“I see,” said Eftichis. “There is moreto you than meets the eye, it would seem. Still, I will not bedeterred. Do you accept?”
“He has until sunset tomorrow to answer,”Theopolou interjected.
“I don't need to wait,” snapped Gewey. “Iaccept. I am sorry. I had hoped I would never have to spill elfblood. But if you force me to, I will.”
“We will see whose blood will spill, human.”Eftichis sneered and turned to Theopolou. “And unless you dareto dispute my word, then you have no choice. The right is mine, and Iclaim it.” He looked out over the gallery. “Does anyonehere question the truth of my claim?”
A minute passed and the Chamber was silent. Eftichissmirked with satisfaction.
Theopolou bowed his head and sighed. “Then it isdone. When the dawn breaks, you will return here. You may bring withyou your weapon, your clothes, and nothing more. One elf of yourchoosing may stand with you, but he is not to interfere. Do youunderstand?” Both Gewey and Eftichis nodded.
“A shame, it is,” rang the voice ofFelsafell. “To see blood of the young wasted. But blood therewill be and nothing more.”
“I have heard you were here,” said Eftichis.“What wisdom do you bring us? Do you think to stop me?”
“No, oh no,” Felsafell replied. “I amno mover of elves or molder of fate.”
“Then why are you here?” called a voice fromthe crowd.
Felsafell surveyed the gallery, then his eyes fell onGewey. “I am here to live in the world one last time. Oh, yes,once more before the end. To see a child ofheaven walk the earth. To hear the wails ofthe elves and cries of men. To free my brothers from winter’scold grasp.” He reached out and took Gewey and Kaylia by thehand. “Come with me. The dawn comes early, and there is much tosay.”
The three made their way back out of the Chamber,followed closely by Theopolou and Linis. Once they had reachedTheopolou's tent, Felsafell released them and took a seat at thetable. Gewey, Kaylia, and Linis did likewise, while Theopolou gaveorders to his escort. Once he had finished he joined the rest of thegroup.
“Did you know this would happen?” Geweyasked Felsafell.
“A fortune teller I am not,” he replied.“Things I know, I do indeed. But the future… a mysterydifficult to grasp.”
“I suspected someone may try to stop you,”said Theopolou. “But I never thought Eftichis would lie openly,on the Chamber floor.”
“He was lying.” Gewey turned to Kaylia.“Wasn't he?”
Kaylia stared down at the table. “Perhaps. Hisfather was close to mine. They fought together during the Great War.If he promised me to another, I was never told. But I suppose it ispossible. Eftichis would have been a good match for me, had my lifetaken another path.”
A pang of jealousy shot through Gewey, but Kaylia smiledand placed her hand on his.
“You will have to kill him,” said Linis.“There is no way to avoid it.”
“Perhaps,” said Felsafell. “Alwayschoices. Always new roads to travel. Listen to me, childof heaven.” His eyes fixed on Gewey.“My time in this place is at an end. A new road I must travel.But this you must know. The cold of the north comes swifter than youcan imagine. Not ready to face it are you, but you must. Hard choicesyou will make, and many deaths will you see. Your true mother willsoon be revealed, and with this knowledge will come madness. Yourbonded mate will save you if you allow it. But the cost may be morethan you can bear.” He rose to his feet. “One last thing.Do not falter. Do not retreat and all will be overcome.” Withthat, he walked toward the back of the tent. “Until the morningI remain, I will. Then off to free my kin.” He pushed back theflap and disappeared down the hall.
“I really don't understand him,” said Gewey.
“You're telling me that he walked all this way,just to tell you that?” said Linis. “Now he's leaving?”
“Felsafell has his own reasons,” saidTheopolou. “He comes and goes as he pleases and speaks in hisown time. Besides, I think you have more urgent matters to attendto.”
Gewey nodded. “Is there anything I should knowabout Eftichis?”
“He's strong,” said Kaylia. “Had hisfather not been the leader of his people, he would have likely been aseeker. It is known that he has great skill with a weapon. You shouldbe cautious.”
“Indeed,” said Theopolou. “Do notunderestimate him, as he will underestimate you. Though your displayin the Chamber will have given him pause, not to mention the otherswatching. The best thing you can do is get some rest and gather yourstrength. In the morning you will face him, and we shall see.”
“I wish there was another way,” Geweygrumbled. “Why must everything be life or death? I really don'twant to kill him.”
“But kill him you must,” said Theopolou.“Otherwise Kaylia will be taken from you, and there will benothing I can do to stop it.”
Gewey’s fist clenched until his knuckles turnedwhite. “Then death it is.”
Kaylia put her arm gently around Gewey's shoulders.“This will only be the first of many, I fear. But I'll be withyou until the end.”
“I'm afraid you are not allowed to attend thepudnaris,” saidTheopolou. “You must remain here until it is over.”
Kaylia turned to Theopolou, her eyes burned with fury.“I will not wait here while Gewey faces death.”
“Yes, you will,” said Theopolou. “Youhave no choice.”
“Don't worry,” said Linis. “I'll bewith him. I know he will prevail.”
Kaylia scowled. “The moment it is over, I expectyou to send word.” She turned to Gewey. “And you… showno mercy. I will not have you killed. Forget everything else. Justwin.”
Gewey smiled and said, “I will, I swear.” Hekissed her lightly on the forehead. “I haven't come this far todie now.”
“Then you should rest while you can,” saidTheopolou. He rose to his feet. “As should I.”
“Are you still being…drained?” askedGewey.
“No. It ended once we neared the Chamber. Whateverthe cause, it has no effect in this place. Do not be concerned. Wehave more pressing matters at hand.”
“Agreed,” said Linis. He looked at Gewey.“Come. I know it will be difficult, but you need to at leasttry to rest.”
Gewey gave a deep sigh and nodded. “I'll try.”
Linis led Gewey to his room, Kaylia just behind them.
“Don't worry,” Gewey said to Kaylia, justbefore he entered. “I'll be fine.”
Kaylia smiled sweetly and put her hand on his cheek. “Iknow.” She allowed their bond to share her emotions with him.
Gewey's heart pounded as he felt the love pour through.He watched for a moment as Kaylia walked away, then went inside.
Linis smiled broadly.
“What?” said Gewey, suddenly embarrassed.
“Nothing,” Linis replied, still smiling.“You have come a long way, since I first met you in thattavern. I knew there was strength in you, even then. But I thinkKaylia has made you invincible. I pity Eftichis.”
“I'm trying not to think about it,” saidGewey. “I know what I have to do. But I still wish there wasanother way. I've killed before, but this time it's different.”
“Why?” asked Linis. “Because it's anelf?” He shook his head.
“Listen to me, Gewey. This will not be the lasttime you will face one of my kind. There is a split among my people.The idea of a second split once weighed heavily enough on our heartsto prevent it. Now it is inevitable. The world is changing, and thenew ways are struggling with the old. I regret to say that means moreblood will be spilled. We have already been attacked once by our ownkin.”
Gewey remembered the assassin and the hatred in hiseyes.
“War is upon us,” Linis continued. “Andthis time the victor will shape the future for both races. Even themost reluctant elf knows this. When you face Eftichis in the morning,you are fighting for more than just you and Kaylia. Your victory willsee that your voice is heard by all elves. Many think humans weak andwithout honor. Tomorrow you will
show them differently.”
“But I'm not human,” argued Gewey. “Notreally.”
“That may be,” Linis countered. “Butyou were raised as one. You have their values, and you are what isbest in men. The strength I speak of has nothing to do with a sword,though admittedly it helps. That you have the courage to face theelders of my people and speak your mind, shows the rest true power.That you fight for the bond between you and Kaylia shows that youwill not be deterred, and should be treated with respect.” Heplaced his hand on Gewey's shoulder. “Tomorrow is about morethan the pudnaris. Bystriking down those who would challenge your rights, you send amessage that will echo throughout all the elf nations.”
Gewey's face twisted into a sour frown. “Thanks.Nothing like a bit of pressure just before a life and deathstruggle.”
Linis chuckled. “I think you can handle it. Butsleep now. I will keep watch.”
“For what?” Gewey began to remove hisclothes.
“Who knows?” Linis replied and dimmed thelight.
Gewey lay down on his bed and closed his eyes. At firsthe tried to calm his mind and sleep but soon realized that would nothappen. He decided to reach out to Kaylia, hoping that Theopolouwasn't able to block him, though he couldn't imagine why he would. Tohis relief he found her. As their spirits became one, his bodyrelaxed and he became lost in the sheer emotion.
Is this what it will be like after we're completelyjoined? he asked.
It will be better, repliedKaylia. Much better.
Chapter Twenty-Eight
Yanti lounged in his cabin aboard the Moon Shadow. Itwas sturdy, as river vessels go, though not as lavish as he wouldhave liked, but the wine was good and the food passable. It had takenthem quite some time to navigate the delta and enter the GoodbranchRiver. Pushing against the wind and current with oars made for slowprogress.
Fortunately, he was in no hurry. Plans were already inmotion, and his direct intervention was no longer necessary… asleast for now. There was a soft rap at the door. He took a sip ofbrandy and got to his feet.
“Enter.”
The door opened and Braydon, the first mate, timidlystepped inside. “Beg your pardon, my lord.”
“What is it?” Yanti asked, irritably. He didnot care much for midday interruptions.
“A small craft has pulled alongside.” A beadof perspiration appeared on Braydon’s brow. “Says he hasa message for you.”
Yanti furled his brow. “Did he give his name?”
“No, my lord,” Braydon replied. “But Idon't like the looks of 'im….all covered in black, and all. Hesmells foul too. Like death. And his voice, he hisses more thanspeaks, he does.”
“Let him board and bring him to me. And be quick.”
Braydon bowed awkwardly and hurried off.
A few minutes later, the door swung open and there stoodthe figure of a man, covered in a long black cloak. His face washidden and Yanti could hear a slow growl coming from beneath thehood. Braydon stood just behind, his face pale and fearful.
“You may go,” said Yanti to the first mate,who eagerly obliged. The door slammed shut and Yanti took a seat,crossing his legs in his usual aristocratic fashion. “To whatdo I owe the pleasure of a visit from the Vrykol? I assume our Lordknows you are here.”
“He knows,” the Vrykol hissed. “Heknows much. He knows of your plans and is unhappy. They will notsucceed.”
Yanti cracked a smile. “Unhappy you say… I see.Well, my pungent friend, we shall see how unhappy he is when Ideliver the godling tohim, as well as his elf mate.” He picked up his brandy and heldit under his nose for a moment. “All is in order, I assure you.Oh, and he can look to have Lee Starfinder among the converted, aswell.”
“The Great Lord is not so optimistic,” saidthe Vrykol. “He foresees… problems.”
“What kind of problems?” Yanti tried toconceal his concerns.
The Vrykol reached inside his robes and withdrew asealed letter. Yanti took it, doing his best not to touch the Vrykol.
“By the by,” Yanti remarked. “A bitbold of you to be out in the open, don't you think?”
The Vrykol gurgled with grotesque laughter. “TheMaster has perfected us. Only a few mindless beasts still roam.Humans fear us and choose what they see or don't see.”
“Then I can look forward to more visits, I takeit,” said Yanti.
“No,” replied the Vrykol. “I will staywith you… until the end.”
Yanti scowled. “Then I hope your kind can bathe.”He opened the letter, reading it carefully. “Wait here.”He stuffed the letter inside his jacket and threw open the door.Yanti made his way on deck and found the captain busy navigating theriver. The sun was high in the sky and there was a winter chill inthe air, despite the fact that they were still far south. Hismaster’s doing.
“Pull along the bank and retrieve my horse fromthe hold,” Yanti ordered as he strode up. “I'll begetting off here.”
Captain Tarn, a stout, broad-shouldered man, didn't takehis eyes off the river. Unlike the first mate, he was clearly notintimidated by Yanti. “Not here,” he said gruffly. Toodangerous.”
“Here,” Yanti demanded. “Now.”Tarn ignored him.
Yanti turned and sought out the first mate. He found himin the galley, eating a bowl of fish stew.
“Can you pilot this vessel?” asked Yanti.
“Aye,” Braydon replied. “As well asthe skipper, I'd say.”
“Good,” said Yanti. “Come with me.”
Confused, the first mate pushed his bowl away and chasedafter Yanti, who was already on his way back on deck. The moment thecaptain came into view, Yanti drew a small dagger. Before Braydoncould utter a protest, Yanti hurled the blade. The captain's eye shotwide as the knife stuck in his throat. He grabbed at the knife,falling to his knees. He let out a gurgling groan as blood pouredfrom his throat and mouth. Yanti slowly walked over and with onestrong kick, sent the man crashing through the railing and into theriver. Three sailors stepped forward, but backed away when Yanti drewhis sword.
“You are promoted.” Yanti smiled as ifnothing had happened. “Now land on the bank and retrieve myhorse from the hold.”
Braydon gaped in stunned silence. Yanti snapped hisfingers, bringing the first mate out of his stupor.
“Get to it,” Yanti ordered.
Braydon grabbed the wheel and carefully guided the boatto the western bank, while one of the deck hands retrieved Yanti'shorse from below.
Yanti returned to his cabin and gathered his belongings.The Vrykol stood patiently in the corner.
“I hope you don't mind walking,” said Yanti,feigning concern. “We have far to go.”
The Vrykol made no response and followed Yanti topside.The gangplank had been lowered though it did not quite reach theshore.
“This is as close as we could get without runningaground, my lord,” Braydon explained, his voice filled withtrepidation.
Yanti looked at the first mate for a long moment. Thenturned and stowed his belongings on his saddle. The Vrykol leaped tothe shore with unworldly strength, bringing gasps and murmurs fromthe crew.
“If I were you, I would forget you ever saw me…or my companion.” Yanti mounted his horse. He reached in thepouch on his belt and held up a silver coin. “Do we understandeach other?”
“I… I understand,” replied Braydon,trembling.
Yanti tossed the first mate the coin and urged his horsedown the gangplank. He cursed as water drenched his boots. Heconsidered killing the first mate for a moment, but dismissed theidea. Braydon had already ordered his men to pull up the plank andshove off.
“I know your kind are fast,” Yanti said tothe waiting Vrykol. “You will need to be.” He spurred hishorse west into a dead run, not bothering to see if the Vrykol wasfollowing. He knew the creature was not far behind.
He reached into his jacket and touched the letter. Hewould not allow his plans to fail… even if it meant that thegodling had to die.
Chapter Twenty-Nine
“It
is time,” said Linis.
Gewey opened his eyes slowly, allowing the connectionwith Kaylia to slip away. He felt rested and strong. The echo ofKaylia’s final thought rang through his mind. I'mwith you… always. He sat up, swung his legsover the side of the bed, and stretched.
“I've laid out your clothes.” Linis noddedto the corner. “I've chosen soft leather for you. It will allowyou to move freely, while giving you some protection.”
Gewey smiled. “Thank you.” He rose to hisfeet and dressed. As he attached his sword to his belt, Theopolouentered. Akakios followed just behind.
“I will be awaiting you in the Chamber,”said Theopolou. His eyes were somber, and for the first time Geweynoticed age on his face creeping in. “You should wait here foronly a few minutes after I leave. I am told Eftichis is alreadythere.”
Gewey's lips tightened. His connection with Kaylia hadreleased the stress of the coming fight, but the mention of hisopponents name brought it flooding back. “I'll be there. IsFelsafell with you? ”
“No,” Theopolou replied. “He wasalready gone when I went to his room.” Before Gewey couldreply, Theopolou and Akakios bowed and left.
Gewey took a deep breath and squared his shoulders.
“Remember why you fight,” said Linis. “Andremember what you are. To face you is to face death.”
This stabbed at Gewey. He knew it was true. Sinceleaving his small village, death had become a part of his existence.He had killed… many times. Now he was to kill again. Once more hewould be the bringer of death. He steeled his wits. Sobe it.
Linis looked Gewey over for a moment. “Good. Youhave the same look in your eyes as Lee did, just before he foughtBerathis.”
Gewey checked his sword and made his way to the door. “Iknow what I must do.” With that, he pushed back the flap andmade his way to the main hall.
After only a few minutes Gewey decided he had waitedlong enough and left the tent. The chill of the morning air washedover him. He filled his lungs and surveyed his surroundings. The campwas quiet. Only a few scattered elves roamed about. Gewey guessedthat most were waiting in the Chamber of the Maker to witness thepudnaris. Thestillness made him shiver.
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