“Fine,” she huffed. “But once we arrive, I plan to reveal the bond between us to every one of those closed minded morons.” With that she stormed off, staring daggers at Theopolou.
Linis came up to Gewey and slapped him on the back. “That went better than we thought.”
“She's right,” said Gewey. “I entered into a bond with Kaylia by means I didn't understand, but I am not ashamed of it. I don’t like hiding it any more than she does.”
“You won’t have to hide it for very long. In fact, I doubt you will be able to.”
“It's time,” called Theopolou.
They continued for another hour until they came upon a smooth stone path leading east. Either side of this was dotted with tiny white flowers and waist high shrubbery that had been meticulously manicured. The scent of lavender and magnolia wafted through the air, bringing a smile to Gewey’s face. The path wound on through the forest for about half a mile, ending with an elegantly carved wooden gate bearing ancient elfish symbols etched along the outer braces. Beyond this gate, the forest ended and the land opened up revealing lush grass similar to that which Gewey had seen when they’d drawn close to the fire hills. But this grass was much thicker, and was covered with beads of dew.
As the house came into view, Gewey was both surprised and disappointed. It appeared rather like a human dwelling. It was a single story, wooden structure with a white tiled roof. The windows were small and round, and a well-kept flower garden surrounded the entire building. In Gewey’s eyes it looked like a house he might expect to find in any human town.
“What's wrong?” asked Linis.
“Nothing,” Gewey replied. “I just imagined something, well...different.”
“Really? Like what?”
Gewey shrugged. “I don't know. I always thought that elves lived in different kind of houses to humans.” He waved a hand. “You know. More tree-like.”
“Tree-like?” Linis laughed. “Do you think us birds or squirrels? We live in houses, my friend. Though I must admit, I was expecting something a bit grander from an elf of Kaphalos’ stature and reputation.”
They were about fifty feet from the front door when it flew open. A tall elf stood in the doorway, dressed in a gray robe made from a fabric Gewey had never seen before. It looked heavy, but it flowed like silk. His hair was silver and tied in a ponytail that fell loosely down his back and shoulders. His face was wrinkled and looked ancient. This was another shock for Gewey. The elves he had seen so far did not show the ravages of time as a human did. Theopolou was old, Gewey guessed him to be well over five hundred, yet he could pass for a human in his forties.
The elf looked over the group and shook his head. “What do you bring to my door, Theopolou?” His voice was deep and menacing.
“I wish to speak to you, old friend,” Theopolou replied.
“You bring a human to my door and expect my welcome?”
“I am an elder and your friend,” said Theopolou. “So I do indeed expect your welcome.”
“And who else is this I see?” said Kaphalos, looking at Kaylia. “Is it the elf who comes to judgment? Or does she still defy her kin?”
Kaylia stepped forward to speak, but Theopolou held out his hand to silence her. “She is under my protection,” he announced. “As is the human.”
“Times have surely changed when the great Theopolou harbors a filthy human and a fugitive elf,” Kaphalos sneered. “I would know why. Enter.” He disappeared inside.
Chapter 10
Theopolou gave Gewey a quick glance before leading the group inside.
The interior of the house was a bit more as Gewey might have imagined. The main hall just beyond the doorway was roughly fifty feet wide and equal in length. The walls were built from a material, the like of which he had never encountered. Though rough in texture, it shone and sparkled with countless tiny, semi-precious stones, causing the entire room to change hue from moment to moment. The floor was covered with a thick carpet that resembled the grass outside. It even looked as if it bore the same beads of dew, though it was not slippery. Opaque glass orbs hung from each corner of the room, giving off a soft and pleasing light that mixed perfectly with the sparkle of the walls. No pictures or tapestries hung, but on the far wall, carved into the stone and inlaid with pure gold, was the perfect likeness of an ancient willow. The room itself was devoid of furniture apart from a round oak table that stood only one foot off the ground.
The elves knelt around the table. Theopolou motioned for Gewey to sit beside him. Kaphalos placed himself directly across from Theopolou and stared intensely.
“Tell me, Theopolou,” said Kaphalos. “When did you begin befriending humans and traitors?”
“I am no traitor,” Kaylia blurted.
“Silence, girl,” Theopolou scolded.
Kaphalos sneered. “I was referring to the seeker.”
Linis glared. “You dare name me traitor? I should take your life for that insult.”
“I would expect as much,” said Kaphalos. “You would kill your own kind while saving a human animal. But be warned, I am not unprotected. If you strike me down, you will not leave these woods alive. My kin are nearby and know that you are here.”
“That is enough,” commanded Theopolou. “From everybody. I did not come here to fight. Nor did Linis.”
“Then why did you come?” asked Kaphalos.
“To ask you to accompany us to my home,” Theopolou replied. “Surely you have received my invitation.”
“I have,” said Kaphalos dismissively. “I have no desire to listen to the elders bicker. I am content to remain here.”
Theopolou nodded to Linis, who brought forth the cloak containing the Vrykol head. Kaphalos stared, stunned, as the cloak was opened. “What is this abomination?” he gasped.
“We hoped you would know,” Theopolou replied. “It claimed to be a Vrykol.”
“Vrykol?” Kaphalos whispered. “Certainly not. That is impossible.” He reached across the table and pulled the cloak in front of him.
“I thought the Vrykol were merely a legend,” said Theopolou.
“In a way, they are,” said Kaphalos. “Their true nature has been lost to all but a few. Most stories you hear today are but myths with not an inkling of fact.”
“What are they then?” asked Linis.
“The damned,” replied Kaphalos. “They are spirits forced to serve the gods within the decaying remains of mortals.”
“The gods created these beasts?” asked Linis. “Why?”
“To punish those who dared to defy them,” said Kaphalos. “They were cursed assassins, roaming the earth. How is it you came by this?”
Theopolou told of the encounter.
“You say this human killed two Vrykol?” Kaphalos laughed. “Are you certain? Or is this merely what he told you.”
“He saved the life of one of my guards in the process,” said Theopolou. “You may doubt the word of a human, but surely not that of an elf.”
Kaphalos glared at Kaylia “Depends on the elf.”
Kaylia glared back furiously.
“In any case,” Theopolou continued. “It was not the gods who created these creatures.”
Kaphalos threw his head back in harsh laughter. “The Lord of Angrääl has seen to that, hasn't he?” He rose to his feet, turning his back on the table. “You think I am ignorant to the goings on in the human world? I know what you would have our people do, and I will have no part in it.”
“Then you would sit idle while the fate of our people hangs in the balance?” Theopolou challenged.
“The fate of our people was sealed the moment the human plague set foot on this world,” said Kaphalos. “The Great War was only the end result.”
“But it does not have to be the end,” Linis cried. “Can't you see that?”
Kaphalos spun around. “I see more than you know, seeker.” His eyes fixed on Gewey. “I see what you have brought among us. You think he will save us? Don’t you?”
Gewey's heart raced. Did he know?
“You're wrong,” said Theopolou. “Our people may still rise again. But we must not succumb to our own stubborn nature. We need the humans if we are to resist Angrääl.”
“Resist?” Kaphalos scoffed. “What resistance can you offer? The humans will scatter before the might of the army that now gathers. Once they are gone, we will be annihilated.”
“There is something you do not know,” said Theopolou. “We have recovered the Book of Souls.”
Kaphalos raised an eyebrow. “Have you? How nice. But even if you can open it, and even if it tells you how to defeat your enemies, what then? Do you not see what will happen?”
“I see that we will survive,” said Theopolou.
“Survive, yes,” Kaphalos retorted. “But to what purpose? The humans will not suffer those unlike themselves. Our people will be absorbed, and our race will cease to exist. I have already heard rumors that one half-breed walks the earth even now.”
Gewey tensed. This did not go unnoticed by Kaphalos.
“Human,” said Kaphalos to Gewey. “If that is even what I should call you. Somehow I think not.” His face was one of disgust. “Theopolou wisely instructed you not to speak. But I would know your thoughts. Would you have human and elf live as one?”
Gewey took a deep breath, trying to steady his nerves. “Yes, I would.” There was a long pause.
“That's all you have to say? Surely you have more than that.”
“I don't know what you want of me,” said Gewey. “I know you are wise, and I know that you believe you are of a right mind.” He chose his next words carefully. “I would not presume to debate with you in matters that are beyond my understanding. So I don't see what I can offer you.”
“You offer nothing,” agreed Kaphalos. “At least nothing I would have from you. Still, I am interested in your reasons for trying to deceive me.”
Gewey was aghast and suddenly afraid. Kaylia shot him a glance, feeling his dismay through their bond.
Kaphalos let out a malicious laugh. “You have not told them that you have bonded yourself to an elf woman?” This caused the elves to stir. “Theopolou has kept this a secret as well, I see.” He shook his head slowly. “Did you really think I wouldn't know? I knew the moment I saw them.”
“I don't see what that has to do with anything,” Gewey growled with irritation.
“You wouldn't,” said Kaphalos. “But it just confirms what I have already said. You are the first, but you will not be the last.”
“Is this true?” Akakios asked Theopolou, appalled.
“It is,” said Theopolou. “Gewey and Kaylia have bonded their spirits.”
“Why keep this from us?” he demanded.
“It was not for me to reveal,” Theopolou replied. “The bonding is a personal matter and not to be spoken of lightly. I made my choice. You do not have to agree with it.”
The elves were clearly upset, but calmed themselves and continued to listen.
“I am bonded to Kaylia,” announced Gewey in a clear strong voice. “I know this may anger you, but it was not my intent to do so. But know that I'm in no way ashamed.”
“Nor am I,” added Kaylia.
“It matters not,” Kaphalos said. “It is unlikely either of you will live long enough to regret it. Angrääl will march soon and slaughter us all.”
“Is there nothing I can say to convince you to come?” asked Theopolou.
“You know there is not,” Kaphalos replied. “But you needn't fear. I will not hinder you. There would be no point.”
Theopolou bowed his head. “Then we will take our leave.” Linis gathered the Vrykol head.
“Farewell,” said Kaphalos. “Perhaps we will meet again before we rejoin the creator. If not, know that I hold you in high regard, even though we do not see eye to eye.”
“As do I,” said Theopolou.
They left the house and filed back down the walkway. Once they had reached the beginning of the trail leading to Kaphalos’ house, Akakios halted.
“My Lord Theopolou,” said Akakios. “We must speak...all of us.” The other elves nodded in agreement.
“And what would you speak about?” Theopolou asked.
“I think you know,” replied Akakios. “I have never questioned you before. But to knowingly protect someone who has...”
He could hardly bring himself to speak the final words. “Bonded with a human,” he finally said.
Theopolou crossed his arms. “So you would have me kill her here and now, I suppose? You would have me break my word? You ask if I would dishonor myself?”
“No!” Akakios was clearly uncomfortable. “But you help her to avoid judgment by offering your protection.”
“I am doing nothing of the kind,” said Theopolou. “Kaylia has agreed to face judgment according to our laws upon the completion of her task, and not before. She entered into this bargain in good faith. You should know that, despite our laws, her life is sought even now by the very elders with whom we are going to meet.”
“Before judgment?” gasped Akakios. “Why?”
“They feel as Kaphalos,” Theopolou explained. “They harbor hatred from the Great War, and they fear a mixing of the races will be the end of our kind. I share some of these fears. But I will not turn my back on our traditions because I lack the courage to do what is right.”
Akakios bowed his head “You are right, of course. Forgive me.”
Theopolou smiled kindly. “There is nothing to forgive. But you should know that there are other things I hold as secret and have not told you. I will tell you now if you feel you must know.” His eyes scanned his guard. They looked embarrassed to have questioned their master’s motives.
Gewey snapped to attention. “You cannot,” pleaded Kaylia.
“I can,” corrected Theopolou. “And I will if I must.”
“Lord,” said Akakios. “If you feel we should not know, it is enough.”
Theopolou thought for a long moment. “No,” he said. “You deserve to know what is so important that I would hide things from my most trusted companions.” He turned to Gewey. “Step forward.”
Gewey obeyed, keenly aware that Kaylia was at his right side fingering her knife. Linis slid to his left.
“You may have wondered how Gewey was able to kill two Vrykol so easily,” Theopolou began. “Some may have guessed that he is a half-man.” A few of the elves nodded. “You are only half right. Before you stands the only being ever born from the union of two gods. Before you stands a god who walks the earth as a human.”
There was dead silence as all eyes fell on Gewey. Akakios was the first to speak. “This is true?”
“It is,” Gewey affirmed “But I only found out a few weeks ago. I've lived my entire life as a human. Until Lee proved what I am to me, I didn't know anything.”
“That is why he is here,” said Theopolou. “We hope he will be able to open the Book of Souls.”
“Why would he need it?” asked Akakios. “Could he not simply go and defeat the Lord of Angrääl? If he is a god, does he not possess such power?”
“I don't know much about my power, or what I can or can't do,” admitted Gewey. “I am only now discovering my abilities.”
“But you're a god?” countered Akakios. “A god!”
“True,” interjected Linis. “But he is not all-powerful. He can be injured - maybe even killed. It would be foolish to send him to confront The Dark One until he is ready.”
“Angrääl is not what concerns me,” said Akakios. “It was the gods that split our people. It is our lives I worry about.”
“I would never harm you or your people,” said Gewey. “I swear it. If my kind have hurt you, I am sorry. But I am not them.”
“Even so,” said Akakios. “You are one of them.”
“I would ask that you trust my judgment in this matter,” said Theopolou. “Gewey is not to be harmed in any way. We need him.”
“I beg that you give us a few mome
nts to consider what you have revealed,” said Akakios.
Theopolou nodded his consent. Gewey, Kaylia, Linis and Theopolou watched as the others gathered in a tight circle, speaking in hushed tones. Minutes ticked by as Gewey's nerves began to unravel. Kaylia gave his hand a light squeeze and smiled. This calmed him.
After several more minutes the elves finally broke their circle and slowly advanced toward Gewey. “You have done me no harm,” said Akakios. “And I trust my Lord. We will do nothing against you as long as Theopolou commands it. That you have bonded with one of our kind is troubling, but I see nothing that can be done, short of killing you both. And as you are not subject to our laws, I see no call for that.”
“I thank you,” said Gewey bowing low. “But understand that should Kaylia face judgment, I will stand with her.”
“As her mate, that is your right,” said Akakios.
“We have yet to complete the bonding,” interjected Kaylia. “And should I be sentenced to death, I will not.”
Gewey turned to Kaylia. “What do you mean?”
Kaylia locked eyes with him. “If the bond is sealed and I die, you die as well. I will not have that.”
“You would doom his soul?” asked Theopolou.
“What do you mean?” asked Kaylia. “I would save his life.”
“You know as well as I what happens when the bond is left unsealed for too long,” said Theopolou. “It is the same if you die. His soul will be torn apart.”
“Is there nothing to be done?” she asked.
“To my knowledge, no,” he answered. “You should have considered this beforehand.”
“It wasn't her fault,” said Gewey. “It wasn't something either of us planned.”
“I see,” the old elf muttered. “Then there is only one thing to be done. You must seal the bond between you. If your souls reached out without prior knowledge, then there can be no other choice.”
Kaylia stared in disbelief. “You would have me complete the bond? But I...”
“You should think more, and act less,” said Theopolou. “I have no desire to see you, or any elf, bonded to anyone other than another elf. But that does not change the facts. Keep in mind that I advise you as your uncle, not as an elder. As an elder, I would see you judged.”
The Godling Chronicles : Of Gods and Elves (Book Two) Page 11
