The Sword of Truth

“What did he look like?” Lee asked.

“It’s impossible to describe,” she answered. “Not like a man, but not unlike one, either. Even now, all I can remember is the sheer beauty of his presence. He took me in his arms and loved me. I could not help myself. It was as if a spell was cast over me. Once in Saraf’s embrace, I didn’t care about anything else-not even your father.

“He left me on the shore, and I watched as he faded into the ocean. It wasn’t until he had gone that the realization of what had happened set in. I was wracked with guilt and self-hatred. I had betrayed the man I loved, and I could not live with it. I knew I had to tell him, but I was afraid he wouldn’t believe me. I sat on the beach and cried for hours.

“The sun had already gone down when your father found me. I told him what had happened and begged for his forgiveness. He said that a water spirit had warned him that Saraf would come to me that very day. He said the spirit was a vile thing, and that it told him he should kill me for such a betrayal.

“I told him that the spirit was right, and he should do just as it said. But instead, your father looked at me tenderly and held me close. He said he didn’t blame me, that fault was with Saraf.

“I wanted him to blame me, though. I wanted to be punished for what I had done, and after a time I grew resentful of your father’s forgiveness. I hated myself and wanted him to hate me too.

“Then, I found out I was with child.

“I remember the look on his face when I told him. Both of us knew who the father was, but he told me it didn’t matter, that he would love you all the same. I should have been grateful, but I wasn’t. I was angry-angry at him, angry at myself, and angry at Saraf.

“I know you must have thought I didn’t love you or your father, but that isn’t true. All I could think about, once you were born, was what the Oracle had told me. It was coming true, and I knew what would happen next.

“The day your father died, Saraf returned to me. I was outside gathering wood when I heard a voice call my name. I looked up, and there he was. This time he appeared as a shimmering light, but his voice was sad and full of remorse. He knew my husband was dead, and he told me he was sorry. “I stared at him in disbelief. I screamed at him, calling him a liar.

“He moved closer and told me it was the spirits of the water that caused my husband’s boat to sink. They were jealous that Saraf had loved me. When they failed to convince my husband to kill me, Saraf had hoped they would let go of their envy and move on. Instead, they waited. They waited until they thought Saraf had forgotten, and then they struck. They knew that an attempt on my life would be more than he could forgive, so instead, they took my husband. They knew it would hurt Saraf to see me in pain.

“I couldn’t believe it. I wept, unable to understand why the spirits would do such a thing.

“Saraf told me that the spirits could not bear to share his love with another; they wanted it all to themselves. He told me again that he was sorry. He tried to stop them, but he was too late. By the time he realized what they had done, it was over.

“I ran at him then, intent on killing him, but I passed through him as if he wasn’t there. I told him he knew nothing of love, cursing him as I fell to the ground, weeping. Saraf vanished and I never saw him again.

“It was then I knew what I would have to do. I returned to the temple and made sure we were sent north. When Lord Dauvis took you in, I fled and eventually found this place. At the time, it was a place of retirement for the Order of Amon Dahl. I told them my story and they allowed me to join the order and remain. When the Dark Knight destroyed the original Valshara, we reformed the Order from here. I sent people to Hazrah to keep an eye on you, but I was afraid to make contact out of fear of the Oracle’s words. I would not see you die because of my own foolishness. I’m sorry I was not there for you, Lee. I’m sorry that I caused you pain. I never wanted this, I swear.”

Selena’s eyes welled with tears as she gazed into her son’s eyes. Lee stood and walked around the desk. “For years I was angry with you,” he said, his voice trembling with emotion. “But I see now why you did what you did.”

“Can you forgive me?” she asked, rising to her feet.

“Mother,” Lee said tenderly. “I am alive because of your sacrifice. There is nothing to forgive.” He reached out and embraced her tightly, and they both wept joyful tears.

Chapter 33

Lee and Selena talked for hours, catching up on years of lost time. They stopped only when Lee noticed the fatigue in his mother’s eyes.

“We can speak more tomorrow,” he said. “You need rest.”

“I know there are important things we need to discuss,” she said, embracing him again. “But I’ve wanted to just sit and talk with you for so long. I’m afraid I’ll wake up and this will be a dream.”

“I’ll be here when you wake up,” he promised. “And there’s time enough to discuss everything. For now, I just want you to sleep and regain your strength.”

He left his mother and made his way back to the healing chamber, where he found Kaylia, sitting in a chair next to Gewey’s bed and holding his hand. Her eyes were shut, and she swayed back and forth slowly. Gewey’s face was still pale and covered in bruises. Bandages had been wrapped over nearly his entire body. Lee marveled at the fact that he was alive at all. He had seen many wounded men, but never anyone who had taken this much punishment and still drew breath. He placed his hands on Kaylia’s shoulders.

“How is he?” he asked quietly.

Kaylia gradually opened her eyes. “He is lost. The healer was right; he is in a place no mortal has been. I can hear him, but it’s like trying to hear a voice in a storm.”

“Do you think he knows you’re here?”

“I don’t know,” she replied somberly. “But I am the only one that has a chance to bring him back. I sense his struggle, but I can’t see what he struggles against.”

“Perhaps you should rest,” Lee suggested. “You can try again later.”

“I swore to never let him fight alone again,” Kaylia said, her resolve absolute. “Whatever the danger he faces now, I will face as well. I will not leave his side.”

Lee heaved a sigh. “At least let me get you some food.”

Kaylia nodded reluctantly.

“I’ll return shortly,” he said, and went to look for the kitchen.

On his way, he ran across Ezmerial, who was on her way back from one of the dining halls.

“This place is wonderful,” she said. “They’ve offered to let me stay for a while and study their healing techniques. I’m so grateful that I came with you-not that Kaylia gave me much choice in the matter. But still, I must remember to thank her.”

She reached in her pocket and pulled out the four gold coins Lee had given her.

“I wouldn’t feel right keeping this. I had planned to give it to the temple, but as I won’t be returning for some time…”

Lee shook his head. “Keep it. When you do return, use it to buy what you need to teach others what you have learned here.”

Ezmerial bowed, then kissed him lightly on the cheek. “You’re a good man, Lee Starfinder. May the Gods keep you safe.” Lee watched as she walked away, humming happily.

When Lee found the kitchen, he had the cook prepare a plate of roast beef and corn for Kaylia. The cook took one look at Lee and insisted that he take a plate for himself as well. Lee hadn’t realized how hungry he was until that moment.

“One of these wouldn’t be for that lovely elf woman, would it?” asked the cook.

Lee nodded.

“Then you eat this in the dining hall, while I cook up something special for your friend,” she said, handing him a plate. “The moment I heard there was an elf here, I got out my old recipe book and found an authentic elf dish. I’ve been waiting for an excuse to use it. Please, the hall is just through that door. It won’t take be but a few minutes.”