Gewey and Kaylia had shown no signs of reviving. Leevisited them at least twice a day but was only allowed to be in theroom for a few minutes at a time. The healers clearly thought anyintrusion an imposition, and Lee was not inclined to argue. Besides,there was nothing he could do, and he did not enjoy feeling helpless.
Dina spent her time recounting her experiences in herjournal. Selena had held a small ceremony signifying her elevation tofull cleric and set her to task. Lee had scarcely seen her except forwhen they happened to run into each other on their way to check onGewey and Kaylia.
Word had come that Linis was seeking out Theopolou andhoped to have the sage there soon. He had arrived in Althetas twodays after the battle between Gewey and Harlando and was contacted byValsharan agents. Lee took comfort in this. He knew if anyone couldhasten the arrival of Theopolou, it was Linis.
The door to the library opened, and Lee saw Ertik. Hisface was grave, and he was dressed in white ceremonial robes, a thingLee had only seen at Dina's elevation to cleric. Lee placed his bookon the table beside his chair and rose to his feet as Ertik strodeover.
Ertik bowed. “Lee,” he said in a respectfultone.
Lee smiled warmly. “Why so formal today?” Hereached out and shook Ertik's hand.
“Theopolou has arrived,” he replied. “TheHigh Lady asked me to tell you that we will be meeting with him thisevening in the main receiving hall. Appropriate clothing has alreadybeen brought to your room.”
“I see,” said Lee, noting Ertik's demeanor.“How many are with him?”
“He has brought an escort of a ten elves. Linis isalso with them.”
Lee nodded. “I'll be there.”
“Mind what you say. These elves are not likeothers you have encountered. They do not enjoy the company of humans.That we possess the Book of Souls is the only reason they've agreedto come.” Ertik lowered his voice to a whisper. “This maynot go well. Be prepared.” With that, he bowed and left.
Lee stood for a long moment, his brow furled with worry.He knew the elves thought the Book of Souls was rightfully theirs,but his experience with more enlightened elves left out thepossibility that they may try to take it by force. Since he hadarrived, he had counted maybe a dozen men that belonged to theKnights of Amon Dahl. Though he knew their reputation, he alonehad actually fought an elf. Lee doubted very much that he and twelvemen would fare well against ten trained elf fighters. If Theopolouwas as great among his people as he was told, he was likely to havebrought elves of greatskill.
It was midday, and he had several hours until themeeting, so he decided to check on Gewey and Kaylia. He wound his waythrough the stone hallways, nodding and smiling at the passers- by.Word had spread quickly that he was the son of the High Lady. Atfirst, he had become a bit of a celebrity. People practically trippedover themselves to shake his hand or help him find his way around.After a few days, however, the excitement died down and most of thetemple simply became a bit more cheerful when they saw him.
The door to the healing chamber was usually unattended,but to his surprise, he saw two tall elves standing on either side.Both had light bronze skin and shoulder length black hair tied neatlyin a small ponytail. They wore well-oiled, studded leather mail overemerald green shirts and trousers. Their feet were clad in softbuckskin boots, adorned with tiny beads that formed multipleinterlacing patterns. Vicious looking curved swords hung on theirbelts. Lee found this curious. From what he had learned, elvespreferred to use a long knife or dagger, though Kaylia had mentionedthat they do use swords in pitched battles. The thought put hisnerves on edge.
Lee stopped a few feet away. The elf guards had notlooked at him, though clearly they knew he was there.
“Excuse me,” said Lee. “I would liketo pass.”
Both elves turned their gaze on him. The one nearest Leetook a single step forward, faced him and bowed his head slightly.
“You cannot enter at this time,” said theelf. His voice was deep and masculine. “I would ask that youreturn later.”
“I will not return later,” Lee insisted.“Two of my friends are inside, and I will see that they arealright.”
“I cannot allow you to enter,” the elfreplied.
Lee could see the elf's muscles tense. He didn't want aconfrontation, but neither could he leave until he knew that Geweyand Kaylia were unharmed.
“Who is in there?” Lee demanded.
“That is none of your affair,” the elfreplied. The other guard stepped forward, and both of their handscrept to their swords.
“It ismy affair,” Lee countered. “And I will see to myfriends.” He stepped forward and stood less than a foot awayfrom the first elf. He knew that should things turn violent he neededto be close. He was unarmed, and swords were awkward in tightquarters.
The door to the chamber flew open and Lee's motherstepped quickly into the hall. “It's alright. Lee.” Shepushed Lee back and placed herself between her son and the elves.“Gewey and Kaylia are fine.”
“Why am I being kept out?” growled Lee.
“Theopolou is in with them,” she replied.“He has asked not to be disturbed, and I have agreed.”Selena placed her hands on Lee’s chest. “Please, son. Igive you my word they are safe.”
Reluctantly Lee yielded. “Very well.” Heslowly backed away and headed for the parlor.
When he arrived, he found Dina sitting on the couch nextto Linis. Linis beamed as Lee entered the room and he sprang to hisfeet and grasped Lee's shoulders tightly. Lee returned the gesture.
“It's good to see you, my friend.” Linislaughed. “Though, I wish it were under better circumstances.”
“It's good to see you, too,” said Lee,giving Linis' shoulders one more fond squeeze before releasing him.
They took a seat on the couch across from Dina. She wasin her formal robes, just as Ertik had been, and her hair was wrappedin a tight bun.
“Dina was telling me details of your travels sincewe last parted,” Linis said. “It would seem I have missedmuch.”
“Indeed,” Lee replied. “Much that Iwish I had avoided.”
“I understand,” said Linis. “But oftenwe are beset with hardship in order to prepare for greater challengesahead.”
Dina laughed. “I don't think I want to know whatthose challenges are, if this is what it takes to prepare.”
“No doubt,” Lee agreed. “But I fearthis is but a taste of what's to come. Angraal is on themove, and if Gewey doesn't recover…”
“Do not despair, my friend,” said Linis. “Ifthe boy fought a half-man and was victorious, as I have heard, then Iam certain that he has the strength to overcome this. His true natureis still a mystery to me, but I do believe that his part in what isto come has not yet been played out.”
Lee realized that Linis was still unaware of just whatGewey was, and made the decision to tell him.
“I know how the elves feel about the Gods,”said Lee, once he had recounted the tale. “And I hope you cansee beyond old hatreds, as you have in the past.”
Linis was stunned. He rose and moved slowly to thefireplace. He stood in silence for several minutes.
“It is good you have kept this secret from meuntil now,” said Linis finally. “And I am honored thatyou have chosen to share it. Had I found out before I had come toknow the boy, I am unsure how I would have reacted.”
“I think you would have been fine,” saidDina. “When you found out about me-”
“You are different,” said Linis. “Youare the natural result of two people sharing the same world. Gewey’snature, on the other hand, stirs feelings even in me of the oldhatreds. It is a thing no elf would ever expect to be faced with.”He turned to Lee. “You mustkeep this from Theopolou and the others.”
“I only tell you because of our friendship,”said Lee. “The presence of your brethren is causing me greatconcern, and not only because of Gewey.”
“The Book of Souls,” whispered Linis. “Tothink I traveled with both The Book of Souls anda God at the same time.” He burst into laughter. “A thingworthy of a tale, wouldn't you say?”