Of Gods and Elves - By Brian D. Anderson Page 0,40
a human to my door and expect my welcome?”
“I am an elder and your friend,” said Theopolou. “So I do indeed expect your welcome.”
“And who else is this I see?” said Kaphalos, looking at Kaylia. “Is it the elf who comes to judgment? Or does she still defy her kin?”
Kaylia stepped forward to speak, but Theopolou held out his hand to silence her. “She is under my protection,” Theopolou announced. “As is the human.”
“Times have surely changed when the great Theopolou harbors a filthy human and a fugitive elf.” Kaphalos sneered. “I would know why. Enter.” He disappeared inside.
Chapter Ten
Theopolou gave Gewey a quick glance then led the group inside. The interior of the house was a bit more like what Gewey would have imagined. The main hall just beyond the doorway was roughly fifty feet wide and equal in length. The walls were made of a stone like Gewey had never seen. Though rough in texture, they shined and sparkled with countless tiny, semi-precious stones, which caused the entire room to change hue from moment to moment. The floor was covered with a thick carpet that resembled the grass outside. It even looked as if it bore beads of dew, though it was not slippery. Four opaque, glass orbs, hung from each corner of the room, giving off a soft, pleasing light that mixed perfectly with the sparkle of the walls. No pictures or tapestries hung, but on the far wall, carved into the stone, and inlaid with pure gold, was the perfect likeness of an ancient willow. The room itself was devoid of furniture, with the exception of a round oak table that only stood a foot off the ground.
The elves knelt around the table. Theopolou motioned for Gewey to sit beside him. Kaphalos placed himself directly across from Theopolou and stared intensely.
“Tell me, Theopolou,” said Kaphalos. “When did you begin befriending humans and traitors?”
“I am no traitor,” Kaylia blurted.
“Silence, girl,” Theopolou scolded.
Kaphalos sneered. “I was referring to the seeker.”
Linis glared. “You dare name me traitor? I should take your life for that insult.”
“I would expect as much,” said Kaphalos. “You would kill your own kind while saving a human animal. But be warned, I am not unprotected. If you strike me down, you will not leave these woods alive. My kin are nearby and know that you are here.”
“That is enough,” commanded Theopolou. “From everybody. I did not come here to fight. Nor did Linis.”
“Then why did you come?” asked Kaphalos.
“To ask you to accompany us to my home,” Theopolou replied. “Surely you have received my invitation.”
“I have,” said Kaphalos dismissively. “I have no desire to listen to the elders bicker. I am content to remain here.”
Theopolou nodded to Linis who brought forth the cloak containing the Vrykol head. Kaphalos stared, stunned, as the cloak was opened.
“What is this abomination?” gasped Kaphalos.
“We hoped you would know,” Theopolou replied. “It claimed to be a Vrykol.”
“Vrykol?” Kaphalos whispered. “Certainly not. That is impossible.” He reached over the table and pulled the cloak in front of him.
“I thought the Vrykol were merely a legend,” said Theopolou.
“In a way they are,” said Kaphalos. “Their true nature has been lost to all but a few. Most stories you hear today are but myths with not an inkling of fact.”
“What are they, then?” asked Linis.
“The damned,” replied Kaphalos. “They are spirits forced to serve the Gods within the decaying remains of mortals.”
“The Gods created these beasts?” asked Linis. “Why?”
“To punish those who dared defy them,” said Kaphalos. “They were cursed assassins, roaming the earth. How is it you came by this?”
Theopolou told of the encounter.
“You say this human killed two Vrykol?” Kaphalos laughed. “Are you certain? Or is this what he told you.”
“He saved the life of one of my guards in the process,” said Theopolou. “You may doubt the word of a human, but surely not that of an elf.”
Kaphalos glared at Kaylia “Depends on the elf.”
Kaylia glared back furiously.
“In any case,” Theopolou continued. “It was not the Gods who created these creatures.”
Kaphalos threw his head back in harsh laughter. “The Lord of Angrääl has seen to that, hasn't he?”
Kaphalos rose to his feet, turning his back on the table. “You think I am ignorant to the goings on in of the human world? I know what you would have our people do, and I will have no part in it.”
“Then you would sit idle while the fate of our people hangs in the balance?” Theopolou challenged.