Brian Anderson - Of Gods And Elves

“I have met him,” admitted Gewey. “Ispent the night in his home, and I saw him again just before I woke.”

Theopolou looked at Gewey in wonder. “Then I thinkI would hear your tale now.”

Gewey nodded and recounted the experience he and Kayliahad had in the spirit world.

When he had finished Lee doubled over in laughter. “Youare a wonder. Just when I think I’ve heard everything you tellus this.”

“You are a wonder indeed,” agreed Theopolou.“And the only one of your kind, unless I am mistaken.”

Lee tensed. “Whatever you may think, I'm sure you are mistaken.”

Theopolou raised his eyebrow and smirked. “I seethat you believe I shall reveal his secret. Perhaps I would ifcircumstances were different. But, as my niece has bonded with him, Iwill not. Besides, if I did, I would be put to judgment for notkilling a God when given the chance. Even my own guards would turn onme.”

Hearing Gewey's true nature said aloud brought a wave ofanxiety throughout the room.

“How long have you known?” asked Selena.

“I suspected from the moment I discovered wherehis spirit had traveled,” he replied. “But when I heardabout your experience with Felsafell there was no question in mymind. And it does explain Angraal's sudden mobilization inthe north, and their pursuit of a young boy.”

“What do you mean?” asked Lee. His thoughtsturned to his wife and son.

“Our seekers tell us that his armies gather. Hewill be ready to march by spring at the latest.”

“When did you learn this?” asked Lee.

“Just before I came here. The information can beno more than a week old.”

“How is it we have heard nothing of this?”Selena’s eyes flashed with anger.

“If you have sent spies north, they would notlikely have made it far enough to have seen anything,” repliedTheopolou. “The way is well guarded. Even my people havedifficulty moving undetected.”

“We need to start building alliances here,”said Lee. “As the elves will not join us, we should finish ourbusiness and move on.”

“Quite right,” Theopolou agreed. “Butas we are at an impasse I do not see what is left to say.”

“What business?” asked Gewey.

Lee told Gewey about the meeting. Gewey sat up straightin bed and rubbed his chin. “I would like to speak to Kayliaand Theopolou alone.”

Lee and the others paused for a moment then obeyed.

“What do you suppose they're talking about?”wondered Dina.

Lee shook his head. “If I know Gewey, he's doingsomething foolish.”

“Give him some credit,” said Dina. “He'smanaged to do pretty well so far.” Lee grunted and crossed hisarms.

Selena place her hand lightly on Lee's shoulder. “Itwill be fine,” she said softly. “If what you've told meabout the boy is true, his heart will guide him well.”

For over an hour they waited, the only interruption ahealer who brought Gewey and Kaylia a bowl of stew and some applejuice. Lee was just about to lose his patience when Theopolou came tothe door and invited them inside.

“We have come to an agreement,” said Gewey.“But, I don't think you're going to like it.”

“No doubt,” remarked Lee.

“Don't worry,” interjected Theopolou. “It'sconditional on the approval the High Lady and you, of course.”

What is it?” asked Selena.

“I have agreed to allow Theopolou to possess theBook of Souls,” said Gewey. “In return, he will help mepersuade the elves to join us.”

“Assuming I agree,” said Selena. “Howdo you propose to do that?”

“I will open the Book of Souls.”

“You'll what?” exclaimed Lee. “How?”

“If the boy truly is a God, he possesses the powerof heaven,” Theopolou explained. “With that power he maybe able to open it. If he can, it will go a long way toward swayingmy people, if not in joining you, at least not to oppose you.”

“And when they find out what he is?” arguedLee. “What then? Even elves that befriend humans hold no lovefor the Gods.”

“Nor do I,” said Theopolou. “But I donot subscribe to the notion that it was the Gods that caused theSplit. I was there.” He turned to Kaylia. “As was yourfather. I saw no evidence of divine intervention.”

“Then what do you think really happened?”asked Lee.

“That is not a thing I would discuss here. It isthe business of the elves. I only say this much to set your mind atease regarding my intentions toward Gewey. I may not wish to befriendhumans, but as Gewey is not human, I bear him no ill will.”

“I wish you could let go of the old hatred,uncle,” said Kaylia. “They’re not as we have beentold. At least not the ones I call friend.”

“You did not suffer through the Great War, or theSplit. I watched the humans take advantage of our weakness anddecimate our people. I could never trust them, and without trust,there can be no friendship. If I can help Gewey convince my people to help yourcause, it is only to fight a greater threat. I do not believe thepromises made by the Dark One. Once he has defeated his humanenemies, he will turn on us and destroy us.”

“I'm still concerned about the Book falling intothe hands of our enemies,” said Selena. “How does thisagreement prevent that?” She walked to the bed and sat besideGewey.

“If I fail to help sway my kin, I will take theBook and hide it away where it will never be found,” Theopoloureplied. “You have my solemn vow on this.”

“And just how do you propose to sway them?”asked Lee.

“Gewey and Kaylia will accompany me to my home.There the elders will meet and decide.”

“Hold on a minute,” said Lee “Do youreally think we would allow Gewey and Kaylia to simply leave with youand deliver themselves into the hands of people who want nothing morethan their deaths?”

“They will be under my protection,” repliedTheopolou. “No elf will harm them while I give them sanctuary.That I return with the Book of Souls will also go far in aiding ourcause.”

“If you do this, I will go with you.” Leeplanted his fists on his hips.

“No, Lee,” said Gewey. “It can only beme and Kaylia. If we have any hope of bringing the elves to our side,we must show them we can be trusted.”

“You will not be welcome among us, half-man,”said Theopolou. “If you come then our efforts will fail.”

“Find a way to make them bear my presence if youare so bloody wise.” Lee could barely contain his frustration.

“Insults are not called for. I have given my wordthe boy and Kaylia will not be harmed.”

“And what of Kaylia?” Dina was careful notto come to close to Theopolou, afraid he might discover her heritage.“What if they decide to judge her?”

“Kaylia will face judgment,” he replied.“But not at this time. I have granted her my protection, and mypeople will honor it.”

“Let us think on this,” said Selena. “Iwill give you my answer tomorrow-in any event, they cannottravel until they are stronger.”

“I would like Dina and Lee to stay a while,”said Gewey. “They've heard my story, and I'd like to heartheirs.”

Selena smiled. “Only for a short while. You mustregain your strength.” She turned to Theopolou. “I'llhave rooms made ready for you and your escort.”

Theopolou nodded. “Thank you, High Lady. If youhave rooms that are a bit… secluded, it would make our stay morepleasant for everyone.”

“That can be arranged.” She showed no signof being insulted. “I can have your meals brought to you aswell, if you wish.”

“That would be fine.”

“Then, if you will follow me,” she said, andled Theopolou from the room.

“You certainly wasted no time in causing metrouble,” said Lee.

“I'm sorry,” said Gewey once the doorclosed. “But there is no other way.”