WE Shall Be As GODS
3rd Testament – Shadows of Me
By K.R.Columbus
Copyright 2011 K.R.Columbus
Smashwords Edition
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Antiquarian Age Books
By K.R.Columbus
(Dates and titles can change at any time)
-We Shall be as Gods Series-
1st Testament - Vestigial Dream
2nd Testament - The Weaver and the Herder
3rd Testament - Shadows of Me
4th Testament - Children of Exile
5th Testament – Beyond Destiny (January 2012)
-Sodom’s X Duology-
A Song for the End
The World Ends for You (November 2011)
-Hyper Speed Inertia Series-
Battle-Submarine Yamato
-MAGNA MAQUINA Series-
The Mall
The Greatest Machine of All
-YAKUZA RONDO Series-
KUMA/GORO
Hall of the Mountain King
-Young Adult’s Books-
-The Treasures of Shamarkand Series-
Wanderers to Shamarkand
Daughter of the Gods
Carnival of Shadows
The Mechanical Labyrinth (December 2011)
-Totemic Haven Series-
Totemic Haven
WildChild (October 2011)
WE Shall Be As GODS
3rd Testament – Shadows of Me
By K.R.Columbus
All usurpation expelled,
To her original darkness your sway
Erect the standard there of ancient Night.
Yours be th' advantage all, mine the revenge!
Paradise Lost by John Milton
Chapter 1
-Slave-
Vagrant Horizon was at its last moments and that fact could be felt as if a legion of crows were hovering over it with the promise of a feast. Both Damien and Ferdy came to terms with their ends as they saw no hope for escaping as the Asuras invaded Vagrant Horizon, but yet in one last embrace a fluttering was felt inside their hearts as they dared to see a faint possibility. Why give up? Why stop running when they both were still alive? The questions exploded in their minds as they knew that after everything they faced together death would be nothing more than another frontier, another place on which to find each other and face destiny head on. Standing up Damien offered his trembling hand to Ferdy, that in turn grasp it as they saw the dark dripping shapes of the Asuras raising from the floor all around them. As if filtered against blue and purple stained glass they ran across tunnels and places filled with screaming and echoing filled with mayhem that could be seen in the destruction all around them. The tunnel that they were using was completely made from Siabroam glass and so allowing them to see another tunnel a mile away, a tunnel ending in a huge dome. As they ran Ferdy dared to look at that tunnel and in it saw how the Asuras ravaged a group of people that were trying to escape; all in failure because within moments they were nothing more than puppets drawn into a dark dream of eternal pain and sorrow; taken into a world in which there is no hope and where light is nothing more than a memory.
“Don’t look!” Damien yelled at Ferdy as the echoing screams reached them a few minutes later, carried by the hollowed empty tunnels.
A gentle spray of tears flew away from Ferdy’s eyes as they darted away towards one of the automatic trains, on it they could see bodies littering the floor and seats; they looked so peaceful that it was as if they were sleeping. Damien looked away from their blank stares; white on white eyes, wide eyed expressions accompanied by empty breathing.
“We just have to stay running… We have to find a way to escape.” Damien said to himself as he held Ferdy close to his chest.
The lingering feel of mystery that once had permeated Vagrant Horizon’s every molecule was now replaced by something else: it was replaced by the feeling of a tomb, the feeling of something long dead slowly decaying. For the longest time they remained in that train, seeing the destruction outside in the sprawling temple like districts, seeing the dead and the dying. Trembling in terror at the sight or sound of the Asuras they realized that the conglomerate of Sidhe that was vagrant Horizon would not hold life ever again; and that idea was very sad. As seconds went by they realized what they knew from the very beginning; there was no escape.
“I…” Damien mumbled as the train stopped on a familiar station…the plaza where he had seen the strange procession and the winged statue.
He knew that the Asuras were near, Damien could feel them approaching and so with them every trace of hope was taken from them as they made their way to the plaza and stood before the statue like to frightened little children holding to each other afraid of the dark. Shadows began to gather around them, darkening the world with their sorrow.
“I’ll find you; even if I can’t, and the emptiness of the end makes me forget you, I’ll get to you Ferdy, I will find you…” Damien managed to say as he felt Ferdy’s life beginning to disappear along with his.
Ferdy looked up at where he thought Damien’s face was; blind under the influence of the Asuras that now were inches away from them. “Even if the very light of my eyes were taken from me, even then I will find you…”
The winged statue behind them began to glow slightly for a mere second as death took them with feeble crumbling arms that as they fell backwards gave away and let them fall to the floor where they never lay for they slept inside the shadow and form of their final destination. It came swiftly and with a whimper. Death.
Almost forty years went by…
The sun rises to meet the cold misty mountains that during the night have gathered snow, making the cold stone mountains look even wilder than they already are; wilderness and savage nature reigns here. Just under those mountains an immense forest spreads out into the horizon, it reaches so far that the very trees turn into a dark green haze, and the light make them falter at the farthest point. There at the foot of one of the towering mountains of grey stone lays a cave over the forest on the edge of a great cliff from where one can see the forest below.
Drums echoed piercing the morning air, they echoed from the distance.
Today is the day that all the young Bhearous have been waiting for since they came of age to listen, and learn what their place is in their tribal society. The Bhearous are a humanoid race that has much in common with a war hog and a bear, yet their limbs and form are mostly humanoid in all sense of the word. The only part that a Bhearou has that a human doesn’t have is a tail, yet they are very different: the entire body of a Bhearou is covered with a thick layer of fur, their ears resemble the ones of a bear yet some have them slightly pointy, the slimmest a Bhearou can be is heavy set bulky, and they have tusks. Since anyone can remember they have lived their lives in the wild forests and mountains of the region, and they are feared by all for their extreme violent disposition. The small villages near the forest have suffered terrible raids by Bhearou raiders. To humans the Bhearous are a race of nightmare and blight feared by all.
Near the edge of a ravine that overlooks the forest, and just next to the cave a lonely figure is seated with his legs hanging over the chasm. That person knew very well what was coming, and as he heard the far away drumming he knew that the other Bhearou tribes were drawing closer, and closer to the trial grounds. Every ten years a trial of power is held by the numerous Bhearous tribes to choose their next leaders; to allow the younglings to challenge the elders in a brutal fight for supremacy.
Gerky = [My body feels numb and cold wet with morning dew that have been placed upon me on the time of my stay, other parts of my body feel numb, but I’m used to it. As the drums approach I know the carnage that will be ensued, I already have seen it before, and it is not something I would like to participate in. Even the birds seem to be aware, for I see them leave their nests, and glide away from the canopies of the trees, and into the now pierced sky that in bright light shines blindly at the vanishing dew. To see the birds glide, and dive is a gift I’m given, and that I appreciate, but then I again; I might be stealing this moment as part of my unseen freedom.]
Hearing steps behind him Gerky turned his head slightly to the right to see just as his only friend walked out of the nearest cave, and looked at him. Gourk; Gerky’s only true friend. Gerky noticed that Gourk had a piece of dried meat on his furry hands as he approached and that in no time he sliced it in two with a rusty knife he had hidden on one of his boiled leather boots; Gourk was dressed in light leather armor, and a type of soiled loincloth.
“You are still outside… I saw you last night when I went to break water…you slept here didn’t you?” Gourk’s voice sounded sad and melancholic as he addressed his friend.
Something was troubling him because as Gourk was speaking Gerky didn’t paid much attention to his friend, instead he looked away towards the horizon, and closed his eyes as he allowed the cold wind to cares his feverish body. With sad eyes he stared at the horizon, and then hugged himself as he smelled the cold.
Gerky = [Gourk have always protected me from the other Bhearous of the tribe, he is always treating me as if I were his younger brother. The fact that I’m the weakest in the tribe doesn’t help me much with the many tasks that have been assigned to me, but Gourk helps me when he can. I’m very grateful for that. He always ends up finishing the fights I never initiated to begin with, but that I’m always pushed into by the ones that call me freak; most of the time I stay on the floor looking as he beats the living hell out of my attackers. He is the most handsome of all Bhearous, but I do know he is the strongest…in more than one way.]
While Gerky watches the birds fly in upward spiral Gourk ate his piece of meat. Closing his eyes for a Gerky faced the sun feeling its warmth, but yet, the sun couldn’t keep away the strings of memory plaguing his mind. The piece of meat that Gourk ate had been seasoned with different spices found in the forest, and was rich with flavor. Gourk chewed its last remains with delight.
Gerky = [As my friend he is always showing me his scars with pride, and even if I’m happy for him I know that all the scars I have earned are scars of shame, scars that taint my body, and maybe my spirit…they are scars for not serving my master the way he wants me to.]
Life as a slave isn’t a good one, and Gerky was born into such a life. Gerky’s master Denmch is one of the elders in the tribe, and has control over the high elders; to the point that when he was rumored to be worshiping a forbidden god no one dared to confront him. As far as anyone knows he still does.
Gerky = [Been here I’m grateful that Gourk is by my side, he always finds the time to be with me even when he can’t. I have learned from him many things: including how to catch fish in the river, and how to identify the good herbs in the forest floor, or where to find the best fern rabbits I like so much. Gourk has been looking forward to the day of the trial for some time now, I have seen him training hard to be the victor, and have some power as a leader in the tribe. Last night my master got mad at me, he came upon me in rage with a club and I couldn’t do a thing…. I want to tell Gourk, and put my mind at ease, but I can’t, I can see the worry in his eyes; I die each time I see him worry for me.]
“You look pale Gerky…too pale. I know you are pale by nature, but I have never seen you like this, here take this, and eat it. I know it will make you feel better.” With care Gourk offered the other slice of dried meat.
A gust of wind went by when Gerky opened his eyes, and moved his head to look up at his friend that with blunt care offered the food so willingly. Managing to show a faint smile Gerky tried to do something else, but he could not…if anyone were to look at him from the distance would have seen blood dripping towards the forest below from the ledge of rock he was seated on.
“Come on, take it, I know you like it…it is smoked fern rabbit.” Gourk opened his mouth, and showed Gerky the chewed meat he was eating as a sign that it was good.
Gerky = [I’m covered with some animal hides, but I’m still cold; I don’t have as much fur as the rest of the tribe members. Gourk is dressed in leather armor; one of the many items taken from the many raids to the human villages. I have never been sent to one of the raids because my master doesn’t allow it, but as things go Gourk told me that I would probably go berserk by just seeing the things that are done on the raids. I’m a half breed; I’m the fruit of the union of a Bhearou, and a human female and as I am I have never harmed anyone or any living creature yet the wild black blood runs inside my veins. I was born with many flaws and attributes of both sides…but mostly they make me weak. Gourk is the youngest in his family, and the only one left of his fourteen brothers, and sisters and as I look at Gourk for a few seconds I know that he isn’t like the others; he can actually understand the way I feel.]
Gourk takes the meat, and keeps it in his hand as he stands just a few passes away from Gerky, and in despair looks as Gerky falls sideways almost falling to the forest below. At once Gourk fell to his knees to see what was happening to his friend. With a trembling hand Gourk removed the hides from Gerky’s body, they felt sticky and stuck to his body; at once he noticed that his torso and back were full of scars; black blood was dripping from Gerky’s arms as he took him. Taking Gerky in his arms he took him inside the cave where the other young Bhearou were preparing everything in order to go down to the trial grounds. This cave is one of thousands of caves, and caverns that eat up the mountains of this region, and still there are hundreds that stay undiscovered behind vines or trees covered in dripping moss, and fern. The cavern is composed of many chambers united by a series of paths, and walkways holding the families, and the many leaders that rule the tribe.
The trial is made in order to maintain a balance of power between the Bhearou, and their hundreds of intertwined families. What many don’t know is that it is a way to keep the numbers of Bhearou down, after all a Bhearou female can have four babies in each heat season. Anyone can challenge a leader to take his place, but there is a price to be paid, the losers end up being slaves to the victors, and in the case of an elder the looser is sacrificed in a bloody ritual to the purge gods.
“Hold on Gerky…please.” Gourk whispered as he blew some air into his friend’s face.
No one in the tribe knows the whereabouts of Gerky’s parents, except for Denmch and the grand elder himself, but since Gerky is a slave his past is kept a secret. Denmch took Gerky as a slave when he was barely a few years old; he learned to walk with a harsh goad since he was a child. No body in the tribe seemed to care about what Denmch did with the boy as long as he wasn’t around; they despised his almost human face. The fact that Gerky haven’t spoken a word in his whole life makes him even more vulnerable since he can’t tell what happens during the night when the torches and the fires allow the darkness to reign supreme. Gerky only watches in silence as things happen to him; for he is a mute. But at least Gourk seems to understand him a bit; sometimes Gourk wonders where Gerky goes when he has that far away look in his eyes, and what he is thinking or what is going on inside his mind while he is hearing him. On the nights the tribe is making some sort of celebration he just stays outside looking at the moon, almost as if he were waiting for something to happen or as if he were waiting for someone.
Once I woke in the middle of the night, something had woken me from a deep sleep; it was the sound of crying. Since I couldn’t sleep I went outside, and there I saw him for the first time, barely ten, and crying without tears while looking at his bloody hands; he was naked. All he was wearing was a piece of bloodied leather covering his private parts. For I can remember he was hiding behind a rock formation, hiding from everyone and so full of fear. I could not forget that stare he gave me that day, and so I sobbed with him, I did the forbidden, and cried like the females do when they have pain. I just could not hold it. On the moment young Gerky saw my tears he calmed himself, and then looked at me silently with a vague smile.
From that moment on Gourk disappeared into the forest for a few days, and when he came back he arrived with a rustic hide loincloth, and a leather vest for Gerky to cover himself. Gerky took the clothing with happiness, and that night paid the price for it in front of his master, but forgetting the pain after he was glad for the clothing. Gourk have always known what Denmch was doing, but he couldn’t do anything about it; he doesn’t have any power to do so.
When Gourk was getting close to the main chamber he saw that everybody was already gone except for Dench; Denmch’s son, a Bhearou about the same age as Gourk. When Gourk entered the main chamber a big Bhearou with a pigtail raised from the floor to meet him.
“Still not ready Gourk? What are you doing? ... Baby sitting!” Dench grunted looking at Gerky with rage in his dark eyes.
“Stop it Dench! Can’t you see he is dying, help me take care of his wounds while we can, or summon the healer.” Gourk gave the other Bhearou a fierce glance while he talked.
Dench stood still for a few seconds looking at Gerky. “He is not worth ten years of training Gourk; not even a single minute of it. Hells not even my seed.” Dench grunted.
Looking at Gerky, and then at Dench Gourk snapped. “He haven't done anything to you Dench, he is just your father’s toy.” Gourk whispered.
“Stay alive is what he have done Gourk, let him die outside where he belongs, and come with me...just forget about him!” Dench shouted while spiting on Gerky’s face.
“At least summon the healer Dench; I will stay with him while you go. Can you do that for me?” Gourk asked Dench while he felt Gerky getting colder.
“You have gotten weak Gourk! But I will send some body to help you with your problem.” Dench shouted while he walked away towards the outside of the cave.
Gourk walked with Gerky in his arms, walking down many passage ways, and hidden caverns full of streams, and moss, until he reached his own secret cave; the place he had chosen to be his home. It is a circular chamber with a high ceiling with an opening at the top that closely resembles a crooked crescent moon covered with moss and vines, from that opening the sun can be seeing filtering inside the cave, and in the center of the room a gentle spring stream is born out of the rocks. On hot days they spend a lot of time together in this place enjoying the coolness of the place and the fresh water from the spring; on the far side where the water disappears into the rock stands a pool deep enough to bathe.
“You will be all right Gerky, hold on.” Gourk whispered in Gerky’s ear.
Gerky = [I cannot remember much since I passed out, but I do remembered Gourk’s voice. I just felt a deep coldness taking over, but I remember him calling me back, opening my eyes for a few seconds I saw him seating by my side watching my slumber. I feel so guilty about it; he must have missed the opportunity to participate on the trial this year and all because of me. My master will kill me if I don’t come to him tonight. And maybe Gourk will be punished for helping me. I’m so scared, what can I do to help? Gourk is so good to me, while everyone is fighting each other like animals. My master tells me every night that what he does to me is a way to say that he loves me, but if I try to run he just beats me until I can’t move anymore. Sometimes I just wander in my mind and try to forget everything except Gourk that most of the time is with me. I dream of weird creatures, and far away places that I have heard about in stories, and tales. Once Gourk told me that he was going to be an adventurer someday, and travel around the world to end up the rivalry between the races. But then the council said to him that he was just a fancy dreamer. I think his dream is beautiful, and maybe more stories about far away places, and strange people will be born out of that dream.]
Gourk stood aside Gerky all day watching over him, and taking care of his wounds. The only thing Gourk could hear was the steady echo of an eventual falling rock on the cave floor or the frequent sound of the bats that crowd these caves, and caverns, and all mixed with the constant melody of the stream or the melted snow that drifts from the opening in the ceiling. When Gerky had a little strength to wake up he slowly opened his eyes to find that Gourk had fallen asleep at his side, taking good care of him.
Gerky = [He stood by my side all day long, guess I better go before my master comes looking for me, and I bring more problems to Gourk. That’s the last thing I want now.]
Standing up Gerky noticed that all his body still aches terrible; he fell to the floor, making a loud noise that woke Gourk up from his sleep. While Gourk woke up Gerky sat down looking at him attentively.
“Denmch went too far this time; he will kill you if he keeps up like this. Damn him.” Gourk cursed in a quiet, but firm voice while all that Gerky could do while Gourk talks is look at him in silence trying to show his feelings in his eyes.
A deep ruthless voice was heard echoing in the cavern. “So Gerky, you have been here all day long doing nothing!”
Gerky = [Master]
“Tonight I got work for you Gerky; we got visitors.” He walked near Gerky as Gourk looked at Denmch with raging eyes.
Gerky tried to run away, but he is too weak to stand up. “Ah, you don't want to go. Take him!” Denmch ordered a group of private guards he had.
“Let him be Denmch, don't you see he is too weak to move.” Gourk said to Denmch while he rose from the floor to meet Gerky’s master.
“You don't have the right or the power to tell me what to do Gourk fallen son. If you get involved you are bound to get hurt…for this is beyond your comprehension.” Denmch spat vile at Gourk.
The two guards took Gerky by his arms, making his wound flow with black blood. Gourk could almost feel the pain that Gerky was feeling. Instead of crying the only thing Gerky could do was look at Gourk in his eyes. Gourk knew that Gerky wasn't all right. The way Gerky looked at him was breaking his soul. In one way or another Gourk had to help him no matter what problems it will bring later.
“Let him go Denmch!” Gourk shouted while he dashed towards the guards that were holding Gerky.
“Fool!” Dench Whispered from behind him while hitting him with a metal rod on the head.
“Take him to my chambers, and hurry up.” Denmch ordered while he passes his hand on Gerky's hair, and face.
Gerky tried to look at Gourk, but he didn't have the chance, because he was already being taken to Denmch’s cave. That night the stars were in their entire splendor against the beauty of outer space. Gazing at the stars Gerky remembered with pain his friend Gourk wondering about his safety.
Gerky = [I still remember the first time I noticed the stars, the heavens were full of them, just like tonight; only difference I was with Gour...]
After Gerky fainted out of pain he was taken to the other side of the mountain where Denmch lives alone, away from all the other Bhearous, away from suspicions eyes, and so making it a place where no one can hear Gerky scream.
Gerky!!! Please don’t take Gerky away! Can’t you see that he is suffering!? As I blacked out I was swallowed deeper and deeper into my mind. How long did I staid there? I don’t know, but I found myself in a landscape made completely out of white ash, in that dream I could feel death, and a presence bigger than me…it is a feeling I have felt before in battle. It is the presence of our carrion eating god…the god of the fallen. The white landscape makes my head feel dizzy and hazy as a drift of ash flies towards the darkened sky as a gigantic carrion eating bird takes off from within the ashes.
Gourk had never felt in such a way, when it is raining, and the drops are falling along the blood that is being spilled by him he came to feel a close feeling; yet it is far from it. Looking towards the ash filled sky he sees the stars, and at once sees them all vanish into darkness as his breath becomes ragged, and faint under an unseen power.
There I saw it, feeding upon a pool of blood surrounded by ash, it is the symbol of the god of the fallen…a carrion bird feeding upon the blood of the wicked. How many times have I called upon that god? Now I barely can breathe against its foul and putrid breath.
With its long beak it tears what seems to be a string of putrid flesh from within the bloody pool, and then moves its rotten eyes towards Gourk as if noticing that he is watching. The left eye is half eaten by maggots while the other oozes putrid ooze into the pool below.
“Who are you that have come before me?” The bird hisses in gurgled fury at his visitor.
“My name is Gourk, and I have called upon you many times before in battle, I’m sorry for disturbing you, but not even I know what I’m doing here.”
The creature laughs. “A devote follower? Do you know that pray upon me is to call for a violent end?”
“So I was told great one…but that it’s our way.”
“I see you are not afraid of me, and I can see the way you are going to die…want to know?” The bird laughed.
“Leave it to the fates great one…I must return, a friend of mine has been taken, and I fear for his life.”
“The one called Gerky? He has called upon me believe it or not; once he asked if there is a way to quench my thirst for blood.”
“Is he marked like me?” Gourk asked in fear for his friend.
“He is not marked by the rules of our world young one, but his road will bring me much pleasure. His destiny is bound to your mark Gourk, do you know that?”
“I’m coming to understand it minute after minute fallen one; I have seen that his fate is bound to mine in some way.” Gourk whispered.
“Then come, and see what is happening to your friend Gourk, but know, that what will happen is necessary to build his character, it is something that he will have to embrace sooner or later, for I feel the shadows gathering.”
Getting nearer to the foul creature that has its feathers filled with blood in such a way that they look black, he comes to understand that he must look upon the blood pool, and see beyond the putrid blood, and into the realms of truth.
“What will I see fallen one?”
“You will see what will draw you to your fate…” The creature laughed as Gourk got nearer, and gazed upon the pool.
Gourk dreamed a dream within a dream, and he saw that it was a dream he could not stop or change even if he so had willed it.
Gerky was taken before some Bhearous that watched him with eyes clouded by lust, being striped off his only clothes he was left on the cold floor of the cave while the pain of his wounds ached deep inside of him bringing fear, and sorrow into all of his being. Sorrow was what Gourk saw on Gerky’s face as the other Bhearou came closer, and closer. Not having any power to stop them Gerky fell biting, and kicking at them in pain while in his mind he wandered anywhere away from that place.
In despair Gourk watched in his dream as those hands took Gerky as he tried to run away. Yelling on top of his lungs Gourk watched as his friend was being taken. But he was powerless to stop it. Happening for so many years, and still he didn't do anything to stop it. Gerky’s eyes were full of tears as he yelled trying to stop the warm mass of flesh that burned his body leaving marks in his soul. Gourk have never seen or noticed the pain that his friend was living. Tears fell from his eyes as he saw Gerky yell in pain, and still it was too late to save Gerky from his attackers. The moans of pleasure from the Bhearous that mixed with the cries of pain, and shame from Gerky made him almost go crazy trying to fight the unholy demons of his own mind. The vision continued face after face even after Gerky had long since passed out. After an eternity of suffering a vision of a young Gerky being raped by Denmch came to his dreams. While trying to stop the vision he hit his head thinking that he had known for so long, and still he didn't do anything to stop it.
After helping him finish his tasks he always looked at me with those eyes while he waved goodbye, and I never noticed why he was so weak to work everyday or all the marks in his body when he used to bathe in the river with me. Still I called him stupid, and scolded him for not fighting, but the only answers I ever had from him were a warm stare, and at times a smile. Some times at night I hear him while he cleans himself in the river, or trying to get the blood out of his already bloody clothes. I have always shared my meals with him, but sometimes I worked all day. On those days I don't know how he managed to eat something. I don't know how, but I got to help him, I got to find a way out...
When Gourk woke up, and stood up from the floor the sun was about to rise, he had slept the whole night without noticing. Running with all his strength Gourk passed near the trial grounds where the sounds of the carnage remembered him of the dream he had last night. For a moment he cursed at his own nature, and then tried to relax by gazing at the stars, he remembered a certain night a few years ago it was the first time he met Gerky. After minutes of running Gourk arrived at the main chamber where Denmch had taken Gerky, opening the iron door that gave way into the chamber Gourk saw Gerky on the middle of the room. All around him he could see all the Bhearous from his dream, all of them sleeping naked like animals. Gourk moved with care till he reached Gerky that was trembling, and full of blood. Taking some rags that had been covering an old statue that resembles a winged creature with a scythe he covered his friend’s naked body with care not to hurt him further. Gourk notices the deep wounds caused by the Bhearous, and for the longest time he desires to kill them all right there. His dream had been real, more real than he could possibly imagine.
“I will take you out of here Gerky… hold on to me.” Gourk whispered to Gerky that was breathing heavily.
Helping Gerky stand on his feet Gourk walked pass the sleeping Bhearous, and into the open air where they could see the forest beyond, looking magical in the morning mist.
At last Gerky is free from Denmch, and I will not allow him to touch him anymore; leaving is the only way out.
After walking for hours Gerky and Gourk ended up in front of a great tree, the dead tree that marks the end of the Bhearou territory near the mountains, and indicates the beginning of the deep forest. Gourk doesn’t want to get any of the traditional routes so he has been guiding Gerky towards the forbidden part of the forest that is now called Shallow stone. The day has been very cold for Gerky that is only wearing some rags, but Gourk doesn’t have anything else to offer him at the moment.
“Gerky we will stop here to rest for a while.” Gourk said after sitting on a rock.
Gerky = [I watch my surroundings with joy; the beauty of the forest makes me wonder about many things. I still remember when I bathed my self in the river with Gourk, and the day we went fishing. That same day he gave me my first real set of clothing, I was so happy. I could not tell if he was making fun of me or not when it happened, and I was too scared to take it, of course after that he made me dump my old clothes, and forced me to take the ones he made for me. My master got mad that night, but I really didn't care about it, I was too happy.]
Gourk stood up, and walked towards Gerky and kneeled before him. “I will never leave you alone like before, I will protect you.” Gourk said.
Gerky stood looking at his friend deep in the eyes and then hugged him as Gourk stood. After a few seconds Gerky raised his head in surprise towards the sky, looking in all directions. They haven’t noticed until now because of the trees, but the sky was turning darker with every passing minute until all of the sudden the sky got all black with drifting clouds, and lightning. They could hear thunder in the far distance.
“The weather won’t be forgiving, not even in this moment.” Gourk said looking at the branches of the trees sway.
The first drops of rain began to fall on them with fury; they knew that they must cover much ground before nightfall, and the hidden creatures of the forest awake to see the night lights. Even if he was not aware of it all of the time he had been clinging to Gourk as if he were his only salvation in an endless world of trees that seem to sway and swing with the wind.
“Lets go Gerky, I fear Denmch has sent scouts to find you. He is not stopping until he gets his hands on you.” Gourk explained as Gerky stares in silence at his now claustrophobic surroundings.
Gerky = [I have always liked the sound of the rain, but today it seems as if the trees are plotting something against us. I don't see the birds anymore; it is as if the sun has been kidnapped by the dark. Looking towards the canopy of the trees I notice that the wind makes the tree tops dance like a drunken Bhearou, making many of the branches fall to the forest floor below. The wind howls with such fury that a constant rain of leaves floats, and glides like the last flight of a fallen angel that dared to touch its creator. Something is happening; I can hear it in the wind, and all around us, is almost like a whisper of someone watching, and among it other things that stare. I guess something is not right; Gourk has been rather silent since we last stopped. The night is falling slowly over the horizon, making the forest gloomier than it already is.]
I must not show my fear to Gerky. They have been following us since we left; they are just waiting for the proper time to attack. I can feel them watching in the shadows as they taste our fear, and so growing stronger. They can smell the blood on Gerky’s clothes making them more powerful, and eager to draw blood; the god of the fallen must be laughing at us at this moment. From their smell I can tell that these Bhearous are the same from Denmch place; giving me more reason to protect Gerky.
Hours later Gourk noticed that they have walked into the ruins of an attacked gypsy caravan. He knew about this place from his hunting days, and he knows that this is a good place to hide. All around them they could see the vestiges of a great battle that happened here some years ago; a battle for desperate survival. Littered around the clearing of the forest Gerky could see the bones of the gypsies that once roamed the world in this ruined caravan. The bones of little children holding close to their mothers as the murderous attack took place, and the bones of their fathers trying to protect them from danger. In the now vanishing rain the caravan looks almost magical accompanied with a gentle lullaby of unevenly falling drops of water being taken by the many mud pools reflecting the vagrant clouds. They can almost hear the whispers of thousands of lost tales that will be forgotten in the depths of time, and all by a single attack. Without much ado Gourk noticed that this attack had been made by the Bhearous of his tribe, he knows the pattern of attack. Walking around the caravan Gerky saw some paintings on an old wagon, holding closer to the rags that cover his naked body he wonders what the painting means. Gourk in the other hand is scouting the area for food, and firewood.
“We can stay here for tonight Gerky; Bhearou warriors are very superstitious they will not attack while we stay on this graveyard.” Gourk speaks as he prepares the food.
Normally a Bhearou is very superstitious but Gourk knew better, he knew how to read and was more intelligent than most in his tribe so such things didn’t work on him. After eating a meal consisting of mushrooms, roasted fern rabbit, and a little wine Gourk found on a wagon Gerky went back to see the paintings on the side of the wagon. This time the paintings began to look different almost as if they have some kind of magical incantation cast upon them, Gerky has heard about magic, but he had never seen it at work, and this moment became golden for him.
Gerky = [The paintings show images of places: oceans, far away mountain, burning fields, quarries filled with precious stones, and places that seem to be made out of clouds…the thing is that each image has its own light, a type of light that filters from behind or from within the canvas. Such a beautiful golden light that makes the pictures move as if they were alive and affected by the elements.]
On the canvas a picture appeared that drew his attention, it was a highway made entirely of crystal glass…such shimmering crystals that they seem to take out the brilliance of the night sky. Trying to reach out to touch that beautiful place Gerky touched the fabric that from old age, and bad condition crumbled into dust under his touch. Tears almost fell from his eyes in that moment, but knowing that he had never seen his own tears in his life he just was taken by what he found behind the canvas. Inside of the wagon Gerky found the bones of a gipsy that was different from the others, this one is way bigger than the others were, and his jaw was bigger, and he has prominent teeth like Gerky. Looking closer Gerky saw something shining on the hands of the gipsy, a shiny scythe poised for battle, and a glove with a single red jewel in its center…his right hand had been cut off.
Gerky = [A hiding glove…the elder has one of this; it can hide items when I’m not using them. I don’t know if I should take it, but I know he won’t need it anymore. Who knows what he was doing when all of this happened…the glove, or should I say the gauntlet has a crest marked on its palm. It is the image of a raven, and a dove together in the same nest… It is beautiful.]
Before he was killed this gipsy was trying to protect something in the wagon. After searching the wagon Gerky found a bag full of scrolls, a bag for carrying a baby, and some paintings. Gerky wondered why this half-Bhearou like him was protecting this bag full of scrolls, and paintings, right there he imagined the life as a gypsy; always free, and wild like the stars. He never had seen some one like himself, a half-Bhearou, but in front of him there it was. How many questions he would have asked to that stranger, but then again how could he. Touching the skull of the skeleton Gerky pictured the stranger before him, while he asked himself many questions. Then he asked permission to the gipsy so he could take his belongings. Taking off the rags he was wearing he noticed the pain he still had from last night. His body was still full of dry blood, and fresh blood flowed out of his wounds as he touched them. Some of that dry blood was his, the other from his attackers. Finding a bucked of rainwater was easy for him because of the storm, and all of the water it had left behind. Then he started cleaning the dry blood off his wounds. Gourk who was sleeping woke up in terror to find Gerky cleaning the dry blood out of his wounds. When Gerky noticed Gourk he tried to hide his wounds in shame.
“Don't worry Gerky he will not touch you ever again.” Gourk said while he helped Gerky tend the wounds, and cleanse the blood.
“You will heal soon. If scars are left they won’t be any scar of shame, but scars of hope; after all you escaped him. You are free now.” Gourk said pouring some fresh water over Gerky’s face.
He helped by adding some medicine he had made with some healing herbs. After tending the wounds Gourk helped him get dressed with some of the clothes the gypsy had in a leather bag: a black shirt, a dark brown padded hide armor vest, black leather pants, leather boots, a heavy cloak and a single, but shiny triangular shoulder shield.
“It really suits you, is like if those were made especially for you.” With surprise he looked at Gerky completely dressed.
“When you gain your strength again you can use that scythe as a weapon, and when you are not using it you can save it in the glove you found…I don’t remember very well, but you are supposed to will it with all your might to call items from it. That can be good when one is carrying heavy stuff.” Gourk said while he helped Gerky equip the shield on his right shoulder.
“Well let’s try to get some sleep now, you need it.” Gourk said softly with a yawn.
They lay down next to the fire watching the stars wondering what their future holds, dreaming of a better tomorrow, and never knowing what a new day will bring. Gerky looked at the mysterious scrolls in wonder as he rests his head on Gourk’s belly, for the first time in his life he feels happy at night, and begins dreaming of traveling with the gypsies to faraway lands. Living Without any fear of any master, knowing that Gourk really loves, and cares for him, and only having one limit; the horizon.
Gerky = [The next day as we walk away from the caravan, I wonder, what could have attacked the gypsies with such fury that not even the children survived, looking among the scrolls, and paintings last night I found a journal full of maps, and drawings. I must find someone who can read these documents, they must be very important. The other day while we were walking I was looking at Gourk's body, to see if I could find the ways we are different. Once Gourk told me that my physical form was more human than it was Bhearou, being one of the reasons why Denmch treated me the way he did. I don't really see that many differences between Gourk and me, except that he is stronger, have more fur and bigger teeth. Sometimes I wonder if he is happy being my friend, I really haven't done much for him while he is always helping me do everything. One day he told me that the only differences between a human and I were the facts that I’m bigger, and bulkier than most humans are. I still feel a deep sorrow deep inside me, I would like to express my feelings to Gourk, and speak back when he talks to me. Gourk has been strange since we left the caravan this morning, I would really like to ask him if he is all right.]
That day they walked many miles of forest, never looking back towards the towering mountains. That night while they were camping Gourk talked with Gerky while they shared some food, he had some things he has to say.
“You know, I’m always asking myself what you would like to say when I talk to you. Or things you would like to say about yourself…things I can only imagine.” Gourk said that while he looked at Gerky play with a piece of leather from Gourk's own boots.
“If some day we were to get separated in any way, no matter what you must promise me that you will go on, and find some friends, and go on with your life.” Gerky looked at Gourk when he said that staying in silence.
Sleeping like a child, Gourk didn't notice that Gerky was watching him as he slept…trying to be the guardian angel that he couldn’t be. With care he crawls nearer, and lay down next to his friend, letting his back touch his as he looked at the fire.
Gerky = [He never has problems to fall asleep; I wonder what is he dreaming about. Maybe he is dreaming of being far away from the tribe, to make his dreams come true. I will keep up my promise to him, but I don't see it necessary. I really never imagined that Gourk would run away from the tribe, and especially for me. Gourk told me that we will go to a next town so we can exchange some spices we found in the forest for food, and supplies. Later on we will go to a tavern to eat real food; I don't seem to understand him because I see any kind of food as very real. And he talked for hours that he would take me into a healer to heal me, and see what is wrong with me because I can’t talk. It’s so good being far away from Denmch; I don't have to worry about him anymore. Tonight the stars are very beautiful, there are so many. I better get some sleep]
The sound of Bhearous yelling and laughing woke Gourk in the middle of the night. At first all he saw was a little spark as metal rushed against stone, and then against steal, with every spark he could see Gerky trying to fight off Dench. All around him the Bhearous from Denmch place were laughing at Gerky that was trying to defend himself with the scythe, trying to keep Dench away.
“You are so stupid Gerky; you don't seem to learn that my father wants you back. And what do you think you can do with this farm toy.” Dench yelled at Gerky while he took Gerky's scythe with no problem.
Gourk tried to rise to help his friend, but it was too late, he was surrounded, but he still had his short sword. Noticing Gourk’s feelings toward Gerky Dench kicked the scythe away and took Gerky by the neck. Looking into Gerky’s eyes Dench smiled grimly, and then looked at Gourk.
“Isn't he cute, not like us big, and ugly Bhearous? He's so quiet don't you think Gourk?” Dench said to Gourk, later kissing Gerky that was already in despair when Dench finished.
Gourk tried to get loose, but it was useless, he was being held by two huge Bhearous, and he could feel their steel again his neck…his rage was such that he was pressing the blades of his enemies against his own flesh drawing blood.
“We could do anything we want with him right now, and no one would know about it. Let’s ask Gerky if he is going to tell anyone. Are you?” Dench growled in Gerky’s left ear.
“Let him go I will go in his place as you father’s slave!” Gourk yelled almost in tears while Dench looked at him for a while, then he laughed.
“I don't deal with dead men.” Dench whispered with a grim smile.
“We are going to have some fun with Gerky before we kill you, want to see?” whispered Dench while throwing Gerky to the floor. “I mean, we can hit him, we can beat him…and guess what? He won’t say a word.” He laughed making some crows fly from the trees above.
I can’t let them do this again. I have done nothing to stop it before; I can't stay in the shadows anymore... I must help Gerky!
Gerky fell to the floor in terror, watching the Bhearous laughs, and howl like animals as Dench got closer and closer with his fists poised. Whit a single move Gourk rose from the floor slipping his sword out of his scabbard, killing any Bhearou that came his way. Gerky watched in Silence as Gourk made his way killing any Bhearou that stood on his path. The Shadows of the night gave Gerky a weird feeling as he remembered that in a night like this one he had met Gourk. All around all Gerky could see was sword flashes and blood. Dench was cut in half by Gourk's sword, making a splash of blood in the forest floor. Gourk helped Gerky rise to his feet.
“I said I would protect you.” Gourk whispered with his eyes full of tears.
“Let me give you your scythe.” Gourk said while he lowered to get the weapon from the floor.
Gerky = [Gourk behind you!]
Gerky watched in terror as a throwing axe came out of the darkness at the same moment that Gourk raised his torso…it pierced his back until half of it was sticking out on the other side.
“I’m sorry Gerky, I could not protect you.” Gourk gasped as the axe hit him on the back, making the moment stand still.
Everlasting…
Gourk saw Gerky’s eyes full of unseen tears as he fell to the forest floor. Gerky watched in silence knowing that he could not tell him about the attack, he just stood in silence as things happened.
Gerky = [When we first meet, the sky was so full of stars. I still can remember it as if it were today...Gourk.
As Gourk fell to the floor of the forest Gerky’s world came to a sudden halt, the sorrow of the whole world could not tell the boundaries of pain taken into a still space at the same time. Falling to his knees Gerky watched in sorrow as his only friend was being taken to kiss the cold lips of dead, carried by the sleepless hands of the reaper. Gerky saw in disbelief as Gourk went colder, watching as his friend’s eyes wandered into the far realms of the fallen beyond the will of fate. Gerky breathed heavily, his eyes fixed in Gourk’s dead body. Touching Gourk’s blood Gerky felt as if the darkness of the night were embracing him, feeling one with the stars in the sky, and with the void itself. All his senses were taken by the sudden urge to cry, but no tears ran out of his eyes, and as Gerky gave himself to the nothingness a ray of light came from the heavens, and fell over Gerky. The night stood still in silence as if a great void was cast over the place, only the echoes of the Bhearous movement could be heard as if time had stopped, and all had been muted. Taking the scythe from the floor Gerky raised from his knees as tears of blood fell from his eyes, and there standing in the middle of the forest among the Bhearous that killed his mate Gerky raised his head showing the world his very first tears; tears of blood that run down slowly as the night went by. As Gerky slowly opened his eyes the Bhearous watched in terror as his eyes were shown to the world, red like the sunset, and alive as fire. The Bhearous cries of terror drowned them into dark insanity and so killing each other like animals as they cried for forgiveness, for a sin much too great for their little minds to understand. Watching in agony as the Bhearous killed each other wings of light came from his back blowing into millions of pieces all evil whiting their hearths. As the light disappeared Gerky fell to the floor plunging the forest into darkness, hearing the creatures of the forest whisper in silence their sad song to the night. Taken by those wings of dark light Gerky was taken while unconscious towards the sky and out of the dark forest until his face was crowned by the light of the six moons that grace the atmosphere. As if an unseen chorus singing in tongues, the wind howled wildly around Gerky as in the distance a storm could be seen piercing with lighting the towering mountains. Hanging there for a long time he was graced by silence, and peace until the blood that had poured from his eyes became solidified, and the wings on his back disappeared. Falling to the forest below him he felt as nothingness took him into the depths of his mind; there he dreamed.