The elves knelt around the table. Theopolou motioned for Gewey to sit beside him. Kaphalos placed himself directly across from Theopolou and stared intensely.
“Tell me, Theopolou,” said Kaphalos. “When did you begin befriending humans and traitors?”
“I am no traitor,” Kaylia blurted.
“Silence, girl,” Theopolou scolded.
Kaphalos sneered. “I was referring to the seeker.”
Linis glared. “You dare name me traitor? I should take your life for that insult.”
“I would expect as much,” said Kaphalos. “You would kill your own kind while saving a human animal. But be warned, I am not unprotected. If you strike me down, you will not leave these woods alive. My kin are nearby and know that you are here.”
“That is enough,” commanded Theopolou. “From everybody. I did not come here to fight. Nor did Linis.”
“Then why did you come?” asked Kaphalos.
“To ask you to accompany us to my home,” Theopolou replied. “Surely you have received my invitation.”
“I have,” said Kaphalos dismissively. “I have no desire to listen to the elders bicker. I am content to remain here.”
Theopolou nodded to Linis who brought forth the cloak containing the Vrykol head. Kaphalos stared, stunned, as the cloak was opened.
“What is this abomination?” gasped Kaphalos.
“We hoped you would know,” Theopolou replied. “It claimed to be a Vrykol.”
“Vrykol?” Kaphalos whispered. “Certainly not. That is impossible.” He reached over the table and pulled the cloak in front of him.
“I thought the Vrykol were merely a legend,” said Theopolou.
“In a way they are,” said Kaphalos. “Their true nature has been lost to all but a few. Most stories you hear today are but myths with not an inkling of fact.”
“What are they, then?” asked Linis.
“The damned,” replied Kaphalos. “They are spirits forced to serve the Gods within the decaying remains of mortals.”
“The Gods created these beasts?” asked Linis. “Why?”
“To punish those who dared defy them,” said Kaphalos. “They were cursed assassins, roaming the earth. How is it you came by this?”
Theopolou told of the encounter.
“You say this human killed two Vrykol?” Kaphalos laughed. “Are you certain? Or is this what he told you.”
“He saved the life of one of my guards in the process,” said Theopolou. “You may doubt the word of a human, but surely not that of an elf.”
Kaphalos glared at Kaylia “Depends on the elf.”
Kaylia glared back furiously.
“In any case,” Theopolou continued. “It was not the Gods who created these creatures.”
Kaphalos threw his head back in harsh laughter. “The Lord of Angrääl has seen to that, hasn't he?”
Kaphalos rose to his feet, turning his back on the table. “You think I am ignorant to the goings on in of the human world? I know what you would have our people do, and I will have no part in it.”
“Then you would sit idle while the fate of our people hangs in the balance?” Theopolou challenged.
“The fate of our people was sealed the moment the human plague set foot on this world,” said Kaphalos. “The Great War was only the end result.”
“But it does not have to be the end,” Linis cried. “Can't you see that?”
Kaphalos spun around. “I see more than you know, seeker.” His eyes fixed on Gewey. “I see what you have brought among us. You think he will save us? Do you?”
Gewey's heart raced. Did he know?
“You're wrong,” said Theopolou. “Our people may still rise again. But we must not succumb to our own stubborn nature. We need the humans if we are to resist Angrääl.”
“Resist?” Kaphalos scoffed. “What resistance can you offer? The humans will scatter before the might of the army that now gathers. Once they are gone, we will be annihilated.”
“There is something you do not know,” said Theopolou. “We have recovered the Book of Souls.”
Kaphalos raised an eyebrow. “Have you? How nice. But even if you can open it, and even if it tells you how to defeat your enemies, what then? Do you not see what will happen?”
“I see that we will survive,” said Theopolou.
“Survive, yes,” Kaphalos retorted. “But to what purpose? The humans will not suffer those unlike themselves. Our people will be absorbed, and our race will cease to exist. I have already heard rumors that one half-breed walks the earth even now.”
Gewey tensed. This did not go unnoticed by Kaphalos.
“Human,” said Kaphalos to Gewey. “If that is even what I should call you. Somehow I think not.” His face was one of disgust. “Theopolou wisely instructed you not to speak. But I would know your thoughts. Would you have human and elf live as one?”
Gewey took a deep breath, trying to steady his nerves. “Yes, I would.” There was a long pause.
“That's all you have to say? Surely you have more than that.”
“I don't know what you want of me,” said Gewey. “I know you are wise, and I know that you believe you are of a right mind.” He chose his next words carefully. “I would not presume to debate you in matters that are beyond my understanding. So I don't see what I can offer you.”
“You offer nothing,” agreed Kaphalos. “At least nothing I would have from you. Still, I am interested in your reasons for trying to deceive me.”
Gewey was aghast and suddenly afraid. Kaylia shot him a glance, feeling his dismay through their bond.
Kaphalos let out a malicious laugh. “You have not told them that you have bonded yourself to an elf woman?” This caused the elves to stir. “Theopolou has kept this a secret as well, I see.” He shook his head slowly. “Did you really think I wouldn't know? I knew the moment I saw them.”
“I don't see what that has to do with anything,” Gewey growled with irritation.
“You wouldn't,” said Kaphalos. “But it just confirms what I have already said. You are the first, but you will not be the last.”
“Is this true?” Akakios asked Theopolou, appalled.
“It is,” said Theopolou. “Gewey and Kaylia have bonded their spirits.”
“Why keep this from us?” he demanded.
“It was not for me to reveal,” Theopolou replied. “The bonding is a personal matter and not to be spoken of lightly. I made my choice. You do not have to agree with it.”
The elves were clearly upset but calmed themselves and continued to listen.
“I am bonded to Kaylia,” announced Gewey in a clear strong voice. “I know this may anger you, but it was not my intent to do so. But know that I'm in no way ashamed.”
“Nor am I,” added Kaylia.
“It matters not,” Kaphalos said. “It is unlikely either of you will live long enough to regret it. Angrääl will march soon and slaughter us all.”
“Is there nothing I can say to convince you to come?” asked Theopolou.
“You know there is not,” Kaphalos replied. “But you needn't fear. I will not hinder you. There would be no point.”
Theopolou bowed his head. “Then we will take our leave.” Linis gathered the Vrykol head.
“Farewell,” said Kaphalos. “Perhaps we will meet again before we rejoin the creator. If not, know that I hold you in high regard... though we do not see eye to eye.”
“As do I,” said Theopolou.
They left the house and filed back down the walkway. Once they had reached the beginning of the trail that led to the house of Kaphalos, Akakios halted.
“My Lord Theopolou,” said Akakios. “We must speak... all of us.” The other elves nodded in agreement.
“And what would you speak about?” Theopolou asked.
“I think you know,” replied Akakios. “I have never questioned you before. But to knowingly protect someone who has...” He could hardly speak the words. “Bonded with a human.”
/> Theopolou crossed his arms. “So you would have me kill her here and now, I suppose? You would have me break my word? You ask if I would dishonor myself?”
“No,” Akakios stammered. “But you help her to avoid judgment by offering your protection.”
“I am doing nothing of the kind,” said Theopolou. “Kaylia has agreed to face judgment according to our laws, upon the completion of her task and not before. She entered into this bargain in good faith. You should know that, despite our laws, her life is sought even now by the very elders whom we are going to meet.”
“Before judgment?” gasped Akakios. “Why?”
“They feel as Kaphalos,” Theopolou explained. “They harbor hatred from the Great War, and they fear a mixing of the races will be the end of our kind. I share some of these fears. But I will not turn my back on our traditions because I lack the courage to do what is right.”
Akakios bowed his head “You are right, of course. Forgive me.”
Theopolou smiled kindly. “There is nothing to forgive. But you should know that there are other things I hold as secret and have not told you. I will tell you now if you feel you must know.” His eyes scanned his guard. They look embarrassed to have questioned their master’s motives.
Gewey snapped to attention. “You cannot,” pleaded Kaylia.
“I can,” corrected Theopolou. “And I will if I must.”
“Lord,” said Akakios. “If you feel we should not know, it is enough.”
Theopolou thought for a long moment. “No,” he said. “You deserve to know what is so important that I would hide things from my most trusted companions.” He turned to Gewey. “Step forward.”
Gewey obeyed, keenly aware that Kaylia was at his right side fingering her knife. Linis slid to his left.
“You may have wondered how Gewey was able to kill two Vrykol so easily,” Theopolou began. “Some may have guessed that he is a half-man.” A few of the elves nodded. “You are only half right. Before you stands the only being ever born from the union of two Gods. Before you stands a God who walks the earth as a human.”
There was dead silence and all eyes fell on Gewey. Akakios was the first to speak. “This is true?”
“It is,” Gewey affirmed “But I only found out a few weeks ago. I've lived my entire life as a human. Until Lee proved it to me, I didn't know anything.”
“It is why he is here,” said Theopolou. “We hope he will be able to open the Book of Souls.”
“Why would he need it?” asked Akakios. “Could he not simply go and defeat the Lord of Angrääl? If he is a God, does he not possess such power?”
“I don't know much about my power, or what I can or can't do,” admitted Gewey. “I am only now discovering my abilities.”
“But you're a God?” countered Akakios. “A God!”
“True,” interjected Linis. “But he is not all powerful. He can be injured... maybe even killed. It would be foolish to send him to confront The Dark One until he is ready.”
“Angrääl is not what concerns me,” said Akakios. “It was the Gods that split our people. It is our lives I worry about.”
“I would never harm you or your people,” said Gewey. “I swear it. If my kind have hurt you, I am sorry. But I am not them.”
“Even so,” said Akakios. “You are one of them.”
“I would ask that you trust my judgment in this matter,” said Theopolou. “Gewey is not to be harmed in any way. We need him.”
“I beg that you give us a few moments to consider what you have revealed,” said Akakios.
Theopolou nodded his consent. Gewey, Kaylia, Linis and Theopolou watched as the others gathered in a tight circle, speaking in hushed tones. Minutes ticked by and Gewey's nerves began to unravel. Kaylia gave his hand a light squeeze and smiled. This calmed him.
After several more minutes, the elves broke their circle and slowly walk toward Gewey. “You have done me no harm,” said Akakios. “And I trust my Lord. We will do nothing against you as long as Theopolou commands it. That you have bonded with one of our kind is troubling, but I see nothing that can be done, short of killing you both. As you are not subject to our laws, I see no call for that.”
“I thank you,” said Gewey bowing low. “But understand that should Kaylia face judgment, I will stand with her.”
“As her mate, that is your right,” said Akakios.
“We have yet to complete the bonding,” interjected Kaylia. “And should I be sentenced to death I will not.”
Gewey turned to Kaylia. “What do you mean?”
Kaylia locked eyes with him. “If the bond is sealed and I die, you die as well. I will not have that.”
“You would doom his soul?” asked Theopolou.
“What do you mean?” asked Kaylia. “I would save his life.”
“You know as well as I what happens when the bond is left unsealed for too long,” said Theopolou. “It is the same if you die. His soul will be torn apart.”
“Is there nothing to be done?” she asked.
“To my knowledge, no,” he answered. “You should have considered this beforehand.” “It wasn't her fault,” said Gewey. “It wasn't something either of us planned.”
“I see,” the old elf muttered. “Then there is only one thing to be done. You must seal the bond between you. If your souls reached out without prior knowledge, then there can be no other choice.”
Kaylia stared in disbelief. “You would have me complete the bond? But I—”
“You should think more, and act less,” said Theopolou. “I have no desire to see you, or any elf, bonded to anyone other than an elf. But that does not change the facts. Keep in mind that I advise you as your uncle, not an elder. As an elder I would see you judged.”
“I understand, uncle,” said Kaylia. “Thank you.”
“We should depart,” said Linis. “There is a clearing about two hour’s march where we can make camp.”
“Agreed,” said Theopolou. “We have tarried long enough.”
Chapter Eleven
Travel for the next two days was uneventful. At first, the elves kept their distance from Gewey, but by the morning of the second day, their curiosity got the better of them. Gewey tried to answer their questions as best he could, but soon it became apparent that he didn't have the information they wanted. He knew nothing about heaven, the Creator or immortality.
The day before they arrived at Theopolou's home, Theopolou asked to speak with Gewey and Kaylia alone. They walked a few yards from their evening camp and sat on a large fallen dogwood.
“When we arrive tomorrow,” Theopolou began. “I will ask that you keep to your quarters until you are summoned.” He looked at them disapprovingly. “And you will be housed separately.”
“We do not share quarters,” said Gewey, turning bright red.
“Good,” said Theopolou. “Until you have completed your bond you should not.”
“I may not share your opinions on humans,” said Kaylia. “But I am no scortus.”
“What's a scortus?” asked Gewey.
“A woman of ill repute,” Kaylia replied.
“I was not implying that you were,” said Theopolou. “But I'm still your uncle and am protective of your honor.”
“I would not dishonor Kaylia,” said Gewey, with all the sincerity he could muster through his embarrassment.
Theopolou cracked a smile. “I believe you.” Then his smile faded. “Now, listen to me, both of you. You must keep out of sight until I call for you.”
“How long will we have to wait?” asked Gewey.
Theopolou shrugged. “An hour. A day. There is no way to know. But you must stay put no matter what. Each of you will have a guard outside your door.”
Kaylia's eyes narrowed. ”Do you expect treachery?”
“No,” Theopolou replied. “But I will be prepared nonetheless. Timing will be crucial, and I will get us every advantage I can. Since I opposed your assassination, I have lost support. I still hold position an
d influence, but not as much as before. You must do exactly as I tell you.”
Gewey and Kaylia both nodded in agreement.
“Good,” said Theopolou, satisfied. “Now we must rest. Tomorrow we will arrive. I can only hope we get there before the others.”
They slept for only a few hours and were on their way long before daybreak. By midday, the forest grew thicker until it was nearly impenetrable. Gewey snagged his clothes countless times on thorns and brambles, and the insects swarmed, making a feast of his flesh. The elves seemed unaffected, deftly hopping between the trees and thick brush, avoiding thorns and low hanging branches as if they weren't there.
Linis noticed Gewey's difficulty. “Stay just behind me,” he said. “Do as I do.” Gewey tried his best to follow Linis' every move, and was able to lessen his hurts considerably. Still, he managed a few extra scrapes before the forest thinned.
“How can he stand to live in such a place?” Gewey asked.
“A bit much to get through, for anyone other than an elf.” Linis chuckled. “It is why we choose such places. Most of our dwellings are not easily accessible, even our towns. Some you could never find unless you knew exactly where to look.”
Gewey tried to imagine what an elf town would look like. Majesty and magic must be everywhere. Then he dismissed the notion. So far, he had been far from the mark. Kaphalos lived in a house, but although it was well-built and beautiful, it was nothing like he had pictured.
The forest thinned even more, and soon Gewey found himself walking along a colorful cobblestone street. It was wide enough that the party could walk four abreast comfortably.
Theopolou turned back to Gewey. “Once we reach the end of the road, Akakios will guide you and Kaylia to your quarters. You should be able to get there unseen. The servants will be preparing the house, and we are the first party to arrive.”
“How can you tell?” asked Gewey.
“It's my house,” replied Theopolou. “I know when someone is about. Not even Linis could enter my land without my notice.”
The road ended at an immense gateway, twenty feet high and solid as steel. It shined like silver and bore long, carved ivory handles. A polished granite wall spanned east and west farther than Gewey's eyes could see. He stared in wonder. Even the walls of a human city weren't so well constructed, and the gate looked as if nothing could bring it down.
The Godling Chronicles 02 - Of Gods And Elves Page 11