Of Gods And Elves tgc-2

by Brian D. Anderson

  As he made his way to the Chamber, the few elves heencountered stared at him, not with hatred as he would have thought,but in wonder.

  “Why are they looking at me like that?”Gewey asked.

  “They marvel at your courage,” Linisreplied. “I imagine most thought you would flee.”

  “Perhaps I should,” Gewey joked. “MaybeI should just grab Kaylia and head east.”

  “I wish that were possible, my friend. If it were,I might even come with you.”

  “I doubt that very much,” said Gewey, with alaugh.

  The Chamber of the Maker was no less impressive by day.In fact the light of the morning sun caused it to glow even brighter.As they approached, the rumble of the crowd grew more intense. Geweydreaded the silence his arrival would cause. His heart pounded inanticipation. Just as he reached the entrance, he spotted Felsafell,leaning lazily against the statue base. He was dressed in hiscustomary skins and carried his gnarled walking stick.

  “I see you come,” said Felsafell. “Isee you go.”

  “Aren't you coming inside?” asked Gewey.

  “I care not for fighting,” he replied. “No,indeed. When the young fights the younger… sadness only… sadnessand pain. I wish not to see such things, oh, no.”

  “Then you are leaving?” asked Linis.

  “For now,” answered Felsafell. He took a fewsteps forward. “We'll meet soon enough. Again and again, Ithink.”

  “You know more than you're saying,” saidGewey.

  Felsafell grinned impishly. “I know much. I tellmuch. But do not tell all, as I do not know all. Find your road childof heaven. I'll meet you alongside.” Ashe walked passed Gewey and Linis, he stopped and pressed a small keyinto Gewey's hand. It was gold, and bore no markings.

  “What's this for?” Gewey asked.

  “What is a key for, you ask.” Felsafelllaughed. “You know this already. Oh, yes, you do. And now I sayfarewell.” He continued until he was out of sight. Gewey shovedthe key in his pocket and looked at Linis, who only shrugged.

  “I suppose it's just another one of hismysteries,” said Gewey. “If I live through this, maybeI'll solve it.”

  The moment he and Linis entered the Chamber fell silent.He peered down to the Chamber floor. There stood Theopolou, Eftichis,and another elf he assumed was Eftichis' second. Eftichis was dressedas he had been the night before, a long knife hanging loosely fromhis belt.

  As Gewey approached, his eyes met with his opponent’s.Their gazes locked for what seemed like an eternity. Gewey knew thatsoon those eyes would be dull and lifeless by his hand. He pushed thethought from his mind and turned his attention to Theopolou.

  Theopolou addressed Eftichis. “I ask you one lasttime to withdraw from this challenge.”

  Eftichis drew his weapon slowly and leveled his gaze. “Iwill not.” His voice was even more determined and commandingthan the previous night. “This… human, shall either flee,never to return, or die.”

  Gewey drew his weapon, allowing it to draw in the flow.The power within him grew until the very foundation of the Chambertrembled. The world around him seemed to grow small andinsignificant. The elves before him, as well as those in the gallery,were as children to his eyes. The Chamber of the Maker itself was athis command. He had never felt so much of the flowpass through him before.

  Then it occurred to him. The building itself was made bychanneling such power. Inside this structure, it was as if a riverwith the power of the earth became a raging hurricane. He tookanother look at Eftichis. The elf was frightened, though he tried tomask it.

  “I ask you one last time,” Gewey's voiceboomed, causing the others to wince. “Do not do this.”

  “What are you?” screamed a voice from thecrowd.

  “Demon,” cried another.

  “I am no demon,” Gewey said to the crowd.“You will find out soon enough what I am.” He turned backto Eftichis. “Do you still wish to fight me?” He tried tolessen his hold on the flowbut an aching sadness replaced it, along with a yearning for itsreturn. Still after a few moments, he managed to release it.

  “Now more than ever.” The elf was grim,though shaken. “I would not have one of my kin bonded to such acreature, nor would I have my people follow you to their doom.”Gewey was taken aback.

  “Oh, yes,” Eftichis continued. “I knowwhy you are here. We all do. And I would spit my last breath in yourface before standing by your side.” This brought cheers fromseveral throughout the gallery.

  “Give me your knife,” Gewey said to Linis,as he sheathed his sword.

  Linis did as he was asked. “What are you doing?”

  “Only what I have to,” Gewey whispered, thenturned back to Eftichis. “Linis shall hold my blade and I shallfight with his.” He removed his sword and gave it to Linis.Linis opened his mouth to protest, but a quick glance from Geweystopped him short.

  “What is this?” Eftichis demanded. “Youthink to mock me?”

  Gewey examined the knife, then looked up. “I amnot mocking you. If I use that sword, you will die without a fight. Iwould not see you come to such an end. If I have to kill you, youwill die with honor.”

  Eftichis could only stare in amazement. “Are youcertain?” asked Theopolou.

  Gewey nodded and stepped forward. “Linis hastrained me well, as has Kaylia, my future unorem.I will not have our union tainted by dishonor.”

  Eftichis removed his long knife and took a dagger fromhis second. “Then we shall face one another as equals.”

  Gewey felt the flow enter his opponent, and he smiled.Though it was far less than he himself could channel, it was nearlyas much as Linis, or even Theopolou.

  Theopolou, Linis, and Eftichis' second backed away tothe edge of the platform.

  “Are you ready?” Eftichis’ voicedripped with menace.

  Gewey crouched low and allowed the power to rush throughhim. “I'm ready.” This time the flowwas much less than before. And though he could feel the power heldwithin the Chamber, he could no longer use it. He waited for Eftichisto lunge.

  He didn't have to wait long. The elf rushed at Geweywith blinding speed, fast enough to rival even Lee, but instead ofstriking directly, the elf rolled left and slashed at Gewey's rightthigh. Gewey was only just able to avoid the cut, as he spun away.

  Eftichis smiled with satisfaction. “You have beenwell trained, I see.” The dagger shifted in his grasp. “Thatis good.”

  Again the elf charged, but this time he did not strike.Instead he whirled around and pushed Gewey's shoulder hard with hisempty hand. Gewey nearly lost his balance and took a step back.Eftichis pressed his attack, attempting to drive his knife intoGewey's stomach and barely missing.

  Gewey knew what he needed to do. He stepped back,allowing his blade to hang loosely in his hand. Bringhim close.

  Once again Eftichis charged, but this time Gewey wasready. Eftichis feigned left, then thrust underneath Gewey's guard.Gewey caught the arm of his attacker and heaved upward, sending theelf sprawling.

  Gewey did not hesitate. He sprang after his opponent andslashed the hand that wielded the knife. To Gewey's surprise, the elfregained his footing and flipped the dagger into his other hand.Blood gushed from the open wound and poured onto the pristine floor.

  “Well struck.” Eftichis grimaced in pain.“But this fight is far from over.” In a flash Eftichiswas on Gewey again, twisting, and thrusting… driving Gewey back.Gewey tried to counter, but the elf's skill was astounding. Even withthe power flowing through him, he was only barely able to avoid beingslashed to ribbons. Finally, Gewey saw an opening. The elf dodgedleft, attempting to get behind him, but he stepped just a hair toofar. Instead of bringing down his blade, Gewey’s left hand cameacross, his fist smashing hard into the temple of Eftichis. The elfstaggered and fell to one knee. Gewey raced in grabbing the elf'swrist and with one twist, the knife slid across the floor. He pushedhard, pinning Eftichis.

  “You must yield to me,” Gewey demanded.

  Eftichis' eyes were aflame with
fury. “We do notyield, human! Finish it and be done.”

  “You would have me end your life?” askedGewey. He released the elf and got to his feet. “As you wouldend mine?” He turned his back.

  Eftichis glanced at his dagger, several feet away butmade no move to retrieve it. “I would. It is our way.”

  Gewey spun around and tossed his dagger to Eftichis.“Then kill me.”

  Eftichis reached down and picked up Gewey's weapon. Hestared at it for a long moment, then rose to his feet.

  Gewey walked up to Eftichis and placed his hand on theelf's shoulder. Eftichis tried to back away, but Gewey held him fast.

  “What are you doing?” Eftichis cried. “Thisis not-”

  “Not what?” said Gewey. “You want medead. You think my bond with Kaylia is wrong. Kill me.”

  Their eyes met.

  “Do it,” Gewey whispered. “Or yield.”

  Eftichis pressed the knife to Gewey's chest. The gallerywas silent. Then, the sound of metal against stone as the dagger fellto the floor. Eftichis dropped to his knees and bowed his head. “Iyield.” He raised his head and looked to Theopolou. “Irelease my claim and yield to the mercy of my adversary.”

  Theopolou stood silent for a moment, then steppedforward. “Gewey Stedding. The life and honor of this elf isyours. What shall you do with it?”

  “Eftichis is master of his own life,”replied Gewey. His voice echoed throughout the Chamber. “As forhis honor… in my eyes, it is without question.”

  Theopolou bowed his head slowly. “Then thepudnaris is at anend.”

  The twang of a bow sounded. Gewey, still awash in theflow, saw the arrow coming, and twisted his body just as it reachedhim. It tore through his shirt and he felt a sharp pain as it cutacross his chest.

  A voice cried from the entrance. “We areattacked!”

  The entrance flooded with sword-wielding elves, clad inblack leather armor. The gallery erupted. Elves drew their swords,trying to make their way into the fray, while the attackers cut downall who stood in their way.

  “Gewey!” Linis tossed Gewey his sword, anddrew his long knife. Gewey turned to Theopolou. “Get behindme.”

  Another arrow whizzed through the air, strikingEftichis' second in the chest. The elf fell, desperately grasping theshaft.

  Gewey drew his sword, holding the scabbard in his lefthand. The flow ragedinside him. The sound of clashing steel rang throughout the Chamber,as Gewey lowered his eyes, drawing in more and more power. Thebuilding shook violently, throwing many of the combatants off theirfeet. Gewey's eyes snapped open and the world in front of him becamechaos as the very air appeared to contract, then explode. Bodies ofthe attackers and the members of the gallery alike, were thrown asidelike paper dolls, leaving a clear path to the entrance.

  “With me,” shouted Gewey, as he started up.

  Linis, Theopolou, and Eftichis filed in behind. By thetime they reached the top, several of the attackers had recovered andmoved in to cut them off. Gewey cleaved the first nearly in two.Linis took down the second. This gave the others pause, allowingtheir escape.

  Gewey surveyed the camp as they exited the Chamber.Fires had erupted everywhere, and the screams of the dying sent achill to the pit of his stomach. “Kaylia!” screamedGewey, and took off in the direction of Theopolou's tent.

  The sights of battle were a blur as Gewey ran straightthrough the camp. One of the attackers tried to stand in his way, butGewey cut him down without even pausing. Finally, he reached thetent. It was untouched.

  “Kaylia!” shouted Gewey, as he burst inside,ripping the flap to shreds, but there was no answer. He rushed to herroom, only to find that she was not there. From room to room hesearched, but could not find her. Linis and the others finallyarrived.

  “Where's Kaylia?” Linis exclaimed.

  “She's gone!” cried Gewey and started off,but Theopolou stood in his way.

  “Think, Gewey,” said Theopolou. “Thecamp is too big and the battle still rages. You will not find herthat way.”

  “Out of my way,” Gewey commanded, his eyesdark with rage.

  “Use your bond,” Theopolou continued. “Useit to find her.”

  Gewey lowered his head. His chest trembled with eachbreath. He tried to calm his mind and reach out to her. At first,there was nothing. Then, like a faint light, he found her. “She'salive,” exclaimed Gewey, unable to contain his joy. “ButI can't find where she is. It's like there’s a shroud aroundher.”

  “It would take someone powerful to accomplishthis,” said Theopolou. “I was only able to do so in myown home.”

  “How do we find her?” asked Linis.

  Gewey's jaw tightened “I know how.” Hewalked to the entrance. “Wait here.”

  Linis stepped forward, but Gewey’s eyes stoppedhim short. “Be careful,” was all he could say as Geweydisappeared from view.

  “What is he doing?” asked Eftichis.

  “Getting a prisoner,” Linis replied. “Andwoe be unto him, if he does not tell Gewey what he wants to know.”

  “Should we not help the others?” saidEftichis. “The elders-”

  “One of whom stands before you,” shot Linis.“The others are well protected. I doubt that whoever attackedus could pass their guards. Until we know what has happened, weprotect Lord Theopolou.”

  Minutes seemed like hours as the party waited forGewey's return.

  As the sounds of battle filtered in, Eftichis grewunsettled.

  “I can wait no longer,” he roared. “Ourkin are dying.”

  The body of a black-clad elf flew through the door andslid onto the table. Gewey entered just behind, his face and clothescovered in blood. The elf groaned and rolled onto his back. Linisrushed in and held his blade to the elf's neck.

  Linis glanced over his shoulder to Eftichis. “Watchthe door,” he ordered. Eftichis quickly obeyed.

  “The attackers are moving away,” said Gewey.“I caught this one about to set fire to the tent.”

  He knelt down over his captive. “Now you will tellme everything I want to know.” The elf glared defiantly.

  A malicious smile crept over Gewey's face. He reacheddown and ripped open the elf's shirt. “I'll ask you onetime…” He placed the flat of his blade on the elf's chest andthe sizzle of burning flesh rose up.

  The elf winced and his jaw tightened. “A curse onyou,” he hissed.

  Gewey turned the blade, allowing the edge to dig intothe elf's flesh. “Not the words I wanted to hear. And youdidn't wait for my question.” He pressed the blade in harder.

  “Where is Kaylia?”

  The elf moaned but said nothing.

  “Gewey,” said Linis, but Gewey ignored him.

  Gewey began to drag the blade across the elf's chest.“If you don't answer me, I'm going to cut you apart… piece bypiece.”

  “Gewey,” said Linis again, this time moreforcefully. Gewey glared at Linis, but Linis was undeterred.

  “Stop this,” said Linis. “This is notwhat you want on your heart.”

  “I think I do,” snarled Gewey. “And Ithink if he doesn't tell me what I want to know, I'll make good on mypromise.” He pressed the blade even deeper.

  The elf wailed, and the smell of burning flesh filledthe tent.

  “Allow Linis and I to do this,” saidTheopolou. “If we fail, then you may do as you wish with him.”

  “Please,” said Linis.

  Gewey paused, glaring at his captive with hatred. Thenin one smooth motion, he released his hold and walked to theentrance. “Make it fast.” He stared outside at thesmoldering tents. The sound of fighting had faded, replaced by thecries of the wounded and the sobs of the survivors.

  Linis dragged the captive into the back of the tent andbound his hands and feet. He and Theopolou leaned in close, speakingin soft whispers. After several minutes, Theopolou rose to his feetand walked over to Gewey.

  “They have taken her north, toward the steppes,”said Theopolou. “Along with the Book of Souls.”

  “So
the northern tribes are responsible for this,”growled Eftichis in disgust.

  “It would seem,” Theopolou affirmed.

  “I leave now,” said Gewey. “They can'thave gone far.”

  “True,” Theopolou agreed. “But I don'tthink the northern tribes could have acted alone. They knew exactlywhen to strike.”

  “Then we were betrayed,” said Linis.

  “Yes,” said Theopolou. “That seemscertain. But betrayed by whom?”

  “Bellisia?” Linis offered.

  “Possibly,” Theopolou replied. “Thoughnot likely. I can think of no one who would do this.”

  “I don't care who did it,” said Gewey. “Theonly thing I care about is getting Kaylia back.” He pushed hisway past Theopolou and Linis, and stalked to his room. A few minuteslater he returned, wearing a set of brown travel leathers, his sword,and a small pack thrown across his back. He took a moment to stare athis captive and walked to the entrance.

  “Gewey,” said Theopolou. “I understandyour urgency. You are bonded to her, but she is also my niece. Allowme one hour to gather more information. I fear you will fail if yousimply march off without knowing what you face. If we werebetrayed, you could be walking into a trap.” He placed his handon Gewey's shoulder. “Just one hour.”

  Linis walked over and placed his hand on Gewey’sother shoulder. “Give him one hour. Besides, I'll need to scouttheir trail to find out where they have taken her. That will taketime.” He met Gewey's eyes. “I promise we will find her.”

  Gewey muscles tensed and his body shuddered. He let outa terrifying scream. “One hour,” he roared. “That'sall.”

  Theopolou nodded. “Stay with him, Linis.” Heturned to Eftichis. “Come with me.”

  The two left the tent and Gewey watched as they vanishedinto the smoke and carnage. “One hour,” Gewey mutteredthrough his teeth.

  Chapter Thirty

  Gewey paced the tent. Occasionally he stopped to lookoutside for Theopolou's return.

  “Try to be calm,” advised Linis. “Youmust have your wits about you if you want to save her.”