Of Gods and Elves

chapter Eight


Gewey, Kaylia, Selena, and Linis joined Theopolou and his companions in the receiving chamber shortly after Lee and Dina's departure. Their gear lay next to Selena's chair at the far end of the hall.

“Follow me,” said Selena. She walked to the far left corner of the room where a tapestry depicting the symbols of the nine Gods hung. She reached behind it and a loud clack echoed throughout the chamber. A hidden door on the floor in front of her fell open, revealing a ladder leading down into a dark hallway.

“Follow the passage for about one-thousand feet. There you'll find a small iron door.” She handed Gewey a key. “This will unlock it. The passage will let you out along the western wall of the temple. From there, follow the trail west until you reach the Sintil Sans Road.”

Gewey nodded and put the key in his pocket. “Thank you, High Lady.”

They gathered their gear and readied themselves to climb down the narrow ladder. Selena had packed the Book of Souls in Gewey’s satchel.

Theopolou and the other elves thanked Selena for her hospitality. Linis bowed low, and held out a small silver dagger, sheathed in an ivory scabbard. The handle was wrapped in soft leather and it was crowned with a large blood ruby. “Take this as a reminder of our friendship,” he said.

Selena smiled and took the dagger. “Thank you, seeker. You and your kin are always welcome here.”

Kaylia took Selena's hand in hers. “I can never repay you for your kindness, High

Lady.”

“Nonsense,” she replied. “Your bravery has saved us all. Without you, the only hope we have for survival would still be laying helpless in the healing chamber.”

Kaylia lowered her eyes and smiled.

“As for you,” she said to Gewey. “I charge you with keeping yourself alive and well.”

“I'll do my best,” Gewey replied with a smile, then made his way to the ladder.

Gewey went first, followed closely by Kaylia, Linis, and the others. The narrow hallway was pitch black, and it took a few moments for Gewey's eyes to adjust. The air was stale, and the rough stone walls echoed the troop’s footsteps. Just as Selena had said, the hall sloped gently up for about one-thousand feet. There he could make out the outline of small door. After retrieving the key he had been given, Gewey felt around until he found the keyhole. The lock was old and rusted, and for a moment he feared the key would break, but to his relief he heard the sound of grating metal as the lock gave way. Gewey pushed hard with his shoulder and the door screeched open.

Gewey breathed deeply, allowing fresh air to fill his lungs. The sun was still high in the sky, and for a moment he was blinded.

“I should take the lead for now,” said Linis.

Theopolou nodded his approval.

They followed the trail west for a few miles, then Linis ordered a halt. “I assume you have no intention of traveling the main roads.”

“Correct,” said Theopolou. “Once this path ends I will lead us.”

They continued for several hours. The terrain became less and less rocky, replaced by thinly spaced oaks and pines. The long grass bent and shifted as a constant breeze blew in from the west. What struck Gewey as odd was the utter silence. With the exception of their footfalls and the sound of the wind, nothing, not even birds could be heard. The elves appeared to notice this oddity and Gewey could see that it made them uneasy.

“Something foul is near,” whispered Linis.

“What do you mean?” asked Gewey.

“I'm not sure. But I intend to find out.”

Linis motioned for a halt and disappeared into the thin brush. A while later he returned, muscles tensed and eyes wide.

“We are being followed,” said Linis. “But by whom or what, I can't say.”

“How?” said Gewey. “I thought this way was secret.”

“So did I. It would seem the High Lady was mistaken. I tried to spot our pursuer, but it is as crafty as my seekers reported, assuming what they saw is the same thing that hounds us now.”

“We should try and capture it,” said Theopolou. “I would know who this is, and why they risk following elves.”

“Whatever it is, it's neither human nor elf,” said Linis.

“How do you know that?” asked Gewey.

“No human alive could avoid me. Not even a half-man could manage it. As for it being an elf... no elf feels like this creature. Life flees from it. Not even the birds come near.”

Theopolou looked troubled as his brow furled and eyes surveyed the area. “Take as many from my escort as you need.”

“I should need no more than three,” said Linis. He turned to the other elves. “Who among you have had seeker training?”

Stintos and Haldrontis, two tall blond elves, stepped forward. “And I make three,” announced Gewey.

Linis looked at Gewey skeptically. “I know you have training, but I do not think Lee would approve of this.”

“Lee is not here,” said Gewey. “And if he were, I am still the best choice.”

Linis' mouth tightened, then he sighed. “Very well. But you must do exactly as you are told.”

Kaylia grabbed Gewey's arm. “You should let me go instead.”

Gewey squeezed her hand. This drew uneasy stares from the elves. “Don't worry. I won't do anything too stupid.”

Linis motioned for the volunteers to follow him into the brush. They walked north for about one-hundred yards, then he told them to halt.

“You two split up east and west. See to it that you make enough noise to announce your presence. I will move north while Gewey follows slowly behind.” His eyes met Gewey's. “Make sure you are at least three-hundred paces behind me at all times. The thing that follows us fell back north as I approached. Ahead is a clearing. The creature will likely try to avoid being exposed, which means it will double back and try to sneak by me. When it does we will close the trap.” He looked hard at the entire group. “If you encounter whatever this is, do not take it on alone.”

Everyone nodded in agreement. Gewey began to feel the pulse of the earth flow through his limbs. The world around him opened up, and he could sense everything around him. He closed his eyes and listened for their prey.

“It's one-hundred yards north,” said Gewey. “And you're right. It's neither human nor elf.”

“How is it you know this?” asked Stintos.

“Never you mind,” shot Linis. “If Gewey says the creature is there, then you can count on it.” He turned to Gewey. “Do you know what it is?”

Gewey shook his head. “No. But I think it knows we're coming.”

“All the more reason to be mindful,” said Linis.

Stintos and Haldrontis drew their long knives and each headed in opposite directions. Linis gave Gewey a final glance and went north. Once he was out of sight Gewey slowly crept forward. With his heightened senses, he could hear the movements of the creature ahead. Slowly he slid his sword from its scabbard. It felt warm as it throbbed in his hand. Energy rushed through him like a torrent, and he could feel the sinews of his arms and legs pulse and grow stronger.

Gewey heard Linis as the elf neared the creature. Linis had not yet spotted it, but Gewey was certain he soon would. How could he not? He was practically on top of it, but soon it was clear he had missed it entirely. Linis continued past the creature, showing no sign he had noticed it. Gewey realized the hunters had become the hunted.

From the east, Gewey heard two more of the creatures move in, closing in on Stintos' position. He knew he had to decide quickly what to do.

“Linis, it's a trap!” Gewey yelled at the top of his lungs. His legs burst to life as he sped toward Stintos.

The creatures revealed themselves just as Stintos came into view. Their figures were that of a man, but that was the only thing they had in common. They wore tattered clothes, blackened with grime and decay. Their faces were burnt, misshapen, and covered with deep scars, as if they had been assembled from the rotting corpses of a dozen dead men. But despite their outward appearance, their movements were unearthly... their speed unmatched by any Gewey had seen, save Lee.

They were on Stintos before he knew they were there. Each beast held a cruel dagger in hand, and with them they slashed at the elf’s throat. Stintos only barely avoided death by falling back onto the ground. But this only put him at a greater disadvantage. One of the creatures moved to plunge his dagger in the elf’s chest, but Gewey got there just before the fatal blow could be struck and removed the creatures head with one swift stroke. Thick, black blood poured from the beast's neck, as the body fell.

Gewey turned his attention to the second creature that was already in striking distance. The creature struck at Gewey's heart, but the power that flowed through him allowed him to easily avoid the attack. He brought his sword down across the creature’s chest, splitting it open and sending it tumbling to the ground. But to Gewey's dismay, this did not end the battle.

No sooner had the creature landed when it sprung to its feet and charged again, this time at the elf. The creature slashed at the left arm of Stintos, who deftly moved aside, and spun around, bringing his long knife across its back. But this did nothing to slow it down, as the creature also spun, swinging its own knife wildly. This time the blade struck home and slashed across the elf's ribs. Stintos groaned and staggered back.

Gewey knew this must end now. Linis was alone with one of these creatures, and he knew he must hurry to his aid. The head, he thought, and aimed his blade at the creature’s neck. It found its mark and the beast fell.

“Go back to the others,” Gewey commanded and tore off in the direction of Linis.

He found the elf three-hundred paces north, kneeling beside the dismembered body of the third creature... dismembered except for the head.

“Are you injured?” cried Gewey, relieved to see his friend alive.

“I will live.” Linis panted. “But as for this... thing, it has seen better days.”

Gewey moved closer. He eyes shot wide as he realized the beast still lived. The ground was covered with the creature’s thick, black blood, and its limbs were hacked and scattered about the ground. Still the thing snarled and growled, its eyes fixed on Linis. Linis stared in return.

Gewey touched Linis' shoulder. The elf looked up at Gewey and forced a smile. Blood soaked Linis' shirt... elf blood.

“We must tend to your wounds,” said Gewey. “Stintos was hurt as well.”

“Is he seriously injured?” asked Linis.

“I don't think so. He was on his feet when I left him.”

“Good.” Linis sighed. “As for me... I am fine. Thanks to your warning it is only a scratch.”

Gewey's eyes turned to the creature. “How does it still live?”

“I don't know,” said Linis in a whisper. “How do you live, beast!” His voice boomed, startling Gewey.

“I was never alive,” hissed the creature. Its voice was like the wheezing of a dying man, sick and labored.

“It speaks,” gasped Gewey.

“So it does,” remarked Linis.

“You shall all fall by the hands of my brothers,” spat the creature. “The master will see that it is so.”

“You mean the Dark Knight, don't you?” said Gewey.

The creature let out a gurgling laugh. “I know you. The God who will die like a man. The master will see to you soon enough.”

“What manner of beast are you?” demanded Linis.

“We are the Vrykol. We are the instrument of your demise.”

Linis stood, gripping his long knife so hard his knuckles turned white. “We shall see.” His blade flew down, cutting off the Vrykol's head.

“Are you alright?” called Kaylia’s voice from behind.

Gewey turned to see Kaylia, Theopolou, Haldrontis, and three other elves running up with weapons in hand. When they saw the mangled body of the Vrykol strewn about the ground, they stopped short.

“What is this... thing?” gasped Kaylia in horror.

“It's a creature of Angrääl,” said Linis. “It called itself a Vrykol.” He turned to Theopolou. “Have you heard of them?”

“I have. But they are supposed to exist only in legend. They are said to be damned souls, forced from paradise to walk the earth. But I have never heard of them as physical beings, only spirits.”

“They're physical beings for sure,” said Gewey. “They almost killed us.”

“So you spoke to it before it died,” said Kaylia. “What did it say?”

Linis described his encounter and the short conversation with the Vrykol.

“You should have waited until I had a chance to interrogate it,” said Theopolou.

“It wouldn't have told you anything,” said Gewey.

Theopolou shot a glance at Gewey. “You know very little, young one. I may have been able to discover more than you could guess.” He paused. “But there is no use belaboring the point. As it stands, we know they are intelligent and resilient. Whether or not they are in fact Vrykol, or just use the name, matters not. They are on our trail.”

“How fairs Stintos?” asked Linis.

“His wounds are being tended,” Theopolou answered. “But he will slow us considerably. I'm sending him back to Valshara with Haldrontis until he can travel.” Theopolou noticed Linis' wound. “Are you able to travel?”

“I am,” replied Linis, seeming to just notice the wound on his arm. “Thanks to Gewey's warning, the Vrykol's blade did not bite deeply.”

“Still, it needs to be dressed,” said Kaylia. “Come. I have salve and bandages in my pack.”

The group started toward to the trail, but Theopolou paused. “Bring the head,” said the old elf.

Linis nodded and picked up the head by its grimy hair. A wave of nausea washed over Gewey as more of the black blood poured onto the ground.

When they got back to the trail Gewey saw Stintos, leaning against a nearby tree. Two elves treated the wound on his ribs. Linis unpacked a spare cloak and wrapped the head inside. Stintos noticed Gewey's approach and motioned for him to come near. Gewey reluctantly obeyed.

“You saved my life, human,” said Stintos. He winced as an elf rubbed salve in the deep cut. “I owe you a debt.”

“Forget it,” said Gewey. “I didn't do anything you wouldn't have done in my place, I'm sure.”

Stintos smiled. “That you think an elf would come to your aid is remarkable, and speaks to your character. However, I don't understand how you knew to come. I was far out of sight or earshot. Only an elf seeker could have heard them coming, and even a seeker would have difficulty.”

Gewey was unsure what to say. “I...” he stammered. “Well, Kaylia and Linis have been instructing me.”

Stintos look at Gewey skeptically. “I see. Then training has heightened your senses. I was not aware that humans could gain such abilities.” His eyes fixed on the boy, then his smile returned. “It matters not. You saved my life, and for that you have gained my friendship.”

“I value it,” said Gewey, bowing his head.

“Gewey,” called Linis.

Gewey turned to see Linis standing near the packs. Kaylia dressed a cut on his left arm. He took his leave from Stintos.

“We leave at once,” said Linis. “Theopolou says we should arrive at his home in six days if we press our pace. I disagree with moving at too great a speed. With these so-called Vrykol about, I would not risk being taken by surprise. I would ask you to keep extra vigilant. You can hear what I cannot, it would seem.”

“I'll do my best,” said Gewey. “But I heard the Vrykol because I channeled the power of the earth. I've never done it more than a few minutes. To do it for six days...”

“You must try,” said Linis. “Our lives may depend on it.”

Gewey’s stomach knotted at the thought of so many lives depending on him.

“I will not have him put his life at risk,” said Kaylia, fiercely.

“I doubt it will harm him,” said Linis. “Seekers use the same power at times. I have used the flow, as we call it, for two straight days and it did me no harm.”

“He's not an elf,” countered Kaylia. “Or have you forgotten?”

“I have not forgotten,” Linis shot back. “But we both know what he is, don't we?”

“Mind your tongue,” hissed Kaylia, looking around for prying ears. “Would you have Gewey exposed?” She jerked tight Linis' bandage, causing him to wince. “I thought Lee confiding in you might be a mistake.”

“It was not a mistake, child,” chided Linis. “Lord Starfinder thought that I should know what is at stake. Out of friendship and trust he confided in me. I will not expose Gewey, and I will not be scolded by you. I am a seeker.”

Gewey had never heard anyone speak to Kaylia as if she were a mere child. He could see the fury in her eyes, but she managed to contain her rage.

“You are correct, of course,” growled Kaylia. “My apologies... seeker.”

Linis' face softened. “I know you love him. But remember, I have named him friend and care for him as kin. I only ask of him what I must.”

“I know,” replied Kaylia weakly. “I just want to keep him safe. The bond we share can be maddening at times.”

“You are young to have done such a thing,” said Linis. “But it seems to have been the right thing to do.” He bent and flexed his arm as Kayla finished dressing the wound. “Gewey, if you feel any ill effects from the flow, release it at once and consult me.”

“I will,” said Gewey.

Theopolou approached, his pack already on his back. “We must depart. Gather your things.”

Once everyone had donned their gear, they said farewell to Haldrontis and Stintos and continued down the trail. Gewey allowed the flow of the earth to saturate his body, and took great care to listen for anything out of the ordinary.

After an hour they left the trail and headed south across country. The ground was level and the trees still sparse. Gewey was relieved to hear the return of the birds and small animals. The flow was difficult to maintain at first, but after an hour or so it felt more natural. By the time they halted to make camp, he couldn't imagine what it would feel like without it. Kaylia and Linis had been keeping a close eye on him, constantly asking how he was. Kaylia was clearly relieved that he had shown no sign that it was hurting him. Linis, on the other hand, maintained a look of deep concern.

Once they made camp, Theopolou sat next to Gewey and handed him a cup of honeyed wine and a small loaf of bread.

“How much rest do you need?” asked Theopolou.

“None,” answered Gewey. “I am ready now, if you'd like.”

Theopolou raised an eyebrow. “Is that so? Well, you must at least appear to rest. The flow has made you strong, but it would raise suspicions among my guard if you didn't look a bit fatigued. I would have them in the dark for now.” He looked more closely as Gewey. “Why do you still use the power? There is no danger near.”

Gewey’s features were hard and determined. “So I'll know if it approaches.”

“Linis has asked you to do this, I take it.” Theopolou shook his head. “You should not. Even a seeker such as Linis cannot hold on to it indefinitely. It can be... dangerous.”

“What do you mean?” Gewey's eye wandered to Kaylia, who was a few yards away changing Linis' bandages.

“Linis is a worthy seeker, likely the best that still lives, but he does not know all. Seekers learn to use the flow from a very young age, but they are too busy with other training to learn the nature of the power that fuels them.”

“And you know these things?” asked Gewey.

Theopolou laughed softly. “More than most. I know that to hold the power of the earth for too long can break the mind. Seekers are taught to use it when they must and rarely hold it for more than a day, so they are in no danger.”

“In danger of what?” Gewey demanded. “Linis said he held it for two days and he was fine.”

“Linis is strong,” Theopolou replied. “His mind and spirit are resilient. He is counting on your... heritage, to keep you safe. But I'm not as certain. I would not see you possessed.”

“Possessed?” laughed Gewey. “Possessed by what? The earth?”

“Precisely. The power you use can become addictive. In time you will not be able to release it without great pain.”

Gewey shrugged. “So what? I'm stronger, faster. I can hear and see better, and more importantly, I'm better able to keep those I love safe.”

“All true,” said the elf. “But, in time it will burn your mind and drive you mad. You will endanger everyone near to you... even the ones you love.”

“Has this ever happened to an elf?” asked Gewey.

“Long ago. It is why elves are taught to use it sparingly. And there's something else. You can use many times the amount of the flow than any elf. It may accelerate any adverse effects.”

“It doesn't change the fact that we need to know if more of those creatures are about,” insisted Gewey.

“True,” admitted Theopolou. “But I will not have a mad godling roaming the earth. Be mindful.”

“I will,” said Gewey, aware of Theopolou's implied threat.

Theopolou got to his feet. “We will rest for two hours. That should be enough time to eliminate any suspicions about you.” With that, he walked away in the direction of three of his guards, who were talking near the fire.

Kaylia and Linis sat next to Gewey a few moments later. “What did he say?” asked Kaylia.

“Nothing important. He just wanted to know if I was tired.”

“I see,” said Kaylia, clearly not believing him. “I would rather you say nothing at all than tell me a lie. Even if it's to spare me worry or hurt.”

“I'm sorry.” Gewey sighed. “I sometimes forget I cannot fool you.”

“I think I know what Theopolou wanted,” said Linis. “He was concerned about you using your power for too long. Am I right?”

Gewey nodded. “He said it could drive me insane.”

“Unlikely,” said Linis from behind them. “I've heard the same tales of caution, but as wise as Theopolou is, he has no real experience with this matter. It would take many weeks of constant use to have any lasting effect.”

“He said that because I can use so much more than an elf, that it might take less time,” said Gewey.

“He may have a point,” admitted Linis. “How do you feel now?”

“Good,” Gewey replied. “In fact, better than good. I've never felt so strong in my life. I think I could run for days without stopping.”

Linis thought for a moment. “Tomorrow I want you to release the flow when we rest. I and the others should be able to keep watch well enough.”

“Okay,” said Gewey, smiling. Though the thought of releasing the power of the earth made his heart ache. Kaylia at once picked up on this feeling.

“I'll see to it,” said Kaylia.

Linis threw his head back in laughter. “Then I have no need to worry. I am sure all will be well so long as you are keeping watch over our young man.” He moved to his bedroll. “Don't forget, you must at least pretend to rest, Gewey.”

Gewey lay on his blanket and closed his eyes. He could hear the forest’s sweet song, as the wind caressed the trees and moved across the grass. Nocturnal predators stalked their prey, and high above an eagle soared in the direction of the sea. It was so much more natural than the first time he has done this. In fact, he couldn't imagine a time when his ears were deaf to such marvels. Sleep was not a possibility.