The Godling Chronicles The Shadow of God

chapter 7





A bitter chill woke Gewey the next morning. Kaylia and Linis had already risen and were nearby helping the others prepare the morning meal. Bellisia, Chiron and Theopolou, had gathered a few yards away, and had donned white robes, Gewey presumed for the funeral rites.

Aaliyah's face still burned in his memory, but he could not recall anything beyond the point when she first appeared. He scanned the area for her and her friends, but they were nowhere to be seen.

Just next to him, lying atop his sword and scabbard, he noticed his pack. Someone must have retrieved his belongings from Theopolou's tent. He rummaged through his things until he found the clothes Theopolou had given him, then went to look for some place private to change. He thought perhaps to seek out some water for washing, but didn't want to miss the ceremony. Gewey walked toward the burned remains of the camp. Beyond the pavilion, he could see dozens of funeral pyres that had been erected in the night. He dreaded the sad ceremony that was to come. Finding a hidden spot just beyond the pavilion, between two tents, Gewey changed into his elf clothing.

“You have an interesting mind.” It was Aaliyah.

Gewey flushed. “How long were you watching me?”

Aaliyah smiled. “Long enough.” She took a step forward.

Though Gewey may have not noticed her beauty before, he certainly did now. She had changed into a white, silk dress, though much the same fashion as the one she wore before. It flowed with her movements, wrapping itself playfully around her obvious curves as she moved. Her hair was tied in a loose braid, intertwined with thin white strands of shimmering cloth.

“I thought this may be a bit more appropriate,” she said. She held her shapely arms wide and spun around. “What would you say?”

He felt his face grow hot with embarrassment. “I...”

“Perhaps not.” With a wry smile, she took another step forward. “I brought nothing else, other than a set of cotton trousers and tunic. The rest of my attire is on my ship.”

“How did you...” he stammered. “I mean...last night.”

“Oh, that was nothing,” she replied, stepping closer. “I only wanted to see your mind for myself. A selfish thing, I admit. But I could not resist the chance to connect with Shivis Mol.”

“Kaylia. She—,”

“Kaylia knows nothing of it,” said Aaliyah. “It was simple to occupy her thoughts. I...encouraged her to dream of you. It was easy. She loves you deeply.”

The mention of Kaylia's love for him, steadied his nerve. “And I love her.”

“Well, of course, you do.” She sounded understanding in the way of a mother to a child. “But then you are quite young. And your bond with her makes your feelings infinitely stronger.” Slowly her face saddened. Gewey suddenly wanted to approach her. To comfort her. But he resisted. “I was bonded once. Long ago.”

Gewey's heart ached to see her pain. “What happened?”

She sighed deeply. “He died.”

“Then how do you still live?” he asked. “I thought that once bonded, your lives are as one.”

This shook her out of her melancholy and she laughed softly. “Perhaps for the elves in this world that is true. They have forgotten how to use their power. The bond between mates is strong, but not unbreakable. One need not lose themselves should the other die.” She glanced behind her. She could see the pavilion. “A pity. The bond makes you stronger. We could have saved more if they all had a mate's strength to share. But I suppose it is to be expected that they do not bond, if the risk is death.” She tilted her head and smiled. “Perhaps that is yet another thing we can teach them.”

Gewey saw Kaylia approaching in the distance. “I should go.” He didn't wait for a response. He edged his way pass her. She did not move to ease his passing, forcing their shoulders to touch.

As he neared Kaylia, he could clearly see that she was not pleased.

“What did she want?” asked Kaylia.

“Nothing,” Gewey replied. “She asked if what she was wearing was appropriate for the funeral rites.”

Kaylia shot a stare at Aaliyah, who was still standing between the tents. “Is that so?” She took Gewey's hand. “Come. We need to eat.”

Gewey allowed Kaylia to lead him back to their bedrolls. A bowl of steaming porridge and a cup of new wine had been place on the ground for him. After he finished, Kaylia, Linis and Theopolou walked with him to the funeral pyres. The gathering was already well underway. The pyres had been encircled by the elves, just as Gewey had seen Linis and his seekers do during the funeral of Berathis. Aaliyah, Nehrutu, and Mohanisi stood beside Kaylia on his right. Linis, Theopolou, and the remaining elders were to his left. Those wounded who could do so, had made their way from the pavilion, unwilling to remain in bed during the rites of their dead brethren. The ceremony was long, lasting well into the afternoon. Elf after elf stood forward to say words about their fallen comrades. After all had spoken the fires were lit. So many that the heat caused Gewey to break into a sweat. Finally, it was over and the crowd solemnly dispersed. Most eyes were still swollen with tears.

Gewey, Linis, and Kaylia returned to their bedrolls, while Theopolou instructed everyone to gather an hour before sundown to hear Aaliyah and her companions speak.

Gewey spent the next few hours in light conversation with Kaylia. He wondered what had become of Lee, Dina, Millet, and Maybell. He missed his friends, especially Lee. Linis searched the area for signs of what had become of his seekers, but returned disappointed.

When the time came, they made their way across the field in front of the pavilion. Most of the elves had already assembled. Aaliyah, Nehrutu, and Mohanisi, were standing on a small platform and facing away from the pavilion. The beds of those who could be moved had been pulled close to the edge so they could hear.

Aaliyah had changed back into her red dress. She spotted Gewey as he approached and smiled. Gewey smiled back in spite of himself. Theopolou, Chiron, Bellisia, and the other elders stood just in front of the platform.

“I'd rather stay to the back,” said Gewey.

“You can't,” said Kaylia. “I have a feeling that whatever they say will concern you.”

Gewey opened his mouth to speak, but Kaylia took his hand and half dragged him through the crowd, urging him to stand next to Theopolou. Linis stood just behind him.

The moment he arrived, Aaliyah nodded to her companions and stepped forward. “Brothers and sisters.” Her voice echoed over the field with such tremendous volume that the gathering jumped. “By now you have heard of our arrival and from where we have come. Some may have doubt. Those who do not may question our motives. To this I can only say that I speak truth, and that there is no deception in my words.” She paused and looked over the crowd. Her eyes bore the look of intense sadness.

“Many lifetimes ago, our people journeyed across the Great Sureshi, or what you know as the Western Abyss, and settled this land. We lived and prospered for generations, and for generations we came to see this land as our own. But this was not so. For this land belonged to another people. This land first belonged to the humans.”

This caused the elves to stir.

Aaliyah held out her hand to still the crowd. “I know how many of you feel about the humans. And I know that many believe you have reason to hate them. But what you do not know is that it was we who first sinned against them. The humans were already here when we arrived. But they were not as you know them today. Mere children they were. Savage children, nomadic hunters and gatherers. We brought to them our ways, and our learning. We taught them to build, to farm, to live as a community. But in the end we did these things for our own purposes.

“In the end we subjugated the humans. We turned them into little more than a slave race, born to serve our needs.” She stepped down from the platform and stood in front of Gewey, staring deeply into his eyes. “It was not until the Gods showed us the error of our ways, did we realize what we had done. But by then, it was too late.”

She broke her gaze and looked back at her friends then back to the gathering. “The Gods created the Great Barrier, and destroyed any hope to contact our people beyond. Any who tried to cross perished. For thousands of years we have kept watch, praying for the day we could return to you. Nineteen years ago the Great Barrier disappeared, and now we have come.” She stepped back onto the platform. “My brothers and I have lived our lives with the knowledge of the sins of the elves, and the price we have paid...the price you have paid. But now, we are here to help you regain what you have lost...and to undo the wrongs of our forefathers.” She closed her eyes and bowed her head. The only sound was a soft breeze stirring the tents and pavilion.

Theopolou was the first to speak. “You say that you have been able to come here for nearly twenty years. Why have you waited so long? Why have you not revealed yourselves before now?”

Aaliyah opened her eyes and sighed. “We could not know what had become of you. The humans had clearly taken control of this land. We sent scouts to gain information. What we found was that you had become...different. You have changed from the people you once were. To us, you had become more like the humans. We were uncertain what to do.”

This caused angry shouts and curses.

“Then why now?” asked Bellisia.

“Because of him.” She pointed dramatically at Gewey. “When we discovered the coming of Shivis Mol, we knew we must act.” She said this as though it was an obvious truth. Her eyes fell on the wounded in the pavilion. “But it is clear we should have acted sooner.”

“How did you know about Gewey?” asked Theopolou. “We have only just discovered it ourselves.”

“We were given a prophecy when the Great Barrier appeared,” Aaliyah replied. “It says that a God bound to earth will come to show us the way to the Creator. He will wash away our sins and reunite us with our people. We knew when the Barrier disappeared, it heralded his coming.”

“But how did you know it was me?” asked Gewey.

“Our people have connection with what you call the flow,” she replied. “Though the elves of this land have lost much of their power, we have not. You could never hide what you are from us.” She held out her hand. Before Gewey realized what he was doing he had taken it and allowed her to pull him onto the platform. “We have learned much about our brethren since we first arrived.” She spoke to the elves, but her eyes were on Gewey. “You despise the Gods. You would turn away your one hope for salvation. But you do not understand what that would mean. You have an enemy rising against you. An enemy that will wipe you from the face of this land. An enemy that has corrupted the hearts of your brothers and sisters.” The persuasive elf released Gewey and pointed to the wounded in the pavilion. “This is the result.” Her voice was hard and cold as steel. “You have made war with your own kind once before. This we know. And though it caused us great sorrow to think of such a thing, we hoped that you had learned from your mistakes. We hoped you had not fallen so far that your spirit was lost.” The air around Aaliyah stirred as the flow rushed through her. “You asked why we reveal ourselves now. You wonder why we waited.” A flame burst to life above her head and shot skyward. The crowd backed away in shock. Gewey stood transfixed. “We waited because you are as different from us as the humans are from you. We feared your own sins would return. We feared you could not regain what you have lost.” She released the flow and the air stilled. Her features softened and a delicate smile returned. “But the time for fear is past, and we waited too long.”

“What do you intend to do?” asked Theopolou.

“We intend to teach you,” she replied. “All of you. Even those who have lost their way. Those who have attacked this place have been warped and controlled by a force they could not resist. The one you know as the Reborn King has unleashed a power beyond your understanding. It is a power you cannot hope to overcome. Even with Shivis Mol at your side, you will need more.”

“We have the Book of Souls,” said Theopolou.

“I know,” she said. “But have you tried to use it?”

“Gewey has opened it,” said Chiron.

“We know of the Book of Souls,” said Aaliyah. “And such a thing will be needed in the days ahead. But you need weapons. Weapons that can match those brought to bear against you.”

“And where shall we acquire such weapons?” asked Theopolou.

Aaliyah looked at Gewey's sword, hanging from his belt. “There is a place. It is where the sword Shivis Mol now wields was forged.”

Theopolou raised an eyebrow. “And you know where it is?”

“We know where to look,” she answered. “In the desert of the east; we have sensed its power.”

“It would take months to make the journey,” said Bellisia. “We are already attacked. I fear we have no time.”

“My ship can take us there in less than two weeks.” She stated this firmly.

Murmurs of doubt spread through the crowd.

“Our fastest ships couldn't cross the distance in twice that,” said Bellisia.

Aaliyah laughed softly. “Our shipbuilders are quite skilled. And, as you will learn, the winds can be controlled.” She surveyed the crowd for a moment. “Nehrutu and Mohanisi shall remain here. I will find the location where the weapons are held.” Nehrutu and Mohanisi stepped forward. “They will help you as best they can to prepare.”

“How many are you?” asked Theopolou.

Nehrutu stepped forward. “We set sail with three ships, and are few in number. But we can help you prepare, and teach you things your people have forgotten. We will show you how the flow can be used in ways you have never imagined.”

“Can you send for more of your people?” asked Bellisia. “Will more not come?”

“It would take many months to make the crossing,” he replied. “More to gather and return. You will be destroyed long before then. I will send one ship back to our land, but do not expect help from my people. You are on your own...for now.”

“Now I would speak to your elders,” said Aaliyah. “And Shivis Mol. We have much to discuss and little time.” She addressed the gathering. “You still have many questions, I know. Tonight, Nehrutu and Mohanisi will tell tales of our home, and answer your questions.”

She stepped down from the platform. Nehrutu and Mohanisi followed. The gathering of elves gave way as they walked toward their bedrolls. She paused and looked back. “Shivis Mol. I would have you and the elders join me. I intend to leave with the dawn.” Linis and Kaylia stepped beside Gewey. Aaliyah held out her hand. “Linis should stay with Nehrutu...but Kaylia should join us.”

Gewey could see Linis tense and placed his hand on the elf's shoulder. “It's fine. I'll tell you what they say.”

Linis' eyes never left Aaliyah. “These elves have plans for you, Gewey. Be careful.”

“I am with him, Linis,” said Kaylia. “They can plan all they wish. But they still must account for me.”

This brought a smile to the elf. “I believe they think us savage and ignorant. But I would wager they have not given you full account.”

Kaylia flashed a fiendish grin and took Gewey's hand. “And that would be a mistake they would not soon forget.”

This brought a round of laughter. Then Kaylia and Gewey headed off to speak with the elves. As they neared they could see Theopolou, Chiron, Bellisia and the other elders standing in a circle with Aaliyah. Nehrutu and Mohanisi were nearby gathering together the other elves in two groups. Gewey noticed Theopolou held the Book of Souls.

Aaliyah beamed as they joined the circle. She bowed. “Shivis Mol.” She turned to Theopolou. “I see you have brought the Book of Souls. Good.”

“Gewey has already opened it once,” Theopolou reminded her again.

“Could you read it?” she asked Gewey.

“I read the cover,” he replied. “But I didn't try to read the rest. There was no time.”

Aaliyah looked at Gewey thoughtfully. “Try it now.”

Gewey took the box and opened it. The book glowed and shimmered in the fading light. Handing the empty box back to Theopolou, he slowly opened the Book. The pages glittered with intricate gold writing. As when he read the cover, at first the words meant nothing. Then slowly they changed in his mind. But this time, only a few. He stared intensely at the first page for several minutes. “I only understand some of it,” he said finally. “The rest means nothing to me.”

“I am not surprised,” said Aaliyah. “These pages were meant for a God. Although a God you are, you have not realized your full power. You only use power from the earth. There is so much more. And once you learn what I will teach you, then you will be able to read from these pages.”

“I don't understand,” said Gewey. “I use what I can feel.”

“You only feel what is easy to feel,” said Aaliyah. “The powers of water, air and spirit are more elusive.”

Gewey recalled Lee saying that because his father was Saraf, God of the Seas, he could draw power from the water. “How do I learn?”

“Through me,” she replied. “I can teach you what you need to know. But there is a price.”

Kaylia stepped forward. “What price?”

She leveled her gaze on Kaylia. “He is to come with me to seek out the weapons in the desert.”

“Is that all?” asked Gewey.

“No,” she replied flatly. “You must allow me to show you why I am the best choice for a mate.”

Kaylia's hand flew to her knife. But before she could pull it free, Aaliyah waved her arm. Heat flashed through the air and Kaylia was thrown back, nearly losing her footing. Theopolou and Gewey jump in front of her.

“Are you hurt?” asked Gewey.

Kaylia steadied herself, glaring at Aaliyah. “No. She did not hurt me.”

“Still your fury,” said Aaliyah. “Fierce though you may be, you cannot do me harm.”

Gewey looked over his shoulder at Aaliyah. “I am bonded to Kaylia...I love her. And if you do that again, you'll find out just how powerful I really am.” He let the flow swell inside him until the ground trembled.

Aaliyah lowered her eyes and stepped back. “Please, Shivis Mol. I meant no offense.”

Gewey allow the power to ebb.

“I do not doubt your love for Kaylia,” said Aaliyah. “Nor hers for you. But I was chosen for a reason, and I will not be deterred. You are a living God, bound to this world. Destined to save it. Destined to save us. Should you not choose a mate that can meet such a challenge?” Her eyes met Kaylia's. “Have you not doubted that you are worthy? You are fierce and strong. Perhaps, in time you could be even stronger. But should Shivis Mol not have the deepest well to draw from? Are you that well? Or am I?”

Kaylia moved Gewey and Theopolou aside. “You speak of Gewey as if he were a tool...a mere object. You do not love him.”

“I speak of him as he is,” she replied. This time her tone matched Kaylia's ferocity. “A God. You say that I do not love him. And I do not. Not as you love him. But he is Shivis Mol. And we are not children. For him to bond with me would give him even greater strength. Strength he will need if we are to survive. You must look beyond your own selfish desires.”

“This is all irrelevant,” Theopolou interjected. “Kaylia and Gewey are already bonded. This cannot be undone.”

Aaliyah shook her head. “How little you know. Of course it can be undone. You may have lost the ability, but we have not.”

“I don't want it undone,” Gewey objected. His voice was cold and menacing. “And if you try-”

“I will do nothing without your consent,” said Aaliyah. She looked on Gewey and Kaylia for a long moment. “I offer you this bargain. Allow Shivis Mol to go with me...alone. I will present my case during our journey. If I am rejected, so be it. In return, I will instruct him, and help him reach his true potential. I am the most powerful among my people. You will find no better teacher.”

“I will not be parted from Kaylia,” said Gewey. He pulled Kaylia close.

Aaliyah looked into Kaylia’s eyes. “If you are meant to be with him then you have nothing to fear. Your bond shall remain intact unless Shivis Mol decides otherwise.”

“I refuse to—” started Gewey, but Kaylia pulled away.

“If it means saving our people, then you must,” said Kaylia. Her voice was tender and sad. “I fear losing you.” She gave Aaliyah a contemptuous glance. “But not to her. Go, and learn what you must to save us from the darkness that comes. I will be waiting.”

“You have made a wise decision,” said Aaliyah.

Theopolou placed his hands on Gewey and Kaylia. “If this is to be, then you shall complete the bond. You cannot know what perils lay ahead. I would see you as one before you are parted.”

Kaylia smiled and took Theopolou's hands. “Thank you.” She released him, and looked at Gewey. “Assuming you are agreeable?”

Gewey nodded, smiling. “Of course, I am.” He scanned the area for Linis. “Would someone tell Linis to come here?”

Bellisia stepped forward. “I will find him.” She left and returned with Linis a short time later.

Linis grinned, and squeezed Gewey's shoulder. “I am happy for you.” He glanced at Kaylia. “Both of you.”

“Kneel,” said Theopolou.

Without another word Kaylia and Gewey fell to their knees. Theopolou placed his hands on their heads and began to recite the ritual. Though Gewey couldn't understand the language, the sound of Theopolou's voice caused images to erupt in his head. Colors swirled and danced until he was dizzy, and he had to reach out to Kaylia to steady himself. The moment he touched her he could feel their bond grow stronger, taking root within his soul. Minutes passed until he realized Theopolou was no longer speaking. He looked across at Kaylia. Her face was aglow with joy. He could feel every fiber of her being. In that moment, he knew how deeply she cared. It was as if the bond they shared before was a shadow of what it had become.

“Normally, the ceremony is a bit more involved,” said Theopolou. “But every minute you have left together is precious.”

Gewey and Kaylia rose. Aaliyah was expressionless. The rest of the elders bowed and took a step back.

“When shall you depart?” Theopolou asked Aaliyah.

“At dawn,” she replied. “My ship is less than two days journey.”

Theopolou turned to Gewey. “Prepare whatever you intend to take with you, then return here.” He took Kaylia's hand. “In the meantime, come with me.”

Linis smiled. “I envy you, my friend.”

“One day, such joy will be yours, Linis,” said Gewey. “I just know it.”

Linis let out a hearty laugh and slapped Gewey on the back. “I hope so, but now...this is your time.”

Gewey and Linis went to his pack. He wanted to travel as light as possible. As he sifted through his belongings, he told Linis what Aaliyah had said, and the bargain he had made with her.

“I will go with you,” offered Linis.

“No,” said Gewey. “You're needed here. If the elves are going to gather for war, you must help.” He looked across the field to where Nehrutu was speaking to the other elves. “You must learn whatever they can teach you. It's why I'm going. To learn what I must.”

“Be careful, Gewey,” warned Linis. “She is unlike any elf I have known. She may tempt you in ways you cannot imagine.”

Gewey smiled. “She can try. But as long as my heart belongs to Kaylia, she will fail.”

When Gewey finished packing he returned to where the others were still gathered. Theopolou waited. His smile made him seem youthful. Kaylia stood just behind him. She had changed into a white silk dress, tied at the waist by a thin gold sash. Her hair fell loosely about her bare shoulders. Gewey’s heart raced at the sight of her familiar but breathtaking beauty.

Theopolou took them both by the hand and led them across the field and past the pavilion. An area had been hastily cleared just out of sight of the camp, and a small tent had been erected. It was large enough for two, and no more.

Kaylia turned to her uncle and kissed him lightly on the cheek. He smiled the loving smile of a father. Theopolou took her hand and placed it in Gewey's, then turned and walked away. Kaylia looked deeply into Gewey's eyes then led him inside.