“Do you know who my real mother is?” askedGewey. “I've guessed that my father is Gerath. But who is mymother?”
“I tell what I know,” he replied. “ButI speak of only what I know… and this I do not. Perhaps the Book ofSouls has what you seek.”
“You know about that?” said Gewey in ahushed tone.
“Oh, yes,” said Felsafell. “I wasthere. I saw the Book. I hear its cry. It longs to be opened. Butbeware… a bell that is sounded cannot be un-rung.”
“What's in it?” asked Gewey.
“Many things,” he replied. “Some Iknow and others I do not. But now is not the time for telling thesesecrets. Soon enough… yes… soon enough.”
Kaylia walked up and took a seat beside Gewey. “Youhave caused quite a stir. The entire party can't stop talking aboutyou.”
Felsafell smiled. “I have not left home in thelives of many an elf. It is good to see the world. Better to know I'mremembered.”
“I've noticed your speech has changed a bit,”said Gewey.
Felsafell cocked his head “Has it? I guess livingin the world does that… oh yes. Practicing with the living makes iteasy. Spirits have no need for speech, and elves rarely visit.”
“What about humans?” asked Kaylia. “Dothey ever seek you out?”
“No, no,” he answered. “They knownothing of me. They think me a ghost. A rumor. But time for more talkwill come later. Now we must march.”
The elves had already begun to gather their packs andgear, and soon they were on the move once again. The day was warm andthe sun shone bright in the sky. Traveling with Felsafell wasenjoyable for Gewey. He never tired of the old hermit’sstories, though he understood very little at times, and had neverheard of most of the people and places mentioned. Before he realizedit, they had walked thirty miles and it was time to stop for thenight.
The following days were much the same, though Gewey wasbecoming increasingly apprehensive as they neared their destination.The night before they were to arrive, Theopolou asked Gewey toaccompany him, away from the others.
“Are you prepared?” asked Theopolou.
“I'm not sure,” Gewey admitted. “Ireally have no idea what I'm going to say to convince them.”
Theopolou looked at Gewey thoughtfully. “Theappearance of Felsafell should help with that. Word will spread fastthat he is with us. That you have such an ancient wisdom as your allywill go far to sway the doubters. The main thing you must remember isnot to allow yourself to get angry. Your opponents will try to twistyour words. If you show anger they will see it as a sign of weaknessand you will lose support quickly.”
“I'll do my best.” Gewey sighed. He tried toimagine just what would be said to anger him but came up withnothing.
When he returned to camp, Gewey tried to take his mindoff the thought of the day ahead by listening to Felsafell sing songsin an ancient forgotten tongue. Though he couldn't understand thewords, he imagined an epic battle between good and evil being wagedacross time. He wondered what the song was really about but didn'tbother to ask. Once the song was done, Gewey shut his eyes andlistened to the music of the forest until he felt the dawn approach.
Linus kneeled beside him. “Today is the day.”
Gewey opened his eyes and smiled. “I'm ready.”
Chapter Twenty-Six
It was mid-morning when Gewey noticed the terrain aroundhim change. The woods became thicker. So dense, in fact, that evenwhen he used his power to listen, the sound bounced straight back,startling him. The party funneled into a narrow trail, causing theirprogress to slow. No sound could be heard at all, not even thefootfalls of the party. Gewey nestled himself between Felsafell andLinis as Felsafell began to whistle. The sound pierced the deadsilence of the woods, making some of the elves uneasy.
“We're nearly there,” whispered Linis.
“Nearly there indeed,” said Felsafell.“There and back we go. Once more and again.”
Gewey couldn’t help but smile at Felsafell'swords, though most times they made no sense to him.
After about an hour, they came to a narrow stream,spanned by an elegant, wooden bridge. Theopolou motioned for everyoneto halt.
“We come in brotherhood and friendship,”called Theopolou.
There was a long pause before a voice called back fromthe other side of the bridge. “Then enter and be welcome.”
Theopolou and the other elders slowly led the rest overthe bridge. On the other side, the landscape opened up into a grassymeadow, covered with soft grass, and dotted with multicoloredwildflowers. Tents lined the far end and Gewey could see elveswalking among them. Far beyond the tents, a white, vaulted roofpeeked out. A group of three elf women, dressed in tan leather shirtsand trousers, each with a long knife at her side, approached fromamong the tents. Theopolou raised his hand in greeting, but the womenmade no reply. When they were a few feet away, Theopolou stopped andbowed.
“Matrons of the Creator,” said Theopolou,without looking up. “I offer you my friendship. As the eldestamong my party, I claim the right to beg entry for all.”
The matrons examined the group, only pausing for asecond when their eyes passed Gewey and Felsafell. They looked ateach other and nodded.
“Be welcome,” said the elf in the middle.“But be warned. You bring two humans with you and will beresponsible for their well-being, and answerable for their actions.”
“I understand,” he replied, lifting hishead. “We need to be shown our quarters at once. There is muchto do.”
“You, along with the other elders, have alreadybeen seen to,” said the matron on the left. “Your tentsand provisions had been made ready and await you.” Her gazefell on Gewey and Felsafell. “However, we did not expect toaccommodate… humans.”
“They need no special consideration,” saidTheopolou. “They will lodge with me and mine.”
“Very well,” said the matron on the right.“I assume you know your way.” With that, they turned andwalked back in the direction of the tents.
Theopolou waved Gewey over. “Stay with me.”He turned to the others. “Farewell for now.”
The other elders and their escorts bowed in turn andheaded off in different directions, Gewey guessed to their tents.Theopolou led Gewey, Linis, Kaylia, Felsafel and his own escort tothe left, towards the western edge of the encampment. Gewey glancedseveral times at the domed roof, hoping to get a better look, but tohis disappointment, as they neared the tents, the roof disappeared.From the far end of the meadow, Gewey couldn't tell how many tentshad been erected and was surprised to see that they numbered in thehundreds, once they were among them. Elves were everywhere. Most weredressed in plain leather or linen, but some were attired in finesilks and adorned with exquisite jewelry.
“I never thought to see this many of your peopleat the same time,” whispered Gewey to Linis.
“I'm shocked as well,” said Linis. “Ithought to see less than half this many. It seems Theopolou's callhas caused quite a stir.”
“All the more reason to be cautious,” Kayliainterjected over her shoulder.
They wound their way through the camp until they reacheda large silver tent. It was twelve feet tall and at least forty feetacross. Gewey figured it could easily house three times the numberthey had with them.
Theopolou pulled back the tent flap and disappearedinside. Kaylia, Felsafell, and Theopolou's escort followed closebehind. Gewey and Linis entered last. Gewey looked around, impressed.The interior resembled a house more than a tent. Just past theentrance was a large open area with a dozen plush chairs lining thewalls. In the center, there was a short round table, big enough toaccommodate twenty people, with an assortment of cushions underneath.The scent of mint filled the air, emanating from the roasted lambthat had been placed on the table. Along the ceiling hung light orbs,set just dimly enough to give the room a warm feel. The floor wasuncovered, but the soft grass was as lush and beautiful as anycarpet. At the far left corner another tent flap led to the backareas.
“There are
enough rooms for everyone,” saidTheopolou, pointing to the rear door. “All the rooms are thesame, so choose as you will. Hot water should be waiting for you,unless you prefer to eat before you wash.”
“No, thank you,” said Gewey. “I preferto be clean when I eat, if I can.”
Theopolou nodded and led the group through the tentflap. A hall lined with several cloth-covered doorways stretchedbefore him. Gewey chose the third and Linis the one just beyond.Kaylia and the others continued around the corner, followingTheopolou. Felsafell whistled merrily and winked at Gewey as herounded the corner.
The room Gewey chose was rather sparse compared to themain dining and lounging area. A small bedroll was placed in thecorner, and a wash basin sat in the opposite corner with a cottontowel folded neatly beside it. One light globe hung from the ceilingand a soft, thin, brown area rug covered the floor.
Gewey washed and changed into a cotton shirt and pants,and strapped on his sword. He could still smell the mint lamb and hisstomach growled loudly.
“Are you ready?” came Linis' voice from justoutside his room.
Gewey threw back the door flap and smiled at the elf.“I'm starving.”
Linis noticed Gewey was wearing his sword. “Youwill want to take that off at the table. It is considered rude to bearmed at the table of your host, and for all intents and purposesthis is still the home of Theopolou.”
Gewey removed his sword. “Should I leave itbehind?”
“No,” Linis replied. “Keep it withyou, but place it on the floor beside you.”
Gewey nodded and followed Linis to the dining hall.Theopolou and a few of his escort were already seated. Gewey took aseat opposite them and Linis sat on his left. Kaylia was not yetthere.
Theopolou nodded at the lamb. “We serve ourselveshere. Felsafell will not be joining us. He said he needs to rest.”
One of Theopolou's escort passed them a bottle of wine.Gewey gratefully accepted it, then gave it to Linis.
“I'll wait until we're all here,” saidGewey, noticing that the others’ plates were still empty.
“Only await Kaylia,” said Theopolou. “Therest are running errands.”
“No need to wait any longer,” said Kaylia,as she entered the room.
She was dressed in a soft, loosely fitted, white cottonshirt and trousers and a pair of soft leather shoes. Her hair wastied into a long braid and she carried a long knife in her left hand.After surveying the group, she took a seat on Gewey's right.
Theopolou cut off a portion of lamb then passed itaround the table. One of the elves rose from the table, retrieved abasket filled with flat bread, and passed it out to the party. Theydined in silence, to Gewey's relief. It was all he could do tomaintain his table manners. Not only was he famished, but the lambwas exceedingly tender and juicy.
Once they finished, two elves cleared the table andbrought out a decanter of plum brandy. Gewey's mouth twisted when thesweet fragrance fill the room.
“I see you don't care for plum brandy,”Theopolou observed. “I have more wine if you would rather.”
“Brandy will be fine,” said Gewey. “I'venever had elf brandy. I would try it before I decide.”
Theopolou smiled slightly and passed the bottle aroundthe table. To Gewey’s relief, though the smell was similar, itwas not as sweet as the brandy he had tasted in the past. In fact, itwas quite pleasant and a smile crept onto his face as he sipped it.
“Word of you and Felsafell will have begun tospread by now,” said Theopolou. “I have called for agathering in the Chamber of the Maker this evening for the joiningbetween you and Kaylia.” His eyes darkened. “Do notexpect a warm reception.”
Gewey nodded. “Do you expect me to be challenged?”
“I hope not,” Theopolou replied. “Itwould complicate matters. On one hand, you could show your strengthand resolve it. On the other hand, you may be prematurely exposed.That Felsafell is your friend and companion may give any would-bechallengers pause… at least that is my hope.” His eyes fellon Linis. “I have debated as to the virtue of your presence.You are cast out and have refused to face judgment. Those who do notknow this, soon will. Yet your name still carries weight and respect,even among your enemies. You shall also stay by Gewey's side.”
“I never intended to do anything else,”Linis stated. “And I will offer again to perform the bonding…if you think it will go ill for you, should you do it.”
Theopolou's jaw tightened and his eyes narrowed. “Iwill not be denied my right, nor ignore my obligation as Kaylia'sguardian and uncle. Though some may abandon me for what I am to do, Iwill not let politicscause me to act with dishonor.”
“I meant no offense,” said Linis. “Ithink only of your safety.”
“Then I will have Lord Theopolou bond us,”said Kaylia. “And no other.”
Theopolou couldn't help smiling. The old elf got to hisfeet, accompanied by his escort. “Then you should both prepare.I must make the arrangements.” He turned and left the tent.
“What do we do?” asked Gewey.
“If you are to be bonded in the Chamber of theMaker,” said Linis. “I think I will try and find you someappropriate attire.”
“Won't you be in danger wandering around alone?”asked Gewey.
Linis flashed a smile. “I think not. There are notmany who can hope to attack me and live. Besides, with you andFelsafell around, I doubt I'm of much interest. At least not yet.”Linis stood and fastened his long knife to his belt. “If I wereyou, I would take advantage of your time alone.”
Gewey blushed as Linis departed. Kaylia forced back alaugh. “Are you nervous?” asked Gewey.
Kaylia took Gewey's hand and kissed him lightly on thecheek. “No… not really. At least not in the way a human mightbe.” She could see that Gewey did not understand. “I feelas if I am beginning a new chapter in a life that I know nothingabout. This does not make me nervous. It makes me excited.” Shescrutinized Gewey for a moment. “And you? How do you feel?”
Gewey thought for a moment. “I don't know… notreally. I know this is what I want. I can feel that in my heart. But,it's just…” He shook his head in frustration. “I wish Ihad the words. But I don't. In truth, I'm still just a simple farmer.I guess I feel small among the company I have been keeping. It'sconfusing.”
“Even with me?” she asked.
“Especially with you.” he admitted. “Youare so far beyond what my wildest dreams could have imagined. And I'mto be bonded with you. How am I worthy of this? How? Me, a hay farmerfrom Sharpstone married to an elf princess.”
Kaylia pulled Gewey to her and kissed him again, thistime deep and hard. Gewey felt dizzy when she finally released him.
“For a farmer with no words you seem to speak themwell,” she whispered. “You are worthy because I deem youworthy. Never forget that. And never forget that it is the companyyou keep that stands in awe of you.” She stroked his cheek andsmiled sweetly. “One more thing… I'm nota princess.”
Gewey gazed deeply into her eyes. For the first time indays, he felt confident and at peace. He took Kaylia's hand andpulled it to his chest. “Thank you.”
Kaylia cocked her head. “For what?”
“For showing me what I must do.”
“And what is that?”
He squeezed her hand then kissed it. “Bond withyou. Bond with you, then see to it that we are never in fear again.”He jumped to his feet and pulled Kaylia with him. “I guess youshould get ready.” He pulled her to him and embraced her for along moment. “As for me… I'll count the minutes.”
Kaylia laughed softly. “It is tradition that I beattended by two elf maids.” She looked around the tent. “Sadly,I seem to lack them.”
As if on cue two young elf girls, dressed in blue satindresses, entered the tent. One carried a thick bundle bound by a thintwine. The other had a large leather bag thrown over her leftshoulder. They stopped just inside the tent and bowed.
“We have been sent by Lord Chiron to attend LadyKaylia,” said the elf hol
ding the bundle.
Kaylia beamed. “A kind gesture. And wellreceived.” She leaned over and kissed Gewey lightly on thecheek, then allowed the two maids to lead her away into the back ofthe tent.
Gewey took a seat back at the table and nibbled on apiece of bread while he waited for Linis to return. After half anhour, the tent flap opened, but instead of Linis, Akakios entered. Hewore a grave expression.
“What's wrong?” asked Gewey.
“Word of your bonding has spread.” hereplied. “Lord Theopolou was nearly assaulted.” Geweyjumped up. “How did it happen?”
Akakios peered outside for a moment. “An argumentbroke out regarding his presiding over the bonding ceremony. Linisstopped it just as knives were being drawn.” He looked aroundthe tent. “Where is Kaylia?”
“She's getting ready,” Gewey answered. “LordChiron sent two maids to attend her.”
“That's good,” said Akakios. “Thesooner this is over the better. I have a feeling tensions will keeprising. Perhaps once the two of you are bonded, there will be nofurther need for this nonsense.”
“I wish I could say I am sorry,” remarkedGewey. “But Theopolou knew this could happen. I think he knewit must. Change is always hard. I will not apologize for my bond withKaylia. It's important. Not only for us, but for everyone.”
Akakios sighed heavily. “When I first met you,those words would have angered me. Now… I think I understand whythis must be.” He walked to the wall of the tent and sat in oneof the chairs. “I've heard the words of Felsafell. He speaks ofus as a broken people. I think he is right to say so. When I hear ofthe grace and wisdom of my ancestors, I cannot help but long for usto regain what we were. Not power. Not to be as we were before theGreat War. But to be as we were in the times of our legends. I usedto think they were just stories. But now… I think they were morethan that.” He reached behind him and touched a glowing globethat hung from the wall. Sadness washed over his face. “Once wecreated such things as to rival the craft of the Gods. Now-”
“Your people are still great and wise. Compared tothe darkness and fear that exists in the human world…”
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