“I'm sorry,” said Gewey. “But I don'tthink it's very funny.”
Linis forced back his laughter. “Forgive me, myfriend. I forget myself. This is a joyous occasion, not to be taintedby the petty squabbles between me and the elders.”
As they returned to the camp, Gewey and Linis went overthe ceremony one last time. Upon arrival, Gewey could see that theelders had gathered and all their eyes were on him.
“This should be interesting,” mutteredGewey, as he approached the group. The grim expressions on theirfaces told Gewey that they were none too pleased.
“Gewey Stedding,” said Lord Chiron. “Asyou probably know, we are not in favor of this union.”
“I understa-” Gewey began, but Chironheld up his hand to silence him.
“Allow me to finish,” he continued. “Weare not in favor of this, but there is nothing we can do to stop it.As you know, this is among our most sacred rites, and you and Kayliaare the first in more than one-hundred years to be bonded in thisway. We would not have it done here in the middle of nowhere. We feelthat to be a sacrilege.” All but Theopolou nodded in agreement.“We ask only that you delay this until we reach the Chamber ofthe Maker. It is a more fitting site for such an event.” Hetook a small step forward. “Kaylia has already agreed, but onlyif you do as well. What say you?”
Gewey's eyes drifted to Theopolou, but his face wasstone.
“It may be a wise choice,” Linis whisperedin Gewey's ear.
Finally, Gewey squared his shoulders and said, “Ido understand that this ritual is sacred to you. And if Kaylia is inagreement, then so am I. We can wait until we arrive.”
Chiron bowed. “I thank you.” The othersbowed and dispersed.
“One more thing,” called Gewey. The eldersturned. “We will complete the bonding beforeI face your judgment.”
“Agreed.” Chiron walked away.
Only Theopolou lingered.
“A wise decision,” said Theopolou, almostsmiling. “This could go a long way to furthering your cause.The rite of bonding, performed in the Chamber of the Maker, issymbolic beyond your understanding.”
“Who suggested this?” asked Linis.
“Lord Chiron,” Theopolou replied. “Hecould be an important ally to you. He has been a friend to me formany of your lifetimes.”
“And the others?” asked Gewey. “How dothey feel about this?”
“Their opinions are mixed,” Theopolouadmitted. “Though they all agree that the rite should beperformed in a more appropriate location, they still have a difficulttime with the fact that a “human” is to be bonded to anelf. They may try to convince you not to do this, though they cannotstop you… or Kaylia.”
“They can try all they want,” said Gewey.“The choice has been made.”
“Do not underestimate their guile,”Theopolou warned. “They have far more experience bending thewill of others than you. Their arguments will be… persuasive.”
Gewey nodded with understanding.
Bellisia approached. “Gewey Stedding. I wouldspeak with you alone.” Theopolou and Linis bowed to her andwalked away, out of earshot.
“If you are here to talk me out of completing thebond with Kaylia-” started Gewey.
“I am here to warn you,” said Bellisia.
“Warn me?”
“I know that you intend to try and sway the elvesto join you in your fight against Angraal,” she said.“And you may accomplish your goal. But should you bond withKaylia-”
“Stop right there,” said Gewey angrily. “Myrelationship with Kaylia has nothing to do with Angraal, ormy reasons for being here.”
“You think not?” she shot back. “Doyou think the powers in the north are fools? What will they do oncethey find out they you are bonded to an elf woman?” She paused.“They will kill her.”
Gewey opened his mouth to speak but no words came.
“That's right,” she continued. “Theywill hunt Kaylia down and kill her. And they will do it to kill you.”
A cold chill filled Gewey's chest. “Why would youthink they would care about me?”
Bellisia sniffed. “You think we do not know thatthe King of Angraal is searching for you? Every elf tribeknows your name. We have all been made aware that he seeks you, andhave been made offers of friendship for your deliverance…ordeath.”
“Theopolou hasn't said anything about this,”said Gewey. “He would have told me.”
“Theopolou,” she scoffed. “You thinkTheopolou is your friend? He is no more a friend to you than I am.But at least I am not trying to make you think otherwise. Theopolouhas no love for humans. He is motivated by his love for his niece.Make no mistake, if he had his way, he would break your bond toKaylia and see you dead. “
“I don't believe you,” said Gewey. “Itwas his idea that we complete the bonding. Why would he do that ifwhat you say is true?”
“His idea?” she laughed. “And whosuggested that you wait until we get to the Chamber of the Maker?Theopolou's closest friend… Lord Chiron.”
“That doesn't prove a thing,” said Gewey.“You're just trying to confuse me.”
“No,” said Bellisia. “I am trying toclear your mind.” She glanced over to Theopolou.
Kaylia was at his side, talking quietly. “He willnot allow you to complete the bond. He thinks there is a way to breakit. He is wrong, of course. But his love for his niece blinds him.”She turned back to Gewey. “That your spirit was able to combinewith Kaylia's has caused much doubt among the elders. Enough that youmight be able to convince them to side with you against Angraal.But you will not get the chance.”
“What do you mean?” asked Gewey. “I'msupposed to prove that I'm not a threat to your people.”
“Yes. And you intend to use that as an opportunityto plead your case. But I assure you, it will not happen. You will bedead before you utter your first word inside the Chamber.”
“Are you saying Theopolou plans to have mekilled?” he cried.
“No,” said Bellisia. “I am saying thatTheopolou will stop you from completing the bond. But have youforgotten the assassin? Someone sent him. Perhaps someone among us.Whether it was Theopolou, I cannot say, but he certainly has themotivation to do so.”
“And what are your motivations?” askedGewey.
“I only want my people to be safe and free,”she replied. “You are a being of great power. That much isclear, even if I don't know what you truly are. If killing youprotects my people, then I would not hesitate. But I do not thinkthat would do any good. And I do not believe that Angraalwill leave us in peace. You may be the only way we can escapedestruction.”
“Then why not join me?” asked Gewey.
Her eyes locked with Gewey's. “Because I am notwilling to sacrifice our souls in order to survive. Whatever you are,your heart is human. To join you is to join them. That I cannot do.”
“What would you have me do?” asked Gewey.“You said it yourself. Angraal will not leave you inpeace. The Dark One will march over the land like a plague, and bothour peoples will suffer. Our only hope is to cooperate, even if it'sonly for a little while.”
“That may be,” she admitted. “And youmay be able to convince the others. But my mind is set. I have seenwhat the humans do. I will not be a part of it.” She took asmall step back. “I have said what I came to say. Think on mywords. Speak to Kaylia if you wish. But know that I have not lied toyou.”
“What would you do if you were me?” heasked, just as she turned to walk away.
Bellisia paused and turned her head. “I would run.I would take Kaylia and run.” With that she left.
Gewey stared at Theopolou and Kaylia for a time, thenwalked over, unsure what to think. One thing he knew. He had to speakto Kaylia. He had to know what they were walking into.
Chapter Twenty-Four
Gewey approached Theopolou and Kaylia and took Kaylia bythe hand. He excused himself from the old elf, and led her far enoughaway so they would not be overheard. Kaylia sat thoughtfully forseveral minu
tes after Gewey told her what Bellisia had said.
“Do you think she's telling the truth?” heasked.
“I think she believes it,” she replied. “Butdo I think Theopolou means to break our bond and assassinate you? Ihonestly don't know. I wish I could dismiss it, but it does fit. Hewas the one who killed the assassin, and it was his friend whosuggested we wait until we reach the Chamber of the Maker. Still, Ihave never known him to be dishonest.”
“He deceived his own elves about me,” hereminded her. “And only told them after Kaphalos revealed ourbond to the rest.”
“True. Andit was to his advantage to do so. But I think the assassin would havetold us nothing, regardless of what we did to him, and Theopolouwould have known that. And we still are not certain that youwere the target. Besides, it was Akakios that shot him, and Akakiosserves my uncle. No… even if what Bellisia said is true, I don'tthink he had anything to do with that.”
“We could just ask him, I suppose,” Geweysuggested. “I don't like feeling like I'm being manipulated,and whether it's Bellisia, Theopolou, or anyone else, I want it tostop.”
“Yes,” she agreed. “I feel thatconfrontation is best. I want to know his motives before we getthere. And if Bellisia is trying to drive a wedge between us, then weshould know that too.”
Kaylia and Gewey found Theopolou talking with three ofhis escorts.
“Can we speak?” asked Gewey.
Theopolou nodded and dismissed the elves. Kayliarecounted Gewey's words and waited for a response. At first,Theopolou was expressionless, then he began to laugh.
“Crafty,” said Theopolou. “Verycrafty. And correct.”
“What?” cried Kaylia. “She was tellingtruth?”
“Of course, she was,” said Theopolou. “Atleast from her perspective. I do not wish you to bond with Gewey. Andyes, if there were a way, I would seek to break it. But Bellisia iswrong to suggest that I believe I can. The bond is unbreakable…even by the two of you. I certainly couldn't force it to break, andeven if I could, it would likely kill you. As she said, I act out oflove for you. That ismy motivation.” He turned to Gewey. “She told you I wasno friend to you, and she is correct. But I am an ally. I need not beboth.”
“What do you think she was trying to do?”asked Gewey.
Theopolou smiled. “I think she was being honest.And I am glad for it. I had suspected her of many things until now.”
“In what way does this rest your mind, uncle?”asked Kaylia.
“Bellisia has been an opponent to me for quitesome time,” he explained. “Even in better times she and Ihave rarely seen eye to eye. But her actions have usually been toprotect our people… even her opposition of me. That she would openher mind to a human, knowing I would likely hear of it, tells memuch. And her words have merit, though not in the way you mightthink.” He placed his hands on Kaylia's shoulders. “Iswear to you that I mean your suitor no harm. Though this is not abond I would have chosen for you, I know I must accept it. If youwish I will perform the rites here and now, if that will prove myintentions to you.”
Kaylia smiled warmly and hugged Theopolou. “Ibelieve you.”
Theopolou turned to Gewey. “I amyour ally. But you must be mine in return.” His eyes felllovingly on Kaylia. “You must protect her.”
“I swear,” said Gewey. “But somethingBellisia said still bothers me. She said that the Dark One will tryto kill Kaylia to get to me.”
“She is right,” said Theopolou. “Butthey could do that now. Were either of you to die, it would rip youapart… even without completing the bond. You would be uselessshells, unable to fight. In fact, death would be kinder. But I thinkit is more likely that the Dark One would wish to capture Kaylia anduse her to control you. Were that to happen you could be made into apowerful weapon.”
Gewey nodded. “What will you do now?”
“I shall speak with Bellisia,” he replied.“Now that I feel I can trust her, I should like her council.”
Theopolou embraced Kaylia once more and walked away tofind Bellisia. “Do you believe him?” asked Gewey.
“Yes,” she replied. “He is notplotting against us.”
The elders announced that they were to remain where theywere for a few hours, then start out again before daybreak. Kaylia,Gewey, and Linis went off a few yards from the others while Theopolouspoke privately with Bellisia.
Chiron approached. Gewey and the others stood and bowed.Chiron bowed in return. He looked different than Theopolou. Though hewas the same age, he seemed younger and less careworn of spirit. Hishair still held its deep brown color, and he walked with a lightspring in his step.
“You have courage, Gewey Stedding,” saidChiron, once he reached them. “To face the council of elderswithin the Chamber of the Maker, and do so after bonding with one ofour own kind…” he laughed softly. “Truly remarkable.”
“Are you here to convince me not to go throughwith it?” asked Gewey.
“Not at all,” Chiron replied. “Besides,what can be done now? Your spirits are already joined. You have verylittle choice in the matter. That is, unless you intend to allow yoursouls to rend asunder.”
“You are friend to my uncle,” said Kaylia.
“I am,” he replied. “For many years wehave been as brothers.”
“Then I am a friend to you,” she said.
Chiron smiled, then his eyes fell on Gewey. “Andwhat of you? Shall you be a friend to me as well?”
“If you would like,” Gewey replied. “Iam eager to befriend the people of my future unorem.”
Chiron cocked his head. “I see you have beenlearning our customs. In that case, allow me to educate you further.”He took a seat on the grass. Gewey and the others did likewise. “Hasanyone told you of the rite of pudnaris?”
Gewey shook his head.
Chiron glanced to Kaylia then Linis. “Then yourfriends have been neglectful of your education.”
“I…” began Linis. But one look from Chironsilenced him.
“Let me explain,” said Chiron. “Pudnarisis when a suitor is challenged for his right to join with hisintended mate. This challenge can be made by anyone, as long as theycan give valid cause.”
“Who could have cause?” asked Kaylia. “Ihave accepted no other suitor.”
“True,” said Chiron. “But there areother arguments to be made to support the pudnarisbesides a potential rival.”
“Like what?” asked Gewey.
“In this case, anything,” he replied.
“Why are you telling me this?” asked Gewey.
“I tell you because you have the right to know.Many will oppose this. Perhaps enough to risk their lives to stopyou.” He scrutinized Gewey for a moment. “We know thatyou control great power, and open battle with you is a risk. We alsoknow of your fight with the Vrykol. If Theopolou is correct and thatis what they truly were, the fact that you defeated it tells us whatwe need to know about your skill.” He pointed at Gewey's swordthat hung at his side. “And to face thatweapon is to face death, in the hands of someone who can use the flowto gain strength.”
“You know something about my sword?” askedGewey.
“I know a little,” Chiron replied. “Itwas made during a time when elves first walked the earth, and ourknowledge was vast. The art of its construction has been lost intime, but the legends remain. Only small objects can be made now andwith limited uses. Whoever gave you that sword had no idea what theypossessed, or they would have never given it away. It was said thatsuch weapons could make someone powerful beyond measure.”
Gewey looked down at his sword, and thought about thefirst time he used it when he fought Salmitaya's soldiers. “Doyou think someone will challenge me?”
“Who can say?” the elf replied. “Itell you only to warn you.” He rose to his feet. “I willinform you if I hear anything.” He spun about and strode offbefore Gewey could utter another word.
Gewey watched Chiron as he walked away. “I don'ttrust him,” he said quietly.
“He
is Theopolou's friend,” said Kaylia.“And my uncle trusts him.”
“Gewey's right,” Linis interjected. “Iget the same feeling. He seems all too willing to accept you. It maybe nothing, but I feel something is amiss.” He rubbed his chinin thought. “Still, if Theopolou trusts him, I suppose weshould as well.”
“Did you know about this pudnaris?”Gewey asked, looking to both Kaylia and Linis.
Kaylia nodded. “Yes, but I did not think itimportant. As an elf facing judgment and my well-known relationshipswith humans, I could not imagine why anyone would call for it. Not tomention that we are already bonded. That should be enough to deterany potential rivals.”
“True,” said Linis. “But if someonethought to use it to prevent your union with Gewey, things could getcomplicated.” He looked at Gewey with a grave expression. “Ifit happens, you will be exposed. The amount of flowyou will need to channel, in order to defeat a determined elf will beimmense. I remember when I saw you holding the power within you forthe first time.”
“But you didn't guess what I was,” saidGewey.
“No,” said Linis. “But I knew youwere… something different. And remember, I am not as versed in suchmatters as the elders. And there will be many of them at the Chamberwhen we arrive. You can bet they will figure it out. The only reasonthey have not as of yet, is that the idea of a God in human form isbeyond most of our understanding or imagination.”
Gewey thought for a minute. “I don't see anythingI can do about it,” he said finally. “They'll know aboutme one way or another, in time.”
“You have a point,” Linis agreed. “Butit would be better if they found out by watching you open the Book ofSouls. If Theopolou has not deceived us, you may get the chance to doso.” He reached out and placed his hand on Gewey's shoulder.“Whatever happens, Kaylia and I will stand by you. Until then,we should keep our wits about us and look for signs of trouble.”
“You still suspect Theopolou?” asked Gewey.
“I suspect that there are plans set in motionagainst us. This much is clear. I have not heard anything thus farthat eases my suspicions.” Linis glanced over at Theopolou,then Bellisia. “Of course, our true enemy may still berevealed. Mistrust can be a powerful weapon.”
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