“Eftichis,” whispered Kaylia.
“By what right do you challenge?” Theopoloudemanded.
Eftichis reached the floor and stood tall, just a fewfeet away from Gewey. Linis moved in between.
“Still yourself, seeker,” said Eftichis. “Iwill do no violence… yet.”
“Answer the question,” said Theopolou. “Bywhat right do you challenge?”
“Kaylia was promised to me,” Eftichisreplied, in a loud clear voice.
Kaylia sprang to her feet. “I was never promisedto you or to anyone.”
“You dare to tell untruths in this sacred place?”Eftichis challenged. “Your father made this arrangement duringthe Great War as a symbol of unity between our families. You were yetto be born, but the promise still holds. Certainly you know this.”
“I know nothing of the sort,” Kayliacountered. “Were you to ever make this claim, I would haverefused, and you know it. I am already bonded to Gewey, and I willnot be forced toaccept a promise made by my father before I was born… if he evermade such a promise.”
“You doubt my honor?” Eftichis asked. “Youdoubt the word of my father?”
“You think to trick me into naming you a liar,”said Kaylia. “I will not. But if you wish to see the Maker, sobe it.”
Eftichis laughed. “You think much of your humanmate.”
Gewey rose to his feet and met Eftichis’ gaze.“You speak from ignorance. I will ask you not to do this. Ihave no desire to spill your blood, but if you stand between us… Iwill.” Gewey allowed the flowto wash over him. Audible gasps came from the gallery.
“I see,” said Eftichis. “There is moreto you than meets the eye, it would seem. Still, I will not bedeterred. Do you accept?”
“He has until sunset tomorrow to answer,”Theopolou interjected.
“I don't need to wait,” snapped Gewey. “Iaccept. I am sorry. I had hoped I would never have to spill elfblood. But if you force me to, I will.”
“We will see whose blood will spill, human.”Eftichis sneered and turned to Theopolou. “And unless you dareto dispute my word, then you have no choice. The right is mine, and Iclaim it.” He looked out over the gallery. “Does anyonehere question the truth of my claim?”
A minute passed and the Chamber was silent. Eftichissmirked with satisfaction.
Theopolou bowed his head and sighed. “Then it isdone. When the dawn breaks, you will return here. You may bring withyou your weapon, your clothes, and nothing more. One elf of yourchoosing may stand with you, but he is not to interfere. Do youunderstand?” Both Gewey and Eftichis nodded.
“A shame, it is,” rang the voice ofFelsafell. “To see blood of the young wasted. But blood therewill be and nothing more.”
“I have heard you were here,” said Eftichis.“What wisdom do you bring us? Do you think to stop me?”
“No, oh no,” Felsafell replied. “I amno mover of elves or molder of fate.”
“Then why are you here?” called a voice fromthe crowd.
Felsafell surveyed the gallery, then his eyes fell onGewey. “I am here to live in the world one last time. Oh, yes,once more before the end. To see a child ofheaven walk the earth. To hear the wails ofthe elves and cries of men. To free my brothers from winter’scold grasp.” He reached out and took Gewey and Kaylia by thehand. “Come with me. The dawn comes early, and there is much tosay.”
The three made their way back out of the Chamber,followed closely by Theopolou and Linis. Once they had reachedTheopolou's tent, Felsafell released them and took a seat at thetable. Gewey, Kaylia, and Linis did likewise, while Theopolou gaveorders to his escort. Once he had finished he joined the rest of thegroup.
“Did you know this would happen?” Geweyasked Felsafell.
“A fortune teller I am not,” he replied.“Things I know, I do indeed. But the future… a mysterydifficult to grasp.”
“I suspected someone may try to stop you,”said Theopolou. “But I never thought Eftichis would lie openly,on the Chamber floor.”
“He was lying.” Gewey turned to Kaylia.“Wasn't he?”
Kaylia stared down at the table. “Perhaps. Hisfather was close to mine. They fought together during the Great War.If he promised me to another, I was never told. But I suppose it ispossible. Eftichis would have been a good match for me, had my lifetaken another path.”
A pang of jealousy shot through Gewey, but Kaylia smiledand placed her hand on his.
“You will have to kill him,” said Linis.“There is no way to avoid it.”
“Perhaps,” said Felsafell. “Alwayschoices. Always new roads to travel. Listen to me, childof heaven.” His eyes fixed on Gewey.“My time in this place is at an end. A new road I must travel.But this you must know. The cold of the north comes swifter than youcan imagine. Not ready to face it are you, but you must. Hard choicesyou will make, and many deaths will you see. Your true mother willsoon be revealed, and with this knowledge will come madness. Yourbonded mate will save you if you allow it. But the cost may be morethan you can bear.” He rose to his feet. “One last thing.Do not falter. Do not retreat and all will be overcome.” Withthat, he walked toward the back of the tent. “Until the morningI remain, I will. Then off to free my kin.” He pushed back theflap and disappeared down the hall.
“I really don't understand him,” said Gewey.
“You're telling me that he walked all this way,just to tell you that?” said Linis. “Now he's leaving?”
“Felsafell has his own reasons,” saidTheopolou. “He comes and goes as he pleases and speaks in hisown time. Besides, I think you have more urgent matters to attendto.”
Gewey nodded. “Is there anything I should knowabout Eftichis?”
“He's strong,” said Kaylia. “Had hisfather not been the leader of his people, he would have likely been aseeker. It is known that he has great skill with a weapon. You shouldbe cautious.”
“Indeed,” said Theopolou. “Do notunderestimate him, as he will underestimate you. Though your displayin the Chamber will have given him pause, not to mention the otherswatching. The best thing you can do is get some rest and gather yourstrength. In the morning you will face him, and we shall see.”
“I wish there was another way,” Geweygrumbled. “Why must everything be life or death? I really don'twant to kill him.”
“But kill him you must,” said Theopolou.“Otherwise Kaylia will be taken from you, and there will benothing I can do to stop it.”
Gewey’s fist clenched until his knuckles turnedwhite. “Then death it is.”
Kaylia put her arm gently around Gewey's shoulders.“This will only be the first of many, I fear. But I'll be withyou until the end.”
“I'm afraid you are not allowed to attend thepudnaris,” saidTheopolou. “You must remain here until it is over.”
Kaylia turned to Theopolou, her eyes burned with fury.“I will not wait here while Gewey faces death.”
“Yes, you will,” said Theopolou. “Youhave no choice.”
“Don't worry,” said Linis. “I'll bewith him. I know he will prevail.”
Kaylia scowled. “The moment it is over, I expectyou to send word.” She turned to Gewey. “And you… showno mercy. I will not have you killed. Forget everything else. Justwin.”
Gewey smiled and said, “I will, I swear.” Hekissed her lightly on the forehead. “I haven't come this far todie now.”
“Then you should rest while you can,” saidTheopolou. He rose to his feet. “As should I.”
“Are you still being…drained?” askedGewey.
“No. It ended once we neared the Chamber. Whateverthe cause, it has no effect in this place. Do not be concerned. Wehave more pressing matters at hand.”
“Agreed,” said Linis. He looked at Gewey.“Come. I know it will be difficult, but you need to at leasttry to rest.”