“She is beautiful,” said Kaylia.
Gewey reached over and took her hand. “I didn't notice.”
“You do not need to spare my feelings,” she said in a half-whisper. “I am not doubting your love for me.”
Gewey turned his head and met Kaylia's eyes “Good. And I'm not sparing your feelings. I was too busy in the pavilion to notice such things.”
“And now that you are not in the pavilion?”
Gewey pushed himself up and leaned over her. “And now that I'm not in the pavilion, you're still more beautiful.” He kissed her softly.
She smiled. “She wants you.” Pulling him to her she kissed him once more. “But she cannot have you. She called me fierce, but she has no idea how fierce I can be.” She stroked his cheek. “Now sleep.”
Gewey lay back down and closed his eyes. The tingle of Kaylia's touch still caressed his lips. As sleep took him he could feel his spirit drift. He had come to enjoy the sensation. Then he heard a call. Not in words, but a sweet summons, like soft music. Kaylia, he thought. A thin mist surrounded him. It was warm and soothing. He allowed it to penetrate him.
“I am here,” called a gentle, feminine voice.
A figure approached through the mist. Gewey expected to see Kaylia, but as the figure neared, he realized it was not her…It was Aaliyah.
Chapter 7
A bitter chill woke Gewey the next morning. Kaylia and Linis had already risen and were nearby helping the others prepare the morning meal. Bellisia, Chiron and Theopolou, had gathered a few yards away, and had donned white robes, Gewey presumed for the funeral rites.
Aaliyah's face still burned in his memory, but he could not recall anything beyond the point when she first appeared. He scanned the area for her and her friends, but they were nowhere to be seen.
Just next to him, lying atop his sword and scabbard, he noticed his pack. Someone must have retrieved his belongings from Theopolou's tent. He rummaged through his things until he found the clothes Theopolou had given him, then went to look for some place private to change. He thought perhaps to seek out some water for washing, but didn't want to miss the ceremony. Gewey walked toward the burned remains of the camp. Beyond the pavilion, he could see dozens of funeral pyres that had been erected in the night. He dreaded the sad ceremony that was to come. Finding a hidden spot just beyond the pavilion, between two tents, Gewey changed into his elf clothing.
“You have an interesting mind.” It was Aaliyah.
Gewey flushed. “How long were you watching me?”
Aaliyah smiled. “Long enough.” She took a step forward.
Though Gewey may have not noticed her beauty before, he certainly did now. She had changed into a white, silk dress, though much the same fashion as the one she wore before. It flowed with her movements, wrapping itself playfully around her obvious curves as she moved. Her hair was tied in a loose braid, intertwined with thin white strands of shimmering cloth.
“I thought this may be a bit more appropriate,” she said. She held her shapely arms wide and spun around. “What would you say?”
He felt his face grow hot with embarrassment. “I…”
“Perhaps not.” With a wry smile, she took another step forward. “I brought nothing else, other than a set of cotton trousers and tunic. The rest of my attire is on my ship.”
“How did you…” he stammered. “I mean…last night.”
“Oh, that was nothing,” she replied, stepping closer. “I only wanted to see your mind for myself. A selfish thing, I admit. But I could not resist the chance to connect with Shivis Mol.”
“Kaylia. She-,”
“Kaylia knows nothing of it,” said Aaliyah. “It was simple to occupy her thoughts. I…encouraged her to dream of you. It was easy. She loves you deeply.”
The mention of Kaylia's love for him, steadied his nerve. “And I love her.”
“Well, of course, you do.” She sounded understanding in the way of a mother to a child. “But then you are quite young. And your bond with her makes your feelings infinitely stronger.” Slowly her face saddened. Gewey suddenly wanted to approach her. To comfort her. But he resisted. “I was bonded once. Long ago.”
Gewey's heart ached to see her pain. “What happened?”
She sighed deeply. “He died.”
“Then how do you still live?” he asked. “I thought that once bonded, your lives are as one.”
This shook her out of her melancholy and she laughed softly. “Perhaps for the elves in this world that is true. They have forgotten how to use their power. The bond between mates is strong, but not unbreakable. One need not lose themselves should the other die.” She glanced behind her. She could see the pavilion. “A pity. The bond makes you stronger. We could have saved more if they all had a mate's strength to share. But I suppose it is to be expected that they do not bond, if the risk is death.” She tilted her head and smiled. “Perhaps that is yet another thing we can teach them.”
Gewey saw Kaylia approaching in the distance. “I should go.” He didn't wait for a response. He edged his way pass her. She did not move to ease his passing, forcing their shoulders to touch.
As he neared Kaylia, he could clearly see that she was not pleased.
“What did she want?” asked Kaylia.
“Nothing,” Gewey replied. “She asked if what she was wearing was appropriate for the funeral rites.”
Kaylia shot a stare at Aaliyah, who was still standing between the tents. “Is that so?” She took Gewey's hand. “Come. We need to eat.”
Gewey allowed Kaylia to lead him back to their bedrolls. A bowl of steaming porridge and a cup of new wine had been place on the ground for him. After he finished, Kaylia, Linis and Theopolou walked with him to the funeral pyres. The gathering was already well underway. The pyres had been encircled by the elves, just as Gewey had seen Linis and his seekers do during the funeral of Berathis. Aaliyah, Nehrutu, and Mohanisi stood beside Kaylia on his right. Linis, Theopolou, and the remaining elders were to his left. Those wounded who could do so, had made their way from the pavilion, unwilling to remain in bed during the rites of their dead brethren. The ceremony was long, lasting well into the afternoon. Elf after elf stood forward to say words about their fallen comrades. After all had spoken the fires were lit. So many that the heat caused Gewey to break into a sweat. Finally, it was over and the crowd solemnly dispersed. Most eyes were still swollen with tears.
Gewey, Linis, and Kaylia returned to their bedrolls, while Theopolou instructed everyone to gather an hour before sundown to hear Aaliyah and her companions speak.
Gewey spent the next few hours in light conversation with Kaylia. He wondered what had become of Lee, Dina, Millet, and Maybell. He missed his friends, especially Lee. Linis searched the area for signs of what had become of his seekers, but returned disappointed.
When the time came, they made their way across the field in front of the pavilion. Most of the elves had already assembled. Aaliyah, Nehrutu, and Mohanisi, were standing on a small platform and facing away from the pavilion. The beds of those who could be moved had been pulled close to the edge so they could hear.
Aaliyah had changed back into her red dress. She spotted Gewey as he approached and smiled. Gewey smiled back in spite of himself. Theopolou, Chiron, Bellisia, and the other elders stood just in front of the platform.
“I'd rather stay to the back,” said Gewey.
“You can't,” said Kaylia. “I have a feeling that whatever they say will concern you.”
Gewey opened his mouth to speak, but Kaylia took his hand and half dragged him through the crowd, urging him to stand next to Theopolou. Linis stood just behind him.
The moment he arrived, Aaliyah nodded to her companions and stepped forward. “Brothers and sisters.” Her voice echoed over the field with such tremendous volume that the gathering jumped. “By now you have heard of our arrival and from where we have come. Some may have doubt. Those who do not may question our motives. To this I can only say that I speak truth, and that there is no deception in my words.” She paused and looked over the crowd. Her eyes bore the look of intense sadness.