Once they finished, two elves cleared the table andbrought out a decanter of plum brandy. Gewey's mouth twisted when thesweet fragrance fill the room.
“I see you don't care for plum brandy,”Theopolou observed. “I have more wine if you would rather.”
“Brandy will be fine,” said Gewey. “I'venever had elf brandy. I would try it before I decide.”
Theopolou smiled slightly and passed the bottle aroundthe table. To Gewey’s relief, though the smell was similar, itwas not as sweet as the brandy he had tasted in the past. In fact, itwas quite pleasant and a smile crept onto his face as he sipped it.
“Word of you and Felsafell will have begun tospread by now,” said Theopolou. “I have called for agathering in the Chamber of the Maker this evening for the joiningbetween you and Kaylia.” His eyes darkened. “Do notexpect a warm reception.”
Gewey nodded. “Do you expect me to be challenged?”
“I hope not,” Theopolou replied. “Itwould complicate matters. On one hand, you could show your strengthand resolve it. On the other hand, you may be prematurely exposed.That Felsafell is your friend and companion may give any would-bechallengers pause… at least that is my hope.” His eyes fellon Linis. “I have debated as to the virtue of your presence.You are cast out and have refused to face judgment. Those who do notknow this, soon will. Yet your name still carries weight and respect,even among your enemies. You shall also stay by Gewey's side.”
“I never intended to do anything else,”Linis stated. “And I will offer again to perform the bonding…if you think it will go ill for you, should you do it.”
Theopolou's jaw tightened and his eyes narrowed. “Iwill not be denied my right, nor ignore my obligation as Kaylia'sguardian and uncle. Though some may abandon me for what I am to do, Iwill not let politicscause me to act with dishonor.”
“I meant no offense,” said Linis. “Ithink only of your safety.”
“Then I will have Lord Theopolou bond us,”said Kaylia. “And no other.”
Theopolou couldn't help smiling. The old elf got to hisfeet, accompanied by his escort. “Then you should both prepare.I must make the arrangements.” He turned and left the tent.
“What do we do?” asked Gewey.
“If you are to be bonded in the Chamber of theMaker,” said Linis. “I think I will try and find you someappropriate attire.”
“Won't you be in danger wandering around alone?”asked Gewey.
Linis flashed a smile. “I think not. There are notmany who can hope to attack me and live. Besides, with you andFelsafell around, I doubt I'm of much interest. At least not yet.”Linis stood and fastened his long knife to his belt. “If I wereyou, I would take advantage of your time alone.”
Gewey blushed as Linis departed. Kaylia forced back alaugh. “Are you nervous?” asked Gewey.
Kaylia took Gewey's hand and kissed him lightly on thecheek. “No… not really. At least not in the way a human mightbe.” She could see that Gewey did not understand. “I feelas if I am beginning a new chapter in a life that I know nothingabout. This does not make me nervous. It makes me excited.” Shescrutinized Gewey for a moment. “And you? How do you feel?”
Gewey thought for a moment. “I don't know… notreally. I know this is what I want. I can feel that in my heart. But,it's just…” He shook his head in frustration. “I wish Ihad the words. But I don't. In truth, I'm still just a simple farmer.I guess I feel small among the company I have been keeping. It'sconfusing.”
“Even with me?” she asked.
“Especially with you.” he admitted. “Youare so far beyond what my wildest dreams could have imagined. And I'mto be bonded with you. How am I worthy of this? How? Me, a hay farmerfrom Sharpstone married to an elf princess.”
Kaylia pulled Gewey to her and kissed him again, thistime deep and hard. Gewey felt dizzy when she finally released him.
“For a farmer with no words you seem to speak themwell,” she whispered. “You are worthy because I deem youworthy. Never forget that. And never forget that it is the companyyou keep that stands in awe of you.” She stroked his cheek andsmiled sweetly. “One more thing… I'm nota princess.”
Gewey gazed deeply into her eyes. For the first time indays, he felt confident and at peace. He took Kaylia's hand andpulled it to his chest. “Thank you.”
Kaylia cocked her head. “For what?”
“For showing me what I must do.”
“And what is that?”
He squeezed her hand then kissed it. “Bond withyou. Bond with you, then see to it that we are never in fear again.”He jumped to his feet and pulled Kaylia with him. “I guess youshould get ready.” He pulled her to him and embraced her for along moment. “As for me… I'll count the minutes.”
Kaylia laughed softly. “It is tradition that I beattended by two elf maids.” She looked around the tent. “Sadly,I seem to lack them.”
As if on cue two young elf girls, dressed in blue satindresses, entered the tent. One carried a thick bundle bound by a thintwine. The other had a large leather bag thrown over her leftshoulder. They stopped just inside the tent and bowed.
“We have been sent by Lord Chiron to attend LadyKaylia,” said the elf holding the bundle.
Kaylia beamed. “A kind gesture. And wellreceived.” She leaned over and kissed Gewey lightly on thecheek, then allowed the two maids to lead her away into the back ofthe tent.
Gewey took a seat back at the table and nibbled on apiece of bread while he waited for Linis to return. After half anhour, the tent flap opened, but instead of Linis, Akakios entered. Hewore a grave expression.
“What's wrong?” asked Gewey.
“Word of your bonding has spread.” hereplied. “Lord Theopolou was nearly assaulted.” Geweyjumped up. “How did it happen?”
Akakios peered outside for a moment. “An argumentbroke out regarding his presiding over the bonding ceremony. Linisstopped it just as knives were being drawn.” He looked aroundthe tent. “Where is Kaylia?”
“She's getting ready,” Gewey answered. “LordChiron sent two maids to attend her.”
“That's good,” said Akakios. “Thesooner this is over the better. I have a feeling tensions will keeprising. Perhaps once the two of you are bonded, there will be nofurther need for this nonsense.”
“I wish I could say I am sorry,” remarkedGewey. “But Theopolou knew this could happen. I think he knewit must. Change is always hard. I will not apologize for my bond withKaylia. It's important. Not only for us, but for everyone.”
Akakios sighed heavily. “When I first met you,those words would have angered me. Now… I think I understand whythis must be.” He walked to the wall of the tent and sat in oneof the chairs. “I've heard the words of Felsafell. He speaks ofus as a broken people. I think he is right to say so. When I hear ofthe grace and wisdom of my ancestors, I cannot help but long for usto regain what we were. Not power. Not to be as we were before theGreat War. But to be as we were in the times of our legends. I usedto think they were just stories. But now… I think they were morethan that.” He reached behind him and touched a glowing globethat hung from the wall. Sadness washed over his face. “Once wecreated such things as to rival the craft of the Gods. Now-”
“Your people are still great and wise. Compared tothe darkness and fear that exists in the human world…”
Akakios held out his hand and shook his head. “No.We are not as humans think we are. Not as good or as cruel. We havehidden ourselves away for so long that we have become … somethingelse.”
“I'm hoping to change that,” said Gewey.“Perhaps when all is done, the elves can learn how to becomewhat they once were. Perhaps something even greater.” He took aseat next to Akakios. “I've only begun to learn about yourlegends, but what I've read tells about a people who led open andadventurous lives. I believe it is time for your people to live thatway again.”