Of Gods and Elves

chapter Four


Lee sat by the fireplace in the main library of Valshara reading quietly. Over the past eight days, it had become his favorite way to pass the time, and the only thing that took his mind off his wife and son, not to mention Gewey and Kaylia. He had always been proud of his own collection of rare books, but Valshara held treasures beyond his imagination.

When he wasn't in the library, he spent time with his mother. She told him of her life in the temple and recalled memories of his father. It soon became clear to him the love she held for the man and the pain she felt after his death. He found it difficult at times to fight off feelings of guilt for the anger he had felt toward her for so long.

Gewey and Kaylia had shown no signs of reviving. Lee visited them at least twice a day but was only allowed to be in the room for a few minutes at a time. The healers clearly thought any intrusion 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 her journal. Selena had held a small ceremony signifying her elevation to full cleric and set her to task. Lee had scarcely seen her except for when they happened to run into each other on their way to check on Gewey and Kaylia.

Word had come that Linis was seeking out Theopolou and hoped to have the sage there soon. He had arrived in Althetas two days after the battle between Gewey and Harlando and was contacted by Valsharan agents. Lee took comfort in this. He knew if anyone could hasten the arrival of Theopolou, it was Linis.

The door to the library opened, and Lee saw Ertik. His face was grave, and he was dressed in white ceremonial robes, a thing Lee had only seen at Dina's elevation to cleric. Lee placed his book on the table beside his chair and rose to his feet as Ertik strode over.

Ertik bowed. “Lee,” he said in a respectful tone.

Lee smiled warmly. “Why so formal today?” He reached out and shook Ertik's hand.

“Theopolou has arrived,” he replied. “The High Lady asked me to tell you that we will be meeting with him this evening in the main receiving hall. Appropriate clothing has already been 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 is also with them.”

Lee nodded. “I'll be there.”

“Mind what you say. These elves are not like others you have encountered. They do not enjoy the company of humans. That we possess the Book of Souls is the only reason they've agreed to come.” Ertik lowered his voice to a whisper. “This may not 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 the possibility that they may try to take it by force. Since he had arrived, he had counted maybe a dozen men that belonged to the Knights of Amon Dähl. Though he knew their reputation, he alone had actually fought an elf. Lee doubted very much that he and twelve men would fare well against ten trained elf fighters. If Theopolou was as great among his people as he was told, he was likely to have brought elves of great skill.

It was midday, and he had several hours until the meeting, so he decided to check on Gewey and Kaylia. He wound his way through the stone hallways, nodding and smiling at the passers- by. Word had spread quickly that he was the son of the High Lady. At first, he had become a bit of a celebrity. People practically tripped over themselves to shake his hand or help him find his way around. After a few days, however, the excitement died down and most of the temple 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 neatly in a small ponytail. They wore well-oiled, studded leather mail over emerald green shirts and trousers. Their feet were clad in soft buckskin boots, adorned with tiny beads that formed multiple interlacing patterns. Vicious looking curved swords hung on their belts. Lee found this curious. From what he had learned, elves preferred to use a long knife or dagger, though Kaylia had mentioned that they do use swords in pitched battles. The thought put his nerves on edge.

Lee stopped a few feet away. The elf guards had not looked at him, though clearly they knew he was there.

“Excuse me,” said Lee. “I would like to pass.”

Both elves turned their gaze on him. The one nearest Lee took a single step forward, faced him and bowed his head slightly.

“You cannot enter at this time,” said the elf. His voice was deep and masculine. “I would ask that you return later.”

“I will not return later,” Lee insisted. “Two of my friends are inside, and I will see that they are alright.”

“I cannot allow you to enter,” the elf replied.

Lee could see the elf's muscles tense. He didn't want a confrontation, but neither could he leave until he knew that Gewey and Kaylia were unharmed.

“Who is in there?” Lee demanded.

“That is none of your affair,” the elf replied. The other guard stepped forward, and both of their hands crept to their swords.

“It is my affair,” Lee countered. “And I will see to my friends.” He stepped forward and stood less than a foot away from the first elf. He knew that should things turn violent he needed to be close. He was unarmed, and swords were awkward in tight quarters.

The door to the chamber flew open and Lee's mother stepped quickly into the hall. “It's alright. Lee.” She pushed 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. I give you my word they are safe.”

Reluctantly Lee yielded. “Very well.” He slowly backed away and headed for the parlor.

When he arrived, he found Dina sitting on the couch next to Linis. Linis beamed as Lee entered the room and he sprang to his feet and grasped Lee's shoulders tightly. Lee returned the gesture.

“It's good to see you, my friend.” Linis laughed. “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 was in her formal robes, just as Ertik had been, and her hair was wrapped in a tight bun.

“Dina was telling me details of your travels since we last parted,” Linis said. “It would seem I have missed much.”

“Indeed,” Lee replied. “Much that I wish I had avoided.”

“I understand,” said Linis. “But often we are beset with hardship in order to prepare for greater challenges ahead.”

Dina laughed. “I don't think I want to know what those challenges are, if this is what it takes to prepare.”

“No doubt,” Lee agreed. “But I fear this is but a taste of what's to come. Angrääl is on the move, and if Gewey doesn't recover...”

“Do not despair, my friend,” said Linis. “If the boy fought a half-man and was victorious, as I have heard, then I am certain that he has the strength to overcome this. His true nature is still a mystery to me, but I do believe that his part in what is to come has not yet been played out.”

Lee realized that Linis was still unaware of just what Gewey 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 can see beyond old hatreds, as you have in the past.”

Linis was stunned. He rose and moved slowly to the fireplace. He stood in silence for several minutes.

“It is good you have kept this secret from me until now,” said Linis finally. “And I am honored that you have chosen to share it. Had I found out before I had come to know the boy, I am unsure how I would have reacted.”

“I think you would have been fine,” said Dina. “When you found out about me—”

“You are different,” said Linis. “You are the natural result of two people sharing the same world. Gewey’s nature, on the other hand, stirs feelings even in me of the old hatreds. It is a thing no elf would ever expect to be faced with.” He turned to Lee. “You must keep this from Theopolou and the others.”

“I only tell you because of our friendship,” said Lee. “The presence of your brethren is causing me great concern, and not only because of Gewey.”

“The Book of Souls,” whispered Linis. “To think I traveled with both The Book of Souls and a God at the same time.” He burst into laughter. “A thing worthy of a tale, wouldn't you say?”

Lee joined his laughter. “No doubt it will be told for ages to come.” Lee motioned for Linis to rejoin him on the couch. “Tell me about Theopolou.”

Linis' eye shifted back and forth from Lee to Dina for a moment. “He is great among my people,” he began. “And his knowledge vast. His family had been the keepers of the Book of Souls for generations until its disappearance.”

“How does he feel about what you and the others are trying to do?” Dina asked.

“You are referring to our contact with humans....” Linis breathed deeply. “He is of the old way of thinking, but so far has done nothing to hinder our efforts. Some elders distrust him for that very reason. They imagine that he secretly aides our cause. This is untrue, of course, though his presence here will not help to quell the rumors.”

“Certainly they understand that he comes because of the Book,” said Dina.

“None of the others know,” Linis replied. “Aside from his personal guard, I am the only elf that knows of his reasons.”

“Why?” asked Lee. “Wouldn't it be to his benefit to allow the other elders to understand why he is here?”

“Yes,” said Linis. “But there is another complication. As you know, Kaylia is to be killed should she be found.”

“I know,” growled Lee. “I went to see her and Gewey just before I came here. I was stopped at the door by two elf guards. Theopolou was inside, though I didn't see him.”

“You needn't worry about Kaylia,” said Linis. “She is the reason he is here, not the Book. He is her uncle.”

Dina straightened in her seat and gasped. “Her uncle? I thought her uncle was one of the elders who want her dead?”

“No,” replied Linis. “He cannot support her publicly, but he was strongly opposed to having her killed before judgment could be passed. Understand, after the death of her father he took her for his own daughter. Theopolou may be set in his ways, but he loves Kaylia. He could not abide her assassination. Especially when such an act breaks our traditions.”

“I see,” said Lee thoughtfully. “Then he is here to do what? Heal her, take her to be judged... what exactly?”

“To be honest, I'm not sure.” Linis shrugged. “He knows I will not allow her to be taken. I’ve told him as much.”

“I hate to point this out,” said Lee. “But he has ten guards with him. There are maybe a dozen knights in Valshara, and most of them are either too young to have seen battle, or too old to be effective against a trained elf warrior.”

“I don't think it will come to that,” said Linis. “But still, I have sent word to the other seekers. They'll be here soon. I've instructed them to guard the way from Valshara. If Theopolou or any of his guards try to take Kaylia, they will be stopped.”

“That is good,” said Lee. “Still, I am concerned. If this meeting goes badly—”

“If that happens,” Linis interrupted, “I will give you time to get Dina and your mother out of danger. My brethren will be reluctant to fight me, and that should give you enough time to escape.”

Lee nodded. “Though I hate the idea of leaving you to fight alone, it seems the best option.”

“I don't like this discussion,” said Dina. “Nothing is going to happen, and talk of killing and escaping upsets my stomach. If it goes wrong we'll deal with it then.”

“Quite right.” A smile returned to Linus’s face. “We have so little time for good company and pleasant talk. It would be a pity to waste what we have been given.”

The conversation was light for the next several hours. Linis told them that he had sent his band of seekers along the coast of the Western Abyss to open relations with the coastal villages, while he contacted several small groups of elves in an attempt to sway them to his cause but with only marginal success.

After a time they decided to take their afternoon meal and then retire to their quarters in order to prepare for the meeting with Theopolou.

“I would caution you,” Linis warned Lee as they parted. “Theopolou is soft spoken but dangerous. He may not want to see his niece come to harm, but I doubt that sentiment extends to you or the rest of the people here. If you notice his escort becoming agitated, get ready to make your escape.”

Lee nodded grimly and went to his room.

A fine white linen shirt and trousers embroidered with gold runes, along with a pair of black leather boots and matching belt lay neatly on his bed. Steam rose from the hot water filling a large washtub in the corner. Lee smiled. He enjoyed a long soak, allowing the tension to flow from his body as he meditated on the situation.

After he was clean and dry, he dressed, careful not to wrinkle the linen, and attached his sword to his belt. It wasn't long before there was a light rap at the door. Lee opened it. Dina stood dressed in her best ceremonial robes, smiling sweetly.

“I take it you're my escort,” said Lee.

“Indeed I am. Your mother and the elves have just entered the main receiving hall. They will begin as soon as we arrive.”

Dina led Lee though the passages of the temple to the western wing and down a long arched hallway. A large oak door stood at the end. Dina entered first. The main receiving hall was one-hundred feet long and nearly twice as wide. The walls were lined with paintings and tapestries depicting monks, priests, and priestesses involved in various acts of charity and bravery. Four immense brass chandeliers hung from the ceiling, illuminating the hall. At the rear of the room, a cushioned mahogany chair sat on a small crimson rug. There sat Lee's mother, dressed in the same white robes Dina wore, with a deep blue sash tied loosely about her waist.

A long wooden table sat in front of the high priestess. The elves were standing, backs to the door, next to their chairs. They had discarded their armor in favor of multicolored shirts and trousers made from a material that caught the light and made them shimmer. Each had a long knife attached to their belts. That they wore no swords somehow made Lee feel better. The elf in the middle, though dressed similarly to the others, had a long silver ponytail tied tightly by a black cloth and wore no weapon.

Two chairs had been placed on either side of Selena. Dina motioned for Lee to sit in the one to her right. As he passed in front of the table, he glanced over to the elves. Their faces were grim as they watched Lee stand next to his seat. Theopolou was clearly the eldest.

His skin was pale compared to the others, and the tiny lines around his eyes and the corners of his mouth spoke of many winters and many worries, though only Lee's keen eyesight would have noticed. Dina stood next to the opposite chair. Lee scanned the room for Linis but could not see him anywhere. In fact, there were no guards of any kind. This made Lee nervous. The only way out was the way he came in. Should the meeting go poorly, it would not be easy for him to get his mother and Dina to safety.

Selena stood and addressed the room. “I bid you welcome. I am Selena Starfinder, High Lady of Valshara and leader of the Order of Amon Dähl. This is Sister Celandine, a historian of our order, and this is my son—”

“We know of the half-man,” said Theopolou, his voice was deep and stern but tempered. “And as you and I are acquainted we should forgo introductions, as my companions prefer not to be named at this moment. Time is short and we have much to discuss.”

Selena nodded and took her seat. The rest followed suit.

“I would have Linis here,” said Lee. “It is because of his efforts we are together today.”

Theopolou furled his brow. “You speak out of turn, half-man. Your presence here is only allowed out of courtesy.”

Lee leveled his gaze. “My presence is not an option,” he corrected. “You would do well to remember that.”

The other elves shifted in their seats, but Theopolou shot them a glance, and they settled down.

“Son, please,” whispered Selena. “Mind your temper.” Lee ignored her. His eyes never left Theopolou's.

“You are bold,” said Theopolou. “I was told as much. I was also told you ended the life of Berathis.”

Lee’s expression did not change. “I did. He died with honor facing me in single combat. His passing weighs heavy on my heart.”

The elves whispered to each other, but Theopolou only nodded somberly. “If you are concerned for the safety of your mother, you needn't fear. I gave my word to Linis just before we entered the hall, that we will commit no violence within these walls. It was the only way to keep him out.”

“Why would you want to keep him out?” asked Lee.

“That is between Linis and me,” the old elf replied. “But rest assured he is not far. I can have him summoned if he is needed.” His eyes fixed on Selena. “I assume you have brought it with you.”

Selena reached beneath her chair and pulled forth the box containing the Book of Souls. An audible gasp came from the elves as the High Lady held it aloft.

“As I promised, it is here,” she said.

“That belongs to the elves,” blurted out a young elf sitting at the end of the table.

“Silence,” commanded Theopolou.

The young elf lowered his eyes in obedience. “May I approach, High Lady?” Theopolou asked.

Selena nodded and he rose to his feet and walked over to her chair. She handed him the box, and Theopolou gently ran his fingers across the ancient letters.

“It is the Book of Souls.” He handed the box back to Selena. “How did you come by this?”

“It was in my possession,” said Lee. “I inherited it from my former lord and master, Dauvis Nal’Thain.”

“I see,” Theopolou muttered and returned to his seat. “The Nal’Thain family is known to me. They were fierce adversaries during the Great War. It is likely that it was they who stole the book in the first place.”

“Some may say it was stolen,” said Lee. “Some might call it the spoils of war.”

“Some might,” said Theopolou. “It matters little. What concerns my people is what is to become of it now. We were the keepers of the Book of Souls for generations and believe it best left in our care.”

“I don't understand,” said Lee. “From what I've learned the Book of Souls was written by the Gods. Unless I'm mistaken, you and your people don't exactly hold the Gods in high regard.”

“You are not mistaken. But we do not believe it was written by the Gods alone. We believe it was written by the hand of the Creator, and then passed into our care. We were charged with its keeping until the time of the ‘coming of the Emancipator’. The Emancipator will free us from the curse that took away our understanding of The All Father. Without the Book of Souls, we will be forever lost.”

“I understand why you would want it so badly,” said Selena. “But we believe it may hold the key to our own salvation, as well.”

“You refer to the power that grows in the north,” said Theopolou. “We are aware of the one you call the Dark Knight, and know that he seeks your destruction, as well as the destruction of the Gods.”

“And we are aware that he has contacted your people,” said Selena. “And that many believe him to be the reincarnation of the Demon King Rätsterfel.”

“You know much,” said Theopolou. “Then you must also know that we have not agreed to join his cause.” His tone darkened. “At least not yet.”

“A threat?” asked Selena.

“No, High Lady. A fact. There are many who feel that should Angrääl march, we should join them. But we have not decided to do so. We are still uncertain of his true intentions.”

“I'll tell you what his intentions are,” roared Lee. “He wants to destroy everything and reshape the world in his own image. If he is not stopped, blood will cover the land.”

Selena placed her hand on Lee's forearm to calm him. “Do you truly believe that there will be a place for your people in his new world?”

“It is that question that has caused much debate.” Theopolou kept his eyes on Selena, ignoring Lee's agitation. “And also why it is important that you return the Book to us.”

“If the Book of Souls was in your possession,” said Lee, “what's to stop you from giving it to the Dark One?”

“How dare you!” Theopolou’s age melted away, and he looked very much an elf warrior. The other elves jumped to their feet, shouting curses, but none reached for their weapons.

“It's a fair question,” said Selena calmly. “Should we hand over the Book, what is to say that it will not be used against us later? It is said that it only can be opened by one who possesses the power of heaven. The Dark Knight has the Sword of Truth. He may be able to use it to open the Book.”

“We would never give it to him.” Theopolou settled back down. “This I swear.”

“Yet it may be taken from you if he knows you have it,” said Lee. “It was taken once before.”

“It may be taken from you as well,” Theopolou shot back. “From what I have seen of your defenses that could easily happen.”

“Aside from you, your escort, and a few others,” replied Selena. “None know the location of this temple. And though you may not think so, we have the means to defend ourselves.”

“This location is not as secret as you think. My people have known of it since it was first built. It would not be difficult for the spies of Angrääl to find it, if they have not already done so.”

“You assume the Book would be kept here,” said Selena with a wry smile.

“I assume you have summoned me to return it.”

“Let's not play games. You know why I summoned you here.”

“I saw Kaylia and her young friend,” said Theopolou. “I told you there is nothing I can do for them. They are beyond my reach.”

“We had hoped that you would know a way to open the Book,” said Selena. “Perhaps within its pages we could find a way to help them.”

Theopolou shook his head. “I cannot. My family has been the Book’s keeper and guardian, but we have no knowledge of how to open it or what is truly inside. Even if I knew, I wouldn't? It is not meant for me, or any but the Emancipator.”

“Perhaps not,” said Lee. “But the thought of handing over a potential weapon to a people who have such deep hatred of humans does not sit well with me.”

“I understand,” Theopolou replied thoughtfully. “As I have given my word, we will not take it by force. But you must know that once word of this reaches my people, they will not suffer you or anyone else to possess it. They will come for it.”

“Any attempt to attack this temple will fail,” warned Lee. “And many will die in the attempt.”

“All the more reason for you to return it,” he replied. “I have no desire for bloodshed, but I cannot prevent it from happening. My kin will take back the Book of Souls. Of this I am certain.”

“As the High Lady of Valshara, I will tell you this.” Selena’s voice was commanding and firm. “Any attempt to take the Book of Souls by force will fail. You may know of the location of this temple, but you do not know its secrets. Even should you succeed to breach our walls, you will never find the Book. It will be lost forever.” She slowly rose to her feet. “I promise you the moment a single elf steps inside without invitation, will be the last moment the Book of Souls will see the light of the sun. I will cast it where no one will ever find it again.”

“This is getting us nowhere.” Theopolou’s frustration bled through in his voice. “What will make you see reason?”

The door to the hall flew open, and Sister Wileminia ran straight to the High Lady and whispered in her ear. Selena's eyes widened.

“We must resume this later,” Selena announced. “Lee, Dina and Lord Theopolou, I need you to come with me at once.”

“What's happened?” asked Dina.

“Gewey and Kaylia are awake. Sister Wileminia, will you see that Theopolou's companions are fed?”

Wileminia gave a quick nod and Selena rushed out of the room. Lee, Theopolou, and Dina trailed behind.