Of Gods and Elves - By Brian D. Anderson Page 0,76

night he left Sharpstone. “What should we do?” he asked.

“There is nothing to do,” the old elf answered. “We must allow this to play out. If Bellisia and her allies plan to join with Angrääl, we must call them out in front of the others. I will send word ahead to the elders who chose not to attend here today. They will not ignore a summons to the Chamber of the Maker.”

“I thought all the elders were already here,” remarked Gewey.

“No,” said Theopolou. “The seven elders here, including myself, are chief's among our people, and can speak for our tribes in the absence of the others.”

“Will they have time to get there?” asked Kaylia.

“I hope so,” said Theopolou. “I should be able to get word to them quickly enough for most to arrive ahead of us, though the northern tribes will never get there in time.” Theopolou walked them to the front door and left them just outside.

“I'm worried,” said Kaylia, as they made their way around to their rooms. “I have never seen my kind behave with such malice and deceit toward one another. Linis was right all along. The second split is inevitable.”

“Does that mean you will change your mind about facing judgment?” asked Gewey.

Kaylia smiled and touched his hand. “I don't know. At least not yet.”

“Whatever happens, I'll be there beside you,” said Gewey, with grim determination.

“That reminds me,” said Kaylia. “I have decided we shall complete the ritual of bonding once we arrive at the Chamber of the Maker.” She glanced sideways at Gewey. “That is if you are agreeable.”

“I...” he stuttered. “That is...” he stopped short and cleared his throat. “Of course, I am.”

“Good,” said Kaylia. “Linis will instruct you on the ceremony along the way. Also, you need instruction in our customs if you are to be mine. I will see to that personally.”

Gewey's heart raced with excitement and fear. If the Village Mothers could see me now. They had tried to be matchmaker for him more times than he cared to remember.

Once in his room, Gewey packed his gear and changed into his tan, leather pants and thin, wool shirt. As he strapped on his sword he heard a knock at the door. “Come in.”

The door opened and in walked Akakios and three grim-looking elves. All were wearing hard, leather armor, a long knife, and a bow and quiver across their backs.

Gewey bowed. “I take it you are my guards.”

“We are,” Akakios affirmed. “These three are from the personal escort of Lady Bellisia. They wish me to tell you that they have no desire to speak with you, and any questions should be directed to me.”

Gewey couldn't help but be amused and laughed softly. This brought angry stares from the three elves and a smile from Akakios.

“You are not permitted to carry your weapon,” said Akakios. “I will carry it for you, if you wish.”

“That's fine,” said Gewey, unbuckling his sword. “But take care not to touch anything but the scabbard, or you will be burned.”

Akakios looked in wonder at the sword as Gewey handed it over. He couldn't help but test what Gewey had told him and touched the blade. Immediately he withdrew his hand, wincing in pain.

“I have never heard of such a weapon,” marveled Akakios. “How did you come by it?”

“Perhaps I'll tell you along the way.” He couldn't help but get in a quip, designed to get under the other elves’ skin. “That is, if I have time. Linis is to instruct me in the bonding ceremony and Kaylia is to teach me more about elf ways and customs.”

The three elves stirred uneasily, but said nothing. Gewey smiled with satisfaction. Akakios closed his eyes and shook his head with a groan.

Gewey grabbed his gear and allowed himself to be led from the room to the front of the house. At least thirty elves awaited him. Theopolou and the six other elders, along with their armed escorts, stood near the base of the statue. Kaylia and Linis stood a few feet away from them, talking quietly. Gewey began to approach Linis and Kaylia, but Akakios stopped him.

“You must remain with us until we make camp,” said Akakios, almost apologetically. “You are free to speak to whomever you wish then. But, as we travel you are to stay silent.”

This irritated Gewey, but he saw no other choice but to concede. It was then Linis walked straight up to him and slapped him on the back. At first it seemed like the