The Godling Chronicles 02 - Of Gods And Elves

by Brian D. Anderson

  “I am sorry, Gewey,” said Theopolou, in a half whisper. “I fear this trip may go ill for you.”

  “I don't understand,” said Gewey. “What just happened?”

  “Bellisia is calling you to appear before the council to determine if you are a danger to our race. If they decide that you are, then they will kill you... and me, for bringing you among us.”

  Gewey tightened his jaw and re-sheathed his sword. “They may find that more difficult than they think.”

  “Then you will be forced to slaughter your allies,” said Theopolou. “We will fall and the Dark One will triumph.”

  “If he allows himself to be killed, all is lost anyway,” said Kaylia.

  Theopolou nodded. “The only hope is for you to convince them to spare you. You must show them that you are not a threat.”

  “I need to do more than that,” said Gewey. “I need to convince them to join me. That's why I came to begin with.”

  “True,” said Theopolou. “But I fear you will have little success. The only way is to gain the support of the majority of the elders. The others will fall in line to avoid a second split.”

  “How should we proceed?” asked Kaylia.

  “My way is one of caution,” replied Theopolou. “But now is a time for bold action.” He turned and took a few steps. “Face each other. Do it quickly.” He turned back around. Gewey and Kaylia stood motionless for a moment, then obeyed.

  “Are you sure you wish to be bonded?” the old elf asked. His voice was soft and melodic.

  Kaylia didn't hesitate. “I am.”

  Gewey was speechless but still managed a short nod.

  “But won't this anger the others?” asked Kaylia. “How can Gewey convince them if they're too incensed to listen?”

  “Anger will fade,” he explained. “You have chosen this... man. And he you. If you expect to touch the reason of the elders, you must make them face their fears and see what is possible. Talk is not enough. Though you may be right; this may be a mistake.”

  “It is no mistake,” said Kaylia, smiling. “If Gewey faces death, I will face it with him. I would have the bond completed before our fate finds us and it is too late.” She turned to Theopolou. “Now is the time.”

  “Then prepare yourselves,” said Theopolou. “I will gather the witnesses.”

  They watched as Theopolou walked away into the fading light, towards the elders. Gewey was shocked. “They will be our witnesses?” he laughed.

  “They cannot refuse,” Kaylia explained. “The bonding ceremony is among our most sacred rituals. It strikes at our core beliefs. They would not dare say no, regardless of who is being bonded.”

  “What do I need to do?”

  Kaylia suppressed a laugh. “If you still have the clothes Theopolou gave you, you should put them on. It's a bit more appropriate.” She reached out and squeezed his hand. “As for me I should change as well.” With that, she danced off, leaving Gewey reeling with emotion that flowed between their connection.

  If this is what it's like now, Gewey thought. What must it be like when it's completed? He shook his head vigorously, trying to steady his nerves, and went to his pack and retrieved his elf clothing.

  “Gewey,” called Akakios, trotting toward him, holding a tiny flask in his hand. “There is a stream nearby where you can wash. I've sent the other three ahead to make sure it's safe.” He slapped Gewey on the back. “Come. Let’s get you ready.”

  Gewey paused and extended his hand. “I didn't thank you for saving my life.”

  Akakios looked thoughtful. “I'm not sure I did. Anyway, you might not have been the target.”

  “What have they done with the body?” Gewey asked, noticing it had been removed. “Two of my kin have taken it to the forest to perform the funeral rites,” he replied. “Assassin or no, he was an elf and should pass from this life as one.”

  “Of course,” said Gewey.

  “But enough of that,” said Akakios. “You need to get ready, and I will not face Theopolou for failing to have you back on time.” He threw his arm around Gewey, pulling him along.

  Gewey allowed himself to be led east, into the dense forest. About half a mile in, he heard the light trickle of a stream. The three guards were waiting. They did not smile. Akakios halted. “Just a few feet through that brush, you'll find the stream.” He handed him the flask. “Essence of the star lily. It is a tradition among us to perfume ourselves during high rituals, and it does not get more lofty than this.”

  Gewey opened the flask and the air filled with a sweetness Gewey had never experienced.

  “Thank you,” he said gratefully, and walked toward the stream.

  “Just see that you give it back,” Akakios called after him. “I need some as well.”

  Gewey washed and dressed. He wished he had a mirror. The stream moved too swiftly to see his reflection.

  “Gewey,” called a voice a few yards away, just beyond the brush.

  Gewey turn to see Linis walking with long strides toward him. A smile beamed across his face.

  “How do I look?” asked Gewey.

  Linis examined him carefully then said, “Presentable... all things considered. How do you feel?”

  Gewey took a deep breath. “A bit nervous... but excited.” He took another breath. “Mostly nervous.”

  “Just remember what I told you and you will do fine,” Linis reassured. “But if you'd like we can go over the ceremony again.”

  “I'd like that,” admitted Gewey. “But tell me. Did you speak to your brethren?”

  “I did,” he replied, with a flash of anger. “I am not pleased that they let someone through. It will not happen again.” His smile returned. “I can't wait to see the look on the elders’ faces.” He began to laugh. “Their own arrogance has forced them to witness their worst fear.”

  “I'm sorry,” said Gewey. “But I don't think it's very funny.”

  Linis forced back his laughter. “Forgive me, my friend. I forget myself. This is a joyous occasion, not to be tainted by the petty squabbles between me and the elders.”

  As they returned to the camp, Gewey and Linis went over the ceremony one last time. Upon arrival, Gewey could see that the elders had gathered and all their eyes were on him.

  “This should be interesting,” muttered Gewey, as he approached the group. The grim expressions on their faces told Gewey that they were none too pleased.

  “Gewey Stedding,” said Lord Chiron. “As you probably know, we are not in favor of this union.”

  “I understa—” Gewey began, but Chiron held up his hand to silence him.

  “Allow me to finish,” he continued. “We are 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 Kaylia are the first in more than one-hundred years to be bonded in this way. We would not have it done here in the middle of nowhere. We feel that to be a sacrilege.” All but Theopolou nodded in agreement. “We ask only that you delay this until we reach the Chamber of the Maker. It is a more fitting site for such an event.” He took a small step forward. “Kaylia has already agreed, but only if you do as well. What say you?”

  Gewey's eyes drifted to Theopolou, but his face was stone.

  “It may be a wise choice,” Linis whispered in Gewey's ear.

  Finally, Gewey squared his shoulders and said, “I do understand that this ritual is sacred to you. And if Kaylia is in agreement, then so am I. We can wait until we arrive.”

  Chiron bowed. “I thank you.” The others bowed and dispersed.

  “One more thing,” called Gewey. The elders turned. “We will complete the bonding before I face your judgment.”

  “Agreed.” Chiron walked away.

  Only Theopolou lingered.

  “A wise decision,” said Theopolou, almost smiling. “This could go a long way to furthering your cause. The rite of bonding, performed in the Chamber of the Maker, is symbolic beyond your understanding.”

  “Who sugg
ested this?” asked Linis.

  “Lord Chiron,” Theopolou replied. “He could be an important ally to you. He has been a friend to me for many of your lifetimes.”

  “And the others?” asked Gewey. “How do they feel about this?”

  “Their opinions are mixed,” Theopolou admitted. “Though they all agree that the rite should be performed in a more appropriate location, they still have a difficult time with the fact that a “human” is to be bonded to an elf. They may try to convince you not to do this, though they cannot stop 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 the will of others than you. Their arguments will be... persuasive.”

  Gewey nodded with understanding.

  Bellisia approached. “Gewey Stedding. I would speak with you alone.” Theopolou and Linis bowed to her and walked away, out of earshot.

  “If you are here to talk me out of completing the bond with Kaylia—” started Gewey.

  “I am here to warn you,” said Bellisia.

  “Warn me?”

  “I know that you intend to try and sway the elves to join you in your fight against Angrääl,” she said. “And you may accomplish your goal. But should you bond with Kaylia—”

  “Stop right there,” said Gewey angrily. “My relationship with Kaylia has nothing to do with Angrääl, or my reasons for being here.”

  “You think not?” she shot back. “Do you think the powers in the north are fools? What will they do once they 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. “They will hunt Kaylia down and kill her. And they will do it to kill you.”

  A cold chill filled Gewey's chest. “Why would you think they would care about me?”

  Bellisia sniffed. “You think we do not know that the King of Angrääl is searching for you? Every elf tribe knows your name. We have all been made aware that he seeks you, and have been made offers of friendship for your deliverance…or death.”

  “Theopolou hasn't said anything about this,” said Gewey. “He would have told me.”

  “Theopolou,” she scoffed. “You think Theopolou 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. Theopolou has 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 to Kaylia and see you dead. “

  “I don't believe you,” said Gewey. “It was his idea that we complete the bonding. Why would he do that if what you say is true?”

  “His idea?” she laughed. “And who suggested 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 to clear your mind.” She glanced over to Theopolou.

  Kaylia was at his side, talking quietly. “He will not allow you to complete the bond. He thinks there is a way to break it. He is wrong, of course. But his love for his niece blinds him.” She turned back to Gewey. “That your spirit was able to combine with Kaylia's has caused much doubt among the elders. Enough that you might be able to convince them to side with you against Angrääl. But you will not get the chance.”

  “What do you mean?” asked Gewey. “I'm supposed to prove that I'm not a threat to your people.”

  “Yes. And you intend to use that as an opportunity to plead your case. But I assure you, it will not happen. You will be dead before you utter your first word inside the Chamber.”

  “Are you saying Theopolou plans to have me killed?” he cried.

  “No,” said Bellisia. “I am saying that Theopolou will stop you from completing the bond. But have you forgotten the assassin? Someone sent him. Perhaps someone among us. Whether it was Theopolou, I cannot say, but he certainly has the motivation to do so.”

  “And what are your motivations?” asked Gewey.

  “I only want my people to be safe and free,” she replied. “You are a being of great power. That much is clear, even if I don't know what you truly are. If killing you protects my people, then I would not hesitate. But I do not think that would do any good. And I do not believe that Angrääl will leave us in peace. You may be the only way we can escape destruction.”

  “Then why not join me?” asked Gewey.

  Her eyes locked with Gewey's. “Because I am not willing 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. Angrääl will not leave you in peace. The Dark One will march over the land like a plague, and both our peoples will suffer. Our only hope is to cooperate, even if it's only for a little while.”

  “That may be,” she admitted. “And you may be able to convince the others. But my mind is set. I have seen what the humans do. I will not be a part of it.” She took a small step back. “I have said what I came to say. Think on my words. Speak to Kaylia if you wish. But know that I have not lied to you.”

  “What would you do if you were me?” he asked, 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, then walked over, unsure what to think. One thing he knew. He had to speak to Kaylia. He had to know what they were walking into.

  Chapter Twenty-Four

  Gewey approached Theopolou and Kaylia and took Kaylia by the hand. He excused himself from the old elf, and led her far enough away so they would not be overheard. Kaylia sat thoughtfully for several minutes after Gewey told her what Bellisia had said.

  “Do you think she's telling the truth?” he asked.

  “I think she believes it,” she replied. “But do I think Theopolou means to break our bond and assassinate you? I honestly don't know. I wish I could dismiss it, but it does fit. He was the one who killed the assassin, and it was his friend who suggested we wait until we reach the Chamber of the Maker. Still, I have never known him to be dishonest.”

  “He deceived his own elves about me,” he reminded her. “And only told them after Kaphalos revealed our bond to the rest.”

  “True. And it was to his advantage to do so. But I think the assassin would have told us nothing, regardless of what we did to him, and Theopolou would have known that. And we still are not certain that you were the target. Besides, it was Akakios that shot him, and Akakios serves my uncle. No... even if what Bellisia said is true, I don't think he had anything to do with that.”

  “We could just ask him, I suppose,” Gewey suggested. “I don't like feeling like I'm being manipulated, and whether it's Bellisia, Theopolou, or anyone else, I want it to stop.”

  “Yes,” she agreed. “I feel that confrontation is best. I want to know his motives before we get there. And if Bellisia is trying to drive a wedge between us, then we should know that too.”

  Kaylia and Gewey found Theopolou talking with three of his escorts.

  “Can we speak?” asked Gewey.

  Theopolou nodded and dismissed the elves. Kaylia recounted Gewey's words and waited for a response. At first, Theopolou was expressionless, then he began to laugh.

  “Crafty,” said Theopolou. “Very crafty. And correct.”

  “What?” cried Kaylia. “She was telling truth?”

  “Of course, she was,” said Theopolou. “At least from her perspective. I do not wish you to bond with Gewey. And yes, if there were a way, I would seek to break it. But Bellisia is wrong 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, and even if I could, it would
likely kill you. As she said, I act out of love for you. That is my motivation.” He turned to Gewey. “She told you I was no friend to you, and she is correct. But I am an ally. I need not be both.”

  “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 quite some time,” he explained. “Even in better times she and I have rarely seen eye to eye. But her actions have usually been to protect our people... even her opposition of me. That she would open her mind to a human, knowing I would likely hear of it, tells me much. And her words have merit, though not in the way you might think.” He placed his hands on Kaylia's shoulders. “I swear to you that I mean your suitor no harm. Though this is not a bond I would have chosen for you, I know I must accept it. If you wish I will perform the rites here and now, if that will prove my intentions to you.”

  Kaylia smiled warmly and hugged Theopolou. “I believe you.”

  Theopolou turned to Gewey. “I am your ally. But you must be mine in return.” His eyes fell lovingly on Kaylia. “You must protect her.”

  “I swear,” said Gewey. “But something Bellisia said still bothers me. She said that the Dark One will try to kill Kaylia to get to me.”

  “She is right,” said Theopolou. “But they could do that now. Were either of you to die, it would rip you apart... even without completing the bond. You would be useless shells, unable to fight. In fact, death would be kinder. But I think it is more likely that the Dark One would wish to capture Kaylia and use her to control you. Were that to happen you could be made into a powerful 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 to find Bellisia. “Do you believe him?” asked Gewey.