Of Gods and Elves - By Brian D. Anderson Page 0,46

fear I will not live to see such a thing.”

“Don't say that,” said Gewey. “We're all going to make it through this alive. I swear.”

Linis furled his brow. “Never make a promise you cannot keep. Besides, I have no fear of death. It comes to us all... except perhaps, to you.”

“I may be a God, but I am not immortal. Whatever I am, I'm part of this world, just as you are.” He stood and turned his back. “What bothers me is that if I am bound to earth as a human, I may have a human lifespan. Kaylia could live for four or five-hundred more years.”

Realization washed over Linis. “You're afraid that if you complete your bond she will only live a human lifetime.”

Gewey nodded and lowered his head.

“Your fears are justified,” said Linis. “But certainly that should compel you to value the time you will have.” He stood and placed his hand on Gewey's shoulder. “Do not dwell on it. You and she are the first to have such a bond. It could be that if you have a human life, it may be extended to that of an elf. And there is the possibility that you may not die at all, and the two of you will live together forever. Whatever the case, there is nothing to be done.”

“You’re right.” Gewey sighed. “But sometimes it's hard not to think about it.”

Linis gave Gewey's shoulder a light squeeze. “I'll have the books sent. Perhaps that can occupy your thoughts.”

Gewey turned and smiled. “I'd appreciate it.”

Linis left and Gewey lay on the bed and closed his eyes. He reached out with his mind, hoping to touch Kaylia's, but found that it was difficult, as if something was blocking him. He looked in his pack, retrieved a small flask of jawas tea and took a long drought. At once he felt its affects. His body and mind relaxed and his breathing deepened. He reached out, but again he was unable to make contact. It was as if a wall blocked his way. He tried a few more times but with the same result. Frustrated, he got up and began pacing the room.

The desire to leave the room and ask Kaylia if she had experienced the same thing was nearly unbearable. But he knew it would cause trouble. Instead, he busied himself by unpacking his things, and polishing and oiling his sword at the edge of the bed. The weapon never seemed to need care, but he enjoyed it all the same. Simply by holding it, he felt the throbbing pulse of the earth.

He closed his eyes allowing the flow to move through him. More and more he opened himself until every fiber of his being was saturated.

“Stop this!” cried a loud, deep voice. Theopolou stood at the door, fury in his eyes.

Gewey released the power. Immediately he longed to hold it again.

“You must not do that again,” said Theopolou slamming the door behind him. “Why?” asked Gewey. “What can it hurt?”

“Fool,” the elf grumbled. “You expose yourself when you draw that much power.”

Gewey got to his feet. “I don't understand.”

“Then understand that should an elder be nearby and you draw that much of the flow, you will not need to tell anyone what you are.” Theopolou sat at the table and motioned for Gewey to do the same.

Gewey, irritated by his inability to contact Kaylia, resisted. “I'll stand.”

“You tried to contact Kaylia through your bond,” said Theopolou. “Did you not?”

Shocked, Gewey sat. “How did you—”

“I know everything that happens within these walls,” he said. “And though another elder may not be as sensitive as I am within my house, they will know that you are not as you seem if you do that again. You are fortunate no one has arrived.”

Gewey nodded but still felt angered. “Why can't I contact Kaylia? It's as if I'm being blocked. And why is it you can feel when I use the power, but your guards did not?”

Theopolou's mouth tightened. “I am not inclined to be your instructor, but I suppose this time I must be.” He folded his hands on the table and leaned forward. “As far as your inability to spirit travel, I prevented it. I cannot risk you accidentally ruining my plans. And as for why I can feel you using the flow, it is a trait of my race. As we age, we become more sensitive. Seekers develop this ability, which is why Linis can feel it, but it would