“I was wondering,” said Gewey. “Thegate. How did it open?”
“By the same means you gain strength when you usethe power of the earth,” Linis replied. “We can createtools and objects that can harness the flowjust as you do. It is said that in ancient times the elves createdthings of such power that they could upend the very earth, movingentire mountains.”
Gewey’s eyes widened at the thought. “Incredible.Have you ever seen such a device?”
Linis shook his head, as sadness washed over him. “No,I have not. No one has in many generations. The wisdom and knowledgeof our forefathers was said to rival that of the Gods. But I fear wewill never regain what we have lost. ”
“Maybe together we can rediscover the secret.”
Linis forced a smile. “Perhaps. I fear I will notlive to see such a thing.”
“Don't say that,” said Gewey. “We'reall going to make it through this alive. I swear.”
Linis furled his brow. “Never make a promise youcannot keep. Besides, I have no fear of death. It comes to us all…except perhaps, to you.”
“I may be a God, but I am not immortal. Whatever Iam, I'm part of this world, just as you are.” He stood andturned his back. “What bothers me is that if I am bound toearth as a human, I may have a human lifespan. Kaylia could live forfour or five-hundred more years.”
Realization washed over Linis. “You're afraid thatif you complete your bond she will only live a human lifetime.”
Gewey nodded and lowered his head.
“Your fears are justified,” said Linis. “Butcertainly that should compel you to value the time you will have.”He stood and placed his hand on Gewey's shoulder. “Do not dwellon it. You and she are the first to have such a bond. It could bethat if you have a human life, it may be extended to that of an elf.And there is the possibility that you may not die at all, and the twoof you will live together forever. Whatever the case, there isnothing to be done.”
“You’re right.” Gewey sighed. “Butsometimes it's hard not to think about it.”
Linis gave Gewey's shoulder a light squeeze. “I'llhave the books sent. Perhaps that can occupy your thoughts.”
Gewey turned and smiled. “I'd appreciate it.”
Linis left and Gewey lay on the bed and closed his eyes.He reached out with his mind, hoping to touch Kaylia's, but foundthat it was difficult, as if something was blocking him. He looked inhis pack, retrieved a small flask of jawas tea and took a longdrought. At once he felt its affects. His body and mind relaxed andhis breathing deepened. He reached out, but again he was unable tomake contact. It was as if a wall blocked his way. He tried a fewmore times but with the same result. Frustrated, he got up and beganpacing the room.
The desire to leave the room and ask Kaylia if she hadexperienced the same thing was nearly unbearable. But he knew itwould cause trouble. Instead, he busied himself by unpacking histhings, and polishing and oiling his sword at the edge of the bed.The weapon never seemed to need care, but he enjoyed it all the same.Simply by holding it, he felt the throbbing pulse of the earth.
He closed his eyes allowing the flowto move through him. More and more he opened himself until everyfiber of his being was saturated.
“Stop this!” cried a loud, deep voice.Theopolou stood at the door, fury in his eyes.
Gewey released the power. Immediately he longed to holdit again.
“You must not do that again,” said Theopolouslamming the door behind him. “Why?” asked Gewey. “Whatcan it hurt?”
“Fool,” the elf grumbled. “You exposeyourself when you draw that much power.”
Gewey got to his feet. “I don't understand.”
“Then understand that should an elder be nearbyand you draw that much of the flow,you will not need to tell anyone what you are.” Theopolou satat the table and motioned for Gewey to do the same.
Gewey, irritated by his inability to contact Kaylia,resisted. “I'll stand.”
“You tried to contact Kaylia through your bond,”said Theopolou. “Did you not?”
Shocked, Gewey sat. “How did you-”
“I know everything that happens within thesewalls,” he said. “And though another elder may not be assensitive as I am within my house, they will know that you are not asyou seem if you do that again. You are fortunate no one has arrived.”
Gewey nodded but still felt angered. “Why can't Icontact Kaylia? It's as if I'm being blocked. And why is it you canfeel when I use the power, but your guards did not?”
Theopolou's mouth tightened. “I am not inclined tobe your instructor, but I suppose this time I must be.” Hefolded his hands on the table and leaned forward. “As far asyour inability to spirit travel, I prevented it. I cannot risk youaccidentally ruining my plans. And as for why I can feel you usingthe flow, it is atrait of my race. As we age, we become more sensitive. Seekersdevelop this ability, which is why Linis can feel it, but it wouldcome naturally with time.” Theopolou stood. “That is allyou need know. Any further instruction will be from Kaylia, orperhaps Linis.” He walked to the door. “Do not be a fooland try that again, or we will be undone.”
Gewey felt like an ignorant child. He sat in silence.When he first left home with Lee, he had been rebuked many times, butthis time it struck home all too keenly. He had thought hisexperiences had matured him, but now he questioned himself and hisworth. There was so much he didn't know.
The door opened and Akakios entered, carrying an armloadof books. “Linis sent these.” He placed them on thetable. “Mostly children’s stories, but Linis thought itbest for you to learn our culture from the beginning.”
“Thank you.” Gewey picked up a leather-bondbook with the title “Songs of Lilith” embroidered on thecover.
“Something troubles you?” Akakios asked.
“It's only that sometimes I realize I have much tolearn.”
Akakios smiled warmly. “It is good to know thatabout yourself. Even the very wise are not all knowing, though somemay think so. I take it Theopolou had harsh words for you?”
Gewey shrugged. “He didn't say anything I didn'tdeserve. It's just that for a while I was starting to feel like I wasmy own man, and then I'm reminded of how young and inexperienced Ireally am.”
“Then take comfort that you are the first being,other than an elf, to grace the home of Theopolou or his family inmore than five-hundred years. That is an honor that you, and youalone can boast. If it is experience you desire, this is certainly agood start.”
This lifted Gewey's spirits. “Thank you. I guess Iwas feeling a bit out of place and alone.”
“Think nothing of it.” He turned and openedthe door to leave. “I'll be guarding your door. I will see ifTheopolou will grant me permission to keep you company. Linis may betied up with the meeting of elders.”
“I'd like that,” said Gewey.
Gewey spent the next few hours reading TheSongs of Lilith. The book was a collection ofstories about a young, elf girl named Lilith, who was kidnapped by aspirit and taken to the other side of the world. Each short talerecounted her quest to return home and ended with a moral lesson.
By the time he had read the fifth story his eyes grewheavy and decided to go to bed. He examined the glowing orbs butcould find no way to dim them. Finally, he lay down and covered hiseyes with a shirt from his pack. He thought it best not to undress,just in case he had to move quickly, and kept his clothes on. Hisdreams were filled with visions of Lilith and her struggle to returnto her family.
Chapter Twelve
Gewey awoke to find that the lights were dimmed andLinis sitting quietly on the couch, flipping through one of the bookshe had sent.
“Good morning,” yawned Gewey. “Assumingit is morning.”
Linis placed the book on the end table. “It isindeed. The elders began to show up late last night. Theopolou ishoping they will all be here today.”