The Godling Chronicles: The Sword Of Truth Part 29

"By forgetting to try," he answered. "Do not think about it. When you hear the pulse of the earth, know that it was always there. Let your mind wander, and it will take its own course."

"I think I understand," said Gewey, nodding slowly in comprehension. "Thank you."

Linis slapped Gewey on the back. "What a Seeker you would make," he said. "One day, when our quests are done, I hope you will allow me to instruct you further."

"I would like nothing more," Gewey replied earnestly.

When they were about three miles from Gristol, Prustos returned. He spoke briefly to Linis and handed him a piece of parchment. Linis looked at it and smiled.

"Prustos has informed our people of your arrival," Linis announced. "They will meet you at the Bean and Broth tavern, and then escort you to a house where you will be safe."

"How will we know them?" Lee asked.

"Prustos has given them your descriptions," he answered. "They will speak my name so that you know them to be true. The road leading to the city is one mile north, and the gates are unguarded during the daylight hours. You should have no trouble."

"We can't thank you enough for all you've done for us," Lee said.

"I am honored to have met you and your kin."

"The honor is ours," Linis replied.

Gewey and the others traded heartfelt goodbyes with the elves, and then watched as they vanished into the forest.

Once the elves had gone, Millet turned to Kaylia. "What an extraordinary people you are," he remarked.

"Thank you," she replied. "I am pleased to have encountered them. I thought I would never speak to one of my kind in friendship again."

Lee started north toward the road, and the others followed close behind. Without their elven friends, the march to the city gate felt dull and dreary. Gewey found himself missing their familiar laughter.

As Linis had said, the city gates were open and unguarded. The people of Gristol were far more accommodating than those they had encountered in other towns and villages, so they had no trouble getting directions to the Bean and Broth tavern. The tavern itself was nice, as taverns go. At first, Gewey worried that such a diverse group would stick out and raise suspicions, but none of the patrons seemed to take notice. They found a table and ordered ale and wine. They had hardly had time to take a single sip when they were approached by a man wearing a long, worn, brown leather coat and tan shirt and pants. He had salt and pepper hair and fair skin. He smiled cheerfully as he scanned the group.

"Friends of Linis, I presume?" the man asked.

"We are," Lee responded, apprehensively.

"I'm Broin," he said, taking a seat. "You'll be my guests while you're here."

"We're pleased to meet you," Lee said, relaxing a bit.

Just then, the barmaid walked up to their table. "Good to see you, Lord Broin. The usual?"

"Yes indeed," he answered, and then returned his attention to Gewey and his friends. "I've looked far and wide, and have yet to find a plum brandy to equal that of the Bean and Broth. In fact-" Struck with a sudden idea, he hopped up and whispered in the barmaid's ear.

"We're grateful for your a.s.sistance Lord Broin," said Lee. "Our mutual friends speak highly of you."

"Thank you," he replied. "But you can drop the 'Lord' part; I'm not really a lord. About ten years ago there was a ma.s.sive fire in the city, and I helped rebuild. Since then everyone started calling me Lord Broin. I'm actually just a merchant."

Lee gave a knowing smile to Millet. "Lordship is earned," Lee countered. "Clearly you earned it if that's the t.i.tle the people gave you."

"I know," he said. "But I still find it a bit...pretentious. I don't dress like a lord, and I certainly don't live like one."

"I don't know," Millet commented. "You look much like some lords I've encountered. Not all wear silk and satin."

"You sound like a man of experience." Broin complimented him, laughing heartily as the barmaid returned. She carried a tray full of small gla.s.ses filled with pungent plum brandy.

"Please enjoy," said Broin. "I would not have you visit our fine city without sampling what I consider to be its finest attribute." Everyone took their brandy and raised their gla.s.ses.

"To new friends," Broin toasted loudly, and they all took a sip. Gewey winced at the sweetness, but found the aftertaste to be quite pleasant.

"When you're ready, we'll go to my home," Broin said as he held the gla.s.s under his nose. "I've had baths prepared. I know how time in the wilderness can take its toll."

"That would be marvelous!" Maybell beamed. "You must forgive my rude companions for not introducing themselves. I'm Sister Maybell."

"I'm pleased to know you, Sister," he replied, nodding his head.

"While you're here, I'll have someone escort you to the Temple District if you wish."

"That would be perfect," she said graciously.

Embarra.s.sed by Maybell's words, each introduced themselves in turn.

"What a unique band of friends," said Broin, his eyes fixed on Kaylia. "But enough of this. We should go, so you can wash off the dirt and grime of your long journey."

Lord Broin led them to his home. It was a modest two-story structure, but it looked well built with st.u.r.dy red brick and hard pine. It had a small white balcony overlooking the street, and a flower garden surrounded the entire house. Inside the foyer, a staircase led to the upstairs bedrooms; doors on either side of the stairs led to the dining room, study, and parlor.

"I must apologize in advance," Broin said. "I only have three spare rooms, but there are ample beds." A series of clanks and rattles could be heard coming from the back of the house. "From the sound of it, Angus is preparing dinner."

Broin led them to the bedrooms, where tubs of steaming water waited for them. Maybell took a room for herself, insistent that she get to bathe in private. Kaylia and Dina shared the next room, while Lee, Gewey, and Millet split the third.

"When you've washed, please join me in the parlor," Broin said with a bow, leaving them to it.

"What do you think, my lord?" Millet asked, once they were alone.

"I trust Linis," Lee answered. "But all the same, be alert."

Chapter 21.

When all had washed and dressed, they went downstairs to join Lord Broin. The door to the parlor was open, and voices could be heard speaking softly within. The parlor was spa.r.s.ely decorated. A few paintings and some silver lanterns lined the walls, and a cherry wood table holding a crystal decanter and a dozen brandy gla.s.ses stood in the corner. Three well-cushioned couches atop a thick woven rug formed a semi-circle in the center of the room. At the far end of the room, a small fire burned cheerfully in the fireplace.

Lord Broin was sitting on a couch, having a spirited conversation with two unfamiliar figures. On his left sat a young- looking man with dark curly hair, wearing a red silk jacket and a black b.u.t.toned shirt with black trousers. To his right sat a blond elf dressed in common brown woodsman's attire.

"Ahh," Broin said as he saw them enter. "Please, join us." The man and the elf rose to their feet and bowed low.

"Let me introduce my friends," Broin said. "The young man here is Lord Ganflin from Althetas, and this is Malstisos."

Gewey and the rest introduced themselves in turn. Lord Ganflin turned to Kaylia, who was still wearing her hood.

"Please, my dear. You don't need to hide here." Kaylia nodded and removed her hood, although she didn't fully remove her cloak.

"Linis told us there would be both elves and humans," Lee remarked. "Still, it's odd to see." Broin laughed. "I know what you mean. I've been friends with Malstisos here for over a year, and it still shocks me when he removes his hood. A good lot, though-the elves, I mean. Once you convince them not to kill you."

"I only tried that one time," Malstisos joked as he turned to the others. "I'm sure Linis told you of our efforts to build relations with humans. As you surely know, it has not been well received by the elders. People like Lord Broin and Lord Ganflin provide a safe place where we can talk and plan. The elders may wish to stop us, but even they wouldn't dare a.s.sault us in a human city."

"In Althetas," Lord Ganflin added, "there are even elves walking openly in the streets."

Kaylia marveled at the idea. "I imagine that took a while to accomplish."

"Not as long as you might think," Ganflin replied. "You'd be surprised how quickly people can get used to a thing, though I admit there are still some who are opposed to the idea."

"Prustos left word that you would need pa.s.sage further west," Broin interjected. "Where is it you need to go?"

"Actually," Dina answered, "we're headed for Althetas."

"Then you shall travel with me," Ganflin declared. "I will be here for two more days, and then I depart for home. I can delay if you need more time."

Lee looked at Maybell, who nodded in response.

"Two days should be plenty of time," said Lee. "We have some business here to attend to, but it should be finished by tomorrow."

"It's settled then," Broin said as he stood up and opened the decanter on the table. The air filled with the scent of plum brandy.

"Until then, you shall stay here as my guests. My house is yours." He then proceeded to pa.s.s around gla.s.ses of brandy to the entire table.

Dinner was pleasant. The dining room was large and could have easily accommodated twice their numbers, but the dark wood paneling and pastel drawings on the walls made it feel cozy. Angus, Lord Broin's servant, served the meal unaided, with a speed and precision that impressed even Millet. Conversation was light, focusing mainly on trade and merchant affairs. Malstisos spoke to Kaylia and Dina, telling them tales of Linis and the rest of his band. They had apparently traveled more than any other elves in history-or so it sounded to hear Malstisos tell it. As they finished eating, Broin instructed Angus to see that there were enough chairs in the study to accommodate their guests.

"I trust you've all had your fill?" Broin asked, wiping his hands with a napkin.

"Indeed," Lee replied. "I haven't eaten that well in quite a while."

"Then if you will join me in the study, we have matters to discuss," Broin said, pushing back his chair.

Broin led them from the dining room, across the foyer, and into the study. A large mahogany desk sat at the far end of the room next to a fireplace that glowed dimly as a small fire crackled and popped. Bookshelves lined the walls, and cushioned chairs had been placed in front of the desk. The lanterns in the corners had been dimmed, giving the room a very relaxed atmosphere. When they were all seated, Angus entered the room and gave them each a crystal gla.s.s filled with cider.

"My friends," Broin began. "As you all know, darkness is covering the land. In the north, Angraal is gathering its strength and preparing to march. We've tried to warn the western n.o.bles, but they refuse to listen. In fact, Angraal already has representatives engaging in open negotiations with other northern kingdoms."

"Do you have word of Hazrah?" Lee asked anxiously.

"Not specifically, no," he answered. "But Hazrah is most certainly in danger. If you have friends or family there, you should get them out before it's too late."

Lee lowered his eyes in thought.

"I don't know what causes your flight west," Broin continued. "But I can guess you are not unaware of the things I speak of."

"We are aware," said Lee. "But I cannot tell you the reason for our flight. I can say that we have similar goals, and by helping us, you help protect your lands and homes."

"I thought as much," Broin said with a knowing smile. "You have the trust of Linis, so I won't press you to tell me things you think you shouldn't. But if you know anything about what we face, I hope you will share it."

Lee took a sip from his cup and looked at the tense face of Lord Broin.

"The power you face in Angraal," Lee said, "is known as the Dark Knight, though some call him by other names. He is far more dangerous than you might have guessed. He has stolen a powerful weapon not meant to be wielded by mortal men. With it, he has locked the door to Heaven, and if he isn't stopped, he'll reshape the world into a living h.e.l.l."

"You speak of the Sword of Truth," said Ganflin. "I've read about it, but I thought it was just a myth."

"I wish it were," Lee said solemnly. "The one who stole it is the power behind the trouble in the north. He seeks to destroy the G.o.ds, and with the sword, he might find a way. He hasn't yet reached his full strength, but the longer he possesses the sword, the more powerful he becomes."

"How can he be stopped?" asked Broin. "I have heard of the Sword of Truth as well, and if the legends are true, then he now holds the power of a G.o.d."

"He may have their power, but he is not a G.o.d," Lee a.s.serted. "He can be killed."

"Among the elves, hatred of the G.o.ds runs deep. There are many who would side with this Dark Knight." Malstisos noted. "If he is as powerful as you say, we will need to convince them to do otherwise."

"For that, we must count on you and your brethren," Lee said. "I'll aid you in any way that I can, but I doubt my interference in this particular matter would help."

"Hers might," Malstisos said, nodding toward Kaylia.

"They want me dead," Kaylia retorted. "They are even willing to ignore tradition to see it done. I doubt I can say anything to sway them."

"There is at least one elder that doesn't seek your death," he countered. "It may be that he is our only hope."

"He wants nothing to do with me," Kaylia replied coldly. "That my own kin has been sent to kill me tells me that."

"Who are you talking about?" asked Gewey.

"My uncle," Kaylia answered in a whisper. "He fought in the Great War alongside my father-his brother. After my father died, he raised me as his own. But that was long ago."

"Still, it might be worth the attempt," Malstisos argued. "He is not as stubborn as the other Elders. He may listen to reason."

"He will not," Kaylia said firmly. Her tone was full of hate and anger. "My people could not have been sent to kill me without his consent. You would be better off if you told him you had murdered me yourself."

"I think you underestimate him," Malstisos said, his voice softening. "But as you wish; I will press you no more."

Kaylia got up and stood by the fireplace.

"In any case, we have further matters to discuss," Broin said.

"There are rumors that the dead walk the earth. At first I thought them nothing more than nonsense, but now I'm not so sure."

"They're not nonsense," said Lee. He told Broin what had happened with the baker's wife in Sharpstone, though he left out the name of the town.

"How is such a thing possible?" Broin asked, horrified.

"When the Dark Knight locked the door to Heaven, he trapped the souls of the living on Earth," Lee explained. "As his power has grown, there have been certain...side effects. I believe it may be a result of his growing power. Whatever the case, it's effective in spreading fear, and that's his greatest weapon."