Of Gods and Elves - By Brian D. Anderson Page 0,66

but no words came.

“If I may, my lord,” interjected Millet. Lee nodded his approval. “Jacob, let me take you to Dantary. I promise that I will reveal everything once we get there. I have been with your father through it all. There is nothing he could tell you that I don't already know.”

“And if I fail,” Lee added. “Then you are free to do as you will.”

Jacob glared at Lee, then at Millet. “I'll do as you ask. But know that if you fail, I will kill you.”

“If I fail,” Lee replied. “I will be dead already.” He held out his hand, but Jacob turned his back.

“I need to check my gear,” Jacob said, and walked toward the front door.

Millet placed his hand on Lee's shoulder. “I'll watch over him. I swear it.”

Lee bowed his head. “I don't blame him for hating me. I hate myself for leaving him.”

“You did what you had to do,” said Millet. “You did not choose this.”

Lee pretended not to hear. “Do you have mounts?” he asked.

“No, my lord,” Millet replied. “We sold them.”

Lee reached in his pouch, retrieved several gold coins, and handed them to Millet. “Have Jansi purchase horses and saddles for you and Jacob.” He began to walk toward his room. “We leave as soon as he returns.”

Chapter Nineteen

Maybell inconspicuously readied their gear for a quick getaway. They would be in Farmington in less than an hour and she did her best to remain calm. She had spoken to Malstisos several times about the exact route and timetable, but still, she knew how dangerous the elves could be. One mistake could cost both of them their lives. Malstisos was scouting the surrounding area with Grentos and Vadnaltis. Maybell feared that the elves would suspect that they were on to them, but so far they had shown no indication of it.

She rode in the wagon with the family of a silver merchant from Althetas. Both her and Malstisos' horses had been tied to the rear. She passed the time by playing a card game with Lilly, the merchant’s wife and their two children, Anna, who was six years old and Beth, who had just turned eight.

They were among her favorite people in the caravan. Lilly was kind and cheerful, and in spite of a life of travel and raising two children, was always well groomed. Maybell enjoyed spending time in their tent when they camped. Lilly kept it much like a home. She even took the time to display personal keepsakes.

“It makes me not miss Althetas as much,” Lilly had explained. “And the children are reminded that there is a home waiting for them.”

Her husband Gaylan, though not as cheerful as Lilly, was a good and decent man. Tall and thin, with narrow eyes and wind-burned skin, he was not particularly handsome, yet Maybell could see why Lilly, who was very fetching, loved him dearly. He always did his best to make his family comfortable. Though well off, he was not rich, but still he provided the best that money could buy when it came to comforts. They had goose down mattresses and cotton sheets to sleep on, though he admitted that they were a burden to carry along, and their clothes were of the finest quality. When it was time for meals, Gaylan wouldn't touch a bite until Lilly sat down to join him. Clearly, he loved her very much.

Before long, Malstisos returned and joined her in the wagon. The children cheered with glee when they saw him. They loved the elf and couldn't get enough of touching his ears. One of the favorite activities of the children in the caravan, had become listening to Malstisos tell stories at night. In fact, on the nights when there were no stories you could hear the wail of crying children throughout the camp.

“Will you join us, master elf?” asked Lilly. “I am afraid Anna keeps getting the best cards.”

Malstisos smiled. “No. I'm afraid I cannot. We will be stopping in a matter of minutes, and Maybell and I must venture into town to resupply.”

“Nonsense,” said Lilly. “My husband is going into town. He can pick up whatever you need.”

“I’m afraid I must go myself,” said Malstisos. “I often don't know what I need until I see it.”

“Yes,” said Maybell. “And there is a matter I must attend to personally.”

Lilly frowned. “Very well. But you must join us tonight for supper.”

Maybell reached over and hugged the woman then the children in turn. “If we are