Elias felt himself touch down on the water, the surface of it firm underneath him. He lowered himself to one knee, and bowed his head. “I am honored to be in your presence,“ he said, knowing that these beings must be the gods of these islands. “My name is-“
“We know who you are,” the blue figure said, cutting him off, “as well as what you want. But what we haven't decided is why we should give it to you.”
“Oh, for the love of life, curb your tongue.” the green figure scoffed at the blue one. “With you, it's always so dramatic. He came to us for assistance to help our people, and we're going to interrogate him on whether he is worthy?”
The blue woman glared at the green figure. “I have not the luxury of sitting on the seabed for untold eons, while I make up my mind on every possibility that could be.” She turned back to Elias, still frowning. “We are, as you have guessed, the spirits that control these islands. Call us gods, deities, incarnations, it makes no difference. These lands are under our control. I embody the sea and all of her wrath and bounty. To my left is the god of the Mountains, who has graciously allowed us to use his volcano as our auditorium this day.”
The green figure grumbled again. “Gracious is putting it in terms other than I would use. There were no other suitable places.”
Sea ignored him. “Next is Sun, the embodiment of the warmth and life that comes with each day. He is the light that drives away the darkness.” Sun nodded, almost imperceptibly, and waved the fingers of the hand that held the spear, seeming quite bored with the whole thing.
“And I am the goddess of wind,” said the old woman at the end of the row. “I bring the rains and the storms, and I bear sailors to and fro with my breath.”
Mountain spoke next. “You are here to request that we heal you swiftly, returning your strength, so that you can continue your fight against the foreign invaders that kill our people and despoil our lands. Even though you are foreign yourself.”
Sun leaned forward, regarding Elias critically. “Yes... it does seem a bit out of character for a foreigner to want to help a native population, instead of conquering it. Why would you attack and kill your countrymen, for the benefit of people who are not yours?
Elias stayed kneeling, his head bowed. “Nobody deserves to live and die under the whip. The people of these islands are noble, good people, and the atrocities that are put upon them need to end.”
Sea chuckled mirthlessly. “Good and noble? Do you really think that the elves are without fault? Do you think that they were the first beings to inhabit this island? They've been here for a long time, yes, but their ancestors took this land from the ones who were here before. These islands have been inhabited for longer than you can fathom, and the sea elves are not the first to come, nor will they be the last.”
“And besides, have you not put many a pirate to the sword?” Sun twirled his spear on the surface of the water, causing ripples to radiate out from him. “Have not they been flogged through the streets of Port Greenreef before being hung? What makes your treatment of them better than their treatment of those they capture?”
Elias looked up then, meeting the eyes of the Sun god. “There is a difference, my lord, between retribution and atrocity.”
Mountain leaned over and slapped Sun's throne, causing it and the entire caldera to shudder as Sun caught his balance. “We've had this discussion before, Sun. You may not care what it is you shine upon, but when it's crawling all over you, it makes a difference!“
Sun sniffed, regaining his composure. “Perhaps that is the difference between descending from on high, and living in the... bowels of this land. One takes a different point of view.”
Sea held up a hand to shush the other two. “I will agree with Mountain. The invaders, these pirates, they do not venerate us or our domains. They do not keep to the festivals, they do not give us the offerings we demand. They blight our land and insult us with their presence. They must go.”
Wind spoke up, having been watching the discussion through sharp, white eyes. “There is still the matter of the shadow. It did not come here until this freak tree elf did.”
Elias bristled slightly at being called a freak. Since reaching the islands, he had grown used to being mostly accepted. However, decades of practice helped him keep his cool. “I know nothing of this shadow of which you speak, my lady.”
Wind snorted derisively. “I'm not your lady any more than you are my vassal, mainlander, and you know more than you know that you know. You've encountered this shadow before, and it followed you across the sea. You both defied the winds and rowed your way here, your shadow chasing you.“
Elias frowned, furrowing his brow. “You mean the demon that attacked me on the road to Fairhaven? I promise you, I did not bring him with me.”
Sea shook her head. “You may not have brought him, but for you, he would not be here. He is here for you and because of you, and he will not leave until you do.”
Elias stood, squaring his shoulders. “Then I shall slay him, and burn his body to ashes!”
The four gods in front of him erupted into laughter, causing Elias to take a half step back as the mountain trembled again. He could hear the acolytes behind him murmuring, and Marl calling out to calm them. It was as if they were behind a wall, their voices muffled and faint.
Wind leaned forward, slapping her knee as she laughed at him.“Oh you will, will you? Tell me how well that went last time? You'll just conquer this enemy that bested you once, and that will be that?“ She shook her head. “I think not. Not alone. He has grown immeasurably since you last met.“
Elias set his jaw. “I am not alone. I have an armada of ships and an army of sea elves and men that fight with me. Together we will defeat this shadow-demon, and return the islands to the tribes that live here now.“
Sun tapped the butt of his spear against the surface of the water. “No, you aren't alone. You have indeed inspired loyalty and valor from our worshipers, and that is to be commended. However, this is not a foe you can defeat here. The pirates, yes, but not this shadow.”
Elias was growing frustrated. All these gods were doing was telling him how impossible his task was, how unworthy he was, how he was at fault for coming to Greenreef, when he had been captured and brought here against his will. He clenched his fists. “I was told that you would heal me, that you would allow me to return to the fight to liberate your lands from a scourge that was here long before I was.”
Each god sat up a little straighter, frowning down at Elias.
“Indeed we will,” Sea said, narrowing her pearly eyes. “That much is already decided, and you will indeed rid our islands of pirates. But our price is that you must also rid it of the shadow you brought with you, and you cannot defeat it here. Even trying to will cause unimaginable ruin upon those living here, our followers, and that is unacceptable.”
“That means,“ said Sun as he leaned forward, a slight curl to his lip, “That once you destroy the pirate stronghold, as foretold by our speaker, you must leave, and leave forever. You must never return to these islands again, as it is your presence here that has brought the conflict here to a peak. That is the cost of your arm, and of your pride.“
Mountain drummed his fingers on the black stone of his seat. “Many have died that would have otherwise lived, and many more will die in the coming battles. You may have the strength to bring liberation, but you also have the strength to rob us of our followers. For this, we cannot allow you to stay.”
Wind reclined on her white throne. “Defeat the pirates, sever your ties, and lead your shadow away. Take it back to your own lands, and defeat or be defeated by it there. That part is of no concern to us. We do not want it in our domain.”
Elias looked behind him at the elves gathered near the water behind him. “But what of Coral? Is there not a prophecy that she and I are to be together?”
Sea leaned back on her throne. “The seers say that she is to be promised to the one who destroys the pirates. They say that she
is to bear his son. That is, indeed, the prophecy that the seers have spoken.“
Elias turned back, shaking his head. “I do not understand.”
Wind smiled, her expression softening. “You are mortal. That is the way of things.”
Elias was not at all at ease, but he had his answers. Kneeling, he bowed his head again. “As you say. I will destroy the pirates and return to my homeland.”
Mountain nodded. “Yes, yes you will. Now, go back to yourself, and depart my mountain. I grow weary of the company.”
Sea started to turn to Mountain, her irritated expression cut off by Mountain waving a hand at Elias as if swatting a fly away. Something struck him in the chest, an invisible force, hurling him backward as the mist thundered towards him, obscuring the gods from his vision.
Chapter Eighteen
2nd Waning Flower Moon, Year 4369
Water flooded into his mouth and ears and he slammed downwards. He could hear the water rushing about him as he struggled to regain his bearings and get his feet under him. Small but strong hands hauled upwards on his shoulders, pulling him to the surface. He broke into the air, gasping for breath, his feet finding purchase on the smooth stone steps. Reaching out instinctively, his right hand found purchase, which he used to steady himself. Wiping the water from his bleary eyes, he looked around.
The fog was much closer than he had remembered it during his vision with the gods of the islands, obscuring his vision. The only light that came was from the torches and bonfire on the platform, which made the fog seem thicker and brighter. There were eight figures gathered at the edge of the platform, and Jayd to his right, his hand having found her shoulder.
“Come now, Elias, we need to get you out of the water.“ Jayd's voice came from in front of him, causing him to double take. He blinked, clearing his eyes, and saw that she was crouching at the edge of the steps, holding a hand out to him. He looked to his right, and saw Marl there, holding his arm. “But... when I...“
Marl chuckled, guiding him up the steps. “You were in the water for three days, Elias. You may have been in a trance, but we weren't. We took turns keeping you above the water.”
Elias stepped onto the smooth black stone of the platform, and immediately caught Coral as she threw herself into his arms.
“I was afraid for you. When the volcano shook two days ago, we were worried that it would erupt again, but we couldn't wake you.”
Elias embraced her tightly. So the earthquakes he had seen in his vision as the gods ascended from the lake... that had really happened. “Don't worry, Coral. I promised you I would come back, and I did.” He had no idea how he was going to tell her that he had to leave the island after he rid them of the pirates. That was a conversation he was not looking forward to. His stomach knotted up at the thought of leaving her.
He released her, and the acolytes began drying him off with broad, thick white linen cloths. He looked at his hands, expecting to see them wrinkled from the prolonged submersion, but was surprised to find them smooth, as if he had been in the water for no more than fifteen minutes.
“I don't understand. My hands look as if I have only just gotten them wet.”
“You won't, yet. Give it a day. Once you've had a meal to offset the drink, then it will become clearer.”
Elias shook his head, his stomach growling. “I have many questions.”
The acolytes all nodded, chuckling to each other. Marl outright laughed. “That too is to be expected. In this, I must insist upon patience. Rushing this would do nobody any good. Your first time in the waters of the caldera will always raise many questions. Your wounds seem to have healed, though, so I think whatever happened, it was a success.“
Elias reached back, feeling the edge of his wound. It was true; where there had been stitched before was now hardened scar tissue. His left arm felt no pain, and he could move it as if it had never been wounded. No stitches, no pain, no muscle damage from the cutting wounds, it was as if it had never happened, save for the scar. The rest of his minor wounds were healed as well, the cuts and scrapes and bruises that had covered his arms and chest gone, thin pink scars left in their places, standing out against his tan.
He collected his clothes and dressed. They were damp from having set in the steam for three days, but it wasn't long after they left the caldera that the warmth of the sun dried them. Coral stayed attached to his arm, clinging to him tightly, while the rest of the group ranged out at their own paces along the path. The walk down was a much less solemn thing, as the bright sun warmed their spirits as well as their bodies.
The storm was completely gone, and the island gleamed as though it were covered in tiny gems, the droplets of water on the trees and bushes reflecting the sunlight. There were a few scattered leaves and twigs across the path, and a few times Elias had to move small fallen trees, but for the most part, everything seemed greener and more lush than ever before. The sun rose from the east, bright and cheery, the slight breeze from the south driving the humidity away.
It was midday by the time they reached the beach at Seagate. The villagers gathered, cheering their return, while Marl led the way through them, directly to the lodge. They climbed ladders to the highest floor, where a long table and chairs awaited them. Marl had several young elves bring up loaves of bread, sliced fruit, and pitchers of water.
Coral, Marl, and Jayd all listened as Elias recounted his vision, from the apocalyptic storm battle between the darkness and the islands, to his conversation with the gods. Coral listened in silence, her expression dark, while Marl asked questions about specific details. It was well after dark, the light in the room coming from a few lanterns with candles on the table, by the time they finished.
After Marl finished asking his questions, they sat in the loft, the rush and pull of the waves audible even inside the upper floor of the lodge. It was Coral who finally spoke, breaking her silence for the first time since they had arrived back at the village.
“So you're leaving.”
Elias shifted in his seat. “Not immediately. We still have much work to do.”
“But you're still leaving.”
Elias spread his hands. “Your gods demanded it.”
“And you couldn't have waited a few weeks. You couldn't have just let nature take its course, and see if you could heal naturally, working your arm better.” She stood up, her tiny hands clenched into fists. “This is exactly what I was worried about.” Without another word, she turned on her heel and stormed out, hardly seeming to touch the ladder on the way down.
Jayd stood, her expression as dark as her daughter's. “This is what comes from the impatience of men!“
Marl started to speak, but was cut off when Jayd threw the water from her cup in his face. “I told you this was not the right path to follow!” She turned on Elias. “And she begged you not to go! She begged you! I hope that when you're holding that sword in your hands, it's a suitable substitute for holding my daughter.” Throwing her cup to the ground, she stormed out of the room after Coral.
Elias put his head in his hands. “I didn't know that is what they would demand.”
Marl wiped the water from his face and sighed. He stood and walked to a small cabinet, and pulled out a stoppered jug. Pulling the cork, he poured two cups of a strong smelling, sweet wine. Setting one down in front of Elias, he left the jug on the table and took his seat again. “There's something more. Something I haven't figured out, and something the women aren't telling us. I have found that when they walk away, it is a bad, bad idea to follow them.“ He brought his cup to his lips, taking a long drink. “So. You sleep alone tonight. I doubt you'll find her in your hut.“
Elias lifted the cup to his lips, draining it in one draught. Setting it back down, he sighed. “I don't want to leave her. Maybe she could come with me.”
Marl shook his head, and took another sip from his cup. “Her place is here. She is to become the seer when I am too old to perform the task. If she were to leave the islands, the most su
itable person to fill that role would be gone, leaving us without a speaker for the gods.”
Elias stared at the cup in his hands. “There must be a way.”
Marl stood and drained his cup. “If there is, I do not know it. The gods chose not to reveal that information to me.“ He set the cup down, his hand on the jug. “In fact, they never chose to reveal themselves to me, either. Only ever visions.“ He paused for a moment longer and refilled both cups.
Elias looked up at him. “Never?”
Marl looked into his cup. “Never.”
Elias watched the seer for a moment, before looking back to his cup. They seemed to make excellent focal points when looking anywhere else seemed awkward. “I'm sorry.”
Marl sighed. “It's not your fault, Elias. You've got some very difficult things to do ahead of you, and the gods know this. I do not envy you the path you are upon. You should finish your wine and get some sleep. Tomorrow comes early this time of year.”
Elias nodded and drained his cup again. The sweet wine of the sea elf was a drink he had become accustomed to over the last year. “What about you?“
“I'll sleep when I am ready.”
Standing, Elias pushed his chair in under the table. “I will leave for Port Greenreef tomorrow. I trust we still have a force of warriors here?”
Marl nodded. “Well over a hundred.”
“Excellent. I'll take fifteen with me. Is the Slingstone at port there?”
“She is.” Marl poured himself another cup of wine. “I almost forgot to mention... Delain and I have come up with an idea. In fact, the preparations are under way.”
Elias quirked a brow. “Oh? And what is that?”
Marl smiled slightly. “We're going to float that behemoth you sank. Maybe something of worth will come of this.“
Rising Thunder (Dynasty of Storms Book 1) Page 22
