Brian Anderson - The Sword of Truth

“Gewey,” a voice called. It sounded distant and faint. “Stop.”

He didn’t want to stop.

“Gewey,” it called again. This time the voice was louder.

He felt the thump, thump of the earth coursing through his veins. He looked for someone to fight, but there was no one.

“Gewey!” This time, the voice broke through. It was Kaylia.

He shook his head as the world crashed in. He expected to see the dead bowmen lying all around him, but he found he wasn’t where he thought he would be. Instead, he stood fifty yards away, among the first group of men. Lee and Kaylia were standing nearby, staring at him in awe.

“They’re all dead,” said Kaylia. She slowly walked over to him and put her hand on his sword arm.

“How did I get here?” Gewey asked, bewildered.

“You don’t remember?” Lee countered.

“Not really,” he replied, trying to make sense of what had just happened. “I mean…I do, but it’s like I see it through someone else’s eyes. What did I do?”

It was then he noticed the carnage around his feet. The dead were scattered everywhere, their limbs severed cleanly, as if cut off by a razor instead of a sword. He heard the sickly squish of blood and earth as he shifted his feet.

“I watched you kill over a dozen men as if they were ants,” Lee said. “Some of them you cut completely in half. I had just finished causing confusion in the first group of men when the arrows began to fall; only one or two of the men were struck, and none of them fatally. I was actually worried that this might not work when I saw you charging in. I didn’t even have a chance to raise my sword again before you took out half of them. In all my days, I’ve never seen anything like it.”

Gewey looked down at his sword. It dripped with blood. He couldn’t believe what he had done, nor did he know how to feel about it. In a daze, he reached down, tore some cloth from one of the dead soldiers, and cleaned his sword.

“We should leave,” Kaylia suggested. “I don’t want to see what the dawn brings here.”

“Agreed.” Lee looked at Gewey with concern. “Are you alright?”

“I will be,” he replied. “Eventually.”

“I know how hard it is the first time you are forced to kill,” Lee reassured him. “But you’ll get through it. I’ll help you.”

“That’s just it,” Gewey replied. “It isn’t the killing that bothers me, even though I know it should.”

“What is it then?”

“It’s the feeling,” Gewey said coldly. “It was like something inside me took over…and it felt…good. I never understood what power is until this moment.” He turned his back to Lee. “I don’t think I can wield it. It’s too much-too tempting.”

Lee smiled and put his hand on Gewey’s shoulder. “That’s why you can,” he said softly. “Understanding the danger of power is the only way to wield it wisely and with compassion. I’m sorry you had to learn it this way, but I am pleased that you understand the dangers. That gives me hope…for all of us.”

Gewey looked over his shoulder and nodded. “Thank you. I’ll be fine in a while. It’s just that so much has happened so quickly. It’s a bit overwhelming.”

“I understand,” said Lee. “I really do. But we need to leave now. We’ll talk more when we stop again.”

Dina was waiting with the horses when she saw them approach, covered in blood. The far away stare on Gewey’s face filled her with concern. She wanted to ask if he was all right, but he didn’t even look up at her. He climbed in the saddle and sat there motionless.

“What happened?” Dina asked.

“They’re all dead,” Lee told her. “We should have no more trouble- at least until we get to Althetas.”

They rode on until daybreak, giving Gewey time to think on what had happened. A flood of regret and anxiety filled his heart, and suddenly the faces of the men he killed became clear. He could see the horror in their eyes as his sword cut through them. By the time he dismounted, he was weeping uncontrollably.

“I know, Gewey,” Lee said comfortingly. “Most people who are forced to kill aren’t put into a situation like that. I’d like to say it gets easier, but it doesn’t.”

“It doesn’t seem to bother you or Kaylia,” he sobbed. “I’ve seen you both kill. Sometimes you even look like you enjoy it.”

“I never enjoy killing,” Lee replied. “I feel it every time. It’s just that I’ve come to terms with it. And I was much older the first time I took a life.”

“It is right that you weep,” Kaylia interjected. “As the elves say, you have become a bringer of death.”

“That’s enough,” Lee snapped.

“No,” Gewey said, “Let her speak. I want to hear it.”

“You are not a human,” Kaylia continued. “But nor are you an elf. You are a power in this world, and death will follow you wherever you go. But you must learn that without it, there can be no victory. Those men you killed tonight stood against all that you love and honor.

“Suppose you found a way to let them live. Do you think they would thank you, return to their homes, and raise crops?” she asked. “No. You would find yourself facing them again and again.

“You should weep because you have left a part of yourself behind that is innocent. Mourn the loss, but rejoice that you have gained the strength to protect those that you love from the evils of this world. We elves do not take a life lightly, but once done, it cannot be undone. We gain strength in the knowledge that each person we kill is set free and cleansed of all evil. To meet the creator, purified, is the greatest gift one can bestow.”

“Are you saying you believe you can only be forgiven if you are killed in battle?” Gewey asked.

“Not at all,” she replied. “We believe that all spirits are pure. Only in life is someone evil. We do not believe that the sins of this life continue to the afterlife. How could we? Atonement would be impossible, and we would be doomed for all eternity.”

“I just wish the pain would go away,” said Gewey. “At first it was different…I felt almost numb. But then it all came rushing in. I know I must cope with this, but I think it will take time to learn how.”

“There are no easy answers,” Lee acknowledged. “But the fact that you’re asking questions tells me that you’re on the right path. In time, you’ll find a way to deal with the pain. But I don’t think you’ll ever forget it; I know I haven’t.”

Gewey lowered his head in thought. “I wish I understood what happened. It was as if the sword came alive in my hand. I could feel the power of the earth like never before. It was intoxicating.”

“I think I might know what happened,” Dina chimed in, approaching the trio. “I think it had something to do with the bond between you and your sword.”

“My sword?”

“It’s made from the same material as my medallion. It’s more than just a way we identify one another. We also use it to focus our energy when we meditate. The more talented among us can use it to project their spirit and see other places without physically being there. I think your sword may have amplified your abilities in some way. I’m not sure how, but perhaps someone at the temple could tell you when we get there.”

“If that’s the case, you should be careful until we understand it better,” Lee advised.

Gewey nodded. It made sense. The heat of the sword and the pulse of the earth coursing through his body; it was as if he and the energy were one. He would definitely have to take care. They ate a quick meal of dried figs and water, then continued on. The remainder of their trip was less than comfortable; Lee refused to allow a fire, and the nights were cold. Kaylia huddled next to him on several occasions. At first, he felt uneasy, but by the third night he looked forward to it. Their speed had them just outside of Althetas in only six days.