A Trial of Souls

by Brian D. Anderson

  “I think Theopolou deserves the credit for that,” said Gewey.

  The mention of the old elf’s name brought a moment of respectful silence as they were reminded of the danger Theopolou was currently putting himself in.

  “I thought King Lousis was with you,” remarked Kaylia.

  “He will return soon,” said Selena. “The main army is celebrating near the entrance of the pass. He couldn’t resist joining his soldiers for a round of ale.”

  The conversation turned to the battle itself: they spoke of the bravery of those who’d perished, and of how their comrades had died. Gewey was uncomfortable with the subject at first, but Kaylia quietly told him that it was common for elves to do this. They felt it honored the memory of those lost.

  After about an hour, Selena excused herself and stepped up onto the platform. Another trumpet blast quieted the crowd. She stood silently for a moment, her face solemn.

  “I thank you all for joining us in this celebration,” she began. Her strong voice carried easily throughout the courtyard. “It is good and proper that we rejoice in this marvelous victory. And though there are many difficult days to come, we now know that the evil that threatens to destroy us is not invincible. More importantly, our enemy knows it as well.

  “Many of you here tonight will have lost friends and family. Our kin and comrades have fallen to the foul beasts of Angrääl. And though we repaid them tenfold, this still does not fill the emptiness left in our hearts by their absence.”

  She lowered her head and took a breath. “I wish I could tell you that your losses are at an end. I wish I could say that you will suffer no more. But that would be a lie. Many more will perish before this so-called Reborn King falls. But I swear to you that we will see victory. And we will rebuild this world.

  “Bonds once unimagined have been formed between elf and human, and a new kinship will rise from the ashes of destruction. The first Great War ushered in an age of mistrust and hatred that lasted for five hundred years. That time is now at an end. This second Great War will see the annihilation of the evil that plagues us all, and bring about the birth of a new age; an age of understanding and cooperation. Together we have already found a common cause and a reason to set aside our misgivings. Blood has been shed and friendships, both old and new, have grown stronger. I believe that these friendships will guide us through the crucible and become the weapon that ultimately drives away the darkness.”

  Many heads nodded in agreement of this as Selena began her conclusion. “The enemy we face is strong and his armies are vast. But they will not prevail. They lack the one thing they need for victory. The spirit and will to see this world reborn in the image we determine. They cannot conquer us with hatred and malice. And they cannot stop the storm that they have unleashed. Our destiny is now, and forever will be, in our own hands.”

  Selena looked out over her audience, then bowed reverently. Cheers erupted and swelled with thunderous applause. She motioned for Gewey to join her. The moment he stepped up, the already deafening volume of the crowd doubled in intensity. The flow of the spirit illuminated the yard and Gewey once again could hear the bells and laughter. It filled him completely, caressing his body and mind with a firm yet pleasing touch. Its seductive power grew with each passing second until he felt every bit the god people saw him to be.

  “I know many of you believe that I was the reason we were victorious.” His voice boomed and echoed off the stone walls like a thunderclap, startling and silencing the crowd. “I have heard the songs you now sing. But know this - it is I who sing your praises. It was you who conquered the foes that sought to destroy you. It was the power of your hearts that crushed their will.

  “Many of you have come to believe that I am here to save you. You know what I am, and think that I alone can mend a world that has been broken by war, hatred, and suspicion. But I tell you now that it is the spirit I see before me that has the real power. It is you who will give me the strength to do what must be done. I am in awe of your courage and humbled by your determination.”

  Each word he uttered swelled the flow within him. The lights danced furiously in every corner and began to pass into those listening. Instantly, he could feel their will bending to his.

  “I rejoice in the knowledge that I have such passion and heart at my side. The time will soon come when I must do battle with the Reborn King. We will face one another and our fates will be decided. This is my sole purpose. It is why I am here. It is why the gods created me. But should I succeed, it will be because of the power I gain from you. You give me the strength to meet my destiny. And in payment for your kindness, I will give you all that I am. I am at your service and in your debt from this day until the end of days.”

  At that moment the flow of the spirit burst forth. Dozens of humans and elves dropped to their knees in worship. Others wept openly as hundreds of voices cried out in unison, repeating again and again the name of Darshan. Without a thought, Gewey unleashed the flow of the air around him, allowing his body to be lifted several feet above the platform. A pillar of fire sprang to life above his head, shooting skyward and piercing the night. He was a god in both body and spirit as he gazed down upon the people, bathing in their adoration.

  A voice entered his mind like a distant echo. Enough. He tried to ignore it, but it was relentless. Enough! Enough! He realized it was Kaylia calling to him through their bond. Reluctantly he allowed the power to drain away and drifted slowly back down to the platform. By then, all but Kaylia and his friends nearby were on their knees, chanting his name. Even Chiron and Bellisia had tears streaming down their cheeks, while Nehrutu was clinging desperately to Aaliyah. Kaylia and Selena were standing close to each other, a severe look of dread on both of their faces.

  “We should return to our room,” whispered Kaylia.

  Gewey could still feel the ecstasy of the moment lingering in his mind. He turned to Selena. “You wanted me to be an inspiration, did you not?”

  “The gods stay in heaven for a reason,” she replied, motioning toward the crowd. The entire banquet was still kneeling and chanting. “Do you desire worshipers? Do you think that is why you were sent here?”

  Gewey looked unblinkingly into Selena’s eyes. “I have enough questions. What I need are answers. Can you provide them?”

  “No,” she admitted. “But I believe you must find them soon before you lose that part of you that is human.”

  Gewey held her gaze for a moment before turning away and striding toward the temple, Kaylia at his side. Those he passed lowered their eyes. Some reached out to touch his leg. Despite this overpowering display of mass devotion, by the time they reached their chamber he was already starting to revert back to his normal self.

  “I should apologize to High Lady Selena,” he said, sitting down on the bed and staring at the floor.

  Kaylia sat beside him and took his hand. “Tomorrow.”

  “I don’t know what’s happening to me,” Gewey said. “It’s like I can’t control what I have become. When it was just anger and rage, I could at least make sense of it. But this is different.”

  Kaylia stroked his cheek. “I am here. Do not forget, my love, I feel what you feel. The power of the spirit is seductive beyond anything I could have dreamed. But I know you are strong enough to resist.”

  “But should I resist?” His voice wavered. “Is this not what Felsafell said I must learn to use? If I am to believe what he told me, it is only through the flow of the spirit that I can defeat the armies of Angrääl, and with them, the Reborn King.”

  Kaylia looked at him with pity and compassion for several seconds. Finally, she got up and retrieved the Book of Souls from the wardrobe. “Perhaps this should not wait,” she said.

  Gewey nodded and took the book over to the table. As he opened the box, dim light poured out like a thin fog. The lettering on the cover was the same as before, but this time it was immediately understandable to him, as if written in his native tongue. He removed the book and open
ed it. Kaylia lay in bed watching him while he read page after page, until eventually he heard her even breaths as sleep took hold.

  Gewey continued reading until dawn, only stopping then to eat breakfast and change into his more comfortable elf clothing. At midday, after Kaylia had departed for a lesson with Nehrutu, he decided to seek out Selena to offer his apologies. Stepping outside of his room, he paused for a moment, astonished by the dozens of flowers and baskets of fruits that had been placed just outside his door. Sighing, he moved on to seek out Selena’s quarters. But directions were not so easy to come by. Most of the people he encountered were simply too overawed to even look at him, let alone speak - one soldier even fell face down on the floor as he approached. It was only after some time that he finally managed to get the instructions he needed.

  He knocked softly and heard a calm voice telling him to enter. Selina was sitting quietly in a plush chair reading a book. She was wearing a soft cotton robe and slippers. Putting down the book, she smiled warmly.

  “If you’ve come to apologize, there’s no need,” she said. “I know you must be very confused by your power.”

  Gewey took the chair across from her. “I admit it is confusing at times. I don’t fully understand how it all works, or how I should use it.” He leaned forward. “The powers of earth, air and water are complicated, but at least I know what to do with them. The spirit is very different.”

  “I’m certain you will figure it out,” she said. “Your makers would not have sent you otherwise.”

  Gewey took a moment to scrutinize her. “I couldn’t help but notice that you were unaffected. I understand why Kaylia and Aaliyah can resist because of the bond between us. But you…”

  Selena let out a merry laugh. “I did not become the High Lady of Amon Dähl without learning to govern my own mind. I am indeed affected by your power. In fact, last night it took all of my strength not to fall to the ground just like everyone else.”

  Gewey felt embarrassed. “I’m glad you didn’t. You were right. I don’t want worshipers.”

  “That is good to hear,” said Selena. She paused to raise an eyebrow. “Kaylia told me you were reading the Book of Souls. What have you learned?”

  Gewey shrugged. “So far I don’t understand most of it. It speaks of names and places I have never heard of before. But of course, I’ve only just begun. I’m hoping it will make more sense as I read on.”

  Selena nodded. “I’m sure it will, and I think it’s vital that you finish it.”

  Gewey stood up. “That is what I intend to do now.”

  “You will be sure to tell me what you learn, I hope,” she said, picking up her book once again.

  Gewey bowed and returned to his room.

  For the next four days he did nothing but read. During this period Kaylia spent most of her time with Nehrutu and Aaliyah. Keen to help, Aaliyah was now assisting Nehrutu with Kaylia’s lessons. At the end of each day the offerings at Gewey’s door had to be cleared away, and soon a guard was placed outside to discourage those wanting a blessing from the great Darshan.

  On the morning of the fifth day, Gewey sent word that he urgently needed to speak to Selena, Aaliyah, Nehrutu, Chiron, and Bellisia. He also wanted Lousis there, but learned that the king had returned to Althetas with Eftichis and Ertik to meet with the southern rulers. He was worried that the elf elders would be offended by his words, but had decided that he must risk their displeasure. What he had to say would change what both races believed forever.

  Kaylia could sense his uneasiness, but to Gewey’s relief she did not press him to explain the reason for this. Instead, she began to pack for a journey. It eased Gewey’s mind greatly to know how well she understood him, and even more that she would not allow him to be alone.

  Chapter 7

  Theopolou and Mohanisi stood at the edge of the last tree line and looked out on the grassy expanse of the Steppes. The treeless flat plain gave Theopolou an uncomfortably exposed sensation. He had visited the elves that lived here many times in the past, but had never once enjoyed the occasion. He was always anxious to return to the familiar sights and smells of the forest.

  The humans that shared this land were an odd and unpredictable people. They had no cities or towns, instead choosing to wander in small groups, hunting bison and gathering roots. Though they generally tended to stay clear of the elves, their nomadic nature meant that occasional confrontations were unavoidable. Some of these ended in violence, but as they had no social structure beyond their small groups, nothing had ever seriously escalated.

  The elf lands hugged the coast, though there were no ports to speak of. Unlike the southern, forest dwelling elves, they cared little for boats and felt uneasy on the water. They did however possess a great love of horses, and boasted some of the best breeding stock in the entire world. Though Theopolou’s tribes, along with most others, did in fact use horses, they much preferred to travel on foot.

  The elf villages were a three-day walk across the open plain. The humans kept mostly to the northeastern areas, but were known to occasionally venture south in pursuit of the herds. Even with Mohanisi’s abilities at their disposal, Theopolou had no desire for a battle. Should the humans run across two isolated elves, there was a very good chance they might try to take advantage of their apparent vulnerability.

  The first two days were uneventful. The only life they ran across was a small herd of wild horses and an eagle screeching high above in a cloudless sky. Usually the elves would send small parties to scout the outlying regions, mostly to keep the humans in check, but so far there had been none. The town of Lan Silsia was the first they would encounter. It was sparsely populated and in the past had been quiet and peaceful. Mostly, the inhabitants concerned themselves with their small farms and herds of sheep, caring little for the politics concerning the rest of the tribes. It made Theopolou think of Gewey, and the small village of Sharpstone he had told him about. A part of Theopolou wished he could show Gewey just how similar elf and man really were. He laughed inwardly that such obvious things had escaped him for most of his life.

  On the evening of the second night, he mentioned this thought to Mohanisi.

  Mohanisi cocked his head. “Why would this surprise you? It was the elves who taught the humans culture and civilization in the beginning. And both races were tempered by the same land. It is natural for you to see yourself reflected.”

  “I see it now,” said Theopolou. “But for so long the hatred has blinded us; the devastation of the Great War was kept fresh in our minds by elves like me.”

  “I do not pretend to understand how it must feel to live through such horrors,” admitted Mohanisi. “But it is good to see that even old hearts can be mended.”

  Theopolou smiled. “I must say that it feels right to forgive, both the humans and myself.” He glanced sideways at Mohanisi. “And what of your kin? You have said many times that we seem as different to you as the humans do to us. What will the rest of your people think of us?”

  “When I arrived I was doubtful that our people could ever be reunited,” he replied. “And I still believe it will take time for us to understand you completely. But more and more I discover the grace and nobility I was hoping for. And the fact remains that you are our kin as much as any elf who dwells in my own lands. It was no fault of your own that you were separated from the place of your ancestors, and it would be wrong to judge you harshly.”

  They spoke quietly for a short time longer, then slept until the dawn.

  The following morning they had been walking for only an hour when they heard the sound of distant hoofs approaching from the north.

  “It is a human,” said Mohanisi. “He is alone and as of yet, unaware of us.” He closed his eyes and furled his brow. “He is afraid.”

  “Can you sense Vrykol?” asked Theopolou.

  Mohanisi shook his head. “No. But I think we should find out what has terrified him. From what you have told me of the humans here, it would have to be something tr
uly dire.”

  “We risk a fight,” said Theopolou. “But I think you are correct. We must know what has happened.”

  With the grass just tall enough for them to lay down unseen, they positioned themselves directly in the path of the oncoming horse, springing up when it was only a few yards away from their hiding place. The horse reared, nearly throwing the man from his saddle. Theopolou quickly grabbed the reins.

  The rider was clad in leather pants, a shirt made from bison hide, and a grubby wool jacket. His russet complexion and weathered appearance spoke of how hard life was on the Steppes. His deep-set, dark eyes opened wide in alarm as he reached for a rusty curved sword attached to his saddle. In an instant, Mohanisi seized the man’s arm and jerked him roughly to the ground.

  “We mean you no harm,” said Theopolou.

  The man glared at them, trying to mask his fear.

  “If we wanted to kill you, we would already have done so,” Mohanisi stated calmly. He stepped back and allowed him to regain his feet.

  “What do you want of me?” asked the man.

  “First, I want to know your name,” Theopolou replied.

  “I am called Rinzo,” he said, holding his head high.

  Theopolou bowed. “I am Theopolou, and this is Mohanisi. From what or whom do you flee?”

  “I flee nothing,” Rinzo replied. “And I fear nothing.”

  “I will not waste time with lies,” said Theopolou. He nodded to Mohanisi.

  Mohanisi held out his palm and a ball of flame burst to life above it.

  Rinzo hurriedly stepped back, gasping in astonishment. “What are you?”

  “I am nothing more than what you see before you,” Mohanisi replied. The flame grew and moved toward the now terrified human.

  “Please,” Rinzo begged. “Enough. I’ll tell you what you want to know.”

  Mohanisi smiled and the flame disappeared.

  “What caused you such fear as to make you ride blindly across the Steppes?” asked Theopolou.