this when we arrive.” Nimble and swift as the wind, she spun around and walked down the road toward the Chamber of the Maker. Nehrutu and Mohanisi followed close behind.
Gewey, Kaylia, and Linis, looked at each other, then did the same.
As they approached the field where the pavilion had been erected, Aaliyah and her companions dropped back next to Linis. The field was still abuzz with activity, as hundreds of elves darted about.
“I believe you should make introductions,” said Aaliyah. “Considering what has happened here, it may be better if your people are greeted by someone more...familiar.”
Linis nodded in agreement.
Two guards barred their way when they reached the edge of the field. They eyed the strangers for a moment.
“They are not foes,” said Linis.
The guards grunted then stepped aside.
“A bit brutish,” remarked Mohanisi.
Linis pretended not to hear, but couldn't help but bristle at the insult. “They must be hard to survive these times. They fought bravely to protect their kin.”
“I meant no insult,” Mohanisi explained. “It is only that you are so different from what we know.”
Theopolou, Eftichis, and Bellisia approached from the pavilion. Kaylia ran ahead and embraced her uncle with joy. She held him tight for nearly a full minute.
“I am happy to see you are safe,” said Theopolou, smiling broadly. “Though I had no doubt Gewey would succeed in your rescue.” As Gewey approached with the others, Theopolou bowed. “Thank you,” he said to Gewey and Linis. “I am in your debt.”
Gewey bowed. “I wish I could say I freed her. But as it turns out she managed that on her own.”
Theopolou smiled lovingly at Kaylia. “A tale I would love to hear.”
“As would I,” said Bellisia. “But first I would like to know who you have brought among us.”
Linis introduced the elves and explained how they met, not failing to mention their claim.
“So you say you are from beyond the Great Western Abyss,” said Theopolou. His tone bore no hint of surprise or trepidation. “That would explain the news we received. Reports of red sails on the horizon have caused quite a stir.”
Aaliyah stepped forward and took Theopolou's hand. The old elf stiffened and staggered back. In a flash, Linis and Eftichis had drawn their knives and pulled Theopolou away. Mohanisi and Nehrutu made no move to stop them.
“No,” Theopolou cried. “Stay your weapons. I am not harmed...only dazed.”
“What happened?” asked Linis, holding Theopolou's arm.
“I beg your forgiveness,” said Aaliyah. “I thought it would be easier this way. As you are one of the more...how should I say this… talented among you. That is to say, you can use the flow.”
“Yes,” said Theopolou. He steadied himself and straightened his shoulders. “But I suggest you refrain from doing that again. At least until you have addressed the others.”
“Theopolou-” began Bellisia.
“She is who she says she is,” said Theopolou. “She merely communicated it to me in a manner which I am not accustomed. It was just too much at once.”
“I would speak to your people,” said Aaliyah. “But first, your wounded should be attended.” Her companions nodded in agreement. “You could help as well,” she said to Gewey.
“Of course,” said Gewey.
Linis stepped forward. “I will join you.” He could tell that Theopolou and the others had recently been using their powers to heal, and were exhausted, though they hid it well. “The elders should rest until we have done what can be done.”
“Of course,” said Aaliyah. “They have accomplished all they can.” She looked at Kaylia and smiled. “If you would tend to your elders while we do our work—”
“I will go with you,” said Kaylia.
“Theopolou and the others have greater need of you.” Aaliyah’s tone was not contentious, yet it held an air of authority that caused Kaylia to stop short.
“Stay,” said Theopolou. “You can tell me what happened after you were taken.”
Aaliyah didn't wait for a response. She turned gracefully and walked in the direction of the pavilion. Kaylia’s eyes followed her closely.
When Gewey and the elves entered the healing pavilion, they saw scores of elves lying injured in row upon row of beds that had been taken from the tents. As there weren't enough beds, the least injured were place on bedrolls. The rest were busy distributing food and medicine, and at first, hardly noticed the group’s presence. Gewey peered just beyond the pavilion, and could see others tending to the dead. His heart ached.
“How could this happen?” muttered Mohanisi. His face flushed with anger. He spun and faced Linis. “How could this happen?” This