“Do we have that kind of time?” asked Gewey.“If the Dark Knight moved on us today what would happen? Couldwe fight him?”
“Then perhaps if I can't go with you, Linis can,”suggested Lee. “We could insist upon it.”
“We could request,” corrected Kaylia. “ButLinis is an outlaw as well. It may prove difficult. But, I agree thatit's worth a try. Outlaw or no, he is among the greatest of all theseekers, and his presence carries weight.”
The door open and Selena returned. Lee told her abouttheir idea of Linis accompanying them.
“I like it,” said Selena thoughtfully. “Ithink if I agree to allow the Book of Souls to return to the elves,he will agree. I'll approach the subject in the morning.” Shetook a long look at Gewey and Kaylia. “I think it's time youtwo rested. We can talk more in the morning.”
Gewey protested, but Selena stopped him with one sternlook. Lee and Dina embraced them tightly and bid them goodnight.
“I'll wake you if I'm successful,” calledGewey to Lee as he was leaving. Lee nodded and shut the door.
Chapter Six
Malstisos felt a cool breeze caress his cheeks as hewalked between the massive redwoods. The noon sun shone through theleaves, making the grass sparkle like a million tiny emeralds. Theforest was familiar, but like a distant memory from childhood. Hereached over and touched the almost black bark of a nearby tree. Itshould have been hard and coarse, but it wasn't. It was soft, smooth,and yielded to his touch. He withdrew his hand in amazement. Hereached out again and gently moved his hand over the bark. Lightrippled up the length of the tree and back down again. Malstisosstood transfixed by the sight.
“This can't be real,” he whispered.
“It's real,” a voice called from behind.
Malstisos spun around, but there was no one there. “Whoare you?” There was no answer. He reached for his knife butfound that it was no longer at his side. “Show yourself.”
“I am here.” This time the voice was softerand clearly feminine.
“Why can't I see you?” he asked, straininghis eyes. The forest began to blur and shift. “What'shappening?”
“Don't be afraid. We are friends.”
“We?” he said. “Who are you, and whatdo you want?”
“It's Kaylia. I'm here with Gewey.”
“Kaylia? Why can't I see you? What is this place?”
“You are at the edge of the spirit realm. Why youcan't see me, I do not know. I suspect that you would in time. Buttime is not a luxury we have. We have guided you here, but I do notknow how long you can remain.”
“How do I know you are who you say you are?”he challenged. “How do I know this isn't just a vivid dream?”
“Does it feel like a dream?”
“Yes… and no,” he said. “I feelawake but all this…” He looked out as the forest ebbedand flowed like a green tide. “It can't be real.”
“It is real,” said Kaylia. “At leastin the sense that this isa real place. This is only our second time here, but I think that itchanges with your thoughts and emotions. I do know that the dangershere are very real.”
“Dangers,” said Malstisos. “Whatdangers?”
“There is no time to explain. Gewey is strugglingto keep you in this world. Did you succeed in saving Lee’s wifeand son?”
“His son is with us,” he replied. “ButI'm sad to say that his wife has been taken north to Angraal.Millet is taking the boy to Baltria, while I escort Maybell toAlthetas.”
“I see…” she paused. “Stick to yourplan. Lee will find Millet in Baltria. Gewey and I have our own task,but you will be met in Althetas. Go to the Frogs Wishbone when youarrive. An agent from Valshara will contact you there.”
“How am I to know-” Malstisos began.The forest turned into a swirl of light and color. He felt as if hewere falling. Then blackness.
Malstisos awoke drenched in sweat, his heart pounding.For a moment, he didn't know where he was. As his mind cleared, heheard the sound of Millet, Jacob, and Maybell's deep, regularbreathing. He reached over and shook Millet.
“What's wrong?” asked Millet groggily.Malstisos recounted his experience.
“Do you believe it was them?” Millet asked.
“I do. How they accomplished it I can't imagine,but I sensed no deception.”
“Then we should keep to our plan,” saidMillet. “It's several hours until dawn, so we should try andsleep. Maybell can be told of this in the morning.”
Malstisos nodded in agreement and drew his blankettightly around him. Sleep came slowly and his dreams were troubled.
The morning brought the smell of crisp bacon and freshbread. Gerald was busy setting the table and humming.
Millet was first to rise and helped with breakfast. Atfirst, Gerald protested but soon realized Millet wasn't one to bedeterred. The duo had the table prepared a full ten minutes beforeMalstisos and Maybell stirred. Jacob was last to awaken.
“Things are in order from the smell of it.”Maybell yawned and stretched. She looked over to Malstisos who wasjust waking up. “I always imagined elves to be early risers.”
“My sleep was troubled… and eventful,” hereplied. “But we'll discuss it after breakfast.”
About halfway through their meal, Gerald excused himselfand left them alone at the table. Malstisos informed Maybell andJacob of his dream experience.
“Amazing,” remarked Maybell. “Well,I'm happy that you'll be met in Baltria.”
“I'm not,” Jacob growled. “I have noneed of my father, and have no intention of seeing him.”
“If you intend to go to Baltria, you won't havemuch of a choice,” stated Millet.
“According to Malstisos he will certainlybe there, so you had better get used to the idea.”
Jacob folded his arms. “He had better stay out ofmy way.”
“Calm yourself,” said Malstisos. “Firstyou must arrive at your destination, and that may not be easy.”
“We'll get there,” said Jacob. “If Ihave to kill every soldier I see on the way.”
“Young man, you would do well to take Millet'slead,” said Maybell. “He has seen much more of the worldthan you. If getting to Baltria means saving your mother, then you'ddo well to keep your mouth shut, and your eyes and ears open.”
Jacob glared at Maybell but could find no words toreply.
“I do not think you should take time to speak tothe Oracle when we arrive in Manisalia,” said Malstisos.
Millet nodded. “I agree. In fact, I would have youavoid the city entirely if it's possible.”
“I'm sure I can find a way around if need be,”said Malstisos. “But, I intend to leave you with the remainderof the provisions. Sister Maybell and I will need to resupply onceyou're away. There is no way we can avoid the city, at least for afew hours.”
“Good,” said Maybell. “And I wouldlike to consult the Oracle-if she's still there.”
The front door opened and Gerald entered, smiling. “Isee you've nearly finished. I hope you enjoyed it.”
“Very much.” Maybell returned the smile. Therest nodded in agreement.
“I've readied your horses,” said the boy.“I'll bring them 'round front whenever you'd like.”
“We'll be leaving shortly,” said Millet.“You can bring them now.” Gerald nodded and dashed off.
They gathered their belongings and filed out the frontdoor. As promised, Gerald had saddled their horses and had them linedup a few feet away. Gerald bowed to each in turn, handing them acloth wrapped around a piece of roast lamb and a loaf of bread,thanking them for their kind donation. Maybell embraced the ladtightly and whispered into his ear. Gerald smiled sadly, turned andentered the hospice.
Travel that day was slow and miserable. By noon, thewind howled through the trees and the sky filled with clouds thatpromised snow.
Malstisos stopped periodically to check for signs ofpursuit but found none.