The Godling Chronicles 02 - Of Gods And Elves (11 page)

“
That will not be necessary,” Grentos
replied. “As your host, I will have you ask of me what you
will. I expect he shall return before you are finished.”

“
In that case I'll be direct,” Malstisos
began. “How is it you are here, and in the company of humans? I
was not aware your tribe had started relations with them.”

“
Only a few of us have,” said Grentos. “We
have heard of the progress made in the coastal cities with elf/human
relations, and it has inspired some of us to do the same. We realize
the world is getting smaller. We need to learn to live in this world
alongside mankind or face destruction. The old hatreds must be left
in the past.”

“
I agree,” said Malstisos thoughtfully. “But
that does not explain your presence here.”

“
We are here to gain intelligence on the gathering
power in Angrääl,” said Grentos. “Unfortunately
we were only able to get as far as Hazrah. We were unable to find a
clear way further north, at least not one we could pass unnoticed.
They have every inch of ground well-guarded. We gained passage with
this caravan in Althetas, so that we might travel without drawing
attention.”

“
So you are returning home?” asked
Malstisos.

“
Yes,” he replied. “We will stay with
the humans until we reach the Western Abyss. Then we head north back
to our people.”

“
Have you learned anything?” asked Millet.

“
Sadly, no.” Grentos sighed. “At least
nothing we didn't already know. The armies of the north are
gathering. For what purpose, we can only guess.”

“
Don't be a fool,” said Jacob. “You
know why they gather.”

“
Young one,” said Grentos. “I can see
you are of this land, and dismayed that it has been conquered, so I
will overlook your insult. But you know nothing.” He reached
over and took the jug of wine. “Armies gather. Still... motives
may not be known. We have no way to be certain they intend to march
further. They may not have the strength for such a campaign.”

“
I think they have the strength,” said
Millet. “And I think they intend to keep marching. It's when
that troubles me.”

“
You may be right, Millet,” said Malstisos.
“But I know my brethren. They will not come to arms easily.
Without proof of a threat, they will be content to do nothing.”

Grentos nodded. “Without proof, I can do nothing
to persuade them.”

Jacob jumped to his feet. “Proof?” he
shouted. “They've invaded the north and practically enslaved my
people. What more do you need?”

“
Calm yourself,” said Grentos. “I did
not say that I disagreed with you, only that I cannot convince my
people without more evidence.”

Jacob glared at the elf, then marched out of the tent
into the bitter cold.

“
That one needs to govern his passions.”
Grentos took a long drink from the jug.

“
He's young,” said Millet. “And his
land is invaded. I share his frustration. I too am from here, and it
pains me to see what has become of my home.”

“
I am sorry,” said Grentos. “I will
try and be a bit more... delicate.”

“
Perhaps we should address more practical issues,”
suggested Malstisos. “The road splits about twenty miles west.
If you are headed west, I assume you will take the northwestern road
through Manisalia.”

“
Indeed,” Grentos affirmed. “It's the
best way.”

“
Millet and Jacob will be taking the southwestern
road,” said Malstisos. “Sister Maybell and I would like
to accompany you, at least through Manisalia, once they leave us.”

Grentos smiled broadly. “We would be pleased to
have your company. You may stay with us as long as you wish.”

Malstisos nodded. “Thank you, brother. I am
grateful.”

“
As am I,” Maybell added.

“
It is I who am grateful,” said Grentos.
“This journey will allow us to strengthen bonds long
neglected.”

They spent the rest of the evening in cheerful
conversation. The wine flowed freely, and soon the tent was filled
with laughter. Jacob returned after a time and proceeded to sulk on
his bedroll, despite Grentos' efforts to make amends. By the time the
wine was gone, they had all but forgotten their troubles and fell
into a deep peaceful sleep.

Chapter Seven

Lee woke to the gentle, feminine voice of one of the
young healers who had attended Gewey. It had taken him quite some
time to fall asleep. Despite his cool demeanor, he was excited by the
prospect of Gewey finding out what had become of his wife and son,
not to mention Millet, Maybell, and Malstisos.

“
What is it?” said Lee groggily.

“
I’m sorry, but Master Gewey wishes to speak
with you. I told him to wait until morning, but he insisted.”

“
Don't be sorry,” he said, trying not to
knock the girl down as he sprang from his bed and headed swiftly to
the healing chamber.

When he arrived, Gewey was sitting up in bed sipping a
cup of hot tea. Kaylia was still fast asleep in the next bed. He
looked tired and worn as he managed a smile.

“
We did it,” said Gewey.

Lee was stunned. He had prepared himself for bad news.
“Are they safe?”

“
From what I was able to tell they're all just
fine,” he answered weakly. “They're a few days from
Hazrah. Your son is with Millet, and he plans to take him to
Baltria.”

Lee sighed with relief. “And my wife?”

Gewey's eyes fell. “She isn't with them. Why, I
don't know.”

Lee's heart froze. “I see.” He began pacing,
rubbing his temple. “I must go to Baltria.” He looked up
at Gewey. “I'm sorry but I must.”

“
I know you must. Besides, there is nothing you
can do here. The elves won't allow you to go with me anyway.”

“
I'll leave after you've gone,” Lee said. “I
should still be able to beat them there.” Gewey nodded, clearly
exhausted. “Are you alright?”

“
I'm fine,” Gewey replied. “It took a
lot of effort to reach Malstisos. I wasn't ready for it, that’s
all.”

“
And Kaylia?”

“
She'll be okay after a good night’s rest.”

“
I'll let you both sleep then. I can't thank you
enough for this.” Gewey nodded slowly and sunk back into bed.

Lee returned to his room, but sleep didn't come easily.
His mind wandered to thoughts of his son, and worries about the
whereabouts of his wife.

The next morning, Lee joined Gewey and Kaylia for
breakfast in the healing chamber. The healers insisted that they rest
for at least one more day. A small table had been set up, and Dina
and Selena soon joined them. Conversation was light, to Lee's relief.
He never enjoyed serious talk over a meal.

“
Theopolou has agreed to allow Linis to accompany
you,” said Selena after the table was cleared. “But I
fear you may be forced to leave before you are fully recovered.”

“
We could leave now if necessary,” stated
Kaylia. “I am rested and not accustomed to being idle.”

Selena's eyes wandered to Gewey.

“
I'm fine, too,” said Gewey. “Besides,
it's no good for a farmer to be lazy.”

Selena smiled warmly. “Don't worry. Neither of you
will be idle for long.” She turned to her son. “I did try
to convince Theopolou to let you go—.”

Lee stopped her short and told her about Gewey's contact
with Malstisos.

“
I'll do my best to find out what has become of
your wife,” she said. “In the meantime I'll have
preparations made for your journey. We have friends in Baltria. You
will have whatever help you require.” She reached over and took
Lee's hand. “Don't worry son. I will do what I must to ensure
their safety.”

Lee gave her hand a tight squeeze. “Thank you,
Mother.”

“
I'll go with you,” said Dina.

Lee smiled. “I appreciate it. But I won't put you
in unnecessary danger.”

“
Don't be a fool, Lee. You can't go alone, and I
grew up in Baltria. You may need me.”

“
I think it's a great idea,” said Selena.
“I'd feel better knowing you had someone I trusted along with
you, and as a temple historian, it's her duty.”

Lee sighed heavily. “Very well. Meet me in my
chambers after the noon meal to discuss our plans.”

Dina grinned with satisfaction.

“
When does Theopolou want to leave?” asked
Kaylia.

“
In two days,” said Selena. “He has
already sent word to the other elders. They should be there upon your
arrival.”

“
I don't like it,” said Lee. “I'd
rather they arrived first. Less chance for a trap to be set.”

“
Linis agrees,” said Selena. “That's
why he's sending his people ahead, just in case.”

Linis opened the door, his face grave. His hand gripped
the handle of his long knife so hard his knuckles turned white.

“
What is it?” asked Lee.

“
I just received a report that the roads are being
watched.”

“
That's not surprising,” said Selena. “We
know that the elves are aware of this place.”

“
It is not elves,” said Linis.

“
Men?” asked Kaylia.

“
No. We do not know what they are. But they're
fast and cunning. My seekers have only been able to catch a glimpse
of them before they disappear. But there is little doubt that they
are stalking the routes away from here.”

“
If the Dark One knows of the location of this
temple, then you must evacuate,” said Lee.

Selena lowered her head. “We will hold if
attacked. Our walls are strong, and the Dark One has no army here.”

“
Don't be foolish,” said Lee. “You
have few men here that can fight or mount a defense. To cover the
walls you would need a hundred soldiers, at least.”

“
A hundred we shall have,” said Selena.
“What you see here is not the entire strength of the Order. I
shall send word for all of the knights to gather here. That will be
enough to hold this temple indefinitely.”

“
How long will this take?” asked Linis.

“
I can double my strength in a week,”
answered Selena, her hands firmly on her hips. “In three, I can
defend this place against any attacker.”

“
Then I shall stay until your men arrive,”
said Lee.

“
No! You will protect my grandson.”

Lee sat back in his chair, stunned by his mother’s
sudden anger.

Selena's face softened. “You
must
protect your family, as I could not. Don't worry about me. If these
walls are breached I can escape. There are secrets here that only I
know. I will not be captured.”

Lee took his mother’s hands and pulled her close.
“Swear it!”

Selena smiled. “I swear,” she said tenderly.
“We will not lose each other again.”

Lee lowered his head and sighed heavily.

“
We should leave right away, Gewey,” said
Linis. “Tonight, if you are able.” He turned to Selena.
“You said there are ways out of here that wouldn’t be
noticed?”

“
Yes.” She wiped her eyes. “I can get
you and the others out of the temple unseen.”

“
Good. I'll inform Theopolou.” Linus nodded
curtly and left.

Lee stood from his chair and looked at Dina. “Prepare
to leave,” he commanded. “I want to be gone ahead of
Gewey. Perhaps we may draw off any pursuit.”

“
Of course.” Dina rushed off to pack.

For the rest of the morning the temple was a beehive of
activity. Lee and Dina were ready to leave by midday. Selena provided
them with gear and enough provisions to last more than a week, along
with three strong horses. Lee had decided to leave Lord Ganflin's
steeds behind and made his mother promise to ride one to safety if
the need came.

Gewey and Kaylia had been informed by Theopolou that
they would be traveling on foot, which pleased Gewey. He had not been
looking forward to saddle sores and preferred to travel light. Linis
spent the morning going over the plans with Theopolou and his guards.
Theopolou was troubled when he heard the roads were being watched,
but agreed that there was little to do but move forward with their
plan. The healers made the loudest protests. They insisted that
neither Gewey nor Kaylia was ready to be out of bed, let alone
travel. However, both had shown no ill effects from their ordeal. It
took the insistence of Selena to quiet them.

Before one o'clock Lee and Dina made their way to the
front gate. The entire temple had gathered in the courtyard to see
them off. Selena, Gewey, Kaylia, and Linis stood by the large oak
doors, each trying to hide the concern in their heart.

“
Be careful, son,” said Selena as she
embraced him. “And you...” she said to Dina with a smile.
“Keep yourself safe at all times. I won't have my most valued
historian getting herself killed.” She embraced Dina tightly.