Of Gods and Elves - By Brian D. Anderson Page 0,47

come naturally with time.” Theopolou stood. “That is all you need know. Any further instruction will be from Kaylia, or perhaps Linis.” He walked to the door. “Do not be a fool and try that again, or we will be undone.”

Gewey felt like an ignorant child. He sat in silence. When he first left home with Lee, he had been rebuked many times, but this time it struck home all too keenly. He had thought his experiences had matured him, but now he questioned himself and his worth. There was so much he didn't know.

The door opened and Akakios entered, carrying an armload of books. “Linis sent these.” He placed them on the table. “Mostly children’s stories, but Linis thought it best for you to learn our culture from the beginning.”

“Thank you.” Gewey picked up a leather-bond book with the title “Songs of Lilith” embroidered on the cover.

“Something troubles you?” Akakios asked.

“It's only that sometimes I realize I have much to learn.”

Akakios smiled warmly. “It is good to know that about yourself. Even the very wise are not all knowing, though some may think so. I take it Theopolou had harsh words for you?”

Gewey shrugged. “He didn't say anything I didn't deserve. It's just that for a while I was starting to feel like I was my own man, and then I'm reminded of how young and inexperienced I really am.”

“Then take comfort that you are the first being, other than an elf, to grace the home of Theopolou or his family in more than five-hundred years. That is an honor that you, and you alone can boast. If it is experience you desire, this is certainly a good start.”

This lifted Gewey's spirits. “Thank you. I guess I was feeling a bit out of place and alone.”

“Think nothing of it.” He turned and opened the door to leave. “I'll be guarding your door. I will see if Theopolou will grant me permission to keep you company. Linis may be tied up with the meeting of elders.”

“I'd like that,” said Gewey.

Gewey spent the next few hours reading The Songs of Lilith. The book was a collection of stories about a young, elf girl named Lilith, who was kidnapped by a spirit and taken to the other side of the world. Each short tale recounted her quest to return home and ended with a moral lesson.

By the time he had read the fifth story his eyes grew heavy and decided to go to bed. He examined the glowing orbs but could find no way to dim them. Finally, he lay down and covered his eyes with a shirt from his pack. He thought it best not to undress, just in case he had to move quickly, and kept his clothes on. His dreams were filled with visions of Lilith and her struggle to return to her family.

Chapter Twelve

Gewey awoke to find that the lights were dimmed and Linis sitting quietly on the couch, flipping through one of the books he had sent.

“Good morning,” yawned Gewey. “Assuming it is morning.”

Linis placed the book on the end table. “It is indeed. The elders began to show up late last night. Theopolou is hoping they will all be here today.”

A breakfast of bacon, eggs and juice sat on the table. Gewey stretched and walked over, his mouth watering.

“I noticed you were reading “The Songs of Lilith”,” remarked Linis. He joined Gewey at the table. “It was a favorite of mine as a child. I hope you are enjoying it.”

“Very much. Though the symbolism is hard to understand at times.” He picked up his plate and breathed in the aroma.

“I thought you should start at the beginning. It will help you understand elf ways better, if you understand us from childhood. These books are some of the first lessons we are taught.”

Gewey swallowed a healthy portion of eggs. “They’re certainly different from the stories I heard as a child. My father would have loved them... so would Lee, I bet.”

“I'm sure he would,” Linis face grew concerned.

“What's wrong?” asked Gewey.

“The elders are taking a long time to gather. Theopolou was worried that we would arrive after the others were already here. But instead we wait.”

“Maybe some of them were delayed,” offered Gewey.

Linis shrugged. “Perhaps. But too many have yet to arrive. I fear they conspire against Theopolou.”

“Conspire? To do what?”

“I do not know,” Linis admitted. “Many who have yet to come are those who are openly against him. When and how they arrive will tell me