many things. Yes, I do. But none to help you. Alone is the journey of the second born. To what end shall be your task to discover. I come to aid the heaven child. Nothing less and nothing more.”
Gewey walked up to Felsafell and bowed low. “I never had the chance to thank you for what you did for me. If it were not for you I'd still be trapped.”
“How did he help you?” asked Bellisia.
“The why's and what's will have their time,” Felsafell said. “I know much and will share what I can. I will indeed. Oh, yes.” He looked across the gathering. “I know you have questions. Always questions for old Felsafell. But be mindful of what you ask. You may learn what you should not know.”
“So you intend to accompany us?” asked Chiron.
“I do, I do” he replied. “If you will have me. To learn to speak in the world again. An adventure that I did not see. Thought I would fade. Fade away and join my kin. But they have been stolen. The first are all gone.”
“You may join us,” said Gewey.
“You speak without authority,” snapped Bellisia. “We must—”
“He joins me, or I don't go,” said Gewey.
Bellisia paused, then turned and walked away, muttering.
“An old man is tired,” said Felsafell. “Rest is what I need. At least for a while. Questions after. Questions waiting.”
“Come with me,” said Gewey, offering his hand.
Felsafell smiled cheerfully and allowed Gewey to lead him through the camp to where he had set up his bedroll.
“You can take my blanket,” said Gewey. “I'm not tired.”
“A kind child of heaven you are,” said Felsafell. He plopped down on the ground and wrapped himself in the blanket. In seconds, he was breathing deeply.
“I can't believe he is here,” remarked Kaylia. “I wonder what he wants.”
“Whatever it is, he sure has stirred up the elders,” said Gewey, almost amused.
Theopolou approached. “We would like to speak with you,” he said. It was clear he did not share Gewey's amusement.
Gewey, Kaylia, and Linis followed Theopolou to the far side of the camp where the elders, along with their escorts, had gathered. They eyed Gewey as they shuffled uneasily and whispered to each other.
“How is it you know of Felsafell?” Bellisia demanded.
Gewey considered for a moment whether or not to mention his experience in the spirit world, and decided not to. “I met him in the Spirit Hills, after escaping from an agent of the Dark One.”
“And how did you come upon him?” asked Lord Aneili.
Gewey recounted the story of his encounter (leaving out things that would suggest his origin).
“You stayed in his home?” said Chiron. “Remarkable. Many of my people have sought out Felsafell. Some never to return. But even those who found him have never been afforded such a privilege.”
“We're still not certain that is the real Felsafell,” countered Bellisia.
“You seemed certain enough when he spoke to you a moment ago,” said Theopolou.
“Gewey appears to believe him, and of all of us he seems to have the most personal knowledge.”
“Suppose this is Felsafell,” said Lady Leora. “Is it wise to have him among us?”
Lord Endymion laughed. “Just what would you have us do, Leora? Kill him? He walked straight into our camp without being noticed. Do you think he gives us a choice?”
“I think we should hear what Gewey has to say.” Theopolou turned to Gewey. “You clearly want him with you, but is there anything you can tell us that might explain his being here?”
Bellisia leveled her gaze on Gewey. “Indeed, child of heaven. That is what he called you, is it not? What do you think are his motives?”
“I don’t know why he’s here,” said Gewey. “But I don't think he is here to harm us. That's not his way.”
“Tell that to my brother,” cried one of Chiron's escort. “He vanished in the Spirit Hills seeking Felsafell's so-called wisdom, never to be seen again.”
“I don't think Felsafell did anything to your brother,” said Gewey. “He warned me when I was with him that the spirits would try and trick you. They could make you lost and confused. If your bother disappeared I would think the spirits are the villains, not Felsafell.”
“So you say,” scoffed Bellisia. “Apparently, he has much interest in you. But why now? Why has he appeared just as we are ready to gather? Are you sure you cannot answer this riddle… child of heaven? Can you know that he means us no harm? Perhaps he means you no harm.”
“I’m certain he