The Godling Chronicles The Shadow of God

chapter 15





The orange sky that proceeded the dawn brought with it an eerie glow that washed across the sand. Gewey thought that it was beautiful in a way that only could be appreciated firsthand. Kaylia would be the only one who would ever understand what it looked like through his eyes; he could never find the words. Just then his heart ached from the emptiness he felt without her voice inside him.

“Keep your thoughts here and now,” scolded Aaliyah.

Pali stirred and stretched. “I see neither of you slept.” He reached in his pack, retrieved some jerky and flatbread and shared it with Gewey and Aaliyah.

Something caught Gewey's eye. A figure approached from the direction of the Black Oasis. As it neared he could see that it was a human woman. Her dark blond hair was tangled and matted, and her tattered clothes were covered with dust and grime. She stumbled through the sands as if near exhaustion until she was only a few yards away. Gewey and the others stood, but did not approach her.

“Who are you?” the woman asked, weakly. She didn't meet their eyes, and stared submissively at the ground. Cuts and bruises on her face and arms told of abuse. “Why are you here?”

“A slave,” whispered Pali. “Who is your master?”

“Why are you here?” she repeated.

“You need not fear us,” said Aaliyah. “If you wish, we shall protect you.”

Pali nodded approvingly. “Come forward.”

She didn't move. “Please. Why are you here?”

Gewey could see the fear in the woman's eyes. He took a step forward, but she jumped back, wrapping her arms around herself.

“Slavers do this to them.” Pali's face burned with fury and disgust. “They destroy their will, and torture them until they are nothing resembling what they once were.” He looked hard at Aaliyah. “This is why we protect the humans.” He turned to the woman. “Look at her. She is so afraid, that she will not go with us. She fears what will happen to her if she tries to escape. I've seen this before...far too many times.”

“Is this true?” Aaliyah asked the woman. “Will you not let us help you?”

Tears welled in the woman's eyes “Please. I must obey my master. He wants to know why you're here.” She anxiously gripped the sides of her long tan skirt, and her light blue blouse was caked with thick patches of dried blood and filth.

“Who is your master?” asked Gewey.

The woman shook her head nervously. “Please.”

“Tell your master that our business is our own, and none of his affair,” said Pali.

The woman bowed and scurried away.

“Poor wretch,” Pali muttered, sadly. “It seems we are expected. What do you suggest?”

“We have little choice,” said Aaliyah. “We must continue. They may expect us, but I doubt they are prepared for us.”

They watched the slave return to the Oasis, making a note of where she entered. Once she disappeared, they cautiously followed. Gewey reached out, but his senses were deflected. The look on Aaliyah's face told him she was faring no better.

As they neared, the blackness of the Oasis turned to enormous deep green and thick gray vines. Slick, round leaves, beaded with the dense humidity, hung low, some touching the moss-covered ground. Vines and thorns twisted their way through the branches, wrapping themselves from tree to tree in a never-ending web. Tiny blue flowers dotted the vines and low branches, their colors so deep and rich that one had to strain to notice them as they blended with the leaves. Each flower was cradled by a nest of black berries no larger than the tip of a child’s finger. High above the canopy, flocks of jet black birds, of a species Gewey had never seen, darted and swirled, landing in the tree-tops for a moment, then taking flight again.

Gewey could taste the moisture in the air in stark contrast to the arid desert, and the scent of rotting foliage left a foul taste in his mouth. They checked where they saw the slave enter the wood, but saw no trail or path. Pali slowly scanned the area, then with a satisfied smile, pushed his hand against a patch of brambles. They swung back as if on hinges. Gewey could make out a narrow trail that disappeared into the blackness.

“I will lead,” said Aaliyah.

Gewey could feel her drawing in the flow and reaching out. Her face twisted in frustration and she drew her daggers. The trail was very narrow, making Gewey's sword all but useless, as well as Pali's scimitar. He pulled out his small dagger and followed Aaliyah into the gloom of the Black Oasis.

Though Aaliyah was only a few feet ahead, he could barely see her; even with his heightened senses. Thankfully the trail was, for the time being, straight and even. The ground was covered in thick moss that was nearly as deep as the desert sand. The impenetrable trees and vines compounded the darkness, making it impossible to see more than a few inches on either side. Even the air was thick and humid. Already his clothes were soaked and his hair hung limp. The few sounds to be heard were the drops of dew and creaking of trees and the occasional rustle of some small animal scuttling through the undergrowth.

Aaliyah stopped short, her back stiff and straight. “Something lurks,” she whispered. The sound of her voice only barely reached Gewey.

“What?” asked Gewey.

“I do not know,” she replied. “But I can feel something watching us.”

Gewey looked around. He couldn't imagine from where someone could watch them. The foliage was far too thick for a man or even an elf to pass through. He closed his eyes and breathed deeply. Then, as an itch in the small of his back, just where he couldn't reach, it was there. A presence...watching. He was reminded of when he was in the Spirit Hills with Dina.

“Some say, the Black Oasis is alive,” remarked Pali. “And though I do not possess your skills, I feel something odd, as well.”

They continued for another half mile. Both Gewey and Aaliyah's frustrations grew as neither could sense beyond a few feet, regardless of how much of the flow they allowed to pass through them. Then they smelled it before they saw it....smoke. Foul smoke. Ahead they could see the trees thin and open into a small clearing. The closer they came, the more apparent it was that this was not a natural clearing. No, this had been carved out by hand. The perimeter smoldered and in some spots small fires still burned. The moss on the ground had been trampled flat and at the far end the trail had been sheered wider. Gewey and Pali put away their daggers and drew their swords.

“Whoever was here has clearly fled,” said Pali.

“Yes,” agreed Aaliyah. “But why?”

“I don't know,” said Pali. “But I'd wager we'll find out.”

Gewey listened for signs of people, but as every time he'd tried, his senses reflected back on him. “Well, whoever they are, there's only one way they could have gone.”

“Don't be so sure,” said Pali. “If they can survive this place, they may have learned its secrets.”

Aaliyah nodded in agreement and cautiously moved across the clearing. The smoke lingered just above the ground, and reeked like rotting earth mingled with decaying flesh. Gewey nearly became ill. As they neared the trail Gewey spotted a dark lump a few yards away. At first he couldn’t tell what it was, but then a cold chill sent him shivering when the blood-spattered face of the slave girl came into view. “Monsters,” he fumed.

“Indeed,” said Pali.

They dragged the body to the clearing and covered her with a blanket.

“We must continue,” said Aaliyah.

Gewey nodded and said a silent prayer for the poor creature.

The ground on the trail ahead had been stripped of all life, leaving only tightly packed black earth. On either side the trees and vines had been hacked away, making it wide enough for them to walk abreast.

Aaliyah slowed their pace to a near crawl, then after about twenty yards stopped altogether. She knelt down and examined a cut vine on the side of the trail. The second she touch it she quickly withdrew her hand and shot to her feet.

“I think I understand,” she whispered. “And if I am correct, the mystery has deepened.”

“Correct about what?” asked Gewey.

“The Black Oasis is alive,” she replied darkly.

“How do you mean?” Gewey bent down and looked at the vine. It pulsed and throbbed like an open wound.

“I mean that the presence we sensed was not those who reside here,” she explained. “It was the Oasis itself.” Her face tensed. “And whatever has cut it away must be strong enough to resist its wrath. This place is powerful...and angry.” She turned to Pali. “You say that none have returned that has ventured here?”

“Not that I know of,” he affirmed. “But then I know of no elf that has dared the Black Oasis. At least none have in my lifetime.”

“If whoever is here is so strong, why did they flee?” asked Gewey.

“Perhaps they didn't,” said Pali.

Aaliyah nodded in agreement. “I think you are right. I think we are being allowed to go deeper inside.”

“Maybe we should go back to the clearing,” Gewey suggested.

“I do not think that would help,” said Aaliyah. “We can only go forward, or leave this place.”

“Assuming we would be allowed to leave,” muttered Pali.

They continued cautiously for another half mile. Ahead a dense haze obscured their vision. Gewey reached out with the flow and tried to move the fog aside, but with no effect. Aaliyah tried as well, but with the same result.

They entered the mist and Gewey immediately felt a presence wrap its spirit around him, pressing in on his mind. He was only just able to keep it out and stumbled, gasping from the effort. Aaliyah placed one hand on his shoulder and wiped the tiny beads of sweat from his forehead.

He held out his hand and steadied himself. “I'm fine.” He looked into Aaliyah's eyes. “Did it try to reach you?”

“No,” she replied softly. “What did it feel like?”

Gewey thought about the first time Lee had entered his mind. “It was as if someone wanted to force its way inside me. I was only barely able to keep it out.”

Aaliyah furled her brow. “It is good you had the strength. Though it could be useful to know what is out there.”

“Should I allow it in?” asked Gewey. The idea worried him.

“No,” she replied. “The risk is too great. But let me know if it happens again.”

The fog only allowed them to see a couple of feet ahead, and was several degrees colder. After a few hundred yards, it began to thin, to Gewey's great relief, though the chill remained even when the air was clear. The light that crept in from the widening of the trail, allowed Gewey to see the true color of the Oasis. In contrast to the dark green of the exterior, the leaves were a rich vibrant mixture of green, pale blue, and delicate lines of bright yellow. The trunks were smooth and without blemish, as if polished by skilled hands. Even the vines and brambles were less sinister in appearance, flowing in an elegant weave of life and symmetry.

One-hundred yards ahead, they saw a narrow black stone archway the height of two men. Symbols of the nine Gods had been carved across the face and inlaid with pure gold. Just beyond the archway, the ground had been paved with smooth red marble, veined in green and blue, and polished to a mirror shine. The moment they passed beneath the arch, the forest on either side melted away like wax in a fire. In its place was a series of white marble columns the same height as the archway, connected by small arches of blood-red volcanic glass. To the left and right of the columns, the ground became a meadow of soft turf scattered with tiny yellow and purple flowers. It extended for one-hundred feet then was reclaimed by the dense trees and vines. The sun beamed down illuminating the glass arches, causing tiny rays of red light to shoot out in every direction. At the end of the path stood a forty-foot pyramid of polished bronze. The sides were smooth, and the top was crowned with a blue crystal. At its base, a shallow arched corridor of black marble, led to a silver door with the nine Gods were etched in a circle at its center.

“What is this place?” gasped Pali.

“It is a temple built to house the tools of the Gods,” explained Aaliyah. “I have read of its existence, but had never thought I would see it for myself.”

Gewey shifted uneasily. “We still haven't seen whoever is in here, and it looks as if this is as far as we can go. So where are they?”

“Perhaps they await us beyond the door,” suggested Pali.

“I suppose there's only one thing to do then,” said Gewey. He strode down the path until he stood in front of the door, grabbed the small silver knob and turned. Aaliyah and Pali stood, weapons drawn, just behind him.

Gewey pushed the door open without a sound. Just inside a narrow passage led to a stone staircase leading down into the earth. The walls were covered with bronze plates that gave off a faint light similar to the glowing globes of the elves. As Gewey stepped inside, the glow became brighter, and extended down the walls of the staircase. They descended for about thirty feet to another long hall that ended with a dull gray stone wall.

“A dead end?” asked Pali.

Aaliyah examined it carefully. The stone was rough and uneven, in stark contrast to everything else, and tiny quartz crystals were embedded throughout. She reached out and gently ran her index finger over the stone, then pressed her palm flat against it. She stood there silent and still for a full minute.

“There must be another way,” said Gewey.

“Did you see one?” asked Aaliyah, irritably.

Gewey reached over her shoulder and touched the wall. There was a bright flash of white light. When it was gone, so was the wall. In its place was another silver door. They all stood in amazement.

Aaliyah reached for the door, but Gewey grabbed her wrist. “Don't.”

“What is it?” she asked.

Gewey put his back to the door. “I don't know how, but I know it is meant for me.” He placed his hand on the door, feeling the cold metal. He could feel the pulse of the flow everywhere, calling to him. “Don't you feel it?”

Aaliyah touch his shoulder and let her spirit flow toward his. She could feel the power calling to Gewey. But it was different. It was not the abstract raw power she molded to her will. This had form and...consciousness. She gasped and snatched back her hand. “It knows you.”

“Yes,” Gewey affirmed. “I don't know how, but it does. I can almost hear its thoughts.”

“Hear whose thoughts?” asked Pali.

“The temple,” Gewey replied. “It speaks to me. From here I must go alone. It won't allow you to enter.”

Aaliyah took Gewey's hand. “Are you certain?”

Gewey smiled and nodded. “Yes. Don't worry. I don't sense the anger of the Oasis. But I do know that I must go on alone.”

Aaliyah squeezed his hand and stepped back. “We will await you here.”

Gewey turned and placed his hand on the doorknob. The second his flesh touched it, darkness surrounded him and there was a great rumble as if the very earth was being shattered all around him. Aaliyah, Pali, and the hallway vanished. For a moment, he was struck by fear and panic, as the rumble became a roar, and a powerful wind rose up and swirled in a tempest lifting him skyward. He let out a scream as he struggled against the force. Then as quickly as it came, it disappeared. He felt himself begin to fall. Unable to see through the darkness below, he braced himself for impact, but it didn't come. Instead, he felt his feet land gently on soft ground. Gewey knelt down, expecting grass, but was shocked to find what felt like polished marble. He pressed down with his finger. It gave way, sinking in, then reforming once he withdrew.

“This can't be real,” he said. His words echoed repeatedly, then slowly faded. “Am I alone?”

As if in response, a small ball of light, appeared just in front of him. It grew brighter and brighter, until he was forced to shield his eyes. Then it dimmed, and there stood the figure of a man. He was as tall as Gewey, and just as broad. His raven hair fell carelessly, in loose curls just above his shoulders. He was dressed in a long, silver robe, open in the front, revealing a loose-fitting white shirt, and trousers. His features were sharp and angular, with a perfect symmetry that was beautiful to behold. His flawless ivory skin bore no sign of age or blemishes, and glowed with a soft radiance. He smiled as he met Gewey's eyes.

“I knew you would come,” he said. His voice was deep and soothing.

“Who-who are you?” Gewey stammered.

“You know me as Gerath,” he replied.

“God of the Earth,” Gewey whispered.

“Yes,” he replied. “And no.”

Gerath stretched out his arms. “What you see before you is merely an image. A piece of my essence left behind in this world. Left behind for you.”

Gewey eyed him carefully. “Are you my father?”

Gerath laughed. “Indeed, I am. At least I am your father in the way you would understand it. I played my part in your creation.”

“Then who is my mother?” he asked. The words of Felsafell echoed in his mind. This knowledge would drive him mad. Suddenly he was afraid to hear the answer.

“I'm sorry,” he replied. “But some answers I cannot give.”

Gewey became irritated. “Then why are you here?”

“I am here to help you,” Gerath turned around slowly and bowed his head. “Many mistakes have my kind made. And you must help us atone. You must redeem us.”

“How am I to do that?”

“By mending what we have broken.” He faced Gewey again. His face bore immeasurable sadness. “We had foreseen our imprisonment,” he continued. “And we built this place. We built it so that you could one day find it. What resides within this temple will aid you and those whom you love, should you choose to follow the path put before you. But I sense that your efforts will be hindered. Something evil now surrounds you and you must face it. You must drive it out.”

“What is out there?” Gewey asked.

His eyes grew dark. “Creatures of pure hate and malice. They were sent by the one who imprisoned us. But do not fear them. You are stronger....far stronger than they can understand. Stronger than all in creation, save one.” He stepped forward and placed his hand on Gewey's shoulder. “My son.” His voice was filled with compassion and sorrow. “Of all the Gods, you were chosen to right our wrongs. You are untainted by our sins, and bound to this world. Your connection to this place binds your spirit to the very heart of the earth. Use that connection to attain your true power, and none can stand against you.”

“How do I do that?” Gewey felt the touch of his father. It felt as if love it was a tangible thing he could see and taste. Only his bond with Kaylia could compare. “Can you teach me?”

“No one can teach you this.” He withdrew his hand, reached inside his robe, and pulled out a small silver chain with a medallion the size of a gold piece attached. On it was carved the symbol of Gerath. “In a few moments I will empty myself into this. From that moment on I will cease to be, yet my power will remain. Wear it, and my strength will pass to you.”

“What do you mean ‘you will cease to be?’” he asked.

“The part of me I left behind...its will and its mind will be gone.” He handed Gewey the medallion. A light flashed and a table appeared beside him. On the table rested a bow, a dagger and a staff, all gleaming white. “Take these. They are the tools of Vismal, crafted by my own hands. Give them to those whom you love and trust, and your power will aid them. But choose carefully, for once given they will only serve that master.” He smiled a sad smile. “I have little else to give you. Most of what I am has been trapped by the betrayer. What you see is a shadow. But even the shadow of our kind carries great power. Use that power so that you may better understand what you must do.”

“Why not just tell me?” he cried. “Why not show me?”

“I cannot,” he replied. “Or all will be for naught. You must discover your power on your own. I can only say that you have begun rightly. I sense mortal teachings within you. They can give you what we never could.” He staggered back. Gewey reached out to catch his arm, but his hand passed as though a mist. “My time is short. The moment you stepped within these walls, I began to fade. My knowledge does not extend beyond the moment I was put here, and that slips away from me with each passing second.”

“But I have so many questions,” said Gewey. “Please, I must know more.”

Gerath's form began to ripple and fade. “Know that you have your father’s love, and that I await you even now.” He gave Gewey one last loving smile. “I have only one more thing to give...your name.”

“My name?” Gewey's mind raced.

“Yes,” Gerath replied. “It is the name given to you by a father whose worst crime was to sacrifice you to a world of peril and hardship, in order to undo what he cannot.” He faded completely. “Darshan.”

Gewey stood in stunned silence for a moment. “Darshan,” he whispered.

He approached the table and examined the weapons. The dagger was sheathed in an ivory scabbard, etched with the symbol of Gerath. The hilt was wrapped in white leather and crowned with a single diamond. The bow, short and impossibly thin as to be certain to break if drawn, though Gewey was sure it would not. The staff was as long as he was tall, and three snakes had been carved to coil their way up its length. Gewey reach down and gathered them in his arms. The table faded, and he found himself in a large, empty room. A glow radiated from bronze plates on the walls and he could see the silver door at the far end. Carefully cradling the weapons and holding tight to the medallion, he walked to the door, and pulled it open. There stood Pali and Aaliyah.

Aaliyah beamed and threw her arms around him, nearly causing him to drop everything. ”Thank the Creator. When you vanished, I feared the worst.”

“We may be facing the worst,” said Gewey. “If what I was told is true.”

“What are those?” asked Pali, pointing at the weapons.

“Gifts,” Gewey replied. “Gifts from Gerath.” He recounted his experience, leaving out that he was the son of Gerath, as he was unsure how Pali would react.

“Darshan?” asked Aaliyah, when he finished. “You are called Darshan?”

Gewey nodded. “I know you call me Shivis Mol. Have you heard this before?”

“It means ‘the bringer of knowledge,’” Aaliyah replied. “Shivis Mol is more a title than a name, given to the one who will bring healing to the world.”

Gewey shrugged. “I don't know about that. Right now, I'm more concerned about getting out of here. Gerath said an evil resides here; one that will try to stop us.”

Aaliyah nodded in agreement. “Yes. These matters can wait until we reach safety.”

“I have heard of the legend of Darshan,” Pali interjected, with a curious stare. “But if that is who you are, then it can only mean that the Gods walk among us.” He looked Gewey up and down. “Is that what you are?”

Aaliyah stepped forward, but Gewey caught her arm and pulled her back. “I will not try to deceive you. Yes, I am a God. But I am not like what you may think. I eat, I sleep, and I can be hurt, just like any other man. My spirit is no different than yours.” He could feel Aaliyah's muscles tensing in his grasp.

“I ask that you do not reveal...Darshan's presence.” she said.

“You mustn't worry,” said Pali, smiling broadly. “I will not betray you. And you need not fear my people. They bear the Gods no hatred. Though you may find it difficult to convince them you speak truth. I admit, had I not seen you vanish then return bearing your gifts, I would as well. Besides, if the legend is true, and it seems it is, this is joyous news. It is said that Darshan will bring everlasting prosperity to our people, and cast out the evil that plagues the sands.” He slapped Gewey on the shoulder. “But there will be time to tell you of our legends. I will be coming with you when you return west.”

“You cannot,” objected Gewey.

“Oh, but I must,” Pali countered. “If Darshan has come, then it means that the elves of the desert shall be reunited with our brethren in the west.” He eyed Aaliyah. “I must see it done.”

“I swore an oath to your mother,” said Aaliyah sternly.

“I may be her child, but I am not a youth to be coddled,” he challenged, meeting Aaliyah's gaze. “If you do not allow me to come with you, I shall make my own way west.

Pali and Aaliyah stared hard at one another.

“Look,” said Gewey, breaking the deadlock. “We can talk about it once we're out of here.” He took his blanket from his pack and wrapped the staff, strapping it and the bow across his back. The dagger he fastened to his belt.

“Are you going to wear the medallion?” asked Aaliyah.

Gewey held it in his hand and traced his finger over the engraving. Slowly he draped it around his neck and took a deep breath.

“Well?” asked Pali.

Gewey reached down and lifted the medallion off his chest and examined it again. “Nothing.” He rubbed it with his thumb. “I feel nothing at all.”

“Perhaps you should draw power from the earth,” suggested Aaliyah.

Gewey did as she suggested, but still nothing changed. “I don't understand.”

A loud blast from a great horn rang out. Even muffled by the walls of the temple the sound was strong enough to cause the corridor to tremble. Gewey drew his sword. The narrow hall would make it awkward, but he knew that the increased ability to use the flow would be needed. He looked down the hall, but no one came.

“They await us outside,” said Aaliyah, after a few minutes. “We are trapped.”

“Maybe they want to take us alive,” offered Pali. A wicked grin crept across his face as his looked at Gewey. “But then we have Darshan with us. I wonder if they are prepared for that?”

“My enemies know about me,” said Gewey, darkly. “If they choose to attack, they know who and what they face. And they know that I bleed just like you.”

Gewey led them down the corridor and up the stairs to the door. It was still shut. The horn blasted once more, making Gewey wince. “Stay here,” he commanded, and exited the temple.

It took a moment for his eyes to adjust to the sunlight’s intense glare. When they cleared, he saw a familiar black-cloaked figure, long curved blade in hand, twenty paces ahead.

“Do the Vrykol fear death?” Gewey shouted. The flow raged through him.

The Vrykol took a step forward, then pushed back his hood. “We do not.”

Gewey stared, stunned by what he saw. It was not the burned, twisted features he had seen before. Instead it was the face of an elf. Its skin was lightly tanned, and his long black hair was tied in a tight braid. His face was narrow and angular, with closely set deep blue eyes that tried to stare straight through Gewey.

“You can't be…” said Gewey. “How?”

The Vrykol smiled, as though he had not a care in the world. “My master went to great trouble in my creation, young godling. I am the first of my kind...though not the last, I assure you. I am here to offer you your life.” He chuckled. “Though I already know what your answer will be.”

“Then be gone,” said Gewey. He strengthened his grip on his sword. “Allow us to pass.”

“I'm afraid that is out of the question,” he replied. “That is, unless you surrender what was inside the temple to me. Do this, and I shall let you and your companions go free.”

“If you attack us, I will have your head,” warned Gewey.

“Perhaps,” said the Vrykol. “You may be able to fight your way out of this place. I know you are powerful. But understand that I am not alone. Ten of my more...brutish brothers and sisters are in the clearing, and fifty Soufis await you beyond the Oasis. Do you think your friends will be as fortunate as you? Are they Gods as well? If so, then you should ignore my offer.” He paused, then pulled his hood over his head. “I await your answer in the clearing.” He turned and disappeared down the path.

The door opened behind him and Pali and Aaliyah stepped out.

“What was that abomination?” asked Pali, horrified.

“They're called Vrykol,” said Gewey, still staring down the marble path to the trees. “I'm not sure what they really are, but they're fast, strong, and hard to kill. You must take off their heads to stop them.”

“I have heard stories of the Vrykol,” said Pali. “They were the assassins of the Gods. But I never thought them to be anything more than a myth.”

“This one is different from the others I've seen.” He looked hard at Aaliyah. “We may have no choice but to give them what they want.”

“We will do no such thing,” Aaliyah protested. “We have journeyed too far to simply give this creature what we came for.”

“I agree,” said Pali. “If these weapons are as powerful as you were told, you cannot let them fall into the hands of evil.”

Gewey thought for a moment. “Gerath told me that I must give these things to those I love and trust. And once given they only serve that master. Why then force me to give them up? They would be useless.”

“They may not be aware of that fact.” Pali suggested. “It seems that they were unable to enter the temple on their own, which is likely why they allowed us to enter unmolested. They may not have knowledge of what was kept there. And perhaps it is not the weapons he desires.” He pointed to Gewey's medallion. “If that contains the essence of a God...”

“He's right,” said Aaliyah. “You cannot let it fall into their hands. We must fight.”

Gewey straighten his back and clenched his jaw tight. “Then you should know that Vrykol can block your ability to use the flow. At least when used directly on them. But you can still affect things around them.” He withdrew the Vismal dagger from his belt and held it out to Aaliyah. “Take it.”

Aaliyah stared at it. Finally, she reached out and asked for confirmation. “Are you certain?”

Gewey nodded and she took it from his hand. The moment her hand touched it she cried out and fell to her knees. Gewey rushed down to help her.

“Are you all right?” he asked, cradling her forearms.

Aaliyah smiled. “Yes. More than all right. You have no idea what you have given me.” She looked around wide-eyed, as if seeing color for the first time. “It is beautiful.” She rose lightly to her feet holding the dagger to her breast. “Gerath was right. You must choose wisely to whom you give these.”

Gewey turned to Pali, but the elf shook his head knowing what Gewey was going to do.

“Keep the rest and give them to those who will use them.” Pali held his sword aloft. “I cannot steal life from the Creator, but with this, I can certainly take life from the wicked.”

Gewey smiled. “Then let us meet our foes. They await an answer.”

With Gewey leading the way, they headed down the path, past the columns and into the wooded trail. The surge of power through both Gewey and Aaliyah was so great, that the earth shook with each step, and the air roared before them. As they approached the clearing, Gewey saw a line of black-cloaked figures wielding cruel jagged blades; they stood just a few yards from the opening. He counted ten in total. Just as they entered the clearing he spotted another a few yards behind the others. Though cloaked, he assumed it was the one that had spoken to them outside the temple.

Gewey lowered his eyes and took a breath. “I see you hide behind the others.”

“And I see your answer is what I expected,” he shouted back. “Pity. Your friends will pay for your lack of wisdom.” He spun around and held up his right hand. “Kill them.” Then he disappeared down the path.

The Vrykol charged. A ball of flame burst to life exploding just at the feet of three Vrykol, but they moved with tremendous speed and ran straight through the flames. Gewey hardly had time to react, as two of the beasts were upon him. The four had rushed right at Pali and the rest at Aaliyah. He knew he had to make quick work of these two or they would certainly be killed. He struck at the neck of the nearest foe, but it stopped just before it was in range of his sword. The other feinted and slashed, but only close enough to keep Gewey at bay.

He charged forward, but they only fell back, darting in and out, keep him off balance. He understood the tactic. They were going to keep him busy until they had defeated Pali and Aaliyah. He glanced to Pali. His sword flashing in tight arcs as he danced and spun avoiding blows. One Vrykol lay dead, but the others were pressing in, forcing his back to the trees and vines. Aaliyah was faring a bit better. Two Vrykol were surrounded by flames and their black cloaks burned brightly. Another had already lost its head. The fourth was moving to her left swinging wildly. Gewey tried to step right to help her, but the Vrykol cut him off, and the two that were on fire stepped in between, pressing Aaliyah back.

Gewey spun and used the flow to up-heave the earth behind him. Pali had cut the arm from another Vrykol, but he was bleeding badly from his left leg. The two creatures at his back had already recovered by the time Gewey reached Pali, and rushed in. Gewey drove his blade through the chest of one of Pali's attackers, then pulling it free took the head of another. Pali grinned and pushed forward.

Gewey was only just able to duck and roll, as the Vrykol at his back thrust their swords in unison. From his knee he took the leg of one, and it tumbled to the ground. Pali was still fighting two. The one Gewey had skewered had moved in to Pali's right and its blade found his shoulder. Pali cried out, but he managed to move away and open up a wound across the chest of the beast to his left. He struck again and sent its head flying. Before he could turn to face the last, a blade shot through his chest. Pali gasped and fell forward, the blade slipping out. Blood spewed forth as he dropped to his knees and Gewey could hear the soft hissing laugh of the Vrykol.

Gewey looked over just as Pali's body hit the ground. His heart filled with rage. He rolled, bringing his blade up between the legs of the last Vrykol, spitting it in two. Thick, black blood sprayed out like a fountain, as each half crumbled to earth. He knew he couldn't allow his anger to cloud his mind. Aaliyah still faced three Vrykol, though two had slowed considerably as they burned. He leaped to his feet and took the heads off both flaming beasts with two quick strokes. Aaliyah ducked under the other’s guard and in a flash its head rolled off its shoulders.

The final Vrykol paused. “This means nothing.” Its rasping voice grated at Gewey's ears, fueling his anger. “You will not leave the desert alive.” He charged.

Gewey snarled and his sword took the creature’s head. The moment the it fell, Gewey decapitated the legless Vrykol and rushed to Pali's lifeless body. He rolled him over only to see dead eyes staring into nothingness. Gewey bowed his head and close his eyelids shut.

“Are you hurt?” he asked, as Aaliyah knelt beside him.

“Thanks to your gift, no.” She placed her hand on the back of his head. “You did your best to save him.”

“He should have never been here,” Gewey whispered. “We should never have brought him with us.”

“He came of his own free will,” said Aaliyah. “And he came as a gesture of friendship and kindness. We would not have made it here without him.”

A crackling sound as if from a thousand camp fires filled their ears. They jumped up to see the bodies of the Vrykol turning hard and gray. Thousands of tiny cracks formed and they began splintering like glass, then turned to dust. The ground shook and rumbled. The earth around Pali's body exploded and hundreds of thin roots shot skyward then draped over him. Before Gewey could move, the roots pulled the body into the earth. Gewey fell to the ground, digging feverishly with his bare hands. Aaliyah stood back, staring in wonder at the spectacle. Soon, Gewey began pounding his fist in the dirt and screaming with rage.

“What is this?” Gewey's voice was met with silence. Slowly he rose to his feet.

Aaliyah gasped and grabbed his arm, pointing a few feet away. “Look.”

A soft ball of light hovered just above the ground, expanding until it took the form of a man. Its features were hazy and unrecognizable. Its feet didn't touch the earth, and its arms were held wide.

“Who are you?” Gewey demanded.

At first there was nothing. The specter was silent and still. Then nine more figures appeared just behind it.

“We are the first born.” The voice was distant and echoed as if within a great cavern. “We thank you for our freedom.”

“I don't understand,” said Gewey.

“The creatures which we were forced to become are now gone,” it said. “We are free. And here, we are safe.”

“You mean you are the Vrykol?” asked Aaliyah.

“Yes, we were,” it replied. “Our spirits were enslaved by the evil that holds the power of the Gods. The spirits of the first born turned into abomination and darkness.”

“I think I understand,” said Gewey. “You are the spirits of Felsafell's people. That's what he meant at the Chamber when he said he had to free his kin.”

At the mention of Felsafell, their light grew brighter. “Yes. He is the last of us that walks with the living. It is good to know he has not forgotten us.”

“What of Pali?” asked Aaliyah. “What of his spirit?”

“He is safe with us,” it replied. “This place is special. The Gods created it and gave it life. Now that you have driven out the sickness that poisoned it, it can begin to heal. Your friend will stay here with us until the path to heaven is no longer barred by the one who seeks to destroy you. Only when he falls, will the spirits of the dead be led to paradise. Only through his destruction can the world, once again, be set to rights.” Their lights began to fade.

“Wait, please!” Gewey implored. But they faded completely.

Aaliyah took Gewey's hand. “They are gone, and we should leave as well. If what the Vrykol said is true, fifty men await-” She cried out as a pain shot through her shoulder, where a tiny black dart had silently struck. She pulled it free and threw it to the ground.

On the other side of the clearing, a black cloak vanished down the trail, harsh laughter trailing behind. Gewey tore off after it, but just as he reached the path he heard Aaliyah moan. He turned just as she fell to her knees, her hand grasping at her wound. He rushed back to her side.

“Poison?” he asked.

She nodded, wincing.

Gewey pulled her hand away and touched the wound. It had already closed and was no larger than a pin prick. He reach into her body with the flow, seeking to expel the poison, but was forced back.

“I don't understand,” said Gewey.

Aaliyah closed her eyes and breathed deep. For a full minute she knelt motionless. “Mandrista,” she said weakly, opening her eyes. “I have been poisoned with sap from the mandrista tree. I cannot be cured using the powers of the earth and spirit alone.”

“What can we do?” asked Gewey, desperation seeping into his voice.

“I must return to the ship,” she replied. “I have the means to extract it there.”

“Do we have time?” asked Gewey, squeezing her hand tightly.

“The poison is slow.” She struggle to her feet. “Three days. We may make it if we hurry.”

Gewey's thoughts turned to the Soufis. He needed to deal with them quickly. “Wait here. I'll take care of the Soufis myself.”

“You cannot do this alone,” she protested. “I-”

“No,” he said, fiercely. “Pali has died, and I'll not watch you die, too.” Fury burned in his eyes. “We'll see how brave the Soufis are when I blast them apart, and then bury their bodies in their precious desert.” Before she could argue Gewey tore off across the clearing and down the path. He covered the distance in only a few minutes, his legs fueled by the flow of both air and earth. The brush that lay in front of the entrance had already been pushed aside, and he could make out the figures of men twenty yards away. He slid to a halt a foot beyond the path, his blade tight in his hand. But he had no intention of cutting his way through fifty men.

The Soufis were lined up in two loose rows. They were wrapped in thick tan robes and their heads were covered by white turbans. The men in the front row, held long, curved blades, while those in the rear carried lengthy black bows. The Vrykol stood front and center, his hood thrown back, revealing his elf features.

“Did your elf mistress enjoy my gift?” asked the Vrykol, laughing.

“Laugh if you want,” said Gewey. His eyes narrowed and his legs parted. “But if I were you, I'd be running.”

The Vrykol smiled. “Excellent advice. But, we'll meet again, Gewey Stedding. Or should I call you, Darshan?” With that he turned and disappeared behind the Soufis lines.

The moment he was out of sight, the Soufis bowmen notched their arrows and fired. Gewey raised his hand and a blast of wind sent the arrows falling harmlessly to the ground. The Soufis took a step back, looking confused, and murmuring with doubt and fear. Before they could decide on their actions, Gewey let loose a great ball of flame into the heart of the lines. Twenty men fell instantly, while several others rolled screaming in the sand trying to put themselves out. This was enough to send the rest scattering. But Gewey was in no mood to be merciful. He sent another flame streaking across the ground. The sand crackled and popped as the flames surrounded the remaining Soufis. He tightened the circle forcing them together. A few tried to run through the fire, but were roasted alive before they reached the other side.

“Die!” Gewey roared, and closed the circle.

Cries of pain and desperate pleas for mercy, went unheard, as the Soufis burned. The flames grew hotter and taller, until they reached fifty feet in the air. The voices of the Soufis were silent. Only the roar of Gewey’s anger could be heard.

As he allowed the flames to subside, Gewey scanned the area for the Vrykol, but he was already gone. The burned stumps of the Soufis dotted the sands, and the sickly sweet smell of charred flesh fill the air. A great circle of pale, green glass had replaced the desert sand. It glittered in the sun, with contrasted beauty to the carnage. He turned and ran back to Aaliyah. When he reached the clearing, she had already dressed her wound and sheathed her knife. Her face turned grim when she saw Gewey.

“They are gone?” she asked.

Gewey relaxed his muscles and nodded. “Yes. They’re all....gone.” He took her hand and led her from the clearing.

The image of the flames still remained in his mind, and as they approached the entrance to the Oasis he halted. Gewey didn't want her to see what he had done. He almost held her back as she moved past him and stepped onto the sands. For a moment she stood silently surveying the carnage. Timidly, he followed her out.

“All gone, indeed,” she remarked.

“I was just....” Gewey paused. “I was just so angry.”

“The wrath of a God is truly not to be taken lightly.” She turned to him and smiled. Her face was awash with pity and understanding. “But you did what had to be done.”

“I know,” said Gewey. “This is not the first time I've killed. It’s just I never imagined unleashing such power.” He held up the medallion around his neck and examined it. “Only the Gods know what I can do when I learn to use this. I fear that it may be too much power for me to control.”

“I doubt it,” said Aaliyah. “The one you must vanquish wields more power than you can imagine. You will need this, and more.” She glanced one more time at the smoldering corpses. “We must go. My time grows short.”

With that they headed off in the direction of the shore, in hopes that they would make it in time to save Aaliyah's life. Gewey swore an oath to kill the Vrykol who poisoned her. He would teach it to fear death.