced to the bow. Dina’s worried look had returned. Linis was rubbing the bridge of his nose and shaking his head.
“Let’s get inside,” said Kaylia.
Gewey allowed himself to be led on. Once back in their quarters, Kaylia helped him to undress and get into bed.
“And what do you think?” he asked. “Can I wield such power and not be corrupted?”
Kaylia thought for a moment and then nodded. “It was wondrous. And yet it was startling. As you spread your spirit out I could feel a fire within you come to life – a fire that I have not felt before. It was at the same time both beautiful and terrible. But I did not fear it.”
“I wouldn’t have been able to accomplish it without Melek's help,” Gewey told her.
She cocked her head and her eyes narrowed. “I did not feel his presence. How did he help?”
Gewey recounted the experience.
She sat on the edge of the bed. “Do you think perhaps Melek caused the storm to test you?”
Gewey considered this. “It’s possible. And if so, his power is far greater than mine. To do such a thing from Althetas…”
His vision blurred and he could feel fatigue pressing in.
“There is no use worrying,” said Kaylia. “Rest now. I will join you shortly.”
With that, she got up and left the cabin.
Sleep found Gewey quickly. And this time it was restful and pleasant. Somehow he knew that Melek, whatever his plans and schemes, would wait until he arrived in Althetas before unleashing any more mischief. The storm had been of his making. Of that, Gewey was now certain.
He also felt certain that Melek was still hoping they would join together in his cause.
Chapter 22
Lee sat in the upstairs parlor of the manor gazing through tear filled eyes at his wife. She had been silent on the way there, and he had not pressed her to speak. That she was walking beside him was a miracle in itself, and far more than he could have hoped for. Yet he knew that if it was a miracle, it was not a miracle from the gods. This miracle came from a different, far more treacherous source. But at that very moment, he didn’t care.
“Don’t weep, my love,” said Penelope. Her voice was soft music on a spring wind. Her tender smile a jewel sparkling in the darkness.
Lee wiped at his tears, at the same time swallowing away the lump in his throat that was choking off his words. “Why - why has he sent you to me?”
“To give you a message,” she replied. Her smile remained in place, yet bore a hint of the pain she felt at seeing her husband so conflicted. “And to give us both a gift.”
A chill gripped Lee’s heart. He knew the game that was being played. And yet he cared only that she was close to him. “Please, my love. I know you are his servant. You must keep his message and his gift. I cannot bow to his will.”
“He does not wish for that,” she said, reaching over and taking hold of his hand. The warmth of her touch brought fresh tears spilling down Lee’s face. “He asks only that you withdraw. He wants you to take Jacob and me to the desert where we can live in peace. Once settled, we should stay there until the war is over.”
She could see the doubt in his eyes. “Yes, I am his servant,” she continued. “I cannot change that. And I cannot say anything other than what I have been told. This you knew already. But make no mistake of my intent. I was granted this gift in spite of my disloyalty.”
Lee squeezed her hand and knelt before her. “Don’t you see? He only wishes for me to no longer aid his enemy. He sees me as a threat and wishes to weaken Gewey. He cares nothing for our happiness.”
Penelope laughed, though it was kind rather than mocking. “Of course he doesn’t. But he does want allies once this war is done.”
“You can’t think that I would–”
Penelope put her finger to his lips to silence him. “Gewey Stedding will die and this world will burn. When that happens, I would have you alive and with me. I would see our son given the chance for a family of his own one day.”
“As would I,” agreed Lee. “But I think you underestimate Gewey.” He tried to sound resolved, but even though he knew this to be a ploy, he could feel weakness and doubt creeping into his heart. The Dark Knight had made this offer before, and it had taken all of his strength to refuse. He had already watched Penelope die once, and didn’t think he could go through the terrible pain of that again. This time the enemy had the upper hand.
“The Reborn King has more power than you or Gewey Stedding realize,” she countered. “The Sword of Truth is not his only source. Please believe it when I say that it is me telling you this. Not him. I cannot say more, but I swear I speak the truth.”
Lee noticed a small twitch of pain in her cheek. “I do believe you. And I won’t ask you to tell me things you are forbidden to say. But even if it’s true that Gewey is doomed, what’s to stop your master from killing us once the war is over?”
Penelope let out a soft laugh. “Nothing. But that is a risk I’m prepared to take if it will reunite us – even if only for a short while.”
The words were barely out of her mouth when the door burst open. A broadly grinning Jacob appeared in the doorway. “I was told you were home. And in the company of a woma…”
His voice trailed off and the smile vanished. “Mother?”
Penelope slowly stood up, her hands covering her mouth to hold back the sobs. She cleared her throat, wiped her eyes and opened her arms wide, but he showed no signs of coming to her. Eventually, she sat back down again.
Her voice was quiet. “Won’t you join us, Jacob? Please.”
He remained where he was for several more seconds before making his way across the room with tentative steps and sitting on the couch beside her.
She reached out to embrace him, but he leaned away.
“I understand,” she said, her voice now barely above a whisper.
Lee quickly explained to his son what had been said. Once he was finished, Penelope placed her hand on top of Jacob’s. This time he permitted her touch.
“Am I to take it that you are considering this offer?” Jacob asked.
“I don’t know what to do, son,” admitted Lee. “I truly don’t.”
“So you really are considering abandoning all of your friends, and the cause they’ve been fighting and dying for?” Jacob’s tone was accusing. He pulled his hand free, deliberately avoiding looking at his mother while doing so. “You said yourself that she is dead. And even if she did live, it would only be as a slave to our enemy.”
Lee nodded. “I know. But it’s one thing to say such things, and another to actually believe them. Especially when she is here…alive and warm.” His eyes turned to Penelope. She looked back at him, smiling through a veil of sorrow and longing.
There was a long silence, at first simply because all three of them were unsure what to say next. Later, it became more the fear of where an unwise remark might lead.
“Nothing needs to be decided tonight,” Penelope eventually said.
“And just how long has your master given you?” asked Jacob, not hiding his scorn.
Penelope did not appear hurt and only shrugged. “A few days at least, I think. And I would see Millet before I depart. Even if I am to travel on alone.”
Her words stung Lee. “So you intend to leave us, regardless of what we decide?”
“I must,” s
he replied. “My destination is the only choice I am left with. I will not be permitted to stay. I will go into the desert - alone if it comes to that.”
There was another long pause.
“Then we shall enjoy our time together for now,” said Lee.
Jacob forced himself to look into his mother’s eyes. His expression slowly softened, and this time he did not resist when she embraced him.
They talked for a short time longer, though both Lee and Jacob were careful not to speak of anything that might compromise their plans.
“I am so very tired,” Penelope eventually told them. She smiled lovingly at Lee.
Jacob, understanding her meaning, embraced his mother once more and excused himself.
“He has become quite a man since last I saw him,” she said approvingly, once he’d departed.
Lee nodded in agreement. “He is stronger than I could have ever hoped for. And far wiser than I was at his age. He has made me very proud.”
“You should have seen him as a boy. He was just like you. Rash and ruled by his heart.”
Lee chuckled. “Thankfully, it didn’t take him nearly as long to gain some maturity. A character flaw I still struggle with.”
“I don’t know,” Penelope said playfully. “I’ve always enjoyed the childish side of your nature.” She rose to her feet, pulling him up with her. “But if you would forgive me, I think we have talked enough.”
Lee’s heart began to beat rapidly. Only with a great effort was he able to keep his breathing steady. He led Penelope from the parlor and upstairs to his bed chamber.
He could only watch silently as she dimmed the lanterns and approached him with graceful, seductive steps. He had dreamed of her so often – the curves of her hips, the softness of her touches – and now that she was actually with him again, he felt like a newlywed youth. But of course, the truth was that she’d always had this effect on him.
Lee felt the heat of her body even before she was within arm’s length. He reached out for her, his breaths coming in short, excited gasps. The moment he touched her, she melted into his arms. They kissed with complete abandon. For an instant he worried that he might hurt her with the strength of his passion, but a long moan of pleasure quickly dispelled this concern.
He lifted her with his powerful arms and carried her over to the bed, their lips never parting for a second. As he lay her gently down, he took a moment to bask in her beauty. The moonlight shining in through the window cast a blue aura around her entire form. Her eyes twinkled like a pair of flawless sapphires.
“I have waited so long for this,” she whispered.
“As have I,” he replied. “And I have made my decision.”
* * * * *
The next morning Lee awoke late. Later in fact, than he had done since his youthful days. All the years of loneliness and hardship had been washed away. He looked beside him to where Penelope had fallen asleep and felt a sudden chill of panic - she was no longer there. He was just about to call out when the door opened. She entered the room wearing a red cotton dress and a pair of black silk slippers. Her hair had been combed to a beautiful sheen and was tied back into a ponytail by a strip of red cloth.
“I needed to find a change of clothing,” she explained with a mischievous grin. “My dress is…well, let’s just say I can no longer wear it.” She spun in a rapid circle, the cloth swishing around her curves. Once again Lee’s heart began to race. “Luckily, it seems that the lord of this manor was not unaccustomed to having female guests. I found this.”
“It looks as if it were made for you,” remarked Lee. “The lord was a friend of mine. I would introduce you, but sadly he passed away.”
Penelope frowned. “I am sorry. But soon death will be something neither of us will have to worry about for some time.” She paused and cocked her head. “Assuming that your mind is still set?”
Lee nodded. “It is. But you must allow me to tell Millet and Jacob of our intentions.”
She crossed the room as though her feet were not touching the floor and kissed him softly on his cheek. “I heard them downstairs. Should I wait for you?”
“No need,” he replied. “Jacob will have told Millet everything by now. I’m sure he’s impatient to see you.”
She gave him a playful peck on the nose and danced gracefully out of the room. Lee lay back in the bed for a minute, yet again turning over in his mind what had happened. His decision was indeed made, but he was far from comfortable with it.
He washed and dressed, then made his way downstairs to a glass enclosed patio at the rear of the house. The warmth of the midday sun was making the air muggy, but it also brought forth the sweet scent of honeysuckle and lavender from the garden. He could hear his wife’s laughter long before he reached them.
Millet Jacob and Penelope were all sitting around a small round table in the center of the patio, smiling and talking. Millet looked happy to see Penelope, but Lee had known him long enough to detect that his cheer was disguising a deep concern.
“You look rested,” said Millet as Lee sat down.
The table was filled with fruits, breads and a large pitcher of cool peach cider. Lee listened as Millet regaled his wife with tales of their adventures, in true form never forgetting to tell of the many times when he saved the day after Lee had leaped before he looked.
Jacob pretended to listen, but his eyes kept darting between his mother and father. Lee could feel his suspicion, and see his unease in the way he constantly shifted in his chair.
They talked for an hour and ate at a leisurely pace. Eventually, Millet passed a comment about the beads of sweat forming on Penelope’s brow.
“I’m unaccustomed to the heat,” she explained.
Of course, Lee thought, reflecting on what he knew Millet was thinking. Angrääl is cold.
They adjourned to the downstairs parlor and took seats: Lee beside his wife on a sofa, with Millet and Jacob across from them in a pair of matching armchairs. It was clear that the time for more serious talk had arrived.
Lee poured everyone a glass of plum brandy.
“You have no idea how happy I am to see you, My Lady,” said Millet. He leaned forward. “But I am aware of who you are forced to serve, as well as why you are here.”
Penelope sighed and laughed kindly. “I am so very glad that Lee has had your wisdom to guide him all these years. And you are right to be suspicious. Should I be told of your plans, I would not be able to keep the information secret. Which is why I am grateful that you have guarded your tongue. But know this - I am only here to be with my family. The Reborn King may have other designs for us, but I am not aware of them, nor am I conspiring against my son and husband. At least, not knowingly. He wants Lee out of the way. That much doesn’t take a great mind to see. And though it hurts to know that I am the enemy, I am still the woman you knew. That has not changed, and never will.”
She drew in a deep breath. “I have lived for years without my family. Difficult as that was to bear, I have always told myself that it was for the greater good, and that the gods had set my husband to an important task.” The hint of a smile appeared. “Well, the time has now come for that task to be set aside. I cannot be free of my king. But nor can I pretend I am not filled with joy that his schemes are finally bringing my family back together.”
“And what do you say?” Millet asked Lee.
Lee lowered his head and steadied his nerves. The tension was palpable as both Millet and Jacob awaited his answer. He looked up, his eyes going from Millet to Jacob, then back again.
“The war is over for me,” he announced. “My heart will not allow me to continue.” He could see both men sit back in unison. “I know you will object, but I will not be dissuaded.”
“And what do you expect me to do?” snapped Jacob, his face red with fury. “Go with you? After all we’ve been through, do you really expect me to serve Angrääl? It was the Reborn King who deceived me in the first place. He has invaded our land, enslaved and murdered
our people, and as far as I can see....” His top lip curled in disgust. “He has killed my mother.”
Penelope grabbed hold of Lee’s hand, desperate for reassurance. He looked at her and could see that her heart was breaking. This was the part of his choice he had not told her about.
“I thought you would say this,” Lee said to Jacob. He pulled his wife’s hand into his lap. “I did not think you would come. Nor do I want you to.”
“What?” exclaimed Penelope, jerking her hand free. “I thought–”
“I will come with you, my love,” said Lee. “But I will not allow Jacob to follow. I do not believe your master will honor his promise. And if I am right about this, I do not want our son anywhere near me when his true plan is revealed. Though Jacob is in danger if he remains in Baltria, here at least he has a chance to live. In spite of anything you may say, I believe in Gewey Stedding. I believe he will defeat the Dark Knight and restore peace to the world. If you are truly the woman I love, you will understand.”
Penelope closed her eyes and wiped away the tears that were spilling down her cheeks. It took her a few moments to steady herself sufficiently to speak. “You are right. I know it. And I will trust in your wisdom.”
“Then we must leave at once,” Lee told her. “My choice has made me a danger to Baltria.” He looked at Jacob. “Honor my decision and quell your anger. I simply could not bear the pain of losing her again…not for a third time. I beg your forgiveness.”
Jacob glared at Lee, but slowly his posture relaxed. He nodded his head. “I can’t say that I understand. My heart tells me you are making a terrible mistake, and a part of it believes you are simply seeking the death you have spoken of so many times.”
He looked directly at his mother. “And I don’t think I could ever forgive you for that.”
Penelope’s eyes dropped, unable to meet his condemning gaze. “How I wish I could be as I was,” she said. “And how I wish I could say that all will be well in the end. But I can’t. All I can say is that I love you both, and would gladly meet my end to save you.”
The Godling Chronicles : Bundle - Books 4-6 Page 58
