keeping until the time of the ‘coming of the Emancipator’. The Emancipator will free us from the curse that took away our understanding of The All Father. Without the Book of Souls, we will be forever lost.”
“I understand why you would want it so badly,” said Selena. “But we believe it may hold the key to our own salvation, as well.”
“You refer to the power that grows in the north,” said Theopolou. “We are aware of the one you call the Dark Knight, and know that he seeks your destruction, as well as the destruction of the Gods.”
“And we are aware that he has contacted your people,” said Selena. “And that many believe him to be the reincarnation of the Demon King Rätsterfel.”
“You know much,” said Theopolou. “Then you must also know that we have not agreed to join his cause.” His tone darkened. “At least not yet.”
“A threat?” asked Selena.
“No, High Lady. A fact. There are many who feel that should Angrääl march, we should join them. But we have not decided to do so. We are still uncertain of his true intentions.”
“I'll tell you what his intentions are,” roared Lee. “He wants to destroy everything and reshape the world in his own image. If he is not stopped, blood will cover the land.”
Selena placed her hand on Lee's forearm to calm him. “Do you truly believe that there will be a place for your people in his new world?”
“It is that question that has caused much debate.” Theopolou kept his eyes on Selena, ignoring Lee's agitation. “And also why it is important that you return the Book to us.”
“If the Book of Souls was in your possession,” said Lee, “what's to stop you from giving it to the Dark One?”
“How dare you!” Theopolou’s age melted away, and he looked very much an elf warrior. The other elves jumped to their feet, shouting curses, but none reached for their weapons.
“It's a fair question,” said Selena calmly. “Should we hand over the Book, what is to say that it will not be used against us later? It is said that it only can be opened by one who possesses the power of heaven. The Dark Knight has the Sword of Truth. He may be able to use it to open the Book.”
“We would never give it to him.” Theopolou settled back down. “This I swear.”
“Yet it may be taken from you if he knows you have it,” said Lee. “It was taken once before.”
“It may be taken from you as well,” Theopolou shot back. “From what I have seen of your defenses that could easily happen.”
“Aside from you, your escort, and a few others,” replied Selena. “None know the location of this temple. And though you may not think so, we have the means to defend ourselves.”
“This location is not as secret as you think. My people have known of it since it was first built. It would not be difficult for the spies of Angrääl to find it, if they have not already done so.”
“You assume the Book would be kept here,” said Selena with a wry smile.
“I assume you have summoned me to return it.”
“Let's not play games. You know why I summoned you here.”
“I saw Kaylia and her young friend,” said Theopolou. “I told you there is nothing I can do for them. They are beyond my reach.”
“We had hoped that you would know a way to open the Book,” said Selena. “Perhaps within its pages we could find a way to help them.”
Theopolou shook his head. “I cannot. My family has been the Book’s keeper and guardian, but we have no knowledge of how to open it or what is truly inside. Even if I knew, I wouldn't? It is not meant for me, or any but the Emancipator.”
“Perhaps not,” said Lee. “But the thought of handing over a potential weapon to a people who have such deep hatred of humans does not sit well with me.”
“I understand,” Theopolou replied thoughtfully. “As I have given my word, we will not take it by force. But you must know that once word of this reaches my people, they will not suffer you or anyone else to possess it. They will come for it.”
“Any attempt to attack this temple will fail,” warned Lee. “And many will die in the attempt.”
“All the more reason for you to return it,” he replied. “I have no desire for bloodshed, but I cannot prevent it from happening. My kin will take back