Of Gods and Elves - By Brian D. Anderson Page 0,34

to exist only in legend. They are said to be damned souls, forced from paradise to walk the earth. But I have never heard of them as physical beings, only spirits.”

“They're physical beings for sure,” said Gewey. “They almost killed us.”

“So you spoke to it before it died,” said Kaylia. “What did it say?”

Linis described his encounter and the short conversation with the Vrykol.

“You should have waited until I had a chance to interrogate it,” said Theopolou.

“It wouldn't have told you anything,” said Gewey.

Theopolou shot a glance at Gewey. “You know very little, young one. I may have been able to discover more than you could guess.” He paused. “But there is no use belaboring the point. As it stands, we know they are intelligent and resilient. Whether or not they are in fact Vrykol, or just use the name, matters not. They are on our trail.”

“How fairs Stintos?” asked Linis.

“His wounds are being tended,” Theopolou answered. “But he will slow us considerably. I'm sending him back to Valshara with Haldrontis until he can travel.” Theopolou noticed Linis' wound. “Are you able to travel?”

“I am,” replied Linis, seeming to just notice the wound on his arm. “Thanks to Gewey's warning, the Vrykol's blade did not bite deeply.”

“Still, it needs to be dressed,” said Kaylia. “Come. I have salve and bandages in my pack.”

The group started toward to the trail, but Theopolou paused. “Bring the head,” said the old elf.

Linis nodded and picked up the head by its grimy hair. A wave of nausea washed over Gewey as more of the black blood poured onto the ground.

When they got back to the trail Gewey saw Stintos, leaning against a nearby tree. Two elves treated the wound on his ribs. Linis unpacked a spare cloak and wrapped the head inside. Stintos noticed Gewey's approach and motioned for him to come near. Gewey reluctantly obeyed.

“You saved my life, human,” said Stintos. He winced as an elf rubbed salve in the deep cut. “I owe you a debt.”

“Forget it,” said Gewey. “I didn't do anything you wouldn't have done in my place, I'm sure.”

Stintos smiled. “That you think an elf would come to your aid is remarkable, and speaks to your character. However, I don't understand how you knew to come. I was far out of sight or earshot. Only an elf seeker could have heard them coming, and even a seeker would have difficulty.”

Gewey was unsure what to say. “I...” he stammered. “Well, Kaylia and Linis have been instructing me.”

Stintos look at Gewey skeptically. “I see. Then training has heightened your senses. I was not aware that humans could gain such abilities.” His eyes fixed on the boy, then his smile returned. “It matters not. You saved my life, and for that you have gained my friendship.”

“I value it,” said Gewey, bowing his head.

“Gewey,” called Linis.

Gewey turned to see Linis standing near the packs. Kaylia dressed a cut on his left arm. He took his leave from Stintos.

“We leave at once,” said Linis. “Theopolou says we should arrive at his home in six days if we press our pace. I disagree with moving at too great a speed. With these so-called Vrykol about, I would not risk being taken by surprise. I would ask you to keep extra vigilant. You can hear what I cannot, it would seem.”

“I'll do my best,” said Gewey. “But I heard the Vrykol because I channeled the power of the earth. I've never done it more than a few minutes. To do it for six days...”

“You must try,” said Linis. “Our lives may depend on it.”

Gewey’s stomach knotted at the thought of so many lives depending on him.

“I will not have him put his life at risk,” said Kaylia, fiercely.

“I doubt it will harm him,” said Linis. “Seekers use the same power at times. I have used the flow, as we call it, for two straight days and it did me no harm.”

“He's not an elf,” countered Kaylia. “Or have you forgotten?”

“I have not forgotten,” Linis shot back. “But we both know what he is, don't we?”

“Mind your tongue,” hissed Kaylia, looking around for prying ears. “Would you have Gewey exposed?” She jerked tight Linis' bandage, causing him to wince. “I thought Lee confiding in you might be a mistake.”

“It was not a mistake, child,” chided Linis. “Lord Starfinder thought that I should know what is at stake. Out of friendship and trust he confided in me. I will not expose Gewey, and I will not be scolded