Gods Above and Below

by Loren K. Jones

Aran bowed and backed away as he said, “At once, Prince Stavin.”

  Turning back to Lady Sahrana, Stavin bowed his head slightly. “He’s very good at his job.”

  Lady Sahrana bowed her head in acknowledgment of the compliment. “Aran served my late husband for forty years, Prince Stavin. When Alankarah died I tried to pension him out, but Aran very politely but firmly refused. His wife was one of our maids and had died a few years before Alankarah, and he had no one else to turn to. His parents had been servants here as well, and he only had a few distant cousins outside the estate. He now trains our valets and butlers, and only serves the most exalted of our guest.”

  Lord Arandar caught Stavin’s attention. “You can tell the difference between the valets Aran teaches and those taught by others. There is a waiting list to become Aran’s apprentice. He only takes on four at a time, adding two when he passes two on to full Butler status.”

  “And those butlers are highly prized, Prince Stavin,” Lady Mariniva said. “A butler trained by Aran Fel’Aniston can fetch as much as a hundred gold crowns.”

  Stavin held up his hand to stop her. “I’m sorry, but it sounded like you just said you could buy a servant.”

  Lord Arandar chuckled. “Not buy, Prince Stavin: bribe.” He paused and shook his head. “I don’t know about Evandia, but here servants are paid and have a choice about who they serve. The payment is usually placed on account with the Gold Merchants to earn interest. Over a forty-year career that sum can triple, letting them retire in comfort.”

  “Unless, of course, they don’t wish to retire,” Aran said as he returned with Stavin’s morning meal. He placed the plate in front of Stavin and asked, “Would you like tea or kava, Prince Stavin?”

  “Kava, please.”

  As Aran turned away, Lady Mariniva tilted her head to the side and said, “You treat servants far more courteously than even we do, Prince Stavin.”

  Stavin nodded, then said, “Thank you, Aran,” as the butler set a cup of kava on the table. Stavin looked at Lady Mariniva and said, “It’s because of my upbringing.” He went on to tell the story of how he became the master of the Kel’Carin family, and the difficulties he’d had with it.

  “...The idea of telling Sahrena to do something rather than asking her was so foreign to me that I just couldn’t do it.”

  “Kel’Carin?” Lady Sahrana asked. “The major’s family?”

  “Yes, Lady Sahrana,” Stavin confirmed. “Another of the reasons I couldn’t just order them around: He was my best friend. It’s also why I gave everything back when the council restored Barvil’s honor.”

  Stavin had been eating as he spoke, and Lady Sahrana noticed his empty plate. “Would you care for anything else, Prince Stavin?”

  Stavin shook his head. “No, thank you, Lady Sahrana. You have an excellent cook.”

  Lady Sahrana nodded. “Then I would like to take you to the temples. I’m still disturbed by the reaction to you speaking that unfortunate name.” Stavin stood and bowed as Lady Sahrana and her heirs joined him. Lady Sahrana led the way and Stavin spoke to Sergeant Zel’Fordan as he joined them.

  “We are going to the temples of the Gods Above. Have everyone who’s awake join us.”

  The sergeant bowed, then pointed at one of his men. That man immediately left while the rest of the team formed up around Stavin’s party. They had barely reached the path to the gate before Karvik and his team joined them.

  “Good morning, Prince Stavin. Did you sleep well?”

  Stavin chuckled. “Like a log, Kar. We’re going to the temples and I thought you’d want to join us.”

  “Absolutely,” Karvik agreed. “I thought about waking Var, but he’s only been asleep for a few spans.”

  Stavin nodded. “We’ll have to arrange something for his team later. Zahri will never forgive him if he doesn’t go to the temples.”

  Stavin saw the curious looks they were receiving from their hosts and explained. “Varik is my brother-in-law, Shari’s is little brother, but he married Karvik’s little sister, Zahrinis, so he’s Karvik’s brother-in-law as well. Zahri has made a study of the Old Gods, Above and Below, as well as the younger gods like Lady Sahren. Varik is going to have to tell her all about the temples. It’s a good thing he’s a decent artist. He’ll have to make detailed sketches of all five temples inside and out.”

  Lady Sahrana looked at her son and asked, “Don’t you have a friend who was studying something like that?”

  Lord Arandar nodded slowly. “Yes, Dahnav Zel’Tammal. The last I heard of him, he was teaching at the Royal Reynadian University in Rey.” Turning to Stavin, he bowed his head. “I’ll provide a letter of introduction, Prince Stavin. Dahn can be difficult about discussing his passion with anyone who isn’t one of his peers or students.”

  The walk to the first temple was fairly short. It was the closest temple to the Zel’Aniston estate. “Prince Stavin,” Lady Sahrana said as soon as they reach to the temple grounds, “welcome to the temple of Arandar the Bright.”

  Stavin walked forward, not noticing that everyone else had fallen back until he heard Karvik say, “Uh-oh, I’ve seen this before.”

  “M-Major?” Lady Sahrana asked in a trembling voice.

  “That’s what he looks like when he picks up the sword of Zel’Hallan--but he’s not in his armor this time.”

  Stavin didn’t stop walking. He wasn’t sure he could stop. He couldn’t even look around when Karvik spoke. Something compelled him to keep going. A man in golden robes embroidered with the Sunburst glyph of Arandar the Bright ran out of the temple and stopped, frozen where he stood as Stavin brushed past.

  Stavin entered the temple sanctuary and finally saw the light. Where there had been shadows, the light banished them. Where people had knelt in prayer with their faces in darkness, Stavin saw their faces illuminated and the light reflecting in their eyes.

  There was no altar in this temple. At the head of the temple, below a large cut-glass window made in the image of Arandar’s sunburst, the glyph of Arandar was laid out in gold inset in granite. There were gasps of surprised outrage when Stavin continued walking to the center of the glyph and went to his knees, but Stavin ignored them.

  Stavin knelt and simply waited as he gazed up at the window. He was at peace with his fate, whatever it would be.

  Soon he felt a presence, but didn’t fear it. Its tremendous power surrounded him, but at the same time he also felt something else: something warm and comforting. From somewhere deep in his mind came the memory: I remember being a small child in the warm, powerful embrace of my father, and I knew I was safe from the world. And that I was loved.

  Stavin broke down and cried as something, some ancient pain deep inside, faded. In its place was a feeling of belonging. A feeling of purpose. My entire life, everything I’ve gone through, all my trials and tribulations, have led up to this moment.

  Stavin stood up and wiped his face with his hands, then wiped his nose on his sleeve like a child. He almost chuckled. Mom would smack me in the back of my head if she saw me do that. Then give me a hard time about forgetting a handkerchief. Turning around, he found his hosts and his guardsmen gathered behind him.

  Standing slightly in front of the rest with his arms crossed in front of his breastplate, and a look of long-suffering patience on his face was Karvik Kel’Carin.

  Karvik was the only one to speak as he asked, “What did you do this time?”

  Chapter 5

  LATER, BACK IN THE MANOR HOUSE of Lady Sahrana’s estate, Stavin described what he had felt, and the impressions he’d gotten from Arandar’s light. Lady Sahrana was as still as a statue through Stavin’s full story, but finally spoke when he reached the end.

  “What you are describing, Prince Stavin,” she said softly, “is something only a few people have experienced in all our long history. You did not just witness Arandar’s light: you became part of it. If you were not who and what you are, you would now be the High Priest of Arandar.”

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nbsp; Stavin’s expression became rueful as he said, “That would not go over well at home.”

  “No, it wouldn’t,” Karvik agreed from where he stood by the door. “But what was that taint on your soul all about?”

  “Kar, you’ve known me longer than just about anyone, and you know me better than even Shari does. What was my greatest pain?”

  Karvik paused as he thought, then his head tilted to the side as he asked, “It went that far back?”

  Stavin nodded as his gaze fell. “That’s what the Evilest One touched. That was the weakness in me that he could have exploited. That’s where the pain was, like a festering wound.”

  Lady Sahrana leaned forward again and asked, “Would one of you please explain what you’re talking about?”

  Stavin looked at Lady Sahrana and bowed his head. “When I was ten I caught a fever that almost killed me. It did stop me from growing. But the worst, most hurtful thing happened a year later. A group of boys that I had bullied caught me, beat me, stripped me to the skin, and threw me into a snowdrift.”

  “And that shame made you susceptible to the Evilest One,” Lady Mariniva concluded.

  Stavin looked down and shook his head slowly as a small, bitter smile twisted his lips. “No, that wasn’t the worst of it. The worst was that they said I was a runt who should be killed so I wouldn’t breed and weaken the line--and somewhere deep inside I agreed with them. That was the soul-deep pain that the Evilest One touched: my own uncertain belief that I really was a runt. But it was also responsible for a lot of what I did before our second expedition. It was why being called a coward always made me do stupid things.”

  “Like going to the Dragon’s Cave alone?” Karvik asked.

  Stavin nodded as he looked at his friend. “And asking for Dorvina to be my wife when I knew your dad would send me away. It was like a tooth-ache, a pain that was always there, but it’s gone now.”

  Lord Arandar sat forward in his chair and asked, “So how do you feel now?” in a fatherly tone.

  “Cleansed,” Stavin answered as he released a breath he hadn’t been aware he was holding. “I almost feel like my spirit has had a long soak in the thermal pools back home in Kel’Kavin. It’s like something that had made me dirty, unclean, has been soaked away.”

  Lord Arandar was nodding slowly. “When you get to Rey on the Glimmer, you have to tell Dahn all of this. He has long maintained that the Gods Above, and yes, the Gods Below as well, are deeply and actively involved in our lives. I would say that you, good cousin, are living proof of that.”

  Stavin stood and bowed to Lady Sahrana. “If you’ll excuse me, I’d like to go lie down. For as short a day as it’s been, it feels like it’s been a long day.” Did I just say that out loud?

  Lady Sahrana stood and returned the bow. “Of course, Prince Stavin.” Lord Arandar and Lady Mariniva both stood and bowed as well, but Stavin had already turned away.

  Karvik was, as always, at Stavin side. “That must have taken a lot out of you.”

  Stavin didn’t turn as he replied, “And put a lot into me as well. Remember that paranoia you mentioned? It’s gone now, but something else is in its place. It’s as if I’ve been given--I don’t know how to the describe it.” Stavin held his hands up at shoulder-height in a helpless gesture. “It’s not exactly a command. It’s more like--You know how your mom just has to say she’d like you to do something, and you do it just because she’d like it? That’s what I feel right now.”

  “But what does Arandar want you to do?”

  “Be happy. I know that sounds strange, but that’s what I feel he wants.”

  “Be happy?” Karvik asked. “That’s it?”

  Stavin nodded. “Yes. That’s what it felt like. Or maybe just stop being so angry all the time.”

  Now Karvik nodded as he looked down at Stavin. “That makes more sense. You’ve been mad at—Well, you’ve been mad at the whole world since you were eleven.”

  Stavin nodded and looked up at Karvik. “Since the first time I agreed with Harner when he called me a runt.”

  They reached the suite and Karvik followed Stavin in. They found Aran and his apprentices waiting on their knees with their heads bowed. “What are your needs, Blessed One?” Aran asked without looking up.

  Stavin chuckled and shook his head. “Back to this again?” he asked Karvik with a grin. “Aran, I need you to continue doing as you have done. Yes, Arandar the Bright touched me, and I have been changed by that touch, but I am still just a man.”

  “Yes, Blessed--Prince Stavin. How may we serve you?”

  “Right now, I need to lie down.”

  “Of course, Prince Stavin,” Aran said as he stood and stepped forward. The valets were seeing to the bed as Aran helped Stavin out of his clothes.

  Stavin climbed into the bed and arranged his body comfortably, then began a set of deep breathing exercises. He wasn’t planning to sleep, and he was certain that Karvik realized it. He was placing himself in a light meditative trance so he could think about what had happened without being interrupted.

  Arandar’s Light was still changing him, still cleansing the darkness from his soul. He was aware of Aran and the others moving around the room. He was aware of Karvik sitting by the door.

  It was some indefinable time later that he was brought out of his trance by shouting outside the manor.

  “Sahra, please!” a woman’s voice shouted.

  “No, Sovie!” another woman’s voice shouted back.

  Stavin opened his eyes and found Karvik with all five of the servants looking out the window. “The mayor?” he asked.

  Karvik looked over his shoulder and grinned. “You’ve missed most of it. Lady Sahrana won’t let her in.”

  Stavin shook his head. “I’m surprised she waited this long to chase us down. Who is the highest born of your team? Eldick?”

  Karvik nodded and went to the door. Opening it, he said, “Private Zel’Karyn, step in here for a moment.”

  Eldick Zel’Karyn entered the suite and snapped to attention. “Sir!”

  Stavin said, “Eldick, go down and tell Mayor Zel’Tessel that I will see her tomorrow. And if she gets insistent, please feel free to fully introduce yourself.”

  Eldick grinned and said, “Yes, Prince Stavin.” Then he bowed, turned away, and marched out the door.

  Stavin hopped out of bed and went to the window as Aran and the rest tried to dress him. Stavin and Karvik chuckled as Eldick walked up to the mayor and spoke briefly. The mayor said something back, stamping her foot in anger. Eldick drew himself up to his full height and spoke again. The mayor shook her head and backed away, then turned and walked rapidly toward the gate.

  “Prince Stavin,” Aran asked, “who is that young man?”

  Stavin grinned. “Eldick Zel’Karyn is the Heir of Zel’Karyn in Evandia, and my cousin in an indirect way. He is the highest born of all my guardsmen.”

  Stavin walked to the door with Karvik at his side and went downstairs. Eldick met them halfway up. “Prince Stavin, Lady Sovana will return at mid morning tomorrow,” he said as he rejoined the team.

  “Very well. I’m hungry. Is anyone else hungry?” Stavin asked.

  “You missed the mid day meal, Stave, and it’s nearing evening.”

  Stavin looked at Karvik and said, “I really didn’t intend to sleep.”

  “I think you needed it,” Karvik answered.

  “Perhaps,” Stavin agreed, then turned his attention to Lady Sahrana as he reached the ground floor. “Lady Sahrana, I heard that Mayor Zel’Tessel was here.”

  “Yes, Prince Stavin. She was demanding that I bring you down to her like some common servant.”

  Stavin grinned and shook his head. “I heard the end of it. That’s why I sent Private Zel’Karyn to send her away. His birthright is sufficient to intimidate most people.”

  “Indeed,” Lady Sahrana said as she looked toward Eldick for an instant. “The more so since Sovana’s maiden name was Kel’Aniston.” She chuckled
at Stavin’s expression. “Yes, she’s another cousin, but her husband isn’t an heir. Third son. Now, what can I do for you?” Stavin’s stomach growled in answer and Lady Sahrana chuckled warmly. “This way, Prince Stavin. It’s a little early for the evening meal, but everything should be ready.”

  She led them back to the dining room where they’d had the morning meal and Lady Sahrana spoke to the first servant she saw. “Go inform my son and granddaughter that we are eating early tonight.” The maid bowed deeply and all but ran from the room.

  Lady Sahrana patted the back of a chair and said, “Sit here, Prince Stavin, and I’ll have the cook bring you a little snack until the others arrive.”

  Stavin said, “Thank you, Lady Sahrana,” as she walked away.

  Lady Sahrana returned a moment later followed by an elderly woman carrying a bowl. The cook placed the bowl in front of Stavin, then stepped back and went to her knees with her head deeply bowed. “I hope this is to your liking, Blessed One,” she said as she looked at the floor.

  Stavin tried the stew that filled the bowl and nodded in appreciation. It was thick with vegetables and grain, but tasted like fish. Turning to the woman, he said “This is very good, thank you.” He had let his left hand come down a little and the woman suddenly reached forward and grabbed it.

  Placing her forehead against the back of his hand she said, “Thank you, Blessed One,” then she stood and hurried back to the kitchen.

  Stavin shook his head and said, “This is going to take some getting used to.”

  Karvik smiled slightly as he asked, “You’re not going to fight it this time?”

  Stavin took another bite of the stew and shook his head. “No, that hurt is gone as well. I know who and what I am.”

  Lady Sahrana was looking curious, so Karvik explained while Stavin ate. “When we were pacifying old Farindia, people kept calling him ‘the Dragonblessed’ rather than Prince Stavin. He got a little testy about it.”

  Stavin nodded and spoke between bites. “I felt like they were calling me the runt again. I wasn’t a person: I was a thing. But now?” He smiled and shrugged. “Now I have no doubts about myself.”