Gewey could hear some of the elves making their waytoward them. In a flash, Theopolou appeared with his knife in handand slit the elf's throat. Blood soaked the elf's shirt and spilledonto the ground. Gewey immediately released his hold on him, but itwas too late. His eyes met Gewey's for one final moment before deathovercame him. Pure hatred was the only thing Gewey could see. Thenthe blank stare of oblivion. He heard a thud, as the knife hit theground beside the slain captive’s head.
Theopolou turned to the others who were still a few feetaway. “He is dead. I have killed him.”
Chiron walked up to the body and examined it carefully.“He has no markings and his clothes could be from anywhere. Thedagger is common as well. The stains and scrapes on his boots suggestthat he has traveled through the mountains.” He turned to theothers. “Does anyone recognize him?”
Each elf in turn examined the body, but none could placehis face or guess at his origin. Even Linis could not find a clue.After it was clear that no one could solve the puzzle, the eldersgathered in a small circle to decide their next move. They invitedLinis to join them, but made it clear that Gewey and Kaylia were toremain with Akakios and the other three guards. Akakios looked as ifhe wanted to ask for Gewey's sword, but did not.
The elders talked for about an hour then split up totell their plan to the others. Linis approached Gewey, his eyesaflame.
“Fools,” spat Linis. “Bloody fools!”“What is it?” asked Gewey.
Akakios and the three guards had joined them.
“They want to press on even faster,” hereplied, in disgust. “And they still will not allow my seekersto join us.”
“You told them they were near?” askedKaylia.
“I had no choice. Whoever the assassin was, he hadthe skills to slip past my people. If there are more out there, wewon't be able to notice them if we travel too fast. And if theyallowed my seekers to come among us, we could move at speed andavoid a trap.” He checked his weapon. “I need to speak tomy comrades. I'll return soon.” He dashed off into the woodsand disappeared.
“Your weapon,” came Bellisia's voice frombehind them.
Gewey turned to her as she walked toward themaccompanied by two escorts, long knives drawn.
“If there is someone seeking to kill him,”said Theopolou. “He should be allowed to keep it.”
“You misunderstand,” she corrected. “Ionly wish to know where he acquired it.”
“It was a gift,” said Gewey.
“And such a gift it is,” she said. Her eyeslocked with Gewey's. “I will not ask you to give it up, and Isuspect that forcing it from you may prove more difficult than wewould have originally suspected. Because of that, I think that youshall be dealt with first. Theopolou's judgment must wait.” Sheturned to Theopolou. “Once we arrive, be prepared to presentyour arguments in favor of this boy, and inform him of his rights.”
“You cannot do this,” said Theopolou.
“I can and will,” Bellisia shot back. “Doyou think me blind? Did you think he could use that much of the flowand it would escape my notice?” She stepped toward Gewey,looking him up and down. “Whatever you are, I will get to thetruth of it. And if you are a danger to my people, we need to know.That gives me theright.” She spun on her heels and strode off.
“I am sorry, Gewey,” said Theopolou, in ahalf whisper. “I fear this trip may go ill for you.”
“I don't understand,” said Gewey. “Whatjust happened?”
“Bellisia is calling you to appear before thecouncil to determine if you are a danger to our race. If they decidethat you are, then they will kill you… and me, for bringing youamong us.”
Gewey tightened his jaw and re-sheathed his sword. “Theymay find that more difficult than they think.”
“Then you will be forced to slaughter yourallies,” said Theopolou. “We will fall and the Dark Onewill triumph.”
“If he allows himself to be killed, all is lostanyway,” said Kaylia.
Theopolou nodded. “The only hope is for you toconvince them to spare you. You must show them that you are not athreat.”
“I need to do more than that,” said Gewey.“I need to convince them to join me. That's why I came to beginwith.”
“True,” said Theopolou. “But I fearyou will have little success. The only way is to gain the support ofthe majority of the elders. The others will fall in line to avoid asecond split.”
“How should we proceed?” asked Kaylia.
“My way is one of caution,” repliedTheopolou. “But now is a time for bold action.” He turnedand took a few steps. “Face each other. Do it quickly.”He turned back around. Gewey and Kaylia stood motionless for amoment, then obeyed.
“Are you sure you wish to be bonded?” theold elf asked. His voice was soft and melodic.
Kaylia didn't hesitate. “I am.”
Gewey was speechless but still managed a short nod.
“But won't this anger the others?” askedKaylia. “How can Gewey convince them if they're too incensed tolisten?”
“Anger will fade,” he explained. “Youhave chosen this… man. And he you. If you expect to touch thereason of the elders, you must make them face their fears and seewhat is possible. Talk is not enough. Though you may be right; thismay be a mistake.”
“It is no mistake,” said Kaylia, smiling.“If Gewey faces death, I will face it with him. I would havethe bond completed before our fate finds us and it is too late.”She turned to Theopolou. “Now is the time.”
“Then prepare yourselves,” said Theopolou.“I will gather the witnesses.”
They watched as Theopolou walked away into the fadinglight, towards the elders. Gewey was shocked. “They will be ourwitnesses?” he laughed.
“They cannot refuse,” Kaylia explained. “Thebonding ceremony isamong our most sacred rituals. It strikes at our core beliefs. Theywould not dare say no, regardless of who is being bonded.”
“What do I need to do?”
Kaylia suppressed a laugh. “If you still have theclothes Theopolou gave you, you should put them on. It's a bit moreappropriate.” She reached out and squeezed his hand. “Asfor me I should change as well.” With that, she danced off,leaving Gewey reeling with emotion that flowed between theirconnection.
If this is what it's like now,Gewey thought. What must it be like when it'scompleted? He shook his head vigorously,trying to steady his nerves, and went to his pack and retrieved hiself clothing.
“Gewey,” called Akakios, trotting towardhim, holding a tiny flask in his hand. “There is a streamnearby where you can wash. I've sent the other three ahead to makesure it's safe.” He slapped Gewey on the back. “Come.Let’s get you ready.”
Gewey paused and extended his hand. “I didn'tthank you for saving my life.”
Akakios looked thoughtful. “I'm not sure I did.Anyway, you might not have been the target.”
“What have they done with the body?” Geweyasked, noticing it had been removed. “Two of my kin have takenit to the forest to perform the funeral rites,” he replied.“Assassin or no, he was an elf and should pass from this lifeas one.”
“Of course,” said Gewey.
“But enough of that,” said Akakios. “Youneed to get ready, and I will not face Theopolou for failing to haveyou back on time.” He threw his arm around Gewey, pulling himalong.
Gewey allowed himself to be led east, into the denseforest. About half a mile in, he heard the light trickle of a stream.The three guards were waiting. They did not smile. Akakios halted.“Just a few feet through that brush, you'll find the stream.”He handed him the flask. “Essence of the star lily. It is atradition among us to perfume ourselves during high rituals, and itdoes not get more lofty than this.”
Gewey opened the flask and the air filled with asweetness Gewey had never experienced.
“Thank you,” he said gratefully, and walkedtoward the stream.
“Just see that you give it back,” Akakioscalled after him. “I need some as well.”