A Trial of Souls by Brian D. Anderson

Author:Brian D. Anderson
Language: eng
Format: mobi, epub
Publisher: Mythos Press
Published: 2013-08-28T05:00:00+00:00

Chapter 13

Gewey and Kaylia rose just before sunrise and gathered their things. Minnie was already about cleaning the common room, but when Gewey told her that they would be leaving their wagon behind, she scolded him harshly for making his wife walk in the snow. However, after it became evident that he would not be deterred, she insisted they have breakfast and sent them on their way with a small bundle of dried fruit, a wedge of cheese, and one of her few remaining bottles of good wine.

A blanket of new snow covered the ground, which together with the light from the approaching dawn gave the earth a ghostly glow. The wind had stilled, allowing the vapor from their breaths to billow out. Gewey instinctively wrapped his arms around Kaylia.

Kaylia pushed him off, pretending to be irritated. “I am not fragile. And the cold does not bother me.”

Gewey shrugged and stepped away. “Then you are hardier than I.” He looked out at the quiet town. The streets were empty, and thin black smoke issued from the chimneys. “Where is...”

“Felsafell is here,” came the voice of the old hermit from the corner of the inn. He was wrapped in a thick fur blanket. “And even the very old feel the bitter bite of winter’s jaws.” He bounded away, waving for them to follow. “Come now. Many miles and many trials ahead.”

The road was empty as they left town; the only life they saw was a few squirrels and a white hare searching the ground in the bare vineyards. Felsafell barely left a footprint as he went along, and after only a mile burst into song.

A measured sand in Creator’s hands,

A river flows where the spirit knows,

A destined cry of fallen sky,

A heaven sent tomorrow

The herald sings of flightless wings,

The time will come when battles won,

Will lay to rest on creation’s chest,

A song that lifts our sorrow.

“That sounds familiar,” said Gewey.

“An old song it is,” replied Felsafell, his voice still carrying the tune. “Young I was when first I heard it.”

“How old are you?” asked Gewey. “The Book of Souls says your people lived over a hundred-thousand years ago.”

“Immortal yes,” he answered, and twirled on his heels. “And old I am. Death cannot find me, but I can look for death. Though I forget too often. An old mind and a weary heart…oh yes. I forget to seek it.”

“So you wish to die?” asked Kaylia.

“When my journey ends and my work is done,” said Felsafell. “I will be paid what is owed. Rest and reunion will be my reward.”

A sudden realization struck Gewey. “That is what you meant when I saw you in the spirit world after I fought Harlando. You want me to kill you.”

Felsafell burst into merry laughter. “No, oh no. I would not burden your heart with such a thing. When evil is vanquished and your father released, I will seek him out. And he will send me to my brothers and sisters. But first there is much to be done.

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