The Godling Chronicles : Bundle - Books 1-3

by Brian D. Anderson

  It was done. The elves now marched to meet their destiny.

  Chapter 13

  Gewey awoke to find Aaliyah sitting alongside and looking down at him with an expression of both curiosity and understanding. His dreams had been filled with visions of Kaylia, yet somehow he knew that Aaliyah could see his dreams. “Do you think about your unorem often?” he asked.

  She smiled tenderly. “It was not he who occupied my thoughts. There was another, years later.”

  “What happened?” He propped himself up on his elbows.

  She thought for a moment before replying. “It was best that we did not complete the bonding.” She touched his cheek. “Sometimes, what is in your heart is not what is best.”

  “I don't agree,” said Gewey. “My father taught me to follow my heart, and so far it has guided me well.”

  “Ah,” Aaliyah replied. “But your years are still few - at least in this world. You are a leader of both human and elf. I think, in time, you will find that you must do what is best for those you care for rather than follow your own desires.”

  “I do that now,” he asserted, ignoring the remark about his youth. “I think that if I follow my heart, I will do right by them.”

  “You think that now,” she said, withdrawing her hand. “But you have yet to face the burdens of leadership. You have been the student, but the time will soon come when the whole world will look to you for hope and strength. When that day arrives, then you will understand.”

  The camp was already abuzz with activity. Gewey could see that their hosts were making preparations to leave. A small group of them were digging a large hole just beyond the perimeter of the camp.

  “I wonder what that's for?” remarked Gewey.

  “We bury anything we leave behind,” said Pali as he strode up, a small pack slung across his back and a cloth bundle in his arms. “Here, these will be better for keeping you cool.” He tossed the bundle to Gewey.

  Inside, Gewey found two sets of clothes identical to those that Pali wore. He gave one set to Aaliyah, then found a private spot to change. The cloth felt cool on his skin and was far softer than it appeared. It was much like the elf clothing given to him by Theopolou.

  By the time he and Aaliyah had changed, the rest of the camp was already gathering. Pali and his mother stood side by side on the edge of the oasis speaking in hushed tones. Pali smiled when Gewey approached.

  “Now you look civilized,” Pali remarked approvingly. A moment later, Aaliyah appeared. She looked very much like a desert elf. “If you are ready, we have much ground to cover before sundown.”

  Weila embraced her son and bowed to Gewey and Aaliyah. “I pray you a safe journey. Listen to my son. He may not be a Sand Master, but he knows the desert. He will guide you well.”

  “I thank you for your aid and hospitality,” said Aaliyah. “I hope we meet again.”

  Weila smiled and turned away, moving slowly toward the other elves. Pali waved a farewell to them all, which was boisterously returned with cheers and shouts. Pali pointed Gewey and Aaliyah north, and within minutes they were around the dunes and out of sight.

  “Where are the others going?” asked Gewey.

  “They head east to join more of our people,” Pali replied. “Our business here is done.”

  “And what was your business?” asked Aaliyah.

  Pali unslung his pack and pulled out a thin, blue blanket. “This.” He handed it to Gewey. “We trade with the humans in this area for spices and wool.”

  The blanket was as soft as silk and warm to the touch, as if heated near a fire. “What is it made of?” Gewey asked, handing it back.

  “The plant is called Trulu.” He shoved it back into his pack. “It will keep you warm on the coldest night, though I still prefer a fire for comfort. Humans tend to be more sensitive to the cold. You will be happy I brought them come nightfall. With Soufis in the area, we cannot risk lighting a fire.”

  For the rest of the day they wound their way between the high dunes, with Pali occasionally climbing to the top to take a look around. The sun was brutally hot, and Gewey's legs burned from trudging through the soft, deep sand. After only two hours he drew in the flow to give himself enough strength to continue. To his great relief, Aaliyah caused a cool breeze to follow them, making the heat more bearable. This caused Pali to take notice.

  “My mother would be very displeased,” he remarked. “But I must admit, it is a useful skill.” He glanced at Gewey. “I was unaware that humans could also steal life from the earth. Perhaps the humans of the desert have forgotten such things.” Receiving no reply, and seeing Gewey's sudden unease, he shrugged. “It matters not.”

  They stopped only once to rest and did not eat. By sundown, even with using the flow, Gewey could still feel the tightness in his legs. He almost dreaded the evening when he would release it and the pain would set in. Once darkness began to fall they found a high dune and climbed up onto it to make camp.

  Pali distributed the blankets and some dried meat. “I know you may be accustomed to more frequent meals, but in the desert a full stomach will cause your gut to knot.” He smiled at Aaliyah. “Though, with such a soothing wind at our backs, perhaps tomorrow we will have a small midday meal.”

  Just as Gewey feared, the moment he released the flow, the pain in his legs struck hard. He moaned with discomfort.

  Pali laughed. “It will take some time to build your strength.”

  Aaliyah leaned over and placed her hands on his aching legs. Gewey could feel the flow rushing in and the pain immediately subsided.

  “Thank you,” he said. For once he did not feel shy at her touch. “My father told me stories as a child of terrible creatures that roam the desert. Some I can hardly believe.”

  Pali tilted his head and grinned. “There are all manner of beasts on the sands. But most will leave you alone, as long as you do the same.”

  “What about the giant lizards?” asked Gewey.

  “Your father must have listened to an elf lore master to have heard such stories,” said Pali. “If they exist, they must be in the North West canyons where no human or elf roams. I have never seen such a creature here, and there are few places among the dunes I have not traveled.”

  Gewey couldn't help but be disappointed. “What about wolves?”

  Pali nodded. “They are very real. Though not as perilous as people believe them to be. They will not trouble you as long as you have a companion with you, and even an elf does not wander the desert alone. Not even a Sand Master.”

  They stayed up and talked for another hour. Aaliyah kept quiet, preferring to listen. The wind brushed across the dune rhythmically, but Gewey found the blanket to be more than adequate for keeping out the cold. Soon he felt himself drift.

  Even as his breathing grew deep and steady, he was woken again by a low grumble. He rose quickly to see Pali and Aaliyah already on their feet with weapons drawn. Reaching down, he freed his sword, at the same time filling himself with the flow.

  “What is it?” Gewey whispered.

  “Wolves,” Pali replied in a low tone.

  “I thought you said they didn't bother people,” said Gewey. He closed his eyes and listened. At once he sensed them. Six beasts, all as large as ponies, were slowly circling the dune. The feral growls rose, causing the hairs on the back of his neck to stand up.

  “They don't,” said Pali. “There's something wrong. I have never heard of them preying on anything but a lone traveler. And even that is rare.”

  “Do not fear,” said Aaliyah. She drew in the power of the air. A small ball of flame burst to life above her head. “I have faced fierce beasts in my lands, yet I still live.”

  “They go for the throat,” warned Pali. “Stay low.”

  No sooner had he spoken than all six rushed up the hill at once. Their speed made a Vrykol seem slow by comparison, and their immense paws appeared to glide effortlessly across the sand. The flame above Aaliyah flew away from her and exploded, engulfing the lea
ding wolf in white-hot fire. It let out a high-pitched cry and tumbled back down the dune. Gewey caused the sands beneath another creature to heave skyward, but to his dismay the wolf fell back only stunned. Another jumped at his throat, and he only just managed to duck away in time. The wolf slid to a halt and turned, its teeth gnashing. Gewey quickly glanced over his shoulder. One wolf lay dead at Pali's feet; he was keeping another at bay with his long scimitar.

  A flash of light illuminated the dune and Gewey heard another wolf cry out. By then the wolf attacking him had recovered. It didn't go for his throat as the first one had, instead choosing to run straight at him with cruel teeth gleaming. Gewey brought his blade down in a narrow arc, splitting its skull completely in two. Even so, its body slammed into him, knocking him from his feet. The other wolf was on him the moment he fell, bringing its deadly jaws down hard at Gewey’s neck. He raised his sword and steel met fangs. He then pushed hard with the flow to send the wolf sprawling. It landed a few feet down the side of the dune, turned, stopped and glared back hatefully.

  Gewey struggled to his feet. Aaliyah and Pali were already next to him. Pali's left shoulder hung loosely at his side, his shirt soaked with blood that ran down his arm and poured off the end of his fingertips. As it continued to stare, the beast’s black eyes suddenly glowed with an unnatural green light, then it slowly backed away and disappeared into the darkness.

  Pali stumbled and collapsed. Gewey caught him, gently lowering him to the ground.

  Aaliyah knelt down and ripped away Pali's shirt. Blood was still pumping from the vicious bite. The teeth had sunk deep, nearly tearing his shoulder away from its socket. She closed her eyes and directed her power at the wound.

  Pali tried to push her away. “No,” he protested. “You cannot.”

  Aaliyah did not yield. “I swore an oath to your mother that you would return unharmed. I intend to keep it.” She looked up at Gewey. “You must help me.”

  Gewey placed his hands on top of Aaliyah's and their spirits combined. The flow rushed through him, and for the first time he drew both air and earth together as she guided his energy. Pali struggled at first, then gasped, arching his back. Gewey could feel the wound close as the flow surrounded it. He had healed before, but Aaliyah's skill astounded him. In less than a minute, the wound had closed.

  “We must help him to recover the blood he has lost,” she whispered. She sent the power deep inside Pali's body. It expanded and pulsed, saturating him completely. Finally, she lifted her hands and smiled. “It is done.”

  Gewey stared at her in awe. He understood now just how much he still had to learn.

  Pali sat up, his face twisted in anger. “What you did is forbidden. You had no right....”

  “I had every right,” snapped Aaliyah. “I made a promise to your mother. And even if I hadn’t, I would not allow another elf to suffer death when I had the power to prevent it.” She rose to her feet. “I need not justify myself to you. If you prefer death, seek it somewhere else. And if you must leave us, so be it.”

  Pali glared for a long moment, then closed his eyes and lowered his head. “I will not leave you. I made a promise as well.” He looked up at Aaliyah and rose to his feet. “I will guide you. But we must leave this place before the scavengers catch the scent. They can be far deadlier than even the wolves.”

  The slain creatures were scattered across the top and sides of the dune, but it was the unnatural glow of the retreating wolf's eyes that still burned most in Gewey’s mind as they moved on. Pali led them east for about an hour before bringing them atop another dune. Here, they all wrapped the blankets tightly around themselves and stared into the darkness. Gewey reached out with the flow and to his great relief heard nothing.

  “I am sorry I was angry,” said Pali after a time. “You saved my life. But you must understand how we feel about such things.”

  “I do understand,” said Aaliyah. “And had there been another way, I would not have gone against your wishes. But I will not return your dead body to your mother when I have the means to prevent it.”

  Pali smiled and chuckled softly. “No. If I were you, I suppose I wouldn't want to do that either. And if you knew her better, then that feeling would become even stronger.”

  “You said that you've never seen wolves attack like that,” stated Gewey.

  “No I have not.” He looked sideways at Gewey. “Nor have I seen their eyes glow green light before. Something evil has entered the sands.” He pulled the blanket closer. “Perhaps the Creator had you save me to find out what it is - and destroy it.”

  “Perhaps,” Aaliyah agreed. “Still, I will not have you go beyond the border of the Oasis. From there we go on without you.”

  “I go where I please,” said Pali. “Besides, it seems to me that it is unwise to camp alone. If the wolves will attack the three of us, they would certainly attack a single elf.”

  Aaliyah thought hard on this. “Perhaps you are right. But if what your mother says is true, the dangers within the Black Oasis may be far worse.”

  “Whatever dangers are out there,” said Pali. “I would rather face them with friends at my side.” He smiled at Gewey. “Even if those friends are human. Though I must admit, you fight like no human I've ever seen. I am certainly grateful that the Soufis are not as fierce as you.”

  “I was trained well,” said Gewey.

  The rest of the night was quiet, though none of them slept. They continued on their way an hour before dawn. As they walked Gewey flooded himself with the flow, listening for any signs of danger.

  “We will arrive at the Oasis by sundown,” said Pali. “I suggest we wait until tomorrow before entering. I would not want to brave the Black Oasis at night.”

  “Agreed,” said Aaliyah.

  By late afternoon, Gewey was becoming increasingly and inexplicably anxious. It was as if an aloof presence lurked just beyond his senses. From time to time he glanced over at Pali and Aaliyah. They seemed untroubled, although alert.

  An hour before sundown the dunes began to flatten and Gewey noticed a jagged black stripe peaking over the horizon. It stretched for miles in either direction, and even in the waning sun heat radiated above it, causing the air to ripple and twist. Gewey tried to use the flow to see it more clearly, but light reflected off the surface, distorting his vision.

  “We're here,” said Pali. “The Black Oasis.”

  “Indeed,” remarked Aaliyah.

  “It's enormous,” said Gewey.

  “Yes, it is,” agreed Pali. “It is twice as deep as it is wide, and so thick with trees and brush, one can hardly move. A path exists, but we'll have to find it.”

  “We should stop here.” Aaliyah eyed the Oasis warily. “This is as close as I want to be at night.”

  “Then we rest here and look for the path in the morning,” said Pali.

  That night Gewey's sleep was troubled by a dark presence. Several times he awoke, reaching for his blade. Aaliyah did not sleep at all. She sat hugging her knees close to her chest, peering into the blackness. Only Pali slept properly, drifting off almost as soon as he lay down.

  Finally, deciding that restful sleep was out of his grasp, Gewey sat down next to Aaliyah. The presence remained. “Do you feel it?” he asked.

  “Yes,” she replied. “Something resides there. Something ancient. Something with fury in its heart.”

  Gewey glanced over at the sleeping figure of Pali. “How can he sleep so near this place?”

  She pulled the blanket tight around her. “It could be that he cannot feel it. Or...”

  “Or what?” he asked.

  “Or perhaps whatever lives there chooses not to trouble him.”

  She shuddered. “If that is so, then it knows we are here. Either way, I am pleased our guide will be rested. I feel we will need all of our wit and strength very soon.”

  Chapter 14

  Theopolou led the army at a pace that would have astounded any human warlord or general. They paused briefly only once a day
to rest and take a quick meal. At night they made camp alongside the roads and trails, sleeping for only a few hours, then marching on again before the sun had even broken the horizon.

  Kaylia and Nehrutu continued with their lessons, though only for an hour each day. Still, she progressed rapidly, and by the third day of the march was able to allow the flow to pass through her with ease. By the end of the first week she could move small amounts of earth, and use the power to heighten her senses far beyond that of even the most experienced seeker.

  Scouts brought news of Valshara preparing for a siege, with sightings of at least a dozen Vrykol roaming the area surrounding the temple. A guard of twenty men blocked the path leading up to the gates, and bowmen patrolled the ramparts both day and night. Theopolou had hoped that they might be able to enter through the rear passageway, but the latest reports told him that this had now been completely blocked off.

  The army turned north to avoid coming too close to Valshara before joining with the human forces. It added an extra day, but Theopolou felt it better to hide their numbers until the last moment. The terrain became rocky and jagged, causing them to twist and turn to avoid spots where they could be ambushed.

  The day before they arrived, Theopolou called a council of the elders. Nehrutu and Mohanisi joined them, as did Linis and Kaylia. Theopolou had received word that the soldiers from Althetas awaited them twenty miles north of Valshara.

  “This means they will be expecting an attack to come soon,” said Chiron. “A human army is loud and easily spotted.”

  “It is likely they know we are coming as well,” said Theopolou. “It is not the battle that will take them by surprise. It is the weapons we bring.” He motioned to Nehrutu and Mohanisi, who stepped forward.

  “We can break open the gates,” said Nehrutu. “But from the way they are described, it may take both of our efforts. The approach is narrow and exposed, so we will need to dispose of the enemy archers.”

  “Our bowmen can give you the time you need,” said Bellisia.