“Think nothing of it.” Akakios turned and opened the door to leave. “I'll be guarding your door. I will see if Theopolou will grant me permission to keep you company. Linis may be tied up with the meeting of elders.”
“I'd like that,” said Gewey.
He spent the next few hours reading The Songs of Lilith. The book was a collection of stories about a young elf girl named Lilith who was kidnapped by a spirit and taken to the other side of the world. Each short tale recounted her quest to return home and ended with a moral lesson.
By the time Gewey had read the fifth story his eyes were growing heavy and he decided to go to bed. He examined the glowing orbs, but could find no way of dimming them. Finally, still with all of his clothes on, he lay down and covered his eyes with a shirt from his pack. He thought it best not to undress, just in case he had to move quickly.
His dreams were filled with visions of Lilith and her struggle to return to her family.
Chapter 12
Gewey awoke to find the lights dimmed and Linis sitting quietly on the couch flipping through one of the books he had sent over.
“Good morning,” yawned Gewey. “Assuming it is morning.”
Linis placed the book on the end table. “It is indeed. The elders began to show up late last night. Theopolou is hoping they will all be here today.”
A breakfast of bacon, eggs and juice sat on the table. Gewey stretched and walked over, his mouth watering.
“I noticed you were reading The Songs of Lilith,” remarked Linis. He joined Gewey at the table. “It was a favorite of mine as a child. I hope you are enjoying it.”
“Very much. Though the symbolism is hard to understand at times.” He picked up his plate and breathed in the aroma.
“I thought you should start at the beginning. It will help you to know elf ways better if you understand us from childhood. These books are some of the first lessons we are taught.”
Gewey swallowed a healthy portion of eggs. “They’re certainly different from the stories I heard as a child. My father would have loved them. So would Lee, I bet.”
“I'm sure he would.” Linis’ face grew concerned.
“What's wrong?” asked Gewey.
“The elders are taking a long time to gather. Theopolou was worried that we would arrive after the others were already here. But instead, it is we who wait.”
“Maybe some of them were delayed,” offered Gewey.
Linis shrugged. “Perhaps. But too many have yet to arrive. I fear they conspire against Theopolou.”
“Conspire? To do what?”
“I do not know,” Linis admitted. “Many who have yet to come are those who are openly against him. When and how they arrive will tell me much.”
“Do you think they'd try something here?” asked Gewey.
Linis shook his head. “Within these walls - no. They would never break our customs to such a degree. To do violence in the home of another elf is one our greatest crimes. We consider the home a sacred place. Besides, Theopolou controls the flow here. Even if they did the unthinkable, they'd be slaughtered.” Linis stood and paced around in thought. “No. If they do intend to kill Theopolou, they'll first need to remove him from this place.”
“Easy,” said Gewey. “We just make sure he doesn't leave.”
“I wish it were so simple,” said Linis. “If there is a plot, it will be subtle. They will not simply threaten or force Theopolou to expose himself. They will dress it in a manner so that he will have no choice but to comply.”
“How would they do that?” asked Gewey.
“I wish I knew. I am not as wise as Theopolou, nor as versed in the nuances of politics.”
“What can we do?” asked Gewey, suddenly losing his appetite.
“Wait and see,” said Linis. “I may be seeing intrigues where none exist. I hope so.” He walked to the door. “I must leave you. I'm sorry that I cannot stay longer, but I have much to do before the meeting begins. Kaylia says to pay attention to the tenth story of Lilith.” A smile crept over his face. “She is quite an elf.”
Gewey laughed. “Yes, she is.” He then remembered something. “Oh, one more thing before you go, Linis. How did you dim the lights?”
The elf laughed softly. “Rub your hand up the side of the glass to brighten, and down to dim.”
“Thank you,” said Gewey.
Linis nodded and left. Gewey immediately tried out the light. Just as Linis had said, it became brighter as he moved his hand up the side. He marveled at the skill it must have taken to make such a wondrous device.
Gewey spent the next few hours reading. He made it to the ninth story in The Songs of Lilith when there was a knock at the door. Gewey opened it to find Akakios standing there, a broad grin on his face.
“Theopolou granted me permission to keep you company,” said Akakios.
“Then please come in,” Gewey responded, happy to have someone to talk to.
Akakio sat down at the table and gestured to the book Gewey held. “What do you think?”
“I'm loving it,” said Gewey as he sat across from the elf. “Do you know who wrote it?”
Akakios raised an eyebrow and chuckled. “You think you might know the author?” He picked up the book and thumbed through the pages. “Anyway, if I told you, you wouldn't believe me.”
“Try me.”
“Legend says it was written by Lilith herself, thousands of years ago.”
Gewey's eyes widened. “You mean these are true stories?”
“Perhaps. But I think not.” He leaned back and crossed his legs. “More likely Lilith was just the one who invented the stories.”
“Of course.” Gewey felt foolish. “Has the meeting begun?”
“Yes,” Akakios replied. “About an hour ago. The last of the elders arrived just before they were going start without him.”
“How is it going so far?”
Akakios shrugged. “I would not know. The only non-elder allowed inside is Linis. I'm sure he'll fill you in later. In the meantime...”
He pulled a set of eight-sided dice from his pocket. “How would you like to learn an elf game?”
Gewey beamed. “I'd love to. But I must warn you, I'm not a very good gambler. And I really don't have much money.”
Akakios leaned back in his chair and gave Gewey a devilish grin. “Don't worry. We can play for fun - for now.”
Gewey fetched the few coins he had with him: three coppers and a silver, plus one gold coin that Lee had given to him. He tossed these onto the table. “That won’t be necessary.”
“Don't worry,” joked Akakios when he saw Gewey's money. “I'll give you a loan if you need one.”
The game was similar to others played at the tavern in Sharpstone, and though Gewey had not been one to visit the place at night very often, he caught on to this new game quickly. Soon, he had nearly doubled his money.
“Not a gambler you tell me?” teased Akakios as he fiddled with his dwindling pile of coins.
“Is that what I said?” said Gewey, feigning innocence.
Linis entered looking very unhappy. Akakios quickly gathered his remaining coins and excused himself.
“From the look on your face, things aren't going too well,” said Gewey as they took a seat on the couch.
Linis lowered his head and rubbed his neck. “That is putting it mildly. Things are turning sour, and fast.”
“What happened?”
To begin with,” started Linis. “They knew you were here.” “How?” asked Gewey.
Linis shook his head slowly. “I don't know. But somehow they discovered in advance that both you and Kaylia are here. Some of the elders are calling for Theopolou to face judgment for treason, and for harboring a fugitive.”
Gewey shifted nervously. Without Theopolou's protection, he wasn't sure what could happen. “They can do that?”
“It's doubtful. It's just a prelude to another move.” Linis looked disgusted. “Even if they can get enough support to call Theopol
ou to judgment, they would never be able to convict him.”
“Then why do it?”
“To force him to expose himself,” said Linis. “If he is called to judgment, he will have to go to the Chamber of the Maker.”
“What's that?” asked Gewey.
“It's where all judgments are made, and where the council meets during times of war.” Linis stood up and began pacing. “If he leaves these walls he is vulnerable.”
“You don't really think they'd try to kill him - do you?”
Linis sighed heavily. “If you had asked me that question a year ago, I would have said no. But now...”
Gewey thought for a moment. He needed to speak to the elders and convince them to join him against Angrääl. If Theopolou were brought to judgment, he didn't know if there would be another chance.
“There's more,” said Linis. “They want to speak to you - and Kaylia.”
This sent a chill throughout his entire body. “Together?”
“Yes,” Linis replied. “They know about your bonding. Needless to say, they are not pleased.”
Gewey shot to his feet. “What will they do?”
Linis grabbed Gewey's shoulders, trying to calm him. “They can do nothing so long as you are under Theopolou's protection. If they tried, the elves who are undecided in this matter would move against them. And don't forget, this is the house of an elf sage and council elder. Only a great fool would attack him here. He controls the flow within these walls.”
“But if we are forced to leave?”
“Then you have the greatest living seeker to fight at your side,” Linis assured him. “Even the elders will pause at that.”
“But that will put you at war with your own people.” Gewey shook his head. “I won't have that.”
“I'm already at war.” Linis held a deep sadness in his eyes. “I've been called to judgment.”
Gewey's eyes shot wide. “What? What are you going to do?”
Linis forced a weak smile. “I've refused to recognize their authority. Once I leave these walls I am to be considered a fugitive and a traitor.”
“I'm so sorry,” said Gewey
“Don't be. I knew this would happen. It was just a matter of time.” He squared his shoulders. “I have made my choices, and I do not regret what I have done.”
The door opened and Theopolou entered, dressed in a long white robe. He looked weary.
“I imagine Linis has filled you in,” said Theopolou. Gewey nodded.
“The council wishes to extend you an invitation to join them at the Chamber of the Maker,” said Theopolou in a clear even tone. “Do you accept?”
“Why?” asked Gewey. “Why do they want me to go there?”
“They feel that your presence has jeopardized the gathering,” Theopolou replied without conviction. “They fear you may have led others here.”
“That is a lie and you know it,” Linis roared. “They are luring you into a trap. You must see that. Once you're outside of these walls they will kill you - and Gewey.”
“I pray that you are wrong, seeker,” said Theopolou. “But if you are not, you must take the Book of Souls and keep it safe. I'll entrust it to you before I leave. Keep it hidden.”
“No need,” said Linis flatly. “I'll be going too.”
Theopolou nodded. “Very well.”
“What about Kaylia?” asked Gewey.
“She will be accompanying us,” Theopolou answered.
“I won't let you march her to her death.”
“She is not to be judged,” said Theopolou. “At least, not yet. She has been called to bear witness and give testimony.”
“Testimony?” said Gewey “What kind of testimony?”
“Against me,” Theopolou replied. “I have been called to judgment.”
“You cannot do this,” said Linis. “Your enemies know that you will not be found guilty. It can only mean they intend to move against you once you are away from the safety of your home.”
“If so,” said Theopolou. “I shall count on you to come to my aid.”
“My seekers should come as well,” Linis told him.
“No,” said Theopolou. “If you insist on coming, they must not. It will be taken as a sign of aggression. You must help me to keep the Book - and Gewey - safe. ”
“So I won't be opening it here?” asked Gewey.
“I do not think that would be wise,” Theopolou replied. “It would cause more trouble than I care to handle at this point. The council is aware that I have re-acquired the Book, and that has gained me some support. But introducing a god into the situation this soon would be most unwise. Linis is right. I will not be found guilty. Once that happens, we can move on from there. I will gather the council once more after I am found guiltless, and then you will open it.”
“Is Gewey still to meet with the council before we depart?” asked Linis.
“Yes,” Theopolou replied. “Though his petition to have the elves join his cause must wait.”
Gewey’s heart sank. “Isn't there any way for me to speak to them about this before we reach the Chamber of the Maker?”
“It would be a foolish risk,” said Theopolou. “Beyond the grounds of my house I cannot protect you. Certain revelations may cause my kin to react poorly.”
“I have to risk it,” said Gewey. “Every day wasted brings the Dark Knight closer to our doors. I need to do what I came here to do.”
Theopolou sighed. “If you must, I cannot stop you. But I think you would do better to listen to my council.” He turned to Linis. “The road ahead may hold danger. Prepare.”
Linis nodded. “I may not be able to bring my seekers, but I can see to it that they are not far away.” He shot a stare at Theopolou before he could argue. “I insist.”
“They must say out of sight,” said Theopolou reluctantly.
“They are seekers,” said Linis. “The finest the tribe of Melanctha has ever produced. That bumbling group of fools could not spot my elves if they were standing on top of them.”
“I know you are angered by them naming you traitor,” scolded Theopolou. “But they are not fools. If your seekers are not careful they will be discovered.”
“They will not be discovered,” said Linis. “But I must take my leave now to inform them.”
Theopolou nodded curtly as Linis left the room. “What happens now?” asked Gewey.
“Now you will speak briefly with the elders.” Theopolou looked Gewey up and down. “You may keep your present attire.”
“And Kaylia?” asked Gewey.
“She awaits us.”
Theopolou led Gewey out of the door and around to the front of the main house. The opportunity to see the interior of such a magnificent building excited him, and his sense of anticipation grew further when the great metal doors automatically swung open as they approached.
What Gewey saw as they stepped inside made even the exterior of the house seem trite and common. The immense receiving hall was brightly lit by the same type of orbs that were in his room, only these were much smaller and vast in number. The floors were of deep emerald green marble, polished to a bright shine and veined with ivory. The walls, made from the same gleaming silver metal as the door and gate, were etched with elf letters and symbols of such artistry that it brought tears to Gewey’s eyes.
Above him, running along the entire length and breadth of the hall, was a green marble balcony. Darkly stained wooden doors lined the wall leading to various rooms and chambers.
In the center of the hall a crystal statue, similar to the one outside, was holding a book. Gewey immediately thought of the Book of Souls. Theopolou's family had guarded this for generations. It must have pained the elf over the years to look upon the statue and know that it no longer held the same meaning that it once had.
At the rear of the room, a broad staircase led up to the next level. There was a set of double doors positioned on either side of the stair base, with another matching set of doors at the top. Gewey sta
red, mouth agape as he passed the statue. He could hardly wait to see the rest of the house. While cresting the staircase, Gewey caught sight of Kaylia. She was dressed in the same type of white robe as Theopolou, and her hair hung loosely down her back. She smiled when she saw Gewey, and he could feel her relief through their bond.
Kaylia appraised his elven garb. “You look good dressed this way.”
Gewey blushed. “It's very comfortable, but I feel underdressed to meet elf elders.” He decided not to mention that he had also slept in them.
“Are you ready?” asked Theopolou. Gewey and Kaylia both nodded.
Theopolou clapped his hands loudly and the doors swung silently open. As they followed the elf inside, Gewey took a deep breath, hoping that this trip had not been a huge mistake.
Chapter 13
The High Lady of Valshara paced the halls of the temple, immersed in thought. She had hardly been able to sleep ever since Linis had reported the presence of possible agents from Angrääl watching them. Then, two of her scouts had disappeared three nights ago. On top of that, the temple watch had reported seeing shadowy figures lurking just beyond the walls. Their location was compromised, and she felt sure that an attack would come soon.
The few knights she had available were not enough to hold off an attack should the walls be breached. They had attempted to convince her to escape, but she’d refused. The High Lady of Valshara would not scurry away in the night, and she would not leave her people behind. If evacuation became necessary, everyone would go. Of course, if their enemies had found the hidden exit, then they would all die.
Her mind wandered to thoughts of her son. She yearned to speak to him one more time. Their reunion had been all too brief, though she was thankful that she had at least been able to see him before the end.
“My Lady.” It was Ertik.
Selena forced a smile. “Brother Ertik, how are the preparations coming?”
“They go well, My Lady,” he replied, though not convincingly. “If the walls are breached, the knights will be able to slow any invaders long enough for everyone to get out.”
The Godling Chronicles : Of Gods and Elves (Book Two) Page 13
