Brian Anderson - Of Gods And Elves

“I need to do more than that,” said Gewey.“I need to convince them to join me. That's why I came to beginwith.”

“True,” said Theopolou. “But I fearyou will have little success. The only way is to gain the support ofthe majority of the elders. The others will fall in line to avoid asecond split.”

“How should we proceed?” asked Kaylia.

“My way is one of caution,” repliedTheopolou. “But now is a time for bold action.” He turnedand took a few steps. “Face each other. Do it quickly.”He turned back around. Gewey and Kaylia stood motionless for amoment, then obeyed.

“Are you sure you wish to be bonded?” theold elf asked. His voice was soft and melodic.

Kaylia didn't hesitate. “I am.”

Gewey was speechless but still managed a short nod.

“But won't this anger the others?” askedKaylia. “How can Gewey convince them if they're too incensed tolisten?”

“Anger will fade,” he explained. “Youhave chosen this… man. And he you. If you expect to touch thereason of the elders, you must make them face their fears and seewhat is possible. Talk is not enough. Though you may be right; thismay be a mistake.”

“It is no mistake,” said Kaylia, smiling.“If Gewey faces death, I will face it with him. I would havethe bond completed before our fate finds us and it is too late.”She turned to Theopolou. “Now is the time.”

“Then prepare yourselves,” said Theopolou.“I will gather the witnesses.”

They watched as Theopolou walked away into the fadinglight, towards the elders. Gewey was shocked. “They will be ourwitnesses?” he laughed.

“They cannot refuse,” Kaylia explained. “The bonding ceremony isamong our most sacred rituals. It strikes at our core beliefs. Theywould not dare say no, regardless of who is being bonded.”

“What do I need to do?”

Kaylia suppressed a laugh. “If you still have theclothes Theopolou gave you, you should put them on. It's a bit moreappropriate.” She reached out and squeezed his hand. “Asfor me I should change as well.” With that, she danced off,leaving Gewey reeling with emotion that flowed between theirconnection.

If this is what it's like now ,Gewey thought. What must it be like when it'scompleted ? He shook his head vigorously,trying to steady his nerves, and went to his pack and retrieved hiself clothing.

“Gewey,” called Akakios, trotting towardhim, holding a tiny flask in his hand. “There is a streamnearby where you can wash. I've sent the other three ahead to makesure it's safe.” He slapped Gewey on the back. “Come.Let’s get you ready.”

Gewey paused and extended his hand. “I didn'tthank you for saving my life.”

Akakios looked thoughtful. “I'm not sure I did.Anyway, you might not have been the target.”

“What have they done with the body?” Geweyasked, noticing it had been removed. “Two of my kin have takenit to the forest to perform the funeral rites,” he replied.“Assassin or no, he was an elf and should pass from this lifeas one.”

“Of course,” said Gewey.

“But enough of that,” said Akakios. “Youneed to get ready, and I will not face Theopolou for failing to haveyou back on time.” He threw his arm around Gewey, pulling himalong.

Gewey allowed himself to be led east, into the denseforest. About half a mile in, he heard the light trickle of a stream.The three guards were waiting. They did not smile. Akakios halted.“Just a few feet through that brush, you'll find the stream.”He handed him the flask. “Essence of the star lily. It is atradition among us to perfume ourselves during high rituals, and itdoes not get more lofty than this.”

Gewey opened the flask and the air filled with asweetness Gewey had never experienced.

“Thank you,” he said gratefully, and walkedtoward the stream.

“Just see that you give it back,” Akakioscalled after him. “I need some as well.”

Gewey washed and dressed. He wished he had a mirror. Thestream moved too swiftly to see his reflection.

“Gewey,” called a voice a few yards away,just beyond the brush.

Gewey turn to see Linis walking with long strides towardhim. A smile beamed across his face.

“How do I look?” asked Gewey.

Linis examined him carefully then said, “Presentable…all things considered. How do you feel?”

Gewey took a deep breath. “A bit nervous… butexcited.” He took another breath. “Mostly nervous.”

“Just remember what I told you and you will dofine,” Linis reassured. “But if you'd like we can go overthe ceremony again.”

“I'd like that,” admitted Gewey. “Buttell me. Did you speak to your brethren?”

“I did,” he replied, with a flash of anger.“I am not pleased that they let someone through. It will not happen again.” His smile returned. “I can't wait to seethe look on the elders’ faces.” He began to laugh. “Theirown arrogance has forced them to witness their worst fear.”

“I'm sorry,” said Gewey. “But I don'tthink it's very funny.”

Linis forced back his laughter. “Forgive me, myfriend. I forget myself. This is a joyous occasion, not to be taintedby the petty squabbles between me and the elders.”

As they returned to the camp, Gewey and Linis went overthe ceremony one last time. Upon arrival, Gewey could see that theelders had gathered and all their eyes were on him.

“This should be interesting,” mutteredGewey, as he approached the group. The grim expressions on theirfaces told Gewey that they were none too pleased.

“Gewey Stedding,” said Lord Chiron. “Asyou probably know, we are not in favor of this union.”

“I understa-” Gewey began, but Chironheld up his hand to silence him.

“Allow me to finish,” he continued. “Weare not in favor of this, but there is nothing we can do to stop it.As you know, this is among our most sacred rites, and you and Kayliaare the first in more than one-hundred years to be bonded in thisway. We would not have it done here in the middle of nowhere. We feelthat to be a sacrilege.” All but Theopolou nodded in agreement.“We ask only that you delay this until we reach the Chamber ofthe Maker. It is a more fitting site for such an event.” Hetook a small step forward. “Kaylia has already agreed, but onlyif you do as well. What say you?”

Gewey's eyes drifted to Theopolou, but his face wasstone.

“It may be a wise choice,” Linis whisperedin Gewey's ear.

Finally, Gewey squared his shoulders and said, “Ido understand that this ritual is sacred to you. And if Kaylia is inagreement, then so am I. We can wait until we arrive.”

Chiron bowed. “I thank you.” The othersbowed and dispersed.

“One more thing,” called Gewey. The eldersturned. “We will complete the bonding before I face your judgment.”

“Agreed.” Chiron walked away.

Only Theopolou lingered.

“A wise decision,” said Theopolou, almostsmiling. “This could go a long way to furthering your cause.The rite of bonding, performed in the Chamber of the Maker, issymbolic beyond your understanding.”

“Who suggested this?” asked Linis.

“Lord Chiron,” Theopolou replied. “Hecould be an important ally to you. He has been a friend to me formany of your lifetimes.”

“And the others?” asked Gewey. “How dothey feel about this?”

“Their opinions are mixed,” Theopolouadmitted. “Though they all agree that the rite should beperformed in a more appropriate location, they still have a difficulttime with the fact that a “human” is to be bonded to anelf. They may try to convince you not to do this, though they cannotstop you… or Kaylia.”

“They can try all they want,” said Gewey.“The choice has been made.”