Marinos glared at Theopolou. “You recover what your family was sworn to protect, only to put it back in the hands of a human?”
Theopolou stood expressionless.
“You have heard that only one that possesses the power of heaven can open the Book of Souls,” said Gewey.
Marinos let out a mocking laugh. “So you propose to open the Book of Souls? You claim to possess the power that resides in heaven? Do you even understand the claim you are making?” He turned to the crowd. “A God. The one the prophecies speak of. Here, among us.” His gaze returned to Gewey. “A half-man, most likely. You cannot open the Book with the diluted blood of a God in your veins.”
Gewey decided this was enough. He grabbed the lip of the box and pulled. At first, nothing happened, but then the lid moved. Gasps could be heard throughout the crowd as the box slowly opened. A strong wind blew across the field and the only sound to be heard was the flapping of the nearby pavilion.
“You...” Marinos stammered. “How is this possible? What trickery is this?”
Gewey reach in and pulled out the Book of Souls. The cover shimmered like gold and radiated a soft light. Intricate writing covered the spine and the cover, in a language that not even Theopolou could recognize.
“Can you read it?” asked Theopolou.
Gewey looked at the cover. At first, the symbols made no sense, but slowly he began to understand them. “I can.”
“What does it say?” asked Chiron.
Gewey ran his hand over the cover. “It says: Within these pages is written the true history of Heaven, of Earth, of Man, of Life, and of Gods and Elves.” He looked out on the crowd and said. “Now you know what I am.”
“How is this possible?” asked Bellisia, in wonder.
“I don't know,” admitted Gewey. “In fact, I know almost nothing. I only know what I am, and what I must do.”
“Do you expect us to follow you?” asked Marinos. “If this is true, then it was your kind that caused our people to fall. By all rights we should kill you, here and now.”
“The Gods had nothing to do with the split,” Theopolou said. “All of us that are old enough to have fought in the Great War know this. It is time that the lie was exposed. It is time for us to become the people we once were.”
“So you would have us follow this....creature?” asked Marinos. “You would have our people mix their blood with that of humans?”
“I would have us become a better people,” Theopolou replied. “The idea of mixing with humans is as disturbing to me as is to you. But how much different are we really? We plot and scheme against one another. We kill our own kind. We lie to ourselves and deceive our children. In fact, is there one of you that sees the virtue and grace of our ancestors in the people we are today?”
No one spoke.
“Gewey Stedding has shown me much,” Theopolou continued. “Though he is not a human, he was raised as one. He has defended our people, upheld our values, and kept his word. He has shown courage and determination. He has placed the lives of others ahead of his own. And he has bonded to my kin.
“I am not fool enough to believe that all humans are as he. But he does represent what is best in man. Perfect? No. But honorable, strong, and true. Something I have not seen in elves of late.” He looked Gewey in the eyes. “I admit that when I started this journey, I had hoped for you to reveal yourself to be false. The idea of one such as you leading my people into a new future repulsed me. My mind has been changed. I pledge my house and my family to your cause.”
“As do I,” said Chiron.
“And I,” said Eftichis.
“There is still the matter of the traitor,” said Bellisia. “Before I make any decision, I will know how we came to this pass.”
“The traitor is among us,” said Theopolou. “And I know who he is.”
“Who?” shouted several voices.
Theopolou let his eyes scan the gathering, until they came to rest on Akakios. “The Book of Souls was never in the possession of Felsafell. It went missing just after we arrived.”
Akakios opened his mouth to protest, then lowered his eyes. “I did it to protect you, my lord. Forgive me.”
The crowd erupted. Two elves seized Akakios and disarmed him.
“Traitor,” Eftichis roared, as he drew his blade.
“Stay your blade, Eftichis,” Theopolou commanded. He turned back to Akakios.
“You pretended to befriend Gewey. You were instrumental in the slaying of dozens of your kin. You betrayed your lord, and dishonored your name.”
“I did what I did to help you keep your honor,” Akakios replied, angrily. “You would have us bow to this... abomination. You would lead our people to their doom. Don't you see? I was protecting you... from yourself.” Tears streamed down his face. “But I swear I never meant for so many to die.”
“For one elf to die by your actions is unforgivable,” said Chiron, furiously. “You have sealed your fate.”
“No,” said Theopolou. “Gewey has taught me a lesson this day. Akakios is in my service, and I will decide what is to be done with him.” He walked close to Akakios and leveled his eyes. “He is to be questioned. Then release him with the prisoner in three days. He is exiled to the east. If he has any honor left, he will abide by this decision. If not, so be it.”
“Is that wise?” asked Chiron.
“Probably not,” Theopolou admitted. “But we must be better than those who oppose us. We must not succumb to vengeance or hatred. I will see elves return to grace, even if that means showing mercy to our enemies.” He stepped back and the two guards took Akakios away.
“What now?” asked Chiron.
Gewey handed the Book of Souls to Theopolou. The old elf gazed at it for a full minute before he looked up again.
“I have to leave,” said Gewey. “I have to rescue Kaylia.”
“I understand,” said Theopolou. He put the Book back inside the box and closed it. “I will guard this for you until you return. In the meantime, we have much to discuss amongst ourselves.”
“I will come with you, Gewey Stedding,” said Eftichis.
“No,” said Theopolou. “You are needed here. Many are still not convinced that this is the way. I will need your help.”
“He's right,” said Gewey. “You must help Theopolou. Linis and I can track down the elves that took Kaylia.”
“But you will be outnumbered,” Eftichis argued. “At least let me send some of my guard with you.”
“Thank you,” said Gewey. “But I think Linis is all the help I'll need. If it comes down to a fight, I'd rather not risk more lives than I have to.”
As if on cue, Linis returned, his face grave. “There are no signs of my seekers.”
“Perhaps they were driven away,” said Eftichis.
“Perhaps,” said Linis. “Whatever the case, I have no time to look for them. I found the attackers trail. They flee north at great speed. Some on horseback. We must leave now, or we will struggle to catch up.” He turned to Gewey. “Are you ready?”
Gewey checked the pack and sword. “I'm ready.”
“Good,” said Linis. “You can tell me what happened while I was gone, later. I'm sure it is worth hearing.”
“Indeed it is,” remarked Chiron.
Gewey placed his hands on Theopolou's shoulders. “I am in your debt, and I promise that Kaylia will be safe.”
“I have no doubt of that,” replied the elf. “We will await your return.”
Linis and Gewey raced off in pursuit of Kaylia.
Chapter Thirty-One
Linis took the lead as they raced across the bridge and back down the forest path. When they reached the end, Linis came to a halt.
“They went north through the woods from here,” said Linis. “Some on foot, some on horseback. We must hurry. If they are smart, they will split up soon.”
Gewey noticed something on the ground from the corner of his eye. It was a tiny white flower. The same that Kaylia wore in her hair
for the bonding ceremony.
“This was hers,” said Gewey.
“Then perhaps we are in luck,” said Linis, hopefully. “If this was indeed left by Kaylia, then it should make finding her easy. Of course, her captors may be using it to throw us off their trail. Can you tell if she is conscious?”
Gewey reached out to Kaylia, but with no better result than before. “No. I only know she lives. Still, nothing more than that.” He brought the flower close and smelled the sweet fragrance. “But I feel that she dropped this for me to find.”
“Good,” said Linis. “Then our chances are greatly improved. Still, we must be careful.” They continued for several hours, running as fast they could without risking missing a sign. Gewey allowed the flow rush through him and soon it was Linis that lagged behind. Several times Gewey tried to hear their quarry but to no avail. He had no idea how far behind they were, and each step caused him greater anxiety. By mid-afternoon, Gewey became frantic.
They paused to check the trail. “Why haven't we caught them?” demanded Gewey.
“I do not know.” Linis shook his head. “I have never seen such a large group move so swiftly.”
Gewey sensed something approach. Something foul. Linis sensed it a moment later.
“Vrykol,” Linis whispered.
They both drew their weapons and fixed their eyes on the forest ahead. As it approached, the air chilled and the woods became silent. From behind a thick pine, the Vrykol appeared, cloaked in a long black robe. It was taller and straighter than the ones they had faced outside the Temple of Valshara, though it moved with the same terrifying speed. It stopped short, fifty feet away, and drew a long sword. Its face was hidden in the shadow of its hood, and Gewey could hear the hiss of its breath.
“This one is mine,” thundered Gewey.
Just as he took a step forward, the Vrykol burst into flames. A blinding light flashed, knocking Gewey off his feet. Then darkness.
When he regained his senses he opened his eyes, but there was only blackness.
Blind, he thought. He struggled to stand but something was wrong. He couldn't feel his limbs. He shouted for Linis and was relieved to hear his own voice. But Linis didn't answer.
“Linis cannot hear you, boy,” came a voice from the darkness.
Gewey recognized it at once. He had heard it once before... the night his adventures first began. “That's right,” said the voice. “I am here. You know me, don't you?”
“What do you want?” demanded Gewey. “Why have you brought me here? Wherever here is.”
The Dark Knight laughed softly. “Where you are is not important. As for why... I think you know.”
“Why can't I see you?” asked Gewey, straining to pierce the blackness.
“Do you want to see me?” he asked, amused.
“No,” replied Gewey. “I don't. We will see each other soon enough.”
“Indeed we will, little God. But until then I would make you an offer.” The Dark Knight's voice grew deep and menacing.
“I am not interested in anything you have to say,” said Gewey.
“I have gone to a great deal of trouble bringing you here,” he said. “I will not release you until I have said what I have to say. You will hear me.”
“You cannot hold me forever,” argued Gewey. “I am not the naïve boy you tried to trick the last time you spoke to me.”
“No?” he mocked. “If that fool of a half-man hadn't filled your head with lies and convinced you to flee, you might see things differently. You continue to challenge me, yet you still do not understand that I am not your enemy.”
This time it was Gewey's turn to laugh. “Is that so? How many people have you sent to kill me? How many more will come? You're a liar. You're nothing more than a deceiver with a sword. Release me now.”
“I have sent none to kill you,” he replied. “I have only wished for you to join me. Those I have sent could do you no lasting harm. If you used your mind, you would see that. You cannot stop me, regardless of what you have been told by anyone. And once my labors are competed, you will be the last of your kind. Though I do despise the Gods, I do not see you as one of them. Don't you see what we could accomplish if you joined me? ”
“Accomplish? You mean destroy, don't you? You think that I don't see what you mean to do to the elves?”
“I mean the elves no harm. Why should I? They can go about hiding from the world until the stars fade, for all I care. They do not concern me.”
“Again a lie,” said Gewey. “If they don't concern you then why attack them?”
“I have not attacked the elves,” he said. “Though I hear they attack each other.”
Gewey thought on this for a moment. What if Angrääl really wasn't responsible for the attack? He would have drawn them into a war based on a lie. “You expect me to believe that?”
“I expect you to do what you know you must,” he replied. “And that will lead you to me.”
“That it will,” said Gewey. “But it will be on my terms, not yours.”
The Dark Knight let out a deep, thundering laugh. “That is where you are wrong. You will come to me now... before you are able to do more harm. The half-man and his son are on their way here as we speak. They think to rescue his wife. They will fail. And my Vrykol have taken your elf mate from her captors.” The air stirred. “As you can see, I have all that you hold dear in my hands. And though it would pain me, I will flay them alive if you continue to oppose me. You may be willing to sacrifice Starfinder, but I doubt you would be so willing to allow your dearest Kaylia to suffer.”
Fear struck Gewey's heart. “If you harm her…”
“You will do what?” he boomed. “Kill me? I think not. You will do as you are told, or the ones you love will suffer for your lack of wisdom.”
The darkness pressed in. Gewey thought back to that first night, back in Sharpstone. This time Lee would not be coming.
“Gewey?” It was the voice of Linis.
The darkness faded as light from the waning day crept in. “Gewey?” Linis repeated.
Gewey groaned as he tried to sit up. “Stay still,” said Linis.
Gewey ignored him and forced himself up. “There is no time. We must catch up with Kaylia.” He tried to reach out to her but couldn't focus his mind. “What happened?”
“The Vrykol just burst into flames,” Linis answered, shaking his head. “Then you fell. Other than that, I don't know.”
Gewey struggled to his feet. “How long was I out?”
“Less than a minute,” replied Linis. “There's nothing left of the Vrykol.” He pointed to a smoldering pile of ashes several yards away. “Tell me what you saw.”
Gewey gathered his wits and recounted what happened.
“If the elves are in league with the Vrykol, it would explain why they move with such speed,” said Linis.
“Unless the Dark One is telling the truth,” Gewey offered. “What if Angrääl had nothing to do with this?”
“I doubt that,” said Linis. “But even so, it changes nothing. Even if what you were told is true, his armies will march across the land very soon, and I do not believe he will just leave us in peace.”
Gewey reached out again. This time he touched Kaylia's mind... though only for a moment. “She still lives.” He checked his pack and unsheathed his sword. “I'm ready. And I will get her back.” His eyes narrowed as he drew in the flow until the ground shook.
Linis nodded. “Then let our quarry despair.”
End Book Two
Special Thanks
George Panagos- Kitty Bullard (GMTA Publishing)- Gerald and Donna Anderson- Vincentine Williams- Hunter and Sarah Anderson- Hector and Athena Ramos (I didn't forget Deserae, Raquel, and Nataly aka. Stormageddon)- Alex, Cassy, Ariel (of course Mia and Malaki), and Kyle DiBastista- Richie and Katie Gnyp- Jacob, Elizabeth and Jennie Bunton- Tara Ramerez-Tom Riddell (one of the first people to give me a shot)- Lilly Jean- Laura Will- Lisanne Cooper-(for the amazing editing job). Jen F
rith Couch- Miklos Bartha- Christopher Martyn Smith- The folks from my home town (too many to name but I love you all)- Helenic Classical Charter School- All my new fans in India, the U.K. and Germany (thanks for reading)- And all the fans and supporters who have made this possible...
You're the best!!!
Authors Brian D. Anderson and Jonathan Anderson
ABOUT THE AUTHORS
Brian D. Anderson was born in 1971, and grew up in the small town of Spanish Fort, AL. He attended Fairhope High, then later Springhill College where his love for fantasy grew into a lifelong obsession. His hobbies include chess, history, and spending time with his son.
Jonathan Anderson was born in March of 2003. His creative spirit became evident by the age of three when he told his first original story. In 2010 he came up with the concept for The Godling Chronicles. It grew into an exciting collaboration between father and son. Jonathan enjoys sports, chess, music, games, and of course, telling stories.
The Godling Chronicles 02 - Of Gods And Elves Page 28
