The Godling Chronicles 02 - Of Gods And Elves (6 page)

“
Four,” Millet replied. “And we only
ask for a bed and perhaps a bite to eat.” He fished three
coppers from his pocket and placed them on the table. “This
should cover our expense.”

Gerald’s eyes widened and he retrieved the coins,
clutching them tightly. “In that case, you are
very
welcome.”

Millet smiled warmly. “If you would allow me to
stable my horses.”

“
Of course,” stammered Gerald. “I'll
do it for you, if you'd like.” He headed toward the door still
holding the coins.

Millet grabbed the boy gently by the arm. “That
won't be necessary. But if you could prepare a meal I would be
grateful.”

“
Yes, yes,” said Gerald. “It's already
prepared. It will be waiting.”

Millet thanked the boy and returned to the party. After
they unpacked and stabled the horses, they entered. Four plates and
cups had been placed around the table. Malstisos was careful to hide
his features beneath his hood.

Gerald whistled merrily as he placed blankets on the
beds. The roast pork, though a bit plain, was well received, and soon
they were laughing and talking as if they hadn't a care in the world.

“
Hostels in this area are usually filled to
bursting this time of year,” said Millet once his belly was
full. “Why are you so empty?”

Gerald's face twisted in anger. “Angrääl,”
he spat. “It's because of those damn soldiers. Most are too
afraid to travel, and the few that do are agents and officials of the
invaders. They take what they want and leave us to starve.” His
hands trembled as he drank from his cup. “This hostel has been
in my family for three generations. We’ve never had much, but
donations from the temples and travelers kept us fed and clothed. We
were able to help hundreds of people who might have otherwise
perished on the road. I always took great pride in the work my family
has done here. Now I can barely survive.”

“
You mentioned your uncle,” said Millet, his
voice filled with compassion. “Where is he?”

“
Hunting,” replied Gerald, regaining his
composure. “We can't afford to buy food most times, so my uncle
hunts for what we need.” He nodded to the leftover pork.
“Without it we'd starve.”

Maybell reached over, took Gerald’s hand and said
softly. “You're very brave to stay here alone.”

Gerald managed a weak smile. “It's my uncle that's
brave. The forests are riddled with bandits and thieves. So far he's
avoided them, but it's only a matter of time before I fear his luck
runs out.”

“
I'll pray for you,” said Maybell, tears
welling in her eyes.

Gerald jerked his hand away. “Save your prayers,”
he snarled. “The Gods care nothing for me.” He stood up
and faced the wall. “I'm sorry.” His voice cracked as he
forced back his tears. “I know you mean well. It's just that it
has been so long since hope has been in this land. I've prayed and
prayed, but I think the Gods have abandoned us.”

“
Perhaps not,” said Millet. “Perhaps
help is on the way.”

Gerald turned and sighed. “I hope you're right.”

They soon retired for the night. The earlier cheer was
overcome by sadness, and none slept peacefully.

Chapter Four

Lee sat by the fireplace in the main library of Valshara
reading quietly. Over the past eight days, it had become his favorite
way to pass the time, and the only thing that took his mind off his
wife and son, not to mention Gewey and Kaylia. He had always been
proud of his own collection of rare books, but Valshara held
treasures beyond his imagination.

When he wasn't in the library, he spent time with his
mother. She told him of her life in the temple and recalled memories
of his father. It soon became clear to him the love she held for the
man and the pain she felt after his death. He found it difficult at
times to fight off feelings of guilt for the anger he had felt toward
her for so long.

Gewey and Kaylia had shown no signs of reviving. Lee
visited them at least twice a day but was only allowed to be in the
room for a few minutes at a time. The healers clearly thought any
intrusion an imposition, and Lee was not inclined to argue. Besides,
there was nothing he could do, and he did not enjoy feeling helpless.

Dina spent her time recounting her experiences in her
journal. Selena had held a small ceremony signifying her elevation to
full cleric and set her to task. Lee had scarcely seen her except for
when they happened to run into each other on their way to check on
Gewey and Kaylia.

Word had come that Linis was seeking out Theopolou and
hoped to have the sage there soon. He had arrived in Althetas two
days after the battle between Gewey and Harlando and was contacted by
Valsharan agents. Lee took comfort in this. He knew if anyone could
hasten the arrival of Theopolou, it was Linis.

The door to the library opened, and Lee saw Ertik. His
face was grave, and he was dressed in white ceremonial robes, a thing
Lee had only seen at Dina's elevation to cleric. Lee placed his book
on the table beside his chair and rose to his feet as Ertik strode
over.

Ertik bowed. “Lee,” he said in a respectful
tone.

Lee smiled warmly. “Why so formal today?” He
reached out and shook Ertik's hand.

“
Theopolou has arrived,” he replied. “The
High Lady asked me to tell you that we will be meeting with him this
evening in the main receiving hall. Appropriate clothing has already
been brought to your room.”

“
I see,” said Lee, noting Ertik's demeanor.
“How many are with him?”

“
He has brought an escort of a ten elves. Linis is
also with them.”

Lee nodded. “I'll be there.”

“
Mind what you say. These elves are not like
others you have encountered. They do not enjoy the company of humans.
That we possess the Book of Souls is the only reason they've agreed
to come.” Ertik lowered his voice to a whisper. “This may
not go well. Be prepared.” With that, he bowed and left.

Lee stood for a long moment, his brow furled with worry.
He knew the elves thought the Book of Souls was rightfully theirs,
but his experience with more enlightened elves left out the
possibility that they may try to take it by force. Since he had
arrived, he had counted maybe a dozen men that belonged to the
Knights of Amon Dähl. Though he knew their reputation, he alone
had actually fought an elf. Lee doubted very much that he and twelve
men would fare well against ten trained elf fighters. If Theopolou
was as great among his people as he was told, he was likely to have
brought elves of
great
skill.

It was midday, and he had several hours until the
meeting, so he decided to check on Gewey and Kaylia. He wound his way
through the stone hallways, nodding and smiling at the passers- by.
Word had spread quickly that he was the son of the High Lady. At
first, he had become a bit of a celebrity. People practically tripped
over themselves to shake his hand or help him find his way around.
After a few days, however, the excitement died down and most of the
temple simply became a bit more cheerful when they saw him.

The door to the healing chamber was usually unattended,
but to his surprise, he saw two tall elves standing on either side.
Both had light bronze skin and shoulder length black hair tied neatly
in a small ponytail. They wore well-oiled, studded leather mail over
emerald green shirts and trousers. Their feet were clad in soft
buckskin boots, adorned with tiny beads that formed multiple
interlacing patterns. Vicious looking curved swords hung on their
belts. Lee found this curious. From what he had learned, elves
preferred to use a long knife or dagger, though Kaylia had mentioned
that they do use swords in pitched battles. The thought put his
nerves on edge.

Lee stopped a few feet away. The elf guards had not
looked at him, though clearly they knew he was there.

“
Excuse me,” said Lee. “I would like
to pass.”

Both elves turned their gaze on him. The one nearest Lee
took a single step forward, faced him and bowed his head slightly.

“
You cannot enter at this time,” said the
elf. His voice was deep and masculine. “I would ask that you
return later.”

“
I will not return later,” Lee insisted.
“Two of my friends are inside, and I will see that they are
alright.”

“
I cannot allow you to enter,” the elf
replied.

Lee could see the elf's muscles tense. He didn't want a
confrontation, but neither could he leave until he knew that Gewey
and Kaylia were unharmed.

“
Who is in there?” Lee demanded.

“
That is none of your affair,” the elf
replied. The other guard stepped forward, and both of their hands
crept to their swords.

“
It
is
my affair,” Lee countered. “And I will see to my
friends.” He stepped forward and stood less than a foot away
from the first elf. He knew that should things turn violent he needed
to be close. He was unarmed, and swords were awkward in tight
quarters.

The door to the chamber flew open and Lee's mother
stepped quickly into the hall. “It's alright. Lee.” She
pushed Lee back and placed herself between her son and the elves.
“Gewey and Kaylia are fine.”

“
Why am I being kept out?” growled Lee.

“
Theopolou is in with them,” she replied.
“He has asked not to be disturbed, and I have agreed.”
Selena placed her hands on Lee’s chest. “Please, son. I
give you my word they are safe.”

Reluctantly Lee yielded. “Very well.” He
slowly backed away and headed for the parlor.

When he arrived, he found Dina sitting on the couch next
to Linis. Linis beamed as Lee entered the room and he sprang to his
feet and grasped Lee's shoulders tightly. Lee returned the gesture.

“
It's good to see you, my friend.” Linis
laughed. “Though, I wish it were under better circumstances.”

“
It's good to see you, too,” said Lee,
giving Linis' shoulders one more fond squeeze before releasing him.

They took a seat on the couch across from Dina. She was
in her formal robes, just as Ertik had been, and her hair was wrapped
in a tight bun.

“
Dina was telling me details of your travels since
we last parted,” Linis said. “It would seem I have missed
much.”

“
Indeed,” Lee replied. “Much that I
wish I had avoided.”

“
I understand,” said Linis. “But often
we are beset with hardship in order to prepare for greater challenges
ahead.”

Dina laughed. “I don't think I want to know what
those challenges are, if this is what it takes to prepare.”

“
No doubt,” Lee agreed. “But I fear
this is but a taste of what's to come. Angrääl is on the
move, and if Gewey doesn't recover...”

“
Do not despair, my friend,” said Linis. “If
the boy fought a half-man and was victorious, as I have heard, then I
am certain that he has the strength to overcome this. His true nature
is still a mystery to me, but I do believe that his part in what is
to come has not yet been played out.”

Lee realized that Linis was still unaware of just what
Gewey was, and made the decision to tell him.

“
I know how the elves feel about the Gods,”
said Lee, once he had recounted the tale. “And I hope you can
see beyond old hatreds, as you have in the past.”

Linis was stunned. He rose and moved slowly to the
fireplace. He stood in silence for several minutes.

“
It is good you have kept this secret from me
until now,” said Linis finally. “And I am honored that
you have chosen to share it. Had I found out before I had come to
know the boy, I am unsure how I would have reacted.”

“
I think you would have been fine,” said
Dina. “When you found out about me—”

“
You are different,” said Linis. “You
are the natural result of two people sharing the same world. Gewey’s
nature, on the other hand, stirs feelings even in me of the old
hatreds. It is a thing no elf would ever expect to be faced with.”
He turned to Lee. “You
must
keep this from Theopolou and the others.”

“
I only tell you because of our friendship,”
said Lee. “The presence of your brethren is causing me great
concern, and not only because of Gewey.”

“
The Book of Souls,” whispered Linis. “To
think I traveled with both The Book of Souls
and
a God at the same time.” He burst into laughter. “A thing
worthy of a tale, wouldn't you say?”

Lee joined his laughter. “No doubt it will be told
for ages to come.” Lee motioned for Linis to rejoin him on the
couch. “Tell me about Theopolou.”

Linis' eye shifted back and forth from Lee to Dina for a
moment. “He is great among my people,” he began. “And
his knowledge vast. His family had been the keepers of the Book of
Souls for generations until its disappearance.”

“
How does he feel about what you and the others
are trying to do?” Dina asked.