The Sword of Truth tgc-1

by Brian D. Anderson

  “Well?” Lee asked happily. “Are you going to try it on or not?”

  “I don’t get it. Why did you give me this?”

  “To wear at your coming of age celebration,” he said matter-of-factly.

  “My what?” Gewey cried. “I’m only seventeen.”

  “True,” Lee replied, smiling. “But the way I see it, the age of a God should be counted differently. Besides, who knows if you’ll have the chance to have a real coming of age party?”

  “True,” Gewey acknowledged, holding up the clothes in front of him. “We might be dead by then.”

  Lee laughed heartily. “Not what I had in mind, but a good point,” he admitted. “Now get dressed. I’m going to Millet’s room to get ready. I’ll send him for you when it’s time.”

  An hour later Millet showed up at Gewey’s door, dressed in fine blue linens, looking very much a city dweller. His face beamed with delight when he saw Gewey in his new finery.

  “Now that’s proper dress,” Millet remarked. “You look very much the young lord.”

  Gewey felt awkward. He had never worn anything fancier than festival robes. He couldn’t stop pulling and tugging at the long tunic, and the heeled boots made him feel as if he would tip forward at any moment.

  “You’ll get used to it,” Millet laughed. “One day, I suspect you may dress like this all the time.”

  That idea didn’t please Gewey. He felt much more comfortable in his own clothes-the clothes of a farmer. He smiled anyway and tried to stop fidgeting.

  When Gewey entered the common room, everyone smiled cheerfully and clapped their hands with approval at the sight of him. He saw that the others were dressed in fine attire as well. Lee was decked out in a bright red suit and jacket with gold buttons. Dina and Maybell both wore emerald green dresses with matching scarves wrapped tightly around their heads. Their hair, adorned with tiny white flowers, fell loosely from underneath the scarves. Dina’s eyes were painted, giving them an elfish quality that made Kaylia appear less obvious. Kaylia wore a similar dress, but hers was light blue and tied at the waist with a deep blue sash.

  Minstrels were just arriving and tuning their instruments in the corner. The dozen or so patrons looked on, whispering with smiles.

  “Now that’s more like it,” said Lee, as he threw his arm around Gewey’s shoulder and led him to the table. “First we feast, then we celebrate.” He jumped up on a chair and addressed the entire room. “You are all welcome to join us, let us all celebrate and be merry.” This was met with enthusiastic cheers and applause.

  By the time the meal was being served, the minstrels had begun to play. The crowd in the common room had swelled, as word of the celebration had gotten out. Before long, more than fifty people had gathered in the hall, all laughing and feasting.

  “Not bad for last minute,” Lee said as he surveyed the room. “If I do say so myself.”

  “It’s wonderful,” Gewey agreed. “Thank you.”

  “Not exactly discrete, my lord,” Millet pointed out.

  “You’re right about that,” Lee replied. “But sometimes the right thing isn’t necessarily the smart thing.”

  Millet smiled. “Quite right, my lord.” Lee smiled at Gewey and hopped up on his chair.

  “Ladies and gentlemen,” he shouted above the crowd. He had to repeat it several times before everyone settled down and paid attention. “Tonight we celebrate the coming of age of a young man who I have come know and love. Through adversity and hardship he has shown himself to be a man of honor and respect, and is most deserving of our admiration.”

  Voices yelling “Here, here!” and the beating of mugs on tables could be heard throughout the room.

  “In the years I’ve known him, I have never seen him falter or turn a blind eye to someone in need. I consider it a privilege to be to here with him today, and to be part of this celebration.” Lee looked down at Gewey, his eyes showing a touch of sadness. “I only wish his father were here today to see him. He would have been so proud of the man I see before me. I look at you and I see him. His bravery and loyalty live on.”

  Gewey felt a lump in his throat and choked back his tears.

  “So without further ado,” Lee continued, “I present to you Gewey Stedding!”

  The crowd erupted in cheers and yells. The stomping of feet and slamming of mugs shook the room. Gewey stood and bowed low.

  “Thank you,” he said, once the crowd had calmed down. “I’m not much for making speeches, but I do want to say this to my friends: I love you all. I am honored to have you with me, and I hope that we have more reasons to celebrate in the days ahead.” He bowed again, then turned to embrace Lee. The room erupted once more.

  “Thank you for this,” Gewey said, tightening their embrace.

  It wasn’t long before the wine began to flow, and the room came alive with music and dance. Gewey danced with Dina, careful not to step on her feet this time. It was during the second song that he felt a tap on his shoulder-it was Kaylia. Dina smiled and politely stepped aside. To his great surprise, he found dancing with Kaylia felt easy and natural. He was able to completely anticipate her movements.

  They gracefully spun around the room like a top, and Gewey found himself laughing joyfully.

  Lee cut in for the third song, but by then Gewey felt dizzy and was ready to sit anyway. He sat at the table and watched as Lee picked Kaylia up by the waist and spun her around. The elf threw her head back with laughter.

  Dina sat down beside Gewey. “You look every bit the man,” she said. “How do you feel?”

  “Happy,” he answered. “Very happy.”

  “Kaylia’s very beautiful,” she said, looking at the elf. “Don’t you think?”

  Gewey felt himself blush, “Yes she is,” he said shyly, trying not to meet her eyes. “But so are you,” he added.

  Dina placed her hand lightly over his. “Careful,” she said, giggling playfully. “You wouldn’t want two women competing for your favor, would you?”

  Gewey tried to think of something to say, but was only able to manage a nervous grin. Dina squeezed his hand quickly, then asked Millet to dance. Millet was more than happy to oblige; Maybell had been bending his ear for most of the night about etiquette and customs in the western cities.

  The night wore on, but the party gave no indication of dying down. Gewey was sitting across from Kaylia when suddenly he saw her back stiffen and eyes narrow.

  “What is it?” he whispered.

  “An elf,” she said.

  “Here?” Gewey asked, startled. “Where?”

  Kaylia nodded subtly toward the door. Gewey scanned the room, and saw a tall, hooded figure standing alone in the corner.

  “We need to tell Lee,” Gewey urged her.

  “Not yet,” she said. “I doubt he’s here to fight. He wouldn’t risk it among so many humans.” With that, Kaylia got up and started to the back.

  “Where are you going?” Gewey asked anxiously.

  “To talk,” she replied.

  “Then I’m coming with you,” he said, and moved to her side before she could protest.

  Kaylia paused a moment, then proceeded to her room. It was only a few minutes before there was a soft knock at the door. Kaylia opened it, and the tall hooded figure quickly stepped in. He looked at Gewey for a long moment, then turned and locked the door.

  “You wish this human to be present?” the elf asked.

  “He wishes it,” Kaylia replied gravely. “And I do not object.”

  “Very well,” he said, pushing back his hood. His skin was much darker than Kaylia’s, but his sharp features and elven ears clearly stated his kinship to her. Gewey thought it must be wonderful to live among such people.

  “I’m Linis, of the western tribes,” he announced. “I’ve come to warn you and give aid.”

  Kaylia was taken aback. “Warn me? How would you even know me? It’s been many years since the western tribe has had dealings this far from their home.”

  �
�You’ve been away from your people for a long time, Kaylia,” he replied. Kaylia was shocked to hear him use her name. “Much has changed.”

  “Speak your intent,” Kaylia demanded. “Or leave.”

  Linis sat down on the edge of the bed. “You are known to many of our kin. Word of your pending judgment has traveled fast and far.”

  “What of it?” Kaylia asked defiantly. “How is it your concern?”

  “You will not live to be judged,” he answered. “The elders have sent word that you are to be killed, and even now you are being hunted.”

  “I gather from your words that you are not among the hunters,” she observed.

  “No,” Linis replied. “I am not here to kill you, and I do not wish you judged at all.”

  “But I have broken the law,” she countered. “And do not wish to avoid judgment.”

  “Old laws for an old world,” Linis scoffed. “The elders are holding on to a life that no longer exists. The time for the old hatred is over. If we are to survive, we must learn to live with the humans. We cannot hide from the rest of the world forever. Eventually it will find us.”

  “You speak of a second split!” Kaylia cried, outraged. “I will not be a part of it.”

  “The choice is no longer yours,” he said. “The elders break with tradition by ordering your death without trial. They fear the words you may speak, and seek to silence you before you become a threat to their power. You are already a part of this, like it or not.”

  “How did this happen?” she asked solemnly. Her face was pained with the thought of her people turning on one another again.

  “It started five years ago,” Linis began. “My tribe was approached by a man claiming to be from a stronghold in the north. He told us there were armies preparing to march on the kingdoms of the west, and offered to return our lands, for us to rule, so long as we agreed to become their allies.

  “We contacted the other tribes, only to find out they had been given similar offers. Many wanted to take the offer in hopes of achieving our former glory, but others knew it for what it was-a lie. My tribe sent scouts north to gather information. When they returned, they said that the land of Angraal was alive again, and was indeed gathering strength.

  “Our elders remembered the old stories and rejoiced, believing that Ratsterfel had returned once again to battle the Gods.

  “But some of us refused to believe it. Some of us had actually gone out to see the world while the elders locked themselves away, letting their hatred of humankind stew and fester.

  “We tried to reason with them, but they threatened us with death or banishment, forbidding us to speak of it. It was then we made contact with the humans.”

  Kaylia sat up straight. “You did what?”

  Linis laughed. “Is it really so surprising?” he asked, motioning toward Gewey. “You travel with humans yourself. Have you not found that they are not the demons we’ve made them out to be?”

  “Do the other tribes know?” Kaylia asked.

  “Some,” he replied. “Most choose to do nothing as the world passes them by. But we will not be so foolish. Darkness is consuming the land, and if we do nothing to stop it, we shall be consumed along with it.”

  “How do you move around?” she asked. “If you’re known to associate with humans, aren’t you hunted? I imagine you would at least be called forth for judgment.”

  Linis held his head high and proud. “I will not face the judgment of fools,” he said determinedly. “As for being hunted, most choose to leave us alone for the time being. Those that have come after us have been turned back. We are more numerous than you can imagine. We even have a few locations in human cities, where we gather and walk about the city openly.”

  Kaylia’s mouth gaped. “How did you accomplish this?” she asked skeptically.

  “It took time, but we opened relations with a few of the lords, and after a while we gained their trust. Many humans still view us as killers and assassins, but that attitude is slowly beginning to change. It’s a thing never seen in a hundred lifetimes.”

  “I’d like to see that,” Gewey said sincerely. “I think it would be wonderful for elf and human to live side by side.”

  Linis nodded in approval. “You choose your companions wisely, I see. But we’re a long way from peaceful coexistence. For now, it’s our task to break down old ideas and replace them with new. Perhaps human and elf will one day live together, but we still have much work to do.”

  “You said you were here to warn us,” Gewey reminded him.

  “Yes, my young friend. A small group of elves is waiting for you just outside the city, with the intention of killing you and any that travel with you. I’m here to make sure that doesn’t happen.”

  “How?” asked Kaylia. “I travel with others that would make escape impossible. Unless you can grow wings and fly us away from here, they will catch us.”

  “Don’t underestimate what a determined Seeker can do,” Linis advised.

  “What’s a Seeker?” Gewey asked.

  “In human terms, it would be woodsman or tracker,” he answered. “It takes two hundred years to attain the rank of Seeker, and in the whole of the world we have no equal in the art of evasion.”

  Gewey stared in wonder. He had thought Kaylia could never be surpassed in skill when it came to avoiding being seen, but she was only one hundred and three years old. Linis had trained for two hundred years. It was difficult for him to grasp the concept.

  Kaylia saw the look on his face and smiled. “You see, Gewey, there is still much to learn. For both of us.”

  Linis laughed. “You will find me to be a willing teacher. And from the way you move, it seems as though Kaylia has already given you some instruction. She has done well. You are fortunate to have such a graceful teacher.”

  A pang of jealousy suddenly struck Gewey’s chest, upon hearing Linis speak well of Kaylia.

  “Five of my kin are waiting just outside the city walls,” Linis explained. “Tomorrow night we will escort you west, where you can be safe for a time. You should inform your companions of our intent and tell them only to bring what you can carry. I will return at dusk tomorrow. Be ready.” He rose from the bed and put his hands on Kaylia’s shoulders. “All will be well, Kaylia. I know I have given you much to think about, but you must trust me. There is no other way for you and your friends to escape.” With that, he left. Gewey was still boiling with jealousy as Kaylia sat on the bed and looked up at him.

  “That’s quite enough,” she scolded.

  “I don’t know what you mean,” Gewey lied. Somehow, though, he knew she could feel what he was feeling.

  “You have no cause to be jealous,” she explained. “If he approached me with interest, he would have immediately sensed there is a suitor; unless he was prepared to challenge you, he would not interfere.”

  “I’m not jealous,” he replied stubbornly.

  “Of course you are,” she said. “It’s perfectly natural. It’s a consequence of touching the mind of someone you’ve spoken the declaration to. I told you those ancient words have meaning. But they also have power.”

  “If you knew this would happen, why did you want to touch my mind to begin with?” he cried, suddenly feeling violated.

  “I felt it was necessary to know you more…intimately,” she answered. “I suppose I should have warned you there might be some emotional repercussions.” Kaylia had the look of mischievous child. “Now I think it’s time to rejoin the party. We can inform the others later.” She took Gewey’s hand.

  “No!” he yelled, jerking his hand away. “You said you wouldn’t hold back, but it’s all you do.”

  Kaylia lowered her eyes, “You’re right, of course. I should have warned you.” She held out her hand. “I will try and be more considerate.”

  Gewey paused and let his anger subside. “Thank you.” He took her hand and they returned to the common room, where the others were still enjoying the celebration.

  Lee was dan
cing with Maybell, who laughed like a young girl as he swept her across the dance floor, while Millet and Dina toasted to each other’s health for what was probably the tenth time. The rest of the room buzzed with merry making as the minstrels played on and on, each song livelier than the last.

  When things finally died down around midnight, Kaylia had everyone join her in her room. She told them in detail about her conversation with Linis, and the ambush that awaited them when they left Delhammer.

  “Do you trust him?” Lee asked.

  “I probably would have been able to tell if he was lying,” Kaylia answered. “If he says there are elves waiting to kill us outside the city walls, then I think we should take it very seriously. Linis says he can help us avoid detection, and we should accept his help.”

  “I agree,” Gewey added. “I think he was telling the truth.”

  Lee looked intently at Kaylia. “Fine,” he said reluctantly. “We’ll trust your judgment.”

  “Thank you,” Kaylia replied.

  “I was talking to Gewey,” he said, rising to his feet. “Now, we should all get some rest. I have a feeling that we’re going to need it.”

  Dina cleared her throat and tilted her head towards Maybell. “Excuse me,” she said. “But aren’t you forgetting something?”

  “Ahh,” Lee said, suddenly realizing what she meant. “Maybell, from the sound of it, we’ll be walking for quite some time. You may want to take refuge here.”

  “Young man,” she said indignantly. “I can walk you into the ground. Don’t let the age on my face make you think I’m feeble. I will not be left behind. I said I’m going to the temple of Valshara, and I mean to do just that.”

  “Very well,” Lee conceded with a certain amount of admiration.

  “We’ll be leaving early tomorrow. Millet and I will divide the gear, and sell what we won’t need in the morning.”

  “I fear that means the wine as well,” Millet lamented. “Such a pity.”

  They said goodnight and retired to their rooms.