“It's about time you two woke up.” Leelaughed.
“It's good to see you, too,” said Gewey. Hisvoice was weak and cracked.
“They mustn't speak too much,” said Selena.“At least not until they've had a few days to regain theirstrength. We've kept them alive with herbal mixtures, but that's nota replacement for a good hot meal.”
“We're both fine,” said Gewey. “AlthoughI wouldn't turn down a bit of food.”
“I've already sent word to the kitchen, HighLady,” said the healer in the corner. “It should be hereshortly.”
Theopolou walked next to Kaylia's bed, ignoring theothers. “It is good to see you well.”
Kaylia nodded. “I am pleased to see you, uncle. Iam confused, though. How did you come to be here?”
“Your… friends sent for me. They hoped I couldheal you, and this one.” He motioned, indicating Gewey. “Butas it seems, it was unnecessary.”
“Healing me cannot be the only reason you havecome,” said Kaylia. “I am to be killed on sight. Am Inot?”
“That is not of my doing,” repliedTheopolou. “I have opposed it from the beginning. I despisewhat you are doing, but I would never see you put to death withoutjudgment.”
“But you would see me put to death,” sheshot back.
“Have you not broken the law? Are you not in thecompany of humans? Have you not chosen to travel with them openly?”
“And why should that be a crime?”
“You should know better than most.”
Kaylia fumed, but Gewey reached out and took her hand.
“I thank you for coming,” said Gewey. “Butas you can see, neither of us is in need of help.”
Theopolou stared at Gewey holding the hand of his niecefor a long moment. “I see,” he said finally. “Thenyou have committed yourself to treason, and there is nothing more Ican do for you.”
“Treason?” Kaylia scoffed. “Then whathave the elders who sent assassins to hunt me down committed?”
“I agree,” said Theopolou. “But thatchanges nothing. If you come home I might be able to persuade theelders to let you live, but the look in your eyes tells me that willnot happen.”
“You're wrong, uncle. I have given my word that Iwill face judgment, and I will do so. But not until my task isfinished.”
“And what task is that? What business could youhave with these people?”
“That is not for me to say. At least, not yet.”
Theopolou sighed heavily. “Then if you no longerare in need of aid that only leaves one final matter.” Helooked over to Selena. “The Book of Souls.”
“That can wait,” said Lee. “I wouldspeak to Gewey and Kaylia first. There is much I have to tell themand much I would like to know.”
“Very well,” said Theopolou. “I toowould hear their account. They have journeyed where no elf has gone.How this could have happened has weighed on my mind.”
“Forgive me,” said Gewey to Theopolou. “Butthere are things you cannot know.”
“Then please omit any details you feel necessary,”he replied. “I already know that you are not what you appear tobe. That your spirit traveled beyond my reach or understanding tellsme as much. And that Kaylia was able to join you tells me even more.”
Gewey looked at Lee who just shook his head andshrugged. “Fine,” said Gewey. “But only if Kayliaallows it.”
Kaylia stared hard at her uncle. “He is wise andwill learn the truth if he stays no matter what you leave out.”
“You know me well,” stated Theopolou with ahint of pride. “But I already know that you have bonded yoursoul to the boy. That is clear. And the places his spirit traveledsay that he is either one of Felsafell's race or something… else.”
Silence fell over the room for a moment. HearingFelsafell's name caused Gewey's chest to tighten.
“What do you know about him?” asked Gewey.
“I know that he is neither human nor elf. And thathe is ancient. His people were here before humans walked the earth.Some believe that they were here before the elves, but there is noway to know. Perhaps you could ask Felsafell if he allows you to findhim. I know that his race was able to project themselves into placesunreachable by any, save the Gods. ”
“I have met him,” admitted Gewey. “Ispent the night in his home, and I saw him again just before I woke.”
Theopolou looked at Gewey in wonder. “Then I thinkI would hear your tale now.”
Gewey nodded and recounted the experience he and Kayliahad had in the spirit world.
When he had finished Lee doubled over in laughter. “Youare a wonder. Just when I think I’ve heard everything you tellus this.”
“You are a wonder indeed,” agreed Theopolou.“And the only one of your kind, unless I am mistaken.”
Lee tensed. “Whatever you may think, I'm sure youare mistaken.”
Theopolou raised his eyebrow and smirked. “I seethat you believe I shall reveal his secret. Perhaps I would ifcircumstances were different. But, as my niece has bonded with him, Iwill not. Besides, if I did, I would be put to judgment for notkilling a God when given the chance. Even my own guards would turn onme.”
Hearing Gewey's true nature said aloud brought a wave ofanxiety throughout the room.
“How long have you known?” asked Selena.
“I suspected from the moment I discovered wherehis spirit had traveled,” he replied. “But when I heardabout your experience with Felsafell there was no question in mymind. And it does explain Angraal's sudden mobilization inthe north, and their pursuit of a young boy.”
“What do you mean?” asked Lee. His thoughtsturned to his wife and son.
“Our seekers tell us that his armies gather. Hewill be ready to march by spring at the latest.”
“When did you learn this?” asked Lee.
“Just before I came here. The information can beno more than a week old.”
“How is it we have heard nothing of this?”Selena’s eyes flashed with anger.
“If you have sent spies north, they would notlikely have made it far enough to have seen anything,” repliedTheopolou. “The way is well guarded. Even my people havedifficulty moving undetected.”
“We need to start building alliances here,”said Lee. “As the elves will not join us, we should finish ourbusiness and move on.”
“Quite right,” Theopolou agreed. “Butas we are at an impasse I do not see what is left to say.”
“What business?” asked Gewey.
Lee told Gewey about the meeting. Gewey sat up straightin bed and rubbed his chin. “I would like to speak to Kayliaand Theopolou alone.”
Lee and the others paused for a moment then obeyed.
“What do you suppose they're talking about?”wondered Dina.
Lee shook his head. “If I know Gewey, he's doingsomething foolish.”
“Give him some credit,” said Dina. “He'smanaged to do pretty well so far.” Lee grunted and crossed hisarms.
Selena place her hand lightly on Lee's shoulder. “Itwill be fine,” she said softly. “If what you've told meabout the boy is true, his heart will guide him well.”
For over an hour they waited, the only interruption ahealer who brought Gewey and Kaylia a bowl of stew and some applejuice. Lee was just about to lose his patience when Theopolou came tothe door and invited them inside.
“We have come to an agreement,” said Gewey.“But, I don't think you're going to like it.”
“No doubt,” remarked Lee.
“Don't worry,” interjected Theopolou. “It'sconditional on the approval the High Lady and you, of course.”
What is it?” asked Selena.
“I have agreed to allow Theopolou to possess theBook of Souls,” said Gewey. “In return, he will help mepersuade the elves to join us.”
“Assuming I agree,” said Selena. “Howdo you propose to do that?”
“I will open the Book of Souls.”
“You'll what?” exclaimed Lee. “How?”
“If the boy truly is a God, he possesses the powerof heaven,” Theopolou explained. “With that power he maybe able to open it. If he can, it will go a long way toward swayingmy people, if not in joining you, at least not to oppose you.”