“Yes,” she replied. “He is not plotting against us.”
The elders announced that they were to remain where they were for a few hours, then start out again before daybreak. Kaylia, Gewey, and Linis went off a few yards from the others while Theopolou spoke privately with Bellisia.
Chiron approached. Gewey and the others stood and bowed. Chiron bowed in return. He looked different than Theopolou. Though he was the same age, he seemed younger and less careworn of spirit. His hair still held its deep brown color, and he walked with a light spring in his step.
“You have courage, Gewey Stedding,” said Chiron, once he reached them. “To face the council of elders within the Chamber of the Maker, and do so after bonding with one of our own kind...” he laughed softly. “Truly remarkable.”
“Are you here to convince me not to go through with it?” asked Gewey.
“Not at all,” Chiron replied. “Besides, what can be done now? Your spirits are already joined. You have very little choice in the matter. That is, unless you intend to allow your souls to rend asunder.”
“You are friend to my uncle,” said Kaylia.
“I am,” he replied. “For many years we have been as brothers.”
“Then I am a friend to you,” she said.
Chiron smiled, then his eyes fell on Gewey. “And what of you? Shall you be a friend to me as well?”
“If you would like,” Gewey replied. “I am eager to befriend the people of my future unorem.”
Chiron cocked his head. “I see you have been learning our customs. In that case, allow me to educate you further.” He took a seat on the grass. Gewey and the others did likewise. “Has anyone told you of the rite of pudnaris?”
Gewey shook his head.
Chiron glanced to Kaylia then Linis. “Then your friends have been neglectful of your education.”
“I...” began Linis. But one look from Chiron silenced him.
“Let me explain,” said Chiron. “Pudnaris is when a suitor is challenged for his right to join with his intended mate. This challenge can be made by anyone, as long as they can give valid cause.”
“Who could have cause?” asked Kaylia. “I have accepted no other suitor.”
“True,” said Chiron. “But there are other arguments to be made to support the pudnaris besides a potential rival.”
“Like what?” asked Gewey.
“In this case, anything,” he replied.
“Why are you telling me this?” asked Gewey.
“I tell you because you have the right to know. Many will oppose this. Perhaps enough to risk their lives to stop you.” He scrutinized Gewey for a moment. “We know that you control great power, and open battle with you is a risk. We also know of your fight with the Vrykol. If Theopolou is correct and that is what they truly were, the fact that you defeated it tells us what we need to know about your skill.” He pointed at Gewey's sword that hung at his side. “And to face that weapon is to face death, in the hands of someone who can use the flow to gain strength.”
“You know something about my sword?” asked Gewey.
“I know a little,” Chiron replied. “It was made during a time when elves first walked the earth, and our knowledge was vast. The art of its construction has been lost in time, but the legends remain. Only small objects can be made now and with limited uses. Whoever gave you that sword had no idea what they possessed, or they would have never given it away. It was said that such weapons could make someone powerful beyond measure.”
Gewey looked down at his sword, and thought about the first time he used it when he fought Salmitaya's soldiers. “Do you think someone will challenge me?”
“Who can say?” the elf replied. “I tell you only to warn you.” He rose to his feet. “I will inform you if I hear anything.” He spun about and strode off before Gewey could utter another word.
Gewey watched Chiron as he walked away. “I don't trust him,” he said quietly.
“He is Theopolou's friend,” said Kaylia. “And my uncle trusts him.”
“Gewey's right,” Linis interjected. “I get the same feeling. He seems all too willing to accept you. It may be nothing, but I feel something is amiss.” He rubbed his chin in thought. “Still, if Theopolou trusts him, I suppose we should as well.”
“Did you know about this pudnaris?” Gewey asked, looking to both Kaylia and Linis.
Kaylia nodded. “Yes, but I did not think it important. As an elf facing judgment and my well-known relationships with humans, I could not imagine why anyone would call for it. Not to mention that we are already bonded. That should be enough to deter any potential rivals.”
“True,” said Linis. “But if someone thought to use it to prevent your union with Gewey, things could get complicated.” He looked at Gewey with a grave expression. “If it happens, you will be exposed. The amount of flow you will need to channel, in order to defeat a determined elf will be immense. I remember when I saw you holding the power within you for the first time.”
“But you didn't guess what I was,” said Gewey.
“No,” said Linis. “But I knew you were... something different. And remember, I am not as versed in such matters as the elders. And there will be many of them at the Chamber when we arrive. You can bet they will figure it out. The only reason they have not as of yet, is that the idea of a God in human form is beyond most of our understanding or imagination.”
Gewey thought for a minute. “I don't see anything I can do about it,” he said finally. “They'll know about me one way or another, in time.”
“You have a point,” Linis agreed. “But it would be better if they found out by watching you open the Book of Souls. If Theopolou has not deceived us, you may get the chance to do so.” He reached out and placed his hand on Gewey's shoulder. “Whatever happens, Kaylia and I will stand by you. Until then, we should keep our wits about us and look for signs of trouble.”
“You still suspect Theopolou?” asked Gewey.
“I suspect that there are plans set in motion against us. This much is clear. I have not heard anything thus far that eases my suspicions.” Linis glanced over at Theopolou, then Bellisia. “Of course, our true enemy may still be revealed. Mistrust can be a powerful weapon.”
Gewey thumbed the hilt of his sword. “I want to trust Theopolou. My heart tells me to. I suppose we’ll know soon enough, won’t we?”
Linis nodded. “That we will.”
Kaylia was oddly silent, but her eyes never left her uncle.
The rest of the evening was uneventful. Gewey and Kaylia sat a few yards away from the others, talking, while Linis rejoined the elders and discussed their route. The two elves that had been sent into the forest to bury the assassin returned about an hour before it was time to depart. Their faces were somber when they rejoined their companions and they did not want to speak.
Gewey gathered his gear and checked his sword. Akakios and the other three guards had rejoined the others, leaving Linis as Gewey'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 than watching you.”
Chapter Twenty-Five
The spirits of the party did not rise with the sun. The events of the previous day weighed heavily on their minds. Aside from their footfalls and the rustling of gear, not a sound could be heard. Kaylia continued to stay by Theopolou's side, while Linis and Gewey stayed to the rear. Gewey felt more at ease where eyes could not easily watch him. Though the pace had slowed a bit, they were still able to cover many miles before they made camp for the night. The evening mood was as dreary and quiet as it was during the day, though it 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 the main camp. Six guards surrounded them, far enough away so that they did not intrude, but Gewey still felt une
asy as he noticed the contemptuous 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 seat by the fire.
“I appreciate it,” said Gewey. “I need all the help I can get.”
“Indeed,” said Theopolou. “The coming days will be difficult. Lord Chiron and I both agree that we must find a way for our people to survive the coming storm... even if it means allying ourselves with the humans for a time.”
“Others will argue that it is the humans who march,” added Chiron. “The King of Angrääl was himself a member of Amon Dähl, and his armies are human, even if it 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 unleashed upon the world. And the elves that think him the reincarnation of King Rätsterfel are just as blind, and twice as stupid.”
“I cannot argue,” Chiron admitted. “But you must take into account that many of our people are weary of what has become of us. They no longer want to live in the shadows, yet they cannot bear to live side by side with humans.”
“What do you think?” Gewey asked Chiron.
“In my opinion the elves should leave,” he replied. “There are legends of lands beyond the great Western Abyss. It is said that my people once dwelt there. Perhaps it is time we returned.”
“Those are just legends, as you say,” said Theopolou. “And we have sent ships across the Abyss. None have ever returned.”
Chiron smiled and laughed softly. “I suppose this will be a discussion to be had once our people are no longer facing extinction. In the meantime we have matters to resolve.” He turned to Gewey. “You will face intense opposition when you face the entire council of elders. Some, perhaps many, will wish to aid you, but few will say so openly. It is important that you convince more than just Theopolou and me to speak in your favor. To do this you must open the Book of Souls.” He eyed Gewey intensely. “Theopolou is confident that you can do this. Can you?”
Gewey thought for a long moment then said, “I don't know.”
“That’s not the answer I was hoping for,” said Chiron. “But it will do. If you are challenged for the right to bond with Kaylia, you must wait until after the bonding to speak to the council. You have until sunrise of the next day to answer the challenge, so
you must not act before then. If the Book is opened and you are proven to be the fulfillment of prophesy, then not only will you likely avoid further challenges, but almost certainly gain the support you need.”
“What if we waited until I opened the Book to complete the bond?” suggested Gewey.
“Risky,” remarked Linis. “If you are not successful—”
“Then Gewey and I will still complete the rite,” Kaylia interjected.
“The fact is,” said Theopolou, “there is no way to tell what will happen until we arrive. I suspect all of our plans will be useless. We will be entering an atmosphere alien to us 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 and the others sprang to their feet and drew their weapons. One of the elves that had been guarding Gewey ran up to them.
“We have an intruder,” said the elf.
“An intruder,” Linis exclaimed. “How did anyone get past the watch?”
The elf shook his head. “I don't know. He just appeared out of nowhere.”
“Is it an elf?” Theopolou asked.
“No,” the guard replied. “He looks human but...”
“But what?” Chiron pressed.
“I'm not sure what to make of him,” the elf stammered. “He doesn't smell like a human.”
“Take us to him,” ordered Theopolou.
The guard bowed sharply and led Theopolou and the others through the camp, to its opposite edge. A group of elves gathered in a circle with their weapons drawn, surrounding a small, cloaked figure, leaning on a long, ash walking staff. Theopolou pushed his way between two elves and stood directly in front of the newcomer.
“Who are you?” Theopolou demanded. “What do you want?”
The figure did not look up. “I seek a child of heaven, 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 haggard features and crooked grin. “I see you remember old Felsafell... but of course, of course. You are not daft. Your mind is sharp, oh yes it is.” He took a few steps toward Gewey. The elves gave way.
“What are you doing here?” asked Gewey.
“I have come again to see the world,” he replied. “The spirits are gone and the wind has risen. Blown away my friends, it has. The darkness comes and the first born shall have one final adventure.”
“You claim to be Felsafell.” Bellisia stepped forward. “How do we know this is who you really are?”
“Ah yes,” Felsafell laughed. “The child of discontent, who sought me out. Did not find me. Could not find me. Cannot find herself. Lost you became, and lost you are still. Indeed, indeed. With troubled past and uncertain future. She still seeks the thing she once lost.”
Bellisia glared at Felsafell but fell silent.
This time Theopolou stepped forward. “If you are Felsafell, we welcome you. Your wisdom has helped our people for many ages past. But please, explain to us why you are here.”
Felsafell's smile vanished. “The wisest of the fallen speaks. Fallen from grace you are, yet in you, the spark remains. But I fear it fades. Like me and my brothers and sisters, fading from memory. Sad, sad, sad. The end nears for us both. But perhaps you may be saved. Oh, yes, I have seen the many paths. The trails of joy and sorrow join together.”
“You speak in riddles,” said Theopolou. “If you know something, tell us.”
“Know?” Felsafell sighed. “I know many things. Yes, I do. But none to help you. Alone is the journey of the second born. To what end shall be your task to discover. I come to aid the heaven child. Nothing less and nothing more.”
Gewey walked up to Felsafell and bowed low. “I never had the chance to thank you for what you did for me. If it were not 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 will indeed. Oh, yes.” He looked across the gathering. “I know you have questions. Always questions for old Felsafell. But be mindful of what you ask. You may learn what you should not know.”
“So you intend to accompany us?” asked Chiron.
“I do, I do” he replied. “If you will have me. To learn to speak in the world again. An adventure that I did not see. Thought I would fade. Fade away and join my kin. But they have been stolen. The first are all gone.”
“You may join us,” said Gewey.
“You speak without authority,” snapped Bellisia. “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. “Rest is what I need. At least for a while. Questions after. Questions waiting.”
“Come with me,” said Gewey, offering his hand.
Felsafell smiled cheerfully and allowed Gewey to lead him through the camp to where he had set up his bedroll.
“You can take my blanket,” said Gewey. “I'm not tired.”
“A kind child of heaven you are,” said Felsafell. He plopped down on the ground and wrapped himself in the blanket. In seconds, he was breathing deeply.
“I can't believe he is here,” remarked Kaylia. “I wonder what he wants.”
“Whatever it is, he sure has stirred up the elders,” said Gewey, almost amus
ed.
Theopolou approached. “We would like to speak with you,” he said. It was clear he did not share Gewey's amusement.
Gewey, Kaylia, and Linis followed Theopolou to the far side of the camp where the elders, along with their escorts, had gathered. They eyed Gewey as they shuffled uneasily and whispered to each other.
“How is it you know of Felsafell?” Bellisia demanded.
Gewey considered for a moment whether or not to mention his experience in the spirit world, and decided not to. “I met him in the Spirit Hills, after escaping from an agent of the Dark One.”
“And how did you come upon him?” asked Lord Aneili.
Gewey recounted the story of his encounter (leaving out things that would suggest his origin).
“You stayed in his home?” said Chiron. “Remarkable. Many of my people have sought out Felsafell. Some never to return. But even those who found him have never been afforded such a privilege.”
“We're still not certain that is the real Felsafell,” countered Bellisia.
“You seemed certain enough when he spoke to you a moment ago,” said Theopolou.
“Gewey appears to believe him, and of all of us he seems to have the most personal knowledge.”
“Suppose this is Felsafell,” said Lady Leora. “Is it wise to have him among us?”
Lord Endymion laughed. “Just what would you have us do, Leora? Kill him? He walked straight into our camp without being 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, but is there anything you can tell us that might explain his being here?”
Bellisia leveled her gaze on Gewey. “Indeed, child of heaven. That is what he called you, is it not? 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's not his way.”
“Tell that to my brother,” cried one of Chiron's escort. “He vanished in the Spirit Hills seeking Felsafell's so-called wisdom, never to be seen again.”
“I don't think Felsafell did anything to your brother,” said Gewey. “He warned me when I was with him that the spirits would try and trick you. They could make you lost and confused. If your bother disappeared I would think the spirits are the villains, not Felsafell.”
The Godling Chronicles 02 - Of Gods And Elves Page 22