Of Gods and Elves - By Brian D. Anderson Page 0,67

back in time, we will.” She hated misleading them.

Soon the caravan halted and began to make camp. After setting up their tents, Maybell and Malstisos detached their horses from the wagon and headed in the direction of Farmington. They hadn't traveled half of a mile when they heard a voice call from behind them.

“Wait” It was Grentos. Vadnaltis was just behind. Both carried their long knives at their side, and Vadnaltis had a bow slung across his back.

“I was afraid we'd miss you,” said Grentos.

“I wasn't aware you intended to go to town,” said Malstisos, trying not to sound alarmed.

“We noticed you were leaving and thought we'd keep you company,” said Grentos.

“I thank you,” said Maybell. “But our day will be tedious and long. I would not want you to waste your time on such trivialities.”

“You are kind,” said Grentos. “But we don't mind... do we?” Vadnaltis was expressionless. His eyes were fixed on the road ahead. “You carry a bow, I see,” Malstisos remarked.

“Yes,” Grentos replied. “We thought we'd do a bit of hunting, later. I'd ask you to join us but as you have no bow... ”

“That's quite alright,” said Malstisos. “The game here is small and sparse. And I have no need for food or clothing, and such a hunt requires great skill.”

Maybell noticed a sudden change in the elves’ walk and movements.

“I see,” muttered Grentos. “Then we were correct.”

“About what?” asked Maybell.

“We had suspected you had found us out, Malstisos,” Grentos continued. “But we couldn't be certain. Seekers are not as adept at reading people as an elf such as you. Luckily, those dull humans believe whatever they are told.”

“What is your intent?” asked Malstisos. If he were afraid, it did not show.

“That has been a thing much debated between Vadnaltis and me,” Grentos replied. “I would not have you escape to the temples.” He glanced over at Maybell. “I can only assume that is what you were planning. Nor can I simply kill you. That would not sit well with Vadnaltis.”

“What's your solution?” asked Malstisos.

“You will face my challenge,” Grentos answered, sounding pleased with himself. Malstisos reigned in his horse. “You cannot be serious.”

Grentos backed away a few steps. “I am. Do you accept?”

Malstisos slid from the saddle but made no move to draw his weapon. “You have no right to do this.”

“Don't I?” scoffed Grentos. “I think I have every right to call out a traitor.”

“What's going on here?” Maybell demanded. “What challenge?”

“If I were a seeker and broke their code, or had refused judgment of the elders,” Malstisos explained. “Grentos would have the right to challenge me to single combat. But as neither is the case, he has decided to take matters into his own hands.”

Vadnaltis placed his hand on Grentos' shoulder. “He is right, brother. You cannot do this. Call him to face judgment instead. You have that right.”

“He will not honor it,” Grentos countered. “He's just like the rest of our kin who have taken up with the humans.”

“Perhaps,” said Vadnaltis. “But then he shows his dishonor, and can be put to death. As it is, you have no authority. The elders have not given any such edict, and our laws forbid it.”

“We have already been through this,” Grentos let out with frustration. “The elders already ordered the death of a traitor without judgment. What is the difference?”

“They were wrong to do so,” said Vadnaltis. “And the difference is, we are from the steppes, and we hold to the laws that have guided our people for thousands of years. Would you behave as the rebels, and throw away the laws because they are inconvenient?”

Grentos shook off Vadnaltis' hand and turned his back. “We've been over this. I will not be swayed.”

“And if Malstisos refuses the challenge?” he asked. “What then?”

“Then not only will he die,” Grentos replied darkly. “But his human pet will die with him. As it stands, I'm willing to let her go in peace.”

Sadness washed over Vadnaltis' face. “I will ask you, one more time, to reconsider.”

“I will not,” Grentos replied, sternly. He spun around to face Malstisos. “Do you accept or not?”

Malstisos opened his mouth to answer, but Vadnaltis stepped in front of him.

“I challenge you, brother,” said Vadnaltis. His eyes were full of tears. “Do you accept?”

“What is this?” Grentos cried. “You cannot do this.”

“I ask again,” he pressed. “Do you accept?”

“I...” Grentos stammered. “I... I do.”

The two elves stepped away from the horses and took opposite positions on the road. Maybell moved close to Malstisos