Brian Anderson - Of Gods And Elves

“I didn't say you were wrong. I just don't likeit.”

“Enough.” said Kaylia. “I want to knowwhat has happened while I was asleep.”

“Yes,” agreed Gewey. “So would I.”

“Fine.” Lee sighed.

Lee recounted the events up until the meeting. Geweysmiled when he heard about the meeting between Lee and his mother.

“It's hard to believe,” said Gewey once Leehad finished. “All this time, and she was living here.”

“Yes.” Lee chuckled. “The world isfull of surprises.” His eyes grew sad, “Now, if only Ihad word from Millet.”

Gewey thought for a moment. “I think I may be ableto find them… with Kaylia's help.”

“How would you do that?” asked Lee, unableto contain his excitement.

“I believe I can touch the mind of Malstisos. Witha healthy dose of jawas tea, and Kaylia lending me her strength-itmay be possible.”

Lee looked at Gewey doubtfully. “They're hundredsof miles away. How could you do such a thing?”

Gewey smiled wide. “One thing I realized when Iwas with the spirits is that time and distance don't amount to muchthere. Now that I know the way, I can return.”

Dina became alarmed. “But won't you risk beingtrapped again?”

“Not likely. The spirits will leave me alone now,and they are the ones who trapped me. Without them in my way, Ishould be able to come and go as I please. With Kaylia there to helpme find him, I think I can reach Malstisos no matter how far away heis.”

“I still can't ask you to risk it.” Leeshook his head. “If you're wrong…”

“He is not wrong,” said Kaylia. “Reachingout and returning is not the challenge. Finding one particular mindis. We have an advantage in that Malstisos will probably be the onlyelf in the area, and it will be easier to single him out. That'swhere I come in. Our bond allows me to travel with Gewey, and myfamiliarity with an elf’s mind should increase our chances.”

“When you say travel…” said Dina.

“I mean it literally,” replied Kaylia. “It'sdifferent than when one touches the mind of another, the way you or Iwould do. The world where we go is as real as this one in a way.”

“I am familiar with this sort of contact, as youknow,” said Lee. “But it's still difficult tounderstand.”

“As much as I'd like to show you, I'm not surewhat the risks would be,” explained Gewey. “Just imagineyourself in a dream where anything is possible, only you’rewide awake.”

“Sounds wonderful,” said Dina.

“It is.” Gewey nodded. “But it can beterrible, too. If it wasn't for Felsafell saving us, we'd probablystill be trapped.”

“That's probably the most confusing thing aboutyour tale,” remarked Lee. “Little is known about him, andif Theopolou is right about his being a part of some ancient race,then his motives are a mystery. I don't like mysteries.”

“Whatever he's after, it doesn't seem he means toharm me,” said Gewey. “Until I can see him again, thatwill have to be enough.”

“But he was the one who freed you,” saidLee. “What if the spirits decide to keep you there again?”

“They won't,” said Gewey. “Even ifthey did, I think I could escape them if I needed to.”

“And you really think you can contact Malstisos?”asked Dina.

“I do,” Gewey nodded. “Tonight, I willtry.”

Lee nodded reluctantly.

That settled, Kaylia turned to Dina. “I see youare in full dress.”

“Indeed I am. While you and Gewey slept, I waselevated to full cleric. I'm a temple historian now.”

“That is wonderful,” said Kaylia. “Iknow you'll do well.”

“I'm going to try. The High Lady has put a greatdeal of trust in me.”

“You won't disappoint her,” said Gewey. “Iknow it.”

Dina smiled and her cheeks flushed. “I hope you'reright. It's everything I've hoped for. I just didn't think it wouldhappen so quickly.” She choked back tears of happiness. “Butenough of that. Do you really think you can open the Book of Souls?”

“I'm not sure,” Gewey admitted. “I dobelieve it's the only way to bring the elves over to our side.”

“I agree that we need them,” said Lee. “ButI'm not sure this is the best way to go about it. Why not leave it toLinis and the others to sway them?”

“Do we have that kind of time?” asked Gewey.“If the Dark Knight moved on us today what would happen? Couldwe fight him?”

“Then perhaps if I can't go with you, Linis can,”suggested Lee. “We could insist upon it.”

“We could request,” corrected Kaylia. “ButLinis is an outlaw as well. It may prove difficult. But, I agree thatit's worth a try. Outlaw or no, he is among the greatest of all theseekers, and his presence carries weight.”

The door open and Selena returned. Lee told her abouttheir idea of Linis accompanying them.

“I like it,” said Selena thoughtfully. “Ithink if I agree to allow the Book of Souls to return to the elves,he will agree. I'll approach the subject in the morning.” Shetook a long look at Gewey and Kaylia. “I think it's time youtwo rested. We can talk more in the morning.”

Gewey protested, but Selena stopped him with one sternlook. Lee and Dina embraced them tightly and bid them goodnight.

“I'll wake you if I'm successful,” calledGewey to Lee as he was leaving. Lee nodded and shut the door.

Malstisos felt a cool breeze caress his cheeks as hewalked between the massive redwoods. The noon sun shone through theleaves, making the grass sparkle like a million tiny emeralds. Theforest was familiar, but like a distant memory from childhood. Hereached over and touched the almost black bark of a nearby tree. Itshould have been hard and coarse, but it wasn't. It was soft, smooth,and yielded to his touch. He withdrew his hand in amazement. Hereached out again and gently moved his hand over the bark. Lightrippled up the length of the tree and back down again. Malstisosstood transfixed by the sight.

“This can't be real,” he whispered.

“It's real,” a voice called from behind.

Malstisos spun around, but there was no one there. “Whoare you?” There was no answer. He reached for his knife butfound that it was no longer at his side. “Show yourself.”

“I am here.” This time the voice was softerand clearly feminine.

“Why can't I see you?” he asked, straininghis eyes. The forest began to blur and shift. “What'shappening?”

“Don't be afraid. We are friends.”

“We?” he said. “Who are you, and whatdo you want?”

“It's Kaylia. I'm here with Gewey.”

“Kaylia? Why can't I see you? What is this place?”

“You are at the edge of the spirit realm. Why youcan't see me, I do not know. I suspect that you would in time. Buttime is not a luxury we have. We have guided you here, but I do notknow how long you can remain.”

“How do I know you are who you say you are?”he challenged. “How do I know this isn't just a vivid dream?”

“Does it feel like a dream?”

“Yes… and no,” he said. “I feel awake but all this…” He looked out as the forest ebbedand flowed like a green tide. “It can't be real.”

“It is real,” said Kaylia. “At leastin the sense that this is a real place. This is only our second time here, but I think that itchanges with your thoughts and emotions. I do know that the dangershere are very real.”

“Dangers,” said Malstisos. “Whatdangers?”

“There is no time to explain. Gewey is strugglingto keep you in this world. Did you succeed in saving Lee’s wifeand son?”

“His son is with us,” he replied. “ButI'm sad to say that his wife has been taken north to Angraal.Millet is taking the boy to Baltria, while I escort Maybell toAlthetas.”