“We could leave now if necessary,” statedKaylia. “I am rested and not accustomed to being idle.”
Selena's eyes wandered to Gewey.
“I'm fine, too,” said Gewey. “Besides,it's no good for a farmer to be lazy.”
Selena smiled warmly. “Don't worry. Neither of youwill be idle for long.” She turned to her son. “I did tryto convince Theopolou to let you go-.”
Lee stopped her short and told her about Gewey's contactwith Malstisos.
“I'll do my best to find out what has become ofyour wife,” she said. “In the meantime I'll havepreparations made for your journey. We have friends in Baltria. Youwill have whatever help you require.” She reached over and tookLee's hand. “Don't worry son. I will do what I must to ensuretheir safety.”
Lee gave her hand a tight squeeze. “Thank you,Mother.”
“I'll go with you,” said Dina.
Lee smiled. “I appreciate it. But I won't put youin unnecessary danger.”
“Don't be a fool, Lee. You can't go alone, and Igrew up in Baltria. You may need me.”
“I think it's a great idea,” said Selena.“I'd feel better knowing you had someone I trusted along withyou, and as a temple historian, it's her duty.”
Lee sighed heavily. “Very well. Meet me in mychambers after the noon meal to discuss our plans.”
Dina grinned with satisfaction.
“When does Theopolou want to leave?” askedKaylia.
“In two days,” said Selena. “He hasalready sent word to the other elders. They should be there upon yourarrival.”
“I don't like it,” said Lee. “I'drather they arrived first. Less chance for a trap to be set.”
“Linis agrees,” said Selena. “That'swhy he's sending his people ahead, just in case.”
Linis opened the door, his face grave. His hand grippedthe handle of his long knife so hard his knuckles turned white.
“What is it?” asked Lee.
“I just received a report that the roads are beingwatched.”
“That's not surprising,” said Selena. “Weknow that the elves are aware of this place.”
“It is not elves,” said Linis.
“Men?” asked Kaylia.
“No. We do not know what they are. But they'refast and cunning. My seekers have only been able to catch a glimpseof them before they disappear. But there is little doubt that theyare stalking the routes away from here.”
“If the Dark One knows of the location of thistemple, then you must evacuate,” said Lee.
Selena lowered her head. “We will hold ifattacked. Our walls are strong, and the Dark One has no army here.”
“Don't be foolish,” said Lee. “Youhave few men here that can fight or mount a defense. To cover thewalls you would need a hundred soldiers, at least.”
“A hundred we shall have,” said Selena.“What you see here is not the entire strength of the Order. Ishall send word for all of the knights to gather here. That will beenough to hold this temple indefinitely.”
“How long will this take?” asked Linis.
“I can double my strength in a week,”answered Selena, her hands firmly on her hips. “In three, I candefend this place against any attacker.”
“Then I shall stay until your men arrive,”said Lee.
“No! You will protect my grandson.”
Lee sat back in his chair, stunned by his mother’ssudden anger.
Selena's face softened. “You mustprotect your family, as I could not. Don't worry about me. If thesewalls are breached I can escape. There are secrets here that only Iknow. I will not be captured.”
Lee took his mother’s hands and pulled her close.“Swear it!”
Selena smiled. “I swear,” she said tenderly.“We will not lose each other again.”
Lee lowered his head and sighed heavily.
“We should leave right away, Gewey,” saidLinis. “Tonight, if you are able.” He turned to Selena.“You said there are ways out of here that wouldn’t benoticed?”
“Yes.” She wiped her eyes. “I can getyou and the others out of the temple unseen.”
“Good. I'll inform Theopolou.” Linus noddedcurtly and left.
Lee stood from his chair and looked at Dina. “Prepareto leave,” he commanded. “I want to be gone ahead ofGewey. Perhaps we may draw off any pursuit.”
“Of course.” Dina rushed off to pack.
For the rest of the morning the temple was a beehive ofactivity. Lee and Dina were ready to leave by midday. Selena providedthem with gear and enough provisions to last more than a week, alongwith three strong horses. Lee had decided to leave Lord Ganflin'ssteeds behind and made his mother promise to ride one to safety ifthe need came.
Gewey and Kaylia had been informed by Theopolou thatthey would be traveling on foot, which pleased Gewey. He had not beenlooking forward to saddle sores and preferred to travel light. Linisspent the morning going over the plans with Theopolou and his guards.Theopolou was troubled when he heard the roads were being watched,but agreed that there was little to do but move forward with theirplan. The healers made the loudest protests. They insisted thatneither Gewey nor Kaylia was ready to be out of bed, let alonetravel. However, both had shown no ill effects from their ordeal. Ittook the insistence of Selena to quiet them.
Before one o'clock Lee and Dina made their way to thefront gate. The entire temple had gathered in the courtyard to seethem off. Selena, Gewey, Kaylia, and Linis stood by the large oakdoors, each trying to hide the concern in their heart.
“Be careful, son,” said Selena as sheembraced him. “And you…” she said to Dina with a smile.“Keep yourself safe at all times. I won't have my most valuedhistorian getting herself killed.” She embraced Dina tightly.
Linis handed both Lee and Dina a small flask. “Keepthis with you. Should you find yourself lacking food and drink, itwill keep you strong for several days. Only a mouthful will do.”
They received their gift gratefully and bowed in turn.
“Thank you, my friend,” said Lee.
Linis took Dina's hand. “I look forward to ournext meeting.”
Dina blushed and smiled. “As do I.”
Kaylia embraced Lee then turned to Dina. Dina laughed asKaylia whispered into her ear.
Gewey hugged Dina then turned to Lee. “Be safe,and bring your son home.”
Lee placed his hands on Gewey's shoulders and studiedhim for a moment. “You have grown up so much in such a shorttime. Still, listen to what Linis says, and be careful whom youtrust. I don't like the idea of delivering you into the hands of theelves, but I think you’re right. It is the only way.”
“I'll be careful,” said Gewey.
Lee smiled, then he and Dina mounted their horses. Asthey rode through the doors, they heard the farewells of the templecall after them. Lee's mind focused on their journey as he heard theboom of the doors close behind them. They hadn’t ridden ahundred yards when the hairs on the back of Lee's neck stood up. Theywere being watched. He knew it but from where he couldn't tell. Therocky terrain made it impossible for him to spot anyone, and ifwhoever it was could evade the elf seekers, he had little chance ofcatching him.
Lee turned to Dina who was looking around nervously. “Ifeel it too,” she whispered.
“Be ready,” warned Lee.
Dina's hand slid to the knife in her belt. By the timethey reached the end of the path, her nerves were frazzled. Lee,however, seemed calm and alert.
“We should head in the direction of Althetas,”said Lee. “If we are still followed by nightfall, we'llcontinue on to the city and try to throw them off. If not, we'llstart west. There's a road about a day’s ride that will take usto Idelia. From there we can make our way to the southern coast.”
By the time the sun began to set, Lee no longer thoughtthey were being followed. He and Dina found a small clearing and madecamp.
“It seems we are not worthy of further attention.”Lee laid out his bedroll. “Which means Gewey and the elves arethe likely targets.” His eyes scanned the nearby brush. “Still,I should scout the area. Wait here.”
Lee disappeared into the fading light, while Dinamunched on a piece of bread and some dried fruit. About an hourlater, he reappeared.