Brian Anderson - Of Gods And Elves

“Hostels in this area are usually filled tobursting this time of year,” said Millet once his belly wasfull. “Why are you so empty?”

Gerald's face twisted in anger. “Angraal,”he spat. “It's because of those damn soldiers. Most are tooafraid to travel, and the few that do are agents and officials of theinvaders. They take what they want and leave us to starve.” Hishands trembled as he drank from his cup. “This hostel has beenin my family for three generations. We’ve never had much, butdonations from the temples and travelers kept us fed and clothed. Wewere able to help hundreds of people who might have otherwiseperished on the road. I always took great pride in the work my familyhas done here. Now I can barely survive.”

“You mentioned your uncle,” said Millet, hisvoice filled with compassion. “Where is he?”

“Hunting,” replied Gerald, regaining hiscomposure. “We can't afford to buy food most times, so my unclehunts for what we need.” He nodded to the leftover pork.“Without it we'd starve.”

Maybell reached over, took Gerald’s hand and saidsoftly. “You're very brave to stay here alone.”

Gerald managed a weak smile. “It's my uncle that'sbrave. The forests are riddled with bandits and thieves. So far he'savoided them, but it's only a matter of time before I fear his luckruns out.”

“I'll pray for you,” said Maybell, tearswelling in her eyes.

Gerald jerked his hand away. “Save your prayers,”he snarled. “The Gods care nothing for me.” He stood upand faced the wall. “I'm sorry.” His voice cracked as heforced back his tears. “I know you mean well. It's just that ithas been so long since hope has been in this land. I've prayed andprayed, but I think the Gods have abandoned us.”

“Perhaps not,” said Millet. “Perhapshelp is on the way.”

Gerald turned and sighed. “I hope you're right.”

They soon retired for the night. The earlier cheer wasovercome by sadness, and none slept peacefully.

Lee sat by the fireplace in the main library of Valsharareading quietly. Over the past eight days, it had become his favoriteway to pass the time, and the only thing that took his mind off hiswife and son, not to mention Gewey and Kaylia. He had always beenproud of his own collection of rare books, but Valshara heldtreasures beyond his imagination.

When he wasn't in the library, he spent time with hismother. She told him of her life in the temple and recalled memoriesof his father. It soon became clear to him the love she held for theman and the pain she felt after his death. He found it difficult attimes to fight off feelings of guilt for the anger he had felt towardher for so long.

Gewey and Kaylia had shown no signs of reviving. Leevisited them at least twice a day but was only allowed to be in theroom for a few minutes at a time. The healers clearly thought anyintrusion an imposition, and Lee was not inclined to argue. Besides,there was nothing he could do, and he did not enjoy feeling helpless.

Dina spent her time recounting her experiences in herjournal. Selena had held a small ceremony signifying her elevation tofull cleric and set her to task. Lee had scarcely seen her except forwhen they happened to run into each other on their way to check onGewey and Kaylia.

Word had come that Linis was seeking out Theopolou andhoped to have the sage there soon. He had arrived in Althetas twodays after the battle between Gewey and Harlando and was contacted byValsharan agents. Lee took comfort in this. He knew if anyone couldhasten the arrival of Theopolou, it was Linis.

The door to the library opened, and Lee saw Ertik. Hisface was grave, and he was dressed in white ceremonial robes, a thingLee had only seen at Dina's elevation to cleric. Lee placed his bookon the table beside his chair and rose to his feet as Ertik strodeover.

Ertik bowed. “Lee,” he said in a respectfultone.

Lee smiled warmly. “Why so formal today?” Hereached out and shook Ertik's hand.

“Theopolou has arrived,” he replied. “TheHigh Lady asked me to tell you that we will be meeting with him thisevening in the main receiving hall. Appropriate clothing has alreadybeen brought to your room.”

“I see,” said Lee, noting Ertik's demeanor.“How many are with him?”

“He has brought an escort of a ten elves. Linis isalso with them.”

Lee nodded. “I'll be there.”

“Mind what you say. These elves are not likeothers you have encountered. They do not enjoy the company of humans.That we possess the Book of Souls is the only reason they've agreedto come.” Ertik lowered his voice to a whisper. “This maynot go well. Be prepared.” With that, he bowed and left.

Lee stood for a long moment, his brow furled with worry.He knew the elves thought the Book of Souls was rightfully theirs,but his experience with more enlightened elves left out thepossibility that they may try to take it by force. Since he hadarrived, he had counted maybe a dozen men that belonged to theKnights of Amon Dahl. Though he knew their reputation, he alonehad actually fought an elf. Lee doubted very much that he and twelvemen would fare well against ten trained elf fighters. If Theopolouwas as great among his people as he was told, he was likely to havebrought elves of great skill.

It was midday, and he had several hours until themeeting, so he decided to check on Gewey and Kaylia. He wound his waythrough the stone hallways, nodding and smiling at the passers- by.Word had spread quickly that he was the son of the High Lady. Atfirst, he had become a bit of a celebrity. People practically trippedover themselves to shake his hand or help him find his way around.After a few days, however, the excitement died down and most of thetemple simply became a bit more cheerful when they saw him.

The door to the healing chamber was usually unattended,but to his surprise, he saw two tall elves standing on either side.Both had light bronze skin and shoulder length black hair tied neatlyin a small ponytail. They wore well-oiled, studded leather mail overemerald green shirts and trousers. Their feet were clad in softbuckskin boots, adorned with tiny beads that formed multipleinterlacing patterns. Vicious looking curved swords hung on theirbelts. Lee found this curious. From what he had learned, elvespreferred to use a long knife or dagger, though Kaylia had mentionedthat they do use swords in pitched battles. The thought put hisnerves on edge.

Lee stopped a few feet away. The elf guards had notlooked at him, though clearly they knew he was there.

“Excuse me,” said Lee. “I would liketo pass.”

Both elves turned their gaze on him. The one nearest Leetook a single step forward, faced him and bowed his head slightly.

“You cannot enter at this time,” said theelf. His voice was deep and masculine. “I would ask that youreturn later.”

“I will not return later,” Lee insisted.“Two of my friends are inside, and I will see that they arealright.”

“I cannot allow you to enter,” the elfreplied.

Lee could see the elf's muscles tense. He didn't want aconfrontation, but neither could he leave until he knew that Geweyand Kaylia were unharmed.

“Who is in there?” Lee demanded.

“That is none of your affair,” the elfreplied. The other guard stepped forward, and both of their handscrept to their swords.

“It is my affair,” Lee countered. “And I will see to myfriends.” He stepped forward and stood less than a foot awayfrom the first elf. He knew that should things turn violent he neededto be close. He was unarmed, and swords were awkward in tightquarters.

The door to the chamber flew open and Lee's motherstepped quickly into the hall. “It's alright. Lee.” Shepushed Lee back and placed herself between her son and the elves.“Gewey and Kaylia are fine.”