Brian Anderson - Shadow of the Gods

“I believe you should make introductions,” said Aaliyah. “Considering what has happened here, it may be better if your people are greeted by someone more…familiar.”

Linis nodded in agreement.

Two guards barred their way when they reached the edge of the field. They eyed the strangers for a moment.

“They are not foes,” said Linis.

The guards grunted then stepped aside.

“A bit brutish,” remarked Mohanisi.

Linis pretended not to hear, but couldn't help but bristle at the insult. “They must be hard to survive these times. They fought bravely to protect their kin.”

“I meant no insult,” Mohanisi explained. “It is only that you are so different from what we know.”

Theopolou, Eftichis, and Bellisia approached from the pavilion. Kaylia ran ahead and embraced her uncle with joy. She held him tight for nearly a full minute.

“I am happy to see you are safe,” said Theopolou, smiling broadly. “Though I had no doubt Gewey would succeed in your rescue.” As Gewey approached with the others, Theopolou bowed. “Thank you,” he said to Gewey and Linis. “I am in your debt.”

Gewey bowed. “I wish I could say I freed her. But as it turns out she managed that on her own.”

Theopolou smiled lovingly at Kaylia. “A tale I would love to hear.”

“As would I,” said Bellisia. “But first I would like to know who you have brought among us.”

Linis introduced the elves and explained how they met, not failing to mention their claim.

“So you say you are from beyond the Great Western Abyss,” said Theopolou. His tone bore no hint of surprise or trepidation. “That would explain the news we received. Reports of red sails on the horizon have caused quite a stir.”

Aaliyah stepped forward and took Theopolou's hand. The old elf stiffened and staggered back. In a flash, Linis and Eftichis had drawn their knives and pulled Theopolou away. Mohanisi and Nehrutu made no move to stop them.

“No,” Theopolou cried. “Stay your weapons. I am not harmed…only dazed.”

“What happened?” asked Linis, holding Theopolou's arm.

“I beg your forgiveness,” said Aaliyah. “I thought it would be easier this way. As you are one of the more…how should I say this… talented among you. That is to say, you can use the flow.”

“Yes,” said Theopolou. He steadied himself and straightened his shoulders. “But I suggest you refrain from doing that again. At least until you have addressed the others.”

“Theopolou-” began Bellisia.

“She is who she says she is,” said Theopolou. “She merely communicated it to me in a manner which I am not accustomed. It was just too much at once.”

“I would speak to your people,” said Aaliyah. “But first, your wounded should be attended.” Her companions nodded in agreement. “You could help as well,” she said to Gewey.

“Of course,” said Gewey.

Linis stepped forward. “I will join you.” He could tell that Theopolou and the others had recently been using their powers to heal, and were exhausted, though they hid it well. “The elders should rest until we have done what can be done.”

“Of course,” said Aaliyah. “They have accomplished all they can.” She looked at Kaylia and smiled. “If you would tend to your elders while we do our work-”

“I will go with you,” said Kaylia.

“Theopolou and the others have greater need of you.” Aaliyah’s tone was not contentious, yet it held an air of authority that caused Kaylia to stop short.

“Stay,” said Theopolou. “You can tell me what happened after you were taken.”

Aaliyah didn't wait for a response. She turned gracefully and walked in the direction of the pavilion. Kaylia’s eyes followed her closely.

When Gewey and the elves entered the healing pavilion, they saw scores of elves lying injured in row upon row of beds that had been taken from the tents. As there weren't enough beds, the least injured were place on bedrolls. The rest were busy distributing food and medicine, and at first, hardly noticed the group’s presence. Gewey peered just beyond the pavilion, and could see others tending to the dead. His heart ached.

“How could this happen?” muttered Mohanisi. His face flushed with anger. He spun and faced Linis. “How could this happen?” This time his voice boomed with rage. Everyone in the pavilion stopped and stared.

Aaliyah gently placed her hand on Mohanisi's shoulder. “Calm yourself, my friend. This is not his doing.”

Mohanisi's muscles tensed until he trembled, then he closed his eyes. Gasps filled the pavilion as the elf filled himself with the flow. More and more entered him, until the air around him glowed with power. Only Gewey could hold so much…or so they thought. After a few seconds he released it and opened his eyes.

Mohanisi breathed deeply, then smiled apologetically at Linis. “Forgive my anger. Aaliyah is correct. This is not your doing. But I have not seen a sight such as this before. It took me aback for a moment.”

Linis bowed. “There is nothing to forgive. You are not wrong to feel anger. We have all allowed this to come to pass. I am as much at fault as any.” He could still feel the lingering power of the flow all around him, and all eyes still stared in amazement. “But, I must ask. How is it you can channel so much of the flow? Gewey is the only one I have seen use so much.”

“I doubt I have the power of Shivis Mol,” said Mohanisi.

“Your people have forgotten much,” Aaliyah interjected. “Once all elves could do as Mohanisi has done. Why you cannot, I do not know.” She squared her shoulders. “But now is a time to heal, not talk. Talk can wait, but the dying cannot.”

They all nodded in agreement. Without another word Aaliyah, Mohanisi, and Nehrutu started off in different directions and immediately began tending the wounded, with the power of the flow. Linis left the more severely injured to Gewey and the other elves, and began healing those who he could more readily help. Gewey went from bed to bed for what seemed like an eternity, using all his strength. By the time it was fully dark, he was barely able to stand. Linis was fairing no better, nearly losing his feet several times. Aaliyah and her companions seemed far less affected.

“Are you well, Shivis Mol?” Aaliyah asked Gewey, as he knelt at the bedside of an elf who had been run through. He only looked up when she touched his shoulder.

“Just tired,” said Gewey. “This takes a lot out of me.”

“I see.” Her tone sounded confused. “We have nearly done all that can be done. Mohanisi, Nehrutu, and I can finish this. You should rest. I am certain Kaylia will tend you well.” Her last remark sounded almost sarcastic.

Gewey shook his head, and steadied himself. “I'm fine.” He placed his hands on the wounded elf and channeled the flow. The wounded elf gasped and his eyes shot wide. After a few minutes the wounds began to close and the elf relaxed.

Gewey struggled to his feet and stumbled to the next bed.

“That is enough,” said Aaliyah. “You cannot go on. There are only a few others who we can help. I insist you rest.” Her words were commanding and Gewey could feel himself wanting to obey. “If you become ill, then I will need to heal you. This will take from those who need more urgent care.” She smiled. “Do not be concerned. Soon I will teach you to heal without so much effort.”

Gewey's resolve gave way. “I'll go.”

Aaliyah took his arm and guided him from the pavilion to where Kaylia, Theopolou and the others were gathered.

“He needs rest,” stated Aaliyah flatly. “Tend to him.”

Before Kaylia could speak, Aaliyah released Gewey and turned back to the pavilion. He nearly collapsed the moment her hand let go. Kaylia was quickly at his side and guided him to a waiting bedroll. Eftichis brought him some bread and wine, which he gratefully accepted. Linis arrived a few minutes later and lay down next to him. He didn't speak a word, and was asleep in seconds.