The Godling Chronicles (Shadow of the Gods, Book #3) (13 page)

“
I still think we could take them,”
said Jacob, once Lee returned. The guards were lined up behind him
and checking their weapons.

“
You got a lot to learn, young Jasper,”
said Fennio. “The best way to win is to avoid fighting. We're hired
guards, not an army. We ain't lookin' to get killed.”

“
I thought you wanted to be a soldier,”
teased Santino. “I'm with Jasper. We should take them by surprise.
I don't like waitin' to be slaughtered.”

“
We're not attacking!” barked Lee.
“They'll know we're aware of them soon enough. And I doubt we could
get behind them in broad daylight, anyway.” He drew his sword.
“Believe me, if they decide to attack, they're in for a surprise.”
His tone silenced any further argument. He turned to Darius. “You
stay behind me at all times.” Jacob moved beside him and drew his
weapon. “And you stay by my side.”

Jacob nodded sharply. His muscles tensed with
anticipation.

Lee positioned the men around the wagons, men
at arms in front and the rest several feet behind. An hour passed
and the bandits had made no move, but Lee could still hear them. He
looked at his son and furled his brow. He had known all along that
they would likely have to fight, but now that danger was a reality,
he was afraid for Jacob's life. He remembered dangers he faced with
Gewey, not long ago. He loved Gewey as a son, but was never this
concerned. Gewey was a God after all, and very hard to kill.

Then, down the road, he saw them. Twenty
bandits filing toward them at a slow walk, their weapons drawn. The
man in front was tall, broad-shouldered, with head shaved, leaving
only an inch wide strip of black hair down the center. In his right
hand he carried a large battle axe; in his left a small round
shield. They halted about twenty yards away and the leader took a
few steps forward.

“
Whoever your commander is, he's a
sharp one,” called the bandit. “But then, so am I.”

Darius stepped forward. “What do you
want?”

The bandit laughed. “Something tells me
you're not the one who spotted us, fat man.” He shrugged. “Well, I
think you know what we want. The question is, are you willing to
die for it?”

Darius held his head high. “Are you?” He
looked at his guards, pausing when he met Lee's eyes, smiling.
“Give way and find an easier target.”

The bandit addressed Darius' men. “Listen to
me. This fat rich merchant will see you all to your graves. If you
leave now, none of you will be harmed. Is his gold worth your
life?”

Lee stepped forward. He focused his strength
to make his voice louder. “If all these men run, I will stand. And
by the Gods, if I fall, you will fall with me.”

The bandit shifted uneasily. “I guess I know
who the real leader is here.” He steadied his feet. “A man like you
could go far. Why are you determined to die? Why not live and get
rich?”

Lee tightened his grip on his sword. He
glanced at Jacob, giving him a sinister smirk. “I don't need you to
get rich. And your time is nearly up.”

“
So be it,” said the bandit. He looked
back at his men and raised his hand.

The silence was only disturbed by the nervous
breathing of the men and the uneasy shifting of the pack animals.
Darius moved to Lee's back, a short sword in his hand.

“
Stay near me,” Lee whispered to Jacob.
“And keep your back to the wagons.”

Then the bandit's hand dropped. The attackers
charged, screaming wildly as they came. The guards braced
themselves. In seconds they clashed. The deafening clatter of steel
on steel cut through the air. Lee hoped the bandit leader would
come at him first, but he did not, instead choosing to engage the
guards to his left. Two bandits swung their rusty swords at Lee,
but found nothing but empty air. Lee cut them down with blinding
speed.

Jacob was dodging blows from a tall, heavy
set bandit who wielded a thick broadsword. Fear struck Lee's heart
as Jacob was pushed back. He moved to take the bandit's head, but
Jacob struck first, thrusting his sword through the man's gut, then
ripping it free. Jacob flashed a smile at Lee, then stepped forward
to greet another attacker.

Two more bandits came at Lee but were quickly
dispatched. Jacob had taken the arm of another and had placed
himself in front of Darius.

“
I'll protect Darius!” shouted Jacob.
“Kill the leader!”

Lee swelled with pride. He scanned the melee
for the leader. The guards were holding their ground well. Their
experience kept the wagons at their backs and forced the bandits to
take them on one at a time. The leader was at the far end. He had
killed two guards and was beating back a third. Lee pulled the
dagger from his belt and hurled it at the leader. The blade slashed
across the man's neck, narrowly missing being buried in his throat.
The bandit turned to see Lee charging in, and took a few steps
forward to meet him.

Lee killed two more bandits before he finally
reached the leader. He could see the fear in the leader’s eyes as
he brought his blade down hard and swift. The bandit was only just
able to raise his axe in time, but the force of Lee's blow threw
him back. Lee stepped in again, this time bringing his sword upward
in a tight arc. The tip dug into the bandit's left thigh and tore
its way to his hip. The bandit grimaced and staggered, swinging his
axe frantically. Lee moved deftly away, then slashed into the
leader’s right shoulder. The axe fell to the dirt with a sharp
thud. The bandit closed his eyes as Lee moved in. One more powerful
blow sent the bandit's head flying. The body stood erect for a
moment, blood squirting rhythmically from its neck, then crumbled
to the ground. Seeing their fallen leader, one by one the remaining
bandits began to flee.

“
Do not pursue them,” Lee shouted. He
rushed to his son's side; Jacob was still breathing heavily from
the fight. His shirt and trouser were drenched in blood, and spots
of red dotted his cheeks.

Darius was backed against the wagon. His
hands trembled and his face was ghostly pale. When he saw Lee he
forced a weak smile. “Well done.” He nodded at Jacob. “Both of
you.”

“
We need to tend the wounded,” said
Lee. “And see to the dead.”

Lee examined the aftermath of the battle. The
guards had already begun to treat the wounds of their comrades.
Each gave Lee a respectful nod as he passed. In all, they lost
three men and three more were wounded. They had managed to hold off
the bandits well enough to protect the untrained workmen. He
checked his pack and retrieved a healing salve he had brought, then
set to treating the men. Two could still travel on their own, but
one would need to ride in a wagon.

Darius had the men dig graves for the fallen
guards, and had the bodies of the bandits placed in a row along the
roadside. “They can serve as a warning,” he said, as he looked upon
the sight.

A short ceremony was held for the guards.
Each of their comrades said a quiet prayer to Dantenos, God of the
Dead, asking him to watch over their friends. No one wanted to stay
the night there, so they marched another mile then set up camp.

After building the fire and setting the
bedrolls, most sat in silence, the horror of the battle still fresh
in their minds. Lee checked the wounded, then joined Jacob and
Darius at the edge of the encampment.

“
Quite a day,” said Darius.

Lee nodded. “Indeed, it was.” He tore off a
piece of bread that had been laid out for him. “There is a small
town, Farice, a day’s ride from here. We should reach it before
sundown tomorrow. The wounded should be left behind there. They
will not heal if they continue.”

“
I'm familiar with Farice,” said
Darius. “I'll see the men are paid and, looked after.” He looked
Lee in the eye. “I've never seen anyone fight like you. You could
have taken the entire raiding party alone, I suspect.” His eyes
drifted to Jacob. “And I see you have the same spirit in you as
well.”

Lee shrugged. “I was well-trained. And Jasper
is a natural.”

“
Well-trained, you say,” said Darius.
His eyes bore suspicion. He stretched out on his bedroll, his hands
folded, cradling his head. “You know, I have traveled this road six
times since the Reborn King came to power. I've seen many soldiers,
mercenaries, thugs, bandits, you name it. I've seen many fights,
duels, and even one pitched battle, when I was young. But I have
never seen a man slay so many with such ease.”

Lee was silent.

Darius chuckled. “Don't worry. Whatever
secrets you keep are yours. You and Jasper have saved my life
twice. Not to mention keeping my fortune out of the hands of
brigands. I'm not so wealthy that I can afford to lose an entire
shipment. In any case, I am in your debt.” He rolled over to face
Lee. “I have a feeling that you will not be in my employ long. You
are a man that acts with purpose, and I think that purpose lays in
Angrääl.”

Lee met Darius' gaze. “What are you trying to
say?”

Darius smiled. “Nothing. I just want you to
know, that when the time comes, I will help you as best I can.” He
rolled back over and closed his eyes. “I owe you that much.”

Lee looked at his son, then back at Darius.
“When the time comes, your help will be welcome.”

Chapter 10

Gewey cracked open his eyes. Kaylia was still
asleep beside him, her arm draped across his chest, a tiny smile on
her lips. The scent of porridge and bread blew in from outside the
tent, causing his stomach to growl.

“
They've left a meal for us,” said
Kaylia, awake though her eyes were still closed.

Gewey reluctantly sat up and reached for his
clothes. He dressed and went to the tent entrance. Just as Kaylia
had said, two bowls of porridge and a loaf of bread, along with a
cup of sweet wine, had been placed just outside. Kaylia got dressed
and they enjoyed their meal in silence. Their bond was all the
conversation they needed.

They had only just taken the last bite, when
a voice called from outside. “Hello?” It was Linis.

“
Come inside,” called
Kaylia.

Linis entered, his face grave.

“
What's happened?” asked
Gewey.

“
We received word that Valshara has
fallen,” Linis replied.

Gewey and Kaylia sprang to their feet.

“
When?” asked Gewey. He reached down
and grabbed his sword.

“
Not long after we departed,” replied
Linis. “The High Lady escaped, along with a few others. They have
taken refuge in Althetas for now.” Linis pushed open the tent flap.
“I am truly sorry, but you are needed. Theopolou and the others
have gathered to decide what to do.”

Gewey took a deep breath and led Kaylia by
the hand from the tent. The morning air was cool and moist, and dew
still glistened on the grass-covered field. They joined the others
not far from where he and Kaylia had completed their bond the night
before. Theopolou and the elders were in deep conversation with
Aaliyah and her comrades. Only Aaliyah noticed Gewey, Kaylia, and
Linis approach. She nodded a greeting at Gewey.

“
What's going on?” asked
Gewey.

Theopolou held a small piece of parchment in
his hand. “Valshara is destroyed. Very few escaped. The High Lady
is in Althetas, and plans to petition the king to come to their
aid.” He looked directly at Aaliyah. “I believe Gewey should delay
the journey until we can decide on a course of action, but Aaliyah
disagrees.”

“
Any delay puts you in greater danger,”
said Aaliyah. “The presence of Shivis Mol will not help you.
Besides, your course is clear. Gather as many as you can, and
strike back before your enemies can establish a foothold. Unless
they have an army, you should be able to mount an attack, and
retake what you have lost. My people will give you all the help
they can. They will expect only swords and arrows...we can bring
much more to bear.” She turned to Gewey. “But we must not delay our
departure.”

Gewey wanted desperately to stay. Every
minute more he could have with Kaylia was precious.

“
Aaliyah is right,” said Kaylia.
Feeling Gewey's doubt, she squeezed his hand. “If what she says is
true, we need what is hidden in the desert. And Gewey needs to
learn to use his power.”

“
It is not probable they will look to
hold Valshara,” said Bellisia. “Not so far from reinforcements.
More likely they are striking at Amon Dähl. And if they try to hold
it, we can take it back.” She spoke to Theopolou. “You know
Valshara better than most. The battle plan shall be
yours.”

“
And if we find we are mistaken?”
Theopolou furled his brow. “What then? Valshara can be well
defended by only a few. If they brought enough force, they could
hold it indefinitely.”

“
You think in battle terms without
taking all of your weapons into account,” said Nehrutu. He held out
his palm. The air above it swirled and twisted, then burst into a
small flame. Light and heat grew until it forced the gathering
back. “We have abilities beyond your understanding.” The ball of
flame shot skyward, then exploded with an ear-shattering blast.
“They will not expect you to possess such weapons.”

This brought stares of awe and mummers of
approval.

“
Please, Shivis Mol,” said Aaliyah. We
must depart. There is nothing for you to do here.”

Gewey looked at Kaylia. She nodded slowly,
then kissed his cheek. Gewey nearly lost himself as the love flowed
freely between their bond. He sighed heavily and forced himself to
look away. “We leave as soon as you're ready.” He turned to
Theopolou. “I'll return as soon as I can.”