“A fact we don't want them to know,” added Kaylia. “Some of them probably suspect you of being a half-man, and that's bad enough. But at least it explains your ability to channel the powers of the earth. If you unleashed those powers upon them, and were forced to defend yourself, we would be faced with a whole new set of problems.” She reached over and touched Gewey's arm, causing him to blush. “After we complete the bonding, there will nothing they can say or do.”
“Which brings a question,” said Linis. “Who shall preside over the ceremony?”
“Theopolou would do it, if I asked,” replied Kaylia. “but I fear it would jeopardize his position among the others. I was hoping you might do us the honor. As a seeker, it is within your right.”
Linis bowed his head. “I would be honored to do so. But, I still think you should speak to your uncle about this. He has done nothing to oppose your union with Gewey, though I am certain he is not happy about it. In fact, he has pressed you to follow through with it, if I am not mistaken.”
“You are right, of course,” said Kaylia. “I will speak to him tomorrow.”
“Do you think Theopolou is really in danger?” asked Gewey.
“I do,” answered Linis. “But from who, I cannot say.”
“Bellisia seems the most likely candidate,” said Gewey. “She all but threatened to have me killed.”
Linis furled his brow and shook his head. “I would not be so quick to pass judgment on Lady Bellisia. Her hatred is limited to humans and well... the Gods. She opposes Theopolou, but it is hard for me to imagine her conspiring with humans for any reason. Even if it meant regaining our kingdoms and lands.”
“Who then?” asked Kaylia. “Certainly not Lord Chiron. He has been as a brother to Theopolou since they were children. Lord Aneili is the only other elder that wanted Theopolou called to judgment, but it's hard to imagine him doing anything so dishonest. The rest are Theopolou's allies.”
“Are they?” asked Linis, “I'm not so sure. You cannot be betrayed by your enemies, only your friends.”
“Are you sure there is a plot?” asked Gewey.
Linis shook his head. “You hit upon it, my friend. I suspect there is. I feel there is. But I do not know it. Everything I have predicted would happen, and needed to happen, has happened. Theopolou is exposed, and you are unprotected... at least they think you are.” Linis leaned in and whispered. “My seekers are near, should we be attacked or should someone attempt to follow us.”
This comforted Gewey, and he could feel Kaylia's mood lift as well. “How long until we arrive?” he asked.
“Normally, it would take more than a week,” Linis replied with amusement. “But they seek to exhaust you by maintaining a pace no human could endure for very long. At this rate we will be there in five days, maybe less.”
Gewey smiled. “I'll try and look tired.”
“I will rejoin Theopolou,” said Kaylia. “I suggest you use this time to prepare for our ceremony.” She rose to her feet and walked off in the direction of the others.
“She's right,” said Linis. “You would not wish to anger your unorem on your first day of bonding.”
“Unorem?” asked Gewey.
Linis laughed. “Wife is how you would say it. But partner might be more accurate.”
Gewey blushed and whispered. “Unorem...” He looked up at Linis. “I hope I'm ready for this.”
“You're ready,” assured Linis. “And if you are not, then you soon will be. In fact, I envy you. It takes courage to enter into the bonding. To share that much of oneself is not a matter to be taken lightly, yet I cannot help but wonder what it would be like.”
“Do you have an... unorem?” asked Gewey.
“No,” Linis replied. “I loved once. But my life as a seeker kept me ever from her. In time she chose another.”
“And now,” he asked. “Is there anyone?”
Linis paused for a long moment. “There is someone I desire. And I believe she desires me. But, I fear I will never have the chance to find out.”
“Who is it?” Gewey pressed. “Tell me.”
Linis smiled dolefully. “It is not in our custom to ask such questions.”
“I'm sorry,” said Gewey. “But it's not like I would know her. The only elves I know are mostly here with us.”
“And what makes you think she is an elf?” asked Linis.
“You mean she's human?” exclaimed Gewey. Akakios and the other guards looked up for a second, then returned to their meal.
“You must learn discretion,” Linis scolded. “I did not say she was human. I did not say anything.” He sighed. “I will tell you. But you must keep this knowledge to yourself.”
“I swear.” Gewey leaned forward.
“Celandine,” said Linis.
“Dina?” Gewey laughed as quietly as he could manage.
“Is it in your custom to make sport of a friend’s emotions?” he said.
Gewey calmed himself. “I'm sorry. Really. It's just unexpected. When did this happen?”
“I knew I felt something for her the moment we met,” said Linis. “Though at the time I thought she was fully human. Then, it was easy enough to dismiss. I would live hundreds of years, and she would grow old and die. I would not court her only to watch her slip away. But when I touched her hand for the first time and felt the elf blood coursing through her veins, it became clear to me that I could not simply ignore what I felt.”
“And you say she feels the same way?” asked Gewey.
Linis shrugged. “I can tell she feels something. But what, I don't know. If we both live through this adventure, I intend to find out.”
Gewey slapped him on the shoulder. “We'll live through this. And when we do, I just know it will work out for you.”
“Perhaps,” he said. “But that is a question only the future can answer. For now, we must concern ourselves with more immediate issues.”
Linis spent the next few hours going over the ceremony with Gewey, having him repeat it back to him over and over. Once Linis was satisfied they had covered as much as they could, the two of them lay down to sleep for what little time remained. Gewey could feel Kaylia through their bond and was tempted to reach out, but decided not to risk trouble with the elders. He still wasn't sure of the extent of their abilities and didn't want to stir things up until he had to.
Chapter Twenty-Three
An hour before sunrise they were underway again. Linis spent the first few hours picking up where they had left off the night before. The bonding ceremony wasn't very complex, but Linis had made it clear to Gewey that each part held great significance, and it was very important to get it right.
“I have never seen the bonding performed,” he said. “And I don't really understand the bonding in the same way that Theopolou would. But, as you are connected with Kaylia's spirit already, I don't think it will be difficult for you.”
“I hope not,” said Gewey.
Linis threw his arm around Gewey's neck. “Don't worry. Things will go as planned. Besides, you are about to become the envy of many an elf.”
They went over the ceremony a few more times, then let their conversation drift to lighter subjects. Gewey's guards kept their distance, but by midday Akakios joined in. He had heard of Linis and held him in high regard, despite the fact that he had been named a traitor.
They covered another forty miles before they stopped. Gewey noticed the elves occasionally glancing over at him to see if he were tiring. Gewey knew it would be wise to feign fatigue, but his pride wouldn't let him. Every time he caught one their eyes he would smile happily and whistle. This brought fierce stares and chatter among the elders. All except, of course, Theopolou.
Once camped, Kaylia joined them again. She looked burdened with worry. “What’s wrong?” asked Gewey.
“Theopolou,” she replied. “He doesn't seem well.”
“You mean he's ill?” asked Gewey.
Kaylia shook her head. “Not ill. It’s like he is... draine
d, weary.”
Linis smiled sympathetically. “Theopolou is very old, Kaylia. Perhaps this trip, and our quick pace, is too much for him.”
Kaylia shook her head. “I know, but it's more than that. It's as if his spirit is being drained from him.”
“I might be able to help,” offered Gewey.
“How do you mean?” asked Linis.
“I could... give him part of what I have” said Gewey. Then he shook his head. “No. That's not what I mean. I... I can't describe it, but I think I can put power from the earth inside him.”
Linis looked at Gewey in wonder for a moment. “How did you learn to do such a thing? Only the greatest of elf sages have ever been able to do this.”
“I don't know,” he admitted. “I don't really know that I can. I just feel that I can. Ever since I journeyed to the spirit world, the first time, I keep getting these... impressions. It's like I know I can do a thing, but I don't know what it is.” He rubbed his chin. “I don't understand it, but I think I can help Theopolou... if he'll let me.”
“I'll ask him,” said Kaylia and rose to speak to her uncle. She paused and looked down at Gewey and smiled. “Thank you.” With that, she walked off to speak to Theopolou.
A short time later Kaylia returned, accompanied by Theopolou. The old elf sat next to Gewey, though he did not look at him.
“Kaylia says you have the ability to transfer the flow from yourself to another,” Theopolou remarked.
“I think so,” said Gewey.
Theopolou turned to Kaylia then to Gewey. “Then you are not certain?”
“Not entirely,” Gewey admitted. “But like I told Linis and Kaylia, when I woke up from being in the spirit world, I felt like I knew things... without really knowing them. I know I can do this. And if you're ill you should let me try.”
Theopolou scrutinized Gewey for a long moment. “I'm neither ill nor tired as Kaylia might think, but something is wrong.” He stood up slowly. “I feel as if the energy of the earth is somehow being drained from me.”
“Drained how?” asked Linis.
“I don't know. I have never encountered this before. I have attempted to track down the source, but so far unsuccessfully.”
“Could it be one of the elders?” asked Gewey.
“I don't think so,” said Theopolou. “Of all the elders and other elves here, only Chiron has a stronger connection than I... and perhaps Linis. Neither could do this. Actually, you are the only one here with such ability.”
“I swear—” Gewey began to protest, but Theopolou held up his hand.
“I did not mean to suggest that you had anything to do with it,” said Theopolou. “Only that you are the only one I am aware of that could. It is possible another has somehow gained this ability. And it may not be anyone. It just may be an anomaly.” His eyes grew sad. “Our people have lost so much knowledge. Even the wisest of us are mere children compared to our ancestors. They had such vast knowledge in matters of the flow, it is said they could trace it to its source.”
Linis joined Theopolou in his melancholy. “Yes. The seekers of old were said to have been able to out run a deer, and hear the heartbeat of a rabbit from one-hundred yards away.”
“I do not think it is wise for you to give me your flow,” said Theopolou. “But I would ask that Linis help me track down the culprit, if there is one.” Then as if a wave had hit him, he staggered.
Gewey jumped up and placed his hand on Theopolou's shoulder. He could feel the elf tense at the unfamiliar contact, so he withdrew and took a step back. “Are you…”
Theopolou waved him off. “I'm fine.”
“No, you're not,” argued Kaylia. “You should let Gewey try to help you.” Linis nodded in agreement. “I...”
Suddenly he looked up to see that Akakios, standing a few feet away, eyes ablaze, his bow drawn and pointed at Gewey. Linis reached for his dagger, but it was too late. The arrow loosed. Time stood still as it flew through the air and Kaylia tried desperately to throw herself in its path. But instead of piercing Gewey’s flesh, it flew past him, missing his throat by a hair’s breadth, and buried itself into the chest of an elf wielding a vicious looking dagger, just a few feet behind them. He gasped, clutched at the arrow, and fell to his knees. Kaylia and Linis were already running towards him, while Gewey threw his arms around Theopolou and pressed him towards the guards.
“Unhand me, boy,” boomed Theopolou.
Gewey ignored his protests. When he was in range of the guards, he shoved Theopolou in their direction. “Protect him,” Gewey commanded. The elves obeyed without question, surrounding the elder.
Gewey ran to Akakios' pack and retrieved his sword. It sang as he pulled it free from its scabbard, and he could feel the warm throb of the earth rush through him. By this time, Kaylia and Linis had reached the assassin, and were trying to remove the arrow.
“To arms,” yelled Gewey, alerting the others, who by this time knew something was wrong and had begun forming a protective circle around the elders.
Gewey ran to Kaylia and Linis. The wounded elf was struggling against them, trying to reach into his belt. Gewey dropped to the ground, and with all his strength, grabbed the elf's wrists and pinned them to the ground. The assassin’s eyes shot wide when he felt the power in Gewey's grasp. Realizing he was far outmatched, the elf relaxed. Still, Linis, Kaylia, and Gewey did not release their hold.
“Who are you?” roared Linis.
The wounded elf said nothing and turned his head.
Gewey could hear the camp organizing a search of the nearby forest. He looked at the elf carefully. Then he closed his eyes, allowing the power of the earth to flow like a relentless tide and reach every fiber of this being.
“Gewey,” whispered Kayla. “What are you doing?”
Gewey took a deep breath. “I am going to get some answers.” Releasing his wrists, he placed his hands on the wounded elf's chest.
The ground hummed for a moment as Gewey let the power flow from him around the elf's body. “You can let him go,” he said to Linis and Kaylia. “He cannot move.”
Slowly Linis and Kaylia relaxed. They marveled at the sight they beheld. Gewey smiled as he also removed his hands. Still the wounded elf could not move.
“What have you done to him?” gasped Linis.
“Nothing,” Gewey replied. “I am just using the same power you do. Only I'm using it to hold the elf down.”
“Amazing,” said Linis, half smiling.
Gewey nodded then turned his attention back to his prisoner. “You will tell me what I need to know.” His voiced was grim and intimidating. “Who sent you?”
The elf glared with hatred and fear. “Curse you and all of your kind,” he hissed, and looked at Kaylia. “And you...”
“Careful,” Gewey warned, then let the power squeeze in tightly. The elf gasped. “Traitor,” he managed to say.
Gewey could hear some of the elves making their way toward them. In a flash, Theopolou appeared with his knife in hand and slit the elf's throat. Blood soaked the elf's shirt and spilled onto the ground. Gewey immediately released his hold on him, but it was too late. His eyes met Gewey's for one final moment before death overcame him. Pure hatred was the only thing Gewey could see. Then the blank stare of oblivion. He heard a thud, as the knife hit the ground beside the slain captive’s head.
Theopolou turned to the others who were still a few feet away. “He is dead. I have killed him.”
Chiron walked up to the body and examined it carefully. “He has no markings and his clothes could be from anywhere. The dagger is common as well. The stains and scrapes on his boots suggest that he has traveled through the mountains.” He turned to the others. “Does anyone recognize him?”
Each elf in turn examined the body, but none could place his face or guess at his origin. Even Linis could not find a clue. After it was clear that no one could solve the puzzle, the elders gathered in a small circle to decide their next move. They invited Linis to join them, but made
it clear that Gewey and Kaylia were to remain with Akakios and the other three guards. Akakios looked as if he wanted to ask for Gewey's sword, but did not.
The elders talked for about an hour then split up to tell their plan to the others. Linis approached Gewey, his eyes aflame.
“Fools,” spat Linis. “Bloody fools!” “What is it?” asked Gewey.
Akakios and the three guards had joined them.
“They want to press on even faster,” he replied, in disgust. “And they still will not allow my seekers to join us.”
“You told them they were near?” asked Kaylia.
“I had no choice. Whoever the assassin was, he had the skills to slip past my people. If there are more out there, we won't be able to notice them if we travel too fast. And if they allowed my seekers to come among us, we could move at speed and avoid a trap.” He checked his weapon. “I need to speak to my comrades. I'll return soon.” He dashed off into the woods and disappeared.
“Your weapon,” came Bellisia's voice from behind them.
Gewey turned to her as she walked toward them accompanied by two escorts, long knives drawn.
“If there is someone seeking to kill him,” said Theopolou. “He should be allowed to keep it.”
“You misunderstand,” she corrected. “I only wish to know where he acquired it.”
“It was a gift,” said Gewey.
“And such a gift it is,” she said. Her eyes locked with Gewey's. “I will not ask you to give it up, and I suspect that forcing it from you may prove more difficult than we would have originally suspected. Because of that, I think that you shall be dealt with first. Theopolou's judgment must wait.” She turned to Theopolou. “Once we arrive, be prepared to present your arguments in favor of this boy, and inform him of his rights.”
“You cannot do this,” said Theopolou.
“I can and will,” Bellisia shot back. “Do you think me blind? Did you think he could use that much of the flow and it would escape my notice?” She stepped toward Gewey, looking him up and down. “Whatever you are, I will get to the truth of it. And if you are a danger to my people, we need to know. That gives me the right.” She spun on her heels and strode off.
The Godling Chronicles 02 - Of Gods And Elves Page 20