wasn't very complex, but Linis had made it clear to Gewey that each part held great significance, and it was very important to get it right.
“I have never seen the bonding performed,” he said. “And I don't really understand the bonding in the same way that Theopolou would. But, as you are connected with Kaylia's spirit already, I don't think it will be difficult for you.”
“I hope not,” said Gewey.
Linis threw his arm around Gewey's neck. “Don't worry. Things will go as planned. Besides, you are about to become the envy of many an elf.”
They went over the ceremony a few more times, then let their conversation drift to lighter subjects. Gewey's guards kept their distance, but by midday Akakios joined in. He had heard of Linis and held him in high regard, despite the fact that he had been named a traitor.
They covered another forty miles before they stopped. Gewey noticed the elves occasionally glancing over at him to see if he were tiring. Gewey knew it would be wise to feign fatigue, but his pride wouldn't let him. Every time he caught one their eyes he would smile happily and whistle. This brought fierce stares and chatter among the elders. All except, of course, Theopolou.
Once camped, Kaylia joined them again. She looked burdened with worry. “What’s wrong?” asked Gewey.
“Theopolou,” she replied. “He doesn't seem well.”
“You mean he's ill?” asked Gewey.
Kaylia shook her head. “Not ill. It’s like he is... drained, weary.”
Linis smiled sympathetically. “Theopolou is very old, Kaylia. Perhaps this trip, and our quick pace, is too much for him.”
Kaylia shook her head. “I know, but it's more than that. It's as if his spirit is being drained from him.”
“I might be able to help,” offered Gewey.
“How do you mean?” asked Linis.
“I could... give him part of what I have” said Gewey. Then he shook his head. “No. That's not what I mean. I... I can't describe it, but I think I can put power from the earth inside him.”
Linis looked at Gewey in wonder for a moment. “How did you learn to do such a thing? Only the greatest of elf sages have ever been able to do this.”
“I don't know,” he admitted. “I don't really know that I can. I just feel that I can. Ever since I journeyed to the spirit world, the first time, I keep getting these... impressions. It's like I know I can do a thing, but I don't know what it is.” He rubbed his chin. “I don't understand it, but I think I can help Theopolou... if he'll let me.”
“I'll ask him,” said Kaylia and rose to speak to her uncle. She paused and looked down at Gewey and smiled. “Thank you.” With that, she walked off to speak to Theopolou.
A short time later Kaylia returned, accompanied by Theopolou. The old elf sat next to Gewey, though he did not look at him.
“Kaylia says you have the ability to transfer the flow from yourself to another,” Theopolou remarked.
“I think so,” said Gewey.
Theopolou turned to Kaylia then to Gewey. “Then you are not certain?”
“Not entirely,” Gewey admitted. “But like I told Linis and Kaylia, when I woke up from being in the spirit world, I felt like I knew things... without really knowing them. I know I can do this. And if you're ill you should let me try.”
Theopolou scrutinized Gewey for a long moment. “I'm neither ill nor tired as Kaylia might think, but something is wrong.” He stood up slowly. “I feel as if the energy of the earth is somehow being drained from me.”
“Drained how?” asked Linis.
“I don't know. I have never encountered this before. I have attempted to track down the source, but so far unsuccessfully.”
“Could it be one of the elders?” asked Gewey.
“I don't think so,” said Theopolou. “Of all the elders and other elves here, only Chiron has a stronger connection than I... and perhaps Linis. Neither could do this. Actually, you are the only one here with such ability.”
“I swear—” Gewey began to protest, but Theopolou held up his hand.
“I did not mean to suggest that you had anything to do with it,” said Theopolou. “Only that you are the only one I am aware of that could. It is possible another has somehow gained this ability. And it may not be anyone. It just may be an anomaly.” His eyes grew sad. “Our people have lost so much knowledge. Even the wisest of us are mere children compared to our ancestors. They had