The interior of the tent was simple. Six bedrollssurrounded a small fire in the center. A small lantern in each cornercombined with the firelight to give the tent a cheery glow. Grentoswas at the far end, pouring hot stew from a large pot into six bowls.
“Please, choose a place to sleep,” saidVadnaltis. His voice was rough compared to his comrade, though justas deep. “It matters not where.”
Grentos passed out the bowls and retrieved a large jugof wine and cups from his pack. “First we eat,” announcedGrentos. “Then we talk.”
Malstisos and the others gratefully accepted the foodand wine, but as Grentos and Vadnaltis did not speak, the others keptsilent while they ate. The stew was unlike anything Millet, Maybell,or Jacob had ever tasted. Each smiled with delight after their firstbite. Malstisos seemed to be more accustomed to the taste and gave noreaction other than a slight nod of approval. Once their meal wascomplete, Vadnaltis collected the dishes and left the tent. The coldair chilled them when the flap opened, and a wisp of snow blew insideto remind them how close to death they had come.
“I hope you are satisfied with our poor fare,”said Grentos.
“It was the best stew I've ever tasted,”said Millet.
Maybell and Jacob agreed enthusiastically.
Grentos smiled and bowed his head. “You are tookind. But now that we have eaten, I believe you have questions… asdo we.”
“Should we wait for Vadnaltis?” askedMaybell.
“That will not be necessary,” Grentosreplied. “As your host, I will have you ask of me what youwill. I expect he shall return before you are finished.”
“In that case I'll be direct,” Malstisosbegan. “How is it you are here, and in the company of humans? Iwas not aware your tribe had started relations with them.”
“Only a few of us have,” said Grentos. “Wehave heard of the progress made in the coastal cities with elf/humanrelations, and it has inspired some of us to do the same. We realizethe world is getting smaller. We need to learn to live in this worldalongside mankind or face destruction. The old hatreds must be leftin the past.”
“I agree,” said Malstisos thoughtfully. “Butthat does not explain your presence here.”
“We are here to gain intelligence on the gatheringpower in Angraal,” said Grentos. “Unfortunatelywe were only able to get as far as Hazrah. We were unable to find aclear way further north, at least not one we could pass unnoticed.They have every inch of ground well-guarded. We gained passage withthis caravan in Althetas, so that we might travel without drawingattention.”
“So you are returning home?” askedMalstisos.
“Yes,” he replied. “We will stay withthe humans until we reach the Western Abyss. Then we head north backto our people.”
“Have you learned anything?” asked Millet.
“Sadly, no.” Grentos sighed. “At leastnothing we didn't already know. The armies of the north aregathering. For what purpose, we can only guess.”
“Don't be a fool,” said Jacob. “Youknow why they gather.”
“Young one,” said Grentos. “I can seeyou are of this land, and dismayed that it has been conquered, so Iwill overlook your insult. But you know nothing.” He reachedover and took the jug of wine. “Armies gather. Still… motivesmay not be known. We have no way to be certain they intend to marchfurther. They may not have the strength for such a campaign.”
“I think they have the strength,” saidMillet. “And I think they intend to keep marching. It's whenthat troubles me.”
“You may be right, Millet,” said Malstisos.“But I know my brethren. They will not come to arms easily.Without proof of a threat, they will be content to do nothing.”
Grentos nodded. “Without proof, I can do nothingto persuade them.”
Jacob jumped to his feet. “Proof?” heshouted. “They've invaded the north and practically enslaved mypeople. What more do you need?”
“Calm yourself,” said Grentos. “I didnot say that I disagreed with you, only that I cannot convince mypeople without more evidence.”
Jacob glared at the elf, then marched out of the tentinto the bitter cold.
“That one needs to govern his passions.”Grentos took a long drink from the jug.
“He's young,” said Millet. “And hisland is invaded. I share his frustration. I too am from here, and itpains me to see what has become of my home.”
“I am sorry,” said Grentos. “I willtry and be a bit more… delicate.”
“Perhaps we should address more practical issues,”suggested Malstisos. “The road splits about twenty miles west.If you are headed west, I assume you will take the northwestern roadthrough Manisalia.”
“Indeed,” Grentos affirmed. “It's thebest way.”
“Millet and Jacob will be taking the southwesternroad,” said Malstisos. “Sister Maybell and I would liketo accompany you, at least through Manisalia, once they leave us.”
Grentos smiled broadly. “We would be pleased tohave your company. You may stay with us as long as you wish.”
Malstisos nodded. “Thank you, brother. I amgrateful.”
“As am I,” Maybell added.
“It is I who am grateful,” said Grentos.“This journey will allow us to strengthen bonds longneglected.”
They spent the rest of the evening in cheerfulconversation. The wine flowed freely, and soon the tent was filledwith laughter. Jacob returned after a time and proceeded to sulk onhis bedroll, despite Grentos' efforts to make amends. By the time thewine was gone, they had all but forgotten their troubles and fellinto a deep peaceful sleep.
Chapter Seven
Lee woke to the gentle, feminine voice of one of theyoung healers who had attended Gewey. It had taken him quite sometime to fall asleep. Despite his cool demeanor, he was excited by theprospect of Gewey finding out what had become of his wife and son,not to mention Millet, Maybell, and Malstisos.
“What is it?” said Lee groggily.
“I’m sorry, but Master Gewey wishes to speakwith you. I told him to wait until morning, but he insisted.”
“Don't be sorry,” he said, trying not toknock the girl down as he sprang from his bed and headed swiftly tothe healing chamber.
When he arrived, Gewey was sitting up in bed sipping acup of hot tea. Kaylia was still fast asleep in the next bed. Helooked tired and worn as he managed a smile.
“We did it,” said Gewey.
Lee was stunned. He had prepared himself for bad news.“Are they safe?”
“From what I was able to tell they're all justfine,” he answered weakly. “They're a few days fromHazrah. Your son is with Millet, and he plans to take him toBaltria.”
Lee sighed with relief. “And my wife?”
Gewey's eyes fell. “She isn't with them. Why, Idon't know.”
Lee's heart froze. “I see.” He began pacing,rubbing his temple. “I must go to Baltria.” He looked upat Gewey. “I'm sorry but I must.”
“I know you must. Besides, there is nothing youcan do here. The elves won't allow you to go with me anyway.”
“I'll leave after you've gone,” Lee said. “Ishould still be able to beat them there.” Gewey nodded, clearlyexhausted. “Are you alright?”
“I'm fine,” Gewey replied. “It took alot of effort to reach Malstisos. I wasn't ready for it, that’sall.”
“And Kaylia?”
“She'll be okay after a good night’s rest.”
“I'll let you both sleep then. I can't thank youenough for this.” Gewey nodded slowly and sunk back into bed.
Lee returned to his room, but sleep didn't come easily.His mind wandered to thoughts of his son, and worries about thewhereabouts of his wife.
The next morning, Lee joined Gewey and Kaylia forbreakfast in the healing chamber. The healers insisted that they restfor at least one more day. A small table had been set up, and Dinaand Selena soon joined them. Conversation was light, to Lee's relief.He never enjoyed serious talk over a meal.
“Theopolou has agreed to allow Linis to accompanyyou,” said Selena after the table was cleared. “But Ifear you may be forced to leave before you are fully recovered.”