“I had no idea you could read ancient elfish,” Kaylia said, amused.
“I can’t,” she answered. “But I know that phrase well. And if I’m right, I know what’s in that box.”
“Well, tell us then.” Lee said impatiently.
Maybell gave Lee a withering look, then continued. “It should say, ‘Unto the creator I sing, His gift to me I humbly receive, The end of days I fear not, for his book shall guide me.’”
“What does it mean?” asked Lee.
“It refers to a prophecy I first heard about when I studied as a novice in the Great Library of Halmanteris,” she explained.
“Do you know the whole thing?” Lee asked.
“No,” she answered. “But I know someone who might. She’s a Sister living in the Temple of Ayliazarah in Gristol. I’ve known her for many years. She is without a doubt the most learned Sister in the Order. It’s on our way to Althetas. Perhaps we should stop on the way.”
“We might,” said Lee. “Can you tell me anything about what’s in the box?”
“I can only guess,” she said. “I think it might contain the Book of Souls. It is said that it was written at the time of creation, and contains all the secrets of the Gods”
Kaylia eyes went wide. “It couldn’t be.”
“Why not?” Lee asked. “What do you know about it?”
“The Book of Souls was kept by the elves until the time of the Great War,” she explained. “It was thought to have been lost forever. If that is the book, then it rightfully belongs to the elves.”
“If that is the book, then it rightly belongs to everyone,” Maybell corrected her. “But you’re right; it was said the elves guarded it for centuries. But let’s not jump to conclusions. We don’t even know if it’s actually the book that’s in there.”
“Good point,” Millet agreed. “And being that we don’t know how to open it, this discussion is pointless.”
“Where did you get it?” asked Maybell.
“It was among Lord Dauvis’s possessions,” Lee replied. “I’ve always thought it was something important, but I could never figure what. Where he acquired it, I don’t know.”
“Lord Dauvis?” Maybell asked. “Of Hazrah? Then you must be Lee Nal’Thain. I’ve heard of you. You inherited his property and title when he died.”
Lee nodded. “I keep that name secret. I imagine news of my inheritance is well known throughout the temples, but I would ask that you keep this to yourself.”
“The death of Lord Dauvis was spoken of at the time,” Maybell acknowledged. “As was his successor. A lord of such wealth and influence is of interest to us. But now I have a more important question: Why do a Lord of Hazrah and an elf take so much care to keep the true identity of a farm boy such a secret? Not to mention the training. Dina here doesn’t seem to know much, but perhaps you could tell me.”
“These are things you’re better off not knowing,” said Lee.
“You think I might betray you?” she responded, sounding offended. “I know enough to do that now, if I so choose. Face the facts: I will either work it out on my own eventually, or I’ll learn the truth when we get to Valshara.”
“She’s right,” Gewey said. “Besides, I don’t want people risking their lives without knowing why.”
“Boy,” Lee snapped. “You need to listen to me and keep your mouth shut.”
Gewey looked at Kaylia. “What do you think?”
Kaylia took a deep breath. “I would keep this secret as long as I could,” she said. “But you’re right; people should know why they risk their lives. And I think sister Maybell would figure it out on her own eventually.” Then Kaylia looked at Dina. “But, there are two people here that know nothing. Would they both keep your secret?”
“If you would share it,” Dina affirmed. “I will keep it, even from my own order. Though I suspect what you have to say is the very reason I’m taking you to them in the first place.”
“If you need an oath from me,” Maybell said, “the best one I can give is my word. I will not betray you, and I will keep your secret with me until death.”
Gewey looked around the fire. All eyes were on him. “Lee, if I reveal myself then I reveal you.”
“That doesn’t matter much,” said Lee. “I’m not the important one. Besides, the world has seen many of my kind, so it would be no great shock to see another.” He stared into the fire. “Do as you will.”
Gewey took a breath, then told them the story from beginning to end. When he was finished, Maybell and Dina were staring at him in amazement.
“Is this true?” Maybell whispered. “You are a god walking the earth?”
“I am,” said Gewey. “But trust me, I don’t feel like one. Until Lee proved it to me, I had no idea. It still doesn’t seem real sometimes.”
“Do you remember being in heaven?” asked Dina.
“I don’t know that I was ever in heaven,” he replied. “For all I know, I was born in this world. I have no memory beyond my childhood.”
The camp was quiet for a long while. Dina and Maybell just sat there staring at Gewey.
“Well now,” said Maybell, breaking the silence. “This is exciting. I would say this calls for some of that wine we have in the wagon.”
She went over, retrieved one of the bottles, and passed it around.
“Do you know who your real mother and father are?” Dina asked, swallowing a mouthful of wine.
“No,” said Gewey. “Like I said, I didn’t even know I was a God until just recently. Whoever they are, they left me no clues.”
“I think it’s important that we find out what’s in that box,” Maybell said to Lee. “If it is the Book of Souls, then it could hold the key to why the boy is here.”
“I agree,” said Kaylia. “But the book is said to be written in ancient elfish. Even if we open it, we have no way to read it.”
Lee looked thoughtfully at the box. “I do think we should open it and see what it contains, but it’s more important to get Gewey to a safe place where he can train. We can stop and see this woman in Gristol, but we can’t stay long. If she can’t help, the book will have to wait.”
“I disagree,” Kaylia contended. “If that is the Book of Souls, then it’s the key to more than Gewey’s power; it’s the key to victory. If we can open it and understand it, it will give us the knowledge we need to defeat the Dark Knight. Gewey may not even need to be put in danger at all.”
“What are you saying?” Lee asked.
“I’m saying that Gewey may not have to fight,” she answered. “The book may show us another way.”
“This is all well and good,” said Lee. “But like you said, who can read it?”
“The elves can,” Gewey said suddenly, his eyes turning to Kaylia. “You’re thinking about bringing it to the elves.”
Kaylia smiled sweetly at Gewey and nodded. “That’s right.”
“You can’t,” Gewey protested. “You said they’ll kill you.”
“I’ll face their judgment eventually,” she replied. “If it means victory without bloodshed, I’ll gladly take the risk.”
“I’m sorry,” Lee cut in. “But I’m not sending it to the elves. At least not yet. First we’ll try Gristol, and see if it can be opened. It may not be the Book of Souls at all. For all we know, it could be a recipe for lamb stew. No, it stays with me for now.”
Gewey smiled with satisfaction, but Kaylia did not look pleased.
“Kaylia,” said Dina. “I would like hear more about the elves before I sleep.”
“Of course,” she replied, and led her away, out of earshot. When the wine was gone, they began settling into their blankets. Gewey lay watching Kaylia as she shared her elven heritage with Dina. Just as he felt himself begin to drift off, they returned to the fire and lay down. He could feel the eyes of both women on him, so he rolled over on his side and faced away from them.
“You haven’t been taking your jawas tea,” Kaylia said quietly.
Gewe
y had not heard her approach and nearly rolled off his blanket in surprise. He took the flask from her hands and took a large drink. He felt the familiar sensation of relaxation flow through his limbs.
“Can I ask a favor of you?”
“Of course,” answered Gewey.
“Would you allow me to touch your mind? The jawas should make it easy, if you allow it.”
“Why?” Gewey asked, concerned.
“I want to see you who you really are,” she said. “And you will see me. If you refuse, I will understand.”
“I…I’m not sure. How would you do it?”
“It’s not difficult,” Kaylia assured him. “When you are falling asleep, you will feel my mind touch yours. When you do, just let me in.”
“What will happen?” he asked, nervous and unsure.
“That depends,” she replied gently. “Perhaps nothing. Perhaps everything. There’s really no way to know.”
Gewey thought for a moment. “I guess it would be alright.”
Kaylia nodded and returned to her blanket. Gewey allowed the jawas to take over, and he began to drift off.
It was then he felt Kaylia’s presence, like a gentle knock on the door to his mind. Instead of trying to keep it shut, as Lee had taught him, he allowed it to open. He felt a warm breeze enter and wrap itself around him. It was as if kindness itself had become tangible.
“I’m here.” It was Kaylia, but her voice sounded distant. “Can you see me?”
“Where are you?” asked Gewey. All he could see was a deep blue mist swirling everywhere. “I can’t see you.”
“Don’t look with your eyes,” she advised. Her voice was like a thousand tiny bells. “Imagine what you want to see and make it so.”
Gewey imagined the mist lifting. It cleared slowly, revealing a lush forest. He could smell the earth and trees around him. Standing next to a tall pine was Kaylia, dressed in a flowing white dress. Her auburn hair fell loosely down her back, and her skin glistened like the night sky.
“Can you see me now?” she asked, smiling.
He was completely awed by her stunning beauty. “Yes,” he answered. “You look…different.”
Kaylia’s laughter sounded almost childlike. “Here, we look as we are. I see you tall and straight, dressed in gold robes.”
Gewey tried to look at himself, but he looked out of focus.
“Why can’t I see myself?”
Kaylia walked lightly across the forest floor until she was less than a foot in front of him.
“It takes time to learn to see yourself. But that’s not why we’re here. Come with me.” She took his hand. “Let me show you things you never dreamed of.”
“Where are we going?” he asked as he let himself be led away.
“Inside your mind,” she answered. “And inside mine. It’s doubtful you’ll remember what you’ve seen when you wake-at least not until you’ve been properly trained. But the impressions will last.”
Gewey felt a tinge of disappointment. “Will you tell me about it tomorrow?”
“No, not unless I feel you need to know. But don’t worry, I swear I won’t force you to reveal anything you don’t want to.”
The last thing Gewey remembered was a sensation of flying, with Kaylia’s hand locked firmly in his. When he woke the next morning, Kaylia was still sleeping nearby with a sweet smile on her face.
Chapter 18
Gewey was afraid that his experience with Kaylia would make things even more awkward than they already were, but he found that the opposite was true. For some reason, conversation with her the next day was easier. He even told her some stories about his life back in Sharpstone. Dina was quiet, but her eyes kept wandering to Gewey. He pretended not to notice, but it was hard to ignore her.
He hoped Kaylia was unaware of Dina’s gaze, but he held little hope that anything would escape the elf’s attention. By the time they reached Delhammer, Gewey was ready for a change of scenery. The city wasn’t as big as Kaltinor, but at least the gates, though guarded, were open. Millet stopped and asked one of the guards about the quality and location of the inns, and the guard was more than happy to help once he was given a copper.
The streets were busy, but much cleaner than those in Kaltinor. It seemed that commerce had not been affected by hard times, and the people were cheerful and smiled as they passed by.
The inn they found was decent, and the common room was filled with patrons enjoying the antics of a juggler and magician, something Gewey had never seen. Lee paid for the rooms while Millet stabled the horses. Gewey shared a room with Lee, while Dina and Kaylia shared another. Millet and Maybell got rooms of their own, though both of them protested, arguing that they were perfectly willing to share and even sleep on the floor if necessary. Once they were settled, Maybell left in search of the temple district, insisting that Dina accompany her. Millet and Lee went looking for a caravan headed west. Gewey persuaded Kaylia to join him in the common room and watch the acrobat who, as it turned out, played the lute and sang. Kaylia was uneasy at first, but she soon realized that no one paid her any attention; as she grew more comfortable, she even laughed at some of the more silly songs. Lee and Millet were the first to return, and they joined them at the table.
“I see your aversion to being seen in public has lessened,” Millet said cheerfully.
“I didn’t want Gewey left unprotected,” she answered unenthusiastically. “And luckily, these people don’t seem so interested in the comings and goings of others. A hooded woman doesn’t seem so out of place here.”
“I think you’ll find that to be more and more the case, the further west we go,” Millet replied.
“Did you find a caravan?” asked Gewey, still watching the entertainment with glee.
“We did,” Lee confirmed “It doesn’t depart for two days. Still, I think it’s the best way to travel unnoticed.”
“I think I could use a break anyway,” Gewey noted. “This seems like a fun place.”
“We can’t be reckless,” Lee said sternly. “And we can’t afford to expose ourselves too much.”
“If the entertainment here is as good at night as it is at midday, then I think I’ll be happy not leaving the inn,” said Gewey.
The acrobat was juggling six apples, taking a bite from each one as it passed, before making them disappear.
Seeing Gewey in such high spirits, Millet couldn’t help but smile affectionately. “I think the lad does need a bit of fun in his life right now, my lord. Who knows when he’ll get another chance, given what the future may hold?”
Lee sighed. “You’re right, of course. I forget sometimes that he’s only seventeen.”
“He’s sitting right here,” Gewey said, waving his hand in front of Lee’s face. “And I just want to enjoy myself while we wait. Don’t you?”
“Good point,” said Lee, slamming his hands on the table. “I think we could all do with a bit of fun. Wait here.”
Lee got up and went to the bar. Gewey saw the barman nod enthusiastically as Lee whispered into his ear.
“What did you do?” asked Gewey when Lee returned.
“You’ll see tonight,” Lee said with a sly grin.
Kaylia shook her head, unimpressed. “I think I’ll be staying in my room tonight.”
“Not a chance,” Lee said, pulling out a red scarf from his pocket.
“This, my dear, is traditional attire in this region, and it should cover up your more…obvious attributes. Besides, Gewey needs looking after, and it seems you’ve volunteered for the job.”
“Mind your tongue,” Kaylia fumed.
“I didn’t think you could blush,” Lee teased, paying no mind to Kaylia’s anger. “I guess I was wrong.”
Just then, Maybell and Dina returned.
“How are things at the temples?” asked Lee.
“Better than I expected,” Maybell replied. “I spoke to the High Priestesses at the temples of Gerath and Ayliazarah. They’ve been suspicious of Salmitaya for some time.
Apparently the witch wasn’t as careful as she thought.”
“Why didn’t they move against her?” Lee inquired.
“It’s not as easy as you think to oust a High Priestess,” she answered. “Even a corrupt one. Besides, Salmitaya was well protected within Kaltinor-and still is, from what I’ve learned. We have no soldiers to simply march in and remove her. But I am pleased to say that if she is caught outside the city walls, she will spend the rest of her life in a temple prison.”
“What else did you find out?” Lee asked.
“Not much,” she admitted. “At least, nothing useful.”
Lee looked concerned. “I had hoped we could get an idea about what we might run into as we get further west.”
“Communication between the temples has become spotty at best,” added Dina. “I spoke to a few of the Sisters, and from what they told me, suspicion between the temples has become a plague. They hear the rumors about the gathering strength in the north, and some even claim there are agents of Angraal living openly in some cities, gathering followers.”
Lee scratched his chin. “I want you to go to the other temples tomorrow and see if you can find out anything else. For now, we should all keep our eyes and ears open.” Everyone nodded in agreement.
“But now, my friends, Millet and I have an errand to run, and we must leave you,” Lee said. “Be washed by sundown, Gewey; I have a surprise for you.”
Gewey looked confused as he watched Millet and Lee leave the inn.
“A surprise? What could he possibly be up to?” he wondered aloud.
“With that one, who knows,” Maybell replied. “But if you don’t mind, I haven’t seen an acrobat in years.”
They all watched until the acrobat had finished, then retired to their rooms to wash and get ready for supper. The smell from the kitchen promised roast lamb and fresh bread. Gewey’s mouth watered at the thought.
Lee entered the room just as Gewey had finished bathing. He was carrying a bundle tied with twine.
“Here,” Lee said, tossing him the bundle. Gewey opened it, and saw that inside was a set of new clothes and a pair of fine leather boots. The long tunic was gold silk with silver embroidery, and the pants were of the same design. A polished black leather belt completed the outfit. Gewey stared, not knowing what to say.
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