sound of metal against stone as the dagger fell to the floor. Eftichis dropped to his knees and bowed his head. “I yield.” He raised his head and looked to Theopolou. “I release my claim and yield to the mercy of my adversary.”
Theopolou stood silent for a moment, then stepped forward. “Gewey Stedding. The life and honor of this elf is yours. What shall you do with it?”
“Eftichis is master of his own life,” replied Gewey. His voice echoed throughout the Chamber. “As for his honor... in my eyes, it is without question.”
Theopolou bowed his head slowly. “Then the pudnaris is at an end.”
The twang of a bow sounded. Gewey, still awash in the flow, saw the arrow coming, and twisted his body just as it reached him. It tore through his shirt and he felt a sharp pain as it cut across his chest.
A voice cried from the entrance. “We are attacked!”
The entrance flooded with sword-wielding elves, clad in black leather armor. The gallery erupted. Elves drew their swords, trying to make their way into the fray, while the attackers cut down all who stood in their way.
“Gewey!” Linis tossed Gewey his sword, and drew his long knife. Gewey turned to Theopolou. “Get behind me.”
Another arrow whizzed through the air, striking Eftichis' second in the chest. The elf fell, desperately grasping the shaft.
Gewey drew his sword, holding the scabbard in his left hand. The flow raged inside him. The sound of clashing steel rang throughout the Chamber, as Gewey lowered his eyes, drawing in more and more power. The building shook violently, throwing many of the combatants off their feet. Gewey's eyes snapped open and the world in front of him became chaos as the very air appeared to contract, then explode. Bodies of the attackers and the members of the gallery alike, were thrown aside like paper dolls, leaving a clear path to the entrance.
“With me,” shouted Gewey, as he started up.
Linis, Theopolou, and Eftichis filed in behind. By the time they reached the top, several of the attackers had recovered and moved in to cut them off. Gewey cleaved the first nearly in two. Linis took down the second. This gave the others pause, allowing their escape.
Gewey surveyed the camp as they exited the Chamber. Fires had erupted everywhere, and the screams of the dying sent a chill to the pit of his stomach. “Kaylia!” screamed Gewey, and took off in the direction of Theopolou's tent.
The sights of battle were a blur as Gewey ran straight through the camp. One of the attackers tried to stand in his way, but Gewey cut him down without even pausing. Finally, he reached the tent. It was untouched.
“Kaylia!” shouted Gewey, as he burst inside, ripping the flap to shreds, but there was no answer. He rushed to her room, only to find that she was not there. From room to room he searched, but could not find her. Linis and the others finally arrived.
“Where's Kaylia?” Linis exclaimed.
“She's gone!” cried Gewey and started off, but Theopolou stood in his way.
“Think, Gewey,” said Theopolou. “The camp is too big and the battle still rages. You will not find her that way.”
“Out of my way,” Gewey commanded, his eyes dark with rage.
“Use your bond,” Theopolou continued. “Use it to find her.”
Gewey lowered his head. His chest trembled with each breath. He tried to calm his mind and reach out to her. At first, there was nothing. Then, like a faint light, he found her. “She's alive,” exclaimed Gewey, unable to contain his joy. “But I can't find where she is. It's like there’s a shroud around her.”
“It would take someone powerful to accomplish this,” said Theopolou. “I was only able to do so in my own home.”
“How do we find her?” asked Linis.
Gewey's jaw tightened “I know how.” He walked to the entrance. “Wait here.”
Linis stepped forward, but Gewey’s eyes stopped him short. “Be careful,” was all he could say as Gewey disappeared from view.
“What is he doing?” asked Eftichis.
“Getting a prisoner,” Linis replied. “And woe be unto him, if he does not tell Gewey what he wants to know.”
“Should we not help the others?” said Eftichis. “The elders—”
“One of whom stands before you,” shot Linis. “The others are well protected. I doubt that whoever attacked us could pass their guards. Until we know what has happened, we protect Lord Theopolou.”
Minutes seemed like hours as the party waited for Gewey's return.
As the sounds of battle filtered in, Eftichis grew unsettled.
“I can wait no