“Traitor,” Eftichis roared, drawing his sword.
“Stay your blade, Eftichis,” Theopolou commanded. He turned back to Akakios.
“You pretended to befriend Gewey. You were instrumental in the slaying of dozens of your kin. You betrayed your lord, and dishonored your name.”
“I did what I did to help you keep your honor,” Akakios replied, angrily. “You would have us bow to this abomination. You would lead our people to their doom. Don't you see? I was protecting you from yourself.” Tears streamed down his face. “But I swear I never meant for so many to die.”
“For just one elf to die by your actions is unforgivable,” said Chiron furiously. “You have sealed your fate.”
“No,” said Theopolou. “Gewey has taught me a lesson this day. Akakios is in my service, and I will decide what is to be done with him.” He walked close to Akakios and leveled his eyes. “He is to be questioned. After that, release him with the other prisoner in three days’ time. He is exiled to the east. If he has any honor left, he will abide by this decision. If not, so be it.”
“Is that wise?” asked Chiron.
“Probably not,” Theopolou admitted. “But we must be better than those who oppose us. We must not succumb to vengeance or hatred. I will see elves return to grace, even if that means showing mercy to our enemies.” He stepped back and the two guards took Akakios away.
“What now?” asked Chiron.
Gewey handed the Book of Souls to Theopolou. The old elf gazed at it for a full minute before looking up again.
“I need to leave,” said Gewey. “I have to rescue Kaylia.”
“I understand,” said Theopolou. He put the Book back inside the box and closed it. “I will guard this for you until you return. In the meantime, we have much to discuss amongst ourselves.”
“I will come with you, Gewey Stedding,” said Eftichis.
“No,” said Theopolou. “You are needed here. Many are still not convinced that this is the way. I will need your help.”
“He's right,” said Gewey. “You must help Theopolou. Linis and I can track down the elves who have taken Kaylia.”
“But you will be outnumbered,” Eftichis argued. “At least let me send some of my guard with you.”
“Thank you,” said Gewey. “But I think Linis is all the help I'll need. If it comes down to a fight, I'd rather not risk more lives than I have to.”
As if on cue, Linis returned, his face grave. “There are no signs of my seekers.”
“Perhaps they were driven away,” said Eftichis.
“Perhaps,” said Linis. “Whatever the case, I have no time to look for them. I have found the attackers’ trail. They flee north at great speed. Some on horseback. We must leave now, or we will struggle to catch up.” He turned to Gewey. “Are you ready?”
Gewey checked his pack and sword. “I'm ready.”
“Good,” said Linis. “You can tell me later what has happened while I was gone. I'm sure it is worth hearing.”
“Indeed it is,” remarked Chiron.
Gewey placed his hands on Theopolou's shoulders. “I am in your debt, and I promise that Kaylia will be safe.”
“I have no doubt of that,” replied the old elf. “We will await your return.”
Without another word, Linis and Gewey raced off in pursuit of Kaylia.
Chapter 31
Linis took the lead as they raced across the bridge and back down the forest path. When they reached the end, Linis came to a halt.
“They went north through the woods from here,” he said. “Some on foot, some on horseback. We must hurry. If they are smart, they will split up soon.”
From the corner of his eye, Gewey noticed something resting on the ground. It was a tiny white flower - exactly the same type of flower that Kaylia had worn in her hair for the bonding ceremony.
“This was hers,” Gewey said.
“Then perhaps we are in luck,” said Linis, hopefully. “If this was indeed left by Kaylia, then it should make finding her easy. Of course, it’s possible that her captors may be using it to throw us off their trail. Can you tell if she is conscious?”
Gewey reached out to Kaylia, but with no better result than before. “No. I only know she lives. Still nothing more than that.” He brought the flower close and smelled the sweet fragrance. “But I feel that she dropped this for me to find.”
“Good,” said Linis. “Then our chances are greatly improved. Still, we must be careful.”
They continued for several hours, running as fast as they could without risking missing a sign. Gewey allowed the flow to rush through him, and soon it was Linis who lagged behind. Several times Gewey tried to hear their quarry, but to no avail. He had no idea of how far behind they were, and each step caused him greater anxiety. By mid-afternoon he was becoming frantic.
They paused to check the trail. “Why haven't we caught them yet?” demanded Gewey.
“I do not know.” Linis shook his head. “I have never seen such a large group move so swiftly.”
Gewey sensed something approach. Something foul. Linis sensed it a moment later.
“Vrykol,” Linis whispered.
They both drew their weapons and fixed their eyes on the forest ahead. As it approached, the air chilled and the woods became silent. From behind a thick pine the Vrykol then appeared, cloaked in a long black robe. It was taller and straighter than the ones they had faced outside the Temple of Valshara, though it moved with the same terrifying speed. It stopped short, fifty feet away, and drew a long sword. Its face was hidden in the shadow of its hood, and Gewey could hear the hiss of its breath.
“This one is mine,” thundered Gewey.
But he had barely taken another step forward when the Vrykol suddenly burst into flames. This was followed by a blinding flash of light that blasted him violently over onto his back. Then there was nothing but darkness.
When Gewey regained his senses he opened his eyes, but there was still only blackness.
Blind, he thought. He struggled to stand, but something was wrong. He couldn't feel his limbs. He shouted for Linis, and was relieved to hear the sound of his own voice. But there was no answer from the elf.
“Linis cannot hear you, boy,” came a voice from the darkness.
Gewey recognized it at once, although he had heard it only once before - the night his adventures had first began. “That's right,” said the voice. “I am here. You know me, don't you?”
“What do you want?” demanded Gewey. “Why have you brought me here? Wherever here is.”
The Dark Knight laughed softly. “Where you are is not important. As for why - I think you already know that.”
“Why can't I see you?” asked Gewey, his eyes straining to pierce the blackness.
“Do you want to see me?” he asked, amused.
“No,” replied Gewey. “I don't. We will see each other soon enough.”
“Indeed we will, little god. But until then, I would make you an offer.”
“I am not interested in anything you have to say,” said Gewey.
The Dark Knight's voice grew deep and menacing. “I have gone to a great deal of trouble in bringing you here,” he said. “I will not release you until I have said what I have to say. You will hear me.”
“You cannot hold me forever,” argued Gewey. “I am not the naïve boy you tried to trick the last time you spoke to me.”
“No?” he mocked. “If that fool of a half-man hadn't filled your head with lies and convinced you to flee, you might see things differently. You continue to challenge me, yet you still do not understand that I am not your enemy.”
This time it was Gewey's turn to laugh. “Is that so? How many people have you sent to kill me? How many more will come? You're a liar. You're nothing more than a deceiver with a sword. Release me now.”
“I have sent none to kill you,” he replied. “I have only wished for you to join me. Those I have sent could do you no lasting harm. If you used your mind, you would see
that. You cannot stop me, regardless of what you have been told by anyone. And once my labors are completed, you will be the last of your kind. Though I do despise the gods, I do not see you as one of them. Don't you see what we could accomplish if you joined me?”
“Accomplish? You mean destroy, don't you? You think I don't see what you mean to do to the elves?”
“I mean the elves no harm. Why should I? They can go about hiding from the world until the stars fade for all I care. They do not concern me.”
“Again a lie,” said Gewey. “If they don't concern you, then why attack them?”
“I have not attacked the elves,” he said. “Though I hear they attack each other.”
Gewey thought on this for a moment. What if Angrääl really wasn't responsible for the attack? He would have drawn them into a war based on a lie. “You expect me to believe that?”
“I expect you to do what you know you must,” he replied. “And that will lead you to me.”
“That it will,” said Gewey. “But it will be on my terms, not yours.”
The Dark Knight let out a deep, thundering laugh. “That is where you are wrong. You will come to me now - before you are able to do more harm. The half-man and his son are on their way here as we speak. They think to rescue his wife. They will fail. And my Vrykol have taken your elf mate from her captors.” The air stirred. “As you can see, I have all that you hold dear in my hands. And though it would pain me, I will flay them alive if you continue to oppose me. You may be willing to sacrifice Starfinder, but I doubt you would be so willing to allow your dearest Kaylia to suffer.”
Fear struck Gewey's heart. “If you harm her…”
“You will do what?” he boomed. “Kill me? I think not. You will do as you are told, or the ones you love will suffer for your lack of wisdom.”
The darkness pressed in. Gewey thought back to that first night in Sharpstone. This time, Lee would not be coming.
“Gewey?” It was the voice of Linis.
The darkness faded as light from the waning day crept in. “Gewey?” Linis repeated.
Gewey groaned as he tried to sit up. “Stay still,” said Linis.
Gewey ignored him and forced himself upright. “There is no time. We must catch up with Kaylia.” He tried to reach out to her but couldn't focus his mind. “What happened?”
“The Vrykol just burst into flames,” Linis answered, shaking his head. “Then you fell. Other than that, I don't know.”
Gewey struggled to his feet. “How long was I out?”
“Less than a minute,” replied Linis. “There's nothing left of the Vrykol.” He pointed to a smoldering pile of ashes several yards away. “Tell me what you saw.”
Gewey gathered his wits and recounted what happened.
“If the elves are in league with the Vrykol, that would explain why they move with such speed,” said Linis.
“Unless the Dark One is telling the truth,” Gewey offered. “What if Angrääl had nothing to do with this?”
“I doubt that,” said Linis. “But even so, it changes nothing. Even if what you were told is true, his armies will still march across the land very soon, and I do not believe he will just leave us in peace.”
Gewey reached out again. This time he was able to touch Kaylia's mind - though only for a moment. “She still lives,” he said.
He checked his pack and sheathed his sword. “I'm ready. And I will get her back.” His eyes narrowed as he steadily drew in more and more of the flow until the ground directly beneath them began to shake.
Linis nodded in approval. “Then let our quarry despair.”
End Book Two
Special Thanks
George Panagos- Kitty Bullard (GMTA Publishing)- Gerald and Donna Anderson- Vincentine Williams- Hunter and Sarah Anderson- Hector and Athena Ramos (I didn't forget Deserae, Raquel, and Nataly aka. Stormageddon)- Alex, Cassy, Ariel (of course Mia and Malaki), and Kyle DiBastista- Richie and Katie Gnyp- Jacob, Elizabeth and Jennie Bunton- Tara Ramerez-Tom Riddell (one of the first people to give me a shot)- Lilly Jean- Laura Will- Lisanne Cooper-(for the amazing editing job). Jen Frith Couch- Miklos Bartha- Christopher Martyn Smith- The folks from my home town (too many to name but I love you all)- Helenic Classical Charter School- All my new fans in India, the U.K. and Germany (thanks for reading)- And all the fans and supporters who have made this possible...
You're the best!!!
Authors Brian D. Anderson and Jonathan Anderson
ABOUT THE AUTHORS
Brian D. Anderson was born in 1971, and grew up in the small town of Spanish Fort, AL. He attended Fairhope High, then later Springhill College where his love for fantasy grew into a lifelong obsession. His hobbies include chess, history, and spending time with his son.
Jonathan Anderson was born in March of 2003. His creative spirit became evident by the age of three when he told his first original story. In 2010 he came up with the concept for The Godling Chronicles. It grew into an exciting collaboration between father and son. Jonathan enjoys sports, chess, music, games, and of course, telling stories.
The Godling
Chronicles
Book Three
“The Shadow of Gods”
Written by Brian D. Anderson
Original concept by Jonathan Anderson
The Godling Chronicles (Book Three) The Shadow of Gods
By
Brian D. Anderson
Original concept by Jonathan Anderson
Copyright © Brian D. Anderson 2012
Names, characters and incidents depicted in this book are products of the author's imagination, or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual events, locales, organizations, or persons, living or dead, is entirely coincidental and beyond the intent of the author or the publisher.
All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means whatsoever, including photocopying, recording or by any information storage and retrieval system, without written permission from the publisher and/or author.
Contents
Contents
Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Chapter 4
Chapter 5
Chapter 6
Chapter 7
Chapter 8
Chapter 9
Chapter 10
Chapter 11
Chapter 12
Chapter 13
Chapter 14
Chapter 15
Chapter 16
Chapter 17
Chapter 18
Chapter 19
Chapter 20
Chapter 21
Chapter 22
Chapter 23
Chapter 24
Chapter 25
Chapter 26
Chapter 27
Chapter 28
Chapter 29
Chapter 30
Chapter 31
Dedication
For Helen and “K”. Their devotion to each other is a constant source of inspiration.
Prologue
Theopolou and Eftichis sat quietly by the small fire. Over the past three days the makeshift camp had become a divided scene. Theopolou had convinced more than half of the remaining elders to join together against the armies of Angrääl, but Bellisia still held fast to her convictions. Her influence was the only thing preventing Theopolou from turning the tide completely.
“She is a stubborn one,” mused Eftichis.
“She believes in what she says,” said Theopolou. He looked out over the camp. Noble elves were wandering around in tattered and ripped clothing. The stench of burned out tents and decay of the wounded made him want to retch. “And I must admit, her arguments are compelling. There have been times I have doubted my own resolve because of her words.”
Eftichis nodded in agreement. “She has passion, there is no doubt about that. But we have pledged our houses to Gewey, and I for one will honor that pledge.”
“As will I,” said Theopolou. “Bu
t I cannot deny that my heart has been swayed to the brink. I only hope that my words have had a similar impact on her.”
Eftichis nodded. “As do I. The others are sure to join our cause if she relents.”
Theopolou stood up and rubbed the back of his neck. “True. And we will need them if we are to have any hope of succeeding.”
“Perhaps you should simply try to focus their attention on the elves of the Steppes,” Eftichis offered. “It would end the debate. At least for now. We all know that they must be dealt with.”
Theopolou shook his head. “No. We must deal with all of the forces arrayed against us at the same time. I believe that one cannot be conquered without the other. They are intertwined.” He felt old and weary. “This may break our people. But we have no other choice.”
“But Gewey...” said Eftichis, an edge of desperation creeping into his voice. “He can help us remain whole, can he not?”
Theopolou sighed. “Gewey may be a god, but he is not the Creator. As powerful as he is - and will become still - he struggles as well. Gewey does not, and never will, have the power to restore our people. Can he save us from annihilation? Perhaps. But we cannot look to him for our salvation.”
“But he opened the Book of Souls,” Eftichis contended. “Surely...”
“And what of it?” asked Theopolou, cutting him off. “Did you hear what he said when he read the title?” His eyes gazed into the fire. “It is a true history. A true history.”
“Yes, and...” Eftichis began, but the sight of Theopolou's sadness halted him.
“I am the eldest of the elders,” said Theopolou in a half-whisper. “I lived through the Great War. But unlike the others, I am old enough to have seen what we were before. We were a broken people, even then. Arrogant and selfish. We were so convinced that humans were inferior.”
“But they are,” said Eftichis. “They are fragile and weak. They grovel in the mud and live in squalor. How could we not see them as a lesser people?”
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