“I wish we had more time,” said Gewey.
“I agree,” said Aaliyah. “We should send an envoy here as soon as possible.”
“But what if you're right?” Gewey couldn't help but think about what might happen if the desert elves were to leave their home. “What if it is the desert that lets them live for so long?”
Weila stopped in her tracks. “My people will not sacrifice their honor for a long life. Do not think on it any further.”
“How long do you live?” asked Gewey.
“Our elders see nine hundred years or more,” she replied. “But think on this. I listened to your story. You have lived more in your short life than any elf that walks the sands. I would give all of my years to live a life of substance, however short it may be. If we step off the sand and perish, it would still be better than to have hidden ourselves away in fear and dishonor.”
Weila led them for ten miles before reaching a rock formation similar the one they had seen on their journey to the Waters of Shajir. Once again they descended deep underground.
This time their trip riding a slithas on the Blood of the Desert seemed to pass by much more quickly. Weila regaled them with tales of her homeland with ceaseless energy.
Finally, she turned to Aaliyah. “I noticed that during your recount of events you spoke very little of your own home. Surely there is much to tell.”
“There is,” she replied. “More than could be told in the time we have.”
“Then tell me of your village,” said Weila.
Aaliyah laughed. “Well, my village is actually a city of more than one-hundred thousand elves.”
Gewey cocked his head. “Then that's something I'd like to hear about too.”
“Very well,” she said, laughing softly. “My city is called Parylon. It is on the shores of what you know as the Western Abyss, though on the other end and many leagues away.” Her voice became distant. “To put is simply, Parylon is beautiful. Tall silver spires that glimmer majestically in the sunlight, dwarfing the redwood forest that border it to the east. Between the spires are lavish homes and stunning gardens. Halls of learning and meditation are built from the finest marble, and adorned with sculptures and reliefs lovingly carved by the greatest artisans the world has ever seen. One could spend a hundred years wandering the city and never see them all.
“The streets are paved with polished green slate that reflects the light of the noonday sun, making the whole city look as if it were an extension to the Creator's grace. In winter, when the sea churns and foams, the spires cast a green shadow, transforming the coast into an emerald field of waves and sand.
“Each afternoon the city fills with music and laughter. We boast six schools where the finest musicians study, teach, and compose. Each afternoon, the students take to the streets so that the world can listen to what they have learned. In the evening, the masters give concerts in the city square. As a young girl I would wait for hours and hours for the song masters to arrive, and listen until my mother would find me and take me home.
“At night, a million lights shine more brilliantly than the stars in the heavens. During the spring, the moss of the listorlia grows on rooftops in never-ending intricate swirling patterns. In the light of the full moon it glows softly and releases its snow white spores into the air, covering the streets in a blanket of sweet smelling wonder.”
She paused and sighed sadly. “I do miss it.”
“How could anyone leave such a place?” asked Weila. “Why would your people have come here to begin with, when such magic exists in their homeland?”
Aaliyah smiled. “I look at your desert home and see far more magic. For all our accomplishments, we have nothing like the Blood of the Desert, or the Waters of Shajir. And our life is not without peril. I tell you of the best we have to offer. These are the things I love, yet not all there is. Beyond our borders lives a brutish race of foul creatures. We call them the Morzhash. Though only the Creator knows what they call themselves.”
“What are they?” asked Gewey.
“We do not know for certain,” she replied. “They are twice the size of any human, stronger than any elf, and covered in thick black hair. Their faces are twisted and flat, with a swine like nose and narrow red eyes.”
“Are they intelligent?” asked Weila.
“They are cunning to be sure,” said Aaliyah. “And deadly, though it seems they possess nothing more sophisticated than clubs and spears. They do not work metal, and live in makeshift huts as they hunt and scavenge the forests and jungles. Occasionally we find what remains of a camp, but have never yet found any permanent settlements. As far as we know, they live a nomadic life.”
“It wouldn't seem like they could trouble your people too much,” said Gewey.
“For thousands of years they have been little more than a nuisance,” she replied. “They raid a village, or attack a traveler. We have captured a few, but have never been able to decipher their crude language. In fact, until the time of my grandmother, we had no idea they even had a language.”
Gewey tried to picture the creatures in his mind. “You say they raid your villages. Why?”
Aaliyah shrugged. “There is no apparent reason. They take nothing. They simply kill and destroy.”
“Why not hunt them down?” asked Weila.
“We have tried,” she replied. “For all their size and girth, they move through the forest with amazing speed. And they disappear long before we can track them.”
“Still, it seems like a minor problem,” said Gewey.
“Until the past few years, it has been,” she said. “But lately their raids have become more brazen. They have begun to invade deeper into our land than ever before.”
“You think it is because of what's happening here?” asked Gewey.
“It may be linked somehow,” Aaliyah replied. “The Morzhash would certainly make formidable allies should the Dark Knight find a way to control them.”
The thought of these massive savage beasts fighting on the side of the Dark Knight sent chills down Gewey’s spine. The Vrykol were bad enough, but should these creatures reach their shores, they could cause fear and panic across the land. “We must hope the two things are not related,” he said.
Weila laughed, shocking Gewey out of his morbid thoughts. “Beasts or no beasts, I intend to see your city, Aaliyah. And may the Creator help any pig-nosed oaf that tries to stop me.”
Aaliyah smiled. “I would not worry. My city is one of three, and by far the oldest. The lands around us would burn to cinders before we let it fall. Though we did not come in great numbers to these shores, should the Dark Knight think to extend his grasp to my home, he will find that only the humans of this land could raise a larger army.”
“Your words give me hope,” said Weila. “I must admit, the elves of the desert have been alone for too long. Your arrival, Darshan, has brought us the hope of kinship.” She folded her hands and bowed her head. “Yes, I think that perhaps your arrival has saved us. A people cannot live without moving forward. We have become too set in our ways.”
Gewey reached out and touched her shoulder. “Darshan is a name given to me by a god. And yes, I am his son. But my father was a human. He raised me, and taught me to be the man I am. He named me for his father - Gewey.”
Weila’s face twisted as she tried not to laugh. “Gewey is a silly name for a savior.”
“Gewey is a human name,” he countered. “And it will be the human in me that fights the Dark Knight. I will either defeat him, or be destroyed myself. And should I win that battle - if I somehow find a way - nothing will change. Your people will still be in the desert.” His gaze shot to Aaliyah. His passion swelled. “Your people will still be across the sea. The world will still be the world. Humans, elves, and even the Morzhash. Nothing will change. Once there is victory - what then? What will you do with the world you are given?” The flow was raging through him as his voice roared. He closed his eyes, but his frustration and anger grew. He reached out desperatel
y. Aaliyah was there. His spirit had flown straight to her.
“Calm your storm,” she whispered. “I am here.”
Gewey shot an accusing glance. “You....I....” His eyes fell. “I don’t know why I said that. I suddenly felt angry. I am sorry.”
A tear spilled down Aaliyah's cheek. “There is no need to apologize. I could feel your passion. Your true nature is beginning to assert itself.”
“What do you mean?” he asked.
“You are what your nature has made you,” she explained. “Your human side is only one part of you. The gods are the most powerful beings ever created. And their feelings are equally powerful.”
“This is true,” agreed Weila. “Even in our stories, the anger, love, hate, and desires of the gods are far beyond those of mortals.”
“Are you saying I am becoming more…more god?” The idea frightened him.
“Perhaps,” Aaliyah replied. “I cannot say for certain. But I feel that you are changing.”
“How do you mean, you feel it?” asked Gewey.
“When you saved me, it created a bond between us,” said Aaliyah, smiling sweetly. She touched his cheek. “I knew it at once. I am surprised you did not.”
“But...but...” Gewey stammered. “What of Nehrutu? And what of Kaylia?”
“What we share is different,” she explained. “When you touched the essence of my spirit, I became a part of you.” She could see Gewey’s discomfort. “Do not fret. As far as I can tell it has not interfered with your connection to Kaylia. And as far as Nehrutu is concerned, that time between us has passed.” The mention of Nehrutu brought sadness to her voice.
This did little to ease Gewey’s mind. “Please release your hold on my bond with her,” he said.
“You could do this on your own, I suspect.” She sighed and nodded. “But very well. I will do as you ask.”
Suddenly, Gewey could feel the barrier being lifted. Instinctively, he reached out for Kaylia. She was there. Joy and rapture rushed through him as they became one. The longing was over. He was with her.
Aaliyah was barely able to shake him out of his communion before they arrived at their destination. Weila led them back to the surface. As they emerged, the sun was just going down and Gewey could taste the salty sea air. Three hours later they were back to where they had left their small boat tied up on the beach. Gewey and Aaliyah said a heartfelt farewell to Weila, then made their way back to the ship. The crew cheered wildly as they climbed on deck.
“Tales will have to wait until tomorrow,” announced Aaliyah. “We are both weary from travel.”
That night Gewey washed and slid into bed, still excited that he could contact Kaylia once again.
“I envy her good fortune,” said Aaliyah as she lay down and pulled the blanket tightly around her.
Gewey looked over. “I am the fortunate one. And not only because of Kaylia.”
Chapter 22
Kaylia ran through the halls of Valshara, nearly knocking over several people as she raced past. On reaching the healing chamber she threw open the door. Nehrutu was treating a wounded soldier who had been hurt building the gallows.
“You look happy,” he remarked. “Has something happened?”
“Aaliyah has released her hold on Gewey,” she replied, speaking and laughing at the same time.
“That is good,” said Nehrutu. “Were they successful?”
“They were,” she replied. “They are returning as we speak. Better still, Aaliyah has given up her quest for Gewey's heart.”
Nehrutu nodded. “Then you have won. You should be pleased.”
“I am.” She knelt beside Nehrutu. “But this also means you can be with Aaliyah again.”
“Perhaps,” he replied skeptically. “First, I would first like to know what happened to sway her. She does not give up easily. That she abandoned her aspirations for Gewey does not necessarily mean she wishes to return to me.”
The door opened and Selena entered. Her face was dark with worry. “I have received a message from the one called Yanti.”
“What does it say?” asked Kaylia.
“He is demanding the release of his soldiers,” she replied. “He says that he rightfully occupied Valshara by order of King Halmara. Halmara claims that Valshara rests within the borders of his kingdom, and not those of King Lousis.”
“Do you think there is any truth to this?” asked Nehrutu.
“I don't know,” she replied. “But if there is, King Lousis may be in danger. We must warn him. The council will be meeting any day now.”
“Yanti may be trying to draw you out into the open,” Nehrutu suggested. “If you leave these walls you will be vulnerable.”
“I agree.” She furled her brow. “I have already sent a messenger. But if what Salmitaya says is true, Yanti is powerful. If he defeated my son, he will certainly be able to stop a messenger from getting through easily enough.”
“There is nothing to do but wait and see,” said Nehrutu.
The door flew open and Matrus, one of Selena's personal guards entered. He looked pale and anxious. “High Lady. There is someone requesting your presence at the gate. He says his name is Yanti.”
Selena's eyes widened in surprise. “I want archers on the wall at once,” she ordered. “Tell them to not let him out of their sight.”
“A bold move,” Nehrutu mused. “Or he does not fear us. Will you speak to him?”
Selena thought for a moment. “I will.”
“But High Lady....” objected Matrus.
“Don't worry,” said Selena, smiling. “If this Yanti fellow makes a move to harm me, it will be his last. No, I think if assassination was his goal, he would not simply walk up to the gates.”
“Still,” Nehrutu said, “you should keep your distance. I will accompany you.”
“As will I,” added Kaylia, thumbing her knife.
“Now go,” Selena said to Matrus. “I want archers on the wall in five minutes.”
Matrus turned quickly and sped off.
Selena allowed sufficient time for the archers to get into position before making her way to the front gate. Yanti stood a few yards away from the entrance. He was dressed in an elegant red shirt, black trousers, and a black satin jacket with polished gold buttons. A red leather belt held a beautifully crafted gold hilted rapier. His brown curly hair was oiled and pushed back in true noble fashion. He flashed a broad smile and bowed low as they approached.
“Thank you for seeing me, High Lady,” he said.
“What is it you want, Yanti?” asked Selena, trying to contain her anger.
“As my message said,” he replied, “I want my men. Oh, and Salmitaya as well, if you please.” He spoke her name as if it were an afterthought.
“Your men are to be hanged,” said Selena. “And you will never see Salmitaya again.”
Yanti laughed and wagged his finger. “There is no reason to hang my men. They are not criminals. And as for dear, sweet Salmitaya - what possible use would you have for her? She has no information useful to you.”
“Your men are criminals,” she shot back. “They broke into my home and slaughtered my people. That was the act of thugs, not soldiers. And they will be treated as such.”
“They acted on orders given by the lord of this land, my love,” said Yanti. “Your temple's very existence is in clear violation of the laws of King Halmara and the city of Skalhalis. I simply carried out the will of a trusted ally. Your quarrel is with him. Not me; not my men; and certainly not poor Salmitaya. If you release them to me then we can all put this unpleasant business behind us.”
“You waste your breath,” barked Selena. “And my time. You think you can come here after what you have done and dictate to me what I must do?”
Yanti sighed and shook his head. “I think you would want to prevent further bloodshed, my love. I shudder to think what King Halmara will do when he learns what has happened here. Especially if you were to execute my men.” He glanced up at the archers on
the wall. “And please, do not think to harm me. Should that happen, the consequences to King Lousis would be most severe.” His smiled widened. “And you should know that your message to the king was not received, though I assure you that your messenger is unharmed - for now.”
Selena face turned red with fury. “If you harm him....”
Yanti held up his hand. “Fear not, my love. I am not an animal. I only take life when I must. After all, I did choose to leave your beloved son alive, did I not? I’m sure Salmitaya has told you of our little scuffle.”
It was all Selena could do not to order the archers to fill Yanti with arrows. “You should be most glad that you did. Or I swear your false king would hear your screams all the way in Angrääl.”
“I admire your passion,” said Yanti. “It is a shame you have chosen to be an enemy of the Reborn King. Your fall will cause me great sadness.”
“We shall see who falls,” she said, clenching her jaw. “If there is nothing more to say you should leave now, before I decide to do something rash.”
“I will leave when the matter of my men is settled,” said Yanti. “Release them by sundown and I will send word to Althetas to allow King Lousis to live. Do it not, and he will surely die.” He bowed again. “I will await your favorable reply.” He turned and strode off.
“Do you think he is telling the truth?” asked Kaylia. “Do you think he really has the means to assassinate the king?”
Selena watched as Yanti disappeared around a bend. “I don't know. But I’m not sure I can afford to take that risk.”
“And what of Salmitaya?” asked Nehrutu.
“No matter what happens, she will remain here,” Selena replied firmly. “I gave my word that she would not be returned to that brute, and I will keep it.”
Her next words seemed to stick in her throat. She knew what must be done, though it stabbed at her heart. “Prepare the prisoners for release,” she said. “But see to it they leave with nothing more than their underclothes. Pile their possessions in the center of the yard and burn them.”
Selena went to her quarters and sent for Salmitaya. A few minutes passed before a guard arrived with Salmitaya in shackles.
The Godling Chronicles : Bundle - Books 1-3 Page 90
