Of Gods And Elves tgc-2

by Brian D. Anderson

  Gewey thumbed the hilt of his sword. “I want totrust Theopolou. My heart tells me to. I suppose we’ll knowsoon enough, won’t we?”

  Linis nodded. “That we will.”

  Kaylia was oddly silent, but her eyes never left heruncle.

  The rest of the evening was uneventful. Gewey and Kayliasat a few yards away from the others, talking, while Linis rejoinedthe elders and discussed their route. The two elves that had beensent into the forest to bury the assassin returned about an hourbefore it was time to depart. Their faces were somber when theyrejoined their companions and they did not want to speak.

  Gewey gathered his gear and checked his sword. Akakiosand the other three guards had rejoined the others, leaving Linis asGewey's sole companion.

  “I guess there's no point in guarding me anymore,”Gewey remarked.

  “I think they realize it is a useless gesture,”said Linis. “They are of more use protecting their masters thanwatching you.”

  Chapter Twenty-Five

  The spirits of the party did not rise with the sun. Theevents of the previous day weighed heavily on their minds. Aside fromtheir footfalls and the rustling of gear, not a sound could be heard.Kaylia continued to stay by Theopolou's side, while Linis and Geweystayed to the rear. Gewey felt more at ease where eyes could noteasily watch him. Though the pace had slowed a bit, they were stillable to cover many miles before they made camp for the night. Theevening mood was as dreary and quiet as it was during the day, thoughit 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 themain camp. Six guards surrounded them, far enough away so that theydid not intrude, but Gewey still felt uneasy as he noticed thecontemptuous stares they gave him when he met their eyes.

  “I thought it would be best to show our…friendship, to the others,” explained Chiron, as he took a seatby the fire.

  “I appreciate it,” said Gewey. “I needall the help I can get.”

  “Indeed,” said Theopolou. “The comingdays will be difficult. Lord Chiron and I both agree that we mustfind a way for our people to survive the coming storm… even if itmeans allying ourselves with the humans for a time.”

  “Others will argue that it is the humans whomarch,” added Chiron. “The King of Angraal washimself a member of Amon Dahl, and his armies are human, even ifit is their own kind they march on.”

  “The humans who follow him have been deceived,”said Linis. “They have no idea what is about to be unleashedupon the world. And the elves that think him the reincarnation ofKing Ratsterfel are just as blind, and twice as stupid.”

  “I cannot argue,” Chiron admitted. “Butyou must take into account that many of our people are weary of whathas become of us. They no longer want to live in the shadows, yetthey cannot bear to live side by side with humans.”

  “What do you think?” Gewey asked Chiron.

  “In my opinion the elves should leave,” hereplied. “There are legends of lands beyond the great WesternAbyss. It is said that my people once dwelt there. Perhaps it is timewe returned.”

  “Those are just legends, as you say,” saidTheopolou. “And we have sent ships across the Abyss. None haveever returned.”

  Chiron smiled and laughed softly. “I suppose thiswill be a discussion to be had once our people are no longer facingextinction. In the meantime we have matters to resolve.” Heturned to Gewey. “You will face intense opposition when youface the entire council of elders. Some, perhaps many, will wish toaid you, but few will say so openly. It is important that youconvince more than just Theopolou and me to speak in your favor. Todo this you must openthe Book of Souls.” He eyed Gewey intensely. “Theopolouis confident that you can do this. Can you?”

  Gewey thought for a long moment then said, “Idon't know.”

  “That’s not the answer I was hoping for,”said Chiron. “But it will do. If you are challenged for theright to bond with Kaylia, you must wait until after the bonding tospeak to the council. You have until sunrise of the next day toanswer the challenge, so

  you must not act before then. If the Book is opened andyou are proven to be the fulfillment of prophesy, then not only willyou likely avoid further challenges, but almost certainly gain thesupport you need.”

  “What if we waited until I opened the Book tocomplete the bond?” suggested Gewey.

  “Risky,” remarked Linis. “If you arenot successful-”

  “Then Gewey and I will still complete the rite,”Kaylia interjected.

  “The fact is,” said Theopolou, “thereis no way to tell what will happen until we arrive. I suspect all ofour plans will be useless. We will be entering an atmosphere alien tous all. Not since the Great War have so many elders been summoned.”

  Chiron nodded in agreement.

  A commotion sounded at the edge of the camp. Gewey andthe others sprang to their feet and drew their weapons. One of theelves that had been guarding Gewey ran up to them.

  “We have an intruder,” said the elf.

  “An intruder,” Linis exclaimed. “Howdid anyone get past the watch?”

  The elf shook his head. “I don't know. He justappeared out of nowhere.”

  “Is it an elf?” Theopolou asked.

  “No,” the guard replied. “He lookshuman but…”

  “But what?” Chiron pressed.

  “I'm not sure what to make of him,” the elfstammered. “He doesn't smelllike a human.”

  “Take us to him,” ordered Theopolou.

  The guard bowed sharply and led Theopolou and the othersthrough the camp, to its opposite edge. A group of elves gathered ina circle with their weapons drawn, surrounding a small, cloakedfigure, leaning on a long, ash walking staff. Theopolou pushed hisway between two elves and stood directly in front of the newcomer.

  “Who are you?” Theopolou demanded. “Whatdo you want?”

  The figure did not look up. “I seek a child ofheaven, I do. Oh, yes. Among the young ones, I find him.”

  Gewey knew at once who it was. “Felsafell!”

  An audible gasp could be heard throughout the elves.Clearly they knew the name well.

  Felsafell pushed back his hood, revealing his haggardfeatures and crooked grin. “I see you remember old Felsafell…but of course, of course. You are not daft. Your mind is sharp, ohyes it is.” He took a few steps toward Gewey. The elves gaveway.

  “What are you doing here?” asked Gewey.

  “I have come again to see the world,” hereplied. “The spirits are gone and the wind has risen. Blownaway my friends, it has. The darkness comes and the firstborn shall have one final adventure.”

  “You claim to be Felsafell.” Bellisiastepped forward. “How do we know this is who you really are?”

  “Ah yes,” Felsafell laughed. “Thechild of discontent, who sought me out. Did not find me. Could notfind me. Cannot find herself. Lost you became, and lost you arestill. Indeed, indeed. With troubled past and uncertain future. Shestill seeks the thing she once lost.”

  Bellisia glared at Felsafell but fell silent.

  This time Theopolou stepped forward. “If you areFelsafell, we welcome you. Your wisdom has helped our people for manyages past. But please, explain to us why you are here.”

  Felsafell's smile vanished. “The wisest of thefallen speaks. Fallen from grace you are, yet in you, the sparkremains. But I fear it fades. Like me and my brothers and sisters,fading from memory. Sad, sad, sad. The end nears for us both. Butperhaps you may be saved. Oh, yes, I have seen the many paths. Thetrails of joy and sorrow join together.”

  “You speak in riddles,” said Theopolou. “Ifyou know something, tell us.”

  “Know?” Felsafell sighed. “I know manythings. Yes, I do. But none to help you. Alone is the journey of thesecond born. To what end shall be your task to discover. I come toaid the heaven child. Nothing less and nothing more.”

  Gewey walked up to Felsafell and bowed low. “Inever had the chance t
o thank you for what you did for me. If it werenot for you I'd still be trapped.”

  “How did he help you?” asked Bellisia.

  “The why's and what's will have their time,”Felsafell said. “I know much and will share what I can. I willindeed. Oh, yes.” He looked across the gathering. “I knowyou have questions. Always questions for old Felsafell. But bemindful of what you ask. You may learn what you should not know.”

  “So you intend to accompany us?” askedChiron.

  “I do, I do” he replied. “If you willhave me. To learn to speak in the world again. An adventure that Idid not see. Thought I would fade. Fade away and join my kin. Butthey have been stolen. The first are all gone.”

  “You may join us,” said Gewey.

  “You speak without authority,” snappedBellisia. “We must-”

  “He joins me, or I don't go,” said Gewey.

  Bellisia paused, then turned and walked away, muttering.

  “An old man is tired,” said Felsafell. “Restis what I need. At least for a while. Questions after. Questionswaiting.”

  “Come with me,” said Gewey, offering hishand.

  Felsafell smiled cheerfully and allowed Gewey to leadhim through the camp to where he had set up his bedroll.

  “You can take my blanket,” said Gewey. “I'mnot tired.”

  “A kind child of heaven you are,” saidFelsafell. He plopped down on the ground and wrapped himself in theblanket. In seconds, he was breathing deeply.

  “I can't believe he is here,” remarkedKaylia. “I wonder what he wants.”

  “Whatever it is, he sure has stirred up theelders,” said Gewey, almost amused.

  Theopolou approached. “We would like to speak withyou,” he said. It was clear he did not share Gewey's amusement.

  Gewey, Kaylia, and Linis followed Theopolou to the farside of the camp where the elders, along with their escorts, hadgathered. They eyed Gewey as they shuffled uneasily and whispered toeach other.

  “How is it you know of Felsafell?” Bellisiademanded.

  Gewey considered for a moment whether or not to mentionhis experience in the spirit world, and decided not to. “I methim in the Spirit Hills, after escaping from an agent of the DarkOne.”

  “And how did you come upon him?” asked LordAneili.

  Gewey recounted the story of his encounter (leaving outthings that would suggest his origin).

  “You stayed in his home?” said Chiron.“Remarkable. Many of my people have sought out Felsafell. Somenever to return. But even those who found him have never beenafforded such a privilege.”

  “We're still not certain that is the realFelsafell,” countered Bellisia.

  “You seemed certain enough when he spoke to you amoment ago,” said Theopolou.

  “Gewey appears to believe him, and of all of us heseems to have the most personal knowledge.”

  “Suppose this is Felsafell,” said LadyLeora. “Is it wise to have him among us?”

  Lord Endymion laughed. “Just what would you haveus do, Leora? Kill him? He walked straight into our camp withoutbeing noticed. Do you think he gives us a choice?”

  “I think we should hear what Gewey has to say.”Theopolou turned to Gewey. “You clearly want him with you, butis there anything you can tell us that might explain his being here?”

  Bellisia leveled her gaze on Gewey. “Indeed, childof heaven. That is what he called you, is itnot? What do you think are his motives?”

  “I don’t know why he’s here,”said Gewey. “But I don't think he is here to harm us. That'snot his way.”

  “Tell that to my brother,” cried one ofChiron's escort. “He vanished in the Spirit Hills seekingFelsafell's so-called wisdom, never to be seen again.”

  “I don't think Felsafell did anything to yourbrother,” said Gewey. “He warned me when I was with himthat the spirits would try and trick you. They could make you lostand confused. If your bother disappeared I would think the spiritsare the villains, not Felsafell.”

  “So you say,” scoffed Bellisia. “Apparently,he has much interest in you. But why now? Why has he appeared just aswe are ready to gather? Are you sure you cannot answer this riddle…child of heaven? Canyou know that he means us no harm? Perhaps he means youno harm.”

  “I’m certain he is who he says he is,”replied Gewey, trying to ignore Bellisia’s repeated reference.“As for anything else, I was not alone when I met him, andFelsafell made no move to harm my companion. In fact, he did what hecould to make sure the spirits left both us in peace.”

  Bellisia scowled “That proves nothing. There issomething you are not telling us. No one shows as much trust as youshow Felsafell without good reason.”

  “Perhaps Gewey is not as jaded as some,”said Chiron, an obvious dig at Bellisia.

  “We are talking in circles,” said Theopolou.“We either allow Felsafell to continue with us, or we ask himto depart.” He looked at Gewey. “You say that you willnot go without him?”

  Gewey nodded. “As long as he wants to come withme, I will have him.”

  Theopolou turned to the others. “There you haveit. As Gewey is called before you to give testimony, you must makeyour decision. Do you withdraw your invitation?”

  The elders looked at each other, but none said a word.

  “Very well,” Theopolou continued, withsatisfaction. “Felsafell will be welcome among us.” Heturned to Gewey. “Watch over our new guest. I will be with youin a moment.”

  Gewey bowed and walked back to where Felsafell was stillfast asleep, Linis and Kaylia close behind.

  “Sometimes I can't tell the difference between anelf and a human,” muttered Gewey.

  “What do you mean?” asked Linis.

  Gewey had not meant his words to be heard. “I'msorry. I meant no offense. It’s just that since I've met theelders, I've seen nothing but petty squabbling and disagreements. Thecouncil back home in Sharpstone gets along better.”

  “You are not wrong to say so,” Linis agreed.“Once we were a noble people, with honor and understanding. Ourforefathers would be disgusted with us now. It is as if a veil ofmistrust has been brought down upon us, and we do not know how tolift it.”

  “My father thought that the generation that foughtin the war would have to leave this world before we are healed,”added Kaylia. “He believed that the bitterness it causedprevents us from regaining what we have lost.”

  Linis nodded. “I think he may have been right. Itis a new way of thinking we need. Our race must find how to exist ina new world.”

  “Where does he fit in?” asked Gewey,motioning to the sleeping Felsafell. “What is he? He’scertainly not an elf. He looks human, but… he isn't.”

  “What am I?” said Felsafell, popping to hisfeet. “I am the oldest, I am. The most withered.”

  “I'm sorry,” said Gewey. “We didn'tmean to wake you.”

  Felsafell smiled cheerfully, stretching his arms. “Iwake myself. Sleep I did. Sleep well. Sleep soundly. Sleep plenty.”

  “But you've only just lay down,” said Linis.“Even an elf needs more rest than that.”

  “An elf I am not,” said Felsafell. “Andthe child of heaven isright. I am not human.”

  “Then what are you?” asked Kaylia.

  “I am the first,” he replied. “But notthe last. No. I shall soon fade. But before I do I must rescue mykin. Rescue my past.”

  “I don't understand,” said Gewey.

  “All will be clear,” Felsafell assured.“Clear as glass. But not now. Now with enemies about, we mustbe swift and silent.”

  “Enemies?” said Gewey

  “Don't fret,” said Felsafell. “Noswords or arrows will hinder us. A clear path we have. But enemiesdon't always carry swords. Be silent and still and all will be well.”

  The party gathered and continued toward the Chamber ofthe Maker. Felsafell walked just behind Gewey and Kaylia, while Linisventured a few yards ahead of everyone, scouting for signs of anambush.

  As the day progressed, elves began
to approachFelsafell, requesting a private talk. Felsafell’s wisdom waslegendary among the elves, and they did not want to miss a chance tobenefit from it. True to his word, Felsafell was more than willing tospeak to all comers. Some walked away smiling, others angry, andothers in tears. Gewey wondered what he had told them, rememberingthe words the strange little man had for him on his porch in theSpirit Hills and how they had upset him.

  They stopped once for the midday meal, and Geweylistened for signs of pursuit, but to his relief, all he could hearwas the sound of the wind and various small animals. Even though heinformed Linis of this, he still insisted on searching the area. Heenjoyed that while Linis could remain invisible to the others, he,Gewey, could still hear exactly where he was.

  “Your power grows,” said Felsafell, munchingon a bit of bread. “No longer weak. No longer frail.”

  “How do you know what I am?” asked Gewey.

  “I am old, not blind.”

  Gewey stared into Felsafell's watery, gray eyes.Something was there, deep inside. Something different. Somethingunfamiliar. “You're really not human, are you?”

  “Human?” he laughed. “No, no, no. I amtoo old for that. I am the first, yet I will not be the last.”

  “You said that before,” said Gewey. “Butwhat does it mean?”

  “Me and kin wandered the hill and valleys, wedid.” said Felsafell. “Happy and free. Before the elvesand their ways. Before humans and their wars.”

  Gewey raised an eyebrow. “So you're saying yourpeople were here first? Where are they now, and why haven't I heardof them?”

  “We are all gone.” A tinge of sorrow filledFelsafell’s voice. “All but me. Poor Felsafell. Gonebefore the humans gathered, were we. We saw the coming of elves. Buttoo small the world became. Too prideful were we to remain. Deep insilence we escaped until only our voices were left.”

  “So your people were here before the elves,”said Gewey. “But what about the Gods?”

  “Oh, how wonderful they were,” saidFelsafell. “We loved them so. We love them still. But in time,we lost our way and our will. Spirits we became… companions to yourmother and father.”