The Godling Chronicles 02 - Of Gods And Elves

by Brian D. Anderson

  Linis, Theopolou, and Eftichis filed in behind. By the time they reached the top, several of the attackers had recovered and moved in to cut them off. Gewey cleaved the first nearly in two. Linis took down the second. This gave the others pause, allowing their escape.

  Gewey surveyed the camp as they exited the Chamber. Fires had erupted everywhere, and the screams of the dying sent a chill to the pit of his stomach. “Kaylia!” screamed Gewey, and took off in the direction of Theopolou's tent.

  The sights of battle were a blur as Gewey ran straight through the camp. One of the attackers tried to stand in his way, but Gewey cut him down without even pausing. Finally, he reached the tent. It was untouched.

  “Kaylia!” shouted Gewey, as he burst inside, ripping the flap to shreds, but there was no answer. He rushed to her room, only to find that she was not there. From room to room he searched, but could not find her. Linis and the others finally arrived.

  “Where's Kaylia?” Linis exclaimed.

  “She's gone!” cried Gewey and started off, but Theopolou stood in his way.

  “Think, Gewey,” said Theopolou. “The camp is too big and the battle still rages. You will not find her that way.”

  “Out of my way,” Gewey commanded, his eyes dark with rage.

  “Use your bond,” Theopolou continued. “Use it to find her.”

  Gewey lowered his head. His chest trembled with each breath. He tried to calm his mind and reach out to her. At first, there was nothing. Then, like a faint light, he found her. “She's alive,” exclaimed Gewey, unable to contain his joy. “But I can't find where she is. It's like there’s a shroud around her.”

  “It would take someone powerful to accomplish this,” said Theopolou. “I was only able to do so in my own home.”

  “How do we find her?” asked Linis.

  Gewey's jaw tightened “I know how.” He walked to the entrance. “Wait here.”

  Linis stepped forward, but Gewey’s eyes stopped him short. “Be careful,” was all he could say as Gewey disappeared from view.

  “What is he doing?” asked Eftichis.

  “Getting a prisoner,” Linis replied. “And woe be unto him, if he does not tell Gewey what he wants to know.”

  “Should we not help the others?” said Eftichis. “The elders—”

  “One of whom stands before you,” shot Linis. “The others are well protected. I doubt that whoever attacked us could pass their guards. Until we know what has happened, we protect Lord Theopolou.”

  Minutes seemed like hours as the party waited for Gewey's return.

  As the sounds of battle filtered in, Eftichis grew unsettled.

  “I can wait no longer,” he roared. “Our kin are dying.”

  The body of a black-clad elf flew through the door and slid onto the table. Gewey entered just behind, his face and clothes covered in blood. The elf groaned and rolled onto his back. Linis rushed in and held his blade to the elf's neck.

  Linis glanced over his shoulder to Eftichis. “Watch the door,” he ordered. Eftichis quickly obeyed.

  “The attackers are moving away,” said Gewey. “I caught this one about to set fire to the tent.”

  He knelt down over his captive. “Now you will tell me everything I want to know.” The elf glared defiantly.

  A malicious smile crept over Gewey's face. He reached down and ripped open the elf's shirt. “I'll ask you one time...” He placed the flat of his blade on the elf's chest and the sizzle of burning flesh rose up.

  The elf winced and his jaw tightened. “A curse on you,” he hissed.

  Gewey turned the blade, allowing the edge to dig into the elf's flesh. “Not the words I wanted to hear. And you didn't wait for my question.” He pressed the blade in harder.

  “Where is Kaylia?”

  The elf moaned but said nothing.

  “Gewey,” said Linis, but Gewey ignored him.

  Gewey began to drag the blade across the elf's chest. “If you don't answer me, I'm going to cut you apart... piece by piece.”

  “Gewey,” said Linis again, this time more forcefully. Gewey glared at Linis, but Linis was undeterred.

  “Stop this,” said Linis. “This is not what you want on your heart.”

  “I think I do,” snarled Gewey. “And I think if he doesn't tell me what I want to know, I'll make good on my promise.” He pressed the blade even deeper.

  The elf wailed, and the smell of burning flesh filled the tent.

  “Allow Linis and I to do this,” said Theopolou. “If we fail, then you may do as you wish with him.”

  “Please,” said Linis.

  Gewey paused, glaring at his captive with hatred. Then in one smooth motion, he released his hold and walked to the entrance. “Make it fast.” He stared outside at the smoldering tents. The sound of fighting had faded, replaced by the cries of the wounded and the sobs of the survivors.

  Linis dragged the captive into the back of the tent and bound his hands and feet. He and Theopolou leaned in close, speaking in soft whispers. After several minutes, Theopolou rose to his feet and walked over to Gewey.

  “They have taken her north, toward the steppes,” said Theopolou. “Along with the Book of Souls.”

  “So the northern tribes are responsible for this,” growled Eftichis in disgust.

  “It would seem,” Theopolou affirmed.

  “I leave now,” said Gewey. “They can't have gone far.”

  “True,” Theopolou agreed. “But I don't think the northern tribes could have acted alone. They knew exactly when to strike.”

  “Then we were betrayed,” said Linis.

  “Yes,” said Theopolou. “That seems certain. But betrayed by whom?”

  “Bellisia?” Linis offered.

  “Possibly,” Theopolou replied. “Though not likely. I can think of no one who would do this.”

  “I don't care who did it,” said Gewey. “The only thing I care about is getting Kaylia back.” He pushed his way past Theopolou and Linis, and stalked to his room. A few minutes later he returned, wearing a set of brown travel leathers, his sword, and a small pack thrown across his back. He took a moment to stare at his captive and walked to the entrance.

  “Gewey,” said Theopolou. “I understand your urgency. You are bonded to her, but she is also my niece. Allow me one hour to gather more information. I fear you will fail if you simply march off without knowing what you face. If we were betrayed, you could be walking into a trap.” He placed his hand on Gewey's shoulder. “Just one hour.”

  Linis walked over and placed his hand on Gewey’s other shoulder. “Give him one hour. Besides, I'll need to scout their trail to find out where they have taken her. That will take time.” He met Gewey's eyes. “I promise we will find her.”

  Gewey muscles tensed and his body shuddered. He let out a terrifying scream. “One hour,” he roared. “That's all.”

  Theopolou nodded. “Stay with him, Linis.” He turned to Eftichis. “Come with me.”

  The two left the tent and Gewey watched as they vanished into the smoke and carnage. “One hour,” Gewey muttered through his teeth.

  Chapter Thirty

  Gewey paced the tent. Occasionally he stopped to look outside for Theopolou's return.

  “Try to be calm,” advised Linis. “You must have your wits about you if you want to save her.”

  Gewey took a deep breath. He knew Linis was right. He must be able to think clearly. He reached out once again, attempting to touch Kaylia's mind, but the result was the same. No matter how hard he tried, he could only sense that she lived. Whatever blocked him was indeed powerful. He prayed they would not harm her.

  “Why would they take her, anyway?” asked Gewey. “Why single her out?”

  “I can only imagine to get to you,” Linis replied. “Strong leverage.”

  “If they harm her...” the words stuck in Gewey throat.

  “You cannot let such thoughts enter your mind,” said Linis. “They will cloud your judgment and cause you to make a
mistake that could cost both your lives.” He handed Gewey a rag. “Clean your sword and recheck your gear. Make certain you have what you need.”

  Gewey nodded and obeyed. He realized he had not brought clothing for Kaylia. She might need it. He searched her room and rummaged through her wardrobe until he found a set a travel clothes. He could smell her scent everywhere, and tears welled in his eyes. He focused his mind and swallowed hard. When he finished, Theopolou had returned. Chiron, Bellisia, Syranis, and Eftichis stood beside him.

  “Where are the others?” asked Linis.

  “Lord Aneili was slain,” said Theopolou. “Lord Endymion and Lady Leora were injured in the fray and are being tended to. The rest are gathering nearby.”

  “Have you figured out who is responsible?” asked Gewey. “Not yet,” answered Chiron. “But we will.”

  “We should join the others,” said Eftichis.

  “Indeed,” said Theopolou. “But first... what to do with our captive?”

  “I would like the chance to question him,” said Chiron.

  “As would I,” agreed Bellisia.

  “As you wish,” said Theopolou. “But I doubt you will learn anything I have not. I do not think he has any answers that can help us. Those who planned this attack would not have allowed anyone to know too much.”

  “All the same, I will try,” said Chiron.

  As Bellisia, Syranis, and Chiron approached the captive elf, Bellisia noticed the wounds on his chest. Her eyes met Gewey's with disapproval, but he met her gaze unmoved.

  Chiron knelt beside him. “What is your name?”

  The elf looked broken and weary. “I have told you all that I am willing to say.” He turned his head and looked away. “Kill me and be done with it. Or better yet, give me to the human. I'm sure he would love to make sport of me.”

  “You attacked your own kin,” said Bellisia. “And you took a captive, one bonded to this human. You are fortunate he is human and not an elf. An elf would have made more of you than sport.” She moved closer. “An elf would have you screaming so loudly, it would wake your ancestors.” She moved even closer, forcing him to meet her eyes. Her voice dropped to a whisper “And if Kaylia dies... I will give you to him.”

  Fear struck the elf, but he forced it down. “All I know is that you have a traitor among you.” He closed his eyes. “I will say nothing more.”

  Bellisia stood up and turned to Theopolou. “Kill him,” she said lowering her head. “But do it without pain.”

  “No,” shouted Gewey. “His life is mine.”

  “And just what will you do with it?” asked Bellisia. “Will you kill him? Do you wish to torture him further?”

  Gewey was speechless.

  “Then allow this elf to die,” said Bellisia. “Without pain.”

  “Release him,” said Gewey.

  The elders stared at Gewey, stunned.

  “Release him?” exclaimed Syranis. “Don't be a fool.”

  “Linis and Theopolou were right to stop me when I was torturing this elf,” said Gewey. “Though I did not see it.” He closed his eyes and steadied his nerves. “I will not kill him... I will not murder a helpless person. That will not be on my soul.”

  Linis placed his hand on Gewey's shoulder. “Is it the best way? If we let him go, our enemies will gain knowledge.”

  “Then keep him captive,” offered Gewey.

  “How shall we do this?” asked Theopolou. “We have no prison. Our people are reeling from the attack. Where should we keep him?” He drew his knife. “Unless you intend to take him with you, there is nowhere for him.”

  “It just feels wrong,” said Gewey.

  “Did it feel wrong when you were cutting into his flesh?” Bellisia challenged. “If Linis and Theopolou had not stopped you, would you be so kind now? This elf attacked his own kin and abducted your bonded mate. His death is warranted. ”

  “You're right,” said Gewey. “If I had continued to hurt him, my heart would have changed. I see that now. And I'm grateful I didn't.” He met Bellisia's eyes. “How could I face Kaylia with a stain on my heart?”

  “If you wish him to live,” said Bellisia, “you can only release him.” She looked down at their captive. “Would you like that? Would you simply wander off, and not warn your kin that Gewey is coming for them?”

  The elf squirmed and shifted until he could meet Gewey's eyes. “If you wish to let me go, then you have nothing to fear from me. I will not interfere. I will go east. This I swear.” He lowered his eyes. “But they are right. You can only kill me. It is what I would do in your place.”

  Gewey's eyes narrowed, then he straightened his back and said, “You will wait until I am gone three days, then release him. If his word is good, then he will not follow. If not....he had better pray that we do not meet again.”

  “I do not agree with this,” said Theopolou. “But I will do as you ask. I will have what remains of my guard watch him.” He called outside and two elves entered. He instructed them to guard the prisoner.

  “We should meet with the others,” said Chiron.

  They made their way through the smoldering ruins of the camp, to the field near the bridge. There Gewey could see more than a hundred elves gathered in a loose circle.

  Several yards away, a pavilion was being erected to house the wounded. From the crowd Akakios limped toward them, carrying a bundle under his arm. His leg was bandaged and his left cheek bore a deep gash.

  “My lord,” said Akakios. “It is good to see you unharmed.”

  “Thank you,” said Theopolou. “I feared you were slain.”

  “I nearly was,” he replied. “I only just bandaged my leg. I was caught in the tempest Gewey unleashed when you made your escape.”

  “I'm sorry,” said Gewey. “I didn't mean—”

  Akakios held up his hand. “You saved the life of my lord and an elder of our people. A small price. Besides... I live.” He smiled. “I do have a bit of good news, my lord. I was stopped by Felsafell just before I entered the Chamber of the Maker. You had already descended to the floor.” He handed Theopolou the bundle. “He gave me this and told me to give it back to you.”

  Theopolou unwrapped it and his eyes widened. “The Book of Souls,” he whispered. “This is good news.”

  “But that means Felsafell must have known of the attack,” said Chiron. “And that he refused to warn us.”

  “Perhaps,” Theopolou replied. “Perhaps not. I do not pretend to understand the motives of Felsafell. But that he safeguarded the Book of Souls means we have not lost hope.” He turned to Gewey. “I must ask one more thing of you before you leave.” He handed Gewey the box containing the Book. “You must open it and read from its pages.”

  Gewey ran his fingers over the smooth, polished wood. “Then we must do it now. I will not wait much longer.”

  “Agreed,” said Theopolou. “Come.”

  “I must see what has become of my seekers,” said Linis. “I must know if they live. And I must find the trail of our attackers. I shall return soon, Gewey. Then we will depart.”

  Gewey nodded, and Linis dashed off over the bridge.

  Theopolou led the group to where the elves gathered. All eyes turned to them as they drew near.

  “He has brought this on us,” called a voice. “He must leave.” This was met by loud shouts of agreement.

  “He will leave,” said Bellisia, her voice rising over the crowd. “He will pursue our attackers and free Kaylia. While you bicker and argue, he will take action.” The crowd became silent.

  Theopolou nodded to Gewey. “I think it is time for you to speak.”

  Gewey squared his shoulders and stepped forward. He was unsure what he was going to say. All he could think about was going to save Kaylia, and he could feel the seconds slipping away. He took a deep breath and began to speak.

  “I am Gewey Stedding and I am here to ask for your help. A dark force is rising in the land of Angrääl. A force that threatens to destroy both humans and el
ves alike. A force that turns brother against brother. A force that will not stop until it has conquered the whole world. I know that you have been promised your lands, and the freedom to rule them. Some of you may believe this promise, others may not. Some of you think you should join Angrääl, and some think you should stay out of it entirely. But I think that today's attack should tell you that there is no way to do either.”

  “We do not know that the King of Angrääl had anything to do with this,” said a tall, silk-clad elf.

  “So you think it's a coincidence that your own kin attacked you while the north gathers for war?”

  “I am saying that we do not know,” retorted the elf. “I am saying that we have as much reason to suspect that you were involved as we do to accuse Angrääl.” This brought murmurs of agreement. “I am Marinos, lord and elder of the western isles. We too have been offered lands that we already hold, just as the human says. But what he does not say is that it is the human threat that spreads like a plague. They move ever closer to our lands and keeps. They disregard our borders and poison the spirits of even the most wise.” His eyes fell on Theopolou. “Now you say that Angrääl is gathering for war. You tell us what we already know. You pretend to offer us a way out of danger, but you only offer us destruction. If we join you, the Lord of Angrääl will sweep down upon us like a storm. There will be nothing of our people left to save.”

  “I had nothing to do with this attack,” said Gewey. “Have you forgotten that they took Kaylia from me?”

  “Exactly,” Marinos countered. “Why was she not killed? The field is littered with the dead. Why did they spare her? Perhaps that was what you intended. Perhaps she awaits you now.”

  Gewey's anger swelled, but he managed to keep it at bay. “If that is so, then why didn't I kill Theopolou, or any of the other elders? Why did I help them escape? Why am I still here?”

  “Who can know the motives of a human,” said Marinos. “If that is what you are. We all saw you in the Chamber of the Maker. What human can control so much of the flow without destroying himself?” More murmurs of agreement.

  “I told you all that I would reveal who and what I am,” said Gewey. “I have told you who I am. I am Gewey Stedding and nothing more. As for what I am...” He held up the box containing the Book of Souls. “I assume you know what this is.”