all,” Chiron replied. “Besides, what can be done now? Your spirits are already joined. You have very little choice in the matter. That is, unless you intend to allow your souls to rend asunder.”
“You are friend to my uncle,” said Kaylia.
“I am,” he replied. “For many years we have been as brothers.”
“Then I am a friend to you,” she said.
Chiron smiled, then his eyes fell on Gewey. “And what of you? Shall you be a friend to me as well?”
“If you would like,” Gewey replied. “I am eager to befriend the people of my future unorem.”
Chiron cocked his head. “I see you have been learning our customs. In that case, allow me to educate you further.” He took a seat on the grass. Gewey and the others did likewise. “Has anyone told you of the rite of pudnaris?”
Gewey shook his head.
Chiron glanced to Kaylia then Linis. “Then your friends have been neglectful of your education.”
“I...” began Linis. But one look from Chiron silenced him.
“Let me explain,” said Chiron. “Pudnaris is when a suitor is challenged for his right to join with his intended mate. This challenge can be made by anyone, as long as they can give valid cause.”
“Who could have cause?” asked Kaylia. “I have accepted no other suitor.”
“True,” said Chiron. “But there are other arguments to be made to support the pudnaris besides a potential rival.”
“Like what?” asked Gewey.
“In this case, anything,” he replied.
“Why are you telling me this?” asked Gewey.
“I tell you because you have the right to know. Many will oppose this. Perhaps enough to risk their lives to stop you.” He scrutinized Gewey for a moment. “We know that you control great power, and open battle with you is a risk. We also know of your fight with the Vrykol. If Theopolou is correct and that is what they truly were, the fact that you defeated it tells us what we need to know about your skill.” He pointed at Gewey's sword that hung at his side. “And to face that weapon is to face death, in the hands of someone who can use the flow to gain strength.”
“You know something about my sword?” asked Gewey.
“I know a little,” Chiron replied. “It was made during a time when elves first walked the earth, and our knowledge was vast. The art of its construction has been lost in time, but the legends remain. Only small objects can be made now and with limited uses. Whoever gave you that sword had no idea what they possessed, or they would have never given it away. It was said that such weapons could make someone powerful beyond measure.”
Gewey looked down at his sword, and thought about the first time he used it when he fought Salmitaya's soldiers. “Do you think someone will challenge me?”
“Who can say?” the elf replied. “I tell you only to warn you.” He rose to his feet. “I will inform you if I hear anything.” He spun about and strode off before Gewey could utter another word.
Gewey watched Chiron as he walked away. “I don't trust him,” he said quietly.
“He is Theopolou's friend,” said Kaylia. “And my uncle trusts him.”
“Gewey's right,” Linis interjected. “I get the same feeling. He seems all too willing to accept you. It may be nothing, but I feel something is amiss.” He rubbed his chin in thought. “Still, if Theopolou trusts him, I suppose we should as well.”
“Did you know about this pudnaris?” Gewey asked, looking to both Kaylia and Linis.
Kaylia nodded. “Yes, but I did not think it important. As an elf facing judgment and my well-known relationships with humans, I could not imagine why anyone would call for it. Not to mention that we are already bonded. That should be enough to deter any potential rivals.”
“True,” said Linis. “But if someone thought to use it to prevent your union with Gewey, things could get complicated.” He looked at Gewey with a grave expression. “If it happens, you will be exposed. The amount of flow you will need to channel, in order to defeat a determined elf will be immense. I remember when I saw you holding the power within you for the first time.”
“But you didn't guess what I was,” said Gewey.
“No,” said Linis. “But I knew you were... something different. And remember, I am not as versed in such matters as the elders. And there will be many of them at the Chamber when we arrive. You can bet they will figure it out. The only reason