Of Gods and Elves - By Brian D. Anderson Page 0,18

either side of Selena. Dina motioned for Lee to sit in the one to her right. As he passed in front of the table, he glanced over to the elves. Their faces were grim as they watched Lee stand next to his seat. Theopolou was clearly the eldest.

His skin was pale compared to the others, and the tiny lines around his eyes and the corners of his mouth spoke of many winters and many worries, though only Lee's keen eyesight would have noticed. Dina stood next to the opposite chair. Lee scanned the room for Linis but could not see him anywhere. In fact, there were no guards of any kind. This made Lee nervous. The only way out was the way he came in. Should the meeting go poorly, it would not be easy for him to get his mother and Dina to safety.

Selena stood and addressed the room. “I bid you welcome. I am Selena Starfinder, High Lady of Valshara and leader of the Order of Amon Dähl. This is Sister Celandine, a historian of our order, and this is my son—”

“We know of the half-man,” said Theopolou, his voice was deep and stern but tempered. “And as you and I are acquainted we should forgo introductions, as my companions prefer not to be named at this moment. Time is short and we have much to discuss.”

Selena nodded and took her seat. The rest followed suit.

“I would have Linis here,” said Lee. “It is because of his efforts we are together today.”

Theopolou furled his brow. “You speak out of turn, half-man. Your presence here is only allowed out of courtesy.”

Lee leveled his gaze. “My presence is not an option,” he corrected. “You would do well to remember that.”

The other elves shifted in their seats, but Theopolou shot them a glance, and they settled down.

“Son, please,” whispered Selena. “Mind your temper.” Lee ignored her. His eyes never left Theopolou's.

“You are bold,” said Theopolou. “I was told as much. I was also told you ended the life of Berathis.”

Lee’s expression did not change. “I did. He died with honor facing me in single combat. His passing weighs heavy on my heart.”

The elves whispered to each other, but Theopolou only nodded somberly. “If you are concerned for the safety of your mother, you needn't fear. I gave my word to Linis just before we entered the hall, that we will commit no violence within these walls. It was the only way to keep him out.”

“Why would you want to keep him out?” asked Lee.

“That is between Linis and me,” the old elf replied. “But rest assured he is not far. I can have him summoned if he is needed.” His eyes fixed on Selena. “I assume you have brought it with you.”

Selena reached beneath her chair and pulled forth the box containing the Book of Souls. An audible gasp came from the elves as the High Lady held it aloft.

“As I promised, it is here,” she said.

“That belongs to the elves,” blurted out a young elf sitting at the end of the table.

“Silence,” commanded Theopolou.

The young elf lowered his eyes in obedience. “May I approach, High Lady?” Theopolou asked.

Selena nodded and he rose to his feet and walked over to her chair. She handed him the box, and Theopolou gently ran his fingers across the ancient letters.

“It is the Book of Souls.” He handed the box back to Selena. “How did you come by this?”

“It was in my possession,” said Lee. “I inherited it from my former lord and master, Dauvis Nal’Thain.”

“I see,” Theopolou muttered and returned to his seat. “The Nal’Thain family is known to me. They were fierce adversaries during the Great War. It is likely that it was they who stole the book in the first place.”

“Some may say it was stolen,” said Lee. “Some might call it the spoils of war.”

“Some might,” said Theopolou. “It matters little. What concerns my people is what is to become of it now. We were the keepers of the Book of Souls for generations and believe it best left in our care.”

“I don't understand,” said Lee. “From what I've learned the Book of Souls was written by the Gods. Unless I'm mistaken, you and your people don't exactly hold the Gods in high regard.”

“You are not mistaken. But we do not believe it was written by the Gods alone. We believe it was written by the hand of the Creator, and then passed into our care. We were charged with its