Brian Anderson - Shadow of the Gods

“That is good,” said Aaliyah. She relaxed noticeably.

“You didn't think we would extend our hospitality only to do you harm, did you?” This brought another round of gay laughter. “You should spend more time among us. That is if I can convince you not to complete your quest.”

“Sadly, it is a matter of great importance,” said Aaliyah. “We would not ignore your warnings if it were not so.”

Pali sighed heavily. “The Sand Master will not take you there.” He put his hands on his knees and pushed himself to his feet. “But I will. Though I can only take you to the edge of your destination, I will not have new friends brave the desert alone.” He took one more drink from the bottle. “And I thought the Sand Master was in a foul mood before…” With that he left.

“What is a Sand Master?” asked Gewey.

This time it was Ghenti, a broad shouldered elf with a hawk like nose and piercing gray eyes who spoke. “The Sand Masters are our guides in the desert. They know the sands better than anyone. Though we all can navigate our way, the Sand Master can find the easiest trail, nearest water, and best shade without hardly a thought. When an elf turns eleven, the child is blindfolded, taken deep into the desert, and left alone. If the child finds its way home, training begins as a Sand Master.”

“What if the child doesn't make it?” asked Gewey, afraid to hear the answer.

Ghenti met Gewey's eyes. “Then the child dies.” His tone was harsh and low. He didn't look away for several seconds, then slowly his face broke into a smile. The others began to giggle and smirk. “We bring the child home, of course.” He tossed Gewey the bottle, then addressed his comrades. “I do believe the boy thinks us savages.” His tone was teasing and light, as were the voices of agreement from the others.

Gewey felt foolish and embarrassed, but forced a smile.

Soon after, the meal was ready. Aaliyah and Gewey ate and talked around the fire for a few more hours. From time to time a new face appeared by the fire for a while. They kept the conversation away from serious matters, and though Aaliyah seemed more at ease than before Gewey could tell something still bothered her.

Just before they were about to lay down to sleep, a short, stout elf woman, with deep brown hair and care-worn eyes approached. Unlike the cheerful expressions held by the others, her demeanor was grim. She sat across from Gewey and Aaliyah, crossing her legs, and studying them for several minutes before speaking.

“I am Weila, Sand Master,” she said finally. “Pali tells me that he is to lead you to the Black Oasis.”

“If that is the location of what we seek, then yes,” said Aaliyah, “though he did not call it that.”

“I assume he has warned you of the dangers?” she asked.

“He has.”

“Then you should also know what he does not,” she continued. “The Oasis was always a queer place, but in the past few years, a new evil has arrived.”

“I did not know-” said Pali.

“Of course, you didn't,” snapped Weila, cutting him off. “You only think you know everything.” Her stone gaze made Gewey uneasy. This was clearly a woman to be reckoned with. “You are strangers here.” Her eyes drifted to Aaliyah. “And though you are an elf, we are not the same. Certainly, you have sensed it. Your kind steals life from the Mother. We do not, and that leaves you blind to our presence.”

Aaliyah started to respond, but Weila held up her hand.

“You cannot deny that it has caused you concern,” she continued. “I can see it in your face. But our way has kept our people alive and strong for many generations. If you go to the Black Oasis, you will do so alone and the creatures that now haunt it, will know you are coming.”

“If you cannot draw power from earth, air, and water how can you know this?” asked Aaliyah.

Weila sneered. “You think us unaware of these powers simply because we do not use them? You are blind to us, not us to you.” She leaned forward. “You will face an enemy there with no fear and no remorse. It will not hesitate to destroy you.” Her eyes shot to Pali. “Or anyone with you. I will allow Pali to guide you, but you must swear to me one thing.”

“What is that?” asked Aaliyah.

“Once you come to the edge of the Oasis, you cannot allow Pali to continue.” Her face became strained. “Swear it! No matter how much he pleads.”

“I told you, mother-” Pali protested, but another glance, once again silenced him.

Aaliyah nodded with understanding. “I swear to you, he shall only guide us as far as the edge, and no farther. And though you may feel my use of the powers wrong, I also swear that I will use them to keep him safe.”

“I do not fear for my son in the open desert,” she replied. “But I thank you.” She leaned back. “I know I must appear hard and inhospitable to you. But I assure you I am not.”

“You have no need to explain,” said Aaliyah. “I, too, am responsible for the lives of others, and understand the need for caution when it comes to the safety of my people.”

Weila's countenance softened. “Then I shall let you rest. Tomorrow you will get proper clothing for your journey.”

Aaliyah and Gewey bowed as the Sand Master rose to her feet.

“That went better than I thought,” remarked Pali.

“You're lucky to have a mother that cares so much,” said Gewey. He thought of his own mother and her absence from his life. “Mine died when I was very young.”

“I am sorry to hear it.” Pali cocked his head. “You share much with our kind. I see that you are accustomed to the company of elves. That is good to know. Most of what we have heard of the west are stories of hatred and war.”

“The stories are true,” said Gewey. “But things are changing.”

They sat up for a few more minutes, then bedded down for the night.

Kaylia awoke screaming and crying uncontrollably. In seconds Linis and Theopolou were at her side.

“It's gone!” she cried. “It's gone!”

Theopolou pulled her close. “What's gone?”

It took her a moment to stifle her sobs. “My bond with Gewey. It's gone!”

Theopolou closed his eyes and breathed deeply. He placed his hands on her head. “It is not gone. It has been…somehow blocked.”

At that moment Nehrutu approached. “Is everything all right?” His shimmering red pants and shirt, along with his effortless, regal movements made him easy to recognize. As graceful as the elves of this land were, they appeared awkward by comparison.

Kaylia tried to rise, but Theopolou held her fast. Her eyes burned. “Aaliyah is behind it! I know it!”

“What has happened?” asked Nehrutu.

“I believe Aaliyah may have somehow blocked the bond between Kaylia and Gewey,” Theopolou explained. “At least that is the only explanation I can imagine.”

Nehrutu leaned down and placed his hand on Kaylia's shoulder. He closed his eyes for a full minute. “Yes, she has.”

“That witch,” Kaylia hissed.

“Can you undo what she has done?” asked Theopolou.

“I could…perhaps,” Nehrutu replied. “But I will not.”

“Why?” Kaylia screamed. “Why will you not help me?”

Nehrutu sighed. “Aaliyah has done this, and she has her reasons. It is not for me to interfere. Take comfort that she did not break your bond. She is certainly strong enough.”

“Why would she do this?” asked Linis. “What purpose does it serve?”

Nehrutu thought for a moment. “The only reason would be to help Shivis Mol. If the bond hindered his training, she would not hesitate to block it. I would do the same.”

Kaylia's anger boiled. She pulled away from Theopolou and jumped to her feet, standing inches away from Nehrutu. “And if you did, the powers of the Creator would not save you. Nor would they save Aaliyah, if she were here.” Tears welled in her eyes, as the pain of Gewey's absence grew.