“A useful skill,” she replied. “Let us hope it serves us tonight.”
They crept forward until they were only a hundred yards from the patrol. He could see their armor reflecting in the light of the torches they carried. One turned toward them, revealing the broken scales insignia of Angraalacross his chest plate.
They paused, crouched behind a clump of reeds, as the patrol slowly moved away. Just as Gewey and Aaliyah entered the tree line, they sense an all-too-familiar foulness coming at them from the east.
“Vrykol,” Gewey hissed. “Only one though.”
“It's enough to raise the alarm,” said Aaliyah. “If that happens, use the earth. Fire will draw even more down upon us. We should try to avoid that if possible.”
Gewey allowed the flow of the earth to replace the air. It felt odd, yet invigorating. The earth was so much more visceral and raw. “If it hears us, I'll knock him over. Soon as I do, we'll rush it. Hopefully, it won't have time to call out.”
They moved south, then east. At first, it looked like the Vrykol wouldn't sniff them out. Then, just as they were parallel to it, it halted, and began walking swiftly toward them. Just as it came into view, Gewey could see it held a curved blade in one hand, and a small, bone horn in the other. Gewey was just about to fling a fallen log at the beast when it stopped and raised the horn to the hidden lips beneath its black hood. It rang out and the beast backed away.
“I guess they are becoming more cunning,” observed Gewey. He remembered the elven Vrykol from the black Oasis. He grinned maliciously at Aaliyah, and charged forward. Aaliyah drew her dagger and followed.
In moments, he saw the Vrykol, waiting. But, instead of a sword, the twang of a bowstring sounded. The arrow whizzed through the air seeking Gewey's heart. Gewey twisted and dove sideways. Only his incredible speed saved him from being skewered.
Aaliyah ran straight ahead, slashing at the Vrykol's neck. The creature was barely able to drop its bow and draw its sword in time. The sound of metal on metal rang out. Aaliyah pressed the attack, forcing the beast back.
Gewey scurried to his feet and charged in. The Vrykol slashed hard at Aaliyah, and in a split second he reached inside his cloak. Just as Gewey was about to be in striking distance, the creature threw something to the ground at Gewey's feet. The earth burst into flame, and Gewey slid to a halt. He heard soldiers approaching from either side. Quickly, he threw the earth beneath the fire upward and to his left, then leaped over the gouge in the ground. Aaliyah was being pushed back, as the Vrykol attacked, furiously. Gewey slashed at its leg, cutting deep, and sent it stumbling back. Aaliyah slashed at its neck, but it lifted its sword deflecting the blade. In a flash, it brought its fist across Aaliyah's jaw, sending her sprawling.
The Vrykol turned to Gewey, and thrust his blade at his gullet. Gewey twisted and countered, opening the Vrykol's chest. It fell back stabbing wildly.
Just then the first patrol of soldiers arrived. Aaliyah recovered her feet and brought her knife across the first soldier’s neck. She spun around gutting another. A blast of wind threw the center of the patrol forced them back, as she attacked the left side, cutting down two men with a single stroke.
Gewey pressed the Vrykol hard. The flow swelled inside him made even stronger by his sword. With all his strength he swung the blade at the beast’s neck. The Vrykol tried to block the blow but its blade shattered and its head rolled from its shoulders. Gewey turned to the soldiers, Aaliyah was blasting them back with bolts of air as she carved her way through their ranks.
He could hear more soldiers approaching from the south. The flames from the Vrykol attack were beginning to spread to the dry leaves and twigs that lined the forest floor. “No use hiding anymore,” he thought. He created a wall of flame, splitting the soldiers in two, and pushing them back. Only two men were on the other side, in front of Aaliyah. Fear struck their hearts, and they dropped their weapons and fled. Gewey had already surrounded the others. He tightened the ring of flame, as he had done to the Soufis. The soldiers began to scream and cry.
“Kill them or let them go,” yelled Aaliyah.
Gewey realized he was allowing the wall to creep in slowly, squeezing the men together. Hatred and anger were filling his spirit. He wanted them dead. He wanted to watch them burn. Then, with great effort, he let the flame die. “Run if you want to live!”
The soldiers dropped their swords and ran away. The other soldiers had just come into view. Gewey turned to face them. A column of fire burst to life above his head. Shouts of terror filled the air as the second patrol fled as well.
“Your powers are growing,” said Aaliyah. “You could have easily bested ten times as many.”
Gewey glanced down at the dead Vrykol. Not powerful enough, he thought. Not yet. They ran off into the night at a full run. The flow raged….but it felt different. More intense. He smiled as he wound his way through the forest. The name Darshan echoed in his mind.
Chapter 29
King Halmara paced in front of the jeweled throne of his forefathers, glancing angrily at the door every time he turned. The throne room was cold and empty, and rarely used. For generations the well-being of his kingdom was navigated from the king’s office, and the council chambers. This room was for receiving honored guests, and nothing more. The walls bore the banners of the twelve kingdoms, with the eagle and fish symbol of Skalhalis hanging proudly above the throne. His family had ruled for more than four hundred years. Now folly could end everything. Lord Sialo sat in a plush chair to the right side of the throne, watching the king carefully.
“You should relax, your highness,” said Sialo. “Things are going according to plan.”
Halmara stopped and turned on Sialo. “Is that so? In what way was the poisoning of King Lousis, part of the plan?”
“I told you that I had nothing to do with it,” said Sialo. “It was Yanti that gave the order.”
“Then Yanti is a fool,” he roared. “And when I see him-“
The door flew open. Yanti strode in confidently. “You will do what?” He laughed. “My good king, nothing has been done that wasn't according to my design.”
Halmara snarled. “Your idiocy has ensured that the other kingdoms will surely align against me. They probably gather as we speak.”
Yanti stopped. His eyes grew dark and threatening. “Mind your tongue…highness, or you may find your long reign become a fleeting moment. I have enough soldiers to crush Althetas. They cannot muster enough of a force in time to stop us.”
“I will not be intimidated by you.” Halmara's voice wavered.
“I do not try to intimidate,” said Yanti. “I only want you to know your situation. You are a vassal of Angraal, and will bend to the will of the Reborn King. And his will, is what I tell you it is.” He leveled his eyes. “Are we clear about this, your highness?”
Halmara felt as if his breath had been taken away. He fell back onto his throne and slumped down, defeated. “I still think it was a mistake to poison King Lousis.”
“I'm truly sorry, but that had to be done,” Yanti explained. “After poisoning my poor dear Salmitaya, it was an imperative.”
A messenger burst through the door and bowed low. “I bring news, your highness.” He handed King Halmara a rolled up piece of parchment. The boy bowed again and hurried away.
Halmara unrolled the parchment and read it carefully. “It would seem your attempt on King Lousis' life has failed.”
Yanti smiled, and waved his hand carelessly. “It matters not. Once the army is assembled and ready we will attend to that.” He turned to Sialo. “How go the preparations?”
“On schedule,” he replied. “Will you be staying?”
“Of course,” said Yanti. “I have learned not to leave these events unattended. Now if you will pardon me, I desire a wash and a fresh set of clothing. Please tell me this place is civilized enough to possess a shower.”
The king didn't bother to respond. He rose, led Yanti to the door and instructed the guard t
o show him to his chambers.
“You should be careful, your highness,” warned Sialo. “The Reborn King puts a great deal of faith in Yanti's judgment. You should maintain a pleasant relationship with him.”
King Halmara returned to his throne. He rubbed his finger along the cushioned chair arms, and wondered how long he would be allowed to sit here. King Lousis had been right. But it was too late now.
Chapter 30
Kaylia had been wandering the halls anxiously. Since Gewey had told her of the ships bound for Skalhalis, Valshara had been in a panic. Elf and human soldiers had been arriving for over a week, but so far there were only fifteen thousand in total, not nearly as many as they needed. The rest would not arrive for several more weeks.
Selena had been distraught when she heard of the attempt on King Lousis' life. She knew it was because of Salmitaya. That he had survived was the only thing that kept her from flying into a rage.
Riders and fauna birds came three times per day bringing news from the elf and human nations. The elf elders had galvanized their people and they were ready to fight, but many were far away, and it would take time to assemble them.
Nehrutu had ordered his ship to patrol the coast, but far out of sight, and to only observe and report. Should enemy ships attempt to invade the Althetan harbor, they would face skilled navigators more than capable of running ships aground.
Maybell had been escorted to Valshara two days prior. She was not the unyielding yet witty woman Kaylia remembered. And after hearing what had become of Malstisos, she understood why. The thought of such a noble elf falling prey to evil made her want to weep. Selena had taken Maybell under her charge, and kept her close. Kaylia hoped it would help Maybell become herself again.
Ertik had also arrived. When he told her that Theopolou left him to speak for the elves, she had burst out laughing. Only a short time ago, Theopolou had been opposed to contact with humans, and now he allowed a human to speak for his people. She wished she could have seen the old elf one last time before he went north. She feared he may never return.
As she tried to find things to keep herself occupied she heard cheers coming from the courtyard, and she hurried to see what it was. Just as she neared the front entrance, the door flew open, and there stood Gewey, dusty, hair tangled, and smiling widely. Aaliyah stood just behind him. Gewey dropped his pack and ran to Kaylia. He lifted her up, crushing her to his chest. Her heart leaped for joy. She felt as if she never wanted this moment to end.
Gewey looked into her eyes. “I missed you.” He kissed her with desperate intensity, as if he were trying to make up for their time apart in a single moment.
When their lips parted, she was unable to speak. She grabbed his head roughly, and pulled him to her, and kissed him again. Only the sounds of applause brought her back to rights. She smiled up at Gewey. “I have a surprise for you.” She held out her palm. A tiny ball of flame came to life. It hovered for a second, then she closed her hand, snuffing it out.
“Nehrutu has been a good teacher,” said Gewey, unable to take his eyes off her. “Speaking of Nehrutu, where is he?”
“I am here, Shivis Mol.” Nehrutu was standing in the doorway behind Aaliyah.
Aaliyah spun around. “It is…good to see you.”
Nehrutu smiled. “It is good to see you as well.” He stepped closer. “We have much to teach these people, Aaliyah. But there are also things I have learned from them.” He grabbed Aaliyah and pulled her close. For a moment he gazed into her eyes, then kissed her with tender intimacy.
Gewey smiled, suppressing the urge to laugh.
Aaliyah looked to Gewey and Kaylia, then back to Nehrutu. “Then we shall face the world as they do. Together as one.” She pulled away from Nehrutu and walked up to Kaylia. “Please forgive me. I only acted out of a sense of duty. But Darshan has shown me that I was mistaken. You are his true mate, and I will never doubt that again.”
Kaylia took her hands. “There is nothing to forgive. You were trying to protect your people. I might have done the same.” She cocked her head to the side as a realization struck her. “Darshan?”
“I will tell you all about it,” said Gewey. “There is much we need to talk about. But right now, I need to bathe and change.”
Selena approached from the far end of the hall. “It is good to see the two of you safe. And not a moment too soon.” She hugged Gewey, then turned to Nehrutu. “Please have Ertik gather everyone together in the receiving hall in two hours.” She glanced at Gewey and Kaylia, then smiled. “Make that four hours. You will forgive me, but I have things to attend to. I am excited to hear your tale.” She bounded off.
“That is as happy as I have seen her in some time,” remarked Kaylia. “But all this for later. For now, come…” She led Gewey to her chambers.
The room was simple, yet comfortable. A large oak bed was pushed against the wall in the far left corner, with a small desk opposite that. Just beside the door stood a polished maple wardrobe, and a small round dressing table and mirror. One unique thing Gewey noticed was that the lanterns had been replaced by elf orbs that hung from the ceiling in each corner.
Gewey set his gear next the wardrobe, with the exception of the bow given to him by Gerath, and took a seat on the bed, laying the bow beside him.
“The wash water will take some time,” she said. “You can tell me more about your journey until it comes.”
Gewey grinned happily. The moment Aaliyah had lifted the block on their bond, he had been so elated that he had scarcely told her a thing of their journey during their contacts. He picked up the bow and handed to her.
At once, she looked shocked and stood up, staring at the weapon in awe. “This is what was in the desert.”
“Yes,” he replied. “Along with other things. Now that I've given this to you, only you can use it.”
“I know,” she whispered. “I can feel it.”
“I wanted to give the staff to Theopolou,” said Gewey. “Where is he?”
“Perhaps you can save your tale for when the others have gathered,” she suggested. “Much has happened since you have been away.” She recounted the events of the past several weeks. She had just told him of the poisoning of King Lousis, when two servants arrived carrying a brass basin filled with hot water.
The servants left smiling and giggling impishly at the two. Kaylia stood and offered Gewey her hand. He took it and allowed her to help him to his feet.
“Enough talk for now.” Her voice was soft and seductive. “I have missed my husband.”
Gewey’s heart raced as Kaylia dimmed the lights. No one would disturb them for some time. Gewey felt as he did their first night together. He stripped off his travel worn clothes and tossed them into the corner. Dust flew as they struck the flagstone floor.
Gewey smiled. “I'm filthy.”
Kaylia retrieved a washrag from the wardrobe. “Not for long, my love.”
Chapter 31
As they lay in bed, Gewey felt utterly content. His mind was far from the troubles he was to face, and obstacles he had overcome. Kaylia smiled sweetly as she lay with her arm draped over his chest.
“I never want to leave this room,” said Gewey.
As if the fates had been challenged, there was a knock at the door.
“The High Lady sends word that it is nearly time,” came a shy voice.
Gewey groaned then shouted loud enough so that whoever it was on the other side could hear. “Very well.”
Gewey climbed out of bed and rummaged around his pack for the elf clothes Theopolou had given him. He held them up and frowned. They were wrinkled and stained. In fact, all his clothes were in the same condition.
“I have clothes for you,” said Kaylia. “I would not have you looking like a vagabond.” She went to the wardrobe and pulled out a black, silk shirt and matching trousers.
Gewey held up the shirt and cocked his head. “I'll miss the comfort of my elf clothes.”
Kaylia laughed. “I'm sure we can fin
d you more. But this must suffice for now.” She took out a pair of leather boots and a silver belt. “Do not worry. You will be covered with dirt again soon enough.” She grabbed his arm and had him sit in the chair in front of the dressing table mirror.
He looked at himself in horror. His beard had grown to nearly an inch long, and his hair was a tangled mess. “I can't believe you can bear to look at me.”
“Don't worry,” she said, kissing his neck. “I will see to it that you are presentable. Get dressed and I will return shortly.”
She donned a cotton robe and a pair of silk slippers and left the room. A few minutes later she returned with a young girl dressed in a plain, green tunic and skirt.
“Go with her,” said Kaylia. “She will see to your…grooming.” Her last word came out with a light titter.
Gewey gave himself one last look in the mirror, and sighed. “Not exactly inspiring, am I?”
“We'll change that, my lord,” said the girl, with a perky bounce.
She led him to an unused chamber, and set to work, and soon Gewey was shaved and groomed. A guard came, just as the girl was finishing, to tell Gewey that Kaylia awaited him in the receiving hall.
The guard escorted Gewey to the hall. Just outside the doors he saw Chiron, speaking quietly to Bellisia.
Chiron beamed as Gewey approached. “Ah, now you are a welcome sight.”
Gewey bowed to them both. “When did you arrive?”
“Just now,” he replied. “Both mine and Bellisia's lands are not as far away as others. The other elf nations will be here within the month.”
“Is it true Angraalhas taken the city of Skalhalis?” asked Bellisia.
“It would appear so,” Gewey replied. “It looks like time has run out. War is come.”
“I hear dear Theopolou left Ertik of Valshara to speak for the elves in Althetas,” said Chiron. “How times are changing.”
“For the better, I pray,” added Bellisia. “The idea of elf and human living together is still unsettling to many of my people. But they are coming to accept it as inevitable, as I have.”
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