Gewey smiled with satisfaction. Kaylia next to himseemed more natural than before, though the others stared withdisapproval. The next day he woke before dawn, ready for a new march.By midday, the trees began to thicken and the ground was covered bydense, moist grass that made walking at speed difficult. The heat ofthe sun made the air like earthy steam, and sweat beaded on Gewey'sforehead.
“How is it so hot this close to winter?”Gewey asked Linis.
“We are near the fire hills.”
“I've heard of them,” said Gewey. “Myfather said it's like summer all year there, and that great plumes ofsteam erupt from the ground. I had no idea we were so close.”
“Your father was correct,” said Linis. “Butwe will only be just outside the hills. Not within them. One day, ifyou wish, I will show them to you properly. They are truly a wonder.”
“I'd like that,” said Gewey.
By late afternoon, they found a narrow trail that woundthrough the forest. Theopolou called a halt, asked Gewey to speak tohim alone, and led him into a small clearing about one-hundred yardseast of the trail. Kaylia tried to follow, but Theopolou stopped her.
“When we arrive at the home of Kephalos it isimportant you do not speak unless spoken to,” Theopolou warned,once they were alone. “He is a kind elf, and not prone toviolence, but he fought in the Great War for many years and feels thesame as I regarding human and elf living together.”
Gewey had almost forgotten that Theopolou was not reallyon his side. If not for The Dark One and his bond to Kaylia,Theopolou would never suffer the company of a human, let alone a God.
“I'll keep quiet,” said Gewey. “Idon't want any trouble. At least not until it's time for it.”
“And that time will come soon enough,”Theopolou added. “If I can, I will convince Kaphalos to comewith us. If he agrees, you may be forced to travel in silence for theremainder of the journey. I tell you this because I would not haveyou feel it is an insult from me or my guard. Once we arrive at myhome you are under my protection and may speak as you wish.”
Gewey almost laughed but managed not to. “I won'tbe insulted. I understand that this Kaphalos might hold hatred forme, and I don't want to make things more difficult than they have tobe.”
“One other thing,” said Theopolou with asigh. “You must refrain from speaking to Kaylia in hispresence.”
This irritated Gewey, but he nodded slowly. “If hecomes, I won't speak to her… until we get there.”
“You must convince her of this as well,”said the old elf with a hint of embarrassment that amused Gewey. “Sheis strong willed and has never been one to take orders well.”
“You're not kidding.” Gewey chuckled. “I'llspeak to her.”
“Thank you.” Theopolou held out his armmotioning Gewey to return to camp. “I advise you speak to herbefore we arrive.”
When they got back to the others Gewey told Kaylia whatTheopolou had said.
Kaylia was enraged. “If he thinks I'll pretend I'msome close minded, human-hating fool, he has lost his senses.”Her voice rose with each word.
“I understand,” said Gewey trying to calmher. “But until we reach Theopolou's home, I think we shouldlisten to him.”
“You would have this?” she demanded.
Gewey could feel the fury through their bond. “Asit is, we are deceiving the others. They don't know what has happenedbetween us. What does it matter if we keep it up a bit longer?”
“It's one thing to hide a spirit bond,” shecountered. “It's quite another to pretend we do not know eachother. That is what he is asking.”
“I don't like it either. But if it keeps thingscalm until we get there, then I think it's best.”
“Fine,” she huffed. “But once wearrive, I plan to reveal the bond between us to every one of thoseclosed minded morons.” With that she stormed off, staringdaggers at Theopolou.
Linis came up to Gewey and slapped him on the back.“That went better than we thought.”
“She's right,” said Gewey. “I enteredinto a bond with Kaylia by means I didn't understand, but I am notashamed of it. I don't like hiding it any more than she does.”
“You won't have to hide it for very long. In factI doubt you will be ableto.”
“It's time,” called Theopolou.
They continued for another hour until they came upon asmooth stone path leading east. Along either side grew waist highshrubbery that had been meticulously manicured and was dotted withtiny white flowers. The scent of lavender and magnolia wafted throughthe air, bringing a smile to Gewey's face. The path wound through theforest for about half a mile, ending in an elegantly carved, woodengate with ancient elfish symbols etched along the outer braces.Beyond the gate the forest ended and the land opened up revealinglush grass, similar to that Gewey had seen as they entered the firehills, but this was much thicker and covered with beads of dew.
When the house came into view, Gewey was filled wassurprise and disappointment. It looked rather like a human dwelling.It was a single story, wooden structure with a white tiled roof. Thewindows were small and round, and a well-kept flower garden had beenplaced around the entire building. It looked like a house Gewey mightfind in any human town.
“What's wrong,” asked Linis.
“Nothing,” Gewey replied. “I justimagined something… different.”
“Really? Like what?”
Gewey shrugged. “I don't know. I always thoughtelves lived in different houses than humans. You know. More treelike.”
“Tree like?” Linis laughed. “Do youthink us birds or squirrels? We live in houses, my friend. Though Iadmit, I expected something a bit grander from an elf of Kaphalos'stature and reputation.”
They were about fifty feet from the front door when itflew open. A tall elf stood in the doorway, dressed in a gray robemade from a fabric Gewey had never seen. It looked heavy, but itflowed like silk. His hair was silver, and tied in a pony-tail thatfell loosely down his back and shoulders. His face was wrinkled andlooked ancient. This was another shock for Gewey. The elves he hadseen did not show the ravages of time as a human did. Theopolou wasold (how old Gewey wasn't sure), but he guessed he was well overfive-hundred, and he could pass for a human in his forties.
The elf looked over the group and shook his head. “Whatdo you bring to my door, Theopolou?” His voice was deep andmenacing.
“I wish to speak to you, old friend,”Theopolou replied.
“You bring a human to my door and expect mywelcome?”
“I am an elder and your friend,” saidTheopolou. “So I do indeed expect your welcome.”
“And who else is this I see?” said Kaphalos,looking at Kaylia. “Is it the elf who comes to judgment? Ordoes she still defy her kin?”
Kaylia stepped forward to speak, but Theopolou held outhis hand to silence her. “She is under my protection,”Theopolou announced. “As is the human.”
“Times have surely changed when the greatTheopolou harbors a filthy human and a fugitive elf.” Kaphalossneered. “I would know why. Enter.” He disappearedinside.
Chapter Ten
Theopolou gave Gewey a quick glance then led the groupinside. The interior of the house was a bit more like what Geweywould have imagined. The main hall just beyond the doorway wasroughly fifty feet wide and equal in length. The walls were made of astone like Gewey had never seen. Though rough in texture, they shinedand sparkled with countless tiny, semi-precious stones, which causedthe entire room to change hue from moment to moment. The floor wascovered with a thick carpet that resembled the grass outside. It evenlooked as if it bore beads of dew, though it was not slippery. Fouropaque, glass orbs, hung from each corner of the room, giving off asoft, pleasing light that mixed perfectly with the sparkle of thewalls. No pictures or tapestries hung, but on the far wall, carvedinto the stone, and inlaid with pure gold, was the perfect likenessof an ancient willow. The room itself was devoid of furniture, withthe exception of a round oak table that only stood a foot off theground.