After an hour they left the trail and headed south across country. The ground was level and the trees still sparse. Gewey was relieved to hear the return of the birds and small animals. The flow was difficult to maintain at first, but after an hour or so it felt more natural. By the time they halted to make camp, he couldn't imagine what it would feel like to be without it. Kaylia and Linis had been keeping a close eye on him, constantly asking how he was. Kaylia was clearly relieved that he had shown no sign that it was hurting him. Linis, on the other hand, maintained a look of deep concern.
Once they made camp, Theopolou sat next to Gewey and handed him a cup of honeyed wine and a small loaf of bread.
“How much rest do you need?” asked Theopolou.
“None,” answered Gewey. “I am ready now, if you'd like.”
Theopolou raised an eyebrow. “Is that so? Well, you must at least appear to rest. The flow has made you strong, but it would raise suspicions among my guard if you didn't look a bit fatigued. I would have them in the dark for now.” He looked more closely as Gewey. “Why do you still use the power? There is no danger near.”
Gewey’s features were hard and determined. “So I'll know if it approaches.”
“Linis has asked you to do this, I take it.” Theopolou shook his head. “You should not. Even a seeker such as Linis cannot hold on to it indefinitely. It can be dangerous.”
“What do you mean?” Gewey's eye wandered to Kaylia, who was a few yards away changing Linis’ bandages.
“Linis is a worthy seeker, likely the best that still lives, but he does not know all. Seekers learn to use the flow from a very young age, but they are too busy with other training to learn the nature of the power that fuels them.”
“And you know these things?” asked Gewey.
Theopolou laughed softly. “More than most. I know that to hold the power of the earth for too long can break the mind. Seekers are taught to use it when they must, and rarely hold it for more than a day so they are in no danger.”
“In danger of what?” Gewey demanded. “Linis said he has held it for two days and he was fine.”
“Linis is strong,” Theopolou replied. “His mind and spirit are resilient. He is counting on your...heritage, to keep you safe. But I’m not as certain. I would not see you possessed.”
“Possessed?” laughed Gewey. “Possessed by what? The earth?”
“Precisely. The power you use can become addictive. In time you will not be able to release it without great pain.”
Gewey shrugged. “So what? I'm stronger - faster. I can hear and see better, and more importantly, I'm better able to keep those I love safe.”
“All true,” said the elf. “But in time it will burn your mind and drive you mad. You will endanger everyone near to you. Even the ones you love.”
“Has this ever happened to an elf?” asked Gewey.
“Long ago. It is why elves are taught to use it sparingly. And there's something else. You are able to use many times more of the flow than any elf. It may accelerate any adverse effects.”
“It doesn't change the fact that we need to know if more of those creatures are about,” insisted Gewey.
“True,” admitted Theopolou. “But I will not have a mad godling roaming the earth. Be mindful.”
“I will,” said Gewey, aware of Theopolou's implied threat.
Theopolou got to his feet. “We will rest for two hours. That should be enough time to eliminate any suspicions about you.” With that, he walked away toward three of his guards who were talking near the fire.
Kaylia and Linis sat next to Gewey a few moments later. “What did he say?” asked Kaylia.
“Nothing important. He just wanted to know if I was tired.”
“I see,” said Kaylia, clearly not believing him. “I would rather you say nothing at all than tell me a lie. Even if it is to spare me worry or hurt.”
“I'm sorry.” Gewey sighed. “I sometimes forget I cannot fool you.”
“I think I know what Theopolou wanted,” said Linis. “He was concerned about you using your power for too long. Am I right?”
Gewey nodded. “He said it could drive me insane.”
“Unlikely,” said Linis. “I've heard the same tales of caution, but as wise as Theopolou is, he has no real experience with this matter. It would take many weeks of constant use to have any lasting effect.”
“He said that, because I can use so much more of the flow than any elf, that it might take less time,” said Gewey.
“He may have a point,” admitted Linis. “How do you feel now?”
“Good,” Gewey replied. “In fact, better than good. I've never felt so strong in my life. I think I could run for days without stopping.”
Linis thought for a moment. “Tomorrow I want you to release the flow when we rest. I and the others should be able to keep watch well enough.”
“Okay,” said Gewey, smiling, though the thought of releasing the power of the earth made his heart ache. Kaylia at once picked up on this feeling.
“I'll see to it,” she said.
Linis threw his head back in laughter. “Then I have no need to worry. I am sure all will be well so long as you are keeping watch over our young man.” He moved to his bedroll. “Don't forget, you must at least pretend to rest, Gewey.”
Gewey lay on his blanket and closed his eyes. He could hear the forest’s sweet song as the wind caressed the trees and moved across the grass. Nocturnal predators stalked their prey, and high above an eagle soared in the direction of the sea. It was now so much more natural than the first time he has done this. In fact, he couldn't imagine a time when his ears were deaf to such marvels.
Sleep was not a possibility.
Chapter 9
When the elves broke camp, Gewey was bursting with energy. His mind raced with the thoughts of the coming days. The elves seemed satisfied that Gewey had had enough rest and took little notice of his energetic behavior.
In the hours before sunrise they covered many miles. Gewey was astounded by the pace the elves maintained. His original journey from Sharpstone would have taken half the time had they been able to move at this speed. He was certain Lee could match it, but doubted he would have been able to at the time.
When the sun broke the horizon, Linis called for a halt, though no one put down their packs. Each helped another to retrieve bread and a flask from their gear and they continued, eating and drinking along the way.
By midday the sun was blazing, but the elves did not appear affected by this as the party increased its pace. Gewey, still using the power of the earth, was as strong as he'd been when they left. In fact, with each hour that passed he felt stronger.
“Does the human need rest?” asked Akakios, a short, stocky elf with sandy blond hair.
“The human has a name,” said Gewey irritably.
Akakios laughed and slapped Gewey on the back. “I meant no offense, young one. Come. Walk beside me and perhaps you can instruct me on human manners and customs.”
Gewey allowed his irritation to subside and gave the elf a friendly smile. “I'd be happy to, if you can call me Gewey.”
Akakios bowed his head. “Agreed.”
Akakios and Gewey walked together until the light of the day began to fade. Gewey told him stories of his home and his upbringing, and he found Akakios to be an elf of good humor. Just as Kaylia had first done when hearing of his old life and upbringing, Akakios also told Gewey that he and many other elves also longed to live in such a way.
“To live a simple existence is the desire of many of my people,” said Akakios. “Perhaps when all of this nonsense that plagues the world is done, we can.”
“Do you hate humans?” asked Gewey, then realized the rudeness of his question. “I only ask because...”
“I know why you ask,” Akakios said. “The answer is no. Though I have no love for them either. Hatred is a useless emotion. Though I would not choose to live among your kind, I see no cause to dwell in the past. The worl
d is big enough for all to live within it.”
Gewey thought for a moment. “So are you against what Linis and others like him are doing?”
“I am,” Akakios admitted. “They invite the destruction of our culture. The result of living side by side with humanity would be a mixing of the races. I would not see the blood of our people corrupted.” He lowered his head. “I hope I have not offended you, but it is how I feel.”
Gewey's thoughts turned to Dina. “I'm not offended. I don't agree, but you have the right to feel any way you wish. But then why spend the day in my company?”
“You have shown yourself to have great strength and courage. I would know the man behind it. I am not close-minded. I realize that virtue does not live within my people alone, and your company does not cause me discomfort.”
“I'm glad,” said Gewey. “Maybe in time I can change your mind even more.”
“One can never know the future,” said Akakios. “You're welcome to try.”
When they had made camp, Theopolou informed Gewey that they would be resting until the morning. Gewey insisted that he could continue, but Theopolou would not be dissuaded.
“Your stamina is already causing talk,” said Theopolou. “Besides, as I understand, you will be releasing the flow tonight. You may find that your body needs to recover.”
A chill shot through Gewey's body. He had all but forgotten that he would be spending time without the power of the earth inside him.
Gewey was sat on his bedroll, staring at the fire, when Linis approached.
“It's time,” said Linis. “Release it.”
Anger swelled in Gewey’s chest. “I'd rather not.”
Linis studied him for a few minutes. “I was not certain before, but I am now. You must release the flow, now.”
“I will not,” he growled. “There is no reason to. I'm fine.”
“You are not fine,” shot Linis. “If you were, you would have no trouble doing as I request. I can see that you should not hold it for so long.”
Gewey jumped to his feet, rage swelling inside him. His eyes focused on Linis, and his hand felt the urge to slide to his sword.
“Gewey,” called Kaylia. Her voice came from just outside the light of the fire. “Come here - now!”
Gewey’s mind snapped to attention. It was then he realized that the entire camp was staring at him. He lowered his head and started toward Kaylia.
She was stood with her eyes fixed on him. Once he was beside her, she took his hand and led him away from the camp.
“You must release the power,” she said softly. “And you must do it quickly before you lose yourself.”
Gewey pulled away, his anger returning. “Why? Why must I become weak again?”
“Do not call yourself weak,” she said. “You insult me. My spirit would not bind itself to the weak. Your strength, your true strength, does not come from the flow. It comes from within.” She placed her hand on his chest. “Do this for me.”
His heart raced at her touch. He lowered his head, allowing the power to drain away. Gewey felt weakness and fatigue wash over his entire body, and he fell to his knees, weeping. The absence of the flow made him feel hollow and afraid. The sounds and smells he had found so enthralling were gone, and he was left in silence. It was like the world had been ripped away.
Kaylia knelt down in front of him, pulling his head to her shoulder. “It will pass.” She stroked his raven hair. “I am here.”
After a few minutes, Gewey regained his composure. He wiped his face and his eyes. “It's dark,” were the only words he could manage.
Kaylia smiled sweetly and kissed his cheek. “And it will get darker still. But not tonight.”
“Thank you,” said Gewey, weakly. “You were right. I must not hold the power for that long again. I nearly lost myself.”
“But you have returned to us, I trust,” came the voice of Linis from a few yards away. He walked into view, Theopolou at his side.
Gewey rose to his feet. “I'm back to normal. I'm sorry for what I did at the camp. It won't happen again.”
“No apologies needed,” said Linis. “The fault was mine. I should never have asked you to hold the flow for so long without knowing what it would do to you.”
“Indeed you should not have, seeker,” said Theopolou. “I hope you will heed my advice from here on.”
“In matters such as this, I will,” said Linis.
“What about the others?” asked Gewey. “I'm sure they noticed what happened.”
“They believe you pushed yourself too far and your human body affected your mind,” replied Theopolou. “A fiction I am not inclined to correct at this time.”
“If you are able, we should get back,” said Linis. “You need to rest.”
Gewey nodded and followed the others back to camp. The elves all watched him closely as he made his way to his bedroll. Embarrassment welled up inside. He rolled onto his stomach and hid his face.
“All is well?” It was Akakios.
Gewey turned over to see the elf smiling down at him. “I'm fine. Just tired.”
“I must admit I was amazed that you kept pace with us with so little rest,” said Akakios. “Don't feel bad. We may not show it, but we are tired as well. If it were not for the demons that attacked us at Valshara, we would not be moving at this speed.”
“I appreciate your words,” said Gewey, forcing a smile. “I'll be better once I've had some sleep.”
“I will leave you to it then.” Akakios walked away to join a group of elves gathered on the other side of the fire.
It didn't take long for sleep to take him, and his fatigue held off any dreams. Kaylia woke Gewey just as the sun breached the horizon.
“Theopolou has said we will stop at the home of Kephalos.” Kaylia handed Gewey a piece of bread and some dried meat. She huddled close.
“Why?” asked Gewey. “I thought we were in a hurry.”
“Theopolou wants to show him the head of the Vrykol,” she replied. “Kephalos is very knowledgeable in ancient lore and may be able to give us information we need.”
The thought of seeing an elf dwelling excited Gewey. “When will we arrive?”
“We should be there by sundown tomorrow.”
Gewey smiled with satisfaction. Having Kaylia next to him seemed more natural than before, though the others stared with disapproval. The next day he woke before dawn, ready for a new march. By midday, the trees began to thicken and the ground was covered by dense, moist grass that made walking at speed difficult. The heat of the sun made the air like earthy steam, and sweat beaded on Gewey's forehead.
“How is it so hot this close to winter?” Gewey asked Linis.
“We are near the fire hills.”
“I've heard of them,” said Gewey. “My father said it's like summer all year there, and that great plumes of steam erupt from the ground. I had no idea we were so close.”
“Your father was correct,” said Linis. “But we will only be just outside the hills. Not within them. One day, if you wish, I will show them to you properly. They are truly a wonder.”
“I'd like that,” said Gewey.
By late afternoon they had found a narrow trail that wound through the forest. Here, Theopolou called a halt and asked Gewey to speak to him privately. He led him into a small clearing about one hundred yards east of the trail. Kaylia tried to follow, but Theopolou stopped her.
“When we arrive at the home of Kephalos, it is important that you do not speak unless spoken to,” Theopolou warned Gewey once they were alone. “He is a kind elf, and not prone to violence, but he fought in the Great War for many years and feels the same way as I do regarding human and elf living together.”
Gewey had almost forgotten that Theopolou was not really on his side. If not for The Dark One and his bond to Kaylia, Theopolou would never suffer the company of a human, let alone a god.
“I'll keep quiet,” said Gewey. “I don't want any trouble. At least, not until it’s time for i
t.”
“And that time will come soon enough,” Theopolou added. “If I can, I will convince Kaphalos to come with us. If he agrees, you may be forced to travel in silence for the remainder of the journey. I tell you this because I would not have you feel it is an insult from my guard or me. Once we arrive at my home you are under my protection and may speak as you wish.”
Gewey almost laughed, but managed not to. “I won't be insulted. I understand that this Kaphalos might hold hatred for me, and I don't want to make things more difficult than they have to be.”
“One other thing,” said Theopolou with a sigh. “You must refrain from speaking to Kaylia in his presence.”
This irritated Gewey, but he nodded slowly. “If he comes, I won't speak to her – at least, not until we get there.”
“You must convince her of this as well,” said the old elf with a hint of embarrassment that amused Gewey. “She is strong willed, and has never been one to take orders well.”
“You're not kidding.” Gewey chuckled. “I'll speak to her.”
“Thank you.” Theopolou held out his arm, motioning Gewey to return to camp. “I advise you speak to her before we arrive.”
When they got back to the others, Gewey told Kaylia what Theopolou had said.
Kaylia was enraged. “If he thinks I’ll pretend to be some close minded, human-hating fool, he has lost his senses.” Her voice rose with each word.
“I understand,” said Gewey trying to calm her. “But until we reach Theopolou's home, I think we should listen to him.”
“You would have this?” she demanded.
Gewey could feel her fury through their bond. “As it is, we are deceiving the others. They don't know what has happened between us. What does it matter if we keep it up a bit longer?”
“It’s one thing to hide a spirit bond,” she countered. “It’s quite another to pretend we do not know each other. That is what he is asking.”
“I don’t like it either. But if it keeps things calm until we get there, then I think it’s best.”
The Godling Chronicles : Of Gods and Elves (Book Two) Page 10
