Of Gods and Elves - By Brian D. Anderson Page 0,35
by you. I am a seeker.”
Gewey had never heard anyone speak to Kaylia as if she were a mere child. He could see the fury in her eyes, but she managed to contain her rage.
“You are correct, of course,” growled Kaylia. “My apologies... seeker.”
Linis' face softened. “I know you love him. But remember, I have named him friend and care for him as kin. I only ask of him what I must.”
“I know,” replied Kaylia weakly. “I just want to keep him safe. The bond we share can be maddening at times.”
“You are young to have done such a thing,” said Linis. “But it seems to have been the right thing to do.” He bent and flexed his arm as Kayla finished dressing the wound. “Gewey, if you feel any ill effects from the flow, release it at once and consult me.”
“I will,” said Gewey.
Theopolou approached, his pack already on his back. “We must depart. Gather your things.”
Once everyone had donned their gear, they said farewell to Haldrontis and Stintos and continued down the trail. Gewey allowed the flow of the earth to saturate his body, and took great care to listen for anything out of the ordinary.
After an hour they left the trail and headed south across country. The ground was level and the trees still sparse. Gewey was relieved to hear the return of the birds and small animals. The flow was difficult to maintain at first, but after an hour or so it felt more natural. By the time they halted to make camp, he couldn't imagine what it would feel like without it. Kaylia and Linis had been keeping a close eye on him, constantly asking how he was. Kaylia was clearly relieved that he had shown no sign that it was hurting him. Linis, on the other hand, maintained a look of deep concern.
Once they made camp, Theopolou sat next to Gewey and handed him a cup of honeyed wine and a small loaf of bread.
“How much rest do you need?” asked Theopolou.
“None,” answered Gewey. “I am ready now, if you'd like.”
Theopolou raised an eyebrow. “Is that so? Well, you must at least appear to rest. The flow has made you strong, but it would raise suspicions among my guard if you didn't look a bit fatigued. I would have them in the dark for now.” He looked more closely as Gewey. “Why do you still use the power? There is no danger near.”
Gewey’s features were hard and determined. “So I'll know if it approaches.”
“Linis has asked you to do this, I take it.” Theopolou shook his head. “You should not. Even a seeker such as Linis cannot hold on to it indefinitely. It can be... dangerous.”
“What do you mean?” Gewey's eye wandered to Kaylia, who was a few yards away changing Linis' bandages.
“Linis is a worthy seeker, likely the best that still lives, but he does not know all. Seekers learn to use the flow from a very young age, but they are too busy with other training to learn the nature of the power that fuels them.”
“And you know these things?” asked Gewey.
Theopolou laughed softly. “More than most. I know that to hold the power of the earth for too long can break the mind. Seekers are taught to use it when they must and rarely hold it for more than a day, so they are in no danger.”
“In danger of what?” Gewey demanded. “Linis said he held it for two days and he was fine.”
“Linis is strong,” Theopolou replied. “His mind and spirit are resilient. He is counting on your... heritage, to keep you safe. But I'm not as certain. I would not see you possessed.”
“Possessed?” laughed Gewey. “Possessed by what? The earth?”
“Precisely. The power you use can become addictive. In time you will not be able to release it without great pain.”
Gewey shrugged. “So what? I'm stronger, faster. I can hear and see better, and more importantly, I'm better able to keep those I love safe.”
“All true,” said the elf. “But, in time it will burn your mind and drive you mad. You will endanger everyone near to you... even the ones you love.”
“Has this ever happened to an elf?” asked Gewey.
“Long ago. It is why elves are taught to use it sparingly. And there's something else. You can use many times the amount of the flow than any elf. It may accelerate any adverse effects.”
“It doesn't change the fact that we need to know if more of those creatures are