Gewey only nodded and smiled with satisfaction.
“Wonderful,” Harlondo replied. “But if you will excuse me, I must attend to some business while I’m here. Looking after Lord Ganflin’s affairs takes constant vigilance. Might I suggest you join master Drantolis and his friends near the fireplace?” He rose to his feet. “I shall return shortly.”
Kaylia and Gewey went over by the fireplace where Drantolis and two other elf men sat on the couches talking.
“Good of you to join us,” said Drantolis as they all rose. “This is Pilianos and Salmitoris.” The elves nodded in turn. They were dressed much like Drantolis, and each wore a long knife at his hip. “It’s good of you to join us.”
“It’s our pleasure,” Gewey said. Suddenly, he felt two small hands at his lower back.
“You didn’t think you could keep the new arrivals all to yourself, did you?” came a woman’s voice.
“Allow me to introduce Lady Fritzina,” Drantolis said, gesturing toward the woman.
“Charmed,” she laughed as she slipped around Gewey and took his hand. “I hear you’re friends of Linis and his band. How exciting! He’s like some hero right out of a legend, wouldn’t you say?”
Lady Fritzina wore a fire-red gown that twirled easily around her feminine figure as she moved. Her red hair and silk gloves made Gewey think of the sirens his father had told him about as a boy. The stories of sailors being lured to their death by the sirens’ song always frightened him.
“Kaylia and Gewey are highly regarded by Linis,” Drantolis told her. “No doubt they are heroes in their own right if they traveled with such a worthy Seeker.”
Lady Fritzina looked intrigued. “Is that so?” she asked, eyeing Gewey with interest. “By all means, do tell us of your exploits. On the rare occasions Linis comes here, I have to ply him with drink all night before I can get a peep out of him. Perhaps you’ll be more forthcoming?”
Gewey gave her an embarrassed smile. “There’s really nothing to tell, Lady Fritzina. Most of my life has been spent on a farm.”
“Oh, do call me Zina,” she insisted. “Everyone does. You’re a commoner, you say? How delightful. Please sit next to me and tell me of life on the farm.” She sat on the couch and patted the spot next to her. “I’m always cooped up here in the city. I think it would be lovely to breathe fresh air for a change.”
Gewey timidly sat next to her. Kaylia looked none too happy as they all took a seat.
“Tell me, Lady Fritzina,” Kaylia began, purposefully using her full name. “How do you feel about the elves in your city?”
“I think it’s the best thing to ever happen to Althetas,” she replied. “Hopefully we can be an example to other cities.” She slid closer to Gewey. “Tell me, Gewey, how have you enjoyed our city so far?”
“It’s big,” Gewey blurted, nervously. “I mean, it’s very nice.”
“A man of action, not words,” Zina teased, wearing a mischievous smile. “I like that.”
“Leave the boy alone,” the innkeeper scolded as he brought their wine. “He’s a guest of Lord Ganflin. I don’t think he would appreciate you embarrassing the boy.”
Zina laughed. “I was only trying to make him feel welcome. But being that you’re an honored guest of Lord Ganflin, I think I need to try harder.”
Kaylia seethed and leaned forward. “What do you know of elven courtship, Lady Fritzina?” she asked, forcing a smile.
“Nothing, I’m afraid. But I’m eager to learn. Please tell me.”
“It can be perilous at best,” Kaylia said darkly. “When a man declares himself as a suitor, the woman takes the responsibility to guard him from potential rivals-sometimes with deadly consequence.”
“Has someone made such a declaration to you, my dear?” Zina asked as she slowly edged closer to Gewey.
“Perhaps. But I believe that would be a bit too personal to speak of around strangers.”
“Nonsense, we’re all friends here,” Zina replied. “Now, take young Gewey, for example.” She seemed unconcerned in the face of Kaylia’s growing anger. “For the sake of argument, suppose he made this ‘declaration’ to you. How would you protect him from a rival?”
“If I felt it was warranted, I would challenge that rival to single combat,” she answered, feigning an innocent grin. “To the death.”
“I see,” Zina said, smirking. “It’s a good thing we don’t do that here in Althetas. There would be duels in the street on a daily basis.”
“Such a declaration made by anyone other than an elf would be a first,” Drantolis noted, very interested. “If that were to happen, it should be kept secret-even from the more enlightened of us.”
“Relax, Drantolis,” Zina laughed. “We’re just speaking hypothetically. Isn’t that right, dear?”
Kaylia nodded and smiled sweetly. “Of course,” she replied, staring into the woman’s eyes. “But you’re right, Drantolis; such a thing would need to be kept secret.”
“What would be the repercussions if such a union were discovered?” Gewey asked.
“There was only one union between human and elf that we know of,” Drantolis told him. “It was not well received by our people. Linis recently sent word that he discovered that a child came from the union.”
“Really?” Zina exclaimed. “I wonder what the child looks like. And more to the point: I wonder how the other elves will react?”
Gewey and Kaylia shot a glance at one another.
“Those that have been with us from the beginning will not think it’s anything but a natural result of our interaction with humans,” Drantolis explained. “But there are those among us that still struggle with certain ideas. Elves such as Linis, who are revered among our people, must help them understand.” The other two elves nodded in agreement. “His word holds great weight with us and our kin. Of course, there are also many elves that would kill the offspring of such a union on sight.”
“Then let us hope she meets you first,” Zina said, holding up her glass.
“Yes,” Drantolis agreed, tipping his glass against Zina’s in a toast. “Linis believes she represents hope for the future, and I, for one, agree.”
Zina turned toward Kaylia. “My dear, I would speak to you alone, away from these fine gentlemen.”
“Regarding what?” Kaylia asked, suspiciously.
“Certainly not to fight to the death,” she teased. Kaylia was not amused. “Please, let me make up for my earlier behavior. I know something you may want to hear.” She got up and held out her slender, gloved hand. “We won’t be but a moment.”
Kaylia took Zina’s hand and allowed herself to be led through the crowded tavern.
Once they had left, Drantolis leaned closely toward Gewey. “You play a dangerous game, young one,” he whispered. “If you court an elf without full knowledge of our ways, you put both her and yourself in danger-especially if what I suspect is true. Did you say the words?”
Gewey was afraid to speak as the three elves stared at him intently.
“You have nothing to fear,” the elf assured him. “We have been here from the beginning and are not offended by your courtship. But please, do not insult us with lies. The ancient words of declaration have definitely been spoken to Kaylia; we can see it in her eyes and in her behavior. And unless I’ve missed the mark, I think it was you that spoke them. If you did, you need to hear what I have to say.”
Gewey took a deep breath. “I spoke the words.”
The elves looked at one another gravely. “Then you have done a thing even elves haven’t done since the time of the Great War. You have made the bond of courtship. It’s a prelude to the joining.”
“I don’t understand,” Gewey said. “When I spoke them, I didn’t even know what I was saying. I know the traditions of your people can’t be ignored, and I accept that, but I doubt she really intends to marry me.”
Drantolis burst into laughter. “Tradition? Tradition has nothing to do with it. Has she told you nothing? My you
ng friend, the words are meaningless unless spoken from the heart. That you spoke them without knowledge of their meaning, tells me that the bond between you is unbreakable, and possibly dangerous. Have you not noticed how things have changed between you? You can feel what the other feels-joy, fear, pain; all are shared until the time of the joining.”
“Then what happens?” Gewey asked.
“Then your spirits become one in the same, until you both leave this life.”
“She told me she has one year to accept,” said Gewey. “And that if she rejects me, we’re to never see one another again.”
“What she told you is only part of it,” Drantolis replied. “When you spoke the declaration, her spirit attached itself to yours, bonding you together.”
“You mean I forced this on her?” Gewey cried.
“Absolutely not. She wanted it, even if she didn’t know it at the time.” He chuckled and shook his head. “If not, the bonding would have failed. As young as she is, I’m sure it came as a great shock.”
Gewey remembered the terrified expression on Kaylia’s face when he had spoken the words.
“After a year, the bond will break if the joining is not made,” Drantolis continued. “But it is disastrous when the bond is broken-more so when the bond is as strong as yours seems to be. If the joining is not made, you will lose a part of your spirit. She wouldn’t be able to look upon you because it would tear her apart. But should you complete the joining, you would be bound together forever-even in death.”
“What?” Gewey exclaimed. “You mean…”
“I mean if one should die, the other would soon follow,” Drantolis told him somberly. “This is why the bonding is no longer done; the Great War caused many deaths, and their mates died along with them, leaving thousands of orphans. What troubles me, is that when the bond is too strong and the joining not completed it can tear the spirit to shreds, leaving one empty and desolate. For an elf, such a fate is worse than death.”
Gewey put his head in his hands, his mind spinning. Drantolis reached over and squeezed his shoulder. “Take heart,” he said. “She is a fine elf, beautiful and fierce. Anyone, elf or human, would be fortunate to have such a mate.”
Just then, Harlondo rejoined them by the fire. “Are you alright?” he asked Gewey.
“I’m fine,” he replied weakly.
“Come then,” Harlondo beckoned. “I have something you must see.”
“If you will excuse me,” Gewey said, rising from his seat on the couch.
“Return soon, young human,” said Drantolis. “I have enjoyed your company.”
“I will,” Gewey promised, then followed Harlondo through the crowd to the corner of the room.
“A man gave me this a moment ago, with instruction to give it to you,” Harlondo said, handing Gewey an envelope. “Who knows you’re here?”
Gewey felt a chill. “No one,” he said as he opened it and removed a small note from within.
‘I have your elf woman. Meet me one mile south of the city wall.
There is a path. Follow it until you see a clearing. I will be waiting.
Come alone or the last thing she will feel is my knife sliding across her throat.’
“Kaylia!” Gewey gasped.
“I saw her leave with Lady Fritzina a little while ago. She seemed well at the time, though not very happy.”
“Did you see what direction they went?” Gewey cried, grabbing him roughly by the shoulders.
“I’m sorry. I only saw that they walked out together.”
Gewey ran to the door, sending unwary patrons flying as he passed. The street was busy as Gewey searched the crowd, hoping to see Kaylia.
“What has happened?” It was Drantolis’ voice, coming from behind. He stood with his two companions, long knifes drawn. ”Where’s Kaylia?”
Gewey knew he had to think fast. The note said to come alone, and he wouldn’t risk the elves insisting on coming with him. “She left with Lady Zina,” he said, trying to sound calm. “I think I upset her earlier.” Drantolis looked hard at Gewey, and then sheathed his blade.
“Find her, then. There is nothing worse than an angry elven woman.” The others laughed heartily and turned back to the tavern.
Gewey sighed with relief. He checked his sword and bolted toward the city gate.
Chapter 29
Lee and Dina’s coach had just entered city square, when Dina called for the driver to stop.
“Wait here,” she told Lee. “One of my people is near.”
“How can you tell?”
“When we bond to the medallion, it gives us the ability to sense others of the order when they’re close by. So long as they’re also wearing their medallion,” she answered. “Give me a few minutes.”
Lee waited, watching the people of Althetas through the window.
It pleased him to see that the darkness had not spread so far as to kill the spirit of such a great a city. He thought of his childhood, when his father had brought him here for the first time. His home village was only a five-day ride to the south. Once a year, his father made the journey to Althetas to attend the annual meeting of the fisherman’s guild. It was the month before he died that he took Lee along. His mother had said she wasn’t up to the trip, and at first he was afraid he wouldn’t be able to go, but his father looked at him and said, “A promise is a promise. Just you be sure to do as you’re told.” Lee could remember how excited he had been-just him and his dad for the first time.
His father had taken him on a walking tour of the city, even talking their way into one of the tall buildings, so that they could look out on the city from the balcony. He’d asked his father if they could come live in the city. His father had simply smiled and mussed his hair. It was the best time Lee could remember.
Lee’s musings were interrupted as the door to the coach opened, and Dina got in, followed by a gray-haired man in a plain tan shirt and trousers.
“This is Ertik,” Dina said in introduction. “One of my Order. He needs to speak with you.”
Lee held out his hand, but Ertik simply scowled and sniffed.
“We know who you are, Starfinder,” he said briskly. “And your presence is unwanted.”
“That may be,” Lee replied, withdrawing his hand. “But it’s necessary. The Dark One moves, and I have with me the only hope for victory.”
“You think that being the child of Saraf will save us?” he scoffed.
Lee was taken aback.
“Yes,” Ertik laughed. “We know all about you. We’ve followed your progress for years.”
“Then why haven’t you contacted me?” Lee asked with irritation. “Angraal is on the move. I would think you would gather allies where you can.”
“I suppose you think that being half-god would be a boon to us, but you put us in danger simply by being here; the Dark Knight can sense your kind. If I bring you to the temple, it would endanger the lives of more than a hundred men and women, not to mention risk the destruction of the one safe haven we still have.”
“Safe haven?” Lee retorted. “There are no safe havens anymore. The evil is spreading as his power grows. He already has agents openly dwelling in the northern kingdoms, and it won’t be long before they come under his rule. The dead rise from the earth, their souls forced into decaying bodies. His agents and soldiers have assaulted us less than seven days east of here. All this, and you dare speak of safe havens? How long do you think it will be before he finds your precious Valshara?”
“We know all of this,” Ertik replied calmly. “If you think we have been idle, you’re wrong. We haven’t the power to face him openly. If you expose us too soon, then the last hope of regaining the sword will die with our destruction.”
“You are not the last hope,” Lee countered. “I have brought the last hope. And he is the only reason I have sought you out.”
“Not another half-god,” Ertik sneered. “Even a thousand of your kind would not be able to defeat the Dark Knight; you truly don�
�t understand the power he wields.”
“No, not another half-god,” Lee replied sarcastically. He glanced at Dina, who nodded slowly. “I have brought the only child born from the union of two gods.”
Ertik laughed at first, then stopped. “You’re not serious. There is no such creature. We would have known.”
“We did know,” Dina said. “Or at least, we knew there was something the Dark Knight was after-something he would do anything to get his hands on. Why else would the High Lady have sent word to be on the lookout for them?”
“She has her reasons, I’m sure,” Ertik maintained. “But if you expect me to believe that you travel with a god…You have proof of this?”
“I have all the proof I need,” Lee answered. “My kind can recognize each other by touch. I know what he is.”
“Do you think the Dark Knight would go to all this trouble just to kill a half-god and his companions?” Dina asked flatly. “The Dark One is aware this God exists, and if he succeeds in killing him, then all hope is truly lost.”
“If he is a god-” Ertik began, “and I’m not saying he is-but if he is, then death cannot touch him.”
“He was bound to earth when he was a baby,” Lee revealed. “How and why is still unknown, but it makes him very human in many ways. He is only now discovering his power. If The Dark Knight finds him before he’s ready, then he’ll kill him-or worse, capture him and break his mind.”
Ertik looked hard at Lee, then got out of the coach.
“Is that how you expected it to go?” Lee asked.
“I was hoping for a bit better,” Dina admitted, forcing a smile.
A moment later, Ertik returned. “Take me to him,” he demanded.
Lee told the driver to take them back to the Frog’s Wishbone.
“How did you discover all this?” Ertik inquired. Lee recounted the events leading up to the night when the Oracle’s messenger entrusted him with Gewey as an infant. He also told Ertik about his subsequent move to Sharpstone, and Gewey’s upbringing in the Stedding household.
“I assume you’ve been training the lad?”
“I have,” Lee replied. “Along with Kaylia.”
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