“And you did as he asked without question?” Gewey’s tone was hard and critical.
Aaliyah looked at him in confusion. “Why should I question him? His grace is why I still live…why Nehrutu still lives. Why would he save us if he has ill intent?”
Gewey reached out through their bond. This time she did not resist. Instantly, he knew that Melek had altered her spirit. It was slight and subtle, but it was there. It took him a few moments longer to understand exactly what Melek had done. When he did, he broke contact at once.
“You see,” said Aaliyah. “I am as I have always been.”
Gewey forced a smile and nodded. “You are indeed. But from here on, I would have you allow contact should I reach out. I may need you.”
“I will be there,” she replied earnestly.
Gewey pushed back his chair and stood. “Now, I would like to see Mohanisi.”
Aaliyah rose. “I will take you to him. But I must warn you, his mind is not as it was.”
She led them from the room and down the corridor. Mohanisi was being kept in a small room at the far east end of the manor. The door was guarded by two elves who clicked smartly to attention when they saw the trio approaching. Aaliyah gave them a nod and they moved aside.
“I’ll see him alone,” said Gewey.
“Then be prepared,” Aaliyah warned. “He may become violent.”
Gewey nodded and opened the door. The interior of the room was barren, containing only a small wooden table, two chairs, a cot, and a few elf glow globes hanging from the ceiling. Mohanisi was sitting cross-legged in the center of the room, his eyes closed and his hands clutched together. His usual clothing had been replaced by a simple rough tunic and trousers. His hair was matted and clumped.
Gewey closed the door behind him and took a seat at the table. Mohanisi displayed no indication that he was even aware of Gewey’s entry. He watched the elf for more than five minutes in complete silence. Finally, Mohanisi’s eyes fluttered open and he turned to Gewey.
“You cannot help me,” he said. His voice was thin and raspy. “I am corrupted.”
“How did this happen?” asked Gewey.
“When I brought Malstisos from the foul nightmare the enemy had cursed him with, I brought the taint of it with me.”
Gewey had been told of Mohanisi curing Malstisos from the Dark Knight’s curse, but the details were sketchy at best. “And where is Malstisos now?” he asked.
“Dead,” the elf replied flatly. “And better off for it. The darkness that claimed him would not be expelled. He took his own life to prevent himself from harming those he loves.”
This news was a blow to Gewey. He had great affection for Malstisos and had always held him in high regard. “When did this happen?”
“Three days ago. He remained behind when I marched south to aid the king. His body was too weak to go to war…”
His voice trailed off and the muscles in his cheeks began to twitch.
Gewey could see that Mohanisi was fighting some terrible inner battle. The pain and madness in his eyes came and went from moment to moment. Gewey reached out to touch his spirit. At once he felt the sickness that now ravaged his soul. It was as if thorny vines were working their way into the very essence of his being, slowly tearing him apart. Gewey shuddered to think of the agony the once powerful elf must be experiencing.
Mohanisi leapt to his feet, snarling and forcing Gewey to break contact. “If you wish to kill me, you will find I am not easy prey.”
Gewey held his palm up in a calming gesture. “I only want to help you. Will you let me try?”
“Lies!” he shouted. “You are just like the others. Kind words and foul deeds. Stay away if you value your life.”
Gewey eased out of his chair. “I cannot stay away. But you must believe me when I say that my only wish is to help you.”
But Mohanisi wasn’t listening. Letting out an ear-piercing cry, he rushed forward, fingers curled into savage claws. Gewey caught his wrists and twisted his body, allowing Mohanisi’s momentum to throw him off balance. Normally he would be a formidable opponent, but the rage caused by his sickness made him clumsy and undisciplined. Gewey kicked his feet from beneath him and threw him hard down onto his back. Before the elf could react, Gewey slammed his fist into his jaw. Mohanisi grunted, then fell into unconsciousness.
The door burst open and both Kaylia and Aaliyah rushed in.
“I’m fine,” said Gewey. “I need more time.”
Kaylia looked at him doubtfully. She had felt what was ailing Mohanisi through their bond and it had clearly horrified her. Aaliyah merely regarded the scene with quiet pity. After a brief hesitation, they retreated from the room.
Gewey closed his eyes and took a deep breath. Reaching into Mohanisi’s spirit without encountering resistance showed him the true extent of the damage. The corruption was wrapped around his spirit, squeezing its way in to his very core and choking out the light of life. The more Gewey looked, the more he came to realize the horrible truth. This was no illness. This had been done to him. Melek’s evil hand had been at work here.
He tried to cleanse Mohanisi’s spirit, but the foulness fought him as if it was a living thing. He needed guidance. Gewey’s mind raced back to the time when his soul was being revealed to him, recalling in detail the vision that had shown him extracting the last remnants of purity from Kaylia’s tortured spirit. By focusing firmly on this memory he was now able, little by little, to destroy the corruption within Mohanisi. For two hours he meticulously removed every last remnant. Kaylia came in after the first hour and sat beside him. Feeling that the level of exertion was draining his strength, she gave him hers. When it was finally done, Gewey slumped over and rubbed the back of his neck.
Kaylia, although equally exhausted, managed to help Gewey to a chair. Mohanisi was still unconscious, but the strain on his face had vanished and Gewey could feel that he was no longer in pain.
A few minutes later Mohanisi’s eyes opened. He struggled up into a sitting position to look at Gewey and nod his appreciation. “You have undone Melek’s evil. I thought I was without hope. Thank you.”
“Why did he do this to you?” asked Gewey.
“I don’t know. But I was never convinced of his good intentions. Perhaps he knew this.”
“And what of Malstisos? No one mentioned anything about him when we arrived.”
“I cannot say. Melek told me that he had taken his own life. But I do not know if that’s true.”
Mohanisi went on to tell Gewey the details of what had happened on the Steppes. The retelling of Theopolou’s death stung at his and Kaylia’s heart, but she was glad to hear the story from a first-hand account.
“I’ll find out the truth of what happened to Malstisos,” Gewey promised. “But for now I need you to remain here. I’ll tell everyone you are still ill, and that I wasn’t able to help you. If Melek discovers you are healed he may try to hurt you again.”
“Should I not tell Aaliyah and Nehrutu that I am well?” he asked.
“For now, no,” Gewey replied. “I’m not certain about Nehrutu, but Aaliyah has been tampered with and I’m not sure that she can be trusted.”
Mohanisi nodded his head and frowned. “Then good luck to you.” He reached out and seized Gewey’s arm as he was rising. “And if Melek has ensnared them, free my kin.”
“I’ll try.”
Gewey opened the door and, together with Kaylia, stepped into the hall where Aaliyah was patiently waiting.
“I’m sorry,” he said, feigning frustration. “There’s nothing I can do.”
Aaliyah placed her hand on his shoulder. “Thank you for trying. But I knew Melek was right. He is beyond hope.”
“Yes,” said Gewey. “Melek. I’m really looking forward to seeing him again.”
Chapter 27
The banquet was due to begin just after sundown, though Gewey and Kaylia arrived early to take up the places especially set for them on a dais at the front of the hall. We
ila, after finding the turmoil of their arrival a bit too much, had decided not to join the festivities. Instead, she was gratefully settled down in her room reading some books of elf tales that Kaylia had found for her.
To Gewey’s disappointment, Melek was conspicuously absent so far; he had been hoping to see him before the celebration got under way. He cast his eyes around again. Banners bearing the sigil of Darshan were hanging everywhere, and a band of musicians were already filling the massive hall with their lively tunes, even though many of the guests were still to arrive.
By arriving first, Gewey had hoped to avoid fanfare. But as each new guest entered they made a point of passing by his table and bowing low, praising his name in every imaginable way. This continued until King Lousis arrived and the hall was finally full.
The king was accompanied by Aaliyah and Nehrutu - also a young man Gewey had never seen before. His tousled blond hair, simple tan-colored clothing and boyish smile made him appear an unassuming figure when alongside the majesty of the king and the splendor of the elves. But Gewey knew exactly who he was the moment their eyes met.
The four of them stopped in front of Gewey and Kaylia to bow before taking their seats. Gewey’s eyes never left Melek.
The corners of Melek’s mouth turned up in the slightest of smiles. He spread his arms in a low, exaggerated bow. “It is so good to see you again, Darshan.” His voice dripped with false cheer. “Your absence has pained me, as well as the entire city of Althetas.”
Gewey forced a smile in return. “I am happy to be back.”
“I told Melek that you were anxious to see him,” said Lousis. “But the dear fellow insisted there were still preparations to be made.”
Melek's seat was just on the far side of the king. He leaned forward and looked at Gewey with a humble expression. “I wanted things to be perfect for your arrival. Do you approve?”
“It is very nice,” Gewey replied. He was simmering inside, but somehow managed to keep his tone civil.
“Nice?” cried Lousis. “Why, this city has not seen such a celebration since the end of the Great War. People have come from many miles to celebrate your return and the defeat of the Reborn King.”
“The Reborn King is not yet defeated, Your Highness,” corrected Gewey. “He is merely halted for the time being. The war is far from over.”
“My lord is too modest,” countered Melek. “There is no army that can stand against him. And no mere mortal claiming kingship or godhood who can oppose his will. The Reborn King will soon fall and fade from memory. And it will be Darshan who is the instrument of his doom.”
“Hear, hear,” bellowed Lousis. “But let us not speak of war and hardship. Tonight we feast!” He raised his glass and drank deeply. Aaliyah and Nehrutu did the same, and though their smiles were friendly, their eyes remained guarded.
Lousis rose to his feet, the wine glass still in his hand. Trumpets instantly sounded from the four corners of the hall, silencing the crowd.
The king’s voice boomed and reverberated from the stone walls. “We have gathered here on this joyous occasion to honor he who has delivered us from the foul grip of the evil that seeks to envelop the world. And though there is no way to truly express our gratitude for the strength of his spirit and generosity of his heart, I can say to all of you that I pledge my life, my honor, my kingdom - indeed all of the twelve western kingdoms - to his service."
Lousis raised his glass high. "To Darshan!”
Suddenly, everyone in the hall was on their feet, cheering and calling out Darshan’s name. Wave after wave of unrestrained love and admiration washed over Gewey. It felt as though it was never going to stop. The king motioned for him to stand. He could see Melek’s amused grin. His voice sounded in Gewey’s head. This is what you really want, isn’t it? See how they love you…how they worship you?
“I would like to thank King Lousis for this honor,” announced Gewey. “But in my heart I know that there can be no victory without the courage you all have shown. And though we still have far to go, I know that the free people of this world, both human and elf, will see it through to the end. And it is I who is, and will ever be, at your service...come what may.”
“Praise Darshan!” shouted a single voice, prompting the crowd to explode into a renewed fervor of cheers and adulation.
With Gewey seated once more, the king held up his hands to call for quiet. “And now I would like to recognize Melek, the emissary of Darshan. He has risen from the depths where he was cast after a foul betrayal – newly liberated to help deliver us from certain destruction.”
Melek rose, hands folded in front of him, an embarrassed smile on his face. “You honor me, Your Highness. But I have only been the instrument of Darshan’s will. When he bravely entered Shagharath to release me from bondage, I knew that a great and benevolent power walked the earth that would not, could not, be denied. Once, long ago, I lived in heaven as a god, but through my own weakness I failed to protect the people whom I cared for so very deeply. And for that I paid a price beyond imagining. But now, what I left undone will be made possible. And it is all because of the strength and courage of my lord and master.” His eyes drifted to Gewey. “All hail the mighty Darshan!”
Yet again the crowd erupted. Gewey could feel the smug satisfaction coming from Melek. What do you hope to accomplish with all this? he asked.
Surprised at having his own thoughts invaded, Melek stiffened and shot him a bewildered glance, though he quickly relaxed before this was noticed by anyone else.
As the evening wore on, Gewey felt his anxiety continuing to grow. Melek made regular small talk with King Lousis and would occasionally whisper in Aaliyah’s ear, but he made no effort whatsoever to talk to Gewey himself. When midnight arrived and the celebration was still showing no signs of ending, Gewey's patience was finally exhausted. He was on the point of getting up and demanding to speak with Melek privately when he heard a whisper from close behind him.
“Come, my friend.”
The warmth of Melek’s breath on his neck gave Gewey chills. Kaylia began to rise, but Gewey shook his head. “I must speak to him alone.” She nodded her acceptance of this, even though he could feel her concern.
Melek made their excuses to King Lousis and led Gewey from the hall. Cheers and offerings of praise followed them out. Gewey remained silent as they headed to the main entrance, with everyone they passed on the way either staring in dumb wonder or falling to their knees. This was not altogether surprising. Gewey could feel that Melek was allowing the flow of the spirit to form an aura around them.
When they exited the manor, the lights and sounds of the city celebrating momentarily stunned Gewey. The bliss felt by the whole population was overwhelming.
“Do you see?” said Melek, after they had walked through the manor gates. “You have made them so very happy.”
“I have done nothing,” countered Gewey irritably. “Your deceit has given them a false sense of security. And if you think to deceive me…”
“I intend to educate you,” he cut in. “I forgive you for leaving me in Shagharath. You were misled by that…human. She showed you false images and lies. Had I been aware of human power in Shagharath, I would have taken precautions.”
“I do not need your forgiveness,” snapped Gewey. “And what I was shown was the truth. Maybell did not, and would not, lie to me.”
Melek stopped short to face Gewey, his eyes burning with suppressed anger. “Maybell is a mortal fool who thought she could be my master. What she showed you was distorted to fit her own designs. She could not fathom the depths of who I am - and neither can you.”
Gewey met his gaze with equal fury. “Perhaps not. But I know evil when I see it. And I also know the malaise of madness.”
“You think me mad?” Melek chuckled. “If I am, then it was caused by the same beings who trapped you in this miserable world. I still need your help, Darshan. And now that I am free, I know that you need mine as well.”
“I need
nothing from you,” Gewey shot back. “You seek domination and death, and I will not be a part of that.”
“You think you can defeat your enemy without me?” scoffed Melek. “You have no idea what you will be facing. We most certainly do need each other.”
“I would never accept even the smallest aid from you, Melek.” Gewey’s rage was building.
Melek shook his head and smiled. “This argument is pointless. I must show you.” A blast of wind lifted him off the ground. “Come.”
Gewey watched for a moment as Melek disappeared into the night sky. Then, clenching his jaw, he used the flow of air to follow. He could hear Melek calling to him as he flew south at astonishing speed. He did his best to keep up, but was soon trailing many miles behind.
“You see?” said Melek’s voice. It sounded as if he were right beside him, yet Gewey could sense his presence far to the south. “You have no idea how to use your abilities. Without my help, the storm you encountered would have destroyed your ship. And look at you now. Unable to even keep pace. I can change that. I can teach you all you need to know. I can show you powers that you never have dreamed of.”
Gewey wanted to answer, but could find no words. He knew that Melek was right. Though he was now forcing the air to move him as high and fast as possible, he was still unable to catch up even by a little. The wind roared in his ears and blasted cold across his face.
Guided only by the directions called out to him by Melek, he traveled on over a vast distance for more than two hours. Finally, he sensed that Melek had landed in a small clearing just a mile or so away from the shores of the Western Abyss. All along the beach, several thousand soldiers were camped. The stench of sweat and decay wafted on the breeze. He knew at once that they were from Angrääl; their fear carried on the flow like a cry for help. Something had terrified them, and Gewey thought he knew what.
He set down a few feet away from Melek, who was staring up at the night sky. A few clouds passed in front of the stars, briefly winking them out of existence before allowing them to reappear as bright and magnificent as ever.
The Godling Chronicles : Bundle - Books 4-6 Page 63
