My Gentle Strength - Chapter 3

“My Gentle Strength”

A Wielder and Wellspring Story

Author: D. Sanders

Chapter III - The Truth Unveiled

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Goh awoke and groaned at the sight before him. Obie was sitting at the small table in the apartment, absently eating a banana and reading a small book from off the corner shelf dressed in nothing more than a towel from his bath. Goh cracked his skull against the headboard accidentally when he fell back in a state of arousal jarring him out of his said state as he rubbed his head.

 

“Goh! Are you alright?” Obie asked concerned and Goh chuckled as he rubbed the back of his head.

 

“I’m fine. I just was not expecting to wake up to see you so indescribably irresistible. It’s my own fault for being too easily lured into heat. I have an over active imagination.” Goh chuckled and Obie frowned.

 

“I was just sitting there.”

 

“What is a banana shaped like?” Goh asked with a crooked and wicked grin as he waggled his eyebrows and Obie blushed and slapped his arm.

 

“Dog. I like bananas so just learn not to associate the fruit with your overly ripe loins you were-beast.”

 

“Can’t help it sunshine, learn not to be so pretty first thing in the morning.” Goh countered right back planting a kiss on Obie’s neck as he stood and stretched and headed into the bathroom himself. “And I’m overly ripe in other areas too. I’m going to take a bath myself.” Goh said disappearing into the bathroom and turning on taps to fill the tub.

 

He’d just crawled into the water when Obie came in smiling with a washcloth and brush. “Shall I wash your back for you?”

 

“That would be lovely, thank you.” Goh said with a sigh as Obie perched on the side of the tub and indeed scrubbed his back with the brush. It felt divine to feel the brush clean places only contortionists could reach on themselves.

 

“You have dry skin dearest. You are flaking badly. Did you sunburn recently?”

 

“Aye. About three weeks ago I fell asleep in the sun without my shirt on. You are getting rid of itches I’ve had for weeks. Don’t stop sunshine please.” Goh purred and Obie smiled.

 

“I shant. I know how peeling skin itches. Hand me that loofa sponge there, that will really help purge the last of your burn flakes.” Obie said really scrubbing Goh’s back fairly hard with the harsh porous sponge. Goh’s back was bright red but he wasn’t in pain considering how he was purring in bliss as Obie scrubbed. Obie smiled, it seemed Goh was equally easy to please if just a simple back wash had him melting into the water like iced cream in the heat.

 

“Sunshine you have magic hands, I haven’t felt so relaxed in ages.” Goh sighed as Obie moved to loofa the calluses on Goh’s neglected feet.

 

“Good, and shame on you Goh. Look at your poor feet. Your boots are worn and too small they are giving you bunions.”

 

“I’ll buy new ones, don’t scold me when I’m feeling so good sunshine.” Goh grinned and Obie smiled.

 

“If I don’t scold you as your Wellspring who will?” Obie said splashing Goh playfully who just grinned at him.

 

“Too true dearest. Point taken. The Gods know I can be a nag too sunshine.” Goh said as Obie stood and tossed him the soap.

 

“I presume you are able to finish yourself?”

 

“You’re not going to wash more?” Goh pouted and Obie winked.

 

“You’d never get out of the bath if I did. Play later, bath now.” Obie said turning and heading out of the bathroom.

 

“Spoil sport!” Goh hollered after him and all he got in response was laughter. “Little tease. You’ll get it later!”

 

Again all Goh received in response was bright laughter. Goh shook his head and finished washing. Obie was one of a kind and Goh’s heart soared with affection again for his mate. However cruel he was to eat bananas so sweetly and then give a wash that further aroused his Wielder with a wonderful bath without completion.

 

“He’s right, I’m such a horny were-beast.” Goh chuckled to himself as he rinsed his hair and let the water out of the tub as he stood and dried off and joined Obie at the table over a breakfast of fruit and tea.

 

Goh pulled out his journal and quill and began making notes of what he wanted to record and what business he wanted to attend to that day as Obie curled up on the sofa with the book.

 

Goh was watching him when a thought suddenly arrested his attention. It was so simple he was furious he hadn’t considered it before.

 

“I’ve got it!”

 

“Got what?” Obie asked and Goh got up and paced. His brain whirling.

 

“The answer. By the gods I cannot believe I didn’t make the connection before!”

 

“What are you babbling about Goh?”

 

“Male Wellsprings. The Law. If I’m right, and I’d bet my last pittance I am. Those laws were not created to prevent you from breeding more male wellsprings! In fact I’d bet my whole estate that every last male wellspring is exactly like you!”

 

“Eh?”

 

“Think about it Obie, you’re smart. Every Wielder is male. Not all of us are breeders. Non-breeders like myself couldn’t bond to a female Wellspring if our lives depended on it! Hence it’s nature at work here. There has to be male wellsprings to pair with non-breeder Wielders!”

 

“By the gods, you’re right! Any non-paired female can give power to a wielder and they only pair with the ones they mesh with! Same as I.”

 

“Precisely. However, somewhere along the line, someone deemed it an abomination for males to couple together or some other foolish nonsense! Locking away the male Wellsprings and turning them into public property and hiding them away so it was unlikely they’d meet their Wielder! This needs research. Just when were these laws written and by whom?”

 

“King Fenderack wrote them. His elder brother was the first Male Wellspring locked in the temple. I read this long ago. I wanted to know myself why I was considered less than human.”

 

“Hardly dearest. King Fenderack was a bloody butcher! Wait a minute, there’s an old ballad about Prince Perdain, he was Fenderack’s brother. The song went that he was fey and that the people feared an heir apparent who would not produce and heir. Holy Were-beast balls that’s it! They had to find an excuse to get him out of the line of succession!” Goh’s shouted face was alive with sudden inspiration.

 

“So they denounce him as an anthemia, lock him away and then drain him like a public fountain and then over the years we all suffer the same fate just to justify a horrible act!” Obie countered joining Goh in his pacing.

 

“The Gods preserve me, the song also mentions Wielder Tarnack who rescued Prince Perdain by claiming him as a bonded pair. Tarnack was powerful and King’s Own. Perdain had to be released to his Wielder but became property subsequently which meant he lost all claim to any titles or lands. That’s where those laws come into play too. It’s why even women of rank who are wellspring if bonded to a poor Wielder lose all they have and the lands go to the next in line. Its corruption at it’s worst! These laws are a lingering blight of a monarchy long gone! I must write my uncle at once!” Goh said sitting back at the table and scribbling hurriedly.

 

“This could save Gandes! I know of three Non-breeder Wielder’s currently in Pernath of which I’m positive Gandes is meant to be paired with one of them! None of us can wake him, but I’d wager his bonded can reach him! Like you Gandes was blasted wide open and the shock sent him into a coma. He’s healed but he still sleeps.” Goh went on to say as he wrote quickly.

 

“Let those men into see him! By the Gods Goh, how many more Wielders and Wellsprings went unpaired because of this?”

 

“I shudder to think of it beloved.” Goh said writing furiously and then sealing the parchment and laying his hand on the paper it vanished.

 

“What did you do?” Obie gasped and Goh smiled.

 

“I can send objects places. I just sent that letter to my uncle’s desk. He’ll send us back a reply to acknowledge receipt after he reads it. They usually land on my head, my Uncle has horrible aim.” Goh said with a chuckle and Obie grinned.

 

“Or incredibly GOOD aim if he clocks your pate every time.”

 

“Ya know, you’re probably right there. Uncle has a wicked sense of humor.” Goh chuckled feeling pleased with his mornings revelations.

 

It was barley a quarter hour before Goh was rubbing his skull again and unrolling a parchment.

 

“Uncle says first to kiss you welcome and to thank you for inspiring my thoughts. He agrees and he is pulling out all the old records from Fenderack’s time to corroborate our theory. He’s also ordering Gandes to be brought to the palace so he can expose him to the non-breeder wielders. He’ll let us know if our theory there is also sound.” Goh said and Obie smiled.

 

“What is your brother like? I’m curious.”

 

“Gandes is a lot like you actually. He’d never hurt a fly if given the choice. He’s a bit younger than you. He’ll be sixteen in a few months. He wasn’t even fifteen yet when the tempest blew in, it was bad. The largest spore swarm I’ve ever seen coupled with locusts the size of horses in from the wasteland. Every Wielder was run ragged and it was an accident Gandes was overused. No one intentionally meant to harm him, but a boy can only handle so many Wielders using him before he cracks. Father and I tried to shield him but we too were worn to a thread and we both felt him collapse. He’s been sleeping ever since.”

 

“What does he look like?” Obie asked and Goh smiled.

 

“Pretty he is. We all look like our mother, but he most of all. We all have the same dark brown hair and grey eyes like Mama. But Gandes is lovely, delicate like you.”

 

“You have other siblings?”

 

“Aye. An older brother, thankfully a breeder is the heir apparent to my father’s household. Gavain is crazy. You’ll like him much. He’s always smiling and telling filthy jokes. I’m the next, the middle child nightmare and then Gandes was the baby and it killed Mama and Father to have to give him to the temple. They tried to hide it and even Uncle kept quiet about it, he was a charming baby, never cried and never fussed. Someone however found out and reported it to the temple. By Law if the parents refused to hand over the child the Monks were forced to come and take him. Thankfully the monks were kind and turned blind eyes to the nine-year-old little boy who kept sneaking in to visit his three year old and terrified little brother. I’d sleep with him at night so he wouldn’t be so scared. I was still sneaking in to see him right up until his accident, even if he didn’t need me sleeping in the room anymore by that time, I knew he felt comforted when I did.” Goh said and Obie leaned over and kissed him soundly.

 

“You are a dear, dear man Goh. Your heart is large and I daresay touched by the gods with kindness. I pray with all my soul your brother is saved and I may meet him one day and love him as you do.”

 

“Ah Obie, my whole family will adore you. If you think Fandie is bad, you haven’t met my mother yet. With as pretty as you are she’ll have you festooned in finery like a peacock. My mother is very materialistic and she won’t let you out of the house until you meet her approval.”

 

“Did you leave the house much?” Obie grinned and Goh laughed.

 

“Only after several changes of clothes and a scolding or three.” Goh winked as a second parchment just missed his head and landed in his lap.

 

Goh was weeping and just handed Obie the letter.

 

 

 

Dearest Goh,

 

You were right! Gandes stirs! That new young boy, Wielder Yidane nearly collapsed when he entered the room and we had to help him across the floor he was responding to Gandes immediately. He’s gone into a power trance and he’s bonded truly to Gandes and will not let any of us near him. He has the whole room shielded and we can only watch from beyond the barrier but Gandes is moving and showing signs of coming out of his coma. The gods be praised Goh you’re right you saved him! If your speculations of Fenderack and Perdain prove sound and with this new revelation you can rest assured we’ll get the council of lords to allow me to rescind the laws at last!

 

Lad I am going to kiss you myself when you get home and your Wellspring will just have to turn a blind eye for a moment. I’m sending the other two non-breeders out with haste. The temples keep records if they have male wellsprings and there are five we know of, which mean we have at least three Non-breeder Wielders out in the field we don’t know about. I’m sending out word they are to go to the temples and see if they bond. If we can’t rush through the law changes we can at least pair those boys to assure their freedom! Your dream was real and it seems the catalyst we needed!

 

I am filled with hope at last. I want you home soon so we can celebrate, your mission is deemed complete. I am so proud of you.

 

Love,

Your Devoted Uncle

 

P.S. Yes, I aim for your head. I’m pretty good I think. About time you caught on Goh.

 

Goh was laughing and crying as he spun Obie around the room where they toppled into bed dizzy and elated. “I hope I can wrap business up here quickly, I cannot wait to get home now. Both to show you off and to at last see Gandes happy. Yidane is a nice boy, he’d just come to the city before I left. He’s from all the way from the Western Sea. He’d had enough of a fisherman’s life and wanted to see the city. He’s nineteen and full of spirit and can drink men twice his size under the table. The country breeds firm and stout men and he’s damn near as strong as I am. No Wonder he’s paired with Gandes, it takes a powerful Wielder to handle the sort of power Wellsprings blown open can generate.”

 

“But love is the most important between pairs. I loved you the minute you touched me Goh. It was like the world suddenly grew bright and warm and there was nothing I wanted more than to be lost in you. I had no idea who you were only that you were suddenly to most important person in the world to me. Love makes the pair, power is secondary.” Obie said nestling up under Goh’s chin.

 

“Aye sunshine. I didn’t need to see you, I also knew the moment you filled me with power I was lost. Even if I did have dreams that showed me what you were going to look like, it was our initial bond that made me fall in love with the man and not the illusion in my head. Your pretty face is just a very, VERY nice bonus.”

 

“Like my face Goh?” Obie purred his hand tracing the muscles on Goh’s chest.

 

“Oh Aye.” Goh purred under Obie’s gentle hand.

 

“I’d be lying if I said I didn’t think my Wielder was also very nice on my eyes.”

 

“That’s nice to know sunshine. Oh that feels nice.” Goh sighed as Obie’s fingers made his skin tingle.

 

“You’re going to feel very nice in a moment my love.” Obie whispered in Goh’s ear making him shiver before he indeed made good on his statement and proceeded to make Goh feel very good with lips and tongue.

 

Obie’s gentle strength and tender hands brought out desires that Goh had no name for and only hunger and longing to possess.

 

It was well passed the lunch hour before Obie released Goh from his ministrations leaving his mate boneless with sated bliss. Obie had taken the lead for the first time in their lovemaking and proved he was quite a faster learner.

 

Goh was positive the sight of Obie straddling him and taking him into his body at his own tempo was the most erotic sight he’d ever seen. Obie was breathtaking and all his. Goh felt rather smug as he lay there beside his Wellspring. His gentle strength filling him with love and affection and his beautiful countenance was serene and content.

 

Obie was right. Power was secondary, love was what mattered and Goh finally knew what love was all about. He loved his parents, his brother, and his family. He’d had held affection for pretty lovers but all of them paled to the ferocity of love that swelled in his chest as he watched Obie sleep.

 

His Wellspring, His husband, his lover, his soul. Nothing compared to Obie. “My gentle Strength, my Heart, My sunshine.” Goh whispered into blond hair as he settled down to doze again himself.

 

------

 

The next week saw Goh sitting day in and day out in the village courthouse hearing grievances and settling disputes while collecting evidence against Pandar and hearing what everyone had to say on the matter.

 

Obie was ever at his side taking notes for him with his immaculate concise script, fetching water and food for Goh and just making himself indispensable as a partner and wellspring. Obie took to his role like a fish to water, Goh mused more than once Obie was perfectly designed to be a King’s Own Wellspring. He was smart, quiet, and extremely efficient and knew before Goh did when he was getting thirsty or hungry or needed a break. His confidential observations passed discreetly to Goh on notes during sessions and on a few occasions just little love notes to bring Goh out of a foul mood.

 

At night Obie was there to massage sore shoulders from tension, to talk out problems and concerns with and to just listen when Goh needed to vent frustration. Their bed was always the nicest end to the day where they would love and reaffirm their bond and Goh would not only recharge his power stores by loving his Wellspring he’d give his soul cleansing with their love.

 

“What did I do without you before Obie?”

 

“Suffered headaches?” Obie grinned as he lounged on their bed looking rumpled and gorgeous.

 

“I’m serious Obie. I depend on you more than you know now. I cannot believe I’ve been doing this job four years without you without exploding from stress. I couldn’t do it without you now. You are a treasure.” Goh said resting his head in Obie’s lap and Obie finger combed his hair.

 

“I am your wellspring dearest. I can’t be anything other than your support. When we bonded we fell into a very good tune. I can read you like a book. Wielders have many weights on their shoulders, I am here to make sure they stay balanced and you do not suffer. I love you.”

 

“I love you too sunshine. By the gods I now understand why bonded Wielders fawn all over their wellsprings. You make us whole.”

 

“As you complete our needs dearest. I have but one desire, to be loved. You show me that constantly Goh. I ever feel needed and that pleases me so very much.”

 

“Sunshine, I do need you. Thank you for taking care of me.”

 

“You are most welcome my love. Thank you for loving me.”

 

Goh only smiled and reached up to lay a hand on Obie’s cheek. “Forever.” He said softly as he yawned.

 

“Go to sleep love. Tomorrow is a big day.” Obie said and Goh nodded and moved off Obie’s lap onto his side of the bed. Obie curled up beside Goh and as usual did not fall asleep until he was sure Goh was already well into repose and resting peacefully.

 

The following day Pandar was brought into the courtroom and glared at Obie who sat quietly and serenely at Goh’s right side. He faced Pandar without facially betraying his emotions. He was a silent observer, calm, cool and confident in his role as King’s Own Wellspring. Goh sighed and stood.

 

“Wielder Pandar. The evidence against you is irrefutable. I have twenty and two signed affidavits confirming witness to years worth of abuse against Wellspring Obetta. I have sworn statements from Wielder Rendrick, Wellspring Fandie, Wielder Furain, Wellspring Limarys and King’s Own Wellspring Obie that you did willfully and maliciously force open Wellspring Obetta’s conduits causing mortal injury and her subsequent death seven years ago. You stand accused again of willfully and maliciously also forcing open King’s Own Wellspring Obie’s conduits which almost caused his own death when he was still but a child and was by law, not to be used as a full wellspring underage. Furthermore adding insult to injury with continued attempts at causing harm to King’s Own Wellspring Obie repeatedly since and attempted theft of Power from Wellspring Fandie, Wellspring Limarys, and Wellspring Rendra. How plead you?”

 

“I have nothing to say to you non-breeder cur!”

 

“So be it. By the power vested in me by King Gerdar as King’s Own Wielder I do hereby sentence you to exile. Your Wielding gifts will remain sealed and any attempt to manipulate power will cause you instant death. You shall be branded a traitor to your vows of the brotherhood of Wielding and your oaths to protect all life and land. You will be shunned and excommunicated from society. You are no better than the were-beasts who rape and curse our land. For you chose of your own freewill to become the beast who knows no better. Live and repent and may the gods have mercy on your pitiful soul.” Goh said and laid a hand on Pandar’s brow.

 

Pandar screeched in pain as Goh laid the sealing curse upon him and a brand appeared on his forehead. A single rune that denounced him as TRAITOR.

 

“Take him to the edge of the village and release him.” Goh said returning to his seat not looking happy and Obie took his hand under the table and squeezed.

 

::That was very difficult for you dearest I know.:: Obie’s mental voice comforted and Goh sighed.

 

::But had to be done. He’ll hurt no one again.:: Goh replied mentally as Pandar swore and shouted curses at everyone as he was lead out of the courthouse.

 

Obie stood. “My Lord Wielder needs a recess to purge the taint of the Sealing Spell from his soul. Please clear the courtroom immediately for one half of an hour.” Obie ordered and the courtroom cleared of everyone but Obie and Goh.

 

Once the doors were closed Obie held Goh as he cried for a few minutes. He hated having to use the sealing spells that only King’s Own Wielders were taught and were capable of using. They left a horrible bile in the back of his throat and Obie let him purge the pain and regain his composure before Court resumed again.

 

“Dearest, thank you.” Goh said wiping his eyes and feeling better after a good cry.

 

“Thank me not my love. I could feel your soul torn in grief. Only a pure man would feel such pain from using such a spell. It is why only King’s Own Wielders are able to use them at all. Because you don’t want to use them. Your hearts are pure and forgiving.”

 

“And yours isn’t?”

 

“Not as yours no. Am I saddened by this judgment against my father? Yes. Do I think it was the right thing? Yes. Does it pain me? No, not like it pains you my love. I think very much he deserved what he received. I am not so unbiased as I appear. I feel vindicated and my mother may now rest in peace. I am only in pain over this because you are in pain my love. I’m not as pure hearted as you are.”

 

“I’d disagree. I just think in this situation you are a little closer to the heart of the matter to be able to fully detach from it. Your heart is my strength. But let us agree to disagree.” Goh smiled and Obie nodded.

 

“Aye. Feeling better now dearest?”

 

“Aye. You can bring them back in again.”

 

Obie nodded and went to open the courtroom doors again.

 

-----

 

By the end of a fortnight, Goh and Obie were bidding farewell to everyone as they purchased a pair of sturdy horses and filled saddlebags with travel rations. Obie lingered in the embrace he gave to Father Andorn, the only father he’d ever known and Andorn told him not to be a foolish boy and to let go of the old past and embrace his new future.

 

Obie promised to send letters from Pernath and Fandie cried as she hugged them both good-bye.

 

“You must come to the Capitol for a Visit sometime. You are ever welcome in our home.” Goh said shaking Rendrick’s hand.

 

“We just might at that! We haven’t had a good journey in twenty-years Fandie and I.” Rendrick grinned.

 

Goh smiled. “We do have wandering feet, it comes with the job.” Goh said turning to Jujain and Rendra who held their newborn son. A wellspring male.

 

“Goh, We can’t thank you enough for helping to rescind the Wellspring laws. My son means everything to me, Wellspring or Wielder. Knowing I don’t have to ever give him to the temple makes me joyful indeed. I love my son and I have you to thank I may hold him to my heart.” Jujain said and Goh smiled.

 

“That is what we did it for Jujain. No other male wellspring will ever suffer the fates my Obie and my brother did. He’s a boy like any other and he has a good father and mother I have no doubt he will make you proud.” Goh said and Jujain smiled.

 

“If he’s anything like my Rendra and Obie, I’m sure I will be!” Jujain said as he turned to see Obie holding the baby and cooing at him. Goh chuckled.

 

“That is if Obie will release the child long enough for us to be on our way!” Goh said and Obie laughed and handed the baby back to his mother.

 

“But he is so darling!” Obie laughed climbing into his saddle. “Wish me luck that I do not fall off this beastie!”

 

“I wish you an iron backside son! You’ll be needing it.” Rendrick called and Obie laughed.

 

“So Goh has warned me, I’ll survive I suppose. Farewell all! May the Gods be Gracious to you all!” Obie called as Goh swung up into his own saddle.

 

“Fair the Day and Gods blessings one and all!” Goh echoed as he and Obie headed out of the village on dapple gray geldings on the road headed for Pernath.

 

-----

 

Goh was barely off his mount when he heard the call. “GOH! GOH!” Came the sweet musical tenor racing down the stairs of their estate. Goh’s heart soared as Gandes came flying at him. His long dark hair braided down his back and dressed in slate blue silks.

 

“Gandes!” Goh cheered picking up his smaller brother in a firm embrace and swinging him around in circles laughing and crying for joy.

 

Yidane was chuckling as he walked down the stairs behind his Wellspring. “He’s been wound up like a top all day waiting for you to arrive. Welcome home Brother Goh.” Yidane said tucking Gandes under his arm lovingly and holding out his hand to Goh.

 

“A handshake? I think not! Come here brother!” Goh laughed pulling Yidane into an embrace. “Thank you for saving him.” Goh said with heartfelt love and Yidane just shook his head.

 

“Thank you for making it possible Goh. I have my love thanks to you.” Yidane said as Obie joined them and Gandes beamed.

 

“I am thrilled to finally meet you Gandes. Goh has told me so much of you.” Obie said and Gandes affectionately hugged Obie.

 

“Goh’s dream you are, every detail as he used to tell me. Brother Obie thank you for making my brother so happy.”

 

“I am the one who is happy.” Obie said as a female voice shrieked from the stairs and came racing down much as Gandes had. Goh’s mother was full of joyful kisses and hugs and praises as she smothered both Goh and Obie in affection.

 

“And where are hugs for father?” Bellowed a voice and once again Obie was swept away by gregarious affection that seemed an inherent family trait.

 

It was a whirlwind of welcome. Dinner was a celebration and everyone was laughing and singing and dancing. Goh’s parents, his Brother Gavin and his Wellspring Candys, Young Yidane and Gandes who couldn’t keep their hands off each other as they danced across the living room to the lively music provided by servants who also danced and sang and made merry. Even King Gerdar and his Wellspring Queen Amandine joined the party later on and Gerdar, Goh, Gavain, Yidane and Grantham sat around a table with rich stout and a deck of cards. The Wielders all swearing at each other as they played a not so friendly game of pairs and beasts. Obie and Gandes being of a close age quickly became fast friends and shared similar tales with each other as they shared sweet cherry liquor with Amandine and the other Wellsprings over a much friendlier game of charades.

 

The house was alive with familial joys and Obie fell into bed that night with Goh feeling as if he had indeed come home at last. He loved them all, especially the drunkard snoring in bed beside him. Not that Obie wasn’t going to wake up with a hangover either as he pulled the covers up over them both, kissed his Wielder goodnight and then blew out the bedside table lamp for the night.

Home at last.


END