The field, by that time, was quickly filling with hundreds upon hundreds of elves, and many still had yet to arrive. Bellows had been erected and the sounds of the smith's hammer echoed through the field and the smell of war filled the air. The pavilion had been taken down, and the rubble cleared away, and the field was dotted with tents and piles of provisions. By the time they were to march, their force numbered twenty-five hundred. More than enough, Kaylia thought, to retake Valshara. And still not nearly a portion of what was to eventually come. On the morning of their departure, Theopolou addressed the elves. He thought long on what to say. He had not spoken of war in five-hundred years, and he knew he must inspire.
“I have received word that the High Lady of Valshara has petitioned the King of Althetas to aid us,” Theopolou announced. His voice was clear and forceful. “And he has agreed. The city guard will be awaiting our forces north of the temple.” He looked out over the gathering. “This will be the first time in our history that we have fought alongside humans. But rest assured, until the Dark One in the north is defeated, it will not be the last. I know that many will resist this notion, but the time for old hatred has passed. We fight for more than the possession of one human temple. We will show the powers that seek to divide and destroy us, the peril they place themselves in when choosing to take what is not theirs. And we do not belong to Angraal. We will not believe their lies. We will not be played for fools. And we will not allow them to annihilate our people.” This was met by a roar of enthusiastic cheers. “Though our brothers and sister on the Steppes had been brought under the yoke of the Dark One, we will not suffer the same fate. So now we march.” He stood silent. The gentle breeze bent the tall grass and the smell of oil and leather permeated the air. “To war!” His voice boomed and echoed over the field. Another round of cheers and war cries sent his heart racing. It had been five hundred years since he had spoken words of war, and though he hoped he would never do so again, the fire in his people’s eyes told him that it was time. Time to live in the world again. Time to fight for the right to survive…and it begins here.
In less than an hour, the elves had formed ranks. Unlike a human army, there were no wagons and horses. No banners fluttered in the breeze. No. An elf army, was marching death; fast and efficient. Theopolou, Linis, and Kaylia led the way, while Nehrutu and Mohanisi followed close behind. The rest of the elders marched among their individual tribes.
Kaylia looked back on the field, to where she and Gewey had spent their first night truly bonded.
Nehrutu, touched her shoulder. “Your love will return,” he whispered.
She grasped his hand lightly. “As will yours.”
Theopolou raised his hand high. “Forward!”
It was done. The elves now marched to meet their destiny.
Chapter 13
Gewey awoke to find Aaliyah sitting up looking down with an expression of both curiosity and understanding. His dreams had been filled with visions of Kaylia, and somehow he knew that Aaliyah knew this. “Do you think about your unorem often?” he asked.
She smiled tenderly. “It was not he who occupied my thoughts. There was another, years later.”
“What happened?” He propped himself up on his elbows.
She thought for a moment before she replied. “It was best that we did not complete the bonding.” She touched his cheek. “Sometimes what is in your heart is not what is best.”
“I don't agree,” said Gewey. “My father taught me to follow my heart, and so far it has guided me well.”
“Ah,” Aaliyah replied. “But your years are still few…at least in this world. You are a leader of both human and elf. I think, in time, you will find that you must do what is best for those whom you care for, rather than follow your own desires.”
“I do that now,” he asserted, ignoring the remark about his youth. “I think that if I follow my heart I will do right by them.”
“You may think that,” she said, withdrawing her hand. “But you have yet to face the burdens of leadership. You have been the student; but the time will soon come when the whole world will look to you for hope and strength. When the day comes, you will understand.”
The camp was already abuzz with activity. Gewey could see that they were making preparations to leave. A small group of them, were digging a large hole just beyond the perimeter of the camp.
“I wonder what that's for?” remarked Gewey.
“We bury anything we leave behind,” said Pali as he strode up, a small pack slung across his back and a cloth bundle in his arms. “These will better keep you cool.” He tossed the bundle to Gewey.
Inside, Gewey found two sets of clothes identical to what Pali wore. He gave one to Aaliyah and found a private spot to change. The cloth felt cool on his skin and was far softer than it appeared, and was much like the elf clothing given to him by Theopolou.
By the time he and Aaliyah had changed, the rest of the camp was already gathering. Pali and his mother stood side by side at the edge of the oasis, speaking quietly. Pali smiled when Gewey approached.
“Now you look civilized,” Pali remarked, approvingly. A moment later Aaliyah appeared. Except for the headdress, she looked very much like a desert elf. “If you are ready, we have much ground to cover before sundown.”
Weila embraced her son and bowed to Gewey and Aaliyah. “I pray you a safe journey. Listen to my son. He may not be a Sand Master, but he knows the desert. He will guide you well.”
“I thank you for your aid and hospitality,” said Aaliyah. “I hope we meet again.”
Weila smiled and turned, moving slowly toward the other elves. Pali waved a farewell, which was boisterously returned with cheers and shouts. Pali pointed them north and in minutes they were around the dunes and out of sight.
“Where are they going?” asked Gewey.
“They head east to join more of our people,” Pali replied. “Our business here is done.”
“And what was your business?” asked Aaliyah.
Pali unslung his pack and pulled out a thin, blue blanket. “This.” He handed it to Gewey. “We trade with the humans in this area for spices and wool.”
The blanket was as soft as silk, and warm to the touch, as if heated near a fire. “What is it made of?” he asked, handing it back.
“The plant is called Trulu.” He shoved it back in his pack. “It will keep you warm on the coldest night, though I prefer a fire. Humans tend to be more sensitive to the cold. You will be happy I brought them come nightfall. With Soufis in the area, we cannot risk a fire.”
The rest of the day they wound their way between the dunes. Pali occasionally climbed to the top to take a look around. The sun was brutally hot, and Gewey's legs burned from trudging through the soft, deep sand. After only two hours he drew in the flow to give himself enough strength to continue. To his great relief, Aaliyah caused a cool breeze to follow them, making the heat more bearable. This caused Pali to take notice.
“My mother would be very displeased,” he remarked. “But I must admit, it is a useful skill.” He glanced at Gewey. “Though I was unaware that humans could steal life from the earth. Or perhaps humans of the desert have forgotten such things.” Receiving no reply and seeing Gewey's sudden unease, he shrugged. “It matters not.”
They stopped only once to rest and did not eat. By sundown, even using the flow Gewey could feel the tightness in his legs. He almost dreaded the evening when he would release it and the pain would set in. They found a high dune and climbed up onto it once night began to fall.
Pali distributed the blankets and some dried meat. “I know you may be accustomed to more frequent meals, but in the desert, a full stomach will cause your gut to knot.” He smiled at Aaliyah. “Though, with such a soothing wind at our backs, perhaps tomorrow we will have a small midday meal.”