Of Gods and Elves - By Brian D. Anderson Page 0,105

he was asked. “What are you doing?”

“Only what I have to,” Gewey whispered, then turned back to Eftichis. “Linis shall hold my blade and I shall fight with his.” He removed his sword and gave it to Linis. Linis opened his mouth to protest, but a quick glance from Gewey stopped him short.

“What is this?” Eftichis demanded. “You think to mock me?”

Gewey examined the knife, then looked up. “I am not mocking you. If I use that sword, you will die without a fight. I would not see you come to such an end. If I have to kill you, you will die with honor.”

Eftichis could only stare in amazement. “Are you certain?” asked Theopolou.

Gewey nodded and stepped forward. “Linis has trained me well, as has Kaylia, my future unorem. I will not have our union tainted by dishonor.”

Eftichis removed his long knife and took a dagger from his second. “Then we shall face one another as equals.”

Gewey felt the flow enter his opponent, and he smiled. Though it was far less than he himself could channel, it was nearly as much as Linis, or even Theopolou.

Theopolou, Linis, and Eftichis' second backed away to the edge of the platform.

“Are you ready?” Eftichis’ voice dripped with menace.

Gewey crouched low and allowed the power to rush through him. “I'm ready.” This time the flow was much less than before. And though he could feel the power held within the Chamber, he could no longer use it. He waited for Eftichis to lunge.

He didn't have to wait long. The elf rushed at Gewey with blinding speed, fast enough to rival even Lee, but instead of striking directly, the elf rolled left and slashed at Gewey's right thigh. Gewey was only just able to avoid the cut, as he spun away.

Eftichis smiled with satisfaction. “You have been well trained, I see.” The dagger shifted in his grasp. “That is good.”

Again the elf charged, but this time he did not strike. Instead he whirled around and pushed Gewey's shoulder hard with his empty hand. Gewey nearly lost his balance and took a step back. Eftichis pressed his attack, attempting to drive his knife into Gewey's stomach and barely missing.

Gewey knew what he needed to do. He stepped back, allowing his blade to hang loosely in his hand. Bring him close.

Once again Eftichis charged, but this time Gewey was ready. Eftichis feigned left, then thrust underneath Gewey's guard. Gewey caught the arm of his attacker and heaved upward, sending the elf sprawling.

Gewey did not hesitate. He sprang after his opponent and slashed the hand that wielded the knife. To Gewey's surprise, the elf regained his footing and flipped the dagger into his other hand. Blood gushed from the open wound and poured onto the pristine floor.

“Well struck.” Eftichis grimaced in pain. “But this fight is far from over.” In a flash Eftichis was on Gewey again, twisting, and thrusting... driving Gewey back. Gewey tried to counter, but the elf's skill was astounding. Even with the power flowing through him, he was only barely able to avoid being slashed to ribbons. Finally, Gewey saw an opening. The elf dodged left, attempting to get behind him, but he stepped just a hair too far. Instead of bringing down his blade, Gewey’s left hand came across, his fist smashing hard into the temple of Eftichis. The elf staggered and fell to one knee. Gewey raced in grabbing the elf's wrist and with one twist, the knife slid across the floor. He pushed hard, pinning Eftichis.

“You must yield to me,” Gewey demanded.

Eftichis' eyes were aflame with fury. “We do not yield, human! Finish it and be done.”

“You would have me end your life?” asked Gewey. He released the elf and got to his feet. “As you would end mine?” He turned his back.

Eftichis glanced at his dagger, several feet away but made no move to retrieve it. “I would. It is our way.”

Gewey spun around and tossed his dagger to Eftichis. “Then kill me.”

Eftichis reached down and picked up Gewey's weapon. He stared at it for a long moment, then rose to his feet.

Gewey walked up to Eftichis and placed his hand on the elf's shoulder. Eftichis tried to back away, but Gewey held him fast.

“What are you doing?” Eftichis cried. “This is not—”

“Not what?” said Gewey. “You want me dead. You think my bond with Kaylia is wrong. Kill me.”

Their eyes met.

“Do it,” Gewey whispered. “Or yield.”

Eftichis pressed the knife to Gewey's chest. The gallery was silent. Then, the