The Sword of Truth tgc-1

by Brian D. Anderson

“Gewey,” it called again. This time the voice was louder.

  He felt the thump, thump of the earth coursing through his veins. He looked for someone to fight, but there was no one.

  “Gewey!” This time, the voice broke through. It was Kaylia.

  He shook his head as the world crashed in. He expected to see the dead bowmen lying all around him, but he found he wasn’t where he thought he would be. Instead, he stood fifty yards away, among the first group of men. Lee and Kaylia were standing nearby, staring at him in awe.

  “They’re all dead,” said Kaylia. She slowly walked over to him and put her hand on his sword arm.

  “How did I get here?” Gewey asked, bewildered.

  “You don’t remember?” Lee countered.

  “Not really,” he replied, trying to make sense of what had just happened. “I mean…I do, but it’s like I see it through someone else’s eyes. What did I do?”

  It was then he noticed the carnage around his feet. The dead were scattered everywhere, their limbs severed cleanly, as if cut off by a razor instead of a sword. He heard the sickly squish of blood and earth as he shifted his feet.

  “I watched you kill over a dozen men as if they were ants,” Lee said. “Some of them you cut completely in half. I had just finished causing confusion in the first group of men when the arrows began to fall; only one or two of the men were struck, and none of them fatally. I was actually worried that this might not work when I saw you charging in. I didn’t even have a chance to raise my sword again before you took out half of them. In all my days, I’ve never seen anything like it.”

  Gewey looked down at his sword. It dripped with blood. He couldn’t believe what he had done, nor did he know how to feel about it. In a daze, he reached down, tore some cloth from one of the dead soldiers, and cleaned his sword.

  “We should leave,” Kaylia suggested. “I don’t want to see what the dawn brings here.”

  “Agreed.” Lee looked at Gewey with concern. “Are you alright?”

  “I will be,” he replied. “Eventually.”

  “I know how hard it is the first time you are forced to kill,” Lee reassured him. “But you’ll get through it. I’ll help you.”

  “That’s just it,” Gewey replied. “It isn’t the killing that bothers me, even though I know it should.”

  “What is it then?”

  “It’s the feeling,” Gewey said coldly. “It was like something inside me took over…and it felt…good. I never understood what power is until this moment.” He turned his back to Lee. “I don’t think I can wield it. It’s too much-too tempting.”

  Lee smiled and put his hand on Gewey’s shoulder. “That’s why you can,” he said softly. “Understanding the danger of power is the only way to wield it wisely and with compassion. I’m sorry you had to learn it this way, but I am pleased that you understand the dangers. That gives me hope…for all of us.”

  Gewey looked over his shoulder and nodded. “Thank you. I’ll be fine in a while. It’s just that so much has happened so quickly. It’s a bit overwhelming.”

  “I understand,” said Lee. “I really do. But we need to leave now. We’ll talk more when we stop again.”

  Dina was waiting with the horses when she saw them approach, covered in blood. The far away stare on Gewey’s face filled her with concern. She wanted to ask if he was all right, but he didn’t even look up at her. He climbed in the saddle and sat there motionless.

  “What happened?” Dina asked.

  “They’re all dead,” Lee told her. “We should have no more trouble- at least until we get to Althetas.”

  They rode on until daybreak, giving Gewey time to think on what had happened. A flood of regret and anxiety filled his heart, and suddenly the faces of the men he killed became clear. He could see the horror in their eyes as his sword cut through them. By the time he dismounted, he was weeping uncontrollably.

  “I know, Gewey,” Lee said comfortingly. “Most people who are forced to kill aren’t put into a situation like that. I’d like to say it gets easier, but it doesn’t.”

  “It doesn’t seem to bother you or Kaylia,” he sobbed. “I’ve seen you both kill. Sometimes you even look like you enjoy it.”

  “I never enjoy killing,” Lee replied. “I feel it every time. It’s just that I’ve come to terms with it. And I was much older the first time I took a life.”

  “It is right that you weep,” Kaylia interjected. “As the elves say, you have become a bringer of death.”

  “That’s enough,” Lee snapped.

  “No,” Gewey said, “Let her speak. I want to hear it.”

  “You are not a human,” Kaylia continued. “But nor are you an elf. You are a power in this world, and death will follow you wherever you go. But you must learn that without it, there can be no victory. Those men you killed tonight stood against all that you love and honor.

  “Suppose you found a way to let them live. Do you think they would thank you, return to their homes, and raise crops?” she asked. “No. You would find yourself facing them again and again.

  “You should weep because you have left a part of yourself behind that is innocent. Mourn the loss, but rejoice that you have gained the strength to protect those that you love from the evils of this world. We elves do not take a life lightly, but once done, it cannot be undone. We gain strength in the knowledge that each person we kill is set free and cleansed of all evil. To meet the creator, purified, is the greatest gift one can bestow.”

  “Are you saying you believe you can only be forgiven if you are killed in battle?” Gewey asked.

  “Not at all,” she replied. “We believe that all spirits are pure. Only in life is someone evil. We do not believe that the sins of this life continue to the afterlife. How could we? Atonement would be impossible, and we would be doomed for all eternity.”

  “I just wish the pain would go away,” said Gewey. “At first it was different…I felt almost numb. But then it all came rushing in. I know I must cope with this, but I think it will take time to learn how.”

  “There are no easy answers,” Lee acknowledged. “But the fact that you’re asking questions tells me that you’re on the right path. In time, you’ll find a way to deal with the pain. But I don’t think you’ll ever forget it; I know I haven’t.”

  Gewey lowered his head in thought. “I wish I understood what happened. It was as if the sword came alive in my hand. I could feel the power of the earth like never before. It was intoxicating.”

  “I think I might know what happened,” Dina chimed in, approaching the trio. “I think it had something to do with the bond between you and your sword.”

  “My sword?”

  “It’s made from the same material as my medallion. It’s more than just a way we identify one another. We also use it to focus our energy when we meditate. The more talented among us can use it to project their spirit and see other places without physically being there. I think your sword may have amplified your abilities in some way. I’m not sure how, but perhaps someone at the temple could tell you when we get there.”

  “If that’s the case, you should be careful until we understand it better,” Lee advised.

  Gewey nodded. It made sense. The heat of the sword and the pulse of the earth coursing through his body; it was as if he and the energy were one. He would definitely have to take care. They ate a quick meal of dried figs and water, then continued on. The remainder of their trip was less than comfortable; Lee refused to allow a fire, and the nights were cold. Kaylia huddled next to him on several occasions. At first, he felt uneasy, but by the third night he looked forward to it. Their speed had them just outside of Althetas in only six days.

  The few towns along the way were easy enough to avoid. Gewey marveled at the endurance of their mounts; even after a hard ride, they acted as though they were ready to run some more. It was little wonder the people of the steppes guarded their animals jealously, as just one would be worth a dozen of any other horse he had ever seen.
He promised himself to return to Sharpstone with one. The whole village would be envious, and he smiled at the thought. When they were ten miles from the city, Lee told them to make camp. He and Kaylia would scout ahead in case there were any surprises. Gewey told him he wanted to join them, but Lee stubbornly refused.

  “I’ll not have you captured or killed just before we reach our destination,” said Lee. “Besides, I need you to guard the horses.” He was careful not to say that he also needed Gewey to protect Dina. He wasn’t in the mood for that argument again.

  To Gewey and Dina’s delight, Lee decided it would be all right to risk a small fire.

  “At least we won’t be sitting here in the dark while they’re off having fun,” Dina said, after Lee and Kaylia had left.

  “I was getting a bit tired of sitting in the dark, too,” he admitted.

  Dina got some dried meat and flat bread from her pack and split it with Gewey.

  “I have a surprise,” she said impishly, then pulled a small flask from inside her saddlebag. When she opened it, the smell of plum brandy filled the air. “Broin gave it to me just before we left.” She took a sip, then passed it to Gewey.

  Gewey hadn’t really been a big fan of plum brandy, but he took it anyway. The far-too-sweet taste made it hard to swallow. “Thanks,” he said, forcing a smile.

  Dina laughed. “I see how much you enjoy plum brandy,” she teased. “Still, I refuse to drink alone.” She grabbed the flask and took a sizable mouthful. “I’ve noticed you and Kaylia have become rather…close.”

  “What do you mean?” Gewey asked, suddenly embarrassed. “We’re friends.”

  “Is that how you feel about her?” she replied with a slight grin.

  Gewey became painfully aware of Dina’s eyes on him and noticed that she had moved closer. “Of…of course,” he stuttered. “What else would I feel?”

  “That’s not for me to say,” she said, handing him the flask again. “But I see how she looks at you.”

  “How’s that?” Gewey asked, not really wanting to hear the answer.

  “Like one who is in love.” Her eyes twinkled in the firelight and her voice was playful. “Don’t pretend you don’t know what I’m talking about. I’ve seen the way you look at her, too.”

  “I…I didn’t mean to…I wasn’t-” He couldn’t find the words. His heart was beating so fast he felt like it would burst from his chest.

  Dina draped her arm around his shoulders and met his eyes. “It seems you are in quite a dilemma, wouldn’t you say?” Suddenly she jumped up, spun around on her toes, and danced around the fire. “Don’t worry; these things have a way of sorting themselves out.”

  Gewey wasn’t sure if the whole thing was just a cruel joke or not.

  For the next few hours, he tried to avoid conversation, but Dina kept at him until he finally stormed off and pretended to check his horse.

  When Lee returned with Kaylia, Gewey could barely look up at her. He was afraid she would see him blushing, and he’d had quite enough embarrassment for one night.

  “Everything looks fine all the way to the gate,” Lee told them, as he retrieved his blanket from his saddlebag. He sniffed the air. “Is that plum brandy I smell?”

  “It is indeed,” Dina answered cheerfully as she threw him the flask. “I saved you some.” Lee nodded gratefully and took a sip.

  Kaylia noticed Gewey was out of sorts. “What’s wrong?”

  “Nothing,” Gewey lied. “I’m fine. I’m just tired.”

  “We should try to get a good night’s sleep,” Lee said. “Tomorrow should be a telling day.”

  They all rolled out their blankets and laid down. Gewey tried to place himself as far from Dina and Kaylia as he could, but he ended up between them in spite of his efforts. Sleep did not come easily, even after a larger than normal swallow of jawas tea.

  Chapter 27

  Gewey couldn’t help but be excited as they approached the gates of Althetas. From more than a mile away, he could see the buildings rising above the city wall. Some looked to be over five stories tall.

  “Is the whole city like that?” Gewey asked.

  Lee laughed lightheartedly. “A good portion of it. Althetas is the largest city on the Western Abyss. All the cities and towns for hundreds of miles come here for trade.”

  “How far are we from the Abyss?”

  “Not far,” Lee replied. “Less than thirty miles, I should say.”

  “Why not build it on the shore? Wouldn’t it be easier for shipping?”

  “Long ago, Althetas was on the shore,” Lee explained. “But a great storm nearly destroyed it, so they moved it here. Most towns along the shore now are small ports and fishing villages. The storms of the Western Abyss are enormous. They don’t hit often, but when they do, everything is destroyed.”

  Gewey nodded, wondering what it would be like to see such a storm up close.

  The walls of the city were twenty feet high and ten feet thick, made from gigantic blocks of black granite. As they approached, the guards waved them to a halt.

  “State your business,” called the guard, seemingly bored.

  “Trade,” Lee replied.

  “How long will you be staying?”

  “Three days.”

  The guard gave their party a quick once over. “If your stay lasts longer than one week, you’ll have to register at the clerk’s office. Welcome to Althetas.” He waved them on without enthusiasm, and then went back to his post, where a chair and a jug of ale awaited him.

  As they passed the gates, Gewey stared at the sights of the city, unable to believe his eyes. The streets were jammed shoulder to shoulder with people-some selling wares, other trading, and even some who stood on boxes shouting scripture at the crowds. Most of the taller buildings had balconies on each floor, where people ate and drank far above the hustle and bustle. Gewey stared, wishing he could see the city from their vantage point.

  Lee noticed Gewey staring at the balconies. “Impressive, isn’t it? Millet loves Althetas. He and I once stayed here for six months. There used to be a great sword master that lived here, and his home was in one of the taller buildings. While we’re here, I’ll see if I can arrange for us to visit one. On the north end of the city there used to be some taverns on the top floors; I’m sure some of them are still there.”

  Gewey beamed with excitement. “Do you think Lord Ganflin’s house is anything like this?”

  Lee laughed. “Certainly not. From the directions he gave me, his manor is in the southern garden district, where they prefer traditional, two-floor houses. The aristocrats consider the rest of the city to be somewhat tacky.”

  Gewey looked at Lee in amazement. He couldn't imagine thinking such wondrous buildings to be tacky. “The lords here must be a bunch of idiots.”

  “I’ll tell Ganflin you said so,” Lee teased. “I’m sure he’ll agree.”

  “Maybe that’s not such a good idea,” Gewey said with a smile. “Considering we’re staying at his house.”

  Just then, Gewey noticed something he didn’t expect: an elf. He was standing in front of the door to an inn, talking to a short human. Kaylia noticed too.

  “I know they told us that elves walked freely in the city,” said Kaylia, “but to actually see it…”

  “You should remove your hood,” Gewey suggested.

  Kaylia paused for a moment, and then did just that. Her auburn hair flowed free, and she closed her eyes, letting the sun shine on her face. Gewey thought she looked beautiful, her bronze skin glowing the in sunlight. He scanned the crowd to see if anyone had noticed. A few people cast a quick glance in their direction, but for the most part, they were ignored.

  “How does it feel?” he asked.

  “Strange,” she replied. “But good. I hate hiding.”

  “You shouldn’t have to hide,” Dina said. “None of us should.”

  Kaylia nodded in agreement. “Maybe one day we won’t have to.”

  Lee led them through the crowded stree
ts to the southern garden district. Just as Lee had said, the houses in the area were single- and two-story dwellings, their brick walls covered in ivy and protected by wrought iron gates. The streets were clean and far less crowded than the rest of the city. Fine coaches navigated the wide avenues, driven by haughty men in red and gold jackets, and pulled by horses nearly as well adorned as the drivers. Lords and ladies in elegant attire strolled down the broad sidewalks.

  Lee stopped in front of an immense manor and dismounted. The double-gated wall was at least ten feet high. A man in a gold silk suit and waistcoat stood at the gateway.

  “Is Harlondo in?” Lee asked politely.

  “He is,” the gate keeper responded. “Might I tell him who calls?”

  Lee pulled the letter Lord Ganflin had given him from his pocket. “I have a message from Lord Ganflin.”

  “I see. Please wait here.” The man passed through the gate and disappeared inside the manor.

  Gewey was amazed by the size of the estate; it was bigger than most temples. The entire structure was made from polished white granite, and sat upon at least three acres of land. The vestibule was lined with stone columns supporting a veranda that spanned the length of the front of the house. The driveway was almost as wide as the avenue, and the well-manicured lawn and gardens held plants and flowers of so many different kinds, it would take someone an entire spring just to name them all. He recognized flowers such as roses and tulips from back home, but others looked as though they belonged in a fairytale. Low lying lavender blooms sprinkled with deep yellow swirls followed a stone path leading to a white, ivy-wrapped gazebo.

  At the center of the yard was a marble fountain in the likeness of Althetas Mol, the Goddess of Wisdom and Compassion, the patron goddess and namesake of the city. Beautiful carved wooden benches faced the fountain at six foot intervals, and a small table had been placed beside each of them.

  When the gatekeeper returned, he was accompanied by a short man in a gray buttoned shirt and trousers with a thin black jacket. His hair was jet black and slicked back with oils. He wore silver reading glasses and was carrying a leather binder under his arm.