“I'm already at war.” Linis held a deepsadness in his eyes. “I've been called to judgment.”
Gewey's eyes shot wide. “What? What are you goingto do?”
Linis forced a weak smile. “I've refused torecognize their authority. Once I leave these walls I am to beconsidered a fugitive and a traitor.”
“I'm so sorry,” said Gewey
“Don't be. I knew this would happen. It was just amatter of time.” He squared his shoulders. “I have mademy choices, and I do not regret what I have done.”
The door opened and Theopolou entered, dressed in a longwhite robe, looking weary.
“I imagine Linis has filled you in,” saidTheopolou. Gewey nodded.
“The council wishes to extend you an invitation tojoin them at the Chamber of the Maker,” said Theopolou in aclear even tone. “Do you accept?”
“Why?” asked Gewey. “Why do they wantme to go there?”
“They feel that your presence has jeopardized thegathering,” Theopolou replied without conviction. “Theyfear you may have led others here.”
“That is a lie and you know it,” Linisroared. “They are luring you into a trap. You must see that.Once you're outside of these walls they will kill you… and Gewey.”
“I pray that you are wrong, seeker,” saidTheopolou. “But if you are not, you must take the Book of Soulsand keep it safe. I'll entrust it to you before I leave. Keep ithidden.”
“No need,” said Linis flatly. “I'll begoing, too.”
Theopolou nodded. “Very well.”
“What about Kaylia?” asked Gewey.
“She will be accompanying us,” Theopolouanswered.
“I won't let you march her to her death.”
“She is not to be judged,” said Theopolou.“At least not yet. She has been called to bear witness and givetestimony.”
“Testimony?” said Gewey “What kind oftestimony?”
“Against me,” Theopolou replied. “Ihave been called to judgment.”
“You cannot do this,” said Linis. “Yourenemies know that you will not be found guilty. It can only mean theyintend to move against you once you are away from the safety of yourhome.”
“If so,” said Theopolou. “I shallcount on you to come to my aid.” “My seekers should comeas well.”
“No,” said Theopolou. “If you insiston coming, they must not. It will be taken as a sign of aggression.You must help me keep the Book… and Gewey safe. ”
“So I won't be opening it here?” askedGewey.
“I do not think it would be wise,” Theopoloureplied. “It would cause more trouble than I care to handle atthis point. The council is aware that I have re-acquired the Book,and that has gained me some support. But introducing a God into thesituation this soon would be… unwise. Linis is right. I will not befound guilty. Once that happens we can move on from there. I willgather the council once more after I am found guiltless, and then youwill open it.”
“Is Gewey still to meet with the council before wedepart?” asked Linis.
“Yes,” Theopolou replied. “Though yourpetition to have the elves join your cause must wait.”
Gewey’s heart sank. “Isn't there any way forme to speak to them before we reach the Chamber of the Maker?”
“It would be a foolish risk,” saidTheopolou. “Beyond the grounds of my house I cannot protectyou. Certain revelations may cause my kin to react… poorly.”
“I have to risk it,” said Gewey. “Everyday wasted brings the Dark Knight closer to our doors. I need to dowhat I came here to do.”
Theopolou sighed. “If you must, I cannot stop you.But I think you would do better to listen to my council.” Heturned to Linis. “The road ahead may hold danger. Prepare.”
Linis nodded. “I may not be able to bring myseekers, but I can see to it that they are not far.” He shot astare at Theopolou before he could argue. “I insist.”
“They must say out of sight,” said Theopoloureluctantly.
“They are seekers,”said Linis. “The finest the tribe of Melanctha has everproduced. That bumbling group of fools could not spot my elves ifthey were standing on top of them.”
“I know you are angered by them naming youtraitor,” scolded Theopolou. “But they are not fools. Ifyour seekers are not careful they will be discovered.”
“They will not be discovered,” said Linis.“But I must take my leave now to inform them.”
Theopolou nodded curtly as Linis left the room. “Whathappens now?” asked Gewey.
“Now you will speak briefly with the elders.”Theopolou looked Gewey up and down. “You may keep your presentattire.”
“And Kaylia?” asked Gewey.
“She awaits us.”
Theopolou led Gewey out the door and around to the frontof the main house. He was excited to see the interior of such amagnificent building. The great metal doors swung open as theyapproached. What Gewey saw made the exterior seem trite and common.The immense receiving hall was lit bright by the same orbs that werein his room, only much smaller and vast in number. The floors were ofdeep emerald green marble, polished to a shine and veined with ivory.The walls were made from the same gleaming silver metal as the doorand gate, and etched with elf letters and symbols of such artistry itbrought tears to Gewey’s eyes.
Above him, running along the entire length and breadthof the hall, was a green marble balcony. Darkly stained wooden doorslined the wall leading to various rooms and chambers.
In the center of the hall a crystal statue, similar tothe one outside, held a book. Gewey immediately thought of the Bookof Souls. Theopolou's family had guarded it for generations. It musthave pained the elf over the years to see the statue and know that itno longer held the same meaning it once had.
At the rear of the room, a broad staircase led up to thenext level, with a set of double doors on either side of the base, aswell as another set at the top. Gewey stared, mouth agape as hepassed the statue. He could hardly wait to see the rest of the house.As he crested the staircase, Gewey caught sight of Kaylia. She wasdressed in the same white robe as Theopolou, and her hair hungloosely down her back. She smiled when she saw Gewey and he couldfeel her relief through their bond.
Kaylia appraised his elven garb. “You look gooddressed this way.”
Gewey blushed. “It's very comfortable, but I feelunderdressed to meet elf elders.” He decided not to mentionthat he had also slept in them.
“Are you ready?” asked Theopolou. Gewey andKaylia both nodded.
Theopolou clapped his hands loudly and the doors swungsilently open. As they followed the elf in, Gewey took a deep breath,hoping this trip hadn't been a huge mistake.
Chapter Thirteen
The High Lady of Valshara paced the halls of the temple,immersed in thought. Ever since Linis had reported the presence ofpossible agents from Angraal watching them, she had hardlyslept. Then, two of her scouts had disappeared three nights ago, andthe temple watch had seen shadowy figures lurking just beyond thewalls. Their location was compromised and she felt an attack wouldsoon come.
The few knights she had available were not enough tohold off an attack should the walls be breached. They had attemptedto convince her to escape, but she refused. The High Lady of Valsharawould not scurry away in the night, and she would not leave herpeople behind. If evacuation became necessary, everyone would go. Ofcourse, if the hidden exit had been found by their enemies, theywould all die.
Her mind wandered to thoughts of her son. She wished shecould speak to him one more time. Their reunion had been all toobrief, though she was thankful that she was able to see him beforethe end.
“My Lady.” It was Ertik.
Selena forced a smile. “Brother Ertik, how are thepreparations coming?”
“They go well, My Lady,” he replied, thoughnot convincingly. “If the walls are breached, the knights willbe able to slow any invaders long enough for everyone to get out.”
“I want you to spread the word,” commandedSelena. “Gather all packs and gear and place them in thereceiving hall at once. I want nothing to hinder our escape, if itcomes to that.”