it is,” rang the voice of Felsafell. “To see blood of the young wasted. But blood there will be and nothing more.”
“I have heard you were here,” said Eftichis. “What wisdom do you bring us? Do you think to stop me?”
“No, oh no,” Felsafell replied. “I am no mover of elves or molder of fate.”
“Then why are you here?” called a voice from the crowd.
Felsafell surveyed the gallery, then his eyes fell on Gewey. “I am here to live in the world one last time. Oh, yes, once more before the end. To see a child of heaven walk the earth. To hear the wails of the elves and cries of men. To free my brothers from winter’s cold grasp.” He reached out and took Gewey and Kaylia by the hand. “Come with me. The dawn comes early, and there is much to say.”
The three made their way back out of the Chamber, followed closely by Theopolou and Linis. Once they had reached Theopolou's tent, Felsafell released them and took a seat at the table. Gewey, Kaylia, and Linis did likewise, while Theopolou gave orders to his escort. Once he had finished he joined the rest of the group.
“Did you know this would happen?” Gewey asked Felsafell.
“A fortune teller I am not,” he replied. “Things I know, I do indeed. But the future... a mystery difficult to grasp.”
“I suspected someone may try to stop you,” said Theopolou. “But I never thought Eftichis would lie openly, on the Chamber floor.”
“He was lying.” Gewey turned to Kaylia. “Wasn't he?”
Kaylia stared down at the table. “Perhaps. His father was close to mine. They fought together during the Great War. If he promised me to another, I was never told. But I suppose it is possible. Eftichis would have been a good match for me, had my life taken another path.”
A pang of jealousy shot through Gewey, but Kaylia smiled and placed her hand on his.
“You will have to kill him,” said Linis. “There is no way to avoid it.”
“Perhaps,” said Felsafell. “Always choices. Always new roads to travel. Listen to me, child of heaven.” His eyes fixed on Gewey. “My time in this place is at an end. A new road I must travel. But this you must know. The cold of the north comes swifter than you can imagine. Not ready to face it are you, but you must. Hard choices you will make, and many deaths will you see. Your true mother will soon be revealed, and with this knowledge will come madness. Your bonded mate will save you if you allow it. But the cost may be more than you can bear.” He rose to his feet. “One last thing. Do not falter. Do not retreat and all will be overcome.” With that, he walked toward the back of the tent. “Until the morning I remain, I will. Then off to free my kin.” He pushed back the flap and disappeared down the hall.
“I really don't understand him,” said Gewey.
“You're telling me that he walked all this way, just to tell you that?” said Linis. “Now he's leaving?”
“Felsafell has his own reasons,” said Theopolou. “He comes and goes as he pleases and speaks in his own time. Besides, I think you have more urgent matters to attend to.”
Gewey nodded. “Is there anything I should know about Eftichis?”
“He's strong,” said Kaylia. “Had his father not been the leader of his people, he would have likely been a seeker. It is known that he has great skill with a weapon. You should be cautious.”
“Indeed,” said Theopolou. “Do not underestimate him, as he will underestimate you. Though your display in the Chamber will have given him pause, not to mention the others watching. The best thing you can do is get some rest and gather your strength. In the morning you will face him, and we shall see.”
“I wish there was another way,” Gewey grumbled. “Why must everything be life or death? I really don't want to kill him.”
“But kill him you must,” said Theopolou. “Otherwise Kaylia will be taken from you, and there will be nothing I can do to stop it.”
Gewey’s fist clenched until his knuckles turned white. “Then death it is.”
Kaylia put her arm gently around Gewey's shoulders. “This will only be the first of many, I fear. But I'll be with you until the end.”
“I'm afraid you are not allowed to attend the pudnaris,” said Theopolou. “You must remain here until it is over.”
Kaylia turned to Theopolou, her eyes