Of Gods and Elves - By Brian D. Anderson Page 0,23

being insulted. “I can have your meals brought to you as well, if you wish.”

“That would be fine.”

“Then, if you will follow me,” she said, and led Theopolou from the room.

“You certainly wasted no time in causing me trouble,” said Lee.

“I'm sorry,” said Gewey once the door closed. “But there is no other way.”

“I didn't say you were wrong. I just don't like it.”

“Enough.” said Kaylia. “I want to know what has happened while I was asleep.”

“Yes,” agreed Gewey. “So would I.”

“Fine.” Lee sighed.

Lee recounted the events up until the meeting. Gewey smiled when he heard about the meeting between Lee and his mother.

“It's hard to believe,” said Gewey once Lee had finished. “All this time, and she was living here.”

“Yes.” Lee chuckled. “The world is full of surprises.” His eyes grew sad, “Now, if only I had word from Millet.”

Gewey thought for a moment. “I think I may be able to find them... with Kaylia's help.”

“How would you do that?” asked Lee, unable to contain his excitement.

“I believe I can touch the mind of Malstisos. With a healthy dose of jawas tea, and Kaylia lending me her strength―it may be possible.”

Lee looked at Gewey doubtfully. “They're hundreds of miles away. How could you do such a thing?”

Gewey smiled wide. “One thing I realized when I was with the spirits is that time and distance don't amount to much there. Now that I know the way, I can return.”

Dina became alarmed. “But won't you risk being trapped again?”

“Not likely. The spirits will leave me alone now, and they are the ones who trapped me. Without them in my way, I should be able to come and go as I please. With Kaylia there to help me find him, I think I can reach Malstisos no matter how far away he is.”

“I still can't ask you to risk it.” Lee shook his head. “If you're wrong...”

“He is not wrong,” said Kaylia. “Reaching out and returning is not the challenge. Finding one particular mind is. We have an advantage in that Malstisos will probably be the only elf in the area, and it will be easier to single him out. That's where I come in. Our bond allows me to travel with Gewey, and my familiarity with an elf’s mind should increase our chances.”

“When you say travel...” said Dina.

“I mean it literally,” replied Kaylia. “It's different than when one touches the mind of another, the way you or I would do. The world where we go is as real as this one in a way.”

“I am familiar with this sort of contact, as you know,” said Lee. “But it's still difficult to understand.”

“As much as I'd like to show you, I'm not sure what the risks would be,” explained Gewey. “Just imagine yourself in a dream where anything is possible, only you’re wide awake.”

“Sounds wonderful,” said Dina.

“It is.” Gewey nodded. “But it can be terrible, too. If it wasn't for Felsafell saving us, we'd probably still be trapped.”

“That's probably the most confusing thing about your tale,” remarked Lee. “Little is known about him, and if Theopolou is right about his being a part of some ancient race, then his motives are a mystery. I don't like mysteries.”

“Whatever he's after, it doesn't seem he means to harm me,” said Gewey. “Until I can see him again, that will have to be enough.”

“But he was the one who freed you,” said Lee. “What if the spirits decide to keep you there again?”

“They won't,” said Gewey. “Even if they did, I think I could escape them if I needed to.”

“And you really think you can contact Malstisos?” asked Dina.

“I do,” Gewey nodded. “Tonight, I will try.”

Lee nodded reluctantly.

That settled, Kaylia turned to Dina. “I see you are in full dress.”

“Indeed I am. While you and Gewey slept, I was elevated to full cleric. I'm a temple historian now.”

“That is wonderful,” said Kaylia. “I know you'll do well.”

“I'm going to try. The High Lady has put a great deal of trust in me.”

“You won't disappoint her,” said Gewey. “I know it.”

Dina smiled and her cheeks flushed. “I hope you're right. It's everything I've hoped for. I just didn't think it would happen so quickly.” She choked back tears of happiness. “But enough of that. Do you really think you can open the Book of Souls?”

“I'm not sure,” Gewey admitted. “I do believe it's the only way to bring the elves over to our side.”

“I agree that we need them,” said Lee. “But I'm not sure this