Of Gods and Elves

chapter Twenty-Four


Gewey approached Theopolou and Kaylia and took Kaylia by the hand. He excused himself from the old elf, and led her far enough away so they would not be overheard. Kaylia sat thoughtfully for several minutes after Gewey told her what Bellisia had said.

“Do you think she's telling the truth?” he asked.

“I think she believes it,” she replied. “But do I think Theopolou means to break our bond and assassinate you? I honestly don't know. I wish I could dismiss it, but it does fit. He was the one who killed the assassin, and it was his friend who suggested we wait until we reach the Chamber of the Maker. Still, I have never known him to be dishonest.”

“He deceived his own elves about me,” he reminded her. “And only told them after Kaphalos revealed our bond to the rest.”

“True. And it was to his advantage to do so. But I think the assassin would have told us nothing, regardless of what we did to him, and Theopolou would have known that. And we still are not certain that you were the target. Besides, it was Akakios that shot him, and Akakios serves my uncle. No... even if what Bellisia said is true, I don't think he had anything to do with that.”

“We could just ask him, I suppose,” Gewey suggested. “I don't like feeling like I'm being manipulated, and whether it's Bellisia, Theopolou, or anyone else, I want it to stop.”

“Yes,” she agreed. “I feel that confrontation is best. I want to know his motives before we get there. And if Bellisia is trying to drive a wedge between us, then we should know that too.”

Kaylia and Gewey found Theopolou talking with three of his escorts.

“Can we speak?” asked Gewey.

Theopolou nodded and dismissed the elves. Kaylia recounted Gewey's words and waited for a response. At first, Theopolou was expressionless, then he began to laugh.

“Crafty,” said Theopolou. “Very crafty. And correct.”

“What?” cried Kaylia. “She was telling truth?”

“Of course, she was,” said Theopolou. “At least from her perspective. I do not wish you to bond with Gewey. And yes, if there were a way, I would seek to break it. But Bellisia is wrong to suggest that I believe I can. The bond is unbreakable... even by the two of you. I certainly couldn't force it to break, and even if I could, it would likely kill you. As she said, I act out of love for you. That is my motivation.” He turned to Gewey. “She told you I was no friend to you, and she is correct. But I am an ally. I need not be both.”

“What do you think she was trying to do?” asked Gewey.

Theopolou smiled. “I think she was being honest. And I am glad for it. I had suspected her of many things until now.”

“In what way does this rest your mind, uncle?” asked Kaylia.

“Bellisia has been an opponent to me for quite some time,” he explained. “Even in better times she and I have rarely seen eye to eye. But her actions have usually been to protect our people... even her opposition of me. That she would open her mind to a human, knowing I would likely hear of it, tells me much. And her words have merit, though not in the way you might think.” He placed his hands on Kaylia's shoulders. “I swear to you that I mean your suitor no harm. Though this is not a bond I would have chosen for you, I know I must accept it. If you wish I will perform the rites here and now, if that will prove my intentions to you.”

Kaylia smiled warmly and hugged Theopolou. “I believe you.”

Theopolou turned to Gewey. “I am your ally. But you must be mine in return.” His eyes fell lovingly on Kaylia. “You must protect her.”

“I swear,” said Gewey. “But something Bellisia said still bothers me. She said that the Dark One will try to kill Kaylia to get to me.”

“She is right,” said Theopolou. “But they could do that now. Were either of you to die, it would rip you apart... even without completing the bond. You would be useless shells, unable to fight. In fact, death would be kinder. But I think it is more likely that the Dark One would wish to capture Kaylia and use her to control you. Were that to happen you could be made into a powerful weapon.”

Gewey nodded. “What will you do now?”

“I shall speak with Bellisia,” he replied. “Now that I feel I can trust her, I should like her council.”

Theopolou embraced Kaylia once more and walked away to find Bellisia. “Do you believe him?” asked Gewey.

“Yes,” she replied. “He is not plotting against us.”

The elders announced that they were to remain where they were for a few hours, then start out again before daybreak. Kaylia, Gewey, and Linis went off a few yards from the others while Theopolou spoke privately with Bellisia.

Chiron approached. Gewey and the others stood and bowed. Chiron bowed in return. He looked different than Theopolou. Though he was the same age, he seemed younger and less careworn of spirit. His hair still held its deep brown color, and he walked with a light spring in his step.

“You have courage, Gewey Stedding,” said Chiron, once he reached them. “To face the council of elders within the Chamber of the Maker, and do so after bonding with one of our own kind...” he laughed softly. “Truly remarkable.”

“Are you here to convince me not to go through with it?” asked Gewey.

“Not at all,” Chiron replied. “Besides, what can be done now? Your spirits are already joined. You have very little choice in the matter. That is, unless you intend to allow your souls to rend asunder.”

“You are friend to my uncle,” said Kaylia.

“I am,” he replied. “For many years we have been as brothers.”

“Then I am a friend to you,” she said.

Chiron smiled, then his eyes fell on Gewey. “And what of you? Shall you be a friend to me as well?”

“If you would like,” Gewey replied. “I am eager to befriend the people of my future unorem.”

Chiron cocked his head. “I see you have been learning our customs. In that case, allow me to educate you further.” He took a seat on the grass. Gewey and the others did likewise. “Has anyone told you of the rite of pudnaris?”

Gewey shook his head.

Chiron glanced to Kaylia then Linis. “Then your friends have been neglectful of your education.”

“I...” began Linis. But one look from Chiron silenced him.

“Let me explain,” said Chiron. “Pudnaris is when a suitor is challenged for his right to join with his intended mate. This challenge can be made by anyone, as long as they can give valid cause.”

“Who could have cause?” asked Kaylia. “I have accepted no other suitor.”

“True,” said Chiron. “But there are other arguments to be made to support the pudnaris besides a potential rival.”

“Like what?” asked Gewey.

“In this case, anything,” he replied.

“Why are you telling me this?” asked Gewey.

“I tell you because you have the right to know. Many will oppose this. Perhaps enough to risk their lives to stop you.” He scrutinized Gewey for a moment. “We know that you control great power, and open battle with you is a risk. We also know of your fight with the Vrykol. If Theopolou is correct and that is what they truly were, the fact that you defeated it tells us what we need to know about your skill.” He pointed at Gewey's sword that hung at his side. “And to face that weapon is to face death, in the hands of someone who can use the flow to gain strength.”

“You know something about my sword?” asked Gewey.

“I know a little,” Chiron replied. “It was made during a time when elves first walked the earth, and our knowledge was vast. The art of its construction has been lost in time, but the legends remain. Only small objects can be made now and with limited uses. Whoever gave you that sword had no idea what they possessed, or they would have never given it away. It was said that such weapons could make someone powerful beyond measure.”

Gewey looked down at his sword, and thought about the first time he used it when he fought Salmitaya's soldiers. “Do you think someone will challenge me?”

“Who can say?” the elf replied. “I tell you only to warn you.” He rose to his feet. “I will inform you if I hear anything.” He spun about and strode off before Gewey could utter another word.

Gewey watched Chiron as he walked away. “I don't trust him,” he said quietly.

“He is Theopolou's friend,” said Kaylia. “And my uncle trusts him.”

“Gewey's right,” Linis interjected. “I get the same feeling. He seems all too willing to accept you. It may be nothing, but I feel something is amiss.” He rubbed his chin in thought. “Still, if Theopolou trusts him, I suppose we should as well.”

“Did you know about this pudnaris?” Gewey asked, looking to both Kaylia and Linis.

Kaylia nodded. “Yes, but I did not think it important. As an elf facing judgment and my well-known relationships with humans, I could not imagine why anyone would call for it. Not to mention that we are already bonded. That should be enough to deter any potential rivals.”

“True,” said Linis. “But if someone thought to use it to prevent your union with Gewey, things could get complicated.” He looked at Gewey with a grave expression. “If it happens, you will be exposed. The amount of flow you will need to channel, in order to defeat a determined elf will be immense. I remember when I saw you holding the power within you for the first time.”

“But you didn't guess what I was,” said Gewey.

“No,” said Linis. “But I knew you were... something different. And remember, I am not as versed in such matters as the elders. And there will be many of them at the Chamber when we arrive. You can bet they will figure it out. The only reason they have not as of yet, is that the idea of a God in human form is beyond most of our understanding or imagination.”

Gewey thought for a minute. “I don't see anything I can do about it,” he said finally. “They'll know about me one way or another, in time.”

“You have a point,” Linis agreed. “But it would be better if they found out by watching you open the Book of Souls. If Theopolou has not deceived us, you may get the chance to do so.” He reached out and placed his hand on Gewey's shoulder. “Whatever happens, Kaylia and I will stand by you. Until then, we should keep our wits about us and look for signs of trouble.”

“You still suspect Theopolou?” asked Gewey.

“I suspect that there are plans set in motion against us. This much is clear. I have not heard anything thus far that eases my suspicions.” Linis glanced over at Theopolou, then Bellisia. “Of course, our true enemy may still be revealed. Mistrust can be a powerful weapon.”

Gewey thumbed the hilt of his sword. “I want to trust Theopolou. My heart tells me to. I suppose we’ll know soon enough, won’t we?”

Linis nodded. “That we will.”

Kaylia was oddly silent, but her eyes never left her uncle.

The rest of the evening was uneventful. Gewey and Kaylia sat a few yards away from the others, talking, while Linis rejoined the elders and discussed their route. The two elves that had been sent into the forest to bury the assassin returned about an hour before it was time to depart. Their faces were somber when they rejoined their companions and they did not want to speak.

Gewey gathered his gear and checked his sword. Akakios and the other three guards had rejoined the others, leaving Linis as Gewey's sole companion.

“I guess there's no point in guarding me anymore,” Gewey remarked.

“I think they realize it is a useless gesture,” said Linis. “They are of more use protecting their masters than watching you.”