Tales of a Dead God

Chapter Eight: People Need Something to Believe In

Gabriel rushed down the alley. He could feel another wave of panic setting in and seeing Noah's frightened face only made things worse. Flashes of memory came and went. Some are easier to make out than others. All were a confusing mash of brightness. The alley walls seemed to close in on Gabriel, and his throat tightened. He ran the last few yards and ended up in the smaller courtyard. He doubled over trying to catch his breath.

Hands gently wrapped around his shoulders. "Remember what I taught you," a calm voice spoke. "Deep breath in through the nose and out through the mouth."

He did this three times before he felt the imaginary hand clenching over his throat finally release. His body eased and his breathing slowed. Gabriel stood and faced the aged elf. Elmar didn't say a word but guided Gabriel to sit. They sat until he was ready to speak first and Elmar would listen.

"Do you think that this attempt in saving those boys has anything to do with these memories surfacing?" Elmar was only thinking allowed. Gabriel lifted his head from resting on his arms.

"I've dealt with stressful situations before." Gabriel furrowed his brows. "These episodes haven't happened since I was young." Images of a beautiful woman's face flashed in his mind. She was saying something but Gabriel could never remember what it was.

Elmar nodded. "But you've never dealt with the king breathing down your neck like this. It's quite the situation you've found yourself in."

He sighed, "I know. Those boys though. They deserve to actually live a life that isn't constantly in the line of fire." Too many young souls were taken because of a selfish king. "I don't know why I'm doing this, but if I can get them at least to Asra then they could make it."

"So the cold-hearted assassin actually has a bit of love to share." Gabriel rolled his eyes causing Elmar to chuckle. "It's a good thing. Gabriel look at me." Those bright silver eyes looked up through the contrast of black hair. "Don't let that part of you disappear. Too many of us, myself included, have forgotten how to love. The wars we've seen have destroyed that part of us. Don't let this one destroy you."

Gabriel nodded.

Elmar smiled ruffling Gabriel's hair as if he was a five-year-old kid. "You'll make it. Those boys will make it because of you."

"Thanks."

"One more thing." Elmar's eyes softened. Gabriel could see the young elf that once stood to fight another in those brown eyes. "Before you leave there is something I want to give you since you're going to Asra."

"Gabriel?"

Gabriel turned and saw Theo and Noah standing with worried expressions plastered across their faces.

~~~*~~~

A room had been set aside from the three thanks to Elmar. It was three stories up overlooking the main courtyard. Each would have their own bed for the first on this journey. Though Gabriel was grateful for his friend's kind gesture, he would miss the stars as he fell asleep.

Theo practically ran in jumping on the large couch that took up half of the main room. He was biting at the bits to share his important news as he called it.

"Later alright." Gabriel looked over with heavy eyes. He gave a weak smile heading for the bed. All he could think of now was sleep.

Noah just watched as Gabriel trudged off to his room. He decided to give Gabriel the remedies later. Theo sat with a frown but tried to hide it the best he could. Noah headed over and plopped on the couch with a big sigh.

He turned his head as it rested on the couch to Theo. "What were you wanting to tell us?"

"Well, I wanted to wait til both of you were here."