his sword.
“You are promoted.” Yanti smiled as if nothing had happened. “Now land on the bank and retrieve my horse from the hold.”
Braydon gaped in stunned silence. Yanti snapped his fingers, bringing the first mate out of his stupor.
“Get to it,” Yanti ordered.
Braydon grabbed the wheel and carefully guided the boat to the western bank, while one of the deck hands retrieved Yanti's horse from below.
Yanti returned to his cabin and gathered his belongings. The Vrykol stood patiently in the corner.
“I hope you don't mind walking,” said Yanti, feigning concern. “We have far to go.”
The Vrykol made no response and followed Yanti topside. The gangplank had been lowered though it did not quite reach the shore.
“This is as close as we could get without running aground, my lord,” Braydon explained, his voice filled with trepidation.
Yanti looked at the first mate for a long moment. Then turned and stowed his belongings on his saddle. The Vrykol leaped to the shore with unworldly strength, bringing gasps and murmurs from the crew.
“If I were you, I would forget you ever saw me... or my companion.” Yanti mounted his horse. He reached in the pouch on his belt and held up a silver coin. “Do we understand each other?”
“I... I understand,” replied Braydon, trembling.
Yanti tossed the first mate the coin and urged his horse down the gangplank. He cursed as water drenched his boots. He considered killing the first mate for a moment, but dismissed the idea. Braydon had already ordered his men to pull up the plank and shove off.
“I know your kind are fast,” Yanti said to the waiting Vrykol. “You will need to be.” He spurred his horse west into a dead run, not bothering to see if the Vrykol was following. He knew the creature was not far behind.
He reached into his jacket and touched the letter. He would not allow his plans to fail... even if it meant that the godling had to die.
Chapter Twenty-Nine
“It is time,” said Linis.
Gewey opened his eyes slowly, allowing the connection with Kaylia to slip away. He felt rested and strong. The echo of Kaylia’s final thought rang through his mind. I'm with you... always. He sat up, swung his legs over the side of the bed, and stretched.
“I've laid out your clothes.” Linis nodded to the corner. “I've chosen soft leather for you. It will allow you to move freely, while giving you some protection.”
Gewey smiled. “Thank you.” He rose to his feet and dressed. As he attached his sword to his belt, Theopolou entered. Akakios followed just behind.
“I will be awaiting you in the Chamber,” said Theopolou. His eyes were somber, and for the first time Gewey noticed age on his face creeping in. “You should wait here for only a few minutes after I leave. I am told Eftichis is already there.”
Gewey's lips tightened. His connection with Kaylia had released the stress of the coming fight, but the mention of his opponents name brought it flooding back. “I'll be there. Is Felsafell with you? ”
“No,” Theopolou replied. “He was already gone when I went to his room.” Before Gewey could reply, Theopolou and Akakios bowed and left.
Gewey took a deep breath and squared his shoulders.
“Remember why you fight,” said Linis. “And remember what you are. To face you is to face death.”
This stabbed at Gewey. He knew it was true. Since leaving his small village, death had become a part of his existence. He had killed... many times. Now he was to kill again. Once more he would be the bringer of death. He steeled his wits. So be it.
Linis looked Gewey over for a moment. “Good. You have the same look in your eyes as Lee did, just before he fought Berathis.”
Gewey checked his sword and made his way to the door. “I know what I must do.” With that, he pushed back the flap and made his way to the main hall.
After only a few minutes Gewey decided he had waited long enough and left the tent. The chill of the morning air washed over him. He filled his lungs and surveyed his surroundings. The camp was quiet. Only a few scattered elves roamed about. Gewey guessed that most were waiting in the Chamber of the Maker to witness the pudnaris. The stillness made him shiver.
As he made his way to the Chamber, the few elves he encountered stared at him, not with hatred as he would have thought, but in wonder.
“Why are they looking at me like that?”