“I thank you again,” said Gewey. “But I am still waiting for Linis to return.”
“Akakios can remain here and tell him where you have gone,” said Chiron. “As I understand it, he is combing the encampment for more appropriate attire for you. I doubt he will be successful, and this I can provide.”
“Then lead the way,” said Gewey. He turned to Akakios. “You do not mind waiting?”
“Not at all. The tent should not be unattended in any case, especially with Kaylia and Felsafell both here.”
“Good point,” said Gewey.
Chiron led Gewey out of the tent and through the camp. Along the way Gewey couldn't help but notice the constant stares. Some were of amazement, others of contempt. The sun was now low in the sky and the smell of hundreds of cooking fires filled the air, lending a soft glow to the vast number of tents.
“I can’t imagine what this must look like at night,” muttered Gewey.
“It is quite a sight,” remarked Chiron. “So many have not been gathered here in quite some time.”
Gewey looked north to the domed roof of the Chamber of the Maker. Even before the fullness of night, the lights from a thousand illuminated globes caused it to shine like a shimmering jewel.
“How old is it?” asked Gewey.
“I don't know,” Chiron replied. “Older than history itself, it is said. It was ancient even in the time of my ancestors.”
Gewey marveled at the idea. “It looks as if it were newly built. At least, it does from here.”
Chiron nodded. “The stone never ages. Not that we can tell, at least. It looks just as it did when I was a boy, and never once has it needed repair. A monument to the ancient craft of our people. One long forgotten, I'm afraid.” He looked back over his shoulder. “Perhaps you can change that.”
Chiron's tent was nearly identical to Theopolou's in size, but instead of being silver it was emerald green. Two guards stood just outside the entrance. They bowed as Chiron and Gewey passed. The interior was also similarly set up to Theopolou's tent, apart from the table being oval shaped and colored green to match that of the tent. At least a dozen elves buzzed about. Some Gewey recognized from their journey, other faces were new.
“I presume you have eaten?” said Chiron.
“I have.”
Chiron smiled. “Then allow me to show you to where you'll prepare.”
He led Gewey to the back of the main hall and into the sleeping quarters area. Chiron showed Gewey into the first room along. Unlike his quarters in Theopolou's tent, this room was equipped with a soft bed, a dresser and wardrobe.
“You will find fitting attire here. I will send someone to attend to your grooming shortly.”
Gewey thanked Chiron and explored the contents of the wardrobe. He found a white silk shirt embroidered with the likeness of two eagles facing each other, together with a pair of matching trousers. The fabric was finer than any he had ever felt. A tan vest completed the ensemble.
An elf girl entered with a tray of grooming items. Gewey was thankful he had not yet begun to undress. His hair had grown long since the last time it had been cut in the home of Lord Ganflin - a fact that he hadn't noticed until that very moment. The girl motioned for him to sit and immediately went to work. Unlike the woman who had groomed him the last time, she spoke not a word, nor did she bother to allow him to gaze at his reflection, even though she carried a mirror on her tray.
Once she left, Gewey donned his attire and rummaged around in the wardrobe until he found a pair of black leather boots. They were a bit tight on his feet, but not so much as to prevent him from wearing them. The only thing missing was a belt, so he used the shirt he had just taken off to polish the belt he was already using.
“Are you dressed?” called Chiron from outside Gewey's room.
“Please, come in,” called Gewey.
Chiron entered, dressed in the same white robes he had worn at the home of Theopolou. Chiron scrutinized Gewey for a moment. “You look...acceptable. Though that belt of yours could use some attention.”
“I couldn't find another,” said Gewey. “But this one will do once I've cleaned it a bit more.”
“I could provide you with another if you wish.”
“Thank you, but no,” said Gewey. “This was given to me by the same man who gave me my sword. It may be dingy now, but it's a fine belt when polished. Besides, it fits my scabbard perfectly.”
Gewey had placed his sword on the bed. Chiron eyed the weapon and nodded in its direction. “Might I see it?” he asked.
Gewey picked it up and handed it over. “Certainly. But be careful not to touch the blade. It will burn you.”
“I see,” muttered Chiron as he slid the sword free, careful to touch only the leather that wrapped the hilt. A high-pitched ring filled the air, then faded away.
“A true wonder,” said Chiron. “That you possess this is a miracle. Such things were thought lost. There isn't an elf alive who wouldn't give up everything he or she owned to possess such a sword.”
“They couldn't wield it unless it was truly theirs,” said Gewey. “Once it is first drawn, the blade can only be touched by the one who drew it.”
Chiron re-sheathed and handed the sword back to Gewey, though his eyes never left it. “I see. You should take care never to lose it.”
Gewey suddenly felt uneasy. “I will.”
Chiron blinked and regained his focus. “If you are ready, I would have you join me in the main hall. It may be several hours until Theopolou has everything in order. We can relax there and wait. That is, unless you are tired and would rather sleep. I can certainly provide a bed.”
“I'm anything but tired,” Gewey replied with a grin. “In fact, I wish I could explore the camp.”
“That would not be a good idea, unfortunately.” Chiron chuckled. “You will have to make do with the simple conversation of an old elf.”
Gewey’s cheeks flushed. “I didn't mean...”
Chiron threw his head back in laughter. “I jest. I am not offended. I, too, would like to wander the camp. There are many friends I have not seen in some time. But I fear that my association with Theopolou has lost me many of them.”
“And your support of me, I wager,” Gewey added.
“True.”
Chiron rose to his feet. “Come. Let us relax and tell tales. It may be the last of simple pleasures we have for quite some time.”
Gewey nodded and followed Chiron into the main hall. The table was empty and only a couple of Chiron's guards were visible.
“Where did everybody go?” asked Gewey.
“Most are in the back preparing for the ceremony,” Chiron replied. “The rest are running errands for me.”
Gewey and Chiron took seats on opposite sides of the table. One of the guards brought them a bottle of wine.
“Careful with that,” warned Chiron. “We wouldn't want you too lightheaded.” Gewey stared at the bottle, then pushed it away.
Chiron smiled and ordered a pitcher of water.
They talked of Gewey’s home and upbringing until Linis arrived. It wasn’t until he saw Linis enter that he realized Chiron had not spoken a single word about himself.
“Forgive my absence,” said Linis. “But I've been busy assisting Theopolou. Akakios told me you were here, so I knew you were in good hands.”
“No worries,” said Gewey. “Lord Chiron has kept me quite occupied. Though I regret I must have rambled on. But it's been wonderful to take my mind off things for a bit.”
Chiron bowed his head slightly. “It was a pleasure. So seldom do I have such a chance to hear of the human world.” He turned to Linis. “All is ready?”
“It is,” said Linis. “Theopolou and the others are awaiting us in the Chamber of the Maker. Even Felsafell is there.”
“And Kaylia?” asked Gewey.
Linis laughed heartily. “Don't worry. She will be there as well.”
“Then let us go,” said Chiron.
Gewey’s s
tomach began to quiver. Suddenly he felt faint. Linis rushed up and put his arm around him.
“He can face the Vrykol,” Linis teased. “But an elf woman makes him weak in the knees.”
Gewey blushed and tried to regain his composure. “I'm fine.”
He took a deep breath. “Let's go.”
Chapter 27
As Gewey left the tent, he was awestruck. In the fullness of night the camp was an ocean of multicolored lights. The tents glowed brightly, their fabrics silhouetted by their inhabitants moving about inside. Although not as bright as the light of day, he could see just as clearly. It was as if a shadow had been removed from his eyes, allowing him to see the cool, natural beauty of the night. He could feel eyes upon him as they walked toward the Chamber.
“Before we enter, you must receive permission from the keepers to enter,” said Chiron.
“The keepers?” said Gewey.
“Guards with a title,” mocked Linis. “Most are elves who didn't have the talent to become seekers.”
Chiron frowned at Linis. “They are more than that, and you know it. They stand watch over all that enters the Chamber of the Maker, and keep the peace within its borders.”
“They are arrogant fools,” grumbled Linis. “It took Theopolou twenty minutes just to convince them to allow him entry. Then it took more than an hour of debate to have them open the Chamber for the bonding.”
“It is well within their right to question petitioners,” said Chiron. “In fact, it is their duty. You should know this.”
“I know that they tried to deny us,” Linis replied. “And that is not within their right.”
“You dwell on things that do not matter, seeker. You should keep your focus on the matter at hand.”
Linis' jaw tightened. “You are right, of course.” But his tone still held a tinge of irritation.
“Do you think they'll try to stop me from getting in?” asked Gewey.
Chiron smiled. “No. That has been dealt with. You will only be following tradition by requesting entry.”
As the entire Chamber slowly came into view, Gewey very nearly gasped out loud. The dome was supported, not by columns, but by a series of immense crystal statues of elf women, their arms held aloft and their eyes turned skyward. The craft and skill needed to carve these was beyond his imagination. Light emanated from the base of each statue, spraying out a myriad of colors that washed over the surrounding area. The statue bases themselves were much like the glowing spheres used to light the houses and tents, but many times more intense. He could feel the power of the earth radiating from the entire structure. There were no walls beyond the statues, and Gewey could see that the interior was in fact a gigantic amphitheater.
The path that led to the main entrance was made from a smooth red stone that radiated the same energy as the building itself. Elves could be seen pouring in, and by the time they were fifty yards away he could hear a cacophony of voices from inside. When he reached the base of the Chamber, he stopped.
“What's wrong?” asked Linis, placing his hand on Gewey's shoulder.
Gewey took a deep breath. “Nothing. Nothing at all.”
“Intimidating sight, is it not?” remarked Chiron.
“Yes, it is,” said Gewey. “It's beautiful as well though. The craft is beyond anything I have ever imagined.”
“If only we could build like this today.” There was a tinge of sadness in Chiron’s voice.
“I think it was more than mere skill with crystal and stone,” said Gewey. “I sense the flow within everything here. I'm sure it was put here. It’s almost like the flow itself was made a part of the structure.”
“Our ancestors were said to have a powerful connection to the earth’s energy,” said Linis. “No doubt they used it in their craft.”
Gewey squared his shoulders and took a deep breath. “How do I look?”
“Ready,” said Linis. “You look ready, my friend.”
Two elves strode up; each one adorned in brightly polished leather armor and helmet, and armed with a curved sword attached to his belt.
“What business do you have at the Chamber of the Maker?” asked the elf on the left. Linis stepped forward. “You know well what we are doing here.”
The keeper ignored Linis and fixed his eyes on Gewey.
“I am here to complete my bond with Kaylia,” he said, his voice clear and strong.
There was a long pause, then both keepers nodded and moved aside. Gewey nodded sharply and marched forward. As he passed into the Chamber of the Maker he could feel the flow growing stronger and stronger until it threatened to penetrate him. He was barely able to keep it at bay.
The Chamber’s interior, though without decoration, was still impressive. The seats were carved from white, silver-veined marble that surrounded the entire hall. In the middle was a smooth floor made from the same crystal as the statues. It glowed with power from the flow, illuminating the entire building. Hundreds of elves filled the seats, talking and whispering, but they all fell silent as Gewey came into their view. Theopolou and Kaylia were already down below on the theater floor. Felsafell, still dressed in his ragged skins and holding his gnarled walking stick, stood quietly, several feet behind them, a quirky smile on his wrinkled face.
Gewey was taken aback at the sight of his future unorem. She was clothed in a silver gown that shimmered in the light of the Chamber. The cloth hung to her curves flawlessly, and though her back was to him, he knew she was smiling. Her hair fell loosely about her shoulders and was decorated with tiny, delicate white flowers. He could feel the bond between them growing stronger with each step he took. He no longer noticed the elves in the gallery.
“Your sword,” whispered Linis.
Gewey removed the blade and carefully handed it over. Linis stayed just behind him as he continued down.
Theopolou’s eyes were closed, his hands folded in front of him. As Gewey finally reached the stage, Theopolou opened his eyes. The old elf held a grave expression, denoting the seriousness of the ceremony.
As he stepped beside Kaylia, Gewey saw the slightest of smiles on her lips. Theopolou bowed slightly and held out his hand, palm down. Gewey and Kaylia slowly dropped to their knees. All voices were silent. All eyes were focused on them.
“We are here on this night to bear witness,” said Theopolou. His voice echoed throughout the Chamber. “The Creator has deemed that the two here before me be bonded in spirit. Their souls forever as one. Their lives, a single life. It has been many years since such a thing has taken place, so it is fitting that these most sacred vows be made here in the Chamber of the Maker for all the elders of our race to see.” He stepped forward and placed a hand on Gewey and Kaylia’s heads. “Is there anyone here that can find just cause to stand against their bond?”
This caused a stir among the crowd. Gewey's heart raced, but no one spoke. “This is good,” Theopolou continued. “Then...”
“I claim the right of pudnaris,” called a voice from the crowd.
Both Kaylia and Gewey turned. From amongst those gathered, a lone elf pushed his way through. He was dressed in plain tan leathers and wore a long knife on his belt. He was tall, nearly as tall as Gewey, though not as broad in the shoulders. His long, silver blond hair was tied back in a tight braid. His eyes were aflame with determination.
“Eftichis,” whispered Kaylia.
“By what right do you challenge?” Theopolou demanded.
Eftichis reached the floor and stood tall, just a few feet away from Gewey. Linis moved in between them.
“Still yourself, seeker,” said Eftichis. “I will do no violence yet.”
“Answer the question,” said Theopolou. “By what right do you challenge?”
“Kaylia was promised to me,” Eftichis replied in a loud, clear voice.
Kaylia sprang to her feet. “I was never promised to you, or to anyone else.”
“You dare to tell untruths in this sacred place?” Eftichis challenged. “Your father made this ar
rangement during the Great War as a symbol of unity between our families. You were yet to be born, but the promise still holds. Certainly you know this.”
“I know nothing of the sort,” Kaylia countered. “Were you to ever make this claim, I would have refused, and you know it. I am already bonded to Gewey, and I will not be forced to accept a promise made by my father before I was born - if indeed he ever made such a promise.”
“You doubt my honor?” Eftichis asked. “You doubt the word of my father?”
“You think to trick me into naming you a liar,” said Kaylia. “I will not. But if you wish to see the Maker, so be it.”
Eftichis laughed. “You think much of your human mate.”
Gewey rose to his feet and met Eftichis’ gaze. “You speak from ignorance, so I will ask you not to do this. I have no desire to spill your blood. But if you stand between us, I will.”
Gewey allowed the flow to wash over him. Audible gasps came from the gallery.
“I see,” said Eftichis. “It would seem there is more to you than meets the eye. Still, I will not be deterred. Do you accept?”
“He has until sunset tomorrow to answer,” Theopolou interjected.
“I don't need to wait,” snapped Gewey. “I accept. I am sorry. I had hoped I would never have to spill elf blood. But if you force me to, so be it.”
“We will see whose blood will spill, human.” Eftichis sneered. He turned to Theopolou. “And unless you dare to dispute my word, then you have no choice. The right is mine, and I claim it.”
He looked out over the gallery. “Does anyone here question the truth of my claim?”
A full minute passed and the Chamber remained silent. Eftichis smirked with satisfaction.
Theopolou bowed his head and sighed. “Then it is done. When the dawn breaks, you will return here. You may bring with you your weapon, your clothes, and nothing more. One elf of your choosing may stand with you, but he is not to interfere. Do you understand?” Both Gewey and Eftichis nodded.
The Godling Chronicles : Of Gods and Elves (Book Two) Page 25