Of Gods and Elves - By Brian D. Anderson Page 0,44

a place?” Gewey asked.

“A bit much to get through, for anyone other than an elf.” Linis chuckled. “It is why we choose such places. Most of our dwellings are not easily accessible, even our towns. Some you could never find unless you knew exactly where to look.”

Gewey tried to imagine what an elf town would look like. Majesty and magic must be everywhere. Then he dismissed the notion. So far, he had been far from the mark. Kaphalos lived in a house, but although it was well-built and beautiful, it was nothing like he had pictured.

The forest thinned even more, and soon Gewey found himself walking along a colorful cobblestone street. It was wide enough that the party could walk four abreast comfortably.

Theopolou turned back to Gewey. “Once we reach the end of the road, Akakios will guide you and Kaylia to your quarters. You should be able to get there unseen. The servants will be preparing the house, and we are the first party to arrive.”

“How can you tell?” asked Gewey.

“It's my house,” replied Theopolou. “I know when someone is about. Not even Linis could enter my land without my notice.”

The road ended at an immense gateway, twenty feet high and solid as steel. It shined like silver and bore long, carved ivory handles. A polished granite wall spanned east and west farther than Gewey's eyes could see. He stared in wonder. Even the walls of a human city weren't so well constructed, and the gate looked as if nothing could bring it down.

The party halted and Theopolou approached the gate. He placed his hand upon one of the handles. Suddenly the handle hissed and glowed with a pale, white light. Then, as if by command, the gate swung outward without a sound.

“Magic,” whispered Gewey.

Theopolou sniffed. “It is not magic.” His eyes fell on Kaylia. “If he is to be yours, then you should teach him properly.”

Gewey could feel Kaylia's embarrassment. “I'm sorry,” he said. “I shouldn't have said anything.”

“It is not your fault.” Kaylia lowered her eyes. “I have not told you enough about us. The moment we were bonded, I should have instructed you more about our ways.”

Gewey was about to try to console her, but Theopolou held out his palm. Akakios moved in front of Gewey and Kaylia.

“Wait for them to enter,” said Akakios. “Then follow me to your quarters.”

Once Theopolou and the others were about fifty feet ahead, Akakios led them through the gate. Gewey sucked in his breath.

A polished, solid white, marble path lay before him. Each stone was etched with an intricate golden inlay of elf ruins. The grounds were dotted with ancient willows and strong oaks, and wild flowers covered the area like a glorious carpet of color and splendor. Directly ahead, stood a ten foot tall, solid crystal statue of an elf maiden. Her arm held aloft an orb, surrounded by tiny vines of ivy. The sunlight struck the orb and it sparkled and split, causing rainbows of light to dance playfully. The craftsmanship was far beyond anything Gewey had ever imagined possible.

What most impressed Gewey was the house... if such a structure could be called a house. The entire building was constructed from pure white marble and it stood three stories high, rising to an apex. Elaborate carvings of horses, wolves, bobcats, and many other animals Gewey did not recognize, decorated the facing. Not a speck of dirt blemished its beauty, and it showed no sign of weathering. A massive flight of stairs, wide as the entire house, led to a broad double door made from the same gleaming metal as the gates. Lining the front and supporting the lip of the high ceiling stood six massive columns, ten feet apart and as big around as a mature oak.

As Theopolou and the others passed by the crystal statue, each stopped in turn and bowed their heads.

“Come,” Akakios commanded.

He led Gewey and Kaylia around the west end of the house where three small round buildings stood, lined up east to west from the side of the main house. They were crafted from smooth white stones and the roofs glittered with quartz tiles. The door was blond maple and had a silver doorknocker in the center.

“All of the rooms are identical,” said Akakios. “Each is equipped with a shower, and food and fresh clothing will be brought right away.”

They thanked Akakios. Kaylia took the room nearest the main house and Gewey the one just beside it. When Gewey opened the door, he