Of Gods And Elves tgc-2 Read online

  Jacob sniggered.

  “You should not let your eyes always be yourjudge, child,” scolded Malstisos. “Your father has greatconfidence in Millet. And thus far he has shown his worth more thanonce since I've traveled with him. I daresay his skills andusefulness outweigh yours.”

  Jacob suddenly halted his horse, his face twisted inanger. “Mind your tongue, elf.” His hand slid to hissword.

  “Don’t be foolish.” Malstisos’voice became low and dangerous. “I will not be threatened, nomatter who your father is.”

  The two stared as each other intensely for what seemedlike an eternity.

  “Enough of this!” Maybell’s voiceechoed over the trees. The ferocity of the woman’s tonestartled the others.

  Malstisos bowed his head. “I am deeply sorry,sister. I know you must be cold and tired.” He turned to Jacob.“I’m certain we can conduct ourselves with bettermanners.”

  Jacob continued to fume but nodded sharply. “Fornow,” he grumbled.

  Maybell snorted in disgust at the scene. “How muchfarther to the next village?” she asked Millet.

  “Two days,” he replied. “But there’sa hostel we could reach before sundown if we keep our next restshort.”

  “Good,” said Maybell, trying to hide herrelief.

  Malstisos stiffened his back, and he drew his longknife.

  “What is it?” whispered Millet.

  “Something follows.” The elf dismounted.

  “I told you” scoffed Jacob. “They havesent trackers. Weren’t you paying attention?”

  Malstisos shook his head. “This is no tracker.Whatever it is… it smells wrong.” He closed his eyes fora moment and sniffed the air. “Stay here.” He placed hishand on Millet's shoulder. “If I do not return in one hour,flee as fast as you can.”

  “Where should we go?” asked Millet, alarmed.

  “Stick with your plan,” the elf replied,then turned to Maybell and smiled. “Don't worry. I may only bechasing shadows.” He disappeared into the nearby trees, leavingthe group behind.

  Many minutes passed before anyone dared to move.Finally, Millet reached into his pack and retrieved a loaf of breadand passed it out to the rest. Maybell reluctantly took a piece andfound a spot a few yards from Millet and Jacob to sit by herself andnibble.

  “What do we do if he doesn't return?” askedJacob through a mouthful of bread.

  Millet met Jacobs’s eyes. “We'll do asMalstisos said and continue to Baltria. There I will contact yourfather. Now if you don't mind, I would rather not speak untilMalstisos returns.”

  “If he returns,” muttered Jacob.

  Millet shot a furious glance and stormed away.

  Minutes seemed like hours as the group stared into thesurrounding forest, hoping to see Malstisos return. Finally, just asMillet was about to tell the others it was time to leave, he caughtsight of the elf, head bowed low, holding what appeared to be asevered head in one hand and his long knife in the other. Maybellgasped. Millet and Jacob stared in horror as the elf tossed the headto the ground beside the horses. The elf's knife and hands werecovered with thick, black ooze, and the stench of rotting fleshfilled the air. The head resembled a human man, but its features weredistorted and grotesque, as if burned by fire, its hair tangled,stringy, and covered in filth.

  “What is that thing?” whispered Maybell witha shudder.

  Malstisos looked at Jacob. “I was hoping our youngfriend here might be able to enlighten us.”

  Jacob’s eyes went wide. “Me? How should Iknow? I've never seen such a creature.”

  Malstisos studied Jacob then looked down at the remains.“I found it about half a mile behind us. It was clearlyfollowing our trail. I tried to approach unseen, but it must have hada keen sense of smell because it knew I was there the moment I sawit. I am no seeker, but no human I have ever encountered, saveperhaps Lord Starfinder, could have heard my approach. When I knew Iwas discovered, I decided to withdraw, but the thing was on me in aninstant. It moved as quickly as any elf, though not as graceful. Itstruck at me with bare hands, but with power beyond human strength.As it was unarmed, I had the advantage and buried my knife in itsheart.”

  “Then why cut off its head?” interruptedJacob. “And why bring this disgusting thing here?”

  “Like I said,” Malstisos responded in a lowtone. “I was hoping you could help identify it. You have beenhere throughout the entire occupation. Have you never heard of such acreature? But that's not the only reason.” He reached into hissaddlebag, retrieved a flask and a small cloth and began cleaning hishands and knife. “I have the creature’s head because itwas the only way I could kill it. My blow through its heart servedonly to enrage the beast. As I pulled my blade loose, it charged inwith a ferocity I have never encountered. Again and again it charged.I was only barely able to avoid its blows. I slashed away at everypart of it and watched in horror as it had no effect. It wasn't longbefore I knew I had to either kill it or flee, so I waited for it tocharge one last time and brought my blade across its neck. To mygreat relief my stroke fell true and the creature died.”

  “What should we do now?” asked Millet. “Ifthere are more of these things we don't stand a chance.”

  Malstisos dried his hands and wiped his knife with oil.“If there are more, then we are in mortal danger.” Hechecked his pack and sheathed his knife. “I cannot protecteveryone at once. Still, I don't see that we have any other choicebut to continue with our plan. If we are lucky, there are no more ofthose things about. If not, then I'll do my best to kill them beforethey are upon us. Now that I know how to kill it, one will pose melittle danger and with only Maybell at my side, I should be able tokeep her safe.”

  “It's settled.” Millet mounted his horse.“The crossroads, then we will part ways. By then we should knowif there are more of these… creatures.”

  The party rode on through the rest of the day insilence. It was nearly sunset when they arrived at the hospice. Itwas little more than a small cabin with a small adjoining stable, butthe smoke from the chimney and the aroma of roast pork filled theirhearts with joy. Millet dismounted and motioned for the others towait. “I'll see to our accommodations,” he said. “Iwon't be but a moment.”

  The interior was as he expected. The single room waslarge enough to hold a dozen beds and a roughly made dining table. Afire crackled in the hearth and was the sole source of light, givingit a comfortable, albeit dim, atmosphere. A thin young man sat at thetable carving a piece of roast pork. His blond hair and fine featuresindicated that he had not seen many winters. He looked up as Milletopened the door and frowned.

  “If you're here to rob me, I have nothing to takebut some roast pork and a half bottle of wine.”

  Millet stopped and bowed low. “I am not here torob you, young man. My companions and I seek a bed for the night.”He scanned the room for signs of other people but saw none. “Areyou master here?”

  “I am,” the boy replied. “At leastuntil my uncle returns.” The boy stood, wiping his hands on histrousers. “I'm Gerald. And you are welcome here, though I havelittle to offer.” He walked to the hearth and stirred the fire.“How many are you?”

  “Four,” Millet replied. “And we onlyask for a bed and perhaps a bite to eat.” He fished threecoppers from his pocket and placed them on the table. “Thisshould cover our expense.”

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

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

  “Of course,” stammered Gerald. “I'lldo it for you, if you'd like.” He headed toward the door stillholding the coins.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

  Chapter Four

  Lee sat by the fireplace in the main library of Valsharareading quietly. Over the past eight days, it had become his favoriteway to pass the time, and the only thing that took his mind off hiswife and son, not to mention Gewey and Kaylia. He had always beenproud of his own collection of rare books, but Valshara heldtreasures beyond his imagination.

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

  Gewey and Kaylia had shown no signs of reviving. Leevisited them at least twice a day but was only allowed to be in theroom for a few minutes at a time. The healers clearly thought anyintrusion 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 herjournal. Selena had held a small ceremony signifying her elevation tofull cleric and set her to task. Lee had scarcely seen her except forwhen they happened to run into each other on their way to check onGewey and Kaylia.

  Word had come that Linis was seeking out Theopolou andhoped to have the sage there soon. He had arrived in Althetas twodays after the battle between Gewey and Harlando and was contacted byValsharan agents. Lee took comfort in this. He knew if anyone couldhasten the arrival of Theopolou, it was Linis.

  The door to the library opened, and Lee saw Ertik. Hisface was grave, and he was dressed in white ceremonial robes, a thingLee had only seen at Dina's elevation to cleric. Lee placed his bookon the table beside his chair and rose to his feet as Ertik strodeover.

  Ertik bowed. “Lee,” he said in a respectfultone.

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

  “Theopolou has arrived,” he replied. “TheHigh Lady asked me to tell you that we will be meeting with him thisevening in the main receiving hall. Appropriate clothing has alreadybeen 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 isalso with them.”

  Lee nodded. “I'll be there.”

  “Mind what you say. These elves are not likeothers you have encountered. They do not enjoy the company of humans.That we possess the Book of Souls is the only reason they've agreedto come.” Ertik lowered his voice to a whisper. “This maynot 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 thepossibility that they may try to take it by force. Since he hadarrived, he had counted maybe a dozen men that belonged to theKnights of Amon Dahl. Though he knew their reputation, he alonehad actually fought an elf. Lee doubted very much that he and twelvemen would fare well against ten trained elf fighters. If Theopolouwas as great among his people as he was told, he was likely to havebrought elves of greatskill.

  It was midday, and he had several hours until themeeting, so he decided to check on Gewey and Kaylia. He wound his waythrough the stone hallways, nodding and smiling at the passers- by.Word had spread quickly that he was the son of the High Lady. Atfirst, he had become a bit of a celebrity. People practically trippedover themselves to shake his hand or help him find his way around.After a few days, however, the excitement died down and most of thetemple 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 neatlyin a small ponytail. They wore well-oiled, studded leather mail overemerald green shirts and trousers. Their feet were clad in softbuckskin boots, adorned with tiny beads that formed multipleinterlacing patterns. Vicious looking curved swords hung on theirbelts. Lee found this curious. From what he had learned, elvespreferred to use a long knife or dagger, though Kaylia had mentionedthat they do use swords in pitched battles. The thought put hisnerves on edge.

  Lee stopped a few feet away. The elf guards had notlooked at him, though clearly they knew he was there.

  “Excuse me,” said Lee. “I would liketo pass.”

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

  “You cannot enter at this time,” said theelf. His voice was deep and masculine. “I would ask that youreturn later.”

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

  “I cannot allow you to enter,” the elfreplied.

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

  “Who is in there?” Lee demanded.

  “That is none of your affair,” the elfreplied. The other guard stepped forward, and both of their handscrept to their swords.

  “It ismy affair,” Lee countered. “And I will see to myfriends.” He stepped forward and stood less than a foot awayfrom the first elf. He knew that should things turn violent he neededto be close. He was unarmed, and swords were awkward in tightquarters.

  The door to the chamber flew open and Lee's motherstepped quickly into the hall. “It's alright. Lee.” Shepushed 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 no
t to be disturbed, and I have agreed.”Selena placed her hands on Lee’s chest. “Please, son. Igive you my word they are safe.”

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

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

  “It's good to see you, my friend.” Linislaughed. “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 wasin her formal robes, just as Ertik had been, and her hair was wrappedin a tight bun.

  “Dina was telling me details of your travels sincewe last parted,” Linis said. “It would seem I have missedmuch.”

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

  “I understand,” said Linis. “But oftenwe are beset with hardship in order to prepare for greater challengesahead.”

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

  “No doubt,” Lee agreed. “But I fearthis is but a taste of what's to come. Angraal is on themove, and if Gewey doesn't recover…”

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

  Lee realized that Linis was still unaware of just whatGewey 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 cansee beyond old hatreds, as you have in the past.”

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