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...” Gewey began.
“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 discover that 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,” Bellisia 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 care about me?”
Bellisia sniffed. “You imagine 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.
Bellisia shrugged. “I am saying that Theopolou will do everything he can to stop you 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 though 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 short time.”
“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 began to walk away.
Bellisia paused and glanced back. “I would run. I would take Kaylia and run.” With that she left.
Gewey stared at Theopolou and Kaylia for a time before heading over to them. His mind was confused. Only one thing was for sure. He had to speak to Kaylia. He had to know what they were walking into.
Chapter 24
Gewey approached Theopolou and Kaylia. Excusing himself from the old elf, he took Kaylia by the hand and led her far enough away so they would not be overheard. After Gewey told her what Bellisia had said, Kaylia sat thoughtfully for several minutes.
“Do you think she's telling the truth?” he asked.
“I think she believes so,” Kaylia 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. All the same, I have never known my uncle to be dishonest.”
“He deceived his own elves about what I am,” Gewey reminded her. “And he only told them after Kaphalos had revealed our bond to them.”
“True. And it was to his advantage to do so. But I don’t think the assassin would have told us anything, regardless of what we did to him. Theopolou would have known this as well. Anyway, we still are not certain that you were the real target. Remember, it was Akakios who shot the assassin, 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 as if 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.”
“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 when in opposition to me. That she would open her mind to a human, knowing that 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. Should 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 I will,” 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 already. Were either of you to die, it would rip the other 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.
“Yes,” she replied. “He is not plotting against us.”
The elders announced that they were to remain where they were for a few hours, then start out again before daybreak. Kaylia, Gewey, and Linis went off a few yards from the others while Theopolou spoke privately with Bellisia.
Chiron approached. Gewey and the others stood and bowed. Chiron bowed in return. He looked different than Theopolou. Though he was the same age, he seemed younger and less careworn of spirit. His hair still held its deep brown color, and he walked with a light spring in his step.
“You have courage, Gewey Stedding,” said Chiron, once he reached them. “To face the council of elders within the Chamber of the Maker, and do so after bonding with one of our own kind...” He laughed softly. “Truly remarkable.”
“Are you here to convince me not to go through with it?” asked Gewey.
“Not at all,” Chiron replied. “Besides, what can be done now? Your spirits are already joined. You have very little choice in the matter. That is, unless you intend to allow your souls to rend asunder.”
“You are a friend to my uncle,” said Kaylia.
“I am,” he replied. “For many years we have been as brothers.”
“Then I am a friend to you,” she said.
Chiron smiled. His eyes then fell on Gewey. “And what of you? Shall you be a friend to me as well?”
“If you would like,” Gewey replied. “I am eager to befriend the people of my future unorem.”
Chiron cocked his head. “I see you have been learning our customs. In that case, allow me to educate you further.” He took a seat on the grass. Gewey and the others did likewise. “Has anyone told you of the rite of pudnaris?”
Gewey shook his head.
Chiron glanced briefly at both Kaylia and Linis. “Then your friends have been neglectful of your education.”
“I...” began Linis. But one look from Chiron silenced him.
“Let me explain,” said Chiron. “Pudnaris is when a suitor is challenged for his right to join with his intended mate. This challenge can be made by anyone as long as they can give valid cause.”
“Who could have cause?” asked Kaylia. “I have accepted no other suitor.”
“True,” said Chiron. “But there are other arguments to be made to support the pudnaris besides a potential rival.”
“Like what?” asked Gewey.
“In this case, anything,” he replied.
“Why are you telling me this?” asked Gewey.
“I tell you because you have the right to know. Many will oppose this union. Perhaps enough to risk their lives to stop you.” He scrutinized Gewey for a moment. “We know that you control great power, and open battle with you is a risk. We also know of your fight with the Vrykol. If Theopolou is correct, and that is what they truly were, the fact that you defeated them tells us everything we need to know about your skill.” He pointed to Gewey's sword hanging at his side. “And to face that weapon in the hands of someone who can use the flow to gain strength, is to face death.”
“You know something about my sword?” asked Gewey.
“I know a little,” Chiron replied. “It was made during a time when elves first walked the earth and our knowledge was vast. The art of its construction has been lost in time, but the legends remain. Only small objects can be made now, and with limited uses. Whoever gave you that sword had no idea what they possessed, or they would have never given it away. It was said that such weapons could make someone powerful beyond measure.”
Gewey looked down at his sword, remembering the first time he had used it when fighting Salmitaya's soldiers. “Do you think someone will challenge me?”
“Who can say?” the elf replied. “I tell you this only to warn you.” He rose to his feet. “I will inform you if I hear of anything.” He spun about and strode off before Gewey could utter another word.
Gewey watched Chiron as he walked away. “I don't trust him,” he said quietly.
“He is Theopolou's friend,” said Kaylia. “And my uncle trusts him.”
“Gewey's right,” Linis interjected. “I get the same feeling. He seems all too willing to accept you. It may be nothing, but I feel something is amiss.” He rubbed his chin in thought. “Still, if Theopolou trusts him, I suppose we should as well.”
“Did you know about this pudnaris?” Gewey asked, looking to both Kaylia and Linis.
Kaylia nodded. “Yes, but I did not think it important. As an elf facing judgment, and with my well-known relationships with humans, I could not imagine why anyone would call for it. Not to mention that we are already bonded. That should be enough to deter any potential rivals.”
“True,” said Linis. “But if someone thought to use it to prevent your union with Gewey, things could get complicated.”
He looked at Gewey with a grave expression. “If it happens, you will be exposed. The amount of flow you will need to channel in order to defeat a determined elf will be immense. I remember when I saw you holding the power within you for the first time.”
“But you didn't guess what I was,” said Gewey.
“No,” said Linis. “But I knew beyond doubt that you were something different. And remember, I am not as versed in such matters as the elders. There will be many more of them at the Chamber when we arrive. You can bet that they will figure it out. The only reason they have not as of yet, is that the idea of a god in human form is beyond most of our understanding or imagination.”
Gewey thought for a minute. “I don't see anything I can do about it,” he said finally. “They'll know about me one way or another in time anyway.”
“You have a point,” Linis agreed. “But it would be better if they found out by watching you open the Book of Souls. If Theopolou has not deceived us, you may get the chance to do so.” He reached out and placed his hand on Gewey's shoulder. “Whatever happens, Kaylia and I will stand by you. Until then, we should keep our wits about us and look for signs of trouble.”
“You still suspect Theopolou?” asked Gewey.
“I suspect there are plans set in motion against us. That much is clear. I have not heard anything thus far that eases my suspicions.” Linis glanced over at Theopolou, then Bellisia. “Of course, our true enemy may yet to be revealed. Mistrust can be a powerful weapon.”
Gewey thumbed the hilt of his sword. “I want to trust Theopolou. My heart tells me to. I suppose we’ll know soon enough, won’t we?”
Linis nodded. “That we will.”
Kaylia was oddly silent, but her eyes never left her uncle.
The rest of the evening was uneventful. Gewey and Kayl
ia sat a few yards away from the others, talking, while Linis rejoined the elders to discuss their route. The two elves that had been sent into the forest to bury the assassin returned about an hour before it was time to depart. Their faces were somber when they rejoined their companions, and they clearly had no wish to speak.
Gewey gathered his gear and checked his sword. Akakios and the other three guards had already rejoined the others, leaving Linis as Gewey's sole companion.
“I guess there's no point in guarding me any longer,” Gewey remarked.
“I think they realize it is a useless gesture,” said Linis. “They are of more use protecting their masters than watching you.”
Chapter 25
The spirits of the party did not rise with the sun. The events of the previous day weighed heavily on their minds, and aside from their footfalls and the rustling of gear, not a sound could be heard to disturb the gloomy silence. Kaylia continued to stay by Theopolou's side, while Linis and Gewey remained to the rear. Gewey felt more at ease where eyes could not easily watch him. Though the pace had slowed a bit, they were still able to cover many miles before they made camp for the night. The evening mood was as dreary and quiet as it had been during the day, though it was decided that a few small fires could be lit.
Linis and Kaylia, along with Theopolou and Chiron, joined Gewey beside the fire he had built a few yards away from the main camp. Six guards surrounded them, although far enough away not to intrude. Even so, Gewey still felt uneasy as he noticed the contemptuous stares they threw at him whenever he met their eyes.
“I thought it would be best to display our unity to the others,” explained Chiron, as he took a seat by the fire.
“I appreciate it,” said Gewey. “I need all the help I can get.”
“Indeed,” said Theopolou. “The coming days will be difficult. Lord Chiron and I both agree that we must find a way for our people to survive the coming storm. Even if it means allying ourselves with the humans for a time.”
The Godling Chronicles : Of Gods and Elves (Book Two) Page 22
