The Sword of Truth

by Brian D. Anderson

  “It seems our presence has been noticed,” Lee answered. “I spotted someone following me through the streets, but I think I lost him.”

  “Could you tell who it was?”

  “No. But whoever it was moved so fast that I almost didn’t notice him until it was too late. It took more than an hour before I was sure I wouldn’t lead him back here.”

  “What do we do?” asked Gewey.

  “I’ve already sent for the horses,” said Lee. “I hate to have you travel before you’re healed, but I don’t see any other choice.”

  Gewey looked at Lee reassuringly. “I’ll be fine. There’s barely any pain at all.”

  “Still, I don’t want you doing too much too soon.” said Lee, and sat down at the table. “We have some time before the horses are ready, so we might as well eat before we go.”

  They ate and packed, finishing just as the blond youth from the inn came to inform them that their horses were ready and waiting. They gathered their things and left. Loading the packhorse, Gewey couldn’t help but feel exposed and vulnerable. He kept expecting something to happen, but the night was quiet. They mounted their horses and slowly made their way west, out of town. As they passed the last building within the town limits, Gewey could swear he saw a shadow moving behind him, then ducking out of sight.

  Chapter 6

  “Aren’t we leaving the road?” Gewey asked after they had ridden a while.

  “No,” said Lee. “We’re still being followed, and I plan to catch whoever it is.”

  Gewey smiled. “Good, I hate running.”

  Lee threw the hood of his cloak over his head. “Maybe so, but if I tell you to run, you do it.”

  Gewey’s smile vanished. “I’m not running if it means leaving you behind,” he said with determination.

  “You’ll do as I say,” Lee shot back. “If danger comes, I can handle it much better if I don’t have to watch you.”

  “I don’t need watching,” Gewey protested.

  “For now, you do,” said Lee. “Until I’ve had time to train you, you’re a liability in a fight. But don’t worry; your time will come soon enough.”

  Gewey didn’t like being thought of as a liability, but he could hardly argue; the last time he fought, he was nearly killed.

  They rode on until they found a decent spot to camp. Lee lit a fire and told Gewey to get some sleep.

  “Aren’t we a bit out in the open?” asked Gewey.

  Lee was changing into a black shirt and a set of black leather trousers. “Like I said, I intend to find out who’s following us. You try to get some rest. I’ll be nearby.” Lee disappeared into the darkness.

  Sleeping in the day for so long made it hard for Gewey to do so at night, so he stared at the small fire listening to the crackle of the dry branches. Morning came and he still hadn’t slept. His wounds felt much better, though. In fact, when he reached under the dressings, he could feel that they were almost completely healed. He wondered if there would be a scar. The wounds on his arms had already turned light pink, and the one in his chest had closed and was well on its way to being no more than a minor irritation.

  Lee appeared out of the nearby brush, looking stern and focused. He unpacked their breakfast and checked Gewey’s bandages.

  “Amazing,” said Lee. “You seem to heal more quickly by the minute. I can’t wait to see how powerful you‘ll become.”

  “Did you see anyone last night?” asked Gewey.

  “Yes, but whoever it was moved off before I could catch him,” Lee said, and spat angrily. “From now on we stay on our guard. This one is fast, and knows how to move without being seen.”

  “Shouldn’t we get off the road?” Gewey asked. “Maybe we can lose him.”

  Lee shook his head. “We won’t be able to lose him there; he’s too good, too fast. And though they don’t look like they’ll be a problem much longer, your injuries will slow us down... No, we need to catch him…and kill him.”

  This sent a chill down Gewey’s spine. When he had watched Lee kill the bandits, it was fast and furious; he hadn’t had the time to consider what was about to happen. This time they were planning to capture and kill someone. Somehow it felt different—calculated, vicious.

  “How do you plan to catch him?” Gewey asked.

  “I don’t know,” Lee admitted, squatting down to pick at the grass. “It’s four days until we reach the next town. I have until then to figure it out. That is, unless he attacks us first.”

  The next two nights were the same. Lee set up camp, then scoured the area, hoping to get lucky in finding their pursuer, but with no success. Gewey could see the frustration on Lee’s face. He hadn’t slept, and the fatigue began to show in his eyes. Gewey urged him to rest for at least a few hours, but Lee ignored his advice.

  On the third night, they set up camp and had just began to eat their meal when Gewey saw Lee‘s neck stiffen and his hand move slowly to the knife in his belt.

  “What is it?” Gewey whispered. Lee shook his head almost imperceptibly. Just as his hand reached the handle of his knife, they heard a rustle in the bushes just beyond the light of their fire. Lee and Gewey both jumped to their feet and drew their weapons.

  “Peace,” said a female voice. “I mean you no ill will.”

  From out of the darkness walked the elf woman they had saved from the bandits. She moved with such grace and precision that her footsteps seemed to glide over the ground. Gewey stared in awe. She was wearing a shirt and trousers made of fine cloth, which appeared to change color and hue as she passed through the fire light.

  Her hair was now done in a series of tight braids, tied together by a thin leather strap. Over her shoulder she carried a short bow and a quiver of arrows, and in her hand she held a long knife.

  “So it’s you who’s been following us,” growled Lee.

  “Yes,” she answered. “And with very little difficulty, I must say.” Her mouth turned to a sinister grin. “Your clumsy efforts to catch me have kept me quite entertained.”

  “Those bandits didn’t seem to have much trouble catching you,” Lee shot back.

  The elf woman’s jaw tightened. “There were twenty of them before they met me. The six you encountered were all that was left.”

  “What do you want?” Lee asked. “Why are you following us?”

  “What I want is none of your affair,” she answered. “I follow you because it pleases me to do so.”

  “You play a dangerous game, elf,” said Lee. “You’re lucky I didn’t kill you the moment you stepped out of the shadows.”

  The elf woman laughed. “Bold words, half-man.”

  Lee’s back stiffened. “What did you call me?” he asked, his tone low and threatening.

  “I know what you are,” she said. “I knew the moment I saw you. Only a half-man can move as you do.”

  “If you know that, then you know it won’t be easy to kill me,” said Lee.

  “Maybe it will, maybe it won’t,” she said. “I’ve dealt with your kind before, but it’s not you that I’m interested in—it’s your young friend. You’re no half-man,” her eyes set upon Gewey. “Yet here you stand, when, by all accounts, you should be dead.”

  “And that’s none of your affair,” Lee said, before Gewey could answer. “Again I ask you, what do you want?”

  The elf woman sheathed her blade. “For now, I want you to come with me. There’s something I need to show you.” She turned and began to walk away.

  Gewey started to follow, but Lee grabbed his collar and pulled him back.

  “You think I’m a fool?” Lee snapped. “You must, if you think I’ll follow you blindly into the night.”

  The elf paused. “You may have strength, half-man, but I believe the instincts of your young companion are better. But if you need assurance…” She turned to them and got down on one knee. “I swear by the angels of the night and the guardian who watches the souls of my kin that I mean you no harm.” With that, she rose.

  “I�
��m going with her,” said Gewey. “I don’t think she wants to hurt us.”

  Lee grumbled and nodded. “Very well,” he said, putting away his weapon. “I know nothing about the oaths of an elf or what your people now hold sacred, but you’re right about one thing. I do trust his instincts. But know that if you betray us, it will be the last thing you do.”

  “As you say,” the elf laughed, then led them north into the nearby woods.

  Lee walked directly behind the elf, his hand never leaving the hilt of his sword. Gewey followed, trying to keep himself from gawking at the silhouetted figure of the elven woman moving through the forest. He thought back on the tale Lee had told him about the war.

  ‘How could man make war on such beautiful people?’ he wondered.

  They walked for several minutes until they came to a steep hill.

  The elven woman stopped and turned.

  “Before we go on, I must ask you a favor,” she said.

  “What favor?” asked Lee.

  “I wasn’t speaking to you, half-man,” she said.

  Lee glared at the elf. “You will speak to…”

  “What is it I can do for you?” Gewey asked, cutting Lee off.

  Lee was furious.

  The elf looked straight into Gewey’s eyes. “If what I have to show you is of value, I want you to allow me to accompany you.”

  “Out of the question,” Lee asserted. “You have no business with us. If you feel in our debt for saving you, I release you from your obligation.”

  “It is not for you to release me from anything,” she replied. “You know nothing of my motives, and I will tell you nothing except that I will not harm you. I will follow you with or without your permission. All I ask is that you let me do so openly.”

  “It would be an honor to have you join us,” Gewey said, before Lee could stop him. “But I must warn you, our road is dangerous.”

  “I have already guessed,” she said. “And I thank you. Now come and see what the night has caught.”

  She led them up the hill, where a small patch of thin pines grew.

  Lying face down was a man—bound, gagged, and unconscious. A horse was tied to a tree, and the man’s belongings had been tossed on the ground next to him.

  “He’s been following you,” she said. “I overheard him asking someone on the road about two men traveling west, one young, and one older. He described you perfectly. I thought you might want to question him before I slit his throat.”

  Lee walked to the unconscious man and rolled him over. To his great surprise, it was Millet.

  “Millet!” Lee shouted. “What have you done to him?”

  “You know him?” asked the elf.

  “He’s my servant, and my friend,” said Lee as he drew his knife and cut Millet’s bonds.

  “Forgive me,” she said. “I didn’t know.”

  Lee examined him. He had a few bruises but otherwise looked unharmed. “Why is he unconscious?” asked Lee, cradling Millet in his arms.

  “I forced him to drink jawas tea,” she answered. “He’ll be awake soon. In the mean time, I suggest you gather your things and bring them here. This is a much better location. I’ll watch over your servant until you return.”

  Lee reluctantly agreed, leaving Gewey to keep watch on the hill. He didn’t want Millet to wake up only to see an armed elf at his side.

  Millet was still unconscious when Lee returned. They built a small fire and Lee unpacked medicine to heal Millet’s bruises.

  The elf woman sat far from the fire, her eyes closed. Gewey couldn’t keep his eyes off her. Finally, he shyly walked over and sat next to her.

  “What’s your name?” he asked.

  She slowly opened her eyes and looked at Gewey. “I am called Kaylia.” Her voice was soft and feminine, yet strong.

  “I’m Gewey,” he said awkwardly. He looked over at Lee, who was tending to Millet. “He’s not so bad. If it wasn’t for him, I’d be dead right now.”

  “Perhaps,” she said.

  “Why do you want to come with us?” asked Gewey.

  Kaylia closed her eyes again. “I have my reasons.”

  Gewey stared at her in silence for a while.

  “Why do you stare?” Kaylia asked. Her tone wasn’t judgmental or accusing, but it made Gewey blush all the same.

  “I don’t know,” said Gewey. “I don’t seem to be able to help myself. I’m sorry.”

  Kaylia smiled. “Most humans turn their eyes from my kind. Strange that you do not.”

  “I’m just curious about you,” he said. “I never thought I’d meet an elf.”

  “Did you want to?” she asked.

  “I never gave it much thought,” he replied. “But now that you’re here, I’m glad I have the chance.”

  Kaylia looked at him peculiarly. “You don’t fear me. Why?”

  “Should I?” asked Gewey. “You said you didn’t want to hurt us.”

  “I could be lying,” she replied.

  Gewey shook his head. “Why would you? I’m not an expert in battle, but I’d think that if you wanted to hurt us, you could have picked us off with your bow.”

  “True,” Kaylia agreed. “It’s just that I find it odd that you’re so willing to take me as a companion. You’re clearly not like other humans.”

  “You might be surprised, if you get to know a few,” he replied.

  “Perhaps,” said Kaylia. “I have a feeling I’ll know soon enough.”

  Millet began to stir by the fire. Lee was still cradling his head in his lap.

  “My…My Lord?” Millet asked weakly.

  “Yes my old friend,” said Lee, smiling down at him. “You’re safe.”

  “An elf,” he said. “She attacked me on the road. How did you find me?”

  “Don’t worry about it,” said Lee. “Rest for now. I’ll explain everything in the morning.”

  “Of course.” said Millet, lowering his eyes. “I’m sorry. I couldn’t let you go alone.”

  “He is not alone,” said Kaylia.

  Millet looked over and saw the elf woman “You!” he screamed and tried to get up. “My lord, she’s the one. She attacked me.”

  Lee held him. “I know,” he said soothingly. “Don’t worry, she won’t do it again. Go back to sleep, and I’ll explain everything in the morning.”

  “If it’s all the same to you, my lord,” he said, “I’ve slept quite enough.” He sat up and tried to stand, but his legs were still sore from his bindings, and his head swam from being drugged.

  “Easy, Millet,” Lee advised. “Take your time.”

  “Perhaps I’ll just sit for a while,” Millet said. “At least until that blasted tea wears off. Strong stuff, that is.”

  Millet was wearing a dark leather woodsman’s outfit. His round features and pale skin gave the impression that he was city born and ill-suited for life in the country, but the stories Lee had told of him painted a different picture. He may have seemed soft, but Gewey guessed that the man had a strength that wasn’t readily apparent. Lee had described him as crafty, resourceful, and—most of all—loyal. Gewey could tell that Lee was pleased to see him.

  “If you don’t mind, I would like to know what I’ve missed,” said Millet, still glaring at Kaylia.

  Lee recounted the events of the past days, leaving out any mention of Gewey’s heritage. Gewey figured this to be for Kaylia’s benefit. When he finished, Millet shook his head and sighed.

  “That explains how I lost you in the forest,” said Millet. “You must have been less than a stone’s throw away when I passed you.”

  “That was you?” Gewey asked.

  “Indeed,” Millet answered. “I was on your trail the day after you left. Don’t worry, Master Gewey; your farm is being well tended. I left instructions for the staff to say that the two of you will be away for many weeks, and that Lord Starfinder had made arrangements to tend your farm.”

  “I’m sure everything is in order, Millet,” Lee said. “But you shouldn
’t have come. This isn’t like our other journeys, old friend. I don’t know if we’ll ever return.”

  “I know,” said Millet. “And if you think for one second that I’ll be left behind to rot, then you’re not nearly as bright as I thought. Besides, I’m tired of village life. It’s high time I had another adventure. One more before the end. Wouldn’t you say, my lord?”

  Lee slapped Millet on the shoulder. “Yes I would.”

  Lee and Millet spent the rest of the night talking quietly by the fire, while Gewey and Kaylia sat in silence until dawn. After they packed the gear, Lee gathered everyone around.

  “The village of Harvesting Shallows is one more day’s ride,” said Lee. “Kaylia will have to wait for us on the other sided of the town. The last thing we need is to be seen traveling with an elf.”

  Kaylia nodded in agreement.

  “When we get there,” he continued, “we’ll trade our steeds in for a wagon and horses better suited for the job. From then on, we’ll act as pilgrims. I already have the proper clothing for us, so that won’t be an issue. Anyone looking for me and Gewey won’t be looking for four pilgrims, and that should make it easier to hide Kaylia’s identity.”

  “Wise plan,” Kaylia said. “I’ll scout ahead for now. You won’t see me again until you leave Harvesting Shallows.” With that, she took off through the woods and disappeared.

  “Elves are strange folk,” said Millet. “I’m not sure it’s a good idea to let her travel with us, my lord.”

  “I doubt we could have stopped her,” said Lee. “Besides, Gewey’s the one who agreed to let her come along.”

  Millet glared disapprovingly at Gewey.

  The day was uneventful. They passed a few people on the road, but no one took special notice of the three travelers. When they arrived in Harvesting Shallows, it was an hour after sunset. Lee and Gewey got a room at an inn while Millet stabled the horses. When they got to their room, Lee checked Gewey’s wounds.

  “Your arms are completely healed,” said Lee with satisfaction. “And at this rate your chest will be healed in a few more days.”

  Gewey had almost forgotten his injuries. The wound on his chest itched from time to time, but other than that, he felt fine.