Brian Anderson - Shadow of the Gods

Gewey could scarcely believe what he had seen. “You can teach me this?”

“Of course.” She reached out and took his hand. “That is why you are here, is it not? But come, there will be time for that later.”

“But how-”

She placed one delicate finger to his lips. “Later. I am strong, but still I need to eat.” She led Gewey across the deck and through the door of the cabin. The wooden interior was polished, clean and superbly varnished. The long tables had been placed to his right, and a narrow door was at the far end. The walls were bare — with the exception of a silver placard with an expertly carved relief of a dolphin leaping playfully from a turbulent sea, situated on the far left wall just above the last table.

Aaliyah took Gewey's pack and motioned for him to sit. “I will take your belongings to your quarters.” She disappeared through the door.

Gewey waited patiently. It wasn't long before Aaliyah returned carrying two bowls, followed closely by a short, elderly elf woman, clad in brown tunic and trousers, bearing a bottle, two wooden cups, and two spoons. The scent of fresh fish filled the air. After placing everything on the table, the woman nodded and left.

Aaliyah took a seat across from Gewey. “I hope you enjoy our fare.”

In the bowl was a thick creamy stew, dotted with red, green, and black spices. His mouth watered. “What is it?” He picked up a spoonful, and saw large chunks of fish mixed with the thick broth.

“It is a stew made from cream, fish, and spices from my homeland.” She poured Gewey a cup of wine.

Gewey eyes went wide at the first taste. It was almost sweet, yet the spice caused his tongue to tingle. The fish was tender and just salty enough to be a pleasant addition to the overall experience. He smiled and moaned with satisfaction.

“I am pleased you like it,” said Aaliyah.

They ate the rest of the meal in silence. When they were finished, Aaliyah led Gewey through the door and down a narrow corridor that split at the end. To the right of Gewey was an open door that led to a small kitchen. They continued left to the end of the hall to another door. Inside was surprisingly luxurious. The floor was covered by a thick, indigo rug, woven with swirling silver patterns around its borders. A large oak desk was directly ahead, covered with maps, charts, and several leather books. On either side was a single bed, dressed with plush blue quilts and two small soft-looking, round pillows. A large ash chest had been placed at the foot of each bed. The wall was decorated with paintings of various sea creatures, some he was familiar with, others looked like something out of legend. Glowing spheres hung from the ceiling in the corners.

Aaliyah sat on the bed to the right. “You sleep there.” She nodded toward the other bed.

Gewey froze. “You mean we're staying in the same room?”

“Of course,” Aaliyah replied, clearly amused. “Space aboard ship is limited, and I will not have Shivis Mol sleep on deck.”

“I wouldn't mind.” He made no move toward the bed. Knowing her intentions made him feel uneasy, and he knew Kaylia certainly would not approve.

Her laugh rang out like music. “Calm yourself. I can have one of the crew stay with you if you wish.”

Gewey suddenly felt very much a child. He tossed his pack on the bed and settled his wits. “I wouldn't want to kick you out of your own room. I didn't mean to overreact.”

There was a knock at the door and two elf men entered, carrying a small basin filled with water. Their eyes fixed on Gewey as they placed the basin gently on the floor and left.

Aaliyah rose to her feet. “It is time for your first lesson,” She knelt in front of the basin. “The water is cold. You shall heat it.”

Gewey knelt beside her. “What do I do?”

“The same as you do with power from the earth. Only you must focus your spirit on the air that surrounds the basin.”

Gewey cocked his head. “The air? Not the water?”

Aaliyah shook her head. “No. You could heat it that way, but the effort would be much greater.” She reached over and took his hand. “You must learn to find the smooth path. Water will resist you, while the air is pliant.” She squeezed his hand tightly. “Open your mind to me. Allow me to guide you.”

Gewey breathed deep and closed his eyes. At once he saw Kaylia, her face anguished and lonely. His eyes snapped open.

Aaliyah released her grip and sprang to her feet. “This will not do.” Her voice was disapproving and sharp. “If you cannot govern your bond, I must…assist you.” Grabbing Gewey's shoulders she pressed down hard.

“What are you doing,” he demanded. Then it felt as if he had been struck between the eyes. He fell back, reeling.

Aaliyah knelt beside him. “You are not hurt, Shivis Mol.”

Gewey opened his eyes. It took him a moment before he managed to sit up and regain his focus. Something was wrong. An overwhelming sadness filled his heart, and tears began streaming down his cheeks. He closed his eyes, and reached out to his bond with Kaylia. It was gone! He glared accusingly at Aaliyah. “What have you done?” he roared. He experienced sorrow blended with sheer fury.

Aaliyah looked serene and almost satisfied. “Nothing that cannot be undone.”

Gewey leaped to his feet. His hand slid to his sword as the flow raged through him. “Then undo it!”

Aaliyah didn't appear intimidated as she slowly stood. “I will not. Not until your lessons are complete.” She turned to the door. “You are unable to control your bond with Kaylia. That will hinder our work, and we can ill afford that. The time I have to teach you is short, and I will not allow passion to cripple you.” Reaching for the door, she turned her profile to Gewey. “I will leave until you calm your storm.” With those words she left the room.

Gewey let out a tortured scream. For more than an hour he raged, pacing back and forth. Again and again he tried to reach out to Kaylia, but could feel nothing. The sensation of pure emptiness had him weeping openly several times. Finally, he sat on the bed, defeated.

The door opened and Aaliyah entered and sat next to him. Her face bore the look of deep concern and sympathy. “When you have the strength, you can overcome what I have done. I have not broken your bond, only pulled it from your grasp.” She placed her hand on Gewey's. “You must trust me.”

Gewey reached down and roughly pushed her hand away. “You had no right to do this.”

“Better for me to face your anger now, than to let you face your enemies unprepared.” She knelt back down beside the basin. “Come.”

Gewey stared with seething anger, and remained on the bed several minutes, before kneeling beside her. “You had better keep your word. Once you've taught me, undo it.”

Aaliyah took his hand. This time he did not resist. “When I have taught you what you need to know, you will not need me to undo it.” Her mouth turned up to the tiniest of smiles. “When that happens, your foes will tremble before you.”

Gewey closed his eyes and let Aaliyah enter his mind. Despite his anger, the touch of her thoughts felt soothing and warm.

“Allow yourself to feel as I feel.” Her voice lifted away the loneliness.

Gewey let himself drift nearer and nearer, until he could no long separate where his mind ended, and hers began. He had only been this close to Kaylia. Guilt and regret shot through his heart, but somehow, Aaliyah pushed it away, replacing it with a feeling of joy and contentment. He felt her spirit reach out to the air that surrounded the basin. At first it was confusing. It felt very different than when he drew power from the earth. It seemed as if it were so removed and strange, that it couldn't be part of the flow. But as Aaliyah began moving and molding it, he began to see how it melded to the actual fabric of the world. Suddenly it was so simple. He wondered how he had never seen it before.