Once inside the shower area he pulled the curtainaround. Remembering the shock of the water from his first time, hecarefully twisted the knobs. He lost himself in the feeling ofsteaming hot water pouring over his body. When he finished, hegrabbed a towel which hung on the wall and stepped out. To hisamazement a fresh set of clothes lay neatly on the bed, and a bowl ofhot stew and fresh bread had been placed on the table. He had notheard anyone enter or move about.
He dried off and donned the clothes that the elves hadprovided. They were simple tan pants and shirt, with a thin leatherbelt. The fabric was comfortable, fit nicely, and was highly durable.A pair of calfskin moccasins and cotton socks completed the ensemble.Gewey sat at the table and began to eat, when the door swung open. Itwas Linis.
“You look very much the elf in those clothes,”remarked Linis, smiling.
“This is what elves wear? I've never seen an elfdressed this way.”
“Of course not.” Linis laughed. “Thisis what we wear at home while relaxing. Do you find it comfortable?”
“Very.” In fact, the longer he wore theclothes the more he noticed they had certain properties. His skinfelt cool and alive, and the moccasins hugged his feet to the pointhe barely noticed he wore them. “I'd love to know how they'remade. The tailors back home would go crazy for this. The cobblers,too.”
“I am sure they would,” said Linis. “Youmay find it is easier to sway the minds of the elf elders than to prythe secrets from our craftsmen. They are protective of their art.”He sat across from Gewey. “It may be some time before you canleave this room. Do you need anything? I can have it brought.”
Gewey thought for a moment. “Some books would benice. About the elves, if possible.”
“I'm sure that can be arranged.”
“Have you seen Kaylia?”
Linis shook his head. “Not yet. I was going to seeher after I came here. Do you have a message?”
Gewey hated that he couldn't speak to her when she wasjust yards away. “No. I'll deliver it myself.”
Linis frowned. “You must not leave this room. Giveit to me and I'll convey it.”
Gewey flashed a mischievous grin. “I don't need toleave this room to deliver my message. I agreed to stay here and Iwill. But where my spirit travels is my business.”
Linis burst out with laughter. “I sometimes forgetwhat you are, and what you're capable of. Mind that you keep it toyourself. Once the elders are told about you, many are likely to fearyou. Give them no more reason than you must to do so.”
“I was wondering,” said Gewey. “Thegate. How did it open?”
“By the same means you gain strength when you usethe power of the earth,” Linis replied. “We can createtools and objects that can harness the flowjust as you do. It is said that in ancient times the elves createdthings of such power that they could upend the very earth, movingentire mountains.”
Gewey’s eyes widened at the thought. “Incredible.Have you ever seen such a device?”
Linis shook his head, as sadness washed over him. “No,I have not. No one has in many generations. The wisdom and knowledgeof our forefathers was said to rival that of the Gods. But I fear wewill never regain what we have lost. ”
“Maybe together we can rediscover the secret.”
Linis forced a smile. “Perhaps. I fear I will notlive to see such a thing.”
“Don't say that,” said Gewey. “We'reall going to make it through this alive. I swear.”
Linis furled his brow. “Never make a promise youcannot keep. Besides, I have no fear of death. It comes to us all…except perhaps, to you.”
“I may be a God, but I am not immortal. Whatever Iam, I'm part of this world, just as you are.” He stood andturned his back. “What bothers me is that if I am bound toearth as a human, I may have a human lifespan. Kaylia could live forfour or five-hundred more years.”
Realization washed over Linis. “You're afraid thatif you complete your bond she will only live a human lifetime.”
Gewey nodded and lowered his head.
“Your fears are justified,” said Linis. “Butcertainly that should compel you to value the time you will have.”He stood and placed his hand on Gewey's shoulder. “Do not dwellon it. You and she are the first to have such a bond. It could bethat if you have a human life, it may be extended to that of an elf.And there is the possibility that you may not die at all, and the twoof you will live together forever. Whatever the case, there isnothing to be done.”
“You’re right.” Gewey sighed. “Butsometimes it's hard not to think about it.”
Linis gave Gewey's shoulder a light squeeze. “I'llhave the books sent. Perhaps that can occupy your thoughts.”
Gewey turned and smiled. “I'd appreciate it.”
Linis left and Gewey lay on the bed and closed his eyes.He reached out with his mind, hoping to touch Kaylia's, but foundthat it was difficult, as if something was blocking him. He looked inhis pack, retrieved a small flask of jawas tea and took a longdrought. At once he felt its affects. His body and mind relaxed andhis breathing deepened. He reached out, but again he was unable tomake contact. It was as if a wall blocked his way. He tried a fewmore times but with the same result. Frustrated, he got up and beganpacing the room.
The desire to leave the room and ask Kaylia if she hadexperienced the same thing was nearly unbearable. But he knew itwould cause trouble. Instead, he busied himself by unpacking histhings, and polishing and oiling his sword at the edge of the bed.The weapon never seemed to need care, but he enjoyed it all the same.Simply by holding it, he felt the throbbing pulse of the earth.
He closed his eyes allowing the flowto move through him. More and more he opened himself until everyfiber of his being was saturated.
“Stop this!” cried a loud, deep voice.Theopolou stood at the door, fury in his eyes.
Gewey released the power. Immediately he longed to holdit again.
“You must not do that again,” said Theopolouslamming the door behind him. “Why?” asked Gewey. “Whatcan it hurt?”
“Fool,” the elf grumbled. “You exposeyourself when you draw that much power.”
Gewey got to his feet. “I don't understand.”
“Then understand that should an elder be nearbyand you draw that much of the flow,you will not need to tell anyone what you are.” Theopolou satat the table and motioned for Gewey to do the same.
Gewey, irritated by his inability to contact Kaylia,resisted. “I'll stand.”
“You tried to contact Kaylia through your bond,”said Theopolou. “Did you not?”
Shocked, Gewey sat. “How did you-”
“I know everything that happens within thesewalls,” he said. “And though another elder may not be assensitive as I am within my house, they will know that you are not asyou seem if you do that again. You are fortunate no one has arrived.”
Gewey nodded but still felt angered. “Why can't Icontact Kaylia? It's as if I'm being blocked. And why is it you canfeel when I use the power, but your guards did not?”
Theopolou's mouth tightened. “I am not inclined tobe your instructor, but I suppose this time I must be.” Hefolded his hands on the table and leaned forward. “As far asyour inability to spirit travel, I prevented it. I cannot risk youaccidentally ruining my plans. And as for why I can feel you usingthe flow, it is atrait of my race. As we age, we become more sensitive. Seekersdevelop this ability, which is why Linis can feel it, but it wouldcome naturally with time.” Theopolou stood. “That is allyou need know. Any further instruction will be from Kaylia, orperhaps Linis.” He walked to the door. “Do not be a fooland try that again, or we will be undone.”
Gewey felt like an ignorant child. He sat in silence.When he first left home with Lee, he had been rebuked many times, butthis time it struck home all too keenly. He had thought hisexperiences had matured him, but now he questioned himself and hisworth. There was so much he didn't know.
The door opened and Akakios entered, carrying an armloadof books. “Linis sent thes
e.” He placed them on thetable. “Mostly children’s stories, but Linis thought itbest for you to learn our culture from the beginning.”
“Thank you.” Gewey picked up a leather-bondbook with the title “Songs of Lilith” embroidered on thecover.
“Something troubles you?” Akakios asked.
“It's only that sometimes I realize I have much tolearn.”
Akakios smiled warmly. “It is good to know thatabout yourself. Even the very wise are not all knowing, though somemay think so. I take it Theopolou had harsh words for you?”
Gewey shrugged. “He didn't say anything I didn'tdeserve. It's just that for a while I was starting to feel like I wasmy own man, and then I'm reminded of how young and inexperienced Ireally am.”
“Then take comfort that you are the first being,other than an elf, to grace the home of Theopolou or his family inmore than five-hundred years. That is an honor that you, and youalone can boast. If it is experience you desire, this is certainly agood start.”
This lifted Gewey's spirits. “Thank you. I guess Iwas feeling a bit out of place and alone.”
“Think nothing of it.” He turned and openedthe door to leave. “I'll be guarding your door. I will see ifTheopolou will grant me permission to keep you company. Linis may betied up with the meeting of elders.”
“I'd like that,” said Gewey.
Gewey spent the next few hours reading TheSongs of Lilith. The book was a collection ofstories about a young, elf girl named Lilith, who was kidnapped by aspirit and taken to the other side of the world. Each short talerecounted her quest to return home and ended with a moral lesson.
By the time he had read the fifth story his eyes grewheavy and decided to go to bed. He examined the glowing orbs butcould find no way to dim them. Finally, he lay down and covered hiseyes with a shirt from his pack. He thought it best not to undress,just in case he had to move quickly, and kept his clothes on. Hisdreams were filled with visions of Lilith and her struggle to returnto her family.
Chapter Twelve
Gewey awoke to find that the lights were dimmed andLinis sitting quietly on the couch, flipping through one of the bookshe had sent.
“Good morning,” yawned Gewey. “Assumingit is morning.”
Linis placed the book on the end table. “It isindeed. The elders began to show up late last night. Theopolou ishoping they will all be here today.”
A breakfast of bacon, eggs and juice sat on the table.Gewey stretched and walked over, his mouth watering.
“I noticed you were reading “TheSongs of Lilith”,” remarkedLinis. He joined Gewey at the table. “It was a favorite of mineas a child. I hope you are enjoying it.”
“Very much. Though the symbolism is hard tounderstand at times.” He picked up his plate and breathed inthe aroma.
“I thought you should start at the beginning. Itwill help you understand elf ways better, if you understand us fromchildhood. These books are some of the first lessons we are taught.”
Gewey swallowed a healthy portion of eggs. “They’recertainly different from the stories I heard as a child. My fatherwould have loved them… so would Lee, I bet.”
“I'm sure he would,” Linis face grewconcerned.
“What's wrong?” asked Gewey.
“The elders are taking a long time to gather.Theopolou was worried that we would arrive after the others werealready here. But instead we wait.”
“Maybe some of them were delayed,” offeredGewey.
Linis shrugged. “Perhaps. But too many have yet toarrive. I fear they conspire against Theopolou.”
“Conspire? To do what?”
“I do not know,” Linis admitted. “Manywho have yet to come are those who are openly against him. When andhow they arrive will tell me much.”
“Do you think they'd try something here?”asked Gewey.
Linis shook his head. “Within these walls… no.They would never break our customs to such a degree. To do violencein the home of another elf is one our greatest crimes. We considerthe home a sacred place. Besides, Theopolou controls the flowhere. Even if they did the unthinkable, they'd be slaughtered.”Linis stood and paced in thought. “No. If they intend to killTheopolou they'll need to remove him from this place.”
“Easy,” said Gewey. “We just make surehe doesn't leave.”
“I wish it were easy,” said Linis. “Ifthere is a plot, it will be subtle. They will not simply threaten orforce Theopolou to expose himself. They will dress it in a manner hewill have no choice but to comply.”
“How would they do that?” asked Gewey.
“I wish I knew. I am not as wise as Theopolou, oras versed in the nuances of politics.”
“What can we do?” asked Gewey, suddenlylosing his appetite.
“Wait and see,” said Linis. “I may beseeing intrigues that do not exist. I hope so.” He walked tothe door. “I must leave you. I'm sorry that I cannot staylonger, but I have much to do before the meeting begins. Kaylia saysto pay attention to the tenth story of Lilith.” A smile creptover his face. “She is quite an elf.”
Gewey laughed. “Yes she is. Oh, one more thingbefore you go,” said Gewey remembering the lights. “Howdid you dim the lights?”
Linis laughed softly. “Rub your hand up the sideof the glass to brighten, and down to dim.”
“Thank you,” said Gewey.
Linis nodded and left. Gewey tried out the light. Justas Linis had said it became brighter as he moved his hand up theside. He marveled at the skill it must have taken to make such awondrous device.
Gewey spent the next few hours reading. He made it tothe ninth story in The Songs of Lilithwhen there was a knock at the door. Gewey open it to find Akakiosstanding there, a broad grin on his face.
“Theopolou granted me permission to keep youcompany,” said Akakios. “Please come in,” saidGewey, happy to have someone to talk to.
Akakio sat down at the table and gestured to the bookGewey held. “What do you think?”
“I'm loving it,” said Gewey as he sat acrossfrom the elf. “Do you know who wrote it?” Akakios raisedan eyebrow and chuckled. “You think you might know the author?”He picked up the book and thumbed through the pages. “Anyway,if I told you, you wouldn't believe me.”
“Try me.”
“Legend says it was written by Lilith herself,thousands of years ago.”
Gewey's eyes widened. “You mean these are truestories?”
“Perhaps. But I think not.” He leaned backand crossed his legs. “More likely Lilith was just the one whoinvented the stories.”
“Of course.” Gewey felt foolish. “Hasthe meeting begun?”
“Yes,” Akakios replied. “About an hourago. The last of the elders arrived just before they were going startwithout him.”
“How is it going so far?”
Akakios shrugged. “I would not know. The onlynon-elder allowed in is Linis. I'm sure he'll fill you in later. Inthe meantime…” He pulled a set of eight-sided dice from hispocket. “How would you like to learn an elf game?”
Gewey beamed. “I'd love to. But I must warn you,I'm not a very good gambler. And I really don't have much money.”
Akakios leaned back in his chair and gave Gewey adevilish grin. “Don't worry. We can play for fun… for now.”
Gewey fetched the little money he had… three coppers,a silver, and a gold (Lee had given him the gold) and tossed it onthe table. “That won’t be necessary.”
“Don't worry,” joked Akakios when he sawGewey's money. “I'll give you a loan if you need one.”
The game was similar to games played at the tavern inSharpstone, and though Gewey was not one to visit the tavern at nightoften, he caught on quickly. Soon he had nearly doubled his money.
“Not a gambler?” teased Akakios, as hefiddled with his dwindling pile of coins.
“Is that what I said?” said Gewey, feigninginnocence.
Linis entered, looking very unhappy. Akakios gatheredhis coins and excused himself.
“From th
e look on your face things aren't goingwell,” said Gewey as they took a seat on the couch.
Linis lowered his head and rubbed his neck. “Thatis putting it mildly. Things are turning sour and fast.”
“What happened?”
To begin with,” started Linis. “They knewyou were here.” “How?” asked Gewey.
Linis shook his head slowly. “I don't know.Somehow they found out that both you and Kaylia are here. Some of theelders are calling for Theopolou to face judgment for harboring afugitive and for treason.”
Gewey shifted nervously. Without Theopolou's protection,he wasn't sure what could happen. “They can do that?”
“It's doubtful. It's just a prelude to anothermove.” Linis looked disgusted. “Even if they can getenough support to call Theopolou to judgment, they would never beable to convict him.”
“Then why do it?”
“To force him to expose himself,” saidLinis. “If he is called to judgment, he will have to go to theChamber of the Maker.”
“What's that?” asked Gewey.
“It's where all judgments are made, and where thecouncil meets during times of war.” Linis stood up and beganpacing. “If he leaves these walls he is vulnerable.”
“You don't really think they'd try to kill him…do you?”
Linis sighed heavily. “If you had asked me thatquestion a year ago, I would have said no. Now…”
Gewey thought for a moment. He needed to speak to theelders and convince them to join him against Angraal. IfTheopolou were brought to judgment, he didn't know if there would beanother chance.
“There's more,” said Linis. “They wantto speak to you… and Kaylia.”
This sent a chill throughout his entire body.“Together?”
“Yes,” Linis replied. “They know aboutyour bonding. Needless to say they are not pleased.”
Gewey shot to his feet. “What will they do?”
Linis grabbed Gewey's shoulders, trying to calm him.“They can do nothing so long as you are under Theopolou'sprotection. If they tried, the elves who are undecided in this matterwould move against them. And don't forget, this is the house of anelf sage and council elder. Only a great fool would attack him here.He controls the flowwithin these walls.”
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