Gewey's heart raced. Did he know?
“You're wrong,” said Theopolou. “Ourpeople may still rise again. But we must not succumb to our ownstubborn nature. We need the humans if we are to resist Angraal.”
“Resist?” Kaphalos scoffed. “Whatresistance can you offer? The humans will scatter before the might ofthe army that now gathers. Once they are gone, we will beannihilated.”
“There is something you do not know,” saidTheopolou. “We have recovered the Book of Souls.”
Kaphalos raised an eyebrow. “Have you? How nice.But even if you can open it, and even if it tells you how to defeatyour enemies, what then? Do you not see what will happen?”
“I see that we will survive,” saidTheopolou.
“Survive, yes,” Kaphalos retorted. “Butto what purpose? The humans will not suffer those unlike themselves.Our people will be absorbed, and our race will cease to exist. I havealready heard rumors that one half-breed walks the earth even now.”
Gewey tensed. This did not go unnoticed by Kaphalos.
“Human,” said Kaphalos to Gewey. “Ifthat is even what I should call you. Somehow I think not.” Hisface was one of disgust. “Theopolou wisely instructed you notto speak. But I would know your thoughts. Would you have human andelf live as one?”
Gewey took a deep breath, trying to steady his nerves.“Yes, I would.” There was a long pause.
“That's all you have to say? Surely you have morethan that.”
“I don't know what you want of me,” saidGewey. “I know you are wise, and I know that you believe youare of a right mind.” He chose his next words carefully. “Iwould not presume to debate you in matters that are beyond myunderstanding. So I don't see what I can offer you.”
“You offer nothing,” agreed Kaphalos. “Atleast nothing I would have from you. Still, I am interested in yourreasons for trying to deceive me.”
Gewey was aghast and suddenly afraid. Kaylia shot him aglance, feeling his dismay through their bond.
Kaphalos let out a malicious laugh. “You have nottold them that you have bonded yourself to an elf woman?” Thiscaused the elves to stir. “Theopolou has kept this a secret aswell, I see.” He shook his head slowly. “Did you reallythink I wouldn't know? I knew the moment I saw them.”
“I don't see what that has to do with anything,”Gewey growled with irritation.
“You wouldn't,” said Kaphalos. “But itjust confirms what I have already said. You are the first, but youwill not be the last.”
“Is this true?” Akakios asked Theopolou,appalled.
“It is,” said Theopolou. “Gewey andKaylia have bonded their spirits.”
“Why keep this from us?” he demanded.
“It was not for me to reveal,” Theopoloureplied. “The bonding is a personal matter and not to be spokenof lightly. I made my choice. You do not have to agree with it.”
The elves were clearly upset but calmed themselves andcontinued to listen.
“I am bonded to Kaylia,” announced Gewey ina clear strong voice. “I know this may anger you, but it wasnot my intent to do so. But know that I'm in no way ashamed.”
“Nor am I,” added Kaylia.
“It matters not,” Kaphalos said. “Itis unlikely either of you will live long enough to regret it. Angraalwill march soon and slaughter us all.”
“Is there nothing I can say to convince you tocome?” asked Theopolou.
“You know there is not,” Kaphalos replied.“But you needn't fear. I will not hinder you. There would be nopoint.”
Theopolou bowed his head. “Then we will take ourleave.” Linis gathered the Vrykol head.
“Farewell,” said Kaphalos. “Perhaps wewill meet again before we rejoin the creator. If not, know that Ihold you in high regard… though we do not see eye to eye.”
“As do I,” said Theopolou.
They left the house and filed back down the walkway.Once they had reached the beginning of the trail that led to thehouse of Kaphalos, Akakios halted.
“My Lord Theopolou,” said Akakios. “Wemust speak… all of us.” The other elves nodded in agreement.
“And what would you speak about?” Theopolouasked.
“I think you know,” replied Akakios. “Ihave never questioned you before. But to knowingly protect someonewho has…” He could hardly speak the words. “Bonded witha human.”
Theopolou crossed his arms. “So you would have mekill her here and now, I suppose? You would have me break my word?You ask if I would dishonor myself?”
“No,” Akakios stammered. “But you helpher to avoid judgment by offering your protection.”
“I am doing nothing of the kind,” saidTheopolou. “Kaylia has agreed to face judgment according to ourlaws, upon the completion of her task and not before. She enteredinto this bargain in good faith. You should know that, despite ourlaws, her life is sought even now by the very elders whom we aregoing to meet.”
“Before judgment?” gasped Akakios. “Why?”
“They feel as Kaphalos,” Theopolouexplained. “They harbor hatred from the Great War, and theyfear a mixing of the races will be the end of our kind. I share someof these fears. But I will not turn my back on our traditions becauseI lack the courage to do what is right.”
Akakios bowed his head “You are right, of course.Forgive me.”
Theopolou smiled kindly. “There is nothing toforgive. But you should know that there are other things I hold assecret and have not told you. I will tell you now if you feel youmust know.” His eyes scanned his guard. They look embarrassedto have questioned their master’s motives.
Gewey snapped to attention. “You cannot,”pleaded Kaylia.
“I can,” corrected Theopolou. “And Iwill if I must.”
“Lord,” said Akakios. “If you feel weshould not know, it is enough.”
Theopolou thought for a long moment. “No,”he said. “You deserve to know what is so important that I wouldhide things from my most trusted companions.” He turned toGewey. “Step forward.”
Gewey obeyed, keenly aware that Kaylia was at his rightside fingering her knife. Linis slid to his left.
“You may have wondered how Gewey was able to killtwo Vrykol so easily,” Theopolou began. “Some may haveguessed that he is a half-man.” A few of the elves nodded. “Youare only half right. Before you stands the only being ever born fromthe union of two Gods. Before you stands a God who walks the earth asa human.”
There was dead silence and all eyes fell on Gewey.Akakios was the first to speak. “This is true?”
“It is,” Gewey affirmed “But I onlyfound out a few weeks ago. I've lived my entire life as a human.Until Lee proved it to me, I didn't know anything.”
“It is why he is here,” said Theopolou. “Wehope he will be able to open the Book of Souls.”
“Why would he need it?” asked Akakios.“Could he not simply go and defeat the Lord of Angraal?If he is a God, does he not possess such power?”
“I don't know much about my power, or what I canor can't do,” admitted Gewey. “I am only now discoveringmy abilities.”
“But you're a God?” countered Akakios. “AGod!”
“True,” interjected Linis. “But he isnot all powerful. He can be injured… maybe even killed. It would befoolish to send him to confront The Dark One until he is ready.”
“Angraal is not what concerns me,”said Akakios. “It was the Gods that split our people. It is ourlives I worry about.”
“I would never harm you or your people,”said Gewey. “I swear it. If my kind have hurt you, I am sorry.But I am not them.”
“Even so,” said Akakios. “You are oneof them.”
“I would ask that you trust my judgment in thismatter,” said Theopolou. “Gewey is not to be harmed inany way. We need him.”
“I beg that you give us a few moments to considerwhat you have revealed,” said Akakios.
Theopolou nodded his consent. Gewey, Kaylia, Linis andTheopolou watched as the others gathered in a tight circle,
speakingin hushed tones. Minutes ticked by and Gewey's nerves began tounravel. Kaylia gave his hand a light squeeze and smiled. This calmedhim.
After several more minutes, the elves broke their circleand slowly walk toward Gewey. “You have done me no harm,”said Akakios. “And I trust my Lord. We will do nothing againstyou as long as Theopolou commands it. That you have bonded with oneof our kind is troubling, but I see nothing that can be done, shortof killing you both. As you are not subject to our laws, I see nocall for that.”
“I thank you,” said Gewey bowing low. “Butunderstand that should Kaylia face judgment, I will stand with her.”
“As her mate, that is your right,” saidAkakios.
“We have yet to complete the bonding,”interjected Kaylia. “And should I be sentenced to death I willnot.”
Gewey turned to Kaylia. “What do you mean?”
Kaylia locked eyes with him. “If the bond issealed and I die, you die as well. I will not have that.”
“You would doom his soul?” asked Theopolou.
“What do you mean?” asked Kaylia. “Iwould save his life.”
“You know as well as I what happens when the bondis left unsealed for too long,” said Theopolou. “It isthe same if you die. His soul will be torn apart.”
“Is there nothing to be done?” she asked.
“To my knowledge, no,” he answered. “Youshould have considered this beforehand.” “It wasn't herfault,” said Gewey. “It wasn't something either of usplanned.”
“I see,” the old elf muttered. “Thenthere is only one thing to be done. You must seal the bond betweenyou. If your souls reached out without prior knowledge, then therecan be no other choice.”
Kaylia stared in disbelief. “You would have mecomplete the bond? But I-”
“You should think more, and act less,” saidTheopolou. “I have no desire to see you, or any elf, bonded toanyone other than an elf. But that does not change the facts. Keep inmind that I advise you as your uncle, not an elder. As an elder Iwould see you judged.”
“I understand, uncle,” said Kaylia. “Thankyou.”
“We should depart,” said Linis. “Thereis a clearing about two hour’s march where we can make camp.”
“Agreed,” said Theopolou. “We havetarried long enough.”
Chapter Eleven
Travel for the next two days was uneventful. At first,the elves kept their distance from Gewey, but by the morning of thesecond day, their curiosity got the better of them. Gewey tried toanswer their questions as best he could, but soon it became apparentthat he didn't have the information they wanted. He knew nothingabout heaven, the Creator or immortality.
The day before they arrived at Theopolou's home,Theopolou asked to speak with Gewey and Kaylia alone. They walked afew yards from their evening camp and sat on a large fallen dogwood.
“When we arrive tomorrow,” Theopolou began.“I will ask that you keep to your quarters until you aresummoned.” He looked at them disapprovingly. “And youwill be housed separately.”
“We do not share quarters,” said Gewey,turning bright red.
“Good,” said Theopolou. “Until youhave completed your bond you should not.”
“I may not share your opinions on humans,”said Kaylia. “But I am no scortus.”
“What's a scortus?”asked Gewey.
“A woman of ill repute,” Kaylia replied.
“I was not implying that you were,” saidTheopolou. “But I'm still your uncle and am protective of yourhonor.”
“I would not dishonor Kaylia,” said Gewey,with all the sincerity he could muster through his embarrassment.
Theopolou cracked a smile. “I believe you.”Then his smile faded. “Now, listen to me, both of you. You mustkeep out of sight until I call for you.”
“How long will we have to wait?” askedGewey.
Theopolou shrugged. “An hour. A day. There is noway to know. But you must stay put no matter what. Each of you willhave a guard outside your door.”
Kaylia's eyes narrowed. ”Do you expect treachery?”
“No,” Theopolou replied. “But I willbe prepared nonetheless. Timing will be crucial, and I will get usevery advantage I can. Since I opposed your assassination, I havelost support. I still hold position and influence, but not as much asbefore. You must do exactly as I tell you.”
Gewey and Kaylia both nodded in agreement.
“Good,” said Theopolou, satisfied. “Nowwe must rest. Tomorrow we will arrive. I can only hope we get therebefore the others.”
They slept for only a few hours and were on their waylong before daybreak. By midday, the forest grew thicker until it wasnearly impenetrable. Gewey snagged his clothes countless times onthorns and brambles, and the insects swarmed, making a feast of hisflesh. The elves seemed unaffected, deftly hopping between the treesand thick brush, avoiding thorns and low hanging branches as if theyweren't there.
Linis noticed Gewey's difficulty. “Stay justbehind me,” he said. “Do as I do.” Gewey tried hisbest to follow Linis' every move, and was able to lessen his hurtsconsiderably. Still, he managed a few extra scrapes before the forestthinned.
“How can he stand to live in such a place?”Gewey asked.
“A bit much to get through, for anyone other thanan elf.” Linis chuckled. “It is why we choose suchplaces. Most of our dwellings are not easily accessible, even ourtowns. Some you could never find unless you knew exactly where tolook.”
Gewey tried to imagine what an elf town would look like.Majesty and magic must be everywhere. Then he dismissed the notion.So far, he had been far from the mark. Kaphalos lived in a house, butalthough it was well-built and beautiful, it was nothing like he hadpictured.
The forest thinned even more, and soon Gewey foundhimself walking along a colorful cobblestone street. It was wideenough that the party could walk four abreast comfortably.
Theopolou turned back to Gewey. “Once we reach theend of the road, Akakios will guide you and Kaylia to your quarters.You should be able to get there unseen. The servants will bepreparing the house, and we are the first party to arrive.”
“How can you tell?” asked Gewey.
“It's myhouse,” replied Theopolou. “I know when someone is about.Not even Linis could enter my land without my notice.”
The road ended at an immense gateway, twenty feet highand solid as steel. It shined like silver and bore long, carved ivoryhandles. A polished granite wall spanned east and west farther thanGewey's eyes could see. He stared in wonder. Even the walls of ahuman city weren't so well constructed, and the gate looked as ifnothing could bring it down.
The party halted and Theopolou approached the gate. Heplaced his hand upon one of the handles. Suddenly the handle hissedand glowed with a pale, white light. Then, as if by command, the gateswung outward without a sound.
“Magic,” whispered Gewey.
Theopolou sniffed. “It is not magic.” Hiseyes fell on Kaylia. “If he is to be yours, then you shouldteach him properly.”
Gewey could feel Kaylia's embarrassment. “I'msorry,” he said. “I shouldn't have said anything.”
“It is not your fault.” Kaylia lowered hereyes. “I have not told you enough about us. The moment we werebonded, I should have instructed you more about our ways.”
Gewey was about to try to console her, but Theopolouheld out his palm. Akakios moved in front of Gewey and Kaylia.
“Wait for them to enter,” said Akakios.“Then follow me to your quarters.”
Once Theopolou and the others were about fifty feetahead, Akakios led them through the gate. Gewey sucked in his breath.
A polished, solid white, marble path lay before him.Each stone was etched with an intricate golden inlay of elf ruins.The grounds were dotted with ancient willows and strong oaks, andwild flowers covered the area like a glorious carpet of color andsplendor. Directly ahead, stood a ten foot tall, solid crystal statueof an elf maiden. Her arm held aloft an orb, surrounded by tiny vinesof ivy. The sunlight struck the or
b and it sparkled and split,causing rainbows of light to dance playfully. The craftsmanship wasfar beyond anything Gewey had ever imagined possible.
What most impressed Gewey was the house… if such astructure could be called a house. The entire building wasconstructed from pure white marble and it stood three stories high,rising to an apex. Elaborate carvings of horses, wolves, bobcats, andmany other animals Gewey did not recognize, decorated the facing. Nota speck of dirt blemished its beauty, and it showed no sign ofweathering. A massive flight of stairs, wide as the entire house, ledto a broad double door made from the same gleaming metal as thegates. Lining the front and supporting the lip of the high ceilingstood six massive columns, ten feet apart and as big around as amature oak.
As Theopolou and the others passed by the crystalstatue, each stopped in turn and bowed their heads.
“Come,” Akakios commanded.
He led Gewey and Kaylia around the west end of the housewhere three small round buildings stood, lined up east to west fromthe side of the main house. They were crafted from smooth whitestones and the roofs glittered with quartz tiles. The door was blondmaple and had a silver doorknocker in the center.
“All of the rooms are identical,” saidAkakios. “Each is equipped with a shower, and food and freshclothing will be brought right away.”
They thanked Akakios. Kaylia took the room nearest themain house and Gewey the one just beside it. When Gewey opened thedoor, he felt the relief of cool air pour out. The room was largeenough for four people, and well lit by the same strange orbs he hadseen at the home of Kaphalos. The four of them hung from a silverchain near the wall. To his right was a single bed with fine linensheets and a plump, round, comfortable-looking pillow. On his leftstood a small, round, oak table with four chairs. A plush couch, withtwo brass tables on each end, sat at the far side of the room. Butwhat caught Gewey's eye was the area between the table and thecouch-the shower.
Gewey nearly forgot to close the door behind him beforehe threw down his pack and stripped off his clothes. It looked muchlike the one he had used in Lord Ganflin's manor, only the fixturewere a bit more elaborate and a small marble table held the soaps andbathing implements.
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