Of Gods And Elves tgc-2

by Brian D. Anderson

  “But if we are forced to leave?”

  “Then you have the greatest living seeker to fightat you side,” Linis assured. “Even the elders will pauseat that.”

  “But that will put you at war with your ownpeople,” Gewey shook his head. “I won't have that.”

  “I'm already at war.” Linis held a deepsadness in his eyes. “I've been called to judgment.”

  Gewey's eyes shot wide. “What? What are you goingto do?”

  Linis forced a weak smile. “I've refused torecognize their authority. Once I leave these walls I am to beconsidered a fugitive and a traitor.”

  “I'm so sorry,” said Gewey

  “Don't be. I knew this would happen. It was just amatter of time.” He squared his shoulders. “I have mademy choices, and I do not regret what I have done.”

  The door opened and Theopolou entered, dressed in a longwhite robe, looking weary.

  “I imagine Linis has filled you in,” saidTheopolou. Gewey nodded.

  “The council wishes to extend you an invitation tojoin them at the Chamber of the Maker,” said Theopolou in aclear even tone. “Do you accept?”

  “Why?” asked Gewey. “Why do they wantme to go there?”

  “They feel that your presence has jeopardized thegathering,” Theopolou replied without conviction. “Theyfear you may have led others here.”

  “That is a lie and you know it,” Linisroared. “They are luring you into a trap. You must see that.Once you're outside of these walls they will kill you… and Gewey.”

  “I pray that you are wrong, seeker,” saidTheopolou. “But if you are not, you must take the Book of Soulsand keep it safe. I'll entrust it to you before I leave. Keep ithidden.”

  “No need,” said Linis flatly. “I'll begoing, too.”

  Theopolou nodded. “Very well.”

  “What about Kaylia?” asked Gewey.

  “She will be accompanying us,” Theopolouanswered.

  “I won't let you march her to her death.”

  “She is not to be judged,” said Theopolou.“At least not yet. She has been called to bear witness and givetestimony.”

  “Testimony?” said Gewey “What kind oftestimony?”

  “Against me,” Theopolou replied. “Ihave been called to judgment.”

  “You cannot do this,” said Linis. “Yourenemies know that you will not be found guilty. It can only mean theyintend to move against you once you are away from the safety of yourhome.”

  “If so,” said Theopolou. “I shallcount on you to come to my aid.” “My seekers should comeas well.”

  “No,” said Theopolou. “If you insiston coming, they must not. It will be taken as a sign of aggression.You must help me keep the Book… and Gewey safe. ”

  “So I won't be opening it here?” askedGewey.

  “I do not think it would be wise,” Theopoloureplied. “It would cause more trouble than I care to handle atthis point. The council is aware that I have re-acquired the Book,and that has gained me some support. But introducing a God into thesituation this soon would be… unwise. Linis is right. I will not befound guilty. Once that happens we can move on from there. I willgather the council once more after I am found guiltless, and then youwill open it.”

  “Is Gewey still to meet with the council before wedepart?” asked Linis.

  “Yes,” Theopolou replied. “Though yourpetition to have the elves join your cause must wait.”

  Gewey’s heart sank. “Isn't there any way forme to speak to them before we reach the Chamber of the Maker?”

  “It would be a foolish risk,” saidTheopolou. “Beyond the grounds of my house I cannot protectyou. Certain revelations may cause my kin to react… poorly.”

  “I have to risk it,” said Gewey. “Everyday wasted brings the Dark Knight closer to our doors. I need to dowhat I came here to do.”

  Theopolou sighed. “If you must, I cannot stop you.But I think you would do better to listen to my council.” Heturned to Linis. “The road ahead may hold danger. Prepare.”

  Linis nodded. “I may not be able to bring myseekers, but I can see to it that they are not far.” He shot astare at Theopolou before he could argue. “I insist.”

  “They must say out of sight,” said Theopoloureluctantly.

  “They are seekers,”said Linis. “The finest the tribe of Melanctha has everproduced. That bumbling group of fools could not spot my elves ifthey were standing on top of them.”

  “I know you are angered by them naming youtraitor,” scolded Theopolou. “But they are not fools. Ifyour seekers are not careful they will be discovered.”

  “They will not be discovered,” said Linis.“But I must take my leave now to inform them.”

  Theopolou nodded curtly as Linis left the room. “Whathappens now?” asked Gewey.

  “Now you will speak briefly with the elders.”Theopolou looked Gewey up and down. “You may keep your presentattire.”

  “And Kaylia?” asked Gewey.

  “She awaits us.”

  Theopolou led Gewey out the door and around to the frontof the main house. He was excited to see the interior of such amagnificent building. The great metal doors swung open as theyapproached. What Gewey saw made the exterior seem trite and common.The immense receiving hall was lit bright by the same orbs that werein his room, only much smaller and vast in number. The floors were ofdeep emerald green marble, polished to a shine and veined with ivory.The walls were made from the same gleaming silver metal as the doorand gate, and etched with elf letters and symbols of such artistry itbrought tears to Gewey’s eyes.

  Above him, running along the entire length and breadthof the hall, was a green marble balcony. Darkly stained wooden doorslined the wall leading to various rooms and chambers.

  In the center of the hall a crystal statue, similar tothe one outside, held a book. Gewey immediately thought of the Bookof Souls. Theopolou's family had guarded it for generations. It musthave pained the elf over the years to see the statue and know that itno longer held the same meaning it once had.

  At the rear of the room, a broad staircase led up to thenext level, with a set of double doors on either side of the base, aswell as another set at the top. Gewey stared, mouth agape as hepassed the statue. He could hardly wait to see the rest of the house.As he crested the staircase, Gewey caught sight of Kaylia. She wasdressed in the same white robe as Theopolou, and her hair hungloosely down her back. She smiled when she saw Gewey and he couldfeel her relief through their bond.

  Kaylia appraised his elven garb. “You look gooddressed this way.”

  Gewey blushed. “It's very comfortable, but I feelunderdressed to meet elf elders.” He decided not to mentionthat he had also slept in them.

  “Are you ready?” asked Theopolou. Gewey andKaylia both nodded.

  Theopolou clapped his hands loudly and the doors swungsilently open. As they followed the elf in, Gewey took a deep breath,hoping this trip hadn't been a huge mistake.

  Chapter Thirteen

  The High Lady of Valshara paced the halls of the temple,immersed in thought. Ever since Linis had reported the presence ofpossible agents from Angraal watching them, she had hardlyslept. Then, two of her scouts had disappeared three nights ago, andthe temple watch had seen shadowy figures lurking just beyond thewalls. Their location was compromised and she felt an attack wouldsoon come.

  The few knights she had available were not enough tohold off an attack should the walls be breached. They had attemptedto convince her to escape, but she refused. The High Lady of Valsharawould not scurry away in the night, and she would not leave herpeople behind. If evacuation became necessary, everyone would go. Ofcourse, if the hidden exit had been found by their enemies, theywould all die.

  Her mind wandered to thoughts of her son. She wished shecould speak to him one more time. Their reunion had been all toobrief, though she was thankful that she was able to see him beforethe end.

  “My Lady.” It was Ertik.

  Selena forced a smile. “Brother Ertik,
how are thepreparations coming?”

  “They go well, My Lady,” he replied, thoughnot convincingly. “If the walls are breached, the knights willbe able to slow any invaders long enough for everyone to get out.”

  “I want you to spread the word,” commandedSelena. “Gather all packs and gear and place them in thereceiving hall at once. I want nothing to hinder our escape, if itcomes to that.”

  “Yes, High Lady,” Ertik bowed and left.

  Selena busied herself by inspecting the provisions anddefenses. The knights tried once more to convince her to leave, butshe would not be moved. When it was time for the evening meal,fatigue had begun to set in. Her feet swelled and her legs ached.Still, even after a hearty meal and hot bath, she could not bringherself to sleep.

  After lying in bed for an hour, she decided to read. Shesent for some hot tea and settled in her favorite chair, curling upwith one her favorite comedies. She needed a laugh. Selena had onlyread the first paragraph when there was a loud knock at the door. Itburst open before she could speak and Jericho, the captain of theknights, stepped inside holding his sword tightly.

  “We are besieged, High Lady,” said thecaptain. “We must evacuate.”

  “I heard no alarm raised.” Selena reachedfor her coat. She was thankful that she had begun the habit ofdressing in clothes suitable for travel, rather than her cottonnightgown. “Have they breached the defenses already?” Sheslipped into a pair of short leather boots.

  “I don't know how it was done,” Jerichoadmitted. “But they killed three knights before we even knewthey were there. Whatever they are, they're neither human nor elf.”

  A cold knot twisted in her stomach. “How many arethere?”

  “I don't know,” said the captain. “Butthey fight as if possessed. We cannot hold. You must leave now.”

  Selena squared her shoulders, standing straight andtall. “Begin the evacuation. Then, and only then, will Ileave.”

  Jericho lowered his eyes but made no move to obey. “MyLady, if you do not come with me willingly, I regret that I must takeyou by force.”

  “You wouldn't dare!” she hissed.

  “It is my duty to protect this Order.” Hetook a small step forward, but did not lift his eyes or place hishands on her. “You are not only our leader. You also symbolizewhat we are. Should you die, we die with you. The knights are fallingback as we speak to aid in your escape. Every second you delay, moreof us meet our end.”

  Selena boiled with anger, but she had no other choice.She nodded sharply and allowed Jericho to lead her though the templeto the receiving hall. Screams echoed everywhere as the enemy foundnew victims, but Jericho wouldn't allow her to pause. Tears streameddown her face. Her people were being slaughtered, and she washelpless to do a thing about it.

  She hoped desperately that the gathering in thereceiving hall would be large, but as they entered those hopes weredashed. Three knights, Ertik, and two novices.

  “So few,” Selena whispered in horror. Shefelt her legs begin to give way, but Jericho caught her.

  “Come High Lady,” said the captain softly.He led her to the tunnel entrance. “Others may yet follow.”

  Selena tried to fight back her tears.

  “I will stay behind and help others get out,”said Ertik.

  “No!” Selena shouted. “You will escapenow.”

  Ertik bowed and helped Selena to the ladder once Jerichohad descended. When they reached the door, Jericho motioned for themto wait, and then crept outside into the cool night.

  “All clear,” whispered the captain. “MyLady, stay close behind me.”

  Jericho led the group down the trail, sword in hand.Selena, Ertik, the novices, and the three knights followed as closelyas they could without tripping on each other.

  They had walked for about half a mile when they couldhear footsteps coming from out of the darkness. Jericho crouched andthe rest followed suit. As the footsteps grew louder, the light fromthree torches came into view.

  “Off the path,” whispered Jericho.

  They scampered into the nearby brush, trying to stayquiet. Soon the torches were right next to them. Selena's heartraced, and her breath was short and swift. Then the torches halted.From their vantage point behind a small bush, she couldn't see who itwas.

  “Come out,” hissed a foul, unearthly voice.“I can smell you, hiding like scared rabbits.” Selena wasthe first to stand. “Who are you?” she shouted. “Whyhave you attacked the sacred Temple of Valshara?” She steppedonto the path. The others quickly jumped up and followed. The knightsstood at her side, while the others stayed close behind. Ertik haddrawn a small dagger.

  What she saw shocked and revolted her senses. Twosoldiers stood in full chain mail, each bearing vicious, curvedscimitars in one hand, and a rope attached to a bound and blindfoldedelf in the other. Selena recognized them as part of Theopolou'sguard. They had been badly beaten, but there was no mistaking whothey were. Standing in the center was a creature she had never seen.Even in the dim torch light she knew it wasn't human. Hunched overand swaying from side to side, it was wrapped in a long, flowing,black cloak, and wore heavy boots of leather and iron. Though itsface was hidden behind the drawn hood, she could feel its eyes onher. It took a step forward and drew a long, jagged sword. Thecreature’s movement was unimaginably quick and fluid. Jerichoand the knights leaped in front of the High Lady.

  “Stay back, demon,” commanded the captain.

  “The Vrykol bid you greetings, High Lady,”said the creature. “You will come with us… or all of yourcompanions will die.”

  “You will notlay your foul hands on the High Lady of Valshara,” growledJericho.

  The Vrykol hissed a laugh. “Brave words, human. Ithink I'll kill you slowly.”

  “You will harm no one,” said Selena. In aflash, she reached in her sleeve and threw a small glass phialstraight at the Vrykol's head. The sound of breaking glass wasfollowed by another foul laugh.

  “Holy water has no effect on me, foolish woman,”said the Vrykol. “Your Gods have no power in this world.”

  Selena smiled fiendishly as smoke began to rise from theVrykol's hood. A second later it burst into intense, blue flames. Theheat drove the two humans standing beside the Vrykol back. Thecreature desperately tried to put himself out, but the fire grewlarger and hotter, until the light was blinding. It dropped to itsknees and let out an unearthly scream. The sound caused Selena towince and cover her ears. After a minute, it stopped and the Vrykolfell, smoldering, to the ground.

  The two human soldiers dropped the ropes and ran intothe night. Jericho started after them, but Selena ordered him back.

  “We can't waste time chasing them,” saidSelena. “We must move quickly.”

  They untied the elves and examined their wounds.

  “You are Theopolou's guard, are you not?”asked Selena.

  The elves nodded. “I am Stintos, and this isHaldrontis. We owe you our lives, High Lady.”

  Selena smiled. “We are happy to aid you. How didthis happen?”

  Stintos explained how the Vrykol had attacked them, andhow Gewey and Linis slew them. “We were to return to the templeuntil I was able to travel, but we were ambushed and held captive.”Anger raged in his voice. “They tried to get us to turn spy,but I would not dishonor myself, or my kin, with treachery. They aredevils. And they have elf allies. Now that we are free, I must getthis information to Theopolou.”

  “He will be told,” assured Selena. “Butyour wounds must be tended. We go to Althetas and the two of you arecoming with us. I will send word. The moment we get there.”Stintos opened his mouth to protest, but Selena shot him a stern lookthat told him there would be no argument.

  “Can you travel?” asked Jericho.

  “Yes.” Haldrontis spoke with fiercedetermination. “And we will fight if need be.”

  Jericho turned to one of the knights. “Give him adagger.” The knight obeyed and Jericho gave Stintos a daggerfrom his own belt. “I wish I could arm you better…”
<
br />   “This will be fine,” said Stintos. “Anelf with a dagger is a thing to be feared.”

  The elves struggled to their feet.

  “What was that thing?” asked Selena. “Itcalled itself Vrykol.”

  “I'm not certain,” Haldrontis replied. “Butthey fight like they are possessed. And the only way I know to killthem is to remove their head.” He looked at the smokingcorpses. “And it would seem they do not like fire either.”

  The entire group erupted in uneasy laughter.

  “Let us go,” said Selena, still chuckling.“It's many miles to Althetas.”

  Despite their injuries, the elves easily kept pace. Bythe time dawn pierced the darkness, they had traveled many miles. Toeveryone’s relief, there was no sign of pursuit.

  Chapter Fourteen

  Several days had passed since Millet and Jacob partedwith Malstisos, Maybell, and the caravan. In Manisalia, Maybelldiscovered that the Oracle had fled more than a year before, and noone knew where she had gone.

  Malstisos had arranged for Maybell to have her own tent,and they purchased enough provisions to last the journey. It was abit more difficult to procure horses and a wagon, but thanks toMaybell's remarkable bargaining skills, they managed it.

  Though it was bitter cold, the blizzard had not reachedfar west and the roads were clear after only a few days. The nightsbrought cheer and laughter as Maybell and Malstisos made friendsamong the merchants. Maybell instructed the men in manners, and thewomen in how to keep a man in his place. Soon she became viewed as asort of caravan elder, settling disputes and advising the merchantleaders.

  Malstisos spent a great deal of his time with Grentosand Vadnaltis, exchanging stories and news from their tribes. Maybellchecked in on them from time to time, but her new-found duties kepther busy.

  On the eighth night, Maybell was preparing for bed whenMalstisos came to her tent, looking worried and anxious.