Chiron nodded in agreement.
A commotion sounded at the edge of the camp. Gewey andthe others sprang to their feet and drew their weapons. One of theelves that had been guarding Gewey ran up to them.
“We have an intruder,” said the elf.
“An intruder,” Linis exclaimed. “Howdid anyone get past the watch?”
The elf shook his head. “I don't know. He justappeared out of nowhere.”
“Is it an elf?” Theopolou asked.
“No,” the guard replied. “He lookshuman but…”
“But what?” Chiron pressed.
“I'm not sure what to make of him,” the elfstammered. “He doesn't smelllike a human.”
“Take us to him,” ordered Theopolou.
The guard bowed sharply and led Theopolou and the othersthrough the camp, to its opposite edge. A group of elves gathered ina circle with their weapons drawn, surrounding a small, cloakedfigure, leaning on a long, ash walking staff. Theopolou pushed hisway between two elves and stood directly in front of the newcomer.
“Who are you?” Theopolou demanded. “Whatdo you want?”
The figure did not look up. “I seek a child ofheaven, I do. Oh, yes. Among the young ones, I find him.”
Gewey knew at once who it was. “Felsafell!”
An audible gasp could be heard throughout the elves.Clearly they knew the name well.
Felsafell pushed back his hood, revealing his haggardfeatures and crooked grin. “I see you remember old Felsafell…but of course, of course. You are not daft. Your mind is sharp, ohyes it is.” He took a few steps toward Gewey. The elves gaveway.
“What are you doing here?” asked Gewey.
“I have come again to see the world,” hereplied. “The spirits are gone and the wind has risen. Blownaway my friends, it has. The darkness comes and the firstborn shall have one final adventure.”
“You claim to be Felsafell.” Bellisiastepped forward. “How do we know this is who you really are?”
“Ah yes,” Felsafell laughed. “Thechild of discontent, who sought me out. Did not find me. Could notfind me. Cannot find herself. Lost you became, and lost you arestill. Indeed, indeed. With troubled past and uncertain future. Shestill seeks the thing she once lost.”
Bellisia glared at Felsafell but fell silent.
This time Theopolou stepped forward. “If you areFelsafell, we welcome you. Your wisdom has helped our people for manyages past. But please, explain to us why you are here.”
Felsafell's smile vanished. “The wisest of thefallen speaks. Fallen from grace you are, yet in you, the sparkremains. But I fear it fades. Like me and my brothers and sisters,fading from memory. Sad, sad, sad. The end nears for us both. Butperhaps you may be saved. Oh, yes, I have seen the many paths. Thetrails of joy and sorrow join together.”
“You speak in riddles,” said Theopolou. “Ifyou know something, tell us.”
“Know?” Felsafell sighed. “I know manythings. Yes, I do. But none to help you. Alone is the journey of thesecond born. To what end shall be your task to discover. I come toaid the heaven child. Nothing less and nothing more.”
Gewey walked up to Felsafell and bowed low. “Inever had the chance to thank you for what you did for me. If it werenot for you I'd still be trapped.”
“How did he help you?” asked Bellisia.
“The why's and what's will have their time,”Felsafell said. “I know much and will share what I can. I willindeed. Oh, yes.” He looked across the gathering. “I knowyou have questions. Always questions for old Felsafell. But bemindful of what you ask. You may learn what you should not know.”
“So you intend to accompany us?” askedChiron.
“I do, I do” he replied. “If you willhave me. To learn to speak in the world again. An adventure that Idid not see. Thought I would fade. Fade away and join my kin. Butthey have been stolen. The first are all gone.”
“You may join us,” said Gewey.
“You speak without authority,” snappedBellisia. “We must-”
“He joins me, or I don't go,” said Gewey.
Bellisia paused, then turned and walked away, muttering.
“An old man is tired,” said Felsafell. “Restis what I need. At least for a while. Questions after. Questionswaiting.”
“Come with me,” said Gewey, offering hishand.
Felsafell smiled cheerfully and allowed Gewey to leadhim through the camp to where he had set up his bedroll.
“You can take my blanket,” said Gewey. “I'mnot tired.”
“A kind child of heaven you are,” saidFelsafell. He plopped down on the ground and wrapped himself in theblanket. In seconds, he was breathing deeply.
“I can't believe he is here,” remarkedKaylia. “I wonder what he wants.”
“Whatever it is, he sure has stirred up theelders,” said Gewey, almost amused.
Theopolou approached. “We would like to speak withyou,” he said. It was clear he did not share Gewey's amusement.
Gewey, Kaylia, and Linis followed Theopolou to the farside of the camp where the elders, along with their escorts, hadgathered. They eyed Gewey as they shuffled uneasily and whispered toeach other.
“How is it you know of Felsafell?” Bellisiademanded.
Gewey considered for a moment whether or not to mentionhis experience in the spirit world, and decided not to. “I methim in the Spirit Hills, after escaping from an agent of the DarkOne.”
“And how did you come upon him?” asked LordAneili.
Gewey recounted the story of his encounter (leaving outthings that would suggest his origin).
“You stayed in his home?” said Chiron.“Remarkable. Many of my people have sought out Felsafell. Somenever to return. But even those who found him have never beenafforded such a privilege.”
“We're still not certain that is the realFelsafell,” countered Bellisia.
“You seemed certain enough when he spoke to you amoment ago,” said Theopolou.
“Gewey appears to believe him, and of all of us heseems to have the most personal knowledge.”
“Suppose this is Felsafell,” said LadyLeora. “Is it wise to have him among us?”
Lord Endymion laughed. “Just what would you haveus do, Leora? Kill him? He walked straight into our camp withoutbeing noticed. Do you think he gives us a choice?”
“I think we should hear what Gewey has to say.”Theopolou turned to Gewey. “You clearly want him with you, butis there anything you can tell us that might explain his being here?”
Bellisia leveled her gaze on Gewey. “Indeed, childof heaven. That is what he called you, is itnot? What do you think are his motives?”
“I don’t know why he’s here,”said Gewey. “But I don't think he is here to harm us. That'snot his way.”
“Tell that to my brother,” cried one ofChiron's escort. “He vanished in the Spirit Hills seekingFelsafell's so-called wisdom, never to be seen again.”
“I don't think Felsafell did anything to yourbrother,” said Gewey. “He warned me when I was with himthat the spirits would try and trick you. They could make you lostand confused. If your bother disappeared I would think the spiritsare the villains, not Felsafell.”
“So you say,” scoffed Bellisia. “Apparently,he has much interest in you. But why now? Why has he appeared just aswe are ready to gather? Are you sure you cannot answer this riddle…child of heaven? Canyou know that he means us no harm? Perhaps he means youno harm.”
“I’m certain he is who he says he is,”replied Gewey, trying to ignore Bellisia’s repeated reference.“As for anything else, I was not alone when I met him, andFelsafell made no move to harm my companion. In fact, he did what hecould to make sure the spirits left both us in peace.”
Bellisia scowled “That proves nothing. There issomething you are not telling us. No one shows as much trust as youshow Felsafell without good reason.”
“Perhaps Gewey is not as jaded as some,”said Chiron, an obvious dig at Bellisia.