Of Gods and Elves - By Brian D. Anderson Page 0,38
back to normal.” Gewey rose to his feet. “I'm sorry for what I did at the camp. It won't happen again.”
“No apologies needed,” said Linis. “The fault was mine. I should have never asked you to hold the flow for that long without knowing what it would do to you.”
“Indeed you should not have, seeker,” said Theopolou. “I hope you will heed my advice from here on.”
“In matters such as this…I will,” said Linis.
“What about the others?” asked Gewey. “I'm sure they noticed what happened.”
“They believe you pushed yourself too far and your human body affected your mind,” replied Theopolou. “A fiction I am not inclined to correct at this time.”
“If you are able we should get back,” said Linis. “You need rest.”
Gewey nodded and followed the others back to camp. The elves all watched as he made his way to his bedroll. Embarrassment filled him. He rolled on his stomach and hid his face.
“All is well?” It was Akakios.
Gewey rolled over to see the elf smiling down at him. “I'm fine. Just tired.”
“I must admit I was amazed you kept pace with us with so little rest,” said Akakios. “Don't feel bad. We may not show it, but we are tired as well. If it were not for the demons that attacked us at Valshara, we would not be moving at this pace.”
“I appreciate your words,” said Gewey, forcing a smile. “I'll be better once I've had some sleep.”
“I will leave you to it then.” He walked over to a group of elves gathered on the other side of the fire.
It didn't take long for sleep to take him, and his fatigue held off any dreams. Kaylia woke Gewey just as the sun breached the horizon.
“Theopolou has said we will stop at the home of Kephalos.” Kaylia handed Gewey a piece of bread and some dried meat. She huddled close.
“Why?” asked Gewey. “I thought we were in a hurry.”
“Theopolou wants to show him the head of the Vrykol,” she replied. “Kephalos is very knowledgeable in ancient lore and may be able to give us information we need.”
The thought of seeing an elf dwelling excited Gewey. “When will we arrive?”
“We should be there by sundown tomorrow.”
Gewey smiled with satisfaction. Kaylia next to him seemed more natural than before, though the others stared with disapproval. The next day he woke before dawn, ready for a new march. By midday, the trees began to thicken and the ground was covered by dense, moist grass that made walking at speed difficult. The heat of the sun made the air like earthy steam, and sweat beaded on Gewey's forehead.
“How is it so hot this close to winter?” Gewey asked Linis.
“We are near the fire hills.”
“I've heard of them,” said Gewey. “My father said it's like summer all year there, and that great plumes of steam erupt from the ground. I had no idea we were so close.”
“Your father was correct,” said Linis. “But we will only be just outside the hills. Not within them. One day, if you wish, I will show them to you properly. They are truly a wonder.”
“I'd like that,” said Gewey.
By late afternoon, they found a narrow trail that wound through the forest. Theopolou called a halt, asked Gewey to speak to him alone, and led him into a small clearing about one-hundred yards east of the trail. Kaylia tried to follow, but Theopolou stopped her.
“When we arrive at the home of Kephalos it is important you do not speak unless spoken to,” Theopolou warned, once they were alone. “He is a kind elf, and not prone to violence, but he fought in the Great War for many years and feels the same as I regarding human and elf living together.”
Gewey had almost forgotten that Theopolou was not really on his side. If not for The Dark One and his bond to Kaylia, Theopolou would never suffer the company of a human, let alone a God.
“I'll keep quiet,” said Gewey. “I don't want any trouble. At least not until it's time for it.”
“And that time will come soon enough,” Theopolou added. “If I can, I will convince Kaphalos to come with us. If he agrees, you may be forced to travel in silence for the remainder of the journey. I tell you this because I would not have you feel it is an insult from me or my guard. Once we arrive at my home you are under my protection and may speak as you wish.”