The Godling Chronicles The Shadow of God

chapter 2





Linis halted, a confused look on his face.

“What is it?” asked Gewey.

Linis bent down and placed his palm just above the ground and closed his eyes. “Something follows our quarry,” he muttered. “Something...unclean.”

“Vrykol,” growled Gewey.

“Yes,” agreed Linis. “It must be. Nothing else I can imagine would leave such a scent. It's like...death.”

“Then we have to catch up with Kaylia before they do,” said Gewey with no hesitation.

Linis opened his eyes and looked at Gewey with determination. “Don't worry, my friend. We will.”

They continued to race through the forest. Gewey kept a few paces behind Linis, all the while reaching out to Kaylia. He told himself that since he didn't lose her entirely, it meant they were going in the right direction. It wasn't until it was fully night when Linis halted again.

“We must slow our pace,” decided Linis.

Gewey's jaw tightened. “If you can't keep going...”

“It is not that I am weary, my friend,” said Linis, cutting him off. “But if either the elves or the Vrykol are aware of our pursuit, they may decide to lay in wait. And though I am uncertain of the Vrykol's skill in stealth, I do know that it is unwise to believe the elves are without such skill.” He peered into the night. “I can spot a trap in the blackest darkness. But not if I move too quickly.”

“I can sense every living being for hundreds of yards,” argued Gewey. “There is no way they can hide from me.”

Linis thought for a moment. Gewey had been channeling the flow from the moment they left, and he had no doubt that he could do as he claimed. “No,” he said finally. “Whatever is blocking your connection to Kaylia may be able to hide itself from you as well. I would not risk it.”

Gewey was silent for several seconds, then nodded sharply.

Linis withdrew a flask from his pocket and drank deeply. “Jawas tea,” he handed it to Gewey.

Gewey took the flask and drained it. The tea filled his belly and relaxed his limbs. Even the flow felt as if it came with more ease. He drew his sword, drawing in more power. Then from a few hundred yards away he sensed something. His muscles tensed as he reached out to find the source. He had done this before several times during the pursuit. Usually it had been a deer or a bear, and once, a fox. In fact, if circumstances were different he would have marveled when he’d touched the mind of a wild animal.

It possessed passion and life in a way no human or elf could understand. It lived for the moment, with no care for anything other than survival. But this time, the mind he found touched him back. Dark and tortured, it was filled with hate and anger, yet also sorrow and desperation. He recoiled and drew back within himself. He knew he had just touched the mind of a Vrykol. And he knew it had sensed him as well.

“They're here,” whispered Gewey. “The Vrykol are here.”

It took Linis a moment, but he felt it as well. “There are eight of them.” He drew his knife. “This will not be easy.”

Gewey filled his lungs and allowed the flow to saturate him. “Let me handle them. You stay back.”

“I will not,” Linis said, with fierce determination. “You may be powerful, but we still do not know the extent of these creatures’ powers. It may very well be that they are the reason you cannot feel your bond with Kaylia. If that is the case, they may be able to do more than we know.”

“Then what do you think we should do?” asked Gewey.

“They know we are here,” said Linis. “But they do not move against us just yet. Perhaps they want us to move against them.” He surveyed the area. “We should move past them and put ourselves between them and Kaylia. If I am correct that will force them to move against us. I would rather them act according to our plan, than us to theirs.”

Gewey nodded, then followed closely behind, as Linis led them in a wide arc around the Vrykol’s location. Gewey knew that their movements were detected. In fact, Linis made certain of it, making just enough noise as to draw the Vrykol’s attention.

“Now what?” asked Gewey.

But before Linis could answer he sensed the Vrykol moving. But to his dismay, only two moved in their direction. The other six headed west, in an apparent attempt to flank them. Gewey faced the direction of the two oncoming creatures while Linis peered into the forest, listening for the others. Just when the two Vrykol were in sight, they stopped and separated, left and right, forcing Linis to turn his attention away from the flanking maneuver.

“We must kill the first two before the others reach us,” shouted Linis. “If not, we will be overwhelmed.”

Gewey's heart raced and he could feel his sword, hot in his hand. The flow was like a flood raging through him. He turned to Linis with a malicious grin. “They will never have that chance.” He took a step forward and focused on the single Vrykol moving to his left. With a tremendous boom, the earth exploded beneath the creature, sending it flying, and its limbs flailing. Its screams pierced the air as it slammed into a tall pine, then slid to the forest floor. “Finish the beast, Linis,” he said, in a near whisper. “I'll deal with the other one.” He focused his mind on the second Vrykol. It had stopped in its tracks just after he had unleashed the flow on the first. Gewey stretched out again, but this time something stopped him. It felt like the same thing he experienced when he tried to reach out to Kaylia. A cold chill seized his chest.

Linis had sped off toward the fallen Vrykol. In moments he saw it leaning against the tree, struggling to rise, its cruel sword still in hand. Linis knew he only had seconds before the beast recovered, and rushed headlong, swinging his long knife at the creature’s neck. The Vrykol tried to move away, but Linis was too fast, and the blade severed its head clean. He glanced over to Gewey for a moment and saw him stalking steadily towards the second Vrykol, then listened for the others. He couldn't hear them...anywhere.

Gewey knew then why he was unable to contact Kaylia. Somehow the beasts were able to block him. He tried again to explode the earth beneath the Vrykol, but with the same result.

The soft hiss of evil laughter seeped from within the hood of the Vrykol's cloak. “That only works once, boy.”

“It won't save you,” growled Gewey. He could still feel the flow. He may not be able to use it to destroy the monster directly, but he knew it had no chance so long as the flow still raged within him.

“Perhaps not,” said the Vrykol, its voice was thin and raspy, though clearer than others Gewey had encountered. “But then again, I am not the one that needs to be saved.”

In a flash, the Vrykol charged, its sword held low, almost touching the ground. Gewey stood in a wide stance, and steadied himself for the onslaught. His sword was fire in his hand as the Vrykol reached him and swung its blade upward. Gewey easily dodged the blow and stepped to the side, ready to take the beast’s head. Then, in the corner of his eye he saw a flash; as the creature stabbed at his neck with the other hand, its fingers wrapped loosely around a small dagger. Gewey turned again, but the tip of the blade found flesh, cutting deeply.

Pain shot through Gewey's body, as if burned. He stumbled back slashing wildly, but the Vrykol moved away, just out of reach.

“Arrogant fool,” the Vrykol taunted, twirling the dagger in its hand. “And you hope to challenge my master?”

Gewey felt dizzy and his vision blurred. He struggled to keep his focus on the Vrykol, waiting for it to charge again, but it remained still. He reached up and touched the wound on his neck. Blood poured down, soaking his shoulder. Though the cut was deep, it shouldn't have been bleeding so badly. 'Poison,' he thought, with disgust.

“So frail,” laughed the Vrykol. “So foolish.”

The Vrykol feinted left, then right, throwing Gewey off balance, then swung its sword in a wide arc. Gewey just managed to bring his sword up in time to deflect the blow. He could feel the flow draining from him as the beast pushed forward. Soon he knew he would be defenseless. He tried to counter, but his blurred vision caused him to strike off target each time. A wave of sudden nausea wracked his body, and he fell to one knee. Gewey glared up defiantly, jaw clenched tight.

“You see,” the Vrykol jeered. “You are not even a match for the servants of the Great Lord.” He kicked Gewey's sword from his hand.

Gewey leaned back on his knees and held his head high, readying himself for the final blow. He heard the whip of a blade approach. But instead of feeling the slash of steel, the Vrykol roared with anger, a small dagger protruding from his left shoulder. The beast spun to meet his attacker, but Linis was upon him before it could react. Linis' long knife cleaved off the Vrykol's leg, just below the hip. It toppled back and fell to the ground. Without missing a step, Linis swung again, this time decapitating his enemy. Thick black blood oozed from the wounds, hissing as it touched the soft forest turf.

Gewey smiled with satisfaction and slumped over. The cut on his neck burned with an evil fury. He looked at the head of the slain Vrykol. It was twisted and scorched, but clearly human. Its skin blackened, as the others he had encountered, but not nearly as badly. He thought about how the first one looked and sounded. This one was most certainly...better. Definitely stronger. But why? These thoughts vanished from his mind as another wave of nausea took him. He emptied his stomach with a groan. Linis was at his side in an instant.

“Poison,” Linis spat, examining the cut. “Red Spider Blossom, from the look of it.” He smiled. “Nothing to worry about. It is meant to incapacitate, not kill.” He reached to his belt and removed his flask.

Gewey drank greedily, nearly draining it dry. The jawas tea was cool, and instantly settled his stomach. His wound still throbbed, but the burning slowly subsided. He sighed with relief. “And the other Vrykol?”

“I don't know,” Linis admitted. “They seemed to have retreated. Why I could not say, but I take it as good fortune. We will need to rest for at least a few hours. You cannot continue until the poison wears off.”

Gewey shook his head. “We rest until I can regain my feet, and not a second more.” He tried to let the flow pass through him, but it was sluggish and weak.

Linis looked at Gewey, disapprovingly. He thought to object, but could see that Gewey would not be dissuaded. He closed his eyes and placed his hands on the wound.

Gewey felt as if a blade of ice had shot through his neck. The shock made him gasp. “What-” Then the intense cold became a pleasant cool sensation. The cut on his neck ceased to throb and his head began to clear. Linis kept his hands on Gewey for several minutes before finally removing them. He breathed heavily, and opened his eyes.

“You should be ready to travel soon,” said Linis, wearily.

“What did you do?” asked Gewey, touching his neck gingerly. The wound was nearly closed. It itched a bit, but the pain was gone.

Linis rubbed the bridge of his nose and lowered his head. “I have channeled my flow into you. You are healed, but I am drained.” He squeezed his eyes shut.

Gewey placed his hand on Linis' shoulder. “Will you be all right?”

Linis looked up and smiled weakly. He took the flask from Gewey and frowned as he found it empty. He reached in his belt and pulled out another. “I will be. Though I will not be able to travel as fast or fight as well for at least a day. But do not fear. I can move fast enough for our purpose, and I'm still more than a match for our prey. Just give me a little time to regain some strength.” He crossed his legs and bowed his head. “Go back to the path. I must focus. I will be along shortly.”

Gewey sat there for a moment, then struggled to his feet and retrieved his sword. Though still unsteady, his strength was returning and he slowly made his way back to the path. Nearly an hour had passed by the time Linis rejoined him. Gewey scrutinized the elf for a moment. If he was unable to continue, it didn't show. As for Gewey much of his strength had already returned. He had been listening for signs of the other Vrykol, but just as Linis had said, they were gone.

“I think we should follow them,” said Linis. “I do not believe that this encounter was a coincidence. They will lead us to Kaylia.”

Gewey nodded sharply and focused. The trail the Vrykol left was clear and easy to follow. “I'll lead.”

Without another word, the two raced off after the Vrykol. Gewey could tell that Linis was struggling to keep pace, but he knew that they could ill afford to slow down. They had already lost too much time. For more than three hours they continued without pause. For a while, Gewey could still feel the fatigue left from the poison, but as the flow continued to course through his body, it vanished. From time to time he reached out for Kaylia, but he found that her mind was still shrouded.

As the sun waned, they had come no closer to catching the Vrykol or Kaylia. Just as desperation returned, Gewey was flooded with Kaylia's presence. It nearly caused him to lose his footing. He ground to a sudden halt.

Linis nearly ran into him. “What is it?” he panted, the evidence of his diminished condition obvious in his voice.

Gewey held out his hand to silence the elf. He closed his eyes and concentrated with all his power. “She is near,” he whispered almost inaudibly. His eyes shot wide. “And she's in danger.” The sinews of his legs burst to life, propelling him forward with such speed that Linis had no chance of catching him.

The forest was a blur as Gewey ran headlong in Kaylia's direction. She was near but heading away from him. But there was something else; a Vrykol pursued her. Its velocity was great and he knew Kaylia would not be able to escape it.

He unsheathed his sword and power exploded within him. This caught the Vrykol's attention. It was only a few hundred yards away and standing between himself and Kaylia. The beast turned to Gewey for an instant, then back around. Gewey could feel the hatred spewing out of the creature. Hatred for everything. The creature raised its sword arm.

It was then that Gewey spotted Kaylia. He knew the Vrykol intended to heave its blade at her, and he knew that he was still too far away. He let out a scream and with all his might thrust a burst of power directly at it. He feared the Vrykol would block him, as before, but it didn't. The strength of the flow flattened the Vrykol to the ground. But Gewey had not been fast enough and the blade flew from its hand. With one last burst, Gewey tried to change the sword’s direction, but instead pushed it straight forward.

“No!” His cry shook the ground as the sword struck its target: Kaylia.

Kaylia flew forward and fell to the ground, the hilt of the blade nearly crushing her skull. Gewey leaped over the flattened body of the Vrykol and was at Kaylia's side without pause. She was face down, blood pouring from the wound on the back of her head. Immediately, he tore the sleeve from his shirt and pressed it tightly over the wound, trying desperately to stop the bleeding.

“I will not lose you,” he cried. “Not now.”

Gewey closed his eyes and let the flow rage through him. Slowly, he allowed it to pass into Kaylia, focusing his mind on her injury. At first he wasn't sure anything was happening, then he felt it. The wound was closing and the flow of blood lessened to a trickle. He could feel that it was draining him, making him weaker, but he didn't care. When the wound had closed completely he stopped and gently turned her over. It was then he heard Linis approach. The elf paused beside the Vrykol, and beheaded the mangled body.

“She lives?” asked Linis, out of breath.

Gewey nodded, cradling Kaylia in his arms. “She lives.” Tears were streaming down his face as he stroked her hair tenderly. “Thank the Gods, she lives.”

Linis knelt beside them. He placed his hand on Gewey's shoulder and squeezed. “You did well, my friend.”

Nearly ten minutes passed before Kaylia stirred. Her eyes fluttered open as her hands slid up Gewey's chest and wrapped around his neck. “I knew you would come,” she whispered. She pulled him close and embraced him, intensely.

Gewey could feel the bond between them grow stronger and he allowed himself to be engulfed by their connection. He hadn't realized how much a part of himself the bond had become until it was weakened, and now that it had returned he bathed in the sensation.

Linis stood, his legs still a bit unsteady. “We cannot stay here.” He looked down at Kaylia. “Can you travel?”

Kaylia reluctantly released her hold on Gewey and sat up straight. “I am fine.” She noticed the seeker’s condition and frowned. “But you are clearly not well.”

Linis smiled. “I will be better once I have had a chance to rest.” He peered into the forest for a moment. “For now I can sense no pursuit. But I would have us far from this place come sundown.”

Gewey listened for signs of anyone nearby. “I can't sense anything, either. But I think you're right. We should get as far from here as we can.” He looked over at the body of the beheaded Vrykol and his face darkened. He stood, helping Kaylia to her feet.

“No need to coddle me,” she scolded, playfully. “From the look of you two, I am by far in the best condition.” Without another word she strode away north.

“I take it you will lead,” remarked Linis.

Kaylia glanced over her shoulder. “I know these lands very well. Maybe even as well as you, seeker. My captors wasted their time if they thought to confuse me.”

A wave of anger shot through her bond with Gewey when she mentioned her captivity. Gewey felt a sudden urge to hunt them all down and make them pay, but quickly pushed it from his thoughts. This was not the time.

Kaylia led them skillfully through the forest until the light of the day waned. By then they had traveled many miles. Linis had managed to keep pace despite his growing fatigue.

“I will scout the area,” said Linis, when they finally stopped to make camp.

“No,” said Kaylia, firmly. “You are too weak. I will see that the area is unwatched.” She turned to Gewey and took his empty flask from his belt. “There is a stream nearby, and possibly some herbs. In the meantime we will risk a small fire. Attend to it, if you please, Gewey.”

Linis tossed her his flask as well. “You may find jawas roots in these parts, or perhaps yellow silisia bulbs.”

Kaylia nodded and disappeared into the brush.

Linis offered to help with the fire, but Gewey wouldn't allow it.

“We need you strong again,” said Gewey. “You must rest. I can build a fire without help.”

Linis smiled and sat down against a nearby tree. He allowed his eyes to fall shut and his mind to drift.

By the time Kaylia returned, Gewey had a small fire crackling cheerfully. Linis was still leaning against the tree, arms folded and eyes closed.

Kaylia handed Gewey his now filled flask and sat next to him by the fire. “I could not find jawas, but silisia was plentiful.”

She withdrew a handful of small yellow flowers from her belt and began tearing them in tiny pieces. The air filled with a sickly sweet odor that reminded Gewey of plum brandy, only stronger. Once she was finished she opened Linis' flask and placed the shredded bulbs inside. Tearing a strip of cloth from her sleeve she tied the flask to a long twig and held it over the fire. “It’s not as good as jawas, but it will help.” She glanced over at Linis. Her expression was grave.

“What's wrong?” asked Gewey.

“Nothing,” she replied. “It is just odd to see someone such as Linis in this state.”

“He got that way healing me,” explained Gewey. He recounted the fight with the Vrykol.

“It is a wonder he was able to make it this far,” said Kaylia. “Healing of that sort is not easy, and the cost is great. She touched the back of her head where the sword had struck, then looked deep into Gewey's eyes. She leaned in and kissed him gently. “You are powerful to have healed me the way you did. Such a feat would have incapacitated even the strongest elf.”

Gewey was flushed and his heart pounded. He could feel the warmth of her lips even when they were no longer on his. It took him a minute to speak. “I honestly don't know how I did it. Since we left the spirit world, it's like I understand the flow in my heart...but I still can't understand it in my mind.” His thoughts turned to how the Vrykol was able to block his abilities. “There's too much I don't understand.” He waved it off and smiled. “I wasn't able to reach out to you when the elves held you. I think somehow the Vrykol was responsible, but....” he shook his head and took Kaylia's hands. “Tell me what happened.”

Kaylia told him about her time in captivity. When she was done, she dropped the flask next to the fire and kissed Gewey again, this time long and deep.

“What was that for?” he stammered.

Kaylia smiled. “Because I feared I would never again have the chance. And...” She grabbed Gewey's collar roughly, and met his eyes. Her smile had vanished. “As we are bonded, it is my right.”

There was a long pause, then they both burst out in laughter. Gewey felt as if a weight had been lifted from his heart. They spent the next hour huddled together in silence, staring into the fire. Their bond made words unnecessary. Kaylia finished the tea and left it to cool.

“It will be ready by daybreak.” said Kaylia. “Linis should drink most of it, but be certain you have at least a mouthful.” She lay down on the forest floor. “Strong as you are, I can tell that healing me took its toll on you.”

Gewey hadn't noticed until that moment how much his body ached. He lay next to Kaylia and allowed his mind to drift into hers. He felt closer to her than ever before. A satisfied smile washed over his face as sleep finally took him.