Millet took a step back. “My Lord,” he cried. “You cannot do this. I am your servant, and shall remain so. I refuse this.”
Lee smiled and pressed the letter into Millet's hand. “You cannot refuse. As the Lord Nal’Thain, it is my right to choose my successor. You are the only man I can trust with the challenges that lie ahead. And I am sorry. I leave to you a broken house of a broken land, and it will be up to you to heal them and restore our honor. I likely ride to my death and even should I survive, I cannot return to my former life. I beg you to do this service.”
By this time, Millet was weeping openly. “I cannot restore your honor. I could only maintain it. The honor of Nal’Thain is embodied in you. I will not fail you, my lor--” He took a step back and bowed. “Lee.”
Lee smiled, then bowed low. “I know you won't, my lord.” Jacob began to stir. “You must leave before he wakes,” said Lee. “I don't want him to see what direction you are going.”
“What about Yanti?” asked Dina. “Do you think he will follow us?”
“I doubt it,” Lee replied. “He doesn't consider you a threat. The only reason he left you alive was to confuse and hinder me, making my choice more difficult. If he had plans for you, he would have taken you with him. No doubt, he has the means to transport you north or have you imprisoned here. Still I suggest you ride hard until you can take rest within a temple.”
Jacob groaned.
“Now go,” Lee commanded. He embraced them both and helped them repack their mounts. Millet glanced back one last time before they spurred their horses to a run. “Good luck, old friend,” Lee whispered.
“Wh..what's happening?” Jacob moaned, struggling with his bonds.
Lee took a deep breath and knelt down beside his son. “What's happening is that you've been abandoned, left in the hands of your foes. Lucky for you, that foe is also your father.”
Jacob stiffened. “Yanti... that dog. I will kill him for this.”
“Shut your mouth, boy!” barked Lee. “You have much to answer for... both of us do. If you choose, I will give you a chance for redemption.”
“Just kill me and get it over with,” Jacob grumbled.
“Why do you think you deserve such a kindness? You have betrayed your mother, you have betrayed your father, and you have dishonored your family name.” He cut Jacob's bonds.
Jacob pulled down his blindfold and rubbed his wrists. “And what have you done, Father? What crimes have you committed? How are you any better than me?”
“I have committed crimes I can scarcely describe. And for those crimes I suffer, and will continue to suffer.” Lee stood and offered his hand.
Jacob stared at Lee, and then sneered. “You should kill me now. If you don't, I will kill you.”
“And in whose name will you kill me?” Lee asked. “Will you kill me for the Dark Knight, the Reborn King of Angrääl? The one who just left you behind, now that your usefulness is over? Or perhaps you will kill me in the name of your mother? Or do you mean for her to die? Do you? Has the Dark One blackened your heart so much that you turn your back on the one who loves you the most?”
“Loves me?” he roared. “She loves you... not me. She never loved me!”
“Of course she does,” said Lee, withdrawing his hand. “I have never known her to love anything more than you, and if you don't see that, then you are as blind as you are foolish. You think she wept for me?” He paused. “She wept because she knew you had to grow up without a father. She wept because of my absence in your life. She wept because I had stolen something precious from the true love of her life. Did she love me? Yes. And I love her still. But you do not know the depths of your mother as I do. The moment you came into this world you became her reason for living. It was I who was second in her heart, not you.” He re-extended his hand. “Come with me to Angrääl, and I'll prove it.”
Jacob hesitated a moment, then allow Lee to pull him to his feet. “I'll go with you,” said Jacob. “If only to take my revenge.”
“That's good enough for now,” said Lee. “If you can refrain from killing me, at least for the time being, I may even be able to show you a thing or two about the power that flows in your veins.”
“As I said,” he replied. “I'll go with you. I promise nothing else.”
“I suppose that will do,” said Lee. “Perhaps together we will both find retribution and redemption.”
They loaded the horses and began making their way north. Lee whistled a traditional Hazrian travel song. Jacob did not join in at first, but after a time started to hum along.
Chapter Twenty-Two
Gewey's heart pounded as he passed through the massive double doors. Kaylia followed close behind, and though she didn't show it, he knew she was nervous. Once inside, Gewey was amazed to see a room that looked like a theater. On either side of the room, rows of marble benches curved along the walls, forming a semi-circle that met at the back of a raised, stone platform. The ceiling was vaulted and covered with the familiar orbs that lit the room so brightly; it took Gewey's vision a moment to adjust. Standing across the stage, tall and proud, a group of six elves stood, arms crossed and hoods drawn. Theopolou was already atop the stage, and had taken his place beside the other elders. Gewey and Kaylia walked down the narrow center isle until they were only a few feet away.
“That's far enough, human,” said the elf just beside Theopolou. Her strong, feminine voice echoed throughout the room. She pulled back her hood revealing long, elegant features. Her skin was the same dark bronze as Kaylia's, but her hair was jet black and wrapped tightly with silver ribbons. She glared down at the duo, not attempting to mask her disgust. “I am Lady Bellisia, Chief Elder of the clan Hastriatis. You know Lord Theopolou. To my left are Lord Chiron, Lord Endymion, Lord Syranis, Lady Leora, and Lord Aneili. We are here to determine whether you are to give testimony on behalf of Lord Theopolou, who has been called to judgment, according to our laws.”
“That has already been decided,” corrected Theopolou. “Do not taint my house with deceit.”
Lady Bellisia glared angrily at Theopolou. “It was not my intention to deceive,” she said. “I merely misspoke.” She turned her attention back to Gewey. “I do admit that some of us were curious to see you.” She glanced at Kaylia. “The human who could ensnare one of our people in the bond.”
“I was not ensnared,” barked Kaylia.
“Silence, girl,” Bellisia commanded. “You have no right to speak.”
“That’s odd,” said Lord Chiron. “I thought this was an open forum. Or have the rights of an elf changed?”
“Just because you support Theopolou and this madness,” shot Bellisia. “do not think I will tolerate your insults, even within these walls.”
“I give no insult,” Chiron retorted. “But as you well know, Kaylia has been invited to these proceedings. She has the same right as an elder here... as does the human.”
“I mean no disrespect,” said Gewey. “but I am called Gewey Stedding. You may use my proper name.”
“Indeed,” said Bellisia. “So Gewey Stedding, Lord Theopolou has told us that you are quite remarkable, for a human. And he says you saved the life of one of his escorts.”
Gewey nodded. “We were attacked by Vrykol.”
Bellisia laughed. “Yes, I've heard. The ancient evil of the Gods returned to plague the world. What is next? Shall the Elder Race return to reclaim the world?”
“Once again, you name me a liar,” said Theopolou. “You have all seen the head.”
“I do not call you a liar,” Bellisia replied. “I merely say that you have been deceived. The creature you showed may or may not be what you claim. Perhaps it is an abomination created by human hands in order to cause fear among us.”
“And how would they have done such a thing?” Theopolou asked. “Could they create a creature that is as fast as an elf, and will only die when you take its head?”
Bellisia paused. “We are not here to discuss the Vrykol.” Her gaze retu
rned to Gewey. “And now that you are in our presence, I have a question. What are you?”
A chill crept into Gewey’s stomach. “I don't understand what you mean.”
“Do you not?” Bellisia pressed. “It's a simple question. We can all feel the flow that saturates your being. Humans cannot do this. So I ask again... what are you?”
“You do not have to answer,” said Theopolou, just as Gewey was opening his mouth to speak.
“Do you seek to deceive us, Lord Theopolou?” Bellisia asked. “Do you seek to bring danger among us?”
“The boy is no danger and you know it,” said Theopolou.
Bellisia crossed her arms. “Is that so? I think you are hiding something, and if he is not a danger, then there is no reason not to reveal his origins.” She looked at the other elders. “We all know that this Gewey Stedding is no ordinary human. How could he be? Perhaps he is a half-man, or perhaps something else. Whatever the case, do we not have the right to know?”
“You do not,” announced Gewey. “As I understand it, you are asking me to testify for Theopolou and that's all. I see no reason to explain myself to you, or anyone else. If you no longer want me to testify, I will respectfully take my leave. I have urgent matters to attend to, and time is short. ”
Bellisia raised an eyebrow. “And you think you can just leave? You think we can allow you to wander the world, bonded to one of our own?”
“Do not threaten my guest,” boomed Theopolou. “I have given them both sanctuary.”
Bellisia smiled innocently. “I make no threat. And your offer only extends as far as your domain. Unless you intend to have them reside here forever.” She waived her hand dismissively. “In any case, the boy can keep his secrets... for now. But he must be guarded if he is to accompany us to the Chamber of the Maker.” She looked down at Gewey. “Do you agree to this?”
Gewey nodded.
Bellisia looked up and down the group of elders. “Are there any objections?” She smiled with satisfaction when there were none. “Good. Then we depart at once.” Theopolou turned and walked off the stage, pushing past Gewey and Kaylia, who followed close after him. The other elders lingered until they had left the chamber, their eyes following them out.
“She is up to no good,” Theopolou muttered.
“What do you mean?” asked Gewey.
“There was no reason for this meeting in the first place,” he explained. “The questions she asked were meaningless. A guard would have been put on you regardless, and you had already agreed to come. I thought she simply wanted to see you out of sheer curiosity, but now I suspect she may be hiding something.”
“Do you think she knows about Gewey?” whispered Kaylia.
“Perhaps,” Theopolou replied, thoughtfully. “If she does, there is only one way she could have come upon this knowledge, and that worries me.”
Thoughts of the Dark Knight exploded in Gewey's mind, and he remembered the dream he had the night he left Sharpstone. “What should we do?” he asked.
“There is nothing to do,” the old elf answered. “We must allow this to play out. If Bellisia and her allies plan to join with Angrääl, we must call them out in front of the others. I will send word ahead to the elders who chose not to attend here today. They will not ignore a summons to the Chamber of the Maker.”
“I thought all the elders were already here,” remarked Gewey.
“No,” said Theopolou. “The seven elders here, including myself, are chief's among our people, and can speak for our tribes in the absence of the others.”
“Will they have time to get there?” asked Kaylia.
“I hope so,” said Theopolou. “I should be able to get word to them quickly enough for most to arrive ahead of us, though the northern tribes will never get there in time.” Theopolou walked them to the front door and left them just outside.
“I'm worried,” said Kaylia, as they made their way around to their rooms. “I have never seen my kind behave with such malice and deceit toward one another. Linis was right all along. The second split is inevitable.”
“Does that mean you will change your mind about facing judgment?” asked Gewey.
Kaylia smiled and touched his hand. “I don't know. At least not yet.”
“Whatever happens, I'll be there beside you,” said Gewey, with grim determination.
“That reminds me,” said Kaylia. “I have decided we shall complete the ritual of bonding once we arrive at the Chamber of the Maker.” She glanced sideways at Gewey. “That is if you are agreeable.”
“I...” he stuttered. “That is...” he stopped short and cleared his throat. “Of course, I am.”
“Good,” said Kaylia. “Linis will instruct you on the ceremony along the way. Also, you need instruction in our customs if you are to be mine. I will see to that personally.”
Gewey's heart raced with excitement and fear. If the Village Mothers could see me now. They had tried to be matchmaker for him more times than he cared to remember.
Once in his room, Gewey packed his gear and changed into his tan, leather pants and thin, wool shirt. As he strapped on his sword he heard a knock at the door. “Come in.”
The door opened and in walked Akakios and three grim-looking elves. All were wearing hard, leather armor, a long knife, and a bow and quiver across their backs.
Gewey bowed. “I take it you are my guards.”
“We are,” Akakios affirmed. “These three are from the personal escort of Lady Bellisia. They wish me to tell you that they have no desire to speak with you, and any questions should be directed to me.”
Gewey couldn't help but be amused and laughed softly. This brought angry stares from the three elves and a smile from Akakios.
“You are not permitted to carry your weapon,” said Akakios. “I will carry it for you, if you wish.”
“That's fine,” said Gewey, unbuckling his sword. “But take care not to touch anything but the scabbard, or you will be burned.”
Akakios looked in wonder at the sword as Gewey handed it over. He couldn't help but test what Gewey had told him and touched the blade. Immediately he withdrew his hand, wincing in pain.
“I have never heard of such a weapon,” marveled Akakios. “How did you come by it?”
“Perhaps I'll tell you along the way.” He couldn't help but get in a quip, designed to get under the other elves’ skin. “That is, if I have time. Linis is to instruct me in the bonding ceremony and Kaylia is to teach me more about elf ways and customs.”
The three elves stirred uneasily, but said nothing. Gewey smiled with satisfaction. Akakios closed his eyes and shook his head with a groan.
Gewey grabbed his gear and allowed himself to be led from the room to the front of the house. At least thirty elves awaited him. Theopolou and the six other elders, along with their armed escorts, stood near the base of the statue. Kaylia and Linis stood a few feet away from them, talking quietly. Gewey began to approach Linis and Kaylia, but Akakios stopped him.
“You must remain with us until we make camp,” said Akakios, almost apologetically. “You are free to speak to whomever you wish then. But, as we travel you are to stay silent.”
This irritated Gewey, but he saw no other choice but to concede. It was then Linis walked straight up to him and slapped him on the back. At first it seemed like the guards would try to stop him, but one glance from Linis and it was clear that he would not be hindered.
“They have no jurisdiction over me, Gewey,” said Linis. “I'll walk with you.” He noticed Gewey looking at Kaylia. “She'll walk with her uncle and his escort... for now.”
This satisfied Gewey. He could see that Linis had unnerved the elders, but they did nothing to stop him.
The elders and escorts led the way through the front gate, followed by Gewey, Linis, and Gewey's guards. Gewey spent the day listening to Linis tell stories about his exploits and adventures.
For such a large group, they covered ground swiftly. They didn't stop to rest until it was t
ime to make camp, by which time they had covered nearly forty miles. Akakios and the other three elves set up their bedrolls a few feet away from Gewey and Linis. Kaylia stayed near Theopolou while the others settled in, but soon joined Gewey and Linis, as they retrieved some bread and dried fruit from their packs. Linis had warned Gewey that they would not be building a fire for cooking along the way. Linis explained that elders intended to travel swiftly and unnoticed. At first, the lack of a fire worried Gewey. He only had the provisions he had arrived with, and some required cooking, but Linis assured him that there would be enough dried meat and fruit to go around.
“Have you gone over the ceremony with Gewey?” Kaylia asked Linis.
“I will tomorrow,” he replied. “I do not think the others are comfortable with the idea, so I thought it best to wait a day or two.”
“You don't have to worry about that,” said Gewey with a mischievous grin. He told them about the remark he had made at Theopolou's house in front of his guards.
“You should not provoke them,” Linis warned. “Bellisia is one of Theopolou's main opponents, and they serve her.”
“It’s not like it's a secret that Kaylia and I are bonded,” Gewey argued. “Besides, they deserved it. I mean really. Akakios isn’t in favor of human-elf relations, but he still manages to act decently towards me. They have refused to even address me properly.”
Linis couldn't help but smile. “It would have been amusing to see them squirm. But still, they could be dangerous, and now you are unarmed.”
“I may be unarmed,” said Gewey, “But, I am far from defenseless.”
The Godling Chronicles 02 - Of Gods And Elves Page 19
