Brian Anderson - Of Gods And Elves

“In what way does this rest your mind, uncle?”asked Kaylia.

“Bellisia has been an opponent to me for quitesome time,” he explained. “Even in better times she and Ihave rarely seen eye to eye. But her actions have usually been toprotect our people… even her opposition of me. That she would openher mind to a human, knowing I would likely hear of it, tells memuch. And her words have merit, though not in the way you mightthink.” He placed his hands on Kaylia's shoulders. “Iswear to you that I mean your suitor no harm. Though this is not abond I would have chosen for you, I know I must accept it. If youwish I will perform the rites here and now, if that will prove myintentions to you.”

Kaylia smiled warmly and hugged Theopolou. “Ibelieve you.”

Theopolou turned to Gewey. “I am your ally. But you must be mine in return.” His eyes felllovingly on Kaylia. “You must protect her.”

“I swear,” said Gewey. “But somethingBellisia said still bothers me. She said that the Dark One will tryto kill Kaylia to get to me.”

“She is right,” said Theopolou. “Butthey could do that now. Were either of you to die, it would rip youapart… even without completing the bond. You would be uselessshells, unable to fight. In fact, death would be kinder. But I thinkit is more likely that the Dark One would wish to capture Kaylia anduse her to control you. Were that to happen you could be made into apowerful weapon.”

Gewey nodded. “What will you do now?”

“I shall speak with Bellisia,” he replied.“Now that I feel I can trust her, I should like her council.”

Theopolou embraced Kaylia once more and walked away tofind Bellisia. “Do you believe him?” asked Gewey.

“Yes,” she replied. “He is notplotting against us.”

The elders announced that they were to remain where theywere for a few hours, then start out again before daybreak. Kaylia,Gewey, and Linis went off a few yards from the others while Theopolouspoke privately with Bellisia.

Chiron approached. Gewey and the others stood and bowed.Chiron bowed in return. He looked different than Theopolou. Though hewas the same age, he seemed younger and less careworn of spirit. Hishair still held its deep brown color, and he walked with a lightspring in his step.

“You have courage, Gewey Stedding,” saidChiron, once he reached them. “To face the council of elderswithin the Chamber of the Maker, and do so after bonding with one ofour own kind…” he laughed softly. “Truly remarkable.”

“Are you here to convince me not to go throughwith it?” asked Gewey.

“Not at all,” Chiron replied. “Besides,what can be done now? Your spirits are already joined. You have verylittle choice in the matter. That is, unless you intend to allow yoursouls to rend asunder.”

“You are friend to my uncle,” said Kaylia.

“I am,” he replied. “For many years wehave been as brothers.”

“Then I am a friend to you,” she said.

Chiron smiled, then his eyes fell on Gewey. “Andwhat of you? Shall you be a friend to me as well?”

“If you would like,” Gewey replied. “Iam eager to befriend the people of my future unorem .”

Chiron cocked his head. “I see you have beenlearning our customs. In that case, allow me to educate you further.”He took a seat on the grass. Gewey and the others did likewise. “Hasanyone told you of the rite of pudnaris ?”

Gewey shook his head.

Chiron glanced to Kaylia then Linis. “Then yourfriends have been neglectful of your education.”

“I…” began Linis. But one look from Chironsilenced him.

“Let me explain,” said Chiron. “ Pudnaris is when a suitor is challenged for his right to join with hisintended mate. This challenge can be made by anyone, as long as theycan give valid cause.”

“Who could have cause?” asked Kaylia. “Ihave accepted no other suitor.”

“True,” said Chiron. “But there areother arguments to be made to support the pudnaris besides a potential rival.”

“Like what?” asked Gewey.

“In this case, anything,” he replied.

“Why are you telling me this?” asked Gewey.

“I tell you because you have the right to know.Many will oppose this. Perhaps enough to risk their lives to stopyou.” He scrutinized Gewey for a moment. “We know thatyou control great power, and open battle with you is a risk. We alsoknow of your fight with the Vrykol. If Theopolou is correct and thatis what they truly were, the fact that you defeated it tells us whatwe need to know about your skill.” He pointed at Gewey's swordthat hung at his side. “And to face that weapon is to face death, in the hands of someone who can use the flow to gain strength.”

“You know something about my sword?” askedGewey.

“I know a little,” Chiron replied. “Itwas made during a time when elves first walked the earth, and ourknowledge was vast. The art of its construction has been lost intime, but the legends remain. Only small objects can be made now andwith limited uses. Whoever gave you that sword had no idea what theypossessed, or they would have never given it away. It was said thatsuch weapons could make someone powerful beyond measure.”

Gewey looked down at his sword, and thought about thefirst time he used it when he fought Salmitaya's soldiers. “Doyou think someone will challenge me?”

“Who can say?” the elf replied. “Itell you only to warn you.” He rose to his feet. “I willinform you if I hear anything.” He spun about and strode offbefore Gewey could utter another word.

Gewey watched Chiron as he walked away. “I don'ttrust him,” he said quietly.

“He is Theopolou's friend,” said Kaylia.“And my uncle trusts him.”

“Gewey's right,” Linis interjected. “Iget the same feeling. He seems all too willing to accept you. It maybe nothing, but I feel something is amiss.” He rubbed his chinin thought. “Still, if Theopolou trusts him, I suppose weshould as well.”

“Did you know about this pudnaris ?”Gewey asked, looking to both Kaylia and Linis.

Kaylia nodded. “Yes, but I did not think itimportant. As an elf facing judgment and my well-known relationshipswith humans, I could not imagine why anyone would call for it. Not tomention that we are already bonded. That should be enough to deterany potential rivals.”

“True,” said Linis. “But if someonethought to use it to prevent your union with Gewey, things could getcomplicated.” He looked at Gewey with a grave expression. “Ifit happens, you will be exposed. The amount of flow you will need to channel, in order to defeat a determined elf will beimmense. I remember when I saw you holding the power within you forthe first time.”

“But you didn't guess what I was,” saidGewey.

“No,” said Linis. “But I knew youwere… something different. And remember, I am not as versed in suchmatters as the elders. And there will be many of them at the Chamberwhen we arrive. You can bet they will figure it out. The only reasonthey have not as of yet, is that the idea of a God in human form isbeyond most of our understanding or imagination.”

Gewey thought for a minute. “I don't see anythingI can do about it,” he said finally. “They'll know aboutme one way or another, in time.”

“You have a point,” Linis agreed. “Butit would be better if they found out by watching you open the Book ofSouls. If Theopolou has not deceived us, you may get the chance to doso.” He reached out and placed his hand on Gewey's shoulder.“Whatever happens, Kaylia and I will stand by you. Until then,we should keep our wits about us and look for signs of trouble.”

“You still suspect Theopolou?” asked Gewey.