Brian Anderson - Of Gods And Elves

Once they made camp, Theopolou sat next to Gewey andhanded him a cup of honeyed wine and a small loaf of bread.

“How much rest do you need?” askedTheopolou.

“None,” answered Gewey. “I am readynow, if you'd like.”

Theopolou raised an eyebrow. “Is that so? Well,you must at least appear to rest. The flow has made you strong, but it would raise suspicions among my guard ifyou didn't look a bit fatigued. I would have them in the dark fornow.” He looked more closely as Gewey. “Why do you stilluse the power? There is no danger near.”

Gewey’s features were hard and determined. “SoI'll know if it approaches.”

“Linis has asked you to do this, I take it.”Theopolou shook his head. “You should not. Even a seeker suchas Linis cannot hold on to it indefinitely. It can be… dangerous.”

“What do you mean?” Gewey's eye wandered toKaylia, who was a few yards away changing Linis' bandages.

“Linis is a worthy seeker, likely the best thatstill lives, but he does not know all. Seekers learn to use the flow from a very young age, but they are too busy with other training tolearn the nature of the power that fuels them.”

“And you know these things?” asked Gewey.

Theopolou laughed softly. “More than most. I knowthat to hold the power of the earth for too long can break the mind.Seekers are taught to use it when they must and rarely hold it formore than a day, so they are in no danger.”

“In danger of what?” Gewey demanded. “Linissaid he held it for two days and he was fine.”

“Linis is strong,” Theopolou replied. “Hismind and spirit are resilient. He is counting on your… heritage, tokeep you safe. But I'm not as certain. I would not see youpossessed.”

“Possessed?” laughed Gewey. “Possessedby what? The earth?”

“Precisely. The power you use can becomeaddictive. In time you will not be able to release it without greatpain.”

Gewey shrugged. “So what? I'm stronger, faster. Ican hear and see better, and more importantly, I'm better able tokeep those I love safe.”

“All true,” said the elf. “But, intime it will burn your mind and drive you mad. You will endangereveryone near to you… even the ones you love.”

“Has this ever happened to an elf?” askedGewey.

“Long ago. It is why elves are taught to use itsparingly. And there's something else. You can use many times theamount of the flow than any elf. It may accelerate any adverse effects.”

“It doesn't change the fact that we need to knowif more of those creatures are about,” insisted Gewey.

“True,” admitted Theopolou. “But Iwill not have a mad godling roaming the earth. Be mindful.”

“I will,” said Gewey, aware of Theopolou'simplied threat.

Theopolou got to his feet. “We will rest for twohours. That should be enough time to eliminate any suspicions aboutyou.” With that, he walked away in the direction of three ofhis guards, who were talking near the fire.

Kaylia and Linis sat next to Gewey a few moments later.“What did he say?” asked Kaylia.

“Nothing important. He just wanted to know if Iwas tired.”

“I see,” said Kaylia, clearly not believinghim. “I would rather you say nothing at all than tell me a lie.Even if it's to spare me worry or hurt.”

“I'm sorry.” Gewey sighed. “Isometimes forget I cannot fool you.”

“I think I know what Theopolou wanted,” saidLinis. “He was concerned about you using your power for toolong. Am I right?”

Gewey nodded. “He said it could drive me insane.”

“Unlikely,” said Linis from behind them.“I've heard the same tales of caution, but as wise as Theopolouis, he has no real experience with this matter. It would take manyweeks of constant use to have any lasting effect.”

“He said that because I can use so much more thanan elf, that it might take less time,” said Gewey.

“He may have a point,” admitted Linis. “Howdo you feel now?”

“Good,” Gewey replied. “In fact,better than good. I've never felt so strong in my life. I think Icould run for days without stopping.”

Linis thought for a moment. “Tomorrow I want youto release the flow when we rest. I and the others should be able to keep watch wellenough.”

“Okay,” said Gewey, smiling. Though thethought of releasing the power of the earth made his heart ache.Kaylia at once picked up on this feeling.

“I'll see to it,” said Kaylia.

Linis threw his head back in laughter. “Then Ihave no need to worry. I am sure all will be well so long as you arekeeping watch over our young man.” He moved to his bedroll.“Don't forget, you must at least pretend to rest, Gewey.”

Gewey lay on his blanket and closed his eyes. He couldhear the forest’s sweet song, as the wind caressed the treesand moved across the grass. Nocturnal predators stalked their prey,and high above an eagle soared in the direction of the sea. It was somuch more natural than the first time he has done this. In fact, hecouldn't imagine a time when his ears were deaf to such marvels.Sleep was not a possibility.

When the elves broke camp, Gewey was bursting withenergy. His mind raced with the thoughts of the coming days. Theelves seemed satisfied that Gewey had had enough rest and took littlenotice of his energetic behavior.

In the hours before sunrise, they covered many miles.Gewey was astounded by the speed the elves maintained. His originaljourney from Sharpstone would have taken half the time had they beenable to move this speed. He was certain Lee could match it butdoubted that, at the time, he could have.

When the sun broke the horizon Linis called for a halt,but no one put down their packs. Each helped another to retrievebread and a flask from their gear and they continued, eating anddrinking along the way.

By midday, the sun blazed, and the party increased itspace, but the elves did not appear effected. Gewey, still using thepower of the earth, was as strong as he'd been when they left. Infact, with each hour that passed he felt stronger.

“Does the human need rest?” asked Akakios, ashort, stocky elf with sandy blond hair.

“The human has a name,” said Geweyirritably.

Akakios laughed and slapped Gewey on the back. “Imeant no offense, young one. Come. Walk beside me and perhaps you caninstruct me on human manners and customs.”

Gewey allowed his irritation to subside and gave the elfa friendly smile. “I'd be happy to, if you can call me Gewey.”

Akakios bowed his head. “Agreed.”

Akakios and Gewey walked together until the light of theday began to fade. Gewey told him stories of his home and hisupbringing, and he found Akakios to be an elf of good humor. Just asKaylia had when he first told her of his old life and upbringing,Akakios told Gewey that he and many other elves longed for such alife.

“To live a simple existence is the desire of manyof my people,” said Akakios. “Perhaps when all of thisnonsense that plagues the world is done, we can.”

“Do you hate humans?” asked Gewey, thenrealized the rudeness of his question. “I only ask because-”

“I know why you ask,” Akakios said. “Theanswer is no. Though I have no love for them either. Hatred is auseless emotion. Though I would not choose to live among your kind, Isee no cause to dwell in the past. The world is big enough for all tolive within it.”

Gewey thought for a moment. “So you are againstwhat Linis and others like him are doing?”

“I am,” Akakios admitted. “They invitethe destruction of our culture. The result of living side by sidewith humanity would be a mixing of the races. I would not see theblood of our people corrupted.” He lowered his head. “Ihope I have not offended you, but it is how I feel.”