Gewey heard Linis as the elf neared the creature. Linishad not yet spotted it, but Gewey was certain he soon would. Howcould he not? He was practically on top of it, but soon it was clearhe had missed it entirely. Linis continued past the creature, showingno sign he had noticed it. Gewey realized the hunters had become thehunted.
From the east, Gewey heard two more of the creaturesmove in, closing in on Stintos' position. He knew he had to decidequickly what to do.
“Linis, it's a trap!” Gewey yelled at thetop of his lungs. His legs burst to life as he sped toward Stintos.
The creatures revealed themselves just as Stintos cameinto view. Their figures were that of a man, but that was the onlything they had in common. They wore tattered clothes, blackened withgrime and decay. Their faces were burnt, misshapen, and covered withdeep scars, as if they had been assembled from the rotting corpses ofa dozen dead men. But despite their outward appearance, theirmovements were unearthly… their speed unmatched by any Gewey hadseen, save Lee.
They were on Stintos before he knew they were there.Each beast held a cruel dagger in hand, and with them they slashed atthe elf’s throat. Stintos only barely avoided death by fallingback onto the ground. But this only put him at a greaterdisadvantage. One of the creatures moved to plunge his dagger in theelf’s chest, but Gewey got there just before the fatal blowcould be struck and removed the creatures head with one swift stroke.Thick, black blood poured from the beast's neck, as the body fell.
Gewey turned his attention to the second creature thatwas already in striking distance. The creature struck at Gewey'sheart, but the power that flowed through him allowed him to easilyavoid the attack. He brought his sword down across the creature’schest, splitting it open and sending it tumbling to the ground. Butto Gewey's dismay, this did not end the battle.
No sooner had the creature landed when it sprung to itsfeet and charged again, this time at the elf. The creature slashed atthe left arm of Stintos, who deftly moved aside, and spun around,bringing his long knife across its back. But this did nothing to slowit down, as the creature also spun, swinging its own knife wildly.This time the blade struck home and slashed across the elf's ribs.Stintos groaned and staggered back.
Gewey knew this must end now. Linis was alone with oneof these creatures, and he knew he must hurry to his aid. Thehead, he thought, and aimed his blade at thecreature’s neck. It found its mark and the beast fell.
“Go back to the others,” Gewey commanded andtore off in the direction of Linis.
He found the elf three-hundred paces north, kneelingbeside the dismembered body of the third creature… dismemberedexcept for the head.
“Are you injured?” cried Gewey, relieved tosee his friend alive.
“I will live.” Linis panted. “But asfor this… thing, it has seen better days.”
Gewey moved closer. He eyes shot wide as he realized thebeast still lived. The ground was covered with the creature’sthick, black blood, and its limbs were hacked and scattered about theground. Still the thing snarled and growled, its eyes fixed on Linis.Linis stared in return.
Gewey touched Linis' shoulder. The elf looked up atGewey and forced a smile. Blood soaked Linis' shirt… elf blood.
“We must tend to your wounds,” said Gewey.“Stintos was hurt as well.”
“Is he seriously injured?” asked Linis.
“I don't think so. He was on his feet when I lefthim.”
“Good.” Linis sighed. “As for me… Iam fine. Thanks to your warning it is only a scratch.”
Gewey's eyes turned to the creature. “How does itstill live?”
“I don't know,” said Linis in a whisper.“How do you live, beast!” His voice boomed, startlingGewey.
“I was never alive,” hissed the creature.Its voice was like the wheezing of a dying man, sick and labored.
“It speaks,” gasped Gewey.
“So it does,” remarked Linis.
“You shall all fall by the hands of my brothers,”spat the creature. “The master will see that it is so.”
“You mean the Dark Knight, don't you?” saidGewey.
The creature let out a gurgling laugh. “I knowyou. The God who will die like a man. The master will see to you soonenough.”
“What manner of beast are you?” demandedLinis.
“We are the Vrykol. We are the instrument of yourdemise.”
Linis stood, gripping his long knife so hard hisknuckles turned white. “We shall see.” His blade flewdown, cutting off the Vrykol's head.
“Are you alright?” called Kaylia’svoice from behind.
Gewey turned to see Kaylia, Theopolou, Haldrontis, andthree other elves running up with weapons in hand. When they saw themangled body of the Vrykol strewn about the ground, they stoppedshort.
“What is this… thing?” gasped Kaylia inhorror.
“It's a creature of Angraal,” saidLinis. “It called itself a Vrykol.” He turned toTheopolou. “Have you heard of them?”
“I have. But they are supposed to exist only inlegend. They are said to be damned souls, forced from paradise towalk the earth. But I have never heard of them as physical beings,only spirits.”
“They're physical beings for sure,” saidGewey. “They almost killed us.”
“So you spoke to it before it died,” saidKaylia. “What did it say?”
Linis described his encounter and the short conversationwith the Vrykol.
“You should have waited until I had a chance tointerrogate it,” said Theopolou.
“It wouldn't have told you anything,” saidGewey.
Theopolou shot a glance at Gewey. “You know verylittle, young one. I may have been able to discover more than youcould guess.” He paused. “But there is no use belaboringthe point. As it stands, we know they are intelligent and resilient.Whether or not they are in fact Vrykol, or just use the name, mattersnot. They are on our trail.”
“How fairs Stintos?” asked Linis.
“His wounds are being tended,” Theopolouanswered. “But he will slow us considerably. I'm sending himback to Valshara with Haldrontis until he can travel.”Theopolou noticed Linis' wound. “Are you able to travel?”
“I am,” replied Linis, seeming to justnotice the wound on his arm. “Thanks to Gewey's warning, theVrykol's blade did not bite deeply.”
“Still, it needs to be dressed,” saidKaylia. “Come. I have salve and bandages in my pack.”
The group started toward to the trail, but Theopoloupaused. “Bring the head,” said the old elf.
Linis nodded and picked up the head by its grimy hair. Awave of nausea washed over Gewey as more of the black blood pouredonto the ground.
When they got back to the trail Gewey saw Stintos,leaning against a nearby tree. Two elves treated the wound on hisribs. Linis unpacked a spare cloak and wrapped the head inside.Stintos noticed Gewey's approach and motioned for him to come near.Gewey reluctantly obeyed.
“You saved my life, human,” said Stintos. Hewinced as an elf rubbed salve in the deep cut. “I owe you adebt.”
“Forget it,” said Gewey. “I didn't doanything you wouldn't have done in my place, I'm sure.”
Stintos smiled. “That you think an elf would cometo your aid is remarkable, and speaks to your character. However, Idon't understand how you knew to come. I was far out of sight orearshot. Only an elf seeker could have heard them coming, and even aseeker would have difficulty.”
Gewey was unsure what to say. “I…” hestammered. “Well, Kaylia and Linis have been instructing me.”
Stintos look at Gewey skeptically. “I see. Thentraining has heightened your senses. I was not aware that humanscould gain such abilities.” His eyes fixed on the boy, then hissmile returned. “It matters not. You saved my life, and forthat you have gained my friendship.”
“I value it,” said Gewey, bowing his head.
“Gewey,” called Linis.
Gewey turned to see Linis standing near the packs.Kaylia dressed a cut on his left arm. He took his leave from S
tintos.
“We leave at once,” said Linis. “Theopolousays we should arrive at his home in six days if we press our pace. Idisagree with moving at too great a speed. With these so-calledVrykol about, I would not risk being taken by surprise. I would askyou to keep extra vigilant. You can hear what I cannot, it wouldseem.”
“I'll do my best,” said Gewey. “But Iheard the Vrykol because I channeled the power of the earth. I'venever done it more than a few minutes. To do it for six days…”
“You must try,” said Linis. “Our livesmay depend on it.”
Gewey’s stomach knotted at the thought of so manylives depending on him.
“I will not have him put his life at risk,”said Kaylia, fiercely.
“I doubt it will harm him,” said Linis.“Seekers use the same power at times. I have used the flow,as we call it, for two straight days and it did me no harm.”
“He's notan elf,” countered Kaylia. “Or have you forgotten?”
“I have not forgotten,” Linis shot back.“But we both know what he is, don't we?”
“Mind your tongue,” hissed Kaylia, lookingaround for prying ears. “Would you have Gewey exposed?”She jerked tight Linis' bandage, causing him to wince. “Ithought Lee confiding in you might be a mistake.”
“It was not a mistake, child,” chided Linis.“Lord Starfinder thought that I should know what is at stake.Out of friendship and trust he confided in me. I will notexpose Gewey, and I will notbe scolded by you. I am a seeker.”
Gewey had never heard anyone speak to Kaylia as if shewere a mere child. He could see the fury in her eyes, but she managedto contain her rage.
“You are correct, of course,” growledKaylia. “My apologies… seeker.”
Linis' face softened. “I know you love him. Butremember, I have named him friend and care for him as kin. I only askof him what I must.”
“I know,” replied Kaylia weakly. “Ijust want to keep him safe. The bond we share can be maddening attimes.”
“You are young to have done such a thing,”said Linis. “But it seems to have been the right thing to do.”He bent and flexed his arm as Kayla finished dressing the wound.“Gewey, if you feel any ill effects from the flow,release it at once and consult me.”
“I will,” said Gewey.
Theopolou approached, his pack already on his back. “Wemust depart. Gather your things.”
Once everyone had donned their gear, they said farewellto Haldrontis and Stintos and continued down the trail. Gewey allowedthe flow of the earth to saturate his body, and took great care tolisten for anything out of the ordinary.
After an hour they left the trail and headed southacross country. The ground was level and the trees still sparse.Gewey was relieved to hear the return of the birds and small animals.The flow was difficultto maintain at first, but after an hour or so it felt more natural.By the time they halted to make camp, he couldn't imagine what itwould feel like without it. Kaylia and Linis had been keeping a closeeye on him, constantly asking how he was. Kaylia was clearly relievedthat he had shown no sign that it was hurting him. Linis, on theother hand, maintained a look of deep concern.
Once they made camp, Theopolou sat next to Gewey andhanded him a cup of honeyed wine and a small loaf of bread.
“How much rest do you need?” askedTheopolou.
“None,” answered Gewey. “I am readynow, if you'd like.”
Theopolou raised an eyebrow. “Is that so? Well,you must at least appear to rest. The flowhas made you strong, but it would raise suspicions among my guard ifyou didn't look a bit fatigued. I would have them in the dark fornow.” He looked more closely as Gewey. “Why do you stilluse the power? There is no danger near.”
Gewey’s features were hard and determined. “SoI'll know if it approaches.”
“Linis has asked you to do this, I take it.”Theopolou shook his head. “You should not. Even a seeker suchas Linis cannot hold on to it indefinitely. It can be… dangerous.”
“What do you mean?” Gewey's eye wandered toKaylia, who was a few yards away changing Linis' bandages.
“Linis is a worthy seeker, likely the best thatstill lives, but he does not know all. Seekers learn to use the flowfrom a very young age, but they are too busy with other training tolearn the nature of the power that fuels them.”
“And you know these things?” asked Gewey.
Theopolou laughed softly. “More than most. I knowthat to hold the power of the earth for too long can break the mind.Seekers are taught to use it when they must and rarely hold it formore than a day, so they are in no danger.”
“In danger of what?” Gewey demanded. “Linissaid he held it for two days and he was fine.”
“Linis is strong,” Theopolou replied. “Hismind and spirit are resilient. He is counting on your… heritage, tokeep you safe. But I'm not as certain. I would not see youpossessed.”
“Possessed?” laughed Gewey. “Possessedby what? The earth?”
“Precisely. The power you use can becomeaddictive. In time you will not be able to release it without greatpain.”
Gewey shrugged. “So what? I'm stronger, faster. Ican hear and see better, and more importantly, I'm better able tokeep those I love safe.”
“All true,” said the elf. “But, intime it will burn your mind and drive you mad. You will endangereveryone near to you… even the ones you love.”
“Has this ever happened to an elf?” askedGewey.
“Long ago. It is why elves are taught to use itsparingly. And there's something else. You can use many times theamount of the flowthan any elf. It may accelerate any adverse effects.”
“It doesn't change the fact that we need to knowif more of those creatures are about,” insisted Gewey.
“True,” admitted Theopolou. “But Iwill not have a mad godling roaming the earth. Be mindful.”
“I will,” said Gewey, aware of Theopolou'simplied threat.
Theopolou got to his feet. “We will rest for twohours. That should be enough time to eliminate any suspicions aboutyou.” With that, he walked away in the direction of three ofhis guards, who were talking near the fire.
Kaylia and Linis sat next to Gewey a few moments later.“What did he say?” asked Kaylia.
“Nothing important. He just wanted to know if Iwas tired.”
“I see,” said Kaylia, clearly not believinghim. “I would rather you say nothing at all than tell me a lie.Even if it's to spare me worry or hurt.”
“I'm sorry.” Gewey sighed. “Isometimes forget I cannot fool you.”
“I think I know what Theopolou wanted,” saidLinis. “He was concerned about you using your power for toolong. Am I right?”
Gewey nodded. “He said it could drive me insane.”
“Unlikely,” said Linis from behind them.“I've heard the same tales of caution, but as wise as Theopolouis, he has no real experience with this matter. It would take manyweeks of constant use to have any lasting effect.”
“He said that because I can use so much more thanan elf, that it might take less time,” said Gewey.
“He may have a point,” admitted Linis. “Howdo you feel now?”
“Good,” Gewey replied. “In fact,better than good. I've never felt so strong in my life. I think Icould run for days without stopping.”
Linis thought for a moment. “Tomorrow I want youto release the flowwhen we rest. I and the others should be able to keep watch wellenough.”
“Okay,” said Gewey, smiling. Though thethought of releasing the power of the earth made his heart ache.Kaylia at once picked up on this feeling.
“I'll see to it,” said Kaylia.
Linis threw his head back in laughter. “Then Ihave no need to worry. I am sure all will be well so long as you arekeeping watch over our young man.” He moved to his bedroll.“Don't forget, you must at least pretend to rest, Gewey.”
Gewey lay on his blanket and closed his eyes. He couldhear the forest’s sweet song, as the wind caressed the treesand moved across the grass. Nocturna
l predators stalked their prey,and high above an eagle soared in the direction of the sea. It was somuch more natural than the first time he has done this. In fact, hecouldn't imagine a time when his ears were deaf to such marvels.Sleep was not a possibility.
Chapter Nine
When the elves broke camp, Gewey was bursting withenergy. His mind raced with the thoughts of the coming days. Theelves seemed satisfied that Gewey had had enough rest and took littlenotice of his energetic behavior.
In the hours before sunrise, they covered many miles.Gewey was astounded by the speed the elves maintained. His originaljourney from Sharpstone would have taken half the time had they beenable to move this speed. He was certain Lee could match it butdoubted that, at the time, he could have.
When the sun broke the horizon Linis called for a halt,but no one put down their packs. Each helped another to retrievebread and a flask from their gear and they continued, eating anddrinking along the way.
By midday, the sun blazed, and the party increased itspace, but the elves did not appear effected. Gewey, still using thepower of the earth, was as strong as he'd been when they left. Infact, with each hour that passed he felt stronger.
“Does the human need rest?” asked Akakios, ashort, stocky elf with sandy blond hair.
“The human has a name,” said Geweyirritably.
Akakios laughed and slapped Gewey on the back. “Imeant no offense, young one. Come. Walk beside me and perhaps you caninstruct me on human manners and customs.”
Gewey allowed his irritation to subside and gave the elfa friendly smile. “I'd be happy to, if you can call me Gewey.”
Akakios bowed his head. “Agreed.”
Akakios and Gewey walked together until the light of theday began to fade. Gewey told him stories of his home and hisupbringing, and he found Akakios to be an elf of good humor. Just asKaylia had when he first told her of his old life and upbringing,Akakios told Gewey that he and many other elves longed for such alife.
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