Brian Anderson - Of Gods And Elves

“Young one,” said Grentos. “I can seeyou are of this land, and dismayed that it has been conquered, so Iwill overlook your insult. But you know nothing.” He reachedover and took the jug of wine. “Armies gather. Still… motivesmay not be known. We have no way to be certain they intend to marchfurther. They may not have the strength for such a campaign.”

“I think they have the strength,” saidMillet. “And I think they intend to keep marching. It's whenthat troubles me.”

“You may be right, Millet,” said Malstisos.“But I know my brethren. They will not come to arms easily.Without proof of a threat, they will be content to do nothing.”

Grentos nodded. “Without proof, I can do nothingto persuade them.”

Jacob jumped to his feet. “Proof?” heshouted. “They've invaded the north and practically enslaved mypeople. What more do you need?”

“Calm yourself,” said Grentos. “I didnot say that I disagreed with you, only that I cannot convince mypeople without more evidence.”

Jacob glared at the elf, then marched out of the tentinto the bitter cold.

“That one needs to govern his passions.”Grentos took a long drink from the jug.

“He's young,” said Millet. “And hisland is invaded. I share his frustration. I too am from here, and itpains me to see what has become of my home.”

“I am sorry,” said Grentos. “I willtry and be a bit more… delicate.”

“Perhaps we should address more practical issues,”suggested Malstisos. “The road splits about twenty miles west.If you are headed west, I assume you will take the northwestern roadthrough Manisalia.”

“Indeed,” Grentos affirmed. “It's thebest way.”

“Millet and Jacob will be taking the southwesternroad,” said Malstisos. “Sister Maybell and I would liketo accompany you, at least through Manisalia, once they leave us.”

Grentos smiled broadly. “We would be pleased tohave your company. You may stay with us as long as you wish.”

Malstisos nodded. “Thank you, brother. I amgrateful.”

“As am I,” Maybell added.

“It is I who am grateful,” said Grentos.“This journey will allow us to strengthen bonds longneglected.”

They spent the rest of the evening in cheerfulconversation. The wine flowed freely, and soon the tent was filledwith laughter. Jacob returned after a time and proceeded to sulk onhis bedroll, despite Grentos' efforts to make amends. By the time thewine was gone, they had all but forgotten their troubles and fellinto a deep peaceful sleep.

Lee woke to the gentle, feminine voice of one of theyoung healers who had attended Gewey. It had taken him quite sometime to fall asleep. Despite his cool demeanor, he was excited by theprospect of Gewey finding out what had become of his wife and son,not to mention Millet, Maybell, and Malstisos.

“What is it?” said Lee groggily.

“I’m sorry, but Master Gewey wishes to speakwith you. I told him to wait until morning, but he insisted.”

“Don't be sorry,” he said, trying not toknock the girl down as he sprang from his bed and headed swiftly tothe healing chamber.

When he arrived, Gewey was sitting up in bed sipping acup of hot tea. Kaylia was still fast asleep in the next bed. Helooked tired and worn as he managed a smile.

“We did it,” said Gewey.

Lee was stunned. He had prepared himself for bad news.“Are they safe?”

“From what I was able to tell they're all justfine,” he answered weakly. “They're a few days fromHazrah. Your son is with Millet, and he plans to take him toBaltria.”

Lee sighed with relief. “And my wife?”

Gewey's eyes fell. “She isn't with them. Why, Idon't know.”

Lee's heart froze. “I see.” He began pacing,rubbing his temple. “I must go to Baltria.” He looked upat Gewey. “I'm sorry but I must.”

“I know you must. Besides, there is nothing youcan do here. The elves won't allow you to go with me anyway.”

“I'll leave after you've gone,” Lee said. “Ishould still be able to beat them there.” Gewey nodded, clearlyexhausted. “Are you alright?”

“I'm fine,” Gewey replied. “It took alot of effort to reach Malstisos. I wasn't ready for it, that’sall.”

“And Kaylia?”

“She'll be okay after a good night’s rest.”

“I'll let you both sleep then. I can't thank youenough for this.” Gewey nodded slowly and sunk back into bed.

Lee returned to his room, but sleep didn't come easily.His mind wandered to thoughts of his son, and worries about thewhereabouts of his wife.

The next morning, Lee joined Gewey and Kaylia forbreakfast in the healing chamber. The healers insisted that they restfor at least one more day. A small table had been set up, and Dinaand Selena soon joined them. Conversation was light, to Lee's relief.He never enjoyed serious talk over a meal.

“Theopolou has agreed to allow Linis to accompanyyou,” said Selena after the table was cleared. “But Ifear you may be forced to leave before you are fully recovered.”

“We could leave now if necessary,” statedKaylia. “I am rested and not accustomed to being idle.”

Selena's eyes wandered to Gewey.

“I'm fine, too,” said Gewey. “Besides,it's no good for a farmer to be lazy.”

Selena smiled warmly. “Don't worry. Neither of youwill be idle for long.” She turned to her son. “I did tryto convince Theopolou to let you go-.”

Lee stopped her short and told her about Gewey's contactwith Malstisos.

“I'll do my best to find out what has become ofyour wife,” she said. “In the meantime I'll havepreparations made for your journey. We have friends in Baltria. Youwill have whatever help you require.” She reached over and tookLee's hand. “Don't worry son. I will do what I must to ensuretheir safety.”

Lee gave her hand a tight squeeze. “Thank you,Mother.”

“I'll go with you,” said Dina.

Lee smiled. “I appreciate it. But I won't put youin unnecessary danger.”

“Don't be a fool, Lee. You can't go alone, and Igrew up in Baltria. You may need me.”

“I think it's a great idea,” said Selena.“I'd feel better knowing you had someone I trusted along withyou, and as a temple historian, it's her duty.”

Lee sighed heavily. “Very well. Meet me in mychambers after the noon meal to discuss our plans.”

Dina grinned with satisfaction.

“When does Theopolou want to leave?” askedKaylia.

“In two days,” said Selena. “He hasalready sent word to the other elders. They should be there upon yourarrival.”

“I don't like it,” said Lee. “I'drather they arrived first. Less chance for a trap to be set.”

“Linis agrees,” said Selena. “That'swhy he's sending his people ahead, just in case.”

Linis opened the door, his face grave. His hand grippedthe handle of his long knife so hard his knuckles turned white.

“What is it?” asked Lee.

“I just received a report that the roads are beingwatched.”

“That's not surprising,” said Selena. “Weknow that the elves are aware of this place.”

“It is not elves,” said Linis.

“Men?” asked Kaylia.

“No. We do not know what they are. But they'refast and cunning. My seekers have only been able to catch a glimpseof them before they disappear. But there is little doubt that theyare stalking the routes away from here.”

“If the Dark One knows of the location of thistemple, then you must evacuate,” said Lee.

Selena lowered her head. “We will hold ifattacked. Our walls are strong, and the Dark One has no army here.”

“Don't be foolish,” said Lee. “Youhave few men here that can fight or mount a defense. To cover thewalls you would need a hundred soldiers, at least.”