Brian Anderson - The Sword of Truth

“Unless you intend to stab me in the back, I suggest you sit down,” he offered, sounding amused.

They looked at one another for a moment, and then sat across from him. To Gewey’s surprise, he didn’t look but maybe a few years older than Gewey himself.

“You’re Saylis Fernmen, I presume?” Gewey asked. His hand had not left the hilt of his sword.

“And you are Gewey Stedding,” he answered. “I see you brought the lovely Kaylia with you-understandable, if unnecessary. I have come as I promised, alone and unarmed.”

“Good,” said Kaylia. Her tone was dangerous.

Saylis laughed confidently. “I didn’t mean to imply that I am unprotected. But for the purpose of our conversation, I thought a show of force might be…distracting.”

“What do you want?” demanded Gewey.

“Me?” he replied. “Nothing. Nothing at all. But my master on the other hand…” He motioned for the barman, who brought him a glass of wine. He looked over to Gewey and Kaylia “Would you join me?”

Gewey glared in silence.

“That will be all,” Saylis told the barman, tossing him a copper. “Now then, as I was saying, my master would very much like for you to come to Angraal. There is no reason for you to run. He means you no harm and only wants your friendship.”

Kaylia laughed. “You must think us fools,” she sneered. “If that’s all you have to say, then you’ve wasted your breath.”

“Ah, the fury of an elf,” he mocked. “Such passion. The fact is, he has no need for you, my dear. If young Gewey wishes it, you can accompany him, but my orders say nothing about you except that I should be careful regarding your temper.” He leaned back and sipped his wine. “Oh yes, and if you should ask, I’m to inform you that your uncle has ordered your assassination.”

Kaylia forced a smile. “You seem to know much,” she allowed. “But if you think I don’t know this and your intent is to upset me and throw me off balance, you’ve misjudged me.”

“Not at all,” he replied. “I wish this encounter to be pleasant.”

“If that is all you have to say, then I have an answer for you,” said Gewey.

Saylis held up his hand and said, “Before you do, you should hear the rest.” He paused a moment then continued, “You seek to destroy my master. He knows this, but doesn’t blame you. You have been deceived. He only wishes that you understand the truth and perhaps aid him in his cause. By now, you have discovered what you are, but you have no idea how you got here, or even how to use your power. My master can help. All he asks in return is that you stop this foolish quest for his destruction.”

“I’ve heard your master’s lies before.”

“Pure misunderstanding,” Saylis said dismissively. “His reaction was…unfortunate. Moreover, he wants me to convey his apologies. The truth is, he was shocked to discover your existence, and he knows he acted unwisely. But now he is hopeful. That you have been abandoned on earth can be turned into a great boon for the whole world. If you join him, there is nothing that can’t be achieved.”

“It is your master’s desire for power that caused me to be here in the first place,” barked Gewey. “And I’m sick of listening to your lies.”

“Careful,” Saylis warned. His tone became dark and threatening. Consider your words. If you refuse to listen to reason, you will not live to see the Temple of Valshara. But before you die, you will watch as your friends are tortured until they beg for death. Think about this. You can save yourself and your friends. All you have to do is come with me now. Bring the elf woman if it pleases you. I promise that the rest of your companions will be left in peace.”

“For how long?” boomed a voice, as the door flung open. It was Lee. His sword was in his hand and his face was spattered with blood and sweat.

“I see I should have picked better men,” Saylis noted calmly. “I didn’t expect you, but please, join us.”

“No thank you,” Lee snapped as he strode over to the table. “We’re leaving.”

“Don’t you want to hear my proposal first?”

Lee reached down, grabbed Saylis by his hair, and jerked his head back. “I’ll give you a proposal,” he hissed. “Tell your master that if he returns what he has stolen, he will receive a painless death. And as for you, if you are ever stupid enough to hinder me or my friends again, I will remove your eyes, cut off your hands, and set you loose in the wilderness.” He slammed Saylis’ head into the table, knocking him unconscious. “Let’s go.”

Gewey and Kaylia were stunned by Lee’s outburst, but they stood and followed him to the door. Broin ran up just as they were leaving.

“If you think I’m running anymore, you’re wrong,” Broin told them, breathing heavily. Lee didn’t say a word as he stalked away with Kaylia and Gewey trailing behind.

“Don’t worry about me,” Broin called after them. “I’m fine.” He bent over and rested his hands on his knees. “I need a brandy,” he muttered, then ran to catch up. When they reached Broin’s house, Millet was sitting on the stoop.

“Good to see that you’re unhurt, my lord,” said Millet. “I see you retrieved Gewey and Kaylia.”

“Is everything ready?” asked Lee.

“I was only waiting for your return,” he replied. “Malstisos is with the horses in the back. All the gear is packed and ready. All that’s missing is Sister Maybell.”

“I’m not missing,” said Maybell as she walked through the gate. She held the Book of Souls in her arms. “I’ll be ready to leave presently.”

“You’ll not be coming,” said Lee flatly.

“We’ve been over this before,” replied Maybell. “I’ll not be left behind and that’s that.”

“I have no time to debate,” growled Lee. “We ride hard and fast, and if you can’t keep up you’ll be left behind.”

“My lord,” interrupted Millet. “I only purchased two horses.”

“I have enough horses for you stabled nearby,” Broin offered. “I’ll send for them now.” He nodded to Angus, who immediately headed off.

Lee turned and looked at Gewey furiously as they entered the house. “Fool,” he yelled. “Have you lost your mind? What were you thinking?”

“What did you expect me to do?” Gewey shot back.

“I expected you to wait for me,’ said Lee. “You could have been killed. Then where would we be?”

“I don’t care what you say,” said Gewey. “I did the right thing. Besides, I didn’t go alone.”

Lee took a deep breath and rubbed his temples. “You still should have waited,” he said, calming himself. “I can’t allow you to be killed. You don’t understand how dangerous these people are. If it weren’t for Lord Broin, Maybell and her friend would most likely be dead right now. If they have the chance, they’ll kill us all. As it is, they set a trap that I walked right into.”

“What happened?” asked Gewey as they walked up the steps to their room.

Lee recounted the events at the temple. “And that stubborn woman refuses to stay here,” he complained, clenching his fists.

“Maybe she’ll listen to you.”

“I don’t think she will,” answered Gewey. “She believes all this is part of her destiny. Or at least that’s what she says. I must admit, she hasn’t slowed us down yet.”

“Yes,” he agreed, “but she’ll push herself to death before she’ll admit she can’t keep up.”

Gewey thought for a minute. “Why not send her with Millet?” he suggested. “How could she refuse? There should be considerably less danger, and she might be a lot of help.”

A huge smile slowly grew on Lee’s face. “Now that’s a great idea,” he said and tore off down the stairs.