You are perceptive, Tor. Dorgryl was banished a very short time before the child was stolen from Ordolt, The Glade.
Why did Dorgryl falter when he heard the Queen was with child?
Lys cheered inwardly.
You must understand, Tor, that births within the Host are often decades in the coming. Some couples live several lifetimes before they achieve a family; some never do so at all. For the royal couple to produce two heirs in such a short time was truly incredible, and Dorgryl hesitated. He did not know whether the child would be a son or daughter, of course, but his arrogance led him to believe that if he destroyed the entire royal family he would come out of it as the newly crowned King. In re-planning, he lost momentum and his secret was exposed by his wife, Yargo.
Tor was shocked at the mention of Yargo’s part in this but he sensed time was too short to follow tangents. He must focus his attention on finding out more about Orlac.
And how do you fit into this, Lys?
She was impressed by Tor’s strength of purpose.
Once Orlac had been Quelled, the Host needed one of their own to watch over him. Orlac is a god, but he is also a prince and, as such, he deserved respect and care. He was also dangerous and, because he was living as a mortal, his emotions and therefore his powers were out of control. The Quelling and then the enchantments by the Paladin were all we had to keep him safe from himself and the Land safe from his powers. At that time, we had no answers for a long-term solution.
Then the Elders of the Host devised the Trinity. It was an audacious plan which is now coming to fruition, where you find yourself now. We always knew the Paladin could only hold Orlac for a short time. That we have survived so many centuries is testimony to the Paladins’ immense courage and strength.
My role was to watch over all that occurred between the Paladin and Orlac, and to watch over you. As Custodian of the Portals, I have access to all worlds. When Dorgryl was thrown into the Bleak, I also became responsible for guarding him, although we did not really believe he was still a threat. How wrong we were.
Tor hurried her story forward. He was gradually adding new pieces to the jigsaw of his own life.
So what is Dorgryl’s intention, do you think? What does he gain from merging with Orlac?
A body to begin with. Dorgryl was alive only in spirit; his own body was permitted to wither as part
of his punishment. He was forced to live only in his mind; the ultimate humiliation for a god. He showed not the slightest interest in his nephew’s fate, until the moment Figgis fell. But then he began to comment on the progress of the battle. I should have suspected something then, but I just did not pick up on the signs. He is cunning, Tor. And he is far more dangerous than Orlac, because he is driven by pure evil.
At this Tor’s head snapped up. He looked bewildered.
Lys shook her head in disgust.
I was stupid. I was the arrogant one. Centuries of imprisonment and I just assumed we had Dorgryl completely at our mercy; that he would never again be a threat, just a nuisance in my existence. Now, Tor, we face even greater jeopardy.
Tor wrapped his long arms around his knees.
How bad is it?
he asked, not really wanting the answer.
How bad?
She barked an angry laugh.
Dorgryl has possessed Orlac. Orlac is driven by a need for revenge and is single-minded about this; nothing will get in his way. At least we know his intentions. But with the addition of Dorgryl, with his agile and sinister mind, who knows what he might achieve in Orlac’s body. With such power at his disposal, I am terrified for Tallinor and its world. I am terrified for all of us.
You mean if he totally overwhelms Orlac?
She nodded, staring at the ground.
What does Dorgryl want?
Tor said, frustrated now.
She looked at him with disbelief. How could anyone not know what the mad god wanted?
Power! He craves power. He lusts to rule. And if he cannot rule the Host, he will rule weak mortals instead. He will keep Orlac quiet by helping him to achieve his aims, but all the while he will be using Orlac to achieve his own agenda. What that is, I can only guess. His initial triumph is that he is free from the Bleak, as his nephew is free from his enchanted prison.
Tor rubbed his eyes. This was too much to take in all at once.
So what do we do now, Lys?
he asked tiredly, desperately hoping she had an answer.
I must think on it. I will also consult the Host. For now, you must continue with your plan. Orlac knows of you but not who you are. He will need to spend time tracking you down. But Dorgryl knows more about you. He will lead Orlac to you and your family. We shall have to move much faster than we had originally intended, Tor.
They will not harm my children, Lys. I will die fighting them.
She mustered a sad smile.
Perhaps you might. I am sorry I have let you down, Torkyn Gynt.
He reached out and touched her shimmering hand.
It was not your fault. You did not expect Orlac to summon me as he did. Could he do this again?
You must shield at all times now. Remember his trace and keep all senses casting for it all the time. Even I am unsure of his powers now. Combined with Dorgryl…
She shook her head in defeat.
I remember his trace perfectly. It felt familiar.
She did not answer this. Instead she pulled the branches of the tree around herself.
I must leave you now, Tor. We may not meet like this again.
He stood and bowed to her.
I am honoured to have met you in person, Lys.
She smiled her radiant smile.
Be brave, Tor. We will triumph.
Keep your promise to me. Speak with Alyssa.
She nodded once and then shimmered out of his world.
Orlac sensed rather than saw the red mist but, before he could react, it enveloped and entered him. The pain was immense. What was it?
He began to fight the invader. Growling and thrashing, he used everything he had within him to force the strange thing out. He must have wrestled with it for hours…he could not tell. When he lay on the hilltop, all his energy sapped, it spoke to him.
I am Dorgryl,
it said, the voice deep and cultured.
Orlac spoke breathlessly.
What are you?
I am a former member of the Host of the Gods. I am presently a guest of its son and heir. In between, I was nothing but anger.
Who are you?
Orlac asked, stupefied by this intruder.
I am your uncle,
it said, smoothly.
Orlac felt a familiar panic grip him. He recalled this sense of despair from the day he was Quelled by the Host. Were they here to destroy him already? Was this the messenger of death?
Get out!
Orlac screamed.
The voice was amused.
I have no body of my own. Yours suits me. We are family, after all.
Orlac tried to calm himself. He remembered how Merkhud’s man had pushed away the fear to find control and he steadied himself, wondering how much the invader could share of his thoughts. He took some moments to consider. His guest remained silent. Orlac knew instinctively that he must not show his fear. He must play along, learn as much as he could.
What do you want, Dorgryl?
That’s better, nephew,
the thing said firmly
. I want to be your partner in destroying Tallinor. That is what you want, is it not?
How do you know what I want?
Orlac snapped.
I know because I have watched you for centuries fighting to get it. As each of those stupid Paladin died, I cheered. I only wished you could have heard me out there in the Bleak, with that wretched Lys watching over my every movement. But I was more artful than she could ever have imagined. I pretended not to notice anything about you, yet I fed off your triumphs, urged you on, yearned for your victory, boy. I knew you would do it. Knew you would win our freedom.
I won
my
freedom, Dorgryl, not yours.
Call me uncle, child. Your father and I are brothers.
Then why are you not counsel to his majesty…uncle?
The last word was said as though tasting a poison.
An indiscretion. Darganoth felt he needed to punish me, make an example of me,
Dorgryl sneered.
Darganoth felt threatened by me when we were children. We are twins, you know. It was a tragedy that the weaker child was born first. If I had been King of the Host, life would be very different for all of us.
Orlac had recouped his energy.
You cannot stay in here with me.
He began to struggle again, yelling for the creature inside to leave. He loosed his magics but still the horrible thing clung tightly within him. The pain of his own power loosed against him prevented Orlac attacking Dorgryl any further. He lay on the ground once more, panting. He had been possessed and now he was doomed.
Dorgryl waited. This was a shock for the youngster, who had not aged a day since he was Quelled. He must pick the right moment. He stayed still and silent, waiting for the young god to calm down again. When Orlac’s breathing subsided to a more normal level, he made his move.
I can help, you know.
How?
Orlac said sullenly.
I know the person whom you seek.
You know nothing!
Orlac countered, angrily. At that moment he felt he could throw himself off the
hilltop in despair. The fight over the centuries had been for nothing. This thing now held him in its power; he was trapped again.
I know plenty. I know the name of the person you summoned to witness your final blow to Themesius. I know what he looks like. I know the people he loves and who love him.
This won Orlac’s attention.
How?
He felt the thing inside him shift, as if to make itself more comfortable, as if it relished the chance to tell its tale.
I have not only been watching your progress but that of one Torkyn Gynt as well. It is true my first few centuries in the Bleak were spent in complete desolation. I was bitter and uninterested in everything.
Dorgryl laughed harshly.
There was nothing to be interested in, except my own downfall. Lys told me a little about you but I cared nothing for your struggle. I could see you were there for eternity. And then you started to win and those stupid Paladin began to fall. I had to admire your single-minded commitment.
When I learned your full story, I became intrigued. Perhaps you would topple your captors. I started to follow Merkhud; watched his interminable search although I had no idea what it was he looked for. Lys would tell me nothing.
And then one day I noticed that he had taken an apprentice: a young village scribe called Torkyn Gynt. It became clear that Gynt possessed rare magics; I presumed it to be the wild magic. He is powerful,
though of course no mortal power can match that of a god. However, the Host believe he will save Tallinor from your wrath. All your enemies are relying on him. I shall help you find him and I shall help you to destroy him. Nothing would give me greater pleasure.
Orlac said nothing for a few moments. He carefully considered all that he had just learned from Dorgryl.
And you?
he said finally.
What do you get out of this?
Fun!…And the chance to strike back at Darganoth. With your powers and my cunning, we can wreak havoc on Tallinor. It will be everything he fears. We will make all of its people suffer and you will enjoy your sweet revenge.
Dorgryl laughed. The sound had an edge of madness.
That’s how I must have sounded, Orlac thought to himself. But I was never mad. Dorgryl surely is. He decided to push his point.
And afterwards, Dorgryl? After we have razed Tallinor, destroyed the Land, dealt with Gynt and all he loves—what happens then? What will you ask of me next?
It was Dorgryl’s hesitation, just for a moment, which confirmed for Orlac that he must never trust him.
You will help me. Together we will kill your father for the wrongs he has done you…and me.
How? It is my understanding that a god cannot be killed.
It is my intention to use his body as I use yours now. When you have helped me to achieve his
possession, we will both be free of one another to do as we please.
Orlac considered again. He must tread carefully now. He was trapped. It was clear that Dorgryl had no intention of leaving his body for the time being, and he could not dislodge him. Perhaps there might come a time when his uncle was not so watchful and he could be rid of him. But for now he was stuck with his voice inside his head and his spirit travelling within him.
He decided he must be seen to be going along with the plan. He even grudgingly acknowledged that Dorgryl would be a boon in finding his enemy. Now that he was back in the Land, he must travel and live as a mortal. He had many leagues to cover and many fruitless years could be spent searching. With his uncle’s knowledge, tracking down his target would be easier. He would make his own plans, though. He knew that he would have to destroy Dorgryl somehow, for he sensed the god would never leave him. The notion of possessing Darganoth’s body was nothing more than a ruse. For now, though, he must be seen to be playing along with Dorgryl.
All right. But you will leave my body once we re-enter our world.
Orlac knew only too well that it was a hollow pact he was making.
Agreed
. Dorgryl laughed maniacally again in Orlac’s head.
Orlac began walking down the hillside.
So, what first?
Dorgryl was in his element now; plotting was his favourite pastime.
You must not rush into anything.
You have warned Gynt of your coming. Let him stew on it for a while. Allow the anxiety to build within him.
You misjudge him. He is not scared of me.
This is possible,
Dorgryl replied evenly.
His life is not his own, it is true. It is committed to the moment when you and he will do battle—and you will. But he has friends whom he loves, nephew. Even better, he has a family he cherishes. His children and he have been reunited in the Heartwood. They represent his greatest joy but also his worst fears.
Orlac felt confused by the web of thoughts Dorgryl was weaving in his mind.
The senior god continued.
Do not go after Gynt immediately; go after the ones he loves first. He will be so busy trying to protect them that he will lose the offensive. Nothing will prepare him for the devastation of losing loved ones. He will be in no position to attack and will go entirely on the defence, which will give you the opportunity to destroy him.
Orlac was impressed. Dorgryl’s mind was indeed dark and clever.
Where do we begin?
he said.
Time is on our side, boy. First we find ourselves some fine surrounds to live within. I have been too long in the Bleak; I want some luxury again. We should take the chance to enjoy life before the killing begins. And I think I know just the place.
Dorgryl was enjoying himself immensely.
Where?
A place called Cipres; we are not far from it. The country is in chaos because their Queen has been newly murdered. The place is ripe for the taking and
its palace and riches will suit us perfectly. It will be an ideal location from which to plan.
To Cipres then,
Orlac said.
His uncle chuckled, delighted with his day’s work. He settled back comfortably into the body of the god he intended to destroy.