He thought back to the first time he had been within the walls of a big city, not long after Lee had spirited him away from his farm. He smiled inwardly at the experience the desert elf was about to have and hoped it wouldn’t be too jarring for her.
Weila huffed, but mounted her horse.
“If you become unsettled,” said Kaylia sympathetically. “Try to keep your eyes focused straight ahead.”
Weila straightened her back and steadied her nerves. “I am not a child. There is no need to worry.” She then saw the kindness in Kaylia’s eyes and her tight expression gave way to an appreciative smile. “But thank you for the advice. I’ll remember it.”
The two standard bearers rode ahead while the rest fell back. The gates to the city were flung wide, and even before they entered Gewey could see that the streets were lined with thousands of people, many waving tiny sword and moon flags. Atop the ramparts, twenty men with golden trumpets let out a mighty blast.
The crowd erupted with deafening cheers the instant they passed inside, causing their horses to stomp and rear nervously. Weila looked as if she was ready to leap off, but Kaylia calmed her own mount and then quickly reached over to grab hold of the other woman’s reins. It took a few seconds, but Weila gradually regained her composure. She nodded to Kaylia in appreciation.
Flowers and silks were being thrown from windows, and the name Darshan was on everyone’s lips. Guards lined the edge of the avenues to keep the crowd at bay.
“I suppose we should wave,” said Gewey jokingly.
Kaylia frowned. “I think not.”
Gewey glanced over his shoulder. Weila was staring straight ahead, her hands gripping the reins so tightly that her knuckles were white. Kaylia noticed this too and eased her horse close enough to reach out and take hold of Weila’s hand. She did not resist the touch and mouthed a silent ‘thank you’.
When they arrived at the king’s manor more trumpets rang out and the gates ceremoniously swung open. Lousis was standing immediately in front of the large, double oak doors. He was dressed in a white silk shirt with gold stitching, matching pants, and a resplendent purple cape fastened at the neck by a thick gold chain.
The king smiled broadly and held his arms wide apart in greeting.
To his left stood Nehrutu, and to his right, Aaliyah. Nehrutu was clad in a black satin shirt with matching pants. A long, thin sword with a jewel encrusted hilt hung loosely at his side. Aaliyah wore a blood red dress with a white sash tied around her thin waist. Their smiles were bright and friendly, but their eyes told Gewey a different story. Melek’s influence was apparent, and he could feel anxiety slipping through the bond that Aaliyah had so closely guarded. She leaned over to Lousis and whispered something in his ear.
The trio dismounted and strode along the newly cobbled walkway to their waiting friends.
“At last!” exclaimed Louis, laughing boisterously. “The mighty Darshan, savior of the twelve kingdoms has arrived.” He wrapped his arms around Gewey in a welcoming embrace. “And the beautiful Kaylia. Your light warms my heart and brightens my fair city.” He kissed her hand. “Aaliyah has just informed me that you have brought a very special guest to my home. An elf of the desert.” He turned to Weila. “Welcome. Word of your arrival will cause quite a stir among the elves in Althetas.”
“I am Weila, Your Highness,” she told him, bowing low. “I have been sent as an emissary until the rest of my people can join me.”
“Yes,” said Lousis. “We were surprised to see supply ships so soon after the fall of Baltria. But they were a welcome sight, to be sure.”
Aaliyah took a step toward Gewey. “It is good to see you, my friend. We have much to talk about - after you have rested from your journey, of course.”
Gewey nodded and forced a smile. “Indeed we do.”
Aaliyah embraced Kaylia, then looked at her belly and grinned. Next, she introduced Weila to Nehrutu.
Nehrutu looked at her with an odd, twisted expression. “You were correct. No flow at all.”
“My people have rejected it,” Weila explained proudly.
Nehrutu held up his hand apologetically. “Forgive my rudeness. Aaliyah told me, but I was unprepared for how it would feel. In any event, I am pleased to meet you. Our people reuniting from the desert and from across the sea can only be the design of fate. I look forward to knowing you better.”
“As do I,” agreed Weila. “And I pray that our reunion will give us the strength to defeat our enemy.”
Lousis let out another hearty laugh. “Enemy? Thanks to Darshan, the enemy will soon be crushed throughout the whole of the world. We will see peace quite soon I think.” He stepped back, allowing his guests to pass inside. “But we can talk of war after the feast. All of Althetas is celebrating your arrival. Such joy has not been seen among my people in quite some time.”
“And what of Melek?” asked Gewey. Speaking his name caused his skin to crawl. “Will he be at the feast as well?”
“Of course,” replied Lousis. “It was Melek who arranged it all, and he certainly wouldn’t miss his master’s banquet.”
“I see,” said Gewey. He didn’t want to reveal what he knew until he had a better knowledge of the situation in Althetas. He also needed to know why Aaliyah had refused contact. “Where is Mohanisi?” he asked.
Lousis stopped with a jerk. There was an awkward silence.
“I’m afraid Mohanisi will not be joining us,” the king eventually said. He spoke as if searching for each word. “A few unfortunate things have transpired in your absence.”
“He is ill,” Aaliyah cut in. “But you can see him after you have been shown to your rooms if you wish.”
“Yes,” said Gewey apprehensively. “If he’s ill, perhaps I can help him.” He wondered what illness could possibly have afflicted Mohanisi. His suspicions immediately turned to Melek.
Aaliyah sighed. “I doubt it. All that can be done, has been done. He suffers from a malady of the spirit. It is rare among my people…and incurable. Melek has already attended him and failed. But still, you are welcome to try.”
Hearing Melek’s name spoken so casually was disquieting. None of them knew the depths of the evil they were openly welcoming into their lives. The horrors Melek had unleashed upon the first born, the slaying of his own wife…and his desire to kill the Creator herself. Gewey shuddered at the thought of what he might have in store for the world now that he was finally free from Shagharath.
“I will indeed try,” he told Aaliyah. “And I would also like to speak with you privately before the feast.”
Aaliyah nodded. “Of course. I will join you in your quarters in one hour.”
Two young serving maids approached and beckoned for Gewey, Kaylia and Weila to follow.
“Until tonight then,” said Lousis.
Gewey and the others had only walked a few yards when the king called after them. “I forgot to ask. Why are Linis and Dina not with you?”
“They decided to remain in Valshara for a time,” replied Gewey.
Lousis grinned roguishly. “I can understand why. I would much rather be in the company of High Lady Selena than in the beehive that has become Althetas.” He sighed. “But alas, rebuilding what war has torn down requires my presence for the time being.” He shrugged and waved his hand dismissively.
The serving maids led them upstairs and down a long corridor lined with a series of polished oak doors. Weila was given a spacious, beautifully furnished room fully equipped with a shower. The sand master stared for a moment in awe at the sheer scope of it. She had stayed at a small inn near to the docks while in Baltria, and even the rooms in Valshara, though far from uncomfortable, could not compare to the luxury that was now before her.
“I-I can’t stay here,” she stammered.
“Of course you can,” assured Kaylia. “Don’t worry. I’ll help you settle in.”
She turned to the nearest maid. “Is our room nearby?”
“It’s the next one down,” the girl r
eplied.
“Well, that’s most convenient,” Kaylia said. She ushered a still uncertain Weila into her room, at the same time looking over her shoulder to flash Gewey an amused smile.
Gewey smiled back and moved down the corridor to their room. Once inside, he immediately stripped off his dusty clothes and turned on the shower, moaning with pleasure the moment the hot water struck him.
A selection of new clothes had been provided for both he and Kaylia in the massive wardrobe. After picking out a pair of tan pants and a white cotton shirt, he was just about to pull on a pair of suede boots when Kaylia entered.
“It’s all a bit much for her,” she said. “I do believe she would rather be in her desert hut.”
Gewey laughed. “She’ll get used to it.”
Kaylia kissed his cheek. “You did.”
She showered and picked out a pair of black pants, together with a red linen shirt that clung nicely to her athletic form. She was still searching for a pair of shoes when there was a soft knock on the door. Gewey answered. Aaliyah was standing in the hall, a sweet smile on her face.
“Where is Nehrutu?” he asked.
“Helping King Lousis to prepare for the feast,” she replied.
They took seats around a breakfast table set just across from the enormous canopy bed. Silence hung heavily. Only the muffled sounds of the city making ready to celebrate could be heard through the closed window. Aaliyah looked first to Gewey, then to Kaylia, her smile never fading.
“He is not your enemy,” she finally said. “He wants you to know this. He also wants you to know that he remains your servant, in spite of the lies you may have been told and your anger toward him.”
Her words caused the hair on the back of Gewey’s neck to stand up.
“And what lies might that be?” he asked.
“He didn’t say. Only that there was a possibility you have been misled.”
“And do you believe him?” asked Gewey, trying to maintain an even tone.
“I do,” she affirmed. “He is here to help us. He has destroyed our enemy and saved my love. There is no evil in his heart.”
“How did he save your love?” asked Kaylia.
Aaliyah told them of the battle, Nehrutu’s wounds, and of Melek saving his life.
“I see,” mused Gewey thoughtfully. “And what has he had you doing for him since then?”
“He told us to help the people of Althetas,” she replied. Her voice was filled with contentment and pride. “We have aided as best we could by healing the sick and bringing comfort to those who have been displaced. He said that once the Reborn King has been destroyed, you and he will usher in a new age of peace and prosperity.”
“I have tried to reach out to you,” said Gewey. “Why have you kept me away?”
Aaliyah laughed almost girlishly, her usual reserved manner giving way to an inner bliss that was apparent even without their bond bleeding out her feelings. “Melek asked me to wait until you arrived.”
“And you did as he asked without question?” Gewey’s tone was hard and critical.
Aaliyah looked at him in confusion. “Why should I question him? His grace is why I still live…why Nehrutu still lives. Why would he save us if he has ill intent?”
Gewey reached out through their bond. This time she did not resist. Instantly, he knew that Melek had altered her spirit. It was slight and subtle, but it was there. It took him a few moments longer to understand exactly what Melek had done. When he did, he broke contact at once.
“You see,” said Aaliyah. “I am as I have always been.”
Gewey forced a smile and nodded. “You are indeed. But from here on, I would have you allow contact should I reach out. I may need you.”
“I will be there,” she replied earnestly.
Gewey pushed back his chair and stood. “Now, I would like to see Mohanisi.”
Aaliyah rose. “I will take you to him. But I must warn you, his mind is not as it was.”
She led them from the room and down the corridor. Mohanisi was being kept in a small room at the far east end of the manor. The door was guarded by two elves who clicked smartly to attention when they saw the trio approaching. Aaliyah gave them a nod and they moved aside.
“I’ll see him alone,” said Gewey.
“Then be prepared,” Aaliyah warned. “He may become violent.”
Gewey nodded and opened the door. The interior of the room was barren, containing only a small wooden table, two chairs, a cot, and a few elf glow globes hanging from the ceiling. Mohanisi was sitting cross-legged in the center of the room, his eyes closed and his hands clutched together. His usual clothing had been replaced by a simple rough tunic and trousers. His hair was matted and clumped.
Gewey closed the door behind him and took a seat at the table. Mohanisi displayed no indication that he was even aware of Gewey’s entry. He watched the elf for more than five minutes in complete silence. Finally, Mohanisi’s eyes fluttered open and he turned to Gewey.
“You cannot help me,” he said. His voice was thin and raspy. “I am corrupted.”
“How did this happen?” asked Gewey.
“When I brought Malstisos from the foul nightmare the enemy had cursed him with, I brought the taint of it with me.”
Gewey had been told of Mohanisi curing Malstisos from the Dark Knight’s curse, but the details were sketchy at best. “And where is Malstisos now?” he asked.
“Dead,” the elf replied flatly. “And better off for it. The darkness that claimed him would not be expelled. He took his own life to prevent himself from harming those he loves.”
This news was a blow to Gewey. He had great affection for Malstisos and had always held him in high regard. “When did this happen?”
“Three days ago. He remained behind when I marched south to aid the king. His body was too weak to go to war…”
His voice trailed off and the muscles in his cheeks began to twitch.
Gewey could see that Mohanisi was fighting some terrible inner battle. The pain and madness in his eyes came and went from moment to moment. Gewey reached out to touch his spirit. At once he felt the sickness that now ravaged his soul. It was as if thorny vines were working their way into the very essence of his being, slowly tearing him apart. Gewey shuddered to think of the agony the once powerful elf must be experiencing.
Mohanisi leapt to his feet, snarling and forcing Gewey to break contact. “If you wish to kill me, you will find I am not easy prey.”
Gewey held his palm up in a calming gesture. “I only want to help you. Will you let me try?”
“Lies!” he shouted. “You are just like the others. Kind words and foul deeds. Stay away if you value your life.”
Gewey eased out of his chair. “I cannot stay away. But you must believe me when I say that my only wish is to help you.”
But Mohanisi wasn’t listening. Letting out an ear-piercing cry, he rushed forward, fingers curled into savage claws. Gewey caught his wrists and twisted his body, allowing Mohanisi’s momentum to throw him off balance. Normally he would be a formidable opponent, but the rage caused by his sickness made him clumsy and undisciplined. Gewey kicked his feet from beneath him and threw him hard down onto his back. Before the elf could react, Gewey slammed his fist into his jaw. Mohanisi grunted, then fell into unconsciousness.
The door burst open and both Kaylia and Aaliyah rushed in.
“I’m fine,” said Gewey. “I need more time.”
Kaylia looked at him doubtfully. She had felt what was ailing Mohanisi through their bond and it had clearly horrified her. Aaliyah merely regarded the scene with quiet pity. After a brief hesitation, they retreated from the room.
Gewey closed his eyes and took a deep breath. Reaching into Mohanisi’s spirit without encountering resistance showed him the true extent of the damage. The corruption was wrapped around his spirit, squeezing its way in to his very core and choking out the light of life. The more Gewey looked, the more he came to realize the horrible truth.
This was no illness. This had been done to him. Melek’s evil hand had been at work here.
He tried to cleanse Mohanisi’s spirit, but the foulness fought him as if it was a living thing. He needed guidance. Gewey’s mind raced back to the time when his soul was being revealed to him, recalling in detail the vision that had shown him extracting the last remnants of purity from Kaylia’s tortured spirit. By focusing firmly on this memory he was now able, little by little, to destroy the corruption within Mohanisi. For two hours he meticulously removed every last remnant. Kaylia came in after the first hour and sat beside him. Feeling that the level of exertion was draining his strength, she gave him hers. When it was finally done, Gewey slumped over and rubbed the back of his neck.
Kaylia, although equally exhausted, managed to help Gewey to a chair. Mohanisi was still unconscious, but the strain on his face had vanished and Gewey could feel that he was no longer in pain.
A few minutes later Mohanisi’s eyes opened. He struggled up into a sitting position to look at Gewey and nod his appreciation. “You have undone Melek’s evil. I thought I was without hope. Thank you.”
“Why did he do this to you?” asked Gewey.
“I don’t know. But I was never convinced of his good intentions. Perhaps he knew this.”
“And what of Malstisos? No one mentioned anything about him when we arrived.”
“I cannot say. Melek told me that he had taken his own life. But I do not know if that’s true.”
Mohanisi went on to tell Gewey the details of what had happened on the Steppes. The retelling of Theopolou’s death stung at his and Kaylia’s heart, but she was glad to hear the story from a first-hand account.
“I’ll find out the truth of what happened to Malstisos,” Gewey promised. “But for now I need you to remain here. I’ll tell everyone you are still ill, and that I wasn’t able to help you. If Melek discovers you are healed he may try to hurt you again.”
“Should I not tell Aaliyah and Nehrutu that I am well?” he asked.
“For now, no,” Gewey replied. “I’m not certain about Nehrutu, but Aaliyah has been tampered with and I’m not sure that she can be trusted.”
The Godling Chronicles:Book 05 - Madness of the Fallen Page 30
