much.”
“Do you think they'd try something here?” asked Gewey.
Linis shook his head. “Within these walls... no. They would never break our customs to such a degree. To do violence in the home of another elf is one our greatest crimes. We consider the home a sacred place. Besides, Theopolou controls the flow here. Even if they did the unthinkable, they'd be slaughtered.” Linis stood and paced in thought. “No. If they intend to kill Theopolou they'll need to remove him from this place.”
“Easy,” said Gewey. “We just make sure he doesn't leave.”
“I wish it were easy,” said Linis. “If there is a plot, it will be subtle. They will not simply threaten or force Theopolou to expose himself. They will dress it in a manner he will have no choice but to comply.”
“How would they do that?” asked Gewey.
“I wish I knew. I am not as wise as Theopolou, or as versed in the nuances of politics.”
“What can we do?” asked Gewey, suddenly losing his appetite.
“Wait and see,” said Linis. “I may be seeing intrigues that do not exist. I hope so.” He walked to the door. “I must leave you. I'm sorry that I cannot stay longer, but I have much to do before the meeting begins. Kaylia says to pay attention to the tenth story of Lilith.” A smile crept over his face. “She is quite an elf.”
Gewey laughed. “Yes she is. Oh, one more thing before you go,” said Gewey remembering the lights. “How did you dim the lights?”
Linis laughed softly. “Rub your hand up the side of the glass to brighten, and down to dim.”
“Thank you,” said Gewey.
Linis nodded and left. Gewey tried out the light. Just as Linis had said it became brighter as he moved his hand up the side. He marveled at the skill it must have taken to make such a wondrous device.
Gewey spent the next few hours reading. He made it to the ninth story in The Songs of Lilith when there was a knock at the door. Gewey open it to find Akakios standing there, a broad grin on his face.
“Theopolou granted me permission to keep you company,” said Akakios. “Please come in,” said Gewey, happy to have someone to talk to.
Akakio sat down at the table and gestured to the book Gewey held. “What do you think?”
“I'm loving it,” said Gewey as he sat across from the elf. “Do you know who wrote it?” Akakios raised an eyebrow and chuckled. “You think you might know the author?” He picked up the book and thumbed through the pages. “Anyway, if I told you, you wouldn't believe me.”
“Try me.”
“Legend says it was written by Lilith herself, thousands of years ago.”
Gewey's eyes widened. “You mean these are true stories?”
“Perhaps. But I think not.” He leaned back and crossed his legs. “More likely Lilith was just the one who invented the stories.”
“Of course.” Gewey felt foolish. “Has the meeting begun?”
“Yes,” Akakios replied. “About an hour ago. The last of the elders arrived just before they were going start without him.”
“How is it going so far?”
Akakios shrugged. “I would not know. The only non-elder allowed in is Linis. I'm sure he'll fill you in later. In the meantime...” He pulled a set of eight-sided dice from his pocket. “How would you like to learn an elf game?”
Gewey beamed. “I'd love to. But I must warn you, I'm not a very good gambler. And I really don't have much money.”
Akakios leaned back in his chair and gave Gewey a devilish grin. “Don't worry. We can play for fun... for now.”
Gewey fetched the little money he had... three coppers, a silver, and a gold (Lee had given him the gold) and tossed it on the table. “That won’t be necessary.”
“Don't worry,” joked Akakios when he saw Gewey's money. “I'll give you a loan if you need one.”
The game was similar to games played at the tavern in Sharpstone, and though Gewey was not one to visit the tavern at night often, he caught on quickly. Soon he had nearly doubled his money.
“Not a gambler?” teased Akakios, as he fiddled with his dwindling pile of coins.
“Is that what I said?” said Gewey, feigning innocence.
Linis entered, looking very unhappy. Akakios gathered his coins and excused himself.
“From the look on your face things aren't going well,” said Gewey as they took a seat on the couch.
Linis lowered his head and rubbed his neck. “That is putting it mildly. Things are turning sour and fast.”
“What happened?”
To begin with,” started Linis.