Of Gods and Elves

chapter Nine


When the elves broke camp, Gewey was bursting with energy. His mind raced with the thoughts of the coming days. The elves seemed satisfied that Gewey had had enough rest and took little notice of his energetic behavior.

In the hours before sunrise, they covered many miles. Gewey was astounded by the speed the elves maintained. His original journey from Sharpstone would have taken half the time had they been able to move this speed. He was certain Lee could match it but doubted that, at the time, he could have.

When the sun broke the horizon Linis called for a halt, but no one put down their packs. Each helped another to retrieve bread and a flask from their gear and they continued, eating and drinking along the way.

By midday, the sun blazed, and the party increased its pace, but the elves did not appear effected. Gewey, still using the power of the earth, was as strong as he'd been when they left. In fact, with each hour that passed he felt stronger.

“Does the human need rest?” asked Akakios, a short, stocky elf with sandy blond hair.

“The human has a name,” said Gewey irritably.

Akakios laughed and slapped Gewey on the back. “I meant no offense, young one. Come. Walk beside me and perhaps you can instruct me on human manners and customs.”

Gewey allowed his irritation to subside and gave the elf a friendly smile. “I'd be happy to, if you can call me Gewey.”

Akakios bowed his head. “Agreed.”

Akakios and Gewey walked together until the light of the day began to fade. Gewey told him stories of his home and his upbringing, and he found Akakios to be an elf of good humor. Just as Kaylia had when he first told her of his old life and upbringing, Akakios told Gewey that he and many other elves longed for such a life.

“To live a simple existence is the desire of many of my people,” said Akakios. “Perhaps when all of this nonsense that plagues the world is done, we can.”

“Do you hate humans?” asked Gewey, then realized the rudeness of his question. “I only ask because—”

“I know why you ask,” Akakios said. “The answer is no. Though I have no love for them either. Hatred is a useless emotion. Though I would not choose to live among your kind, I see no cause to dwell in the past. The world is big enough for all to live within it.”

Gewey thought for a moment. “So you are against what Linis and others like him are doing?”

“I am,” Akakios admitted. “They invite the destruction of our culture. The result of living side by side with humanity would be a mixing of the races. I would not see the blood of our people corrupted.” He lowered his head. “I hope I have not offended you, but it is how I feel.”

Gewey's thoughts turned to Dina. “I'm not offended. I don't agree, but you have the right to feel any way you wish. But then why spend the day in my company?”

“You have shown yourself to have great strength and courage. I would know the man behind it. I am not close-minded. I realize that virtue does not live within my people alone, and your company does not cause me discomfort.”

“I'm glad,” said Gewey. “Maybe in time, I can change your mind even more.”

“One can never know the future,” said Akakios. “You're welcome to try.”

When they had made camp, Theopolou informed Gewey that they would be resting until the morning. Gewey insisted that he could continue, but Theopolou would not be dissuaded.

“Your stamina is already causing talk,” said Theopolou. “Besides, as I understand, you will be releasing the flow tonight. You may find that your body needs to recover.”

A chill shot through Gewey's body. He had all but forgotten that he would spend time without the power of the earth inside him.

Gewey sat on his bedroll, staring at the fire when Linis approached.

“It's time,” said Linis. “Release it.”

Anger swelled in Gewey’s chest. “I'd rather not.”

Linis studied him for a few minutes. “I was not certain before, but I am now. You must release the flow, now.”

“I will not,” he growled. “There is no reason. I'm fine.”

“You are not fine,” shot Linis. “If you were, you would have no trouble doing as I request. I can see that you should not hold it for so long.”

Gewey jumped to his feet, rage swelling inside him. His eyes focused on Linis, and his hand felt the urge to slide to his sword.

“Gewey,” called Kaylia, from just outside the light of the fire. “Come here... now!” Gewey’s mind snapped to attention. It was then he realized the entire camp was staring at him. He lowered his head and started toward Kaylia.

Kaylia stood with her eyes fixed on Gewey. Once he stood beside her, she took his hand and led him away from the camp.

“You must release the power,” she said softly. “And you must do it quickly before you lose yourself.”

Gewey pulled away, his anger returning. “Why? Why must I become weak again?”

“Do not call yourself weak,” she said. “You insult me. My spirit would not bind itself to the weak. Your strength, your true strength, does not come from the flow. It comes from within.” She placed her hand on his chest. “Do this for me.”

His heart raced at her touch and he lowered his head, allowing the power to drain away. Gewey felt weakness and fatigue wash over his entire body and he fell to his knees... weeping. The absence of the flow made him feel hollow and afraid. The sounds and smells he had found so enthralling were gone, and he was left in silence. It was like the world had been ripped away.

Kaylia knelt down in front of him and pulled his head to her shoulder. “It will pass.” She stroked his raven hair. “I am here.”

After a few minutes, Gewey regained his composure. He wiped his face and his eyes. “It's dark,” were the only words he could manage.

Kaylia smiled sweetly and kissed his cheek. “And it will get darker still... but not tonight.”

“Thank you,” said Gewey, weakly. “You were right. I must not hold the power for that long again. I nearly lost myself.”

“But you have returned to us, I trust,” came the voice of Linis from a few yards away. He walked into view, Theopolou at his side.

“I'm... back to normal.” Gewey rose to his feet. “I'm sorry for what I did at the camp. It won't happen again.”

“No apologies needed,” said Linis. “The fault was mine. I should have never asked you to hold the flow for that long without knowing what it would do to you.”

“Indeed you should not have, seeker,” said Theopolou. “I hope you will heed my advice from here on.”

“In matters such as this…I will,” said Linis.

“What about the others?” asked Gewey. “I'm sure they noticed what happened.”

“They believe you pushed yourself too far and your human body affected your mind,” replied Theopolou. “A fiction I am not inclined to correct at this time.”

“If you are able we should get back,” said Linis. “You need rest.”

Gewey nodded and followed the others back to camp. The elves all watched as he made his way to his bedroll. Embarrassment filled him. He rolled on his stomach and hid his face.

“All is well?” It was Akakios.

Gewey rolled over to see the elf smiling down at him. “I'm fine. Just tired.”

“I must admit I was amazed you kept pace with us with so little rest,” said Akakios. “Don't feel bad. We may not show it, but we are tired as well. If it were not for the demons that attacked us at Valshara, we would not be moving at this pace.”

“I appreciate your words,” said Gewey, forcing a smile. “I'll be better once I've had some sleep.”

“I will leave you to it then.” He walked over to a group of elves gathered on the other side of the fire.

It didn't take long for sleep to take him, and his fatigue held off any dreams. Kaylia woke Gewey just as the sun breached the horizon.

“Theopolou has said we will stop at the home of Kephalos.” Kaylia handed Gewey a piece of bread and some dried meat. She huddled close.

“Why?” asked Gewey. “I thought we were in a hurry.”

“Theopolou wants to show him the head of the Vrykol,” she replied. “Kephalos is very knowledgeable in ancient lore and may be able to give us information we need.”

The thought of seeing an elf dwelling excited Gewey. “When will we arrive?”

“We should be there by sundown tomorrow.”

Gewey smiled with satisfaction. Kaylia next to him seemed more natural than before, though the others stared with disapproval. The next day he woke before dawn, ready for a new march. By midday, the trees began to thicken and the ground was covered by dense, moist grass that made walking at speed difficult. The heat of the sun made the air like earthy steam, and sweat beaded on Gewey's forehead.

“How is it so hot this close to winter?” Gewey asked Linis.

“We are near the fire hills.”

“I've heard of them,” said Gewey. “My father said it's like summer all year there, and that great plumes of steam erupt from the ground. I had no idea we were so close.”

“Your father was correct,” said Linis. “But we will only be just outside the hills. Not within them. One day, if you wish, I will show them to you properly. They are truly a wonder.”

“I'd like that,” said Gewey.

By late afternoon, they found a narrow trail that wound through the forest. Theopolou called a halt, asked Gewey to speak to him alone, and led him into a small clearing about one-hundred yards east of the trail. Kaylia tried to follow, but Theopolou stopped her.

“When we arrive at the home of Kephalos it is important you do not speak unless spoken to,” Theopolou warned, once they were alone. “He is a kind elf, and not prone to violence, but he fought in the Great War for many years and feels the same as I regarding human and elf living together.”

Gewey had almost forgotten that Theopolou was not really on his side. If not for The Dark One and his bond to Kaylia, Theopolou would never suffer the company of a human, let alone a God.

“I'll keep quiet,” said Gewey. “I don't want any trouble. At least not until it's time for it.”

“And that time will come soon enough,” Theopolou added. “If I can, I will convince Kaphalos to come with us. If he agrees, you may be forced to travel in silence for the remainder of the journey. I tell you this because I would not have you feel it is an insult from me or my guard. Once we arrive at my home you are under my protection and may speak as you wish.”

Gewey almost laughed but managed not to. “I won't be insulted. I understand that this Kaphalos might hold hatred for me, and I don't want to make things more difficult than they have to be.”

“One other thing,” said Theopolou with a sigh. “You must refrain from speaking to Kaylia in his presence.”

This irritated Gewey, but he nodded slowly. “If he comes, I won't speak to her... until we get there.”

“You must convince her of this as well,” said the old elf with a hint of embarrassment that amused Gewey. “She is strong willed and has never been one to take orders well.”

“You're not kidding.” Gewey chuckled. “I'll speak to her.”

“Thank you.” Theopolou held out his arm motioning Gewey to return to camp. “I advise you speak to her before we arrive.”

When they got back to the others Gewey told Kaylia what Theopolou had said.

Kaylia was enraged. “If he thinks I'll pretend I'm some close minded, human-hating fool, he has lost his senses.” Her voice rose with each word.

“I understand,” said Gewey trying to calm her. “But until we reach Theopolou's home, I think we should listen to him.”

“You would have this?” she demanded.

Gewey could feel the fury through their bond. “As it is, we are deceiving the others. They don't know what has happened between us. What does it matter if we keep it up a bit longer?”

“It's one thing to hide a spirit bond,” she countered. “It's quite another to pretend we do not know each other. That is what he is asking.”

“I don't like it either. But if it keeps things calm until we get there, then I think it's best.”

“Fine,” she huffed. “But once we arrive, I plan to reveal the bond between us to every one of those closed minded morons.” With that she stormed off, staring daggers at Theopolou.

Linis came up to Gewey and slapped him on the back. “That went better than we thought.”

“She's right,” said Gewey. “I entered into a bond with Kaylia by means I didn't understand, but I am not ashamed of it. I don't like hiding it any more than she does.”

“You won't have to hide it for very long. In fact I doubt you will be able to.”

“It's time,” called Theopolou.

They continued for another hour until they came upon a smooth stone path leading east. Along either side grew waist high shrubbery that had been meticulously manicured and was dotted with tiny white flowers. The scent of lavender and magnolia wafted through the air, bringing a smile to Gewey's face. The path wound through the forest for about half a mile, ending in an elegantly carved, wooden gate with ancient elfish symbols etched along the outer braces. Beyond the gate the forest ended and the land opened up revealing lush grass, similar to that Gewey had seen as they entered the fire hills, but this was much thicker and covered with beads of dew.

When the house came into view, Gewey was filled was surprise and disappointment. It looked rather like a human dwelling. It was a single story, wooden structure with a white tiled roof. The windows were small and round, and a well-kept flower garden had been placed around the entire building. It looked like a house Gewey might find in any human town.

“What's wrong,” asked Linis.

“Nothing,” Gewey replied. “I just imagined something... different.”

“Really? Like what?”

Gewey shrugged. “I don't know. I always thought elves lived in different houses than humans. You know. More tree like.”

“Tree like?” Linis laughed. “Do you think us birds or squirrels? We live in houses, my friend. Though I admit, I expected something a bit grander from an elf of Kaphalos' stature and reputation.”

They were about fifty feet from the front door when it flew open. A tall elf stood in the doorway, dressed in a gray robe made from a fabric Gewey had never seen. It looked heavy, but it flowed like silk. His hair was silver, and tied in a pony-tail that fell loosely down his back and shoulders. His face was wrinkled and looked ancient. This was another shock for Gewey. The elves he had seen did not show the ravages of time as a human did. Theopolou was old (how old Gewey wasn't sure), but he guessed he was well over five-hundred, and he could pass for a human in his forties.

The elf looked over the group and shook his head. “What do you bring to my door, Theopolou?” His voice was deep and menacing.

“I wish to speak to you, old friend,” Theopolou replied.

“You bring a human to my door and expect my welcome?”

“I am an elder and your friend,” said Theopolou. “So I do indeed expect your welcome.”

“And who else is this I see?” said Kaphalos, looking at Kaylia. “Is it the elf who comes to judgment? Or does she still defy her kin?”

Kaylia stepped forward to speak, but Theopolou held out his hand to silence her. “She is under my protection,” Theopolou announced. “As is the human.”

“Times have surely changed when the great Theopolou harbors a filthy human and a fugitive elf.” Kaphalos sneered. “I would know why. Enter.” He disappeared inside.