Of Gods and Elves - By Brian D. Anderson Page 0,77

guards would try to stop him, but one glance from Linis and it was clear that he would not be hindered.

“They have no jurisdiction over me, Gewey,” said Linis. “I'll walk with you.” He noticed Gewey looking at Kaylia. “She'll walk with her uncle and his escort... for now.”

This satisfied Gewey. He could see that Linis had unnerved the elders, but they did nothing to stop him.

The elders and escorts led the way through the front gate, followed by Gewey, Linis, and Gewey's guards. Gewey spent the day listening to Linis tell stories about his exploits and adventures.

For such a large group, they covered ground swiftly. They didn't stop to rest until it was time to make camp, by which time they had covered nearly forty miles. Akakios and the other three elves set up their bedrolls a few feet away from Gewey and Linis. Kaylia stayed near Theopolou while the others settled in, but soon joined Gewey and Linis, as they retrieved some bread and dried fruit from their packs. Linis had warned Gewey that they would not be building a fire for cooking along the way. Linis explained that elders intended to travel swiftly and unnoticed. At first, the lack of a fire worried Gewey. He only had the provisions he had arrived with, and some required cooking, but Linis assured him that there would be enough dried meat and fruit to go around.

“Have you gone over the ceremony with Gewey?” Kaylia asked Linis.

“I will tomorrow,” he replied. “I do not think the others are comfortable with the idea, so I thought it best to wait a day or two.”

“You don't have to worry about that,” said Gewey with a mischievous grin. He told them about the remark he had made at Theopolou's house in front of his guards.

“You should not provoke them,” Linis warned. “Bellisia is one of Theopolou's main opponents, and they serve her.”

“It’s not like it's a secret that Kaylia and I are bonded,” Gewey argued. “Besides, they deserved it. I mean really. Akakios isn’t in favor of human-elf relations, but he still manages to act decently towards me. They have refused to even address me properly.”

Linis couldn't help but smile. “It would have been amusing to see them squirm. But still, they could be dangerous, and now you are unarmed.”

“I may be unarmed,” said Gewey, “But, I am far from defenseless.”

“A fact we don't want them to know,” added Kaylia. “Some of them probably suspect you of being a half-man, and that's bad enough. But at least it explains your ability to channel the powers of the earth. If you unleashed those powers upon them, and were forced to defend yourself, we would be faced with a whole new set of problems.” She reached over and touched Gewey's arm, causing him to blush. “After we complete the bonding, there will nothing they can say or do.”

“Which brings a question,” said Linis. “Who shall preside over the ceremony?”

“Theopolou would do it, if I asked,” replied Kaylia. “but I fear it would jeopardize his position among the others. I was hoping you might do us the honor. As a seeker, it is within your right.”

Linis bowed his head. “I would be honored to do so. But, I still think you should speak to your uncle about this. He has done nothing to oppose your union with Gewey, though I am certain he is not happy about it. In fact, he has pressed you to follow through with it, if I am not mistaken.”

“You are right, of course,” said Kaylia. “I will speak to him tomorrow.”

“Do you think Theopolou is really in danger?” asked Gewey.

“I do,” answered Linis. “But from who, I cannot say.”

“Bellisia seems the most likely candidate,” said Gewey. “She all but threatened to have me killed.”

Linis furled his brow and shook his head. “I would not be so quick to pass judgment on Lady Bellisia. Her hatred is limited to humans and well... the Gods. She opposes Theopolou, but it is hard for me to imagine her conspiring with humans for any reason. Even if it meant regaining our kingdoms and lands.”

“Who then?” asked Kaylia. “Certainly not Lord Chiron. He has been as a brother to Theopolou since they were children. Lord Aneili is the only other elder that wanted Theopolou called to judgment, but it's hard to imagine him doing anything so dishonest. The rest are Theopolou's allies.”

“Are they?” asked Linis, “I'm not so sure. You cannot be betrayed by your enemies, only