took Kaylia.”
“But you will be outnumbered,” Eftichis argued. “At least let me send some of my guard with you.”
“Thank you,” said Gewey. “But I think Linis is all the help I'll need. If it comes down to a fight, I'd rather not risk more lives than I have to.”
As if on cue, Linis returned, his face grave. “There are no signs of my seekers.”
“Perhaps they were driven away,” said Eftichis.
“Perhaps,” said Linis. “Whatever the case, I have no time to look for them. I found the attackers trail. They flee north at great speed. Some on horseback. We must leave now, or we will struggle to catch up.” He turned to Gewey. “Are you ready?”
Gewey checked the pack and sword. “I'm ready.”
“Good,” said Linis. “You can tell me what happened while I was gone, later. I'm sure it is worth hearing.”
“Indeed it is,” remarked Chiron.
Gewey placed his hands on Theopolou's shoulders. “I am in your debt, and I promise that Kaylia will be safe.”
“I have no doubt of that,” replied the elf. “We will await your return.”
Linis and Gewey raced off in pursuit of Kaylia.
Chapter Thirty-One
Linis took the lead as they raced across the bridge and back down the forest path. When they reached the end, Linis came to a halt.
“They went north through the woods from here,” said Linis. “Some on foot, some on horseback. We must hurry. If they are smart, they will split up soon.”
Gewey noticed something on the ground from the corner of his eye. It was a tiny white flower. The same that Kaylia wore in her hair for the bonding ceremony.
“This was hers,” said Gewey.
“Then perhaps we are in luck,” said Linis, hopefully. “If this was indeed left by Kaylia, then it should make finding her easy. Of course, her captors may be using it to throw us off their trail. Can you tell if she is conscious?”
Gewey reached out to Kaylia, but with no better result than before. “No. I only know she lives. Still, nothing more than that.” He brought the flower close and smelled the sweet fragrance. “But I feel that she dropped this for me to find.”
“Good,” said Linis. “Then our chances are greatly improved. Still, we must be careful.” They continued for several hours, running as fast they could without risking missing a sign. Gewey allowed the flow rush through him and soon it was Linis that lagged behind. Several times Gewey tried to hear their quarry but to no avail. He had no idea how far behind they were, and each step caused him greater anxiety. By mid-afternoon, Gewey became frantic.
They paused to check the trail. “Why haven't we caught them?” demanded Gewey.
“I do not know.” Linis shook his head. “I have never seen such a large group move so swiftly.”
Gewey sensed something approach. Something foul. Linis sensed it a moment later.
“Vrykol,” Linis whispered.
They both drew their weapons and fixed their eyes on the forest ahead. As it approached, the air chilled and the woods became silent. From behind a thick pine, the Vrykol appeared, cloaked in a long black robe. It was taller and straighter than the ones they had faced outside the Temple of Valshara, though it moved with the same terrifying speed. It stopped short, fifty feet away, and drew a long sword. Its face was hidden in the shadow of its hood, and Gewey could hear the hiss of its breath.
“This one is mine,” thundered Gewey.
Just as he took a step forward, the Vrykol burst into flames. A blinding light flashed, knocking Gewey off his feet. Then darkness.
When he regained his senses he opened his eyes, but there was only blackness.
Blind, he thought. He struggled to stand but something was wrong. He couldn't feel his limbs. He shouted for Linis and was relieved to hear his own voice. But Linis didn't answer.
“Linis cannot hear you, boy,” came a voice from the darkness.
Gewey recognized it at once. He had heard it once before... the night his adventures first began. “That's right,” said the voice. “I am here. You know me, don't you?”
“What do you want?” demanded Gewey. “Why have you brought me here? Wherever here is.”
The Dark Knight laughed softly. “Where you are is not important. As for why... I think you know.”
“Why can't I see you?” asked Gewey, straining to pierce the blackness.
“Do you want to see me?” he asked, amused.
“No,” replied Gewey. “I don't. We will see each other soon enough.”
“Indeed we will, little God. But until then I would make you an