The Godling Chronicles:Book 05 - Madness of the Fallen

by Brian D. Anderson

  After stepping through, Gewey immediately noticed that the pathways and buildings were cleaned as new. The lawn was meticulously manicured and flowers had been planted in little round gardens all along the covered walkways. The sword in the center was polished so brightly that a person could see their reflection in its blade. Even the roof tiles on the main temple had been replaced. Humans and elves were scattered everywhere – talking, reading and walking about – giving Valshara renewed life. This was a complete contrast to the first time Gewey had set eyes on the place. Back then it had been all but abandoned, housing only a handful of priests, priestesses and knights.

  “They have been busy,” remarked Linis, also taking note of the changes.

  While approaching the main temple, Gewey noticed that two of the guards had filed in behind them and that passers-by were looking at them with open suspicion.

  The doors swung wide to reveal Ertik, a welcoming smile on his face. He was wearing a casual brown shirt and pants, together with soft suede boots. Gewey recalled him not so very long ago clad in the ill-fitting leather armor. He grinned. “I see you’ve discarded your battledress,” he teased.

  “And I see you have once again come to our door in dire need of grooming,” replied Ertik, with a good-natured laugh.

  Gewey chuckled while brushing some of the dirt from his trousers. “Sadly, life on the long road takes its toll on grooming and clothing.” He touched his hair. It was indeed becoming long. “And I have no attendants to keep me neatly clipped and shaved.”

  “I’m certain that we can arrange something for you,” said Ertik. He bowed low to the others, settling his gaze on Dina. “The High Lady will want to see you at once, I suspect.”

  “I will go to her as soon as I am presentable. There is much she should know.”

  Ertik noticed Linis holding Dina’s hand and smiled. “I see. As for the rest of you, I’m sure you are all hungry and tired.” He nodded to a young boy standing just inside the door who quickly stepped up. “This young man will show you to your rooms while I arrange food and bath water.” He bowed once more and disappeared down the hall.

  Inside, the temple was far busier than Gewey remembered. Hundreds of people scurried about, though he noted that very few of them were wearing the robes of the order. Most were clad in simple attire that could be seen in almost any city or town.

  The boy showed them to their rooms, and soon after that food and bath water were brought. Ertik stopped by to let them know that High Lady Selena would send for them before the evening meal, which was still a few hours away. In the meantime, they could do as they wished.

  Once Dina was ready she immediately set off to see the High Lady. Linis accompanied her. As for the rest of them, Weila and Nahali decided to explore the temple and grounds, while Gewey and Kaylia chose to remain in their room and rest for a while.

  Dina knocked on their door some time later to escort them to Selena’s private chambers. Linis, however, had the slightly more difficult task of tracking down Weila and Nahali, who by now had disappeared deep into the labyrinth of the temple.

  As they walked, Gewey could see that Dina’s expression bore deep concern and even a touch of fear. Kaylia noticed it as well. Gewey guessed that her meeting with the High Lady had not gone well.

  Selena greeted them at her door and gave them both a fond embrace. “Come and sit,” she said, offering them chairs placed around a glass-topped table near an arched window.

  The woman was largely unchanged, though perhaps slightly more careworn. She wore a simple, white cotton dress and soft satin shoes. Her hair was tied loosely away from her face.

  She poured everyone a cup of wine and took her seat across from Gewey.

  “Dina tells me that you are expecting,” she said. Her smile was genuine, but something in her eyes was trying to hide her true feelings.

  Kaylia nodded in affirmation. “A fact we would not have spread about until things are dealt with in Althetas.”

  Selena clasped her hands together. “And we must speak of that soon. But first, there is something you need to know.” She took a deep breath. “Lord Theopolou is dead.”

  Waves of pain and sorrow shot through Kaylia and Gewey simultaneously. Kaylia gasped loudly, and tears filled both of their eyes. The words they'd just heard seemed unreal - as if they hadn’t been spoken at all.

  Kaylia swallowed hard. “How? How did it happen?”

  Selena recounted the story as Mohanisi had told it. When she was finished, Kaylia instantly got to her feet and walked to the door. Gewey started after her but she held up her hand.

  “I need some time,” she said, choking back her sobs. “Time alone.”

  Gewey was in anguish. He was feeling the loss of Theopolou keenly. But the whole experience was being made even more torturous when combined with the utter misery that flowed into him from Kaylia. He knew how much Theopolou had meant to her. Other than himself and their child, she had loved no one more.

  “If you need time,” started Selena, but Gewey shook his head and wiped his face.

  “Time is fast running out,” he said, sitting back down. “And our enemies know it.”

  “And what enemies do you speak of,” asked Selena. “Your…emissary has told us that the war will soon be over.”

  “So you have seen Melek?”

  The sudden sharpness in Gewey’s voice caused Selena to lean back and scrutinize him for a moment. “I have,” she said. “He came to see me as the armies were returning from the south. He claimed that you had sent him to destroy our enemies. Even so, his attempt to manipulate my spirit and alter my perception told me that there was something more to it than that.”

  “What exactly did he say?” asked Gewey.

  “No more than what I've already told you. He merely introduced himself as your emissary and said that the enemy would soon be defeated. Once he was convinced that I was accepting of this, he left.” She gave a thin smile. “I would guess he thought I was already under his influence and needed no further conversation. But I have resisted the full onslaught of your powers when you unleashed the flow of the spirit. I am not so easily overcome.”

  “And the king?” asked Gewey.

  “Before we go on, I must ask…”

  Gewey looked straight into her eyes. “He was not sent by me. He is not my emissary. And if you fear him, your fears are justified.”

  “Then perhaps you should tell me who he really is.” Her request was actually a demand, though her tone never changed.

  Gewey told her of his experience in Shagharath, and of his escape. Selena was greatly saddened to hear of Maybell’s death but accepting of her choice.

  She sat in silent contemplation for several minutes after Gewey had finished. “Then Lousis is undeniably under Melek’s control,” she said finally. “As is King Victis, though to what extent I can’t tell. I lack the talent of the elves. But I am guessing that he has given them only a slight push in the direction he requires. I’ve sent spies to the city, but so far they have been unable to discover anything useful.”

  “And what of Aaliyah and Nehrutu?” Gewey asked.

  Selena shrugged. “I have not seen or heard from either of them. Nor Mohanisi for that matter. I shudder to think what he might have done to them.”

  Gewey closed his eyes and reached out to Aaliyah. But just like every time before, a thin fog obscured his vision and dulled their bond. She was alive. But that was all he could tell without forcing his way through. And if Aaliyah resisted him in this there was a danger that he might do her great harm, so he dare not try.

  “What will you do?’ Selena asked.

  “There is only one thing I can do,” Gewey replied. “I must go to Althetas and face Melek.”

  Selena nodded and gave a tight smile. He knew that she was holding something back. But what? He didn’t think she was lying, but there was definitely something she was not telling him.

  At that moment Linis entered, along with Weila and Nahali. Linis’ eyes were
red from tears.

  “I saw Kaylia on our way here,” he said. “She told me about Theopolou.”

  There was a moment of silence. Linis then cleared his throat and set about introducing Weila and Nahali.

  Selena gave them a formal bow. “You are both most welcome here.”

  Gewey stood and excused himself. The pain he was feeling from Kaylia was relentless and clearly reflected on his face. In spite of her insistence for solitude, he needed to find her.

  “We will speak again before you leave,” said Selena understandingly. “But for now, I’m sure I can learn all that I need from those here.”

  Gewey found Kaylia walking the halls with her arms folded tightly across her chest. Her eyes were now dry but the pain was obviously still raw. For a long while he did nothing but walk silently beside her. Eventually, she took his arm and rested her head on his shoulder.

  “So many have died,” she whispered. “But Theopolou was like a father to me. I feel his loss so very deeply.”

  “I feel it too. And I wish I could take away your pain.”

  Kaylia stopped and looked at him sharply. “Do not wish that. Theopolou was my uncle and loved by many. He deserves to be mourned. And I will give him what he is due. To take away my pain would be to take away my love, and I would not want that.” Her features then softened and she kissed his cheek. “For now, allow me to hurt and just walk beside me.”

  Gewey smiled and took her hand. Knowing it was fully dark, they made their way outside and took in the crisp night air. It was then he noticed a small bump beneath Kaylia’s shirt for the first time. Without thinking, he reached out and touched it.

  “Do you know when?” he asked.

  Kaylia squeezed his hand. “An elf carries a bit longer than a human. I would say we have six months yet.”

  Six months, he thought. Not much time to defeat the two greatest threats to all life on earth in the history of creation.

  “You will triumph,” she said, hearing his thoughts. “I have faith in you.”

  * * * * *

  Linis sat back in his chair, scowling. “I do not feel right keeping things from him.”

  “Nor do I,” added Weila.

  “We must,” argued Dina. “Everything depends on it.”

  “If Gewey discovers our plan,” said Selena, “we risk failure. And then we’ll be at the mercy of Melek. From what I have learned thus far, that is not a position I want to be in.”

  “How do you plan to succeed without his knowledge?” asked Linis. “Timing will be everything. If he is ignorant to our actions…”

  “All that can be done, will be done,” interrupted Selena. “There is no way to include him. We must follow the plan and pray for good fortune.”

  There was a long silence. Linis stood up and began pacing back and forth, at the same time shooting disapproving glances at both Selena and Dina. Weila looked to be no more pleased with the situation than he. Nahali was conspicuously quiet.

  “There are many things that could go wrong,” Weila eventually said. “But if Melek truly is more powerful than Darshan, then we must even the odds. He has spoken of his trust for the people here, and you in particular, High Lady. And though I dislike deceiving a friend, I will do what it takes to save him. Please say what you wish of me.”

  Everyone’s eyes fell on Linis, who was continuing with his pacing.

  “We only await you,” Selena told him. “Are you with us?”

  Linis grumbled with dissatisfaction before answering. “Very well. I will do what you ask.”

  Selena’s features relaxed and she unfolded her hands. “Then let us go over the details.”

  Chapter 25

  A wagon might not have been the quickest way to travel, but it was considerably more comfortable than horseback. And for Lee, comfort was now the priority - though the cold weather would most likely have a say in the matter as well. Still, with no reason for him to hide his presence from the enemy any longer, he intended to make full use of the inns they came across along the way.

  Penelope was in high spirits, spending most days telling him of day-to-day life in Hazrah and of Jacob growing up. He never tired of her stories, even when she grew weary of talking.

  Once they were beyond the borders of Baltria he steered the wagon northeast onto some of the lesser traveled roads and trails. Though not hiding, he had no desire to see Sharpstone again, and that’s where a direct road north would take them. The village would only serve to remind him of the life he had left behind and the friends he’d abandoned.

  News of Angrääl’s defeat at Baltria was already spreading, though none of the people thought for a moment that the war was now over. But seeing as how the Reborn King had recalled all soldiers from Eastland outposts, including the smaller ports along the southern borders, they were quick to take advantage of this respite from occupation and conflict. Trade was resuming, albeit slowly and on a limited basis.

  The road east was crowded most days with refugees from the west: mostly the elderly, mothers with their children, and those either unwilling or unable to fight. Camps were beginning to spring up close to the larger cities, straining their already diminished supplies. But thus far the kings and queens had not turned anyone away. Likely they would soon be looking to Baltria for aid, and Lee was certain that Millet would ensure they received whatever was needed.

  So far, the four weeks of their journey had passed completely without incident. However, Lee had become increasingly aware that Penelope’s demeanor was changing. She seemed anxious and distracted. He had suggested that they find a trade caravan that was going to Dantory, or at least a borderland town, but Penelope rejected the idea outright.

  “I just don’t feel like being around so many people,” she explained. Her expression was strained, but it relaxed as soon as she saw the look of concern in Lee’s eyes. “You are enough for me. I would rather it was just the two of us.”

  Lee smiled and pulled her close.

  As the east road curved south, the snow began to disappear and the days grew warmer. Most nights they were able to find accommodation easily enough, but every now and then the towns were spread too far apart or the inns were full. At such times they were forced to camp under the stars, and it was on these nights that Lee became aware they were being followed. Whoever it was, they were just at the limit of his senses and would fall back the moment he moved toward them. He knew it must be an agent of the Dark Knight, but whether they were there simply to ensure his compliance or had some other more sinister purpose, there was no way of knowing. He had decided not to mention it to Penelope. It was likely that she knew anyway, and as she had not said anything, there was no point pressing the issue. He was committed, and whatever was going to happen would happen regardless.

  They had just turned south toward a small trading post on a narrow, seldom-used trail when Penelope asked to stop.

  “I think I would prefer not to spend any more nights in a smelly hovel,” she said, injecting a tinge of humor in her voice. “At least here we’ll have a fire to keep us warm, and the fresh air is far better than the stench of unwashed brutes.”

  Lee was happy to comply and soon found a small clearing not far from the road. The thin forests on either side provided little cover for anyone with ill intent – not that he had anything to fear from the riff-raff that roamed the eastern highways. The few they’d encountered had taken one look at Lee and decided it would be best to wait for easier prey.

  He built a small fire and began heating some stew and roast lamb they’d purchased at an inn the day before. Though the days were considerably warmer of late, the nights still carried a chill. Soon Penelope was huddled close. He draped his arm around her shoulders and wrapped a wool blanket around both of them.

  He had put away their dishes and was just laying out their bedrolls when he felt the foul presence of five Vrykol approaching from the west. Penelope looked at him in alarm as he retrieved his sword from the wagon, but he placed a finger to her lips befo
re she could speak.

  When about one hundred yards away, the Vrykol began to spread out in order to surround them. Lee pointed to the wagon and signaled for her to hide, but she remained motionless.

  “Get under the wagon,” he pleaded. “I can’t protect you if you’re in the open.”

  It was then that he felt another presence approaching. But this was not a Vrykol - it was a human. He walked casually toward them without drawing steel. If he thinks being unarmed will save him, he is sorely mistaken, Lee thought with cold resolve.

  He gripped his sword, ready to attack.

  The man drew closer and with a rush, Lee recognized the face of Captain Lanmore. His strides were confident, his countenance like stone. He halted ten yards away from their fire and surveyed the small camp site.

  “Lord Starfinder,” he said. “I hoped we would see each other again.” His icy gaze fell on Penelope crouching low beside the wagon. “And you…you have failed, Lady Penelope.”

  Penelope rose up on unsteady legs. “I have brought my husband as I was told. The master has nothing more to fear from him.”

  Lanmore shook his head and clicked his tongue. “And where is your son?”

  “You will leave my son alone, snake!” roared Lee. “He is no concern of yours - or of your bloody master.”

  Lanmore chuckled. “The Reborn King decides what is or is not his concern. The end is nearly upon us, and all the pieces must be in place.” He turned to Penelope. “Your task was simple. Bring your husband and your son to the desert and await the arrival of our lord.”

  “Your lord has me,” said Lee, his fury rising. “And that is all he shall have.”

  Lanmore cocked his head. “Does your wife’s betrayal not bother you? She journeyed to Baltria solely with the intent of delivering you into the hands of your enemy, yet you seem unmoved by this.”