“I understand, uncle,” said Kaylia. “Thank you.”
“We should depart,” said Linis. “There is a clearing about two hours’ march ahead where we can make camp.”
“Agreed,” said Theopolou. “We have tarried long enough.”
Chapter 11
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 had 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 are,” 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 and 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 that we get there before the others.”
They slept for only a few hours and were on their way once again long before daybreak. By midday, the forest grew thicker until it was nearly impenetrable. Gewey snagged his clothes countless times on thorns and brambles - insects swarmed around him making a feast of his flesh. The elves seemed unaffected by the conditions, 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 as a result was able to lessen his hurts considerably. Even so, he still managed to inflict a few extra scrapes on himself 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 way off the mark. Kaphalos lived in a house, and though 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 comfortably walk four abreast.
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 shone 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 rest of the party halted while Theopolou approached the gate. He placed his hand upon one of the handles. Suddenly, the handle hissed and glowed with a pale, white light. Then, as if by command, the gate swung outward without a sound.
“Magic,” whispered Gewey as they moved closer.
Theopolou sniffed. “It is not magic.” His eyes fell on Kaylia. “If he is to be yours, then you should teach him properly.”
Gewey could feel Kaylia's embarrassment. “I'm sorry,” he apologized to her. “I shouldn't have said anything.”
“It is not your fault.” Kaylia lowered her eyes. “I have not told you enough about us. I should have instructed you more about our ways the moment we were bonded.”
Gewey was on the point of trying to console her, but Theopolou held out his palm. Akakios moved in front of Gewey and Kaylia.
“Wait for the rest to enter,” said Akakios. “Then follow me to your quarters.”
Once Theopolou and the others were about fifty feet ahead, Akakios led them through the gate. Gewey sucked in his breath.
A solid, polished white marble path lay before him. Each stone was etched with an intricate golden inlay of elf ruins. The grounds were dotted with ancient willows and strong oaks, and wild flowers covered the area like a glorious carpet of color and splendor. Directly ahead stood a ten-foot tall, solid crystal statue of an elf maiden. Her right arm held aloft an orb surrounded by tiny vines of ivy. As the sunlight struck the orb it sparkled and split, causing rainbows of light to dance playfully. The craftsmanship was far beyond anything Gewey had ever imagined possible.
But what impressed Gewey most of all was the house - if such a structure could indeed be called a house. The entire building was constructed from pure white marble, and it stood three stories high, rising to an apex. Elaborate carvings of horses, wolves, bobcats, and many other animals Gewey did not recognize, decorated the facing. Not a speck of dirt blemished its beauty, and it showed no sign whatsoever of weathering. A massive flight of stairs, as wide as the entire house, led to broad double doors made from the same gleaming metal as the gates. Lining the front and supporting the lip of the high ceiling stood six massive columns, ten feet apart and as big in circumference as a mature oak.
As Theopolou and the others passed by the crystal statue, each stopped in turn and bowed their heads.
“Come,” Akakios commanded.
He led Gewey and Kaylia to the west side of the house where three small, round buildings stood in a line separate to the main dwelling. They were crafted from smooth white stones, and the roofs glittered with quartz tiles. The doors were blond maple with a silver doorknocker in the center.
“All of the rooms are identical,” said Akakios. “Each is equipped with a shower. Food and fresh clothing will be brought to you right away.”
They thanked Akakios. Kaylia took the room nearest to the main house, and Gewey the one next to her.
When opening the door, Gewey immediately felt the welcome relief of cool air. The room was large enough for four people, and was well lit by the same strange orbs he had seen at the home of Kaphalos. Four of these orbs hung from a silver chain near to the wall. To his right was a single bed with fine linen sheets and a plump, comfortable-looking round pillow. On his left stood a small circular oak table wi
th four chairs. A plush couch with a brass table at each end had been placed at the far side of the room. But what really caught Gewey's eye was the area between the table and the couch - the shower.
Gewey nearly forgot to close the room door behind him before throwing down his pack and stripping off his clothes. Apart from slightly more elaborate fixtures and a small marble table provided for the soaps and bathing implements, this shower looked much like the one he had previously used in Lord Ganflin's manor.
Once inside, he pulled the curtain around. Remembering the shock of the water from his first experience, he twisted the knobs carefully on this occasion. Soon he lost himself in the glorious feeling of steaming hot water pouring over his body. When he finished, he grabbed a towel hanging on the wall and stepped out. To his amazement a fresh set of clothes lay neatly on the bed and a bowl of hot stew and fresh bread had been placed on the table. He had not heard the slightest sound of anyone entering or moving about.
He dried off and donned the clothes that had been provided. They were simple tan pants with a thin leather belt and shirt of the same color. The fabric was comfortable, fitted nicely, and was highly durable. A pair of calfskin moccasins and cotton socks completed the ensemble. Gewey was sat at the table and had begun to eat when the door swung open. It was Linis.
“You look very much the elf in those clothes,” remarked Linis, smiling.
“This is what elves wear? I've never seen an elf dressed this way.”
“Of course not.” Linis laughed. “This is what we wear at home while relaxing. Do you find it comfortable?”
“Very.” In fact, the longer Gewey wore the clothes the more he noticed they had certain properties. His skin felt cool and alive, and the moccasins hugged his feet to the point that he barely noticed he was wearing them. “I'd love to know how they're made. The tailors back home would go crazy for this. The cobblers, too.”
“I am sure they would,” said Linis. “But you may find it is easier to sway the minds of the elf elders than to pry the secrets from our craftsmen. They are very protective of their art.” He sat across from Gewey. “It may be some time before you can leave this room. Do you need anything? I can have it brought.”
Gewey thought for a moment. “Some books would be nice. About the elves, if possible.”
“I'm sure that can be arranged.”
“Have you seen Kaylia?”
Linis shook his head. “Not yet. I am going to see her after I leave here. Do you have a message?”
Gewey hated that he couldn't speak to her when she was just yards away. “No. I'll deliver it myself.”
Linis frowned. “You must not leave this room. Give it to me and I'll convey it.”
Gewey flashed a mischievous grin. “I don't need to leave this room to deliver my message. I agreed to stay here, and I will. But where my spirit travels is my business.”
Linis burst out laughing. “I sometimes forget what you are, and what you're capable of. Mind that you keep this ability to yourself for now. Once the elders are told of your heritage, many are likely to fear you. Give them no more reasons than necessary to do so.”
“I was wondering,” said Gewey. “The gate. How did it open?”
“By the same means you gain strength when you use the power of the earth,” Linis replied. “We can create tools and objects that can harness the flow just as you do. It is said that in ancient times the elves created things of such power that they could upend the very earth, moving entire mountains.”
Gewey’s eyes widened at the thought. “Incredible. Have you ever seen such a device?”
Linis shook his head as sadness washed over him. “No, I have not. No one has in many generations. The wisdom and knowledge of our forefathers was said to rival that of the gods. But I fear we will never regain what we have lost.”
“Maybe together we can rediscover the secret.”
Linis forced a smile. “Perhaps. I fear I will not live to see such a thing.”
“Don't say that,” said Gewey. “We're all going to make it through this alive. I swear.”
Linis furled his brow. “Never make a promise you cannot keep. Besides, I have no fear of death. It comes to us all - except perhaps to you.”
“I may be a god, but I am not immortal. Whatever I am, I'm part of this world, just as you are.” He stood and turned his back. “What bothers me is that, if I am bound to earth as a human, I may have a human lifespan. Kaylia could live for four or five hundred more years.”
Realization washed over Linis. “You're afraid that if you complete your bond she will only live a human lifetime.”
Gewey nodded and lowered his head.
“Your fears are justified,” said Linis. “But certainly that should compel you to value the time together you will have.” He stood and placed his hand on Gewey's shoulder. “Do not dwell on it. You and she are the first to have such a bond. It could be that if you have a human life, it may be extended to that of an elf. There is also the possibility that you may not die at all, and that the two of you will be able to live together forever. Whatever the case, there is nothing to be done.”
“You’re right.” Gewey sighed. “But sometimes it's hard not to think about it.”
Linis gave Gewey's shoulder a light squeeze. “I'll have the books sent. Perhaps they can occupy your thoughts.”
Gewey turned and smiled. “I'd appreciate that.”
After Linis left, Gewey lay on the bed and closed his eyes. He reached out with his mind, hoping to touch Kaylia's, but found this to be more difficult than expected. It felt as if something was blocking him. He looked inside his pack, retrieved a small flask of jawas tea, and took a long draught. He could feel its effects at once. His body and mind relaxed and his breathing deepened. He reached out again, but even now he was unable to make contact. It seemed as though a brick wall was barring his way. He tried a few more times, but always with the same result. Frustrated, he got up and began pacing the room.
The desire to leave the room and ask Kaylia if she was experiencing the same thing was nearly unbearable. But he knew to do so would cause serious trouble. Instead, he busied himself by first unpacking his things, and then by polishing and oiling his sword while sitting on the edge of the bed. The weapon never seemed to need such care, but he enjoyed the task anyway. Simply by holding it, he could feel the throbbing pulse of the earth.
He closed his eyes, allowing the flow to move through him. More and more he opened himself until every fiber of his being was saturated.
“Stop this!” cried a loud, deep voice. Theopolou was standing at the doorway, fury in his eyes.
Gewey released the power. Immediately, he longed to hold it once more.
“You must not do that again,” Theopolou told him, slamming the door behind him.
“Why?” asked Gewey. “What can it hurt?”
“Fool,” the elf grumbled. “You expose yourself when you draw that much power.”
Gewey got to his feet. “I don't understand.”
“Then understand this. Should an elder be nearby when you draw that much of the flow, you will not need to tell anyone what you are.” Theopolou sat at the table and motioned for Gewey to do the same.
Gewey, irritated by his inability to contact Kaylia, resisted. “I'll stand.”
“You tried to contact Kaylia through your bond,” said Theopolou. “Did you not?”
Shocked, Gewey sat. “How did you...?”
“I know everything that happens within these walls,” he said. “And though another elder may not be as sensitive as I am within my house, they will know that you are not as you seem if you do that again. You are fortunate that no one has arrived yet.”
Gewey nodded, but still felt angered. “Why can't I contact Kaylia? It's as if I'm being blocked. And why is it that you can feel when I use the power, but your guards do not?”
Theopolou's mouth tightened. “I am not inclined to be your instructor, but I suppose on this occasion I must be.” He folded his hand
s on the table and leaned forward. “As far as your inability to spirit travel is concerned, I prevented it. I cannot risk you accidentally ruining my plans. And as for why I can feel you using the flow, it is a trait of my race. As we age, we become more sensitive. Seekers develop this ability, which is why Linis can feel it, but it would come naturally with time anyway.”
Theopolou stood. “That is all you need know. Any further instruction will be from Kaylia, or perhaps Linis.” He walked to the door. “Do not be a fool and try that again, or we will be undone.”
Left alone to feel like an ignorant child, Gewey sat in silence. When first departing from home with Lee he’d been rebuked many times, but Theopolou’s words had struck home keenly. He had thought his experiences had matured him, but now he was forced to question himself and his worth. There was still so much he didn't know.
The door opened and Akakios entered, carrying an armload of books. “Linis sent these.” He placed them on the table. “Mostly children’s stories, but Linis thought it best for you to learn our culture from the beginning.”
“Thank you.” Gewey picked up a leather-bound book with the title ‘Songs of Lilith’ embroidered on the cover.
“Something troubles you?” Akakios asked.
“It's only that sometimes I realize I have much to learn.”
Akakios smiled warmly. “It is good to know that about yourself. Even the very wise are not all knowing, though some may think so. I take it Theopolou had harsh words for you?”
Gewey shrugged. “He didn't say anything I didn't deserve. It's just that for a while I was starting to feel like I was my own man, and then I'm reminded of how young and inexperienced I really am.”
“Then take comfort from the fact that you are the first being, other than an elf, to grace the home of Theopolou or his family in more than five hundred years. That is an honor that you, and you alone, can boast. If it is experience you desire, this is certainly a good start.”
His words lifted Gewey's spirits. “Thank you. I guess I was just feeling a bit out of place and alone.”
The Godling Chronicles : Of Gods and Elves (Book Two) Page 12