The Godling Chronicles : Bundle - Books 1-3

by Brian D. Anderson

  “By forgetting to try,” he answered. “Do not think about it. When you hear the pulse of the earth, know that it was always there. Let your mind wander, and it will take its own course.”

  “I think I understand,” said Gewey, nodding slowly in comprehension. “Thank you.”

  Linis slapped Gewey on the back. “What a Seeker you would make,” he said. “One day, when our quests are done, I hope you will allow me to instruct you further.”

  “I would like nothing more,” Gewey replied earnestly.

  When they were about three miles from Gristol, Prustos returned. He spoke briefly to Linis and handed him a piece of parchment. Linis looked at it and smiled.

  “Prustos has informed our people of your arrival,” Linis announced. “They will meet you at the Bean and Broth tavern, and then escort you to a house where you will be safe.”

  “How will we know them?” Lee asked.

  “Prustos has given them your descriptions,” he answered. “They will speak my name so that you know them to be true. The road leading to the city is one mile north, and the gates are unguarded during the daylight hours. You should have no trouble.”

  “We can’t thank you enough for all you’ve done for us,” Lee said. “I am honored to have met you and your kin.”

  “The honor is ours,” Linis replied.

  Gewey and the others traded heartfelt goodbyes with the elves, and then watched as they vanished into the forest.

  Once the elves had gone, Millet turned to Kaylia. “What an extraordinary people you are,” he remarked.

  “Thank you,” she replied. “I am pleased to have encountered them. I thought I would never speak to one of my kind in friendship again.”

  Lee started north toward the road, and the others followed close behind. Without their elven friends, the march to the city gate felt dull and dreary. Gewey found himself missing their familiar laughter.

  As Linis had said, the city gates were open and unguarded. The people of Gristol were far more accommodating than those they had encountered in other towns and villages, so they had no trouble getting directions to the Bean and Broth tavern. The tavern itself was nice, as taverns go. At first Gewey worried that such a diverse group would stick out and raise suspicions, but none of the patrons seemed to take notice. They found a table and ordered ale and wine. They’d hardly had time to take a single sip when they were approached by a man wearing a long, worn, brown leather coat and tan shirt and pants. He had salt and pepper hair and fair skin. He smiled cheerfully as he scanned the group.

  “Friends of Linis, I presume?” the man asked.

  “We are,” Lee responded, apprehensively.

  “I’m Broín,” he said, taking a seat. “You’ll be my guests while you’re here.”

  “We’re pleased to meet you,” Lee said, relaxing a bit.

  Just then, the barmaid walked up to their table. “Good to see you, Lord Broín. The usual?”

  “Yes indeed,” he answered, before returning his attention to Lee and his friends. “I’ve looked far and wide, and have yet to find a plum brandy to equal that of the Bean and Broth. In fact...”

  Struck with a sudden idea, he hopped up and whispered in the barmaid’s ear.

  “We’re grateful for your assistance, Lord Broín,” said Lee. “Our mutual friends speak highly of you.”

  “Thank you,” he replied. “But you can drop the ‘Lord’ part; I’m not really a lord. About ten years ago there was a massive fire here in the city, and I helped with the rebuilding. Since then, everyone started calling me Lord Broín. I’m actually just a merchant.”

  Lee gave a knowing smile to Millet. “Lordship is earned,” Lee countered. “And clearly you have earned it if that’s the title the people have given to you.”

  “I know,” he said. “But I still find it a bit…pretentious. I don’t dress like a lord, and I certainly don’t live like one.”

  “I don’t know,” Millet commented. “You look much like some lords I’ve encountered. Not all wear silk and satin.”

  “You sound like a man of experience,” Broín complimented him, laughing heartily as the barmaid returned. She carried a tray full of small glasses filled with pungent plum brandy.

  “Please enjoy,” said Broín. “I would not have you visit our fine city without sampling what I consider to be its finest attribute.” Everyone took their brandy and raised their glasses.

  “To new friends,” Broín toasted loudly, and they all took a sip. Gewey winced at the sweetness, but found the aftertaste to be quite pleasant.

  “When you’re ready, we’ll go to my home,” Broín said, holding the glass under his nose. “I’ve had baths prepared. I know how time in the wilderness can take its toll.”

  “That would be marvelous!” Maybell beamed. “You must forgive my rude companions for not introducing themselves. I’m Sister Maybell.”

  “I’m pleased to know you, Sister,” he replied, nodding his head. “While you’re here, I’ll have someone escort you to the Temple District if you wish.”

  “That would be perfect,” she said graciously.

  Embarrassed by Maybell’s words, each introduced themselves in turn.

  “What a unique band of friends,” said Broín, his eyes fixed on Kaylia. “But enough of this. We should go, so you can wash off the dirt and grime of your long journey.”

  Lord Broín led them to his home. It was a modest two-story structure, but it appeared well built with sturdy red brick and hard pine. It had a small white balcony overlooking the street, and a flower garden surrounded the entire house. Inside the foyer, a staircase led to the upstairs bedrooms; doors on either side of the stairs led to the dining room, study, and parlor.

  “I must apologize in advance,” Broín said. “I have only three spare rooms, but there are ample beds.” A series of clanks and rattles could be heard coming from the back of the house. “From the sound of it, Angus is preparing dinner.”

  Broín led them to the bedrooms, where tubs of steaming water waited for them. Maybell took a room for herself, insistent that she be able to bathe in private. Kaylia and Dina shared the next room, while Lee, Gewey, and Millet split the third.

  “When you’ve washed, please join me in the parlor,” Broín said with a bow, leaving them to it.

  “What do you think, My Lord?” Millet asked, once they were alone.

  “I trust Linis,” Lee answered. “But all the same, be alert.”

  Chapter 21

  When all had washed and dressed they went downstairs to join Lord Broín. The door to the parlor was open, and voices could be heard speaking softly from within. The parlor was sparsely decorated, with just a few paintings and some silver lanterns lining the walls. A cherry wood table holding a crystal decanter and a dozen brandy glasses stood in the corner. Three well-cushioned couches atop a thick woven rug formed a semi-circle in the center of the room, and at the far end a small fire burned cheerfully in the fireplace.

  Lord Broín was sitting on the middle couch holding a spirited conversation with two unfamiliar figures. On his left hand side was sat a young looking man wearing a red silk jacket and a black-buttoned shirt with black trousers. He had dark curly hair. To Broín’s right sat a blond elf dressed in common brown woodsman’s attire.

  “Ahh,” Broín said as he saw them enter. “Please, join us.” The man and the elf rose to their feet and bowed low.

  “Let me introduce my friends,” Broín said. “The young man here is Lord Ganflin from Althetas, and this is Malstisos.”

  Gewey and the rest introduced themselves in turn. Lord Ganflin turned to Kaylia, who was still wearing her hood.

  “Please, my dear. You don’t need to hide here,” he said.

  Kaylia nodded and removed her hood, although she didn’t fully remove her cloak.

  “Linis told us there would be both elves and humans,” Lee remarked. “Still, it’s odd to see.” Broín laughed. “I know what you mean. I’ve been friends with Malstisos here for over a year
, and it still shocks me when he removes his hood. A good lot, though - the elves, I mean. Once you convince them not to kill you.”

  “I only tried it that one time,” Malstisos joked as he turned to the others. He smiled. “I’m sure Linis told you of our efforts to build relations with humans. As you surely know, it has not been well received by the elders. People like Lord Broín and Lord Ganflin provide a safe place where we can talk and plan. The elders may wish to stop us, but even they wouldn’t dare assault us in a human city.”

  “In Althetas,” Lord Ganflin added, “there are even elves walking openly in the streets.”

  Kaylia marveled at the idea. “I imagine that took a while to accomplish.”

  “Not as long as you might think,” Ganflin replied. “You’d be surprised how quickly people can get used to something, though I admit there are still some who are opposed to the idea.”

  “Prustos left word that you would need passage further west,” Broín interjected. “Where is it you need to go?”

  “Actually,” Dina answered, “we’re headed for Althetas.”

  “Then you shall travel with me,” Ganflin declared. “I will be here for two more days, and then I depart for home. I can delay if you need more time.”

  Lee looked at Maybell, who nodded in response.

  “Two days should be plenty of time,” said Lee. “We have some business here to attend to, but that should be completed by tomorrow.”

  “It’s settled then,” Broín said as he stood up and opened the decanter on the table. The air filled with the scent of plum brandy. “Until then, you shall stay here as my guests. My house is yours.” He proceeded to pass around glasses of brandy to the entire table.

  Dinner was pleasant. The dining room was large and could have easily accommodated twice their number, but the dark wood paneling and pastel drawings on the walls made it feel cozy. Angus, Lord Broín’s servant, served the meal unaided with a speed and precision that impressed even Millet.

  Conversation was light, focusing mainly on trade and merchant affairs. Malstisos spoke to Kaylia and Dina, telling them tales of Linis and his band. They had apparently traveled more than any other elves in history - or so it sounded the way Malstisos told it.

  As they finished eating, Broín instructed Angus to see that there were enough chairs in the study to accommodate their guests. “I trust you’ve all had your fill?” he asked, wiping his hands with a napkin.

  “Indeed,” Lee replied. “I haven’t eaten that well in quite a while.”

  “Then if you will join me in the study, we have matters to discuss,” Broín said, pushing back his chair.

  Broín led them from the dining room, across the foyer, and into the study. A large mahogany desk sat at the far end of the room next to a fireplace that glowed dimly as a small fire crackled and popped. Bookshelves lined the walls, and cushioned chairs had been placed in front of the desk. The lanterns in the corners had been dimmed, giving the room a very relaxed atmosphere. When they were all seated, Angus entered the room and gave them each a crystal glass filled with cider.

  “My friends,” Broín began. “As you all know, darkness is covering the land. In the north, Angrääl is gathering its strength and preparing to march. We’ve tried to warn the western nobles, but they refuse to listen. In fact, Angrääl already has representatives engaging in open negotiations with other northern kingdoms.”

  “Do you have word of Hazrah?” Lee asked anxiously.

  “Not specifically, no,” he answered. “But Hazrah is most certainly in danger. If you have friends or family there, you should get them out before it’s too late.”

  Lee lowered his eyes in thought.

  “I don’t know what causes your flight west,” Broín continued. “But I can guess you are not unaware of the things I speak of.”

  “We are aware,” said Lee. “But I cannot tell you the reason for our flight. All I can say is that we have similar goals, and by helping us, you help protect your lands and homes.”

  “I thought as much,” Broín said with a knowing smile. “You have the trust of Linis, so I won’t press you to tell me things you think you shouldn’t. But if you know anything about what we face, I hope you will share it.”

  Lee took a sip from his cup and looked at the tense face of Lord Broín.

  “The power you face in Angrääl,” Lee said, “is known as the Dark Knight, though some call him by other names. He is far more dangerous than you might have guessed. He has stolen a powerful weapon not meant to be wielded by mortal men. With it, he has locked the door to Heaven, and if he isn’t stopped, he’ll reshape the world into a living hell.”

  “You speak of the Sword of Truth,” said Ganflin. “I’ve read about it, but I thought it was just a myth.”

  “I wish it were,” Lee said solemnly. “The one who stole it is the power behind the trouble in the north. He seeks to destroy the gods, and with the sword, he might just find a way. He hasn’t yet reached his full strength, but the longer he possesses the sword, the more powerful he becomes.”

  “How can he be stopped?” asked Broín. “I have heard of the Sword of Truth as well, and if the legends are true, then he now holds the power of a god.”

  “He may have their power, but he is not a god,” Lee asserted. “He can be killed.”

  “Among the elves, hatred of the gods runs deep. There are many who would side with this Dark Knight,” Malstisos noted. “If he is as powerful as you say, we will need to convince them to do otherwise.”

  “For that, we must count on you and your brethren,” Lee said. “I’ll aid you in any way that I can, but I doubt my interference in this particular matter would help.”

  “Hers might,” Malstisos said, nodding toward Kaylia.

  “They want me dead,” Kaylia retorted. “They are even willing to ignore tradition to see it done. I doubt I can say anything to sway them.”

  “There is at least one elder who doesn’t seek your death,” he countered. “It may be that he is our only hope.”

  “He wants nothing to do with me,” Kaylia replied coldly. “That my own kin has been sent to kill me tells me that.”

  “Who are you talking about?” asked Gewey.

  “My uncle,” Kaylia answered in a whisper. “He fought in the Great War alongside my father - his brother. After my father died, he raised me as his own. But that was long ago.”

  “Still, it might be worth the attempt,” Malstisos argued. “He is not as stubborn as the other elders. He may listen to reason.”

  “He will not,” Kaylia said firmly. Her tone was full of hate and anger. “My people could not have been sent to kill me without his consent. You would be better off if you told him you had murdered me yourself.”

  “I think you underestimate him,” Malstisos said, his voice softening. “But as you wish, I will press you no more.”

  Kaylia got up and stood by the fireplace.

  “In any case, we have further matters to discuss,” Broín said. “There are rumors that the dead walk the earth. At first I thought them nothing more than nonsense, but now I’m not so sure.”

  “They’re not nonsense,” said Lee. He told Broín what had happened with the baker’s wife in Sharpstone, though he left out the name of the town.

  “How is such a thing possible?” Broín asked, horrified.

  “When the Dark Knight locked the door to Heaven, he trapped the souls of the living on Earth,” Lee explained. “As his power has grown, there have been certain…side effects. I believe it may be a result of his growing power. Whatever the case, it’s effective in spreading fear, and that’s his greatest weapon.”

  Broín took a deep breath and sighed. “Be straightforward with me,” he said. Lee could hear the desperation in his voice. “Is there a way to fight him?”

  “Yes,” Lee answered with conviction. “He is not all powerful - at least, not yet. Keep doing what you’re already doing for now. Before it’s over, we will need allies anywhere we can find them. It
may not come to all-out war, but if it does, we’ll need to be united and ready. My friends and I are journeying to a place that may reveal a way to end this without bloodshed, but there is no guarantee of success.”

  “Then we will aid you in any way you wish,” Broín said with resolve. “Simply tell me what it is you need.”

  “There is only one thing I would ask,” Lee replied. “It is a personal request, but one of great importance to me.”

  “Ask,” Broín invited. “I will help if I can.”

  “There are people dear to me in Hazrah,” he said. “I cannot abandon the things I must do, so I will send my friend and companion in my stead.”

  Millet’s eyes went wide. “You don’t mean to send me away!” he cried.

  “Please,” Lee begged. “You must see my wife and child safely away from Hazrah. I can trust no one else, and they will believe you when they see you.”

  Millet nodded his head and put his hand on Lee’s shoulder. “I will do everything in my power to make sure nothing happens to them.”

  Lee turned to Broín. “I would not have him go alone, so I ask that you send someone to help him as he needs. I can pay all of the expenses, and whoever goes will be well rewarded.”

  “I will go,” Malstisos volunteered. “But do not insult me with promise of reward. You are a friend to my kin, and that is enough.” He smiled at Millet. “We leave when you are ready.”

  “Thank you,” said Lee. “I hope one day to return the favor. Now, if you all don’t mind, we’ve had a long journey, and I’m sure my companions are longing to spend some time in a warm bed.”

  “I agree,” said Broín. “We can talk more tomorrow.”

  They all rose up from their chairs and bid one another goodnight.

  Gewey went straight to bed, while Millet and Lee discussed the rescue of Lee’s family. Kaylia stopped in to give Gewey his nightly dose of jawas tea, a routine he had come to look forward to.

  “She certainly does take good care of you,” Millet observed. “A thing not to be taken for granted.”

  Normally such teasing would have embarrassed Gewey, but tonight he just smiled and let the jawas take him away.