Brian Anderson - Shadow of the Gods

“You should sleep as well,” suggested Eftichis, who had seated himself a few feet away.

Gewey rubbed his neck and stretched his back until it made a sharp crack. “The others will be finished shortly. I want to be awake when they get here.” He yawned, in spite of himself. “If I sleep now, I won't be able to wake up.”

Small fires were being lit throughout the camp. The scent of spiced meat and wine wafted on the breeze.

At that moment, Aaliyah and the others appeared from the fading light. “We have healed as many as we could.”

“You have our gratitude,” said Bellisia, who had been seated beside Lord Chiron for several hours, talking quietly.

“Indeed,” agreed Chiron. “Many more would have died if not for you.”

“I only wish we could have done more,” remarked Aaliyah, sadly. “Many were beyond our power.”

“You should rest,” said Gewey. “You must be exhausted.”

“We are,” admitted Aaliyah. “More so than we have ever been. And I would have strength before I tell our tale.” She reached down and placed the back of her hand on Gewey's cheek. Kaylia flashed anger across their bond, startling Gewey.

“For one so ignorant of his own abilities, you did well,” said Aaliyah. Her voice was tender and musical, like the cradle-song for an infant prince. “Though I admit I was confused to see how little you know of yourself.” She glanced over to Kaylia, then fixed her eyes on Gewey's. “That will change. I will see to it.”

Kaylia moved close to Gewey, her face hot with jealousy.

Aaliyah smiled. “Fierce and protective. Though I must admit, I can understand why.” Her hair shimmered in the fire light. She stepped back and took a seat on a blanket a few feet away. Mohanisi and Nehrutu rested next to her. “In the morning I shall address the elves.”

“I am afraid it will have to wait until after the funeral rites,” said Theopolou. “They begin with the sunrise.”

“Of course,” said Aaliyah. She lay down and pulled the blanket over her shoulders. It was mere moments before sleep took her.

Gewey looked around. Small groups of elves were gathered around the fires, speaking in hushed whispers. No one had disturbed the newcomers while they were tending the wounded, but news of them spread like wildfire. Gewey smiled. Only the arrival of these elves could overshadow the presence of a God in their midst. And for that, he was grateful. He finished his meal and lay on his back. The stars were peeking out from behind wisps of thin clouds high in the sky. He wished the night was clear. The nights of a new moon were the best time for star gazing. Kaylia lay next to him, her head turned toward Aaliyah.

“She is beautiful,” said Kaylia.

Gewey reached over and took her hand. “I didn't notice.”

“You do not need to spare my feelings,” she said in a half-whisper. “I am not doubting your love for me.”

Gewey turned his head and met Kaylia's eyes “Good. And I'm not sparing your feelings. I was too busy in the pavilion to notice such things.”

“And now that you are not in the pavilion?”

Gewey pushed himself up and leaned over her. “And now that I'm not in the pavilion, you're still more beautiful.” He kissed her softly.

She smiled. “She wants you.” Pulling him to her she kissed him once more. “But she cannot have you. She called me fierce, but she has no idea how fierce I can be.” She stroked his cheek. “Now sleep.”

Gewey lay back down and closed his eyes. The tingle of Kaylia's touch still caressed his lips. As sleep took him he could feel his spirit drift. He had come to enjoy the sensation. Then he heard a call. Not in words, but a sweet summons, like soft music. Kaylia, he thought. A thin mist surrounded him. It was warm and soothing. He allowed it to penetrate him.

“I am here,” called a gentle, feminine voice.

A figure approached through the mist. Gewey expected to see Kaylia, but as the figure neared, he realized it was not her…It was Aaliyah.

A bitter chill woke Gewey the next morning. Kaylia and Linis had already risen and were nearby helping the others prepare the morning meal. Bellisia, Chiron and Theopolou, had gathered a few yards away, and had donned white robes, Gewey presumed for the funeral rites.

Aaliyah's face still burned in his memory, but he could not recall anything beyond the point when she first appeared. He scanned the area for her and her friends, but they were nowhere to be seen.

Just next to him, lying atop his sword and scabbard, he noticed his pack. Someone must have retrieved his belongings from Theopolou's tent. He rummaged through his things until he found the clothes Theopolou had given him, then went to look for some place private to change. He thought perhaps to seek out some water for washing, but didn't want to miss the ceremony. Gewey walked toward the burned remains of the camp. Beyond the pavilion, he could see dozens of funeral pyres that had been erected in the night. He dreaded the sad ceremony that was to come. Finding a hidden spot just beyond the pavilion, between two tents, Gewey changed into his elf clothing.

“You have an interesting mind.” It was Aaliyah.

Gewey flushed. “How long were you watching me?”

Aaliyah smiled. “Long enough.” She took a step forward.

Though Gewey may have not noticed her beauty before, he certainly did now. She had changed into a white, silk dress, though much the same fashion as the one she wore before. It flowed with her movements, wrapping itself playfully around her obvious curves as she moved. Her hair was tied in a loose braid, intertwined with thin white strands of shimmering cloth.

“I thought this may be a bit more appropriate,” she said. She held her shapely arms wide and spun around. “What would you say?”

He felt his face grow hot with embarrassment. “I…”

“Perhaps not.” With a wry smile, she took another step forward. “I brought nothing else, other than a set of cotton trousers and tunic. The rest of my attire is on my ship.”

“How did you…” he stammered. “I mean…last night.”

“Oh, that was nothing,” she replied, stepping closer. “I only wanted to see your mind for myself. A selfish thing, I admit. But I could not resist the chance to connect with Shivis Mol.”

“Kaylia. She-,”

“Kaylia knows nothing of it,” said Aaliyah. “It was simple to occupy her thoughts. I…encouraged her to dream of you. It was easy. She loves you deeply.”

The mention of Kaylia's love for him, steadied his nerve. “And I love her.”

“Well, of course, you do.” She sounded understanding in the way of a mother to a child. “But then you are quite young. And your bond with her makes your feelings infinitely stronger.” Slowly her face saddened. Gewey suddenly wanted to approach her. To comfort her. But he resisted. “I was bonded once. Long ago.”

Gewey's heart ached to see her pain. “What happened?”

She sighed deeply. “He died.”

“Then how do you still live?” he asked. “I thought that once bonded, your lives are as one.”

This shook her out of her melancholy and she laughed softly. “Perhaps for the elves in this world that is true. They have forgotten how to use their power. The bond between mates is strong, but not unbreakable. One need not lose themselves should the other die.” She glanced behind her. She could see the pavilion. “A pity. The bond makes you stronger. We could have saved more if they all had a mate's strength to share. But I suppose it is to be expected that they do not bond, if the risk is death.” She tilted her head and smiled. “Perhaps that is yet another thing we can teach them.”

Gewey saw Kaylia approaching in the distance. “I should go.” He didn't wait for a response. He edged his way pass her. She did not move to ease his passing, forcing their shoulders to touch.