Ellipsis - Creators of Six #1

by Jacob White

  “I'm sorry, it’s just I really want to give this a chance, between Les and I. As much as you’ve helped me and confessed to me. She has as well.”

  “Weaver, I understand completely, and I give up on my claim to you tonight… or maybe I should let Les know.” She giggled. Everyone just laughed thinking she was drunk.

  “That would be something to see, she already knows, and she accepted what happened. I might have laid a heavy blame on Gibi but still.” She walked over to Les, and gave her a hug, and whispered in her ear. Then she walked back to me and kissed my cheek and embraced me. I looked to Les and saw her smile and giving me a nod. “What did you say to her?”

  “That is between her and I.” She took Aden’s arm. Everyone nearly had a heart attack when Gibi showed up in the middle of our circle. Dirk even dropped his glass and it shattered it on the floor.

  “Hello, I just wished to offer my thanks. Do not fear. You are the only ones who are able to see me.”

  “But the gods, won't they know?” He looked at the stone and gave me a wink. I looked around at open mouths. Aden wasn’t sure what to do. He had almost taken to his knee but realized no one else could see him. Instead he handed him an ale. Gibi took it with thanks and held it up.

  “To the future that may come to pass, one free of darkness and full of life.” We repeated it and drank from our glasses. “I once again thank you. Hopefully, when this is all over, I will hold the biggest festival only known to dreams. Yes, Dirk, there will be women there.”

  He gave a slight bow and was gone again. Dirk laughed so suddenly it surprised us all and joined him again. Anna came up to me in her ceremonial robes as the conversations around us continued to flow.

  “I know the risks, but would you mind a dance?” I looked to my right at Les. She smiled and whispered in my ear.

  “If you kiss her, you will never know what a woman feels like.” She glanced below my waist. “You will have nothing to feel with.” She gave a wicked smile.

  “I understand.” I gave her a big smile and kissed her. She rubbed my cheek and then I led Anna over to a small corner of the floor. The few couples around us moved slightly further anticipating I might step on them as well. Gibi must have been watching, as slower paced song began to echo the room. Anna reached her arms around my neck and rested her head on my chest.

  “Weaver, I'm pretty drunk right now, but I want to tell you something while I have the courage.” I only waited patiently for her to continue. “I do love you, Weaver, I hope you truly know that. I am happy for you and Les. You deserve to be happy just as much as she. I will continue as I have always done and look from afar.”

  “Ann—”

  “No, it’s okay. I’d rather have you as a brother than nothing at all. This is the one thing I ask of you, hold me during this dance as if you loved me as well.” I pulled her closer and whispered in her ear.

  “Anna, I do not need to pretend to love you. I'm sorry I couldn’t return the feelings you wanted from me. But I still need you with me regardless. Just as you always have been. In time, hopefully the pain will lesson for both of us.” I kissed the top of her head.

  “Thank you.” I didn’t say anything else after that as I held her in a lovers’ embrace and we danced without taking care of anyone else in the room. When the song ended, she wiped her face then punched me in the stomach. “You're not getting out of training just because you are drunk… but I might be a little late.” We walked over to the group again. The King stood to address the crowd yet again silencing the room.

  “Where is Weaver! Come to the center!” He bellowed. Cheers ushered me forward. Somethings not right. I felt it from all around. I tried to reach Gibi and Laila, but neither answered.

  “Ahh, Weaver, my boy. Thank you for the honor of coming tonight. There is no better place to offer my thanks and message to you.”

  “My king, there is no thanks necessary.” He didn’t acknowledge my gratitude. My hand pulsed at the same time as his eyes flashed completely black. I blinked but they were once again normal.

  “Weaver, this will be the last time I will offer my hand to you.” My eyes widened in realization. I should have noticed sooner but the feel of despair radiated from the king. I knew it was Liam who possessed king's mind. “I offer you a promise, that those who you care about will have a safe harbor to a land that you may call your own and never be bothered again. You need just give me the stone.”

  “I'm sorry, Liam.” Everyone gasped. The king only laughed. The others rushed to my side. “You know I cannot do this.”

  “Weaver, you can. My brother has fed you lies. I offer truth and peace.”

  “What of everyone else? Do they receive peace as you remake the world?” He stepped down from the steps.

  “It’s true, I aim to remake the world, but only as it should be. My children were slaughtered and their children just for being themselves. Gibi was the cause of those deaths. I only want the world where none need to fear who they are meant to be. A world where everyone could embrace the magic of the world.”

  “Just as long you are on top of the throne of this new world.” Laila challenged.

  “There must always be a leader, my dear.” He looked back to me. “Weaver, you always demand the truth. Not all is as it seems. I'm not placing doubt within you. Only know all the sides before picking one.” He let a deep long sigh. “But know this: even though the stone you carry would make my life that much easier. I do not require it. If you continue to pursue this path you are on, I will feed you to the fates. All of you.” I shuttered at the thought. “They will watch as the fates drink blood from your bones for all eternity. Leaving nothing left but your empty shells. Men will ravage your women over and over. Even after they plead for death. I do not wish this for you, but you must understand what I am willing to do.” Then the queen was shot into the air above us all, her arms jutted out just as my parents had been in my dream.

  “Enough, Liam!” I yelled with power seeping out of me.

  “You have grown stronger, but not near enough, here is a taste of what you face should you continue on.”

  Instantly I felt crushed. There was so much power coming from all sides. My party had been blown to the sides and away. I tried to push back but could do nothing against the might of a god. Blood began to drip from my nose and ears. I couldn’t feel or hear anything as the power continued. Then it stopped, and I was flat on the ground gasping for air. “Ah, brother. Welcome.”

  “This is enough, Liam. Leave this place. Continue to sleep and leave the mortals to their lives. It is no longer our duty to interfere.” Gibi said.

  “Weaver, I’ll tell you what, I will make the offer even more appealing. This entire continent will be spared as if nothing had ever happened. The world will just be changing around you. Trust me when I say, some things for the better.” Gasps and whispers filled the room.

  Gibi picked me up as if he was interested to hear my answer as well. Everything I dreamed was coming true. This place could be home, free from whatever changes Liam made. I could save the ones I love.

  I looked around at my friends and family. They all looked back letting me know they were ready to die for the world they believed in. Fate is just a series of choices. I turned and faced Liam. It was strange seeing the kings face even though it was Liam speaking through him. It made it a bit easier for me to make my choice.

  “Liam, you will leave here, the next time I see you, I will kill you. Do you understand?” I rose with hands clenched. My entire posture was issuing a challenge.

  “Weaver, I thought you were smarter than this. Remember my words about the truth. I will return once again to hear your answer after you know everything.”

  “If you do return, you will find your head at my feet with your tainted blood staining the floor.” I turned my back to the god and walked towards the ballroom doors.

  “You dare turn your back to me!” I felt magic soaring towards me, but it did nothing. My jacket moved as if I was in th
e wind but saw the darkness split ahead of me. The same dark mist of magic he threw at me before, would just evaporate once it was stopped by the stone’s barrier. I still felt the overbearing pressure from the magic as it went around me. He can’t hurt me.

  “You can't hurt me, can you? An all mighty god, fearing a mortal? What does that feel like?”

  “If you say one more word I will slice the throat of everyone here.” Liam threatened

  “I don’t think you will because if you do, you know no matter what truth I must learn, it will not matter. I would hunt you until my dying breath. I will bring Liide to ruin.” A small smile came spread across his face.

  “Your right, I can’t hurt you with magic. That doesn’t mean Gibi’s protection falls over everyone.” I was then showered with blood as the queen's throat was slit over me. The room erupted in screams and panic. Everyone was running to the exits. I just stood there in shock. Looking to the ground as blood dripped to my feet. I was the one that made this happen. If I hadn't challenged him… I was now on all fours throwing up everything in my stomach. Then Gibi was beside me.

  “Weaver, I'm sorry… you have to know he was going to kill her from the start.” I stood and backed away from him.

  “Then why the hell didn’t you do anything?”

  “The stone…”

  “Don’t give me that shit, you have used my power before and you could have now. What is the truth, Gibi? What must I know? You are guilty just as much as I for her death!” Laila was walking up to me crying, and make-up smeared. Still her face wasn’t filled with hate towards me. Just pity.

  “Weaver, it wasn’t—”

  “Don’t…” Aden grabbed her shoulders to help her stay upright. His face did not mimic his sisters. His mouth was clenched, as looked at me as if I had slit her throat myself. I turned back to Gibi, and he was looking at me with such sadness it broke me. I collapsed onto the ground in my own vomit mixed with blood now.

  “How much many more must die because of me…” I whispered into the queens remains. The actual pain came from letting Laila down. I couldn’t even save her mother. How could I save anyone? Les was now in front of me. Picking me up regardless of what fluids I was covered in.

  “Les… what do I do?”

  “I don’t know, but I will help you figure it out.” She then was under my shoulder supporting some of my weight.

  Les had me undressed and into the bathing chamber before I'd even realized what had been going on. She was there with me cleaning all the blood off me. I looked at her and no longer to hold in my tears I cried into her shoulder without the thought of embarrassment.

  “How can I save everyone?” I whispered over and over. She didn’t say anything. She just held me throughout the night all the way until morning. I didn’t sleep that night. I was so afraid of what I would see, especially since Laila and I didn’t make our usual exchange. I was so scared that there might not be any left for me.

  CHAPTER TWENTY-TWO

  Sleeping on the Ground

  Gibi came to me for the first time since the event.

  “Weaver, we need to move now. We have to get to the Twins to prepare for our next step.” Gibi voice resounded in my head.

  “I agree, but I haven’t done any training with air. Hell, I have barely learned water manipulation.” There was no plea in my voice but just stating a fact. Truth was I wanted to leave. Finish this and go somewhere to left alone.

  “You will still learn while we travel.”

  “Who is coming with us?”

  “Everyone, dear boy. Everyone has their role to play. I have already spoken with Laila, and she has begun preparations. They will meet you at the stables. Now hurry and get dressed. To answer your next question. Yes, Laila will be all right.” I keep forgetting he knows my thoughts.

  “What did Liam mean by your protection.”

  “I will explain after we leave.”

  “No Gibi, you will tell me now.” I insisted.

  “I have placed a type of web on you all. It ensures Liam can’t enter your minds. You and Laila are already safe, but the others were not.”

  “Sorry to say, I don’t think any of us are safe.” I took a deep breath. “Les, wake up. Please.” She grumbled as she rose. “Come, there is much to do.”

  Then we began our own preparations to leave. Les, grabbed some coins she had been saving and put them in my pocket to hold as well as some soap, and other random items into a bag. I switched into leathers and strapped my knives to my chest in opposite directions. Where she once wore beautiful shoes, she now wore boots up to her middle calf. She then had her own set of leathers on as well and after putting her hair up, we left.

  Everyone was at the stables when we arrived. Everyone had on leather armor with their chosen weapons among them. There was only one surprise, and that was Aden. He still opted to ride with us still. I didn’t think the king would approve but I said nothing. I didn’t want to push any luck away from our side. I looked around to Anna, Laila, Dirk, and Ralph. With them we had a party of seven. I was now on my horse looking at Laila and Aden.

  “I'm sorry, to you both. I will spend the rest of my life making it up to you. It was my challenge that made Liam do what he did.”

  “Weaver, there is nothing to forgive. If you wish to make amends, however.” she looked to Aden who was now looking down refusing to meet my stare. His hands were white from gripping his reigns tightly. “Then bring back the head of Liam so we may bury it with my mother's body, so she knows in the next life she was avenged.”

  “Do you blame me Laila?”

  “Of course not. I am saddened by my mother’s loss. I know it was not you’re doing. Liam is a vengeful god. If it wasn’t you then someone else would be responsible at the end. Aden isn’t quite himself right now. He does blame you but give him time.” I nodded as a silent promise that I would bring Liam head back. At least see it happen to whoever wears the stone after me.

  Not much more conversation happened after that. No smiles were exchanged, no words of hope. Dirk slept several times as we rode. Ralph and to shake him awake several times. I wasn’t the only one effected by the Queens death. Heads hung low with yawns claiming them every few minutes. I guess I wasn’t the only one who hadn’t slept.

  We rode until the sun covered us completely in the middle of the day.

  “We are being followed, but I can't tell by how many or whom,” Anna said, catching up back to us. “Another lesson for you, Weaver. Reach out with your senses and see if you can sense anything made with water.” I shut my eyes and tried to focus as soon as it happened my mind felt it might explode from everything I was sensing.

  “Is there water in everything!”

  “Almost, well almost anything living, but focus. Try to block out the trees first.” I did, and immediately my head calmed. “Okay, now any crawling creatures. Now Birds. Forest animals. Now, what remains?”

  “I'm not sure. It almost feels like one big mass around us. Then I would feel it behind us and it would switch again. I'm sorry, I can't see it.”

  “No need. I didn’t think you would be able to anyway. You still needed to learn how to sense things while blocking out others. If you could continue trying as much as you can during our trip to the Twins.” I nodded in thanks as Anna went forward letting the others know what she had found. Eventually, none of us could go on much longer, so we had to break down for camp. There was no fire prepared, leaving us to small fruits and bread we had from our supplies. Dirk announced a watch schedule, silently thanking Gibi I wasn’t on it until tomorrow night, I reached out to Laila.

  “I’m sorry to ask, but could you bless me before I rest? I don’t want anything going wrong that could put us in danger.” I was slightly embarrassed to ask. She stood and walked over to me. She and took my hand and we both exchanged what we could as wend began to lay down.

  “What was that about?” The prince asked.

  “Yes, good question.” Les felt the need to add to the awkward
ness. Laila saved me when she walked back over and explained. If Aden wasn’t happy about it, he didn’t say or do much to show it. Les, on the other hand, just glared at me as we were falling asleep.

  “Warmth, huh?” I laughed but she remained silent and my giggle died out.

  “Yes, Les. Unless you would like for me to almost kill you again?”

  “Humph, I'm not sure which one to choose.”

  “Not nice.”

  “Neither are you, so it seems… now get over here and show all these ladies who you belong to. Also, give me some of that warmth of yours.” I smiled and did as she commanded.

  We awoke after the sun had already come out. I then tried once again to sense anything the way Anna taught me, but it still had the same result.

  “Gibi, what do you make of this?”

  “I'm not sure, but the magic at work here is covered with dark. Be on your guard, Weaver. I will try as much as I can, but there is little I can do from this realm.”

  “Wait… what? You mean I’m talking with the Gibi? Not fragment Gibi?”

  “That is correct. I'm surprised you didn’t already know… the fragment that came to re-establish itself was so damaged I could only bring it back to me. I had no other choice but to alter the stone’s magic a bit to directly communicate with me. Since this is taxing, I'm trying to re-create another fragment to replace me. Until that time, I will do as much as I can from here.”

  “Thank you, great god Gibi.”

  “Cut that shit out, we have more important things to worry about.” Gibi said

  “Shit? Don’t tell me I’m influencing bad habits in you.” I asked back. He was silent, so I changed the subject. “Is this why my control is improving?”

  “Yes, I have been telling your mind what to do. Almost as if you took a shorter route to reach the kingdom. Just to speed things along.”

  “Then make me a master manipulator.” As if it was the obvious answer.

  “I would if I could, but it doesn’t work that way. Just like any other muscle the brain needs to be conditioned. That is what I am currently doing. It will take time but eventually, the results will pay off.” We were left to the remainder of the fruit and our journey ahead.