Brian Anderson - Of Gods And Elves

“Good point,” said Gewey.

Chiron led Gewey out of the tent and through the camp.Along the way Gewey couldn't help but notice the constant stares.Some were of amazement, others of contempt. The sun was low in thesky. The smell of hundreds of cooking fires filled the air, and thetents gave off a soft glow.

“I can’t imagine what this must look like atnight,” muttered Gewey.

“It is quite a sight,” remarked Chiron. “Somany have not been gathered here in quite some time.”

Gewey looked north to the domed roof of the Chamber ofthe Maker. The light from a thousand light globes caused it to shinelike a shimmering jewel, even before the fullness of night.

“How old is it?” asked Gewey.

“I don't know,” Chiron replied. “Olderthan history itself, it is said. It was ancient in the time of myancestors.”

Gewey marveled at the idea. “It looks as if itwere newly made. At least it does from here.”

Chiron nodded. “The stone never ages. Not that wecan tell, at least. It looks as it did when I was a boy, and neveronce has it needed repair. A monument to the ancient craft of ourpeople. One long forgotten, I'm afraid.” He looked back overhis shoulder. “Perhaps you can change that.”

Chiron's tent was nearly identical to Theopolou's insize, but instead of silver it was emerald green. Two guards stoodjust outside the entrance. They bowed as Chiron and Gewey passed. Theinterior was set up as Theopolou's tent as well, only the table wasoval and colored green, matching the tent. At least a dozen elvesbuzzed about. Some Gewey recognized from their journey, other faceswere new.

“I presume you have eaten?” said Chiron.

“I have.”

Chiron smiled. “Then allow me to show you whereyou'll get ready.”

He led Gewey to the back of the main hall and into thesleeping quarters. Chiron showed Gewey into the first room in thehall. Unlike his room in Theopolou's tent, this one was equipped witha soft bed, a dresser and wardrobe.

“You will find fitting attire here. I will sendsomeone to attend to your grooming shortly.”

Gewey thanked Chiron and explored the contents of thewardrobe. He found a white silk shirt, embroidered with the likenessof two eagles facing each other, and a pair of matching trousers. Thefabric was finer than any he had ever felt. A tan vest completed theensemble.

An elf girl entered with a tray of grooming items. Geweywas thankful he had yet to undress. His hair had grown long since thelast time it had been cut in the home of Lord Ganflin, a fact that hehadn't noticed until that very moment. The girl motioned for him tosit and went to work. Unlike the woman who groomed him last time, shespoke not a word, and didn't bother to allow him to gaze at hisreflection, even though there was a mirror on her tray.

Once she left, Gewey donned his attire and rummagedaround in the wardrobe until he found a pair of black leather boots.They were a bit tight on his feet but not so much as to prevent himfrom wearing them. The only thing missing was a belt, so he used theshirt he had just taken off to polish the one he already had.

“Are you dressed?” called Chiron fromoutside Gewey's room.

“Please come in,” called Gewey.

Chiron entered, dressed in the same white robes he hadworn at the home of Theopolou. Chiron scrutinized Gewey for a moment.“You look… acceptable. Though that belt of yours could usesome attention.”

“I couldn't find another,” said Gewey. “Butthis will do, once I've cleaned it.”

“I could provide one if you wish.”

“Thank you, but no,” said Gewey. “Thiswas given to me by the same man who gave me my sword. It may be dingynow, but it's a fine belt when polished. Besides, it fits my scabbardperfectly.”

Gewey had placed his sword on the bed. Chiron eyed itcarefully. “Might I see it?” asked Chiron, nodding at thesword.

Gewey picked it up and handed it over. “Certainly.But be careful not to touch the blade. It will burn you.”

“I see,” muttered Chiron as he slid thesword free, careful only to touch the leather that wrapped the hilt.A high-pitched ring filled the air, then faded away.

“A true wonder,” said Chiron. “Thatyou possess this is a miracle. Such things were thought lost. Thereisn't an elf alive that wouldn't give up everything he or she ownedto possess such a weapon.”

“They couldn't wield it unless it was trulytheirs,” said Gewey. “Once it was first drawn, the bladecan only be touched by the one who drew it.”

Chiron re-sheathed and handed it back to Gewey, thoughhis eyes never left it. “I see. You should take care never tolose it.”

Gewey suddenly felt uneasy. “I will.”

Chiron blinked his eyes and regained his focus. “Ifyou are ready, I would have you join me in the main hall. We canrelax there and wait until Theopolou has everything in order. It maybe several hours, that is, unless you are tired and would rathersleep. I can certainly provide a bed.”

“I'm anything but tired,” Gewey replied witha grin. “In fact, I wish I could explore the camp.”

“That would not be a good idea, unfortunately.”Chiron chuckled. “You will have to make do with the simpleconversation of an old elf.”

Gewey’s cheeks flushed. “I didn't mean-”

Chiron threw his head back in laughter. “I jest. Iam not offended. I, too, would like to wander the camp. There aremany friends I have not seen in some time. But, I fear that myassociation with Theopolou has lost me many of them.”

“And your support of me, I wager,” Geweyadded.

“True.” Chiron rose to his feet. “Come.Let us relax and tell tales. It may be the last of simple pleasureswe have for quite some time.”

Gewey nodded and followed Chiron into the main hall. Thetable was empty and only a couple of Chiron's guards were visible.

“Where did everybody go?” asked Gewey.

“Most are in the back preparing for the ceremony,”Chiron replied. “The rest are running errands for me.”

Gewey and Chiron took seats on opposite sides of thetable. One of the guards brought them a bottle of wine.

“Careful with that,” warned Chiron. “Wewouldn't want you too lightheaded.” Gewey stared at the bottle,then pushed it away.

Chiron smiled, then ordered a pitcher of water. Theytalked of Gewey’s home and upbringing until Linis arrived. Itwasn’t until he saw Linis enter that he realized that Chironhad not spoken a single word about himself.

“Forgive my absence,” said Linis. “ButI've been busy assisting Theopolou. Akakios told me you were here, soI knew you were in good hands.”

“No worries,” said Gewey. “Lord Chironhas kept me quite occupied. Though I regret I must have rambled on.But it's been wonderful to take my mind off things for a bit.”

Chiron bowed his head slightly. “It was apleasure. So seldom do I have such a chance to hear of the humanworld.” He turned to Linis. “All is ready?”

“It is,” said Linis. “Theopolou andthe others are awaiting us in the Chamber of the Maker. EvenFelsafell is there.”

“And Kaylia…” asked Gewey.

Linis laughed heartily. “Don't worry. She will bethere as well.”

“Then let us go,” said Chiron.

Gewey’s stomach began to quiver and he felt faint.Linis rushed up and put his arm around him.

“He can face the Vrykol,” Linis teased. “Butan elf woman makes him weak in the knees.”

Gewey blushed and tried to regain his composure. “I'mfine.” He took a deep breath. “Let's go.”

As Gewey left the tent, he was awestruck. In thefullness of night, the camp was an ocean of multicolored lights. Thetents glowed brightly, their fabric silhouetted by their inhabitantsmoving about inside. It wasn't quite as bright as the light of day,yet he could see just as clearly, as if a shadow had been removedfrom his eyes, allowing him to see the cool, natural beauty of thenight. He could feel eyes upon him as they walked toward the Chamber.