not certain that you were the target. Besides, it was Akakios that shot him, and Akakios serves my uncle. No... even if what Bellisia said is true, I don't think he had anything to do with that.”
“We could just ask him, I suppose,” Gewey suggested. “I don't like feeling like I'm being manipulated, and whether it's Bellisia, Theopolou, or anyone else, I want it to stop.”
“Yes,” she agreed. “I feel that confrontation is best. I want to know his motives before we get there. And if Bellisia is trying to drive a wedge between us, then we should know that too.”
Kaylia and Gewey found Theopolou talking with three of his escorts.
“Can we speak?” asked Gewey.
Theopolou nodded and dismissed the elves. Kaylia recounted Gewey's words and waited for a response. At first, Theopolou was expressionless, then he began to laugh.
“Crafty,” said Theopolou. “Very crafty. And correct.”
“What?” cried Kaylia. “She was telling truth?”
“Of course, she was,” said Theopolou. “At least from her perspective. I do not wish you to bond with Gewey. And yes, if there were a way, I would seek to break it. But Bellisia is wrong to suggest that I believe I can. The bond is unbreakable... even by the two of you. I certainly couldn't force it to break, and even if I could, it would likely kill you. As she said, I act out of love for you. That is my motivation.” He turned to Gewey. “She told you I was no friend to you, and she is correct. But I am an ally. I need not be both.”
“What do you think she was trying to do?” asked Gewey.
Theopolou smiled. “I think she was being honest. And I am glad for it. I had suspected her of many things until now.”
“In what way does this rest your mind, uncle?” asked Kaylia.
“Bellisia has been an opponent to me for quite some time,” he explained. “Even in better times she and I have rarely seen eye to eye. But her actions have usually been to protect our people... even her opposition of me. That she would open her mind to a human, knowing I would likely hear of it, tells me much. And her words have merit, though not in the way you might think.” He placed his hands on Kaylia's shoulders. “I swear to you that I mean your suitor no harm. Though this is not a bond I would have chosen for you, I know I must accept it. If you wish I will perform the rites here and now, if that will prove my intentions to you.”
Kaylia smiled warmly and hugged Theopolou. “I believe you.”
Theopolou turned to Gewey. “I am your ally. But you must be mine in return.” His eyes fell lovingly on Kaylia. “You must protect her.”
“I swear,” said Gewey. “But something Bellisia said still bothers me. She said that the Dark One will try to kill Kaylia to get to me.”
“She is right,” said Theopolou. “But they could do that now. Were either of you to die, it would rip you apart... even without completing the bond. You would be useless shells, unable to fight. In fact, death would be kinder. But I think it is more likely that the Dark One would wish to capture Kaylia and use her to control you. Were that to happen you could be made into a powerful weapon.”
Gewey nodded. “What will you do now?”
“I shall speak with Bellisia,” he replied. “Now that I feel I can trust her, I should like her council.”
Theopolou embraced Kaylia once more and walked away to find Bellisia. “Do you believe him?” asked Gewey.
“Yes,” she replied. “He is not plotting against us.”
The elders announced that they were to remain where they were for a few hours, then start out again before daybreak. Kaylia, Gewey, and Linis went off a few yards from the others while Theopolou spoke privately with Bellisia.
Chiron approached. Gewey and the others stood and bowed. Chiron bowed in return. He looked different than Theopolou. Though he was the same age, he seemed younger and less careworn of spirit. His hair still held its deep brown color, and he walked with a light spring in his step.
“You have courage, Gewey Stedding,” said Chiron, once he reached them. “To face the council of elders within the Chamber of the Maker, and do so after bonding with one of our own kind...” he laughed softly. “Truly remarkable.”
“Are you here to convince me not to go through with it?” asked Gewey.
“Not at