“You know something about my sword?” askedGewey.
“I know a little,” Chiron replied. “Itwas made during a time when elves first walked the earth, and ourknowledge was vast. The art of its construction has been lost intime, but the legends remain. Only small objects can be made now andwith limited uses. Whoever gave you that sword had no idea what theypossessed, or they would have never given it away. It was said thatsuch weapons could make someone powerful beyond measure.”
Gewey looked down at his sword, and thought about thefirst time he used it when he fought Salmitaya's soldiers. “Doyou think someone will challenge me?”
“Who can say?” the elf replied. “Itell you only to warn you.” He rose to his feet. “I willinform you if I hear anything.” He spun about and strode offbefore Gewey could utter another word.
Gewey watched Chiron as he walked away. “I don'ttrust him,” he said quietly.
“He is Theopolou's friend,” said Kaylia.“And my uncle trusts him.”
“Gewey's right,” Linis interjected. “Iget the same feeling. He seems all too willing to accept you. It maybe nothing, but I feel something is amiss.” He rubbed his chinin thought. “Still, if Theopolou trusts him, I suppose weshould as well.”
“Did you know about this pudnaris?”Gewey asked, looking to both Kaylia and Linis.
Kaylia nodded. “Yes, but I did not think itimportant. As an elf facing judgment and my well-known relationshipswith humans, I could not imagine why anyone would call for it. Not tomention that we are already bonded. That should be enough to deterany potential rivals.”
“True,” said Linis. “But if someonethought to use it to prevent your union with Gewey, things could getcomplicated.” He looked at Gewey with a grave expression. “Ifit happens, you will be exposed. The amount of flowyou will need to channel, in order to defeat a determined elf will beimmense. I remember when I saw you holding the power within you forthe first time.”
“But you didn't guess what I was,” saidGewey.
“No,” said Linis. “But I knew youwere… something different. And remember, I am not as versed in suchmatters as the elders. And there will be many of them at the Chamberwhen we arrive. You can bet they will figure it out. The only reasonthey have not as of yet, is that the idea of a God in human form isbeyond most of our understanding or imagination.”
Gewey thought for a minute. “I don't see anythingI can do about it,” he said finally. “They'll know aboutme one way or another, in time.”
“You have a point,” Linis agreed. “Butit would be better if they found out by watching you open the Book ofSouls. If Theopolou has not deceived us, you may get the chance to doso.” He reached out and placed his hand on Gewey's shoulder.“Whatever happens, Kaylia and I will stand by you. Until then,we should keep our wits about us and look for signs of trouble.”
“You still suspect Theopolou?” asked Gewey.
“I suspect that there are plans set in motionagainst us. This much is clear. I have not heard anything thus farthat eases my suspicions.” Linis glanced over at Theopolou,then Bellisia. “Of course, our true enemy may still berevealed. Mistrust can be a powerful weapon.”
Gewey thumbed the hilt of his sword. “I want totrust Theopolou. My heart tells me to. I suppose we’ll knowsoon enough, won’t we?”
Linis nodded. “That we will.”
Kaylia was oddly silent, but her eyes never left heruncle.
The rest of the evening was uneventful. Gewey and Kayliasat a few yards away from the others, talking, while Linis rejoinedthe elders and discussed their route. The two elves that had beensent into the forest to bury the assassin returned about an hourbefore it was time to depart. Their faces were somber when theyrejoined their companions and they did not want to speak.
Gewey gathered his gear and checked his sword. Akakiosand the other three guards had rejoined the others, leaving Linis asGewey's sole companion.
“I guess there's no point in guarding me anymore,”Gewey remarked.
“I think they realize it is a useless gesture,”said Linis. “They are of more use protecting their masters thanwatching you.”
Chapter Twenty-Five
The spirits of the party did not rise with the sun. Theevents of the previous day weighed heavily on their minds. Aside fromtheir footfalls and the rustling of gear, not a sound could be heard.Kaylia continued to stay by Theopolou's side, while Linis and Geweystayed to the rear. Gewey felt more at ease where eyes could noteasily watch him. Though the pace had slowed a bit, they were stillable to cover many miles before they made camp for the night. Theevening mood was as dreary and quiet as it was during the day, thoughit was decided that a few small fires could be lit.
Linis and Kaylia, along with Theopolou and Chiron,joined Gewey beside the fire he had built a few yards away from themain camp. Six guards surrounded them, far enough away so that theydid not intrude, but Gewey still felt uneasy as he noticed thecontemptuous stares they gave him when he met their eyes.
“I thought it would be best to show our…friendship, to the others,” explained Chiron, as he took a seatby the fire.
“I appreciate it,” said Gewey. “I needall the help I can get.”
“Indeed,” said Theopolou. “The comingdays will be difficult. Lord Chiron and I both agree that we mustfind a way for our people to survive the coming storm… even if itmeans allying ourselves with the humans for a time.”
“Others will argue that it is the humans whomarch,” added Chiron. “The King of Angraal washimself a member of Amon Dahl, and his armies are human, even ifit is their own kind they march on.”
“The humans who follow him have been deceived,”said Linis. “They have no idea what is about to be unleashedupon the world. And the elves that think him the reincarnation ofKing Ratsterfel are just as blind, and twice as stupid.”
“I cannot argue,” Chiron admitted. “Butyou must take into account that many of our people are weary of whathas become of us. They no longer want to live in the shadows, yetthey cannot bear to live side by side with humans.”
“What do you think?” Gewey asked Chiron.
“In my opinion the elves should leave,” hereplied. “There are legends of lands beyond the great WesternAbyss. It is said that my people once dwelt there. Perhaps it is timewe returned.”
“Those are just legends, as you say,” saidTheopolou. “And we have sent ships across the Abyss. None haveever returned.”
Chiron smiled and laughed softly. “I suppose thiswill be a discussion to be had once our people are no longer facingextinction. In the meantime we have matters to resolve.” Heturned to Gewey. “You will face intense opposition when youface the entire council of elders. Some, perhaps many, will wish toaid you, but few will say so openly. It is important that youconvince more than just Theopolou and me to speak in your favor. Todo this you must openthe Book of Souls.” He eyed Gewey intensely. “Theopolouis confident that you can do this. Can you?”
Gewey thought for a long moment then said, “Idon't know.”
“That’s not the answer I was hoping for,”said Chiron. “But it will do. If you are challenged for theright to bond with Kaylia, you must wait until after the bonding tospeak to the council. You have until sunrise of the next day toanswer the challenge, so
you must not act before then. If the Book is opened andyou are proven to be the fulfillment of prophesy, then not only willyou likely avoid further challenges, but almost certainly gain thesupport you need.”
“What if we waited until I opened the Book tocomplete the bond?” suggested Gewey.
“Risky,” remarked Linis. “If you arenot successful-”
“Then Gewey and I will still complete the rite,”Kaylia interjected.
“The fact is,” said Theopolou, “thereis no way to tell what will happen until we arrive. I suspect all ofour plans will be useless. We will be entering an atmosphere alien tous all. Not since the Great War have so many elders been summoned.”