time his voice boomed with rage. Everyone in the pavilion stopped and stared.
Aaliyah gently placed her hand on Mohanisi's shoulder. “Calm yourself, my friend. This is not his doing.”
Mohanisi's muscles tensed until he trembled, then he closed his eyes. Gasps filled the pavilion as the elf filled himself with the flow. More and more entered him, until the air around him glowed with power. Only Gewey could hold so much...or so they thought. After a few seconds he released it and opened his eyes.
Mohanisi breathed deeply, then smiled apologetically at Linis. “Forgive my anger. Aaliyah is correct. This is not your doing. But I have not seen a sight such as this before. It took me aback for a moment.”
Linis bowed. “There is nothing to forgive. You are not wrong to feel anger. We have all allowed this to come to pass. I am as much at fault as any.” He could still feel the lingering power of the flow all around him, and all eyes still stared in amazement. “But, I must ask. How is it you can channel so much of the flow? Gewey is the only one I have seen use so much.”
“I doubt I have the power of Shivis Mol,” said Mohanisi.
“Your people have forgotten much,” Aaliyah interjected. “Once all elves could do as Mohanisi has done. Why you cannot, I do not know.” She squared her shoulders. “But now is a time to heal, not talk. Talk can wait, but the dying cannot.”
They all nodded in agreement. Without another word Aaliyah, Mohanisi, and Nehrutu started off in different directions and immediately began tending the wounded, with the power of the flow. Linis left the more severely injured to Gewey and the other elves, and began healing those who he could more readily help. Gewey went from bed to bed for what seemed like an eternity, using all his strength. By the time it was fully dark, he was barely able to stand. Linis was fairing no better, nearly losing his feet several times. Aaliyah and her companions seemed far less affected.
“Are you well, Shivis Mol?” Aaliyah asked Gewey, as he knelt at the bedside of an elf who had been run through. He only looked up when she touched his shoulder.
“Just tired,” said Gewey. “This takes a lot out of me.”
“I see.” Her tone sounded confused. “We have nearly done all that can be done. Mohanisi, Nehrutu, and I can finish this. You should rest. I am certain Kaylia will tend you well.” Her last remark sounded almost sarcastic.
Gewey shook his head, and steadied himself. “I'm fine.” He placed his hands on the wounded elf and channeled the flow. The wounded elf gasped and his eyes shot wide. After a few minutes the wounds began to close and the elf relaxed.
Gewey struggled to his feet and stumbled to the next bed.
“That is enough,” said Aaliyah. “You cannot go on. There are only a few others who we can help. I insist you rest.” Her words were commanding and Gewey could feel himself wanting to obey. “If you become ill, then I will need to heal you. This will take from those who need more urgent care.” She smiled. “Do not be concerned. Soon I will teach you to heal without so much effort.”
Gewey's resolve gave way. “I'll go.”
Aaliyah took his arm and guided him from the pavilion to where Kaylia, Theopolou and the others were gathered.
“He needs rest,” stated Aaliyah flatly. “Tend to him.”
Before Kaylia could speak, Aaliyah released Gewey and turned back to the pavilion. He nearly collapsed the moment her hand let go. Kaylia was quickly at his side and guided him to a waiting bedroll. Eftichis brought him some bread and wine, which he gratefully accepted. Linis arrived a few minutes later and lay down next to him. He didn't speak a word, and was asleep in seconds.
“You should sleep as well,” suggested Eftichis, who had seated himself a few feet away.
Gewey rubbed his neck and stretched his back until it made a sharp crack. “The others will be finished shortly. I want to be awake when they get here.” He yawned, in spite of himself. “If I sleep now, I won't be able to wake up.”
Small fires were being lit throughout the camp. The scent of spiced meat and wine wafted on the breeze.
At that moment, Aaliyah and the others appeared from the fading light. “We have healed as many as we could.”
“You have our gratitude,” said Bellisia, who had been