Before Lee could respond, he heard several men approaching from the road. He spun around, but heard more men coming from the other direction.
“Don't try to run,” called the voice of Captain Lanmore. “There is no escape.”
Lee and Jacob drew their swords.
“Come closer if you long for death,” called Lee.
The men halted their approach.
“There is no need for this,” shouted Lanmore, from a few yards away. “My master wishes you returned to him unharmed. You and your son.”
“If I return to your master, it will be to end his life,” roared Lee.
Lanmore laughed. “Even your dear wife knew that was impossible. Why do you think she helped you escape?”
Jacob shot Lee an accusing glance.
“And for that she paid with her life,” Lee replied, with hatred spewing from his lips. “My wife lay dead because of your master’s evil. Do you think I will simply return with you? You’re a bigger fool than I thought.”
“Do you really think the Reborn King would allow such a noble lady to die?” he asked. “She could not escape his grasp so easily. No, Lord Nal'Thain. Your wife still lives.”
“You lie!” he shouted. “I saw her die. I held her in my arms.”
“I'm sure you did. But the king is powerful. Those whom he wishes to live will live.” He took a step forward, and sheathed his sword. “He knew she would help you escape, and he knew she would try to take her own life to ensure that she could not betray you. Ask yourself this. How did you escape so easily? How did you walk straight through the front gate? He knew you would try to find your son. Should we have tried to capture him, he would have resisted, and the King does not want his blood. Return with me now and you can be with your family again.”
“When I run, you follow,” Lee whispered to Jacob.
“But mother-” he protested.
“Your mother is dead,” he snapped. “And you will not follow her.”
Lee burst into a dead run southeast. Jacob was on his heels. He passed the soldiers just as they realized he was there. They gave chase, but Lee and Jacob were too fast and soon they disappeared into the darkness.
The soldiers returned to Captain Lanmore, scraped, bruised, and out of breath. He ordered them to return to the garrison. He paused and stared into the shadows of the forest. He felt a presence just behind him. Its raw power nearly sent him falling to his knees, but he dare not turn around.
“Such a pity.” said a voice. It was almost a whisper, yet it carried a power that made the sound seem to take physical form.
“Forgive me, Master,” he said. Fear pierced his heart. “They escaped. My men weren't fast enough.”
“If I wanted them captured I would have sent the Vrykol.” It sounded amused. “But it matters not. I already have foreseen the fate of Lee Starfinder.”
The presence vanished. Lanmore fell to the ground and wept.
Chapter 28
Gewey stared over the bow of the ship. Aaliyah had continued with his training, but as they drew closer to their destination, he noticed that she would frequently lose focus. After a week she had taken to sleeping on deck. Gewey had offered to give her the room, but she told him that she preferred to sleep under the stars, and enjoy the scent of ocean air.
He had tried on several occasions to speak with her, hoping to lift her spirits, but she would withdraw even further. By the time the ship rounded the Tarvansia Peninsula, Aaliyah informed him that he would be spending his remaining time studying with Drasalisia, the navigator. Gewey tried to object but she would not be swayed, and seemed relieved when the navigator reluctantly agreed.
From the onset of the lessons, he realized that Drasalisia intended to be a strict task-master. The first day, he joined her at the bow of the ship. She looked at him sideways, then handed him a small cup of water. She had him sit cross-legged on the deck, a few feet behind her.
“You can join me when you learn control,” she said. She held out her hand and a small droplet of water floated from the cup and hovered a few inches in the air. Then it rolled on the cups edge and slid back in. “When you can do this, you are ready to continue.” She stood up and stared down at Gewey for a moment, then with a huff, returned to the bow.
Gewey closed his eyes and allowed the flow of the air to surround the tiny cup, but quickly found that he could not lift the water. Again and again, the cup spilled over. Each time he returned with more water the navigator shot him a disapproving glance. After three hours, he leaped to his feet and let out a frustrated scream.
“What good is this?” he shouted. “How does this help me?”
The navigator strode over and picked up the cup. “Hold this in your palm.”
He obeyed, unenthusiastically. Another tiny droplet of water floated out and drifted toward the navigator.
“Not everything needs brute force,” she said. The droplet flew forward at blinding speed, and struck the cup, shattering it. Water and glass fell to the deck. Gewey stared in amazement. “Such a thing could be quite useful, wouldn't you say?” She returned to her duties and glanced over her shoulder. “You will need another cup.”
Gewey nearly broke into a run, excited by what he had seen. For six straight hours he continued to try, but was still unable to do it. The sun was setting and the navigator was being relieved. She walked over to Gewey and sat next to him.
“Show me what you are doing,” she said, in her typical, emotionless way. She took Gewey’s hand and brought her spirit close to his.
Gewey tried once again, and once again failed. He forced the water over the side. The moment it touched the deck he felt the navigator seize the flow and return it to the cup.
“You must understand the way this power works,” she explained. “Power of the earth, air and water are not different. At least, not in essence. They are pieces of the same world. You try to dig and lift the water with air, as a shovel to earth. Or you throw it, as a bale of hay into a wagon.” She reached out and touched the flow of the water, surrounding a tiny drop, pressing it in. “You transition it from one to the other. It is as one hand touching the other. The air stirred almost imperceptibly, and blended with the droplet. In unison, it rose, carried on a tiny cushion of air. “Do you see?” The droplet fell gently back into the cup.
“I understand.” His words were a gasp.
“Good,” she said, with a hint of satisfaction. “Return tomorrow and try again. You have done enough today.”
In spite of his desire to continue, he knew it was useless to argue. The rest of the evening he spent with the crew, learning the ship and listening to their tales. Aaliyah joined him for dinner, but stayed in her cabin for the rest of the evening, until she went on deck to sleep.
This time Gewey was determined to find out what troubled her and brought his blanket and pillow and lay down beside her.
“I know you think you can help me,” said Aaliyah. “But there is really nothing you can do.”
“If I can't help, would you at least tell me what is troubling you?”
She sighed, and closed her eyes. “I am trying to still my heart. Soon I must see Nehrutu again.”
Gewey raised an eyebrow and smiled. “I would think you'd be happy about that.”
“I am uncertain how I feel,” she replied. “I will be pleased to see him, but uncertain as to what to say. Through your communication with Kaylia, he will be aware of your decision…and my failure.”
Gewey chuckled. “That should make him happy.”
She looked over at Gewey. “If Kaylia left you in pursuit of another, would you be happy when she returned?”
“If it meant we would be together, I might,” he replied. “You left him out of a sense of duty, not because you stopped loving him. I’m sure he understands that.”
“He does. But I cannot help but wonder how I would feel if the situation were reversed. Would I be so willing to return to the one that spurned me?” She smiled. “I am acting as a child. But matte
rs of the heart make children of us all. Even the most wise.”
“Have you reached out with your spirit?” he asked. “I'm sure it will ease your mind if you do.”
“I have more knowledge than you, Gewey,” she replied. “But I am not as strong. I cannot span such great distances.”
“I could help,” he offered.
Aaliyah couldn't stop herself from laughing. “I am afraid such a meeting would be too personal. But I thank you, regardless.” She closed her eyes. “Now if you intend to stay under the stars with me, you must allow me to rest.”
Gewey squeezed her hand and rolled over. The sound of the ocean swells lapping against the hull was sweet music, singing him to sleep. As he drifted, he thought of Kaylia. He considered reaching out to her, but the motion of the ship pulled him down too fast, and in seconds, his breathing was deep and steady.
The morning brought the sound of gulls and the spirited voices of the crew hard at work. Aaliyah was already busy with the running of the ship and appeared to be in much better spirits. After breakfast, he returned to the navigator carrying his cup of water. Taking his place on the deck, he continued the exercise. This time, after only two tries, he did it. A small droplet of water floated from the cup. Gewey was elated. He moved it around, making it rise, fall, and travel in a tight circle. He allowed the flow to swell, and concentrate within him. He removed another droplet….then another and another, until there were ten in all. He formed them into a ring and pushed them above the navigator’s head. Then, one by one, allowed them to fall.
The navigator turned slowly, her expression unmoved. “That is enough for today.”
Gewey tried to suppress a laugh. “Don't you have a sense of humor?”
She turned back around, saying nothing. Gewey frowned and headed toward the cabin. After only a few steps toward the door a large ball of water crashed down on his head, soaking him to the skin. The elves on deck burst into laughter. Gewey looked back at the navigator who was still facing forward.
“There is nothing wrong with my sense of humor,” she said.
Gewey grinned, boyishly. He used the flow to dry his clothes, then went in search of Aaliyah. He found, her in her quarters, pouring over a large map that covered the entire desk. He told her what the navigator had taught him…and what she had done.
“She must like you,” she noted.
“You'd never know it by the way she looks at me,” Gewey replied.
“I've known Drasalisia for seventy years and never seen her be playful.” She leaned back in her chair and grinned. “We should arrive just north of the city of Skalhalis in two days. From there we will cut across country, and arrive in Valshara the following day.”
Just then a bell sounded repeatedly from on deck. Aaliyah jumped up and flew from the cabin, Gewey on her heels. As they made their way up, he could feel the ship slowing.
“What is it?” asked Aaliyah, as she made her way to the bow.
“A fleet of ships just beyond the horizon,” said the navigator. “At least fifty.”
“Can we avoid them?” asked Aaliyah.
“We can,” she replied. “But you may wish to go ashore further north. From their course it looks as if they are heading for Skalhalis.”
Aaliyah thought for a moment. “No. I want you to plot a course that has us arriving under the cover of darkness. Once Gewey and I are away, take the ship as far off shore as possible, while still close enough to be contacted.”
“There is more.” The navigator’s countenance betrayed her worry. She took Aaliyah's hand and they closed their eyes. After a few minutes she let go and lowered her head as if fatigued. “Is that what attacked you in the desert?”
“It was,” replied Aaliyah. She turned to Gewey. “It would seem Angraalhas sent more forces. Vrykol are aboard ships bound for Skalhalis. They will arrive just as we get to Valshara. You must warn Kaylia.”
Gewey nodded sharply and bolted to his quarters. Sitting in front of the desk, he reached out for Kaylia, but her thoughts were presently turned to matters of the flow. “Nehrutu must be giving her another lesson,” he thought. He pressed his spirit in even harder. This time he reached her. He explained what Aaliyah had said, and at once, she broke contact.
Aaliyah enter a moment later. “Did you succeed?”
The shock of Kaylia pulling away so suddenly, made him dizzy. “Yes. I'm sure of it.”
Aaliyah walked over to the desk and stared down at the map. “We will come very close to the ships when we land, and we still may be seen from the shore if an army is mustering for war.”
“Then they will not live to tell of our passing,” said Gewey, a small fire building in his heart. The rage returned. It felt good. He smiled fiendishly, and looked sideways at Aaliyah. “I guess the war has truly begun.”
She placed her hand on his shoulder. “It would seem so.”
The rest of the day he spent with the crew, trying to calm himself and keep his mind as far from war as he could. By now, he had learned quite a bit about the workings of the ship and offered to lend a hand wherever he could. This was well received by the crew, who in short order were teaching him elven seafarer’s songs and telling old tales passed down aboard ships for thousands of years. Most were about sea monsters and adventure, but a few dealt with the Gods. Gewey tried to pretend not to be interested about those, but couldn't help wondering how much truth was hidden within the fiction. After seeing what secrets the desert held, he thought that perhaps the stories held more truth than anyone had guessed.
In spite of all his efforts, his mind kept wandering to the coming battle. The force that marched on Valshara would certainly not be enough to defeat fifty ships filled with soldiers. And he had no idea how many had already landed. There could be one-hundred thousand troops ready to sweep across the land for all he knew. If that was so, then the war would be over before it had begun.
By nightfall, he was dreading what dreams might come. He knew Kaylia would be making preparations, and would likely be unable to contact her. Aaliyah could tell he was troubled and stayed in her quarters with him.
“Should you need me, I am here,” she said, as they both slipped into bed.
“Thank you,” he replied. He rolled over and squeezed shut his eyes. “I'll be fine.”
“Do not fear the strength your feelings bring,” she said. “They are a part of you. That strength saved my life.”
He sat up and pushed his back to the wall. “I know. And when it happens, I don’t mind it. But afterwards…it’s as if I’ve lost part of who I am. I feel it changing me.”
“It is changing you,” she replied. “I told you that before. But it should not upset you. You are just becoming what you were always meant to be.”
“And what is that,” he asked, worriedly. “I feel it most when I’m angry. What if that’s what I become? An angry, vengeful God? Will the world be better off once the Dark Knight is gone, if I still remain?”
Aaliyah scowled. “You will not become evil, if that is what you are suggesting. Powerful, yes. Dangerous, inescapability. But dangerous to whom, is the question? I think not to those you love and protect.”
“I hope not.” Gewey slid back down, and wrapped himself in his blanket. ”Each time, I feel it more than the last. The name Darshan is becoming more and more natural to me. I’m just afraid I’ll lose that part of me that is Gewey.”
“You will not,” she said, her tone reassuring. “I swear it.”
His dreams were troubled and filled with visions of hopeless despair and suffering. Human and elf, bleeding and crying. The whole world trapped in an inferno of chaos and death. In the midst of it all, he stood, unable to stop it. The morning was the only thing that brought him a welcome relief.
They would arrive at sunset, so Gewey spent the morning gathering supplies and checking his gear, then rested in the cabin until the early afternoon. He wanted to be as strong as possible when they landed. He only left the cabin twice to take his meals. When he finally went
on deck he brought his pack, the bow, and staff along with him, and stowed it near the landing craft.
Aaliyah was already there and ready to depart.
“I see you are excited to get underway,” she remarked.
He shrugged and leaned over the port railing, and looked out at the setting sun. The cloudless azure sky was beginning to reveal the night stars as daylight slowly faded. There would be no moon tonight. He was grateful.
As he waited to depart, the crew came one by one to bid him farewell. As night fell and the ship slowed to a halt, the navigator joined him.
“You will return once your task is done,” said Drasalisia. “I still have much to teach you.”
Gewey thought he almost saw her smile, but couldn't be certain. “I would like that.” He watched her for a second as she walked away. As soon as his gaze returned to the sea he felt something strike his head, and water poured down his back. He spun around to see the navigator enter the cabin.
Aaliyah approached, pack in hand. “Of all the wonders I have seen, that was the most amazing. Were you an elf, you would certainly be doomed to be her apprentice.”
Gewey laughed, touching the wet spot on the back of his head. “So it's time to go?”
Aaliyah nodded and led him to the boat. The crew lowered it into the water and they climb down. As they began to move away, Gewey looked back to see the crew gathered along the starboard railing, waving. He waved back, as did Aaliyah.
Gewey drew his sword and let the flow of the air rage through him. Soon he could make out the shoreline. The seas were calm and small waves lapped against the sand. The moment the boat touched shore they dragged it into some nearby brush and covered it with branches. He reached out to see if anyone was about. Approximately, three-hundred yards due east, where the beach turned to a thin forest, twenty men were moving north.
“I sense them, too,” whispered Aaliyah. “And twenty more a quarter mile south of their position.”
“If they stay bunched together we should be able to slip between them,” said Gewey. “Kaylia taught me to move in the shadows unseen.”
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