Of Gods and Elves - By Brian D. Anderson Page 0,87
they have not as of yet, is that the idea of a God in human form is beyond most of our understanding or imagination.”
Gewey thought for a minute. “I don't see anything I can do about it,” he said finally. “They'll know about me one way or another, in time.”
“You have a point,” Linis agreed. “But it would be better if they found out by watching you open the Book of Souls. If Theopolou has not deceived us, you may get the chance to do so.” He reached out and placed his hand on Gewey's shoulder. “Whatever happens, Kaylia and I will stand by you. Until then, we should keep our wits about us and look for signs of trouble.”
“You still suspect Theopolou?” asked Gewey.
“I suspect that there are plans set in motion against us. This much is clear. I have not heard anything thus far that eases my suspicions.” Linis glanced over at Theopolou, then Bellisia. “Of course, our true enemy may still be revealed. Mistrust can be a powerful weapon.”
Gewey thumbed the hilt of his sword. “I want to trust Theopolou. My heart tells me to. I suppose we’ll know soon enough, won’t we?”
Linis nodded. “That we will.”
Kaylia was oddly silent, but her eyes never left her uncle.
The rest of the evening was uneventful. Gewey and Kaylia sat a few yards away from the others, talking, while Linis rejoined the elders and discussed their route. The two elves that had been sent into the forest to bury the assassin returned about an hour before it was time to depart. Their faces were somber when they rejoined their companions and they did not want to speak.
Gewey gathered his gear and checked his sword. Akakios and the other three guards had rejoined the others, leaving Linis as Gewey's sole companion.
“I guess there's no point in guarding me anymore,” Gewey remarked.
“I think they realize it is a useless gesture,” said Linis. “They are of more use protecting their masters than watching you.”
Chapter Twenty-Five
The spirits of the party did not rise with the sun. The events of the previous day weighed heavily on their minds. Aside from their footfalls and the rustling of gear, not a sound could be heard. Kaylia continued to stay by Theopolou's side, while Linis and Gewey stayed to the rear. Gewey felt more at ease where eyes could not easily watch him. Though the pace had slowed a bit, they were still able to cover many miles before they made camp for the night. The evening mood was as dreary and quiet as it was during the day, though it was decided that a few small fires could be lit.
Linis and Kaylia, along with Theopolou and Chiron, joined Gewey beside the fire he had built a few yards away from the main camp. Six guards surrounded them, far enough away so that they did not intrude, but Gewey still felt uneasy as he noticed the contemptuous stares they gave him when he met their eyes.
“I thought it would be best to show our... friendship, to the others,” explained Chiron, as he took a seat by the fire.
“I appreciate it,” said Gewey. “I need all the help I can get.”
“Indeed,” said Theopolou. “The coming days will be difficult. Lord Chiron and I both agree that we must find a way for our people to survive the coming storm... even if it means allying ourselves with the humans for a time.”
“Others will argue that it is the humans who march,” added Chiron. “The King of Angrääl was himself a member of Amon Dähl, and his armies are human, even if it is their own kind they march on.”
“The humans who follow him have been deceived,” said Linis. “They have no idea what is about to be unleashed upon the world. And the elves that think him the reincarnation of King Rätsterfel are just as blind, and twice as stupid.”
“I cannot argue,” Chiron admitted. “But you must take into account that many of our people are weary of what has become of us. They no longer want to live in the shadows, yet they cannot bear to live side by side with humans.”
“What do you think?” Gewey asked Chiron.
“In my opinion the elves should leave,” he replied. “There are legends of lands beyond the great Western Abyss. It is said that my people once dwelt there. Perhaps it is time we returned.”
“Those are just legends, as you say,” said Theopolou. “And we have sent ships across the Abyss. None have