The Godling Chronicles The Shadow of God

chapter 1





Kaylia drifted in and out of consciousness. She knew she was bound and slung, face down, across the back of a horse, but each time her thoughts came into focus, an unseen force would press against her, and the world would go black again. Finally, she was able to resist long enough to hear voices. Elven voices.

“This does not sit well with me,” said a deep male voice. “It is one thing to bring traitors to justice. But I was not told these creatures would be among us.”

“Nor was I,” replied another. “But it is far too late to turn back. Once we are home, we can consult the elders. Until then, we must endure their company.”

Kaylia felt a hand grab her hair and lifted her head. Though she was not blindfolded she dared not open her eyes.

“Is she awake?” asked the first voice.

“I cannot tell,” replied the second. “The beast has blocked all connection to the flow. I cannot sense anything.”

The first voice grumbled and cursed, but made no other response.

Hours passed before they came to a halt. Kaylia was still feigning unconsciousness when she felt the hair on the back of her neck stand up. Suddenly, the air carried the foul stench of death, and she sensed the approach of...something.

“She is not asleep,” came a rasping voice. “Are you elf?”

Kaylia felt her bonds being cut, and she slid down from the horse. Her legs nearly gave out, but strong arms in rough leathers steadied her. She jerked herself free as her eyes focused. It was well after nightfall, and a small campfire was being built in a clearing a few yards away. She could make out about twenty elves, but that was not what caught her attention. It was the being standing in front of her. A Vrykol, tall and slender; adorned in a sleek, hooded black robe, and carrying a lengthy, vicious, curved blade. It reeked of decay, and its foul breath wheezed and gurgled.

Kaylia glared at the creature. “So this is what our people have become? Murderers of their own kind, and slaves of the darkness of the world?” Her tone has proud and defiant.

“Mind your tongue,” warned the elf that held her. “We are the bringers of justice. It is you who have betrayed our people.”

Kaylia threw her head back in mocking laughter. “You travel with the Vrykol. You attack elves on sacred ground. How dare you name me traitor.”

“Enough of this,” screeched the Vrykol. The sound pierced the air, causing Kaylia to wince. “You are to remain silent unless spoken to.” He turned to the elf at her back. “As for you...your comrades grow restless. Calm them.” His black hands reached out and grasped Kaylia's arm in an iron grip. “I can manage this one.”

The elf grunted and strode off in the direction of the others.

“I will make you pay for what you have done to my people,” seethed Kaylia. “And I will make your master pay as well.”

Before she could measure the moment, the Vrykol's fist crashed into Kaylia’s jaw, sending her sprawling to the ground.

“I told you to be silent.” The Vrykol lowered his blade, pressing the tip against Kaylia's throat. “My master has insisted you are to be kept alive. He said nothing about your...condition.”

Kaylia’s jaw throbbed from the impact, but she glared unflinchingly.

“That's better,” growled the Vrykol. “Remain still and silent.”

A few minutes passed and the tall elf returned. He looked down at Kaylia, then back at the Vrykol.

“She was to be left unharmed,” he grumbled, angrily. “That was the agreement. No elf is to be injured by your hands.” He looked back at the group of elves gathering around the crackling fire. “If you do not uphold your end of the bargain, you will find yourself quickly surrounded by enemies.”

The Vrykol let out a vile laugh. “As you wish.” He removed the blade from Kaylia's throat. “But see to it that she is well-tended. Should she escape, it will be you that pays the price.” With that he spun around, and disappeared into the darkness.

The tall elf held out his hand. “I am Freistal. Do not try to escape. The elves you see here are not the only ones I have with me. The forest is filled with my kin. I would hate to see you harmed before you can be brought to justice.”

Kaylia sneered and struggled to her feet. “We will see who is brought to justice.”

Freistal pulled her roughly to his side. “Perhaps you think your human mate will save you? Or perhaps Linis and his seekers? Let me assure you that they have been dealt with. And even if they have somehow survived, they will not be able to save you.”

Kaylia forced a malicious laugh. “Let me assure you that Gewey and Linis would not fall to the likes of you or your rabble. And when they find you, you will wish you had never left your lands. If you think to look to the Vrykol for safety, you will find that they can be slain as easily as you.”

Freistal shrugged. “Perhaps. But for now you will remain with us, and you will not escape. I will allow you to stay unbound. Do not make me regret it, or you certainly will.” He motioned for her to go to the fire. “We rest for only a short time. Unless you wish me to strap you back onto the horse, you should eat so that you will have the strength to travel.”

Kaylia rubbed her jaw, then made her way to the fire. Freistal followed close behind and though he held no weapon, she was certain that if she made a wrong move, her body would be filled with arrows before she could take more than a few steps. As she approached the fire, she could feel the eyes upon her. She stiffened her back and took an empty space a moderate distance from the others. Freistal knelt beside her and handed her a flask of water and handful of jerky.

“I suggest you hold your tongue,” whispered Freistal. “Things are a bit...tense. And your comments will not be welcome.”

“I take it they are not pleased with your traveling companion,” she taunted. “I cannot say that I blame them.”

“That is putting it mildly,” Freistal replied. “And your presence is no more welcome than theirs. So mind that you give them no excuse to take their frustrations out on you.”

“So I am to be beaten if I speak?” Kaylia sneered, with contempt. “You will behave as the Vrykol?”

“I would not have you harmed,” Freistal retorted. “We are not animals. Speak as you will, but be warned. There are those among us that have a deep hatred for your kin, and you in particular.”

“Why?” asked Kaylia. “Where does this hatred come from?”

Freistal looked at her sideways. “We know who your kin have allied themselves with. They would make us allies of the very people that destroyed us in the first place. And you...” he paused. “You bond yourself to a human, seeking to doom us all. Your crimes are beyond forgiveness.” He rose to his feet and glared down at her. “I, for one, will not stand idly by while you and your people annihilate what is left of our kind.”

“How can you accuse me or my kin of betrayal?” shot Kaylia angrily. “You have been deceived by the evil that dwells in Angrääl.”

“Then you deny that elves and humans are allowed to befriend each other?” he said, furiously. “You deny that your elders do nothing to stop it? You deny that you have bonded yourself to a human?”

She glared at him defiantly. “Who I choose to love is my own affair, not yours. And if you are so foolish as to think it shall be the end of our people, then your stupidity knows no bounds.”

He met her gaze. “Because of you and others like you, our people will disappear and become nothing more than a distant memory. A mere shadow of what we once were.”

“So this is why you have done this?” said Kaylia, loud enough for all to hear. “Because of half-truths and fear?”

“You deny it then?” Freistal asked. “You deny that your kin intend to join with the humans?”

“I do not deny that I have bonded myself to a human,” she replied boldly. “And I do not deny that many of my kin have formed friendships with humans. But we are not destroying our people. We are saving them.” She stood to address the entire group, but Freistal caught her arm.

“Do not do this,” he warned. “You will not sway us. You will only anger them, and put yourself in further danger.”

“It seems to me that I can be in no more danger than I already am,” said Kaylia, jerking her arm free. “And if you intend to bring me back to your people on the Steppes, then you will not harm me until then.” She stood straight and proud. And though disheveled from being captured, her fierce gaze gave her a regal appearance.

“Let her speak,” came a voice from the crowd. “Her lies will do nothing but strengthen our resolve.”

“Very well,” sighed Freistal.

Kaylia squared her shoulders and took a step forward. “I know you think me a traitor. I know you believe that your actions are justified.” Her tone was imposing. “But ask yourself this...who is it that you serve? Is this the will of the elders? Or is this the will of the King in Angrääl? You are pawns in his game of conquest. Surely, at least some of you sense this.” A few elves stirred.

“If this is not so, then why are you traveling with a Vrykol? Do you really believe that creature will allow you to take me to your elders? It will never let that happen. I am to be used as leverage against the one being that can challenge the power of Angrääl.” Tears began to well in her eyes, but her voice remained steady. “You have killed your own kin based on a lie. You have led your brothers and sisters to their death in the process. How many of you have died in your attack? Twenty? Thirty?”

Angry murmurs and tearful stares told her that it was far more.

“Fifty-seven,” whispered Freistal. “And your deceptions will not make us believe they died for nothing. You accuse us of being weak. We are the pawns of no one. Not the Reborn King...and not you. While you and your kin have made alliances with the humans and the Gods, we have remained true to our traditions and ways. We have not diluted our blood with that of lesser beings, and we will never do so. The armies you gather against us will fall.”

“Armies?” Kaylia cried. “We have raised no armies. It is Angrääl who raises armies. It is this ‘Reborn King’ that threatens to march. Not us.”

“You lie!” shouted Freistal. “I have seen them. Your ships have been spotted many times by my own eyes. And your war council we attacked will no doubt hasten your plans, now that they know that we are aware of their treachery.”

“You speak nonsense,” said Kaylia. “Your mind has been twisted by the power of the Dark One. Can you not see this? I did not accuse you of weakness before, but I do so now. You have been touched by the power he wields. The Sword of Truth has bent you to his will. Certainly some of your own will remains.”

“I told you to keep her silent,” hissed the voice of the Vrykol, as it came from behind the outlying brush. “Her words are poison. She seeks to deceive you.”

The Vrykol moved to grab Kaylia, but Freistal stepped between them.

“She is our responsibility now,” said Freistal. “You need not concern yourself with her any longer.”

“Fool,” said the Vrykol. “If I were not here, her mate would have already found you, and slaughtered you like sheep.” It took a step forward. “She will remain with me until I am certain we are no longer pursued.”

“You are not master here,” said Freistal. “And she remains with me. I have no fear of any human.”

Freistal and the Vrykol stood mere inches from each other, but neither made a move to draw a weapon. Though his features were hidden, Kaylia knew the Vrykol was scowling with fury.

“Very well,” relented the Vrykol after a very long moment. “She will remain with you...for now.” It spun around and vanished into the forest.

Freistal called two elves to him and commanded them to watch over Kaylia.

“Do not mistake my defense of you as a sign that your words have swayed me,” said Freistal. “I will not see you brought to Angrääl, and I believe you are right about one thing. That creature out there has no intention of allowing you to be delivered to our elders.”

Once the party had finished their meal, they packed and started out again, at an even more desperate pace than before. Kaylia repeatedly tried to reach out to Gewey, but found that her bond was being somehow blocked...by the Vrykol, she assumed. She could only hope for a chance to escape.

By midday, Kaylia began to sense further unrest among her captors. The Vrykol made occasional appearances, each time its foul gaze fell on Kaylia, then it disappeared again into the forest. Kaylia could feel the tension rise with each encounter. Clearly the elves found the presence of such an evil creature difficult to bear and were becoming more vocal in their displeasure.

“Why tolerate this?” Kaylia asked Freistal, who was running just behind her. “Nothing good can come from such a being.”

“We are commanded to allow it to be with us,” grumbled Freistal. “And so long as they make no move against us, we shall obey that command.” He shoved her roughly. “So keep moving and mind your tongue.”

Just then the Vrykol appeared ahead of the band and motioned for them to halt.

“What is it?” asked Freistal, clearly annoyed. “Why are we stopping?”

“The elf woman's mate is drawing near. She must come with me,” the Vrykol hissed. His black hand reached out to grab Kaylia.

Freistal jerk Kaylia behind him, drawing his long knife. The ringing of elven steel sliding free could be heard from all directions.

The Vrykol let loose a harsh rasping laugh. “You think to stop me?” It took a step forward, then let out a high, piercing cry. The elves couldn't help but to cover their ears. “Alone I could take her.” he said. “But did you really think my master would send only one servant to guard his prize? You are a pitiful fool.”

Just then, six more Vrykol stepped into view, each holding a long blade.

“You will not be taking her anywhere, demon!” Freistal roared.

Kaylia heard the snap of a bowstring, and the whiz of an arrow. The Vrykol hardly had time to react as the arrow buried itself deep in its chest. The creature stepped back, then pulled the arrow free and tossed it carelessly to the ground. The air grew cold and still as the Vrykol turned to its comrades and slowly nodded. With astounding swiftness, it then spun back around and charged at Kaylia. The elves erupted in response, some rushing at the other six Vrykol, and others to aid Freistal.

Freistal slashed at the Vrykol's neck, but the beast easily blocked the blow with his own blade and brought the hilt up, crashing into the elf's jaw. Freistal staggered back, barely able to keep his feet. Several more arrows pierced the Vrykol's flesh as it brought its blade down attempting to hew the elf in twain. Freistal raised his knife just in time. Sparks flew as the sound of metal on metal reverberated.

Kaylia knew this was her chance to flee. Quickly, she looked at her surroundings. Six Vrykol had engaged the bulk of the company, and though they fought with ferocity, were falling one by one to the wicked swords of their foes. Five elves had joined Freistal in the fight and were driving the Vrykol back, but their blades were useless. Clearly they did not know how to kill the creature. The arrows had ceased, and the elf archers filed in from the forest, blades drawn.

Kaylia turned and ran, bereft of hesitation. The last thing she saw of the battle was Freistal clenching at the Vrykol's blade that had run through his gullet, only a moment before.

She felt anger and regret, but there was no time to dwell on it. She needed to get as far away as possible. The Vrykol had said Gewey was near, but she still couldn't feel where he was through their bond. She hoped that if she got far enough away, the Vrykol’s influence would wane and she would once again feel the reassuring presence of the bond she shared with Gewey. The trees were a blur as she ran faster and faster.

As she focused on her flight, a dark figure appeared a few yards ahead and Kaylia slid to a halt. A Vrykol loomed, sword drawn. Its cloak was shredded from the battle with the elves, but still she could not make out its form beneath the tattered rags. Instinctively, she reached for her knife, only to realize she was unarmed. She looked around for signs of other Vrykol, but there were none. Her legs tensed for a moment, then burst to action with the rush of battle as she ran straight at the creature. This apparently surprised it, and it side-stepped, slightly lowering its blade. Just as Kaylia was in reach, she ducked and slammed her fist into the Vrykol's knee.

It was like hitting iron. She felt pain shoot through her hand and up her arm, but her blow was enough to part the Vrykol's legs wide. Kaylia thrust her body upward burying her shoulder into the beast’s chest, sending it stumbling back.

Kaylia knew she had no hope of defeating the Vrykol without a blade, and trying to disarm it would mean certain death. It was far too strong. Her only hope was to outrun it. But could she? She had seen how fast they could move. This one had caught up with her, even with several minutes head start. Fear gripped her chest, but she fought it back and ran as fast as she could, not bothering to look back. She had unbalanced it, but she knew only for a few seconds at best. “I must move faster,” she thought.

She had only run a few yards when she felt something hard strike the back of her head. She tried to keep her feet, but felt herself losing consciousness and tumbling hard to the ground. The world began to turn dark as she heard the footfalls of the Vrykol approaching and the hiss of its foul breath. She wanted to cry out, but the light faded from her vision, as the blow to her head overcame her.