“Quite a day,” said Darius.
Lee nodded. “Indeed, it was.” He tore off a piece of bread that had been laid out for him. “There is a small town, Farice, a day’s ride from here. We should reach it before sundown tomorrow. The wounded should be left behind there. They will not heal if they continue.”
“I'm familiar with Farice,” said Darius. “I'll see the men are paid and, looked after.” He looked Lee in the eye. “I've never seen anyone fight like you. You could have taken the entire raiding party alone, I suspect.” His eyes drifted to Jacob. “And I see you have the same spirit in you as well.”
Lee shrugged. “I was well-trained. And Jasper is a natural.”
“Well-trained, you say,” said Darius. His eyes bore suspicion. He stretched out on his bedroll, his hands folded, cradling his head. “You know, I have traveled this road six times since the Reborn King came to power. I've seen many soldiers, mercenaries, thugs, bandits, you name it. I've seen many fights, duels, and even one pitched battle, when I was young. But I have never seen a man slay so many with such ease.”
Lee was silent.
Darius chuckled. “Don't worry. Whatever secrets you keep are yours. You and Jasper have saved my life twice. Not to mention keeping my fortune out of the hands of brigands. I'm not so wealthy that I can afford to lose an entire shipment. In any case, I am in your debt.” He rolled over to face Lee. “I have a feeling that you will not be in my employ long. You are a man that acts with purpose, and I think that purpose lays in Angraal.”
Lee met Darius' gaze. “What are you trying to say?”
Darius smiled. “Nothing. I just want you to know, that when the time comes, I will help you as best I can.” He rolled back over and closed his eyes. “I owe you that much.”
Lee looked at his son, then back at Darius. “When the time comes, your help will be welcome.”
Chapter 10
Gewey cracked open his eyes. Kaylia was still asleep beside him, her arm draped across his chest, a tiny smile on her lips. The scent of porridge and bread blew in from outside the tent, causing his stomach to growl.
“They've left a meal for us,” said Kaylia, awake though her eyes were still closed.
Gewey reluctantly sat up and reached for his clothes. He dressed and went to the tent entrance. Just as Kaylia had said, two bowls of porridge and a loaf of bread, along with a cup of sweet wine, had been placed just outside. Kaylia got dressed and they enjoyed their meal in silence. Their bond was all the conversation they needed.
They had only just taken the last bite, when a voice called from outside. “Hello?” It was Linis.
“Come inside,” called Kaylia.
Linis entered, his face grave.
“What's happened?” asked Gewey.
“We received word that Valshara has fallen,” Linis replied.
Gewey and Kaylia sprang to their feet.
“When?” asked Gewey. He reached down and grabbed his sword.
“Not long after we departed,” replied Linis. “The High Lady escaped, along with a few others. They have taken refuge in Althetas for now.” Linis pushed open the tent flap. “I am truly sorry, but you are needed. Theopolou and the others have gathered to decide what to do.”
Gewey took a deep breath and led Kaylia by the hand from the tent. The morning air was cool and moist, and dew still glistened on the grass-covered field. They joined the others not far from where he and Kaylia had completed their bond the night before. Theopolou and the elders were in deep conversation with Aaliyah and her comrades. Only Aaliyah noticed Gewey, Kaylia, and Linis approach. She nodded a greeting at Gewey.
“What's going on?” asked Gewey.
Theopolou held a small piece of parchment in his hand. “Valshara is destroyed. Very few escaped. The High Lady is in Althetas, and plans to petition the king to come to their aid.” He looked directly at Aaliyah. “I believe Gewey should delay the journey until we can decide on a course of action, but Aaliyah disagrees.”
“Any delay puts you in greater danger,” said Aaliyah. “The presence of Shivis Mol will not help you. Besides, your course is clear. Gather as many as you can, and strike back before your enemies can establish a foothold. Unless they have an army, you should be able to mount an attack, and retake what you have lost. My people will give you all the help they can. They will expect only swords and arrows…we can bring much more to bear.” She turned to Gewey. “But we must not delay our departure.”
Gewey wanted desperately to stay. Every minute more he could have with Kaylia was precious.
“Aaliyah is right,” said Kaylia. Feeling Gewey's doubt, she squeezed his hand. “If what she says is true, we need what is hidden in the desert. And Gewey needs to learn to use his power.”
“It is not probable they will look to hold Valshara,” said Bellisia. “Not so far from reinforcements. More likely they are striking at Amon Dahl. And if they try to hold it, we can take it back.” She spoke to Theopolou. “You know Valshara better than most. The battle plan shall be yours.”
“And if we find we are mistaken?” Theopolou furled his brow. “What then? Valshara can be well defended by only a few. If they brought enough force, they could hold it indefinitely.”
“You think in battle terms without taking all of your weapons into account,” said Nehrutu. He held out his palm. The air above it swirled and twisted, then burst into a small flame. Light and heat grew until it forced the gathering back. “We have abilities beyond your understanding.” The ball of flame shot skyward, then exploded with an ear-shattering blast. “They will not expect you to possess such weapons.”
This brought stares of awe and mummers of approval.
“Please, Shivis Mol,” said Aaliyah. We must depart. There is nothing for you to do here.”
Gewey looked at Kaylia. She nodded slowly, then kissed his cheek. Gewey nearly lost himself as the love flowed freely between their bond. He sighed heavily and forced himself to look away. “We leave as soon as you're ready.” He turned to Theopolou. “I'll return as soon as I can.”
Aaliyah had already prepared to depart and told Gewey she would await him at the edge of the encampment. Gewey gathered his pack, Kaylia at his side.
“I'll miss you,” said Gewey. Tears welled in his eyes.
Kaylia pulled him close and kissed him deeply. “Just be careful and return to me safe.” She embraced him, choking back her own tears. Reluctantly, she released him and took his hand. “It's time.” They made their way to Aaliyah.
Theopolou and Linis were also there. Linis smiled as they approached. He held a small silver flask.
“I made this last night,” said Linis. He handed it to Gewey. “If you are to go to the desert, it may be useful. A single sip will keep you strong should you be unable to find water.”
“Thank you, my friend.” Gewey put the flask in his pack and gave Linis a fond embrace.
Theopolou bowed. “Farewell, Gewey Stedding. My hopes go with you.” He looked at Kaylia. “You are now a part of my house and my family. Return to us soon.”
Gewey bowed in return. “I will.” He kissed Kaylia one last time, as tears streamed down both of their faces. He wiped his tears and turned to Aaliyah. “I'm ready.”
Aaliyah nodded and led Gewey to the trail. Gewey dared not look back for fear his heart would break.
“Are we going alone?” asked Gewey.
“We need no escort,” Aaliyah replied. “There is nothing so dangerous as to trouble us.”
“How long until we get there?”
“Two days. But if we press our pace and take no respite, we can reach the shore by morning,” she said. “My ship awaits us.” She slowed as to walk beside Gewey. “I know it is hard to leave her. But it is for the best. And you may find you are glad you did.”
Gewey was in no mood for flirting. “You told me you were once bonded.”
“I was,” she affirmed.
“When he died, did you think it was for the best?” He saw a pang of emotion shoo
t across her face. Immediately he regretted his words.
“At the time, I did not,” Her lips slowly relaxed, and she smiled sweetly. “But now, I think it might have been.”
Gewey struggled not to return her smile. Instead he reached out to Kaylia. Immense sorrow and worry is all he felt at first, then joy and relief as she reached back. Aaliyah quickened their pace.
By nightfall, Gewey was forced to use the flow more and more, to keep up his strength. At times they almost ran. He could tell Aaliyah was using only her own natural endurance and marveled, though he said nothing about it.
By midnight, the landscape flattened and the trees thinned. Patches of grass were separated by large areas of gray sand and red clay. The tall pines were being outnumbered by curved palms and thick brambles, and the musty scent of the forest was now mixed with the salty breeze coming off the Western Abyss.
“Do you need rest?” asked Aaliyah.
Gewey knew that if he released the flow fatigue would certainly set in. “No, I'm fine.”
Aaliyah reached in a pouch on her belt and pulled out a small orange berry. “Try this.” She handed it to Gewey.
Gewey examined it for a moment. It was no larger than a cherry, and was smooth and shiny. “What is it?”
“We call them Rain Berries.” She pulled out another and popped it in her mouth. Sighing with satisfaction, she motioned for Gewey to eat.
Gewey held it to his nose. It smelled like a plum, only sweeter. He slowly bit down. Sweet juice exploded, and a delicious flavor, unlike any other fruit or berry in the land he had ever encountered, filled his mouth and caressed his tongue. “I've never tasted anything like it.”
“They are my favorite,” said Aaliyah. “And very hard to come by. I searched many days to find only a small handful.”
“I wish they grew here,” said Gewey.
“Perhaps one day you will help me gather them in my homeland.”
Gewey noticed how the moonlight silhouetted the curves of her figure. She moved with a fluid grace that was unmatched by anyone he'd ever seen. She looked over just in time to catch his stare, and gave him a sly grin. He could feel himself flush with embarrassment.
An hour before sunrise he could hear the surf beating against the shore. Walking became increasingly difficult, as the sand deepened and the dunes began to rise ahead, though it didn't appear to hinder Aaliyah. As they crested the last dune, the dim light of dawn broke at his back. The azure of the Western Abyss stretched out before them. Gewey stood transfixed.
“Have you never seen the sea?” asked Aaliyah.
“No,” Gewey replied. “I haven't. I only left my small village a short time ago. Even then, we were on the run most of the time.” He breathed in the sea air.
“You will see the world soon enough,” said Aaliyah. “I must warn you. The first time on a ship at sea can be…disquieting.”
Gewey had not thought about spending two weeks aboard a seagoing vessel. He shrugged, not wanting to show his sudden apprehension. “I'll be fine.”
“Of course, you will.” She led Gewey down the beach to a small boat that had been pulled ashore and tied to a large piece of driftwood. “My ship is just over the horizon.”
Gewey looked out at the water. The waves were at least three feet high and the sea beyond the breakers was rough. “Is it safe to go that far out in this?”
Aaliyah laughed as she untied the boat. “We won't be going that far. My ship is already heading toward us.”
“How-” asked Gewey.
“My crew knows I am here because I let them know,” she said, before he could complete his question. “It is much the same as when you reach out to Kaylia, only we can do so without the bonding. You will learn soon enough.”
Gewey grabbed the side of the boat and helped Aaliyah drag it to the water. It was surprisingly light, which made him even more nervous as his eyed the churning seas. As soon as they were in the water and on board Gewey noticed something missing. Oars. Aaliyah had seated herself at the front and was sitting cross legged, hands in her lap, palms up. The boat lurched forward. Spray soaked his clothes as the craft cut through the waves and into open water. He could feel the flow coursing through her.
In the distance, he spotted red sails breaking above the horizon. “I see them,” he called out.
“Yes,” she replied. “We will be aboard soon.”
The ship came closer at an alarming rate. In only a few minutes it loomed above them. It was well over one-hundred feet in length, and its two giant masts were nearly the length of the ship itself. Gewey had only seen drawings of sea-going vessels, but could still tell that this ship was much sleeker in design, and looked faster. The sails were swollen full, and at first Gewey was afraid the ship would ram them. But just as it came within twenty yards, the sails went limp and the vessel slowed dramatically.
Dozens of elves could be seen alongside looking down at them, all dressed in tan shirts and red trousers. One unfurled a rope ladder, as well as two thin ropes. Aaliyah attached the ropes to two steel rings on either side of the boat and led Gewey up the ladder. He could already feel queasiness in his stomach as he climbed. The ship rose and dipped methodically, nearly causing him to fall twice before he reached the top. Once on deck, Gewey reached over and held the side railing to steady himself.
“You will grow accustomed to the movement soon,” Aaliyah promised. “For now, stare at the horizon. It will keep your stomach from turning sour.”
Gewey looked doubtful, but obeyed. He could hear the whispers of the elves behind him. The words Shivis Mol being repeated over and over. After a few minutes, his nausea subsided, and he turned around. The sway of the ship kept him slightly off balance, and he stumbled forward. A tall, thin elf with dusty-brown hair and ice-blue eyes, leaped forward and grabbed his arm.
“I'm fine,” said Gewey. “Thank you.”
The elf bowed. “It takes time to grow accustomed to the sea.” He smiled brightly. “But I suspect Shivis Mol will have little trouble.”
Gewey looked out over the deck. At least a dozen elves were busy about the ship. Aaliyah was standing several feet away speaking to one of the crew. To the aft end, the deck sloped upward ending at a cabin that stood nearly ten feet tall. A narrow wood door led to the interior flanked on either side by a ladder that led up to the poop deck. The main deck was smooth and glistened in the morning sun, yet despite its slick appearance, it gripped the soles of his boots. He examined the various ropes and pulleys that hung from the first mast, and marveled at the sheer complexity. The riverboats he had seen were as toys by comparison.
Aaliyah motioned for him to join her. “If you wish, you can spend time among the crew. They will be pleased to show you how the ship works.”
“I would like that,” said Gewey. His stomach growled loudly.
Several elves began to gather around each mast.
“You should watch this,” said Aaliyah. “Then you can eat and rest.”
The elves closed their eyes and folded their hands in front of them. Gewey could sense the sudden swell of the flow growing around him. He felt the air begin to stir and build, until the sails snapped full. The masts groaned and creaked as the ship lurched forward. The elves opened their eyes and all but one broke the circle and went back to their work.
“He will maintain the wind until midday,” said Aaliyah. She pointed to the bow where another elf woman stood, eyes fix on the horizon. “And she will guide us.”
Gewey could scarcely believe what he had seen. “You can teach me this?”
“Of course.” She reached out and took his hand. “That is why you are here, is it not? But come, there will be time for that later.”
“But how-”
She placed one delicate finger to his lips. “Later. I am strong, but still I need to eat.” She led Gewey across the deck and through the door of the cabin. The wooden interior was polished, clean and superbly varnished. The long tables had been placed to his right, and a narrow door was at the
far end. The walls were bare — with the exception of a silver placard with an expertly carved relief of a dolphin leaping playfully from a turbulent sea, situated on the far left wall just above the last table.
Aaliyah took Gewey's pack and motioned for him to sit. “I will take your belongings to your quarters.” She disappeared through the door.
Gewey waited patiently. It wasn't long before Aaliyah returned carrying two bowls, followed closely by a short, elderly elf woman, clad in brown tunic and trousers, bearing a bottle, two wooden cups, and two spoons. The scent of fresh fish filled the air. After placing everything on the table, the woman nodded and left.
Aaliyah took a seat across from Gewey. “I hope you enjoy our fare.”
In the bowl was a thick creamy stew, dotted with red, green, and black spices. His mouth watered. “What is it?” He picked up a spoonful, and saw large chunks of fish mixed with the thick broth.
“It is a stew made from cream, fish, and spices from my homeland.” She poured Gewey a cup of wine.
Gewey eyes went wide at the first taste. It was almost sweet, yet the spice caused his tongue to tingle. The fish was tender and just salty enough to be a pleasant addition to the overall experience. He smiled and moaned with satisfaction.
“I am pleased you like it,” said Aaliyah.
They ate the rest of the meal in silence. When they were finished, Aaliyah led Gewey through the door and down a narrow corridor that split at the end. To the right of Gewey was an open door that led to a small kitchen. They continued left to the end of the hall to another door. Inside was surprisingly luxurious. The floor was covered by a thick, indigo rug, woven with swirling silver patterns around its borders. A large oak desk was directly ahead, covered with maps, charts, and several leather books. On either side was a single bed, dressed with plush blue quilts and two small soft-looking, round pillows. A large ash chest had been placed at the foot of each bed. The wall was decorated with paintings of various sea creatures, some he was familiar with, others looked like something out of legend. Glowing spheres hung from the ceiling in the corners.
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