The Godling Chronicles (Shadow of the Gods, Book #3) (8 page)

“
More than I care to, I'm afraid,”
Aaliyah replied. Her voice was filled with pity and sorrow. Gewey
found himself wanting to weep at the sound, as if her words stirred
something inside him. “My dear Kaylia,” she said taking a small
step forward. “We are here to bring glad tidings. We have come to
help you, after many lifetimes of waiting.”

“
I don't understand,” said Linis.
“Where have you come from?”

Aaliyah glanced at her companions, who nodded
in turn. “We are from across the sea. We are of the first race of
elves to traverse the Great Sureshi, and settle these lands. And
now we have returned. Though I fear we have returned too late.”

Linis' eyes widened in immediate disbelief.
“Sureshi? I have not heard that word used since I was a boy. No one
who has journeyed across the Great Abyss has ever returned, and you
claim to be from there?”

“
None of your folk who tried to reach
our land would have survived,” said Nehrutu. “The Great Barrier has
barred the way for thousands of years. It has only been nineteen
summers since we have been able to get through ourselves. And yes,
that is our home. Once, long ago, it was the home of all elves. But
now...” He paused, placed his hand on Aaliyah’s shoulder, and
nodded.

“
Yes, quite right,” she said. “We
should go. Your brothers and sisters await your return. I would
think they would want our tale told to all.” She met Gewey's eyes
once again. “And I suspect they are especially anxious to see
you.”

“
You seem to know something about me,”
said Gewey. He was no longer afraid to reveal himself.

“
Oh, indeed I do,” Aaliyah replied,
with a hint of laughter. “There is not an elf among us that does
not know of the coming of Shivis Mol. News of your arrival has
caused great rejoicing. You are the herald of a new age and a new
way.” She stepped forward and placed her ivory hand on Gewey's
cheek. “I have dreamed of this day my entire life. As have all of
my people.”

Gewey’s face felt hot at the touch of
Aaliyah’s hand. He blushed and tried to look away, but couldn't.
Her touch held him fast. A flash of rage flowed through his bond
with Kaylia, breaking the spell before he stepped back.

“
I see you have bonded to Shivis Mol,”
said Aaliyah. Her eyes scrutinized Kaylia for a moment. “And yet
you have no connection to...what is it you call it? The flow. How
unusual.” She smiled. “And how fortunate for you. To be coupled
with such as he, is a great honor, but requires great
strength.”

“
It is I who am honored,” said Gewey.
He moved close to Kaylia and took her hand.

Aaliyah laughed. It was like bells on the
wind. “I am sure that is so. She is clearly a noble elf...if that
is the word I should use. I apologize, but certain concepts are
difficult for us.”

“
Being noble is a difficult concept?”
remarked Kaylia, trying not to allow her anger to seep into her
voice.

Nehrutu interjected. “Perhaps it is better to
say we have no concept of...” He searched for the words. “We have
no conflict among our people. At least not in the way you would
understand. The idea of not acting noble, in the way you see it, is
unknown to us.”

“
But enough,” said Aaliyah. “There will
be time for this when we arrive.” Nimble and swift as the wind, she
spun around and walked down the road toward the Chamber of the
Maker. Nehrutu and Mohanisi followed close behind.

Gewey, Kaylia, and Linis, looked at each
other, then did the same.

As they approached the field where the
pavilion had been erected, Aaliyah and her companions dropped back
next to Linis. The field was still abuzz with activity, as hundreds
of elves darted about.

“
I believe you should make
introductions,” said Aaliyah. “Considering what has happened here,
it may be better if your people are greeted by someone
more...familiar.”

Linis nodded in agreement.

Two guards barred their way when they reached
the edge of the field. They eyed the strangers for a moment.

“
They are not foes,” said
Linis.

The guards grunted then stepped aside.

“
A bit brutish,” remarked
Mohanisi.

Linis pretended not to hear, but couldn't
help but bristle at the insult. “They must be hard to survive these
times. They fought bravely to protect their kin.”

“
I meant no insult,” Mohanisi
explained. “It is only that you are so different from what we
know.”

Theopolou, Eftichis, and Bellisia approached
from the pavilion. Kaylia ran ahead and embraced her uncle with
joy. She held him tight for nearly a full minute.

“
I am happy to see you are safe,” said
Theopolou, smiling broadly. “Though I had no doubt Gewey would
succeed in your rescue.” As Gewey approached with the others,
Theopolou bowed. “Thank you,” he said to Gewey and Linis. “I am in
your debt.”

Gewey bowed. “I wish I could say I freed her.
But as it turns out she managed that on her own.”

Theopolou smiled lovingly at Kaylia. “A tale
I would love to hear.”

“
As would I,” said Bellisia. “But first
I would like to know who you have brought among us.”

Linis introduced the elves and explained how
they met, not failing to mention their claim.

“
So you say you are from beyond the
Great Western Abyss,” said Theopolou. His tone bore no hint of
surprise or trepidation. “That would explain the news we received.
Reports of red sails on the horizon have caused quite a
stir.”

Aaliyah stepped forward and took Theopolou's
hand. The old elf stiffened and staggered back. In a flash, Linis
and Eftichis had drawn their knives and pulled Theopolou away.
Mohanisi and Nehrutu made no move to stop them.

“
No,” Theopolou cried. “Stay your
weapons. I am not harmed...only dazed.”

“
What happened?” asked Linis, holding
Theopolou's arm.

“
I beg your forgiveness,” said Aaliyah.
“I thought it would be easier this way. As you are one of the
more...how should I say this… talented among you. That is to say,
you can use the flow.”

“
Yes,” said Theopolou. He steadied
himself and straightened his shoulders. “But I suggest you refrain
from doing that again. At least until you have addressed the
others.”

“
Theopolou-” began Bellisia.

“
She is who she says she is,” said
Theopolou. “She merely communicated it to me in a manner which I am
not accustomed. It was just too much at once.”

“
I would speak to your people,” said
Aaliyah. “But first, your wounded should be attended.” Her
companions nodded in agreement. “You could help as well,” she said
to Gewey.

“
Of course,” said Gewey.

Linis stepped forward. “I will join you.” He
could tell that Theopolou and the others had recently been using
their powers to heal, and were exhausted, though they hid it well.
“The elders should rest until we have done what can be done.”

“
Of course,” said Aaliyah. “They have
accomplished all they can.” She looked at Kaylia and smiled. “If
you would tend to your elders while we do our work—”

“
I will go with you,” said
Kaylia.

“
Theopolou and the others have greater
need of you.” Aaliyah’s tone was not contentious, yet it held an
air of authority that caused Kaylia to stop short.

“
Stay,” said Theopolou. “You can tell
me what happened after you were taken.”

Aaliyah didn't wait for a response. She
turned gracefully and walked in the direction of the pavilion.
Kaylia’s eyes followed her closely.

When Gewey and the elves entered the healing
pavilion, they saw scores of elves lying injured in row upon row of
beds that had been taken from the tents. As there weren't enough
beds, the least injured were place on bedrolls. The rest were busy
distributing food and medicine, and at first, hardly noticed the
group’s presence. Gewey peered just beyond the pavilion, and could
see others tending to the dead. His heart ached.

“
How could this happen?” muttered
Mohanisi. His face flushed with anger. He spun and faced Linis.
“How could this happen?” This time his voice boomed with rage.
Everyone in the pavilion stopped and stared.

Aaliyah gently placed her hand on Mohanisi's
shoulder. “Calm yourself, my friend. This is not his doing.”

Mohanisi's muscles tensed until he trembled,
then he closed his eyes. Gasps filled the pavilion as the elf
filled himself with the flow. More and more entered him, until the
air around him glowed with power. Only Gewey could hold so
much...or so they thought. After a few seconds he released it and
opened his eyes.

Mohanisi breathed deeply, then smiled
apologetically at Linis. “Forgive my anger. Aaliyah is correct.
This is not your doing. But I have not seen a sight such as this
before. It took me aback for a moment.”

Linis bowed. “There is nothing to forgive.
You are not wrong to feel anger. We have all allowed this to come
to pass. I am as much at fault as any.” He could still feel the
lingering power of the flow all around him, and all eyes still
stared in amazement. “But, I must ask. How is it you can channel so
much of the flow? Gewey is the only one I have seen use so
much.”

“
I doubt I have the power of Shivis
Mol,” said Mohanisi.

“
Your people have forgotten much,”
Aaliyah interjected. “Once all elves could do as Mohanisi has done.
Why you cannot, I do not know.” She squared her shoulders. “But now
is a time to heal, not talk. Talk can wait, but the dying
cannot.”

They all nodded in agreement. Without another
word Aaliyah, Mohanisi, and Nehrutu started off in different
directions and immediately began tending the wounded, with the
power of the flow. Linis left the more severely injured to Gewey
and the other elves, and began healing those who he could more
readily help. Gewey went from bed to bed for what seemed like an
eternity, using all his strength. By the time it was fully dark, he
was barely able to stand. Linis was fairing no better, nearly
losing his feet several times. Aaliyah and her companions seemed
far less affected.

“
Are you well, Shivis Mol?” Aaliyah
asked Gewey, as he knelt at the bedside of an elf who had been run
through. He only looked up when she touched his
shoulder.

“
Just tired,” said Gewey. “This takes a
lot out of me.”

“
I see.” Her tone sounded confused. “We
have nearly done all that can be done. Mohanisi, Nehrutu, and I can
finish this. You should rest. I am certain Kaylia will tend you
well.” Her last remark sounded almost sarcastic.

Gewey shook his head, and steadied himself.
“I'm fine.” He placed his hands on the wounded elf and channeled
the flow. The wounded elf gasped and his eyes shot wide. After a
few minutes the wounds began to close and the elf relaxed.

Gewey struggled to his feet and stumbled to
the next bed.

“
That is enough,” said Aaliyah. “You
cannot go on. There are only a few others who we can help. I insist
you rest.” Her words were commanding and Gewey could feel himself
wanting to obey. “If you become ill, then I will need to heal you.
This will take from those who need more urgent care.” She smiled.
“Do not be concerned. Soon I will teach you to heal without so much
effort.”

Gewey's resolve gave way. “I'll go.”

Aaliyah took his arm and guided him from the
pavilion to where Kaylia, Theopolou and the others were
gathered.

“
He needs rest,” stated Aaliyah flatly.
“Tend to him.”

Before Kaylia could speak, Aaliyah released
Gewey and turned back to the pavilion. He nearly collapsed the
moment her hand let go. Kaylia was quickly at his side and guided
him to a waiting bedroll. Eftichis brought him some bread and wine,
which he gratefully accepted. Linis arrived a few minutes later and
lay down next to him. He didn't speak a word, and was asleep in
seconds.

“
You should sleep as well,” suggested
Eftichis, who had seated himself a few feet away.

Gewey rubbed his neck and stretched his back
until it made a sharp crack. “The others will be finished shortly.
I want to be awake when they get here.” He yawned, in spite of
himself. “If I sleep now, I won't be able to wake up.”

Small fires were being lit throughout the
camp. The scent of spiced meat and wine wafted on the breeze.

At that moment, Aaliyah and the others
appeared from the fading light. “We have healed as many as we
could.”

“
You have our gratitude,” said
Bellisia, who had been seated beside Lord Chiron for several hours,
talking quietly.

“
Indeed,” agreed Chiron. “Many more
would have died if not for you.”

“
I only wish we could have done more,”
remarked Aaliyah, sadly. “Many were beyond our power.”

“
You should rest,” said Gewey. “You
must be exhausted.”

“
We are,” admitted Aaliyah. “More so
than we have ever been. And I would have strength before I tell our
tale.” She reached down and placed the back of her hand on Gewey's
cheek. Kaylia flashed anger across their bond, startling
Gewey.

“
For one so ignorant of his own
abilities, you did well,” said Aaliyah. Her voice was tender and
musical, like the cradle-song for an infant prince. “Though I admit
I was confused to see how little you know of yourself.” She glanced
over to Kaylia, then fixed her eyes on Gewey's. “That will change.
I will see to it.”