The God Reaper: The Forgotten Gods: Book Three

The God Reaper

Book Three of The Forgotten Gods Series

By

Tania Johansson

A special thank you to my editor, Janet Philip. Your hard work and dedication is greatly appreciated.

As always, a big thank you to my husband, Tor. I couldn’t do it without your continual support, love and motivation.

The God Reaper

Tania Johansson

Smashwords Edition

Copyright 2012 Tania Johansson

First published April 2013

All Rights Reserved

Discover other titles by Tania Johansson at Smashwords.com:

Smashwords Edition, Licence Notes

All characters and events in this book are fictitious. Any resemblance to persons living or dead is strictly coincidental. This ebook is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. This ebook may not be re-sold or given away to other people. If you would like to share this book with another person, please purchase an additional copy for each recipient. If you’re reading this book and did not purchase it, or it was not purchased for your use only, then please return to Smashwords.com and purchase your own copy. Thank you for respecting the hard work of this author.

Table of Contents

Chapter 1 – A Summons

Chapter 2 – A New Way to Travel

Chapter 3 – Unexpected Guests

Chapter 4 – Ice Blue

Chapter 5 – The Bad with the Worst

Chapter 6 – Trouble Stirring

Chapter 7 – Planning the Impossible

Chapter 8 – Distrustful

Chapter 9 – Indoctrination

Chapter 10 – The Request

Chapter 11 – Escape

Chapter 12 – The Soldiers of Mort

Chapter 13 – Those Who Do Not Wish To Be Found

Chapter 14 – Overlord

Chapter 15 – Like Thieves in the Night

Chapter 16 – Alongside the Soldiers of Mort

Chapter 17 – Know Your Enemy, Know Yourself

Chapter 18 – Rude Awakening

Chapter 19 – All Shapes and Forms

Chapter 20 – The Risks We Take

Chapter 21 – A Precarious Tipping of Scales

Chapter 22 – Ahead of Schedule

Chapter 23 – Crossing a Gorge on a Tightrope

Chapter 24 – Balancing on a Knife’s Edge

Chapter 25 – No Going Back

Chapter 26 – Life Without Gods

CHAPTER 1 – A Summons

I nocked an arrow and drew. Taking aim, I took a slow, steady breath and released. The arrow flew true and found my target’s neck. The beast fell without a sound. Seran tapped me on the shoulder, a grin playing on his lips. Let’s go get dinner! he said before setting off. His long coat flapped around his legs with each stride.

Riaph wore a frown. If you had spotted it first, I said, it would have been your kill. We all agreed to the rules this morning.

She expects me to be the one to provide for the feast tonight, he said.

And why does your betrothed expect that?

Because, Seran said over his shoulder, he went on and on about his hunting prowess!

I chuckled and Riaph gave me a withering look. No, he said. She expects it because you are such old men now that she would not think you capable of holding a bow, not to mention felling a deer.

At forty cycles old, I was, at least in my opinion, far from being an ‘old man’, but Riaph had labelled me with this particular endearment since I was about thirty cycles so it had no sting.

The buck was still alive when we reached it, eyes darting about. I kneeled and drew my knife across its throat. We tied its front and hind legs together and slid a sturdy branch under the bindings.

Seran looked at the sun overhead. We must hurry. The day is slipping by and we have a long way back yet.

Even with the three of us carrying the buck, it was hard work. We stopped several times to rest before my house came into view. It was a welcome sight. Alathaya stepped outside when she heard our chatter approaching. Myria came after her. She looked so much like her mother. Her elegant dress had been a gift from her grandfather. Alathaya’s father had always had a soft spot for Myria. That was also the reason Myria wore her hair in a long braid over her shoulder. He always praised her for her beautiful locks. It seemed to me that it was a simple matter of Myria looking like Alathaya at that age.

Master Almeida had always lamented his daughter’s early departure from home and it appeared as though he was trying to recapture this relationship with his granddaughter.

Thaya smiled broadly when she saw the buck. She had been worrying that we would not be able to feed all the people who were about to descend upon us. I had been relieved when Seran arrived a day early to help us prepare.

This cyclic feast had become somewhat of a tradition. After the Battle of Magtisanya, the Alliance members had all but lost touch, complacent in our safety. Wrenched from this false reality with Rakadamon’s return, we realised the value of keeping in regular contact. We had still not however, been able to find one member: Tasolin Hollis. Whether he even lived was a mystery to all.

We carried our kill to an outbuilding that we had set up ready to prepare the buck for the feast.

It was coming up to midday by the time it was ready to start roasting. To make things easier, we made three fires with a spit over each. This meant we could separate the smaller pieces and speed up the cooking time. I spotted a group approaching the house on the gravel road to the south and squinted to try to discern who it was. Don’t tell me you’re going blind, too! Riaph laughed.

Careful now, I said. You realise I can still put you on your back in a swordfight.

He grinned at me, a challenging glint in his eyes. To be truthful, I was not sure whether I could. Riaph was an extraordinary swordsman besides which, his Talent would enable him to rebuff any attack that he saw coming without even so much as lifting a finger.

It’s Trissa and Griaty! Seran said and rushed off to greet his wife and daughter.

Behind them, Dhillion came into view. Trissa’s brother had taken a while to shake off the effects of Rakadamon’s violation of him. The dark master had control of him for near on a full cycle of the seasons. He blamed himself and it was only at the last two gatherings that he finally appeared to have shrugged off this burden.

I called Thaya from the house and we went to meet them. Griaty had turned into a beautiful young woman. Her long light brown hair was up in an elegant twist and her dress, though dust-covered from the road, was a beautiful blue. Her expressive eyes lit up when she spotted Myria, who had come to see her as a little sister. They hugged each other tightly and with arms linked strode off before I even had a chance to greet Griaty. Riaph led the horses around to the stables.

Malion and Karina arrived soon after them. Our group was now almost complete, with only one other member outstanding. As though my thoughts had summoned her, Markai appeared out of thin air. Her massive protruding canine teeth stood out in startling contrast to her black coat that glistened in the sun. Her lithe cat-like body uncoiled like a spring and her blue eyes met mine as she bounded towards me. Reaching up, I threw my arms around her neck.

I have missed seeing you, she said.

Everyone set to work in preparing the evening meal. When the food was almost ready, we carried a couple of tables out. Riaph looked up from setting out the food, a smile curling his lips. I looked over my shoulder to see what he was looking at.

Traice was riding towards the house. There was a hint of relief on Riaph’s face and I wondered if he had been worried that she would not show up. He walked up to her and offered his hand to help her dismount. He bowed to her and flashed a smile. She curtsied in return before he led her horse away to the stables.

Master Aken, she said to me in greeting then went to join Myria and Griaty at the table. A short while later, we were all seated and dishing up. Riaph sat opposite Traice and the two kept glancing at each other. It had come as a surprise when Riaph announced he was to ask her father for her hand. They had been friends for some cycles now, but I had been unaware that there was more to the relationship. They appeared to be a good match and I was happy for him, yet it seemed as though something was missing. A spark of some sort. Then again, perhaps I was just loath to admit he was of an age to marry. Myria and Griaty giggled when they too spotted these furtive glances. Chatter filled the air as everyone caught up on the goings on of the past cycle.

I am glad to see Brant is not here again, Malion whispered to me.

I looked at him askance. While I agreed with the sentiment, I wondered why he brought it up. You didn’t expect him to come, did you? I asked.

He shrugged. You never know with him.

Brant had come to the first few gatherings. It had made for an awkward affair. He had played a pivotal role in the release of Rakadamon after I defeated him the first time. Forgiveness was one thing, hard enough to do at that, but trust was another. I didn’t think any of us would be able look at him again without thinking of what he had done. He stopped coming of his own accord.

Night was settling in and I stood to light the six lanterns along the tables. As I was finishing with the last one, I felt Markai’s awareness heighten. She had heard something. The bond we shared enabled us to sense each other’s thoughts and emotions. It had become so commonplace to me that it seemed as though it had always been this way.

I looked around to see what she was searching for. In the failing light, I couldn’t see much and I focused my Navitas. The night surrendered more of its secrets to my enhanced sight and I scanned the path leading away from the house. Movement caught my eyes. I drew my sword and started walking towards the approaching figure.

A hush fell over the group when they noticed my, what must have seemed, odd behaviour. Markai joined me. I felt her relax and knew she had recognised whoever it was. I sheathed Sunder once more and stopped, waiting for the visitors to make their way to us.

It is the Cha from Predaki and he has Brant with him, Markai informed me.

How strange, I said. I wonder what could possibly make him come this far. I had no recollection of the Cha ever leaving Predaki and to travel a good fifteen days to get here…. A sense of foreboding snaked around my stomach.

The wise man of my home village looked ancient, yet walked upright and seemed none the worse for wear after their long travel. Great Cha, I said as he neared. You honour us with your presence. What brings you here?

He brushed long strands of grey hair from his face. I am afraid nothing good. His voice was reminiscent of aged parchment. He glanced over his shoulder at Brant. I had to drag him by the heels to get him here.

I wondered why he felt the need to bring Brant at all, but only gave a curt nod to acknowledge his presence. Please, join us at table. You must be hungry from your travels, I said.

Everyone rose in respect as the Cha approached and he gestured for them to be seated. There were a few glares directed at Brant. He kept his eyes down, not meeting anyone’s gaze.

The Cha’s sombre face fuelled my apprehension. I opened my mouth to question him, but Alathaya gave me a stern look. I clenched my teeth and waited for him to speak. It felt like an eternity of silence.

Why is Roscien not here? the Cha asked.

He lives on the Fae plane, Malion said, a hint of confusion in his voice.

I know that, the Cha said, giving Mal a withering look. That does not answer the question though. Could you not make a bridge to bring him here? he asked me.

It’s too dangerous, I said. Each time I have crossed a bridge of my making, it felt as though I was risking my life as well as the lives of those I take with me.

You have not mastered this yet, he said, surprise evident in his words.

I didn’t believe it possible to improve on what I have been doing, I said.

He waved his hands. This is of no consequence, truly. I was hoping to have you all together today, that’s all. What of Tasolin? Where is he?

Him we have not seen for many cycles, I said. Not since the Battle of Magtisanya. He disappeared like fog before the sun. We don’t even know if he lives.

The Cha shook his head in regret.

Are you going to keep us in suspense, Griaty said, or tell us what has brought you all this way?

Seran gave his daughter an admonishing look for her brash tone. I think what she means, he said, is that we are all eager to know what news you bring.

Dabbing at the corners of his mouth with a kerchief, the Cha put his fork down. You may not be so eager to learn of these tidings once you know what they are.

A hush settled over the group at his ominous words. He looked at each of us in turn. I have seen signs of great change coming.

Don’t tell us that Rakadamon has somehow escaped! Riaph said.

That is not possible, Thaya said. Kadin still holds his half of the sentinel. Don’t you? The other half of the sentinel that served as prison for the evil god’s spirit was held by the Jerieghens in the realm of the Fae.

Of course I do, I said. He couldn’t have risen again!

The Cha held up one bony finger. Calm yourselves. I said naught about Rakadamon.

So, if you are not speaking of him, Trissa said, what is this great change you have come to warn us of?

Well, he began and then looked past us to the gravel road. Just as I had hoped.

I turned to see what he was gazing at. Two tall figures stalked towards us. As they drew nearer I was able to make out their features more clearly. They were not human. Sunken eyes in sallow faces roamed over us. Their torsos were bare and their chests had no definition and they bore strange markings on their foreheads, above their left eyes. I had read about some civilisations that mark themselves in a permanent fashion for various reasons. I wondered if these were such markings and if they carried significance. A small loincloth covered their essentials and seemed in danger of exposing them at any moment. Their eyes settled on the Cha. We were hoping, started one.

…to find you here also, finished the other.

I am Trei, said the first.

I am Kel, said the second.

They stopped several feet away from the table. We have come with foresight, said Trei.

Who are you? asked Myria.

Their gazes swivelled to her. We are of the Mahangi, a people of the Fae, Kel said.

But, Trei said, we are of no importance, merely here to deliver a message.

A summons, if you will, Kel said.

A summons? Seran asked.

The Alliance and the Guardians must gather at the next golden moon, Kel said.

Full moon, nine days hence, clarified the Cha.

Where are we meant to meet, I asked. And more importantly, why?

This will be a time of great change, the Cha said.

All will be revealed in due course, Trei said. You must gather at the Jerieghen village of Pindindia.

You mean for us to travel all that distance, Trissa said, risking yet another crossing to the other plane, with no more information than you saying that me must?

Yes, said Trei, Kel, and the Cha together.

Can’t you tell us any more? Alathaya asked.

All will be revealed, Kel repeated Trei’s words.

The two Mahangi turned and walked back the way they had come. We watched them retreat in silence. Who are the Mahangi? Seran asked. I have not heard of them before.

You wouldn’t have, the Cha said. They are a reclusive people. I did not believe they would come until I saw them. He gave a small smile.

They have never, as far as I know, he continued, revealed themselves to humans and rarely to other Fae communities. The fact that they have come here speaks of the importance of this summons.

Do you know what this is all about? I asked the Cha.

All I know is that turbulent times are coming, bringing great change.

Why is he here? Riaph asked, gesturing to Brant.

He does speak, the Cha said, admonishing.

Riaph started rolling his eyes, but caught himself and instead glared at Brant. So… why are you here?

Brant cleared his throat. I, like it or not, am involved in this. I want to make amends for the past.

You mean for endangering not only everyone here, Griaty sneered, but the world as a whole?

Brant opened his mouth to respond, but shut it and dropped his gaze to the table.

You, young lady, need to speak with respect to your elders, the Cha said. Or have you not made any mistakes in your short life? Brant has things to amend for. We must afford him the opportunity to do that.

Griaty went crimson.

We have no reason to trust him, Seran said.

I am not asking you to trust him, the Cha said.

Well, Thaya said, it’s getting late. We’d best start clearing up.

The Cha held up a hand. Can I assume you will all obey this call? You will be in Pindindia at the appointed time?

I glanced at the rest, searching their faces. We will, I said, speaking for the group as a whole.

He waved his hand, dismissing us.

Markai caught up with me as I walked back to the house. She had listened to all this in silence. I will go to Pindindia, she said. I shall seek more information.

I nodded and she winked out of view.

∞ ∞ ∞ ∞

I made beds for Brant and the Cha and showed them each to their rooms. Thank you, Brant said.

I nodded and turned to leave. Wait, he said. I know I made a grave error and that you will probably never see me as a friend again. But, I am not a bad person, I just made a bad mistake. I hope you will come to see that.

Not knowing how to respond, I turned and walked away.

Rounding a corner in the hall, I nearly bumped into Riaph. Where is Traice? I asked.

I escorted her back home. He paused. You don’t mean to let that traitor sleep under our roof, do you?

He has the support of the Cha, I said.

We are not in Predaki now. You don’t have to listen to the Cha.

I listen to the Cha because I have long since learnt that ignoring his advice is pure foolishness.

He stared past me for a few more moments. I could see that he didn’t agree with my decision, but that he was willing himself to let it lie. When do we leave? he asked.

With only nine days afforded us, we will need to leave tomorrow.

Tomorrow? I have not told Traice that. His eyes lit up. May I bring her with us?

No, I said firmly.

But why not? She would love to see the Fae plane. It’s not like we are going there to face deadly creatures. We are just going for a meeting.

The truth is that we don’t know what we are going out there for. In case you missed it, they were all vague about the reason for this summons.

He started interrupting and I held up a hand. One thing we do know is that this isn’t a leisure trip. She is not coming.

Fine. I still don’t see how you are happy for him to come, he gestured towards Brant’s room, yet she is not allowed… but fine.

Sulkiness is unbecoming in a young man, Riaph. Now go prepare a message to be sent to Traice in the morning.

As I approached our bedroom, Alathaya and Myria’s angry voices spilled out to the hall. I don’t understand why I have to be there! Myria said. Can you and Popa not go on behalf of the Aken family?

I rounded the corner, stepping into the middle of their argument. Kadin, talk some sense into your daughter. Apparently, she has forgotten our words as well as her honour.

Myria’s mouth opened and closed in indignation. She settled on jutting out her chin and sniffing to show what she thought of that. Myria, your Moma is right. You have to come. You are as much a member of the Alliance as any of us.

But, I never chose to be, Myria said. I was thrust into this life by birth.

As we all were. Look, I understand that this responsibility can be a burden…

More like a curse, she muttered under her breath.

A burden, I continued, ignoring her words. But, if we stand together as a family, we can overcome any challenge. The Alliance and the Guardians are our extended family. We cannot let them down.

As I spoke, her face softened, her jaw releasing its stubborn set. When do we have to leave? she asked.

Tomorrow.

What? I have to pack! I don’t know if I have enough clothes for this type of excursion. Are we taking a pack horse? She shook her head. What am I saying, of course we are. She continued her babbling as she left the room, talking to herself.

I looked at Thaya with arched eyebrows. She doesn’t take after me, I said, so I’m blaming you for this.

Me? That’s not fair. I was never like that!

Oh no, Lady Almeida? I said. I am certain your Popa spoilt you rotten as a child. You seemed all too upper class when I first met you.

I was never.

I grinned, wrapping my arm around her waist. No? The balls, the gowns, the hunting excursions – for fun, not food.

She laughed. When did I ever go hunting for fun?

Come to think of it, you’re right. You’d never have done that. You might get dirty doing that.

She rolled her eyes and gave me a feeble slap on the arm. Kissing her, I nudged the door closed with my foot and laid her down on the bed.

∞ ∞ ∞ ∞

Dawn rays flooding in through the window woke me the next day. Thaya was already up and I could hear her getting ready. You awake yet? she called from the dressing room.

I mumbled a response and sat up, swinging my legs over the side of the bed.

I have already sent a message to my father to notify him of our imminent departure, she said. I have asked he send one of his workers over to run the farm in our absence.

My wife always amazed me with her productivity. I was still barely able to open my eyes. My gaze landed on the floor and on one particular floorboard. The one that creaked when you trod on it. The one that when pried open, revealed the hiding place of my half of the sentinel.

I was confident that it would still be there. Thaya was the only person besides me who knew of this hiding place. Not even Riaph or Myria was aware of it. I took my belt knife off the side table, and, dropping to my knees, forced it in between the planks. With a little jiggling, it popped up, creaking as it shifted out of place.

I released a breath that I had not realised I was holding. The velvet pouch was there. I lifted it out and smiled when the comforting weight of it confirmed that half of the golden disc was still there. I peeked in to make sure.

Still there? asked Thaya, peering around the door of the dressing room.

I grinned. Yes. I packed it away again and started securing the floorboard back in place when I changed my mind. Instead, I placed it in my pocket. I would not feel comfortable leaving it there while we went away for such an indeterminate length of time.

I woke Riaph and he has started packing provisions for our journey, she said.

How long have you been awake? I asked.

The corners of her mouth pulled down in thought. A few hours. I kept waking, thinking of all that needs to be done before we can leave. In the end I decided I best get on with it.

After a brief pause, she asked, Have you thought about the crossing? Are you prepared?

I am as prepared as I have ever been. That reminded me of the Cha’s words. I jumped out of bed and pulled on some clothes. I must speak with the Cha, I said before heading down the hall.

His door was ajar. Peering in, I saw him sitting cross-legged on the floor, eyes closed and face blank. Kadin. Enter, he said without opening his eyes.

How he had known someone was there, let alone that it was me, I did not know. I had learnt long ago not to question him. I pushed the door open and stood waiting for him to look at me. Sit, he said.

I sat facing him. Close your eyes, he said.

Wondering where this was leading, I did as he bade. Now, he said, do as you would if you were creating the bridge to the Fae plane.

I felt my eyebrows climb at that. I wondered if he had somehow known my reason for coming to see him or if he had been planning to speak to me on it. I opened my eyes. I have never been able to do it without Markai, I said. She goes to the other side and acts as an anchor for my focus.

I did not say create a bridge. I said do as you would were you trying to.

I took a deep breath and blew it out through my mouth. I focused my Navitas. After all this time, it still amazed me. I was instantly aware of the Cha in an entirely different way. I could sense his energy, his very life force. I could hear his soft breathing, his heartbeat. I was even conscious of the silverback spider in the far corner of the room. I changed my focus from my immediate surroundings to the Fae plane. Without Markai there, I was grasping at fog. I didn’t know what the other side would look like in this particular area.

Stop, the Cha said. You are trying to pull the Fae plane to you without knowing where to hold. I suspect you normally hold on to Markai.

I don’t know of another way to do this, I said.

Do the opposite.

What do you mean?

Instead of pulling, push. Push away from this plane. Extricate yourself from your known environment.

This will take me to the other plane?

Why don’t you try it and find out.

I brought my focus back to my immediate area. Then, without reaching for someplace else, tried to ignore everything around me. Not an easy task in my heightened state of awareness.

I did not say switch off, I said push.

I drew my focus in, becoming attentive to my body, my being. Gathering in on myself, I pushed up and away with my consciousness as though trying to reach the stars. A feeling of weightlessness stole over me. I opened my eyes and found I was no longer in the room with the Cha. I did not know where I was. There did not seem to be anything around me. Looking down, there was no floor supporting me, yet I was not falling. I scrutinised the empty space around me. I caught a shimmering at the edge of my vision.

It was a gate of sorts. It seemed to become brighter when I looked at it, glowing as I continued to stare. Through the iron grate, I could make out… something beyond. I needed to have a closer look. No sooner had I thought this than it seemed to come closer. Or, perhaps I approached it. I wasn’t certain which.

The landscape on the other side became clearer. A forest stretched as far as the eye could see. It did not appear to be of the human plane, as the vegetation looked completely alien to me. Bare trees with jagged branches carrying formidable thorns seemed to dominate. Interspersed were small bushes carrying a strange yellow fruit, each crowned by a vibrant blue flower. I watched as what appeared to be a flying insect approached one of these beautiful flowers, landing on a delicate petal. It crawled in closer to the centre of the blossom. With a snap, the flower closed, trapping its victim within.

This was not the Fae plane either. I was certain of that. Although I had come across unusual flora there, this was not of the same environment. I did not even know how I could be so sure, but I had no doubt.

I pulled back, turning away from this doorway. Another shimmered into view. I cast my gaze further afield and felt my jaw drop. There were hundreds, if not thousands, such gates. Could all these be different planes of existence? Was that even possible? I drew myself nearer to another.

This one revealed a mountainous region. Creatures not dissimilar to sheep roamed in a vast grassland. These animals had longer legs though, and their tails looked like that of a horse. I moved away and on to the next one. This one felt familiar. Peering through, I recognised