Of Gods and Elves - By Brian D. Anderson Page 0,93

Kaylia, Felsafell, and Theopolou's escort followed close behind. Gewey and Linis entered last. Gewey looked around, impressed. The interior resembled a house more than a tent. Just past the entrance was a large open area with a dozen plush chairs lining the walls. In the center, there was a short round table, big enough to accommodate twenty people, with an assortment of cushions underneath. The scent of mint filled the air, emanating from the roasted lamb that had been placed on the table. Along the ceiling hung light orbs, set just dimly enough to give the room a warm feel. The floor was uncovered, but the soft grass was as lush and beautiful as any carpet. At the far left corner another tent flap led to the back areas.

“There are enough rooms for everyone,” said Theopolou, pointing to the rear door. “All the rooms are the same, so choose as you will. Hot water should be waiting for you, unless you prefer to eat before you wash.”

“No, thank you,” said Gewey. “I prefer to be clean when I eat, if I can.”

Theopolou nodded and led the group through the tent flap. A hall lined with several cloth-covered doorways stretched before him. Gewey chose the third and Linis the one just beyond. Kaylia and the others continued around the corner, following Theopolou. Felsafell whistled merrily and winked at Gewey as he rounded the corner.

The room Gewey chose was rather sparse compared to the main dining and lounging area. A small bedroll was placed in the corner, and a wash basin sat in the opposite corner with a cotton towel folded neatly beside it. One light globe hung from the ceiling and a soft, thin, brown area rug covered the floor.

Gewey washed and changed into a cotton shirt and pants, and strapped on his sword. He could still smell the mint lamb and his stomach growled loudly.

“Are you ready?” came Linis' voice from just outside his room.

Gewey threw back the door flap and smiled at the elf. “I'm starving.”

Linis noticed Gewey was wearing his sword. “You will want to take that off at the table. It is considered rude to be armed at the table of your host, and for all intents and purposes this is still the home of Theopolou.”

Gewey removed his sword. “Should I leave it behind?”

“No,” Linis replied. “Keep it with you, but place it on the floor beside you.”

Gewey nodded and followed Linis to the dining hall. Theopolou and a few of his escort were already seated. Gewey took a seat opposite them and Linis sat on his left. Kaylia was not yet there.

Theopolou nodded at the lamb. “We serve ourselves here. Felsafell will not be joining us. He said he needs to rest.”

One of Theopolou's escort passed them a bottle of wine. Gewey gratefully accepted it, then gave it to Linis.

“I'll wait until we're all here,” said Gewey, noticing that the others’ plates were still empty.

“Only await Kaylia,” said Theopolou. “The rest are running errands.”

“No need to wait any longer,” said Kaylia, as she entered the room.

She was dressed in a soft, loosely fitted, white cotton shirt and trousers and a pair of soft leather shoes. Her hair was tied into a long braid and she carried a long knife in her left hand. After surveying the group, she took a seat on Gewey's right.

Theopolou cut off a portion of lamb then passed it around the table. One of the elves rose from the table, retrieved a basket filled with flat bread, and passed it out to the party. They dined in silence, to Gewey's relief. It was all he could do to maintain his table manners. Not only was he famished, but the lamb was exceedingly tender and juicy.

Once they finished, two elves cleared the table and brought out a decanter of plum brandy. Gewey's mouth twisted when the sweet fragrance fill the room.

“I see you don't care for plum brandy,” Theopolou observed. “I have more wine if you would rather.”

“Brandy will be fine,” said Gewey. “I've never had elf brandy. I would try it before I decide.”

Theopolou smiled slightly and passed the bottle around the table. To Gewey’s relief, though the smell was similar, it was not as sweet as the brandy he had tasted in the past. In fact, it was quite pleasant and a smile crept onto his face as he sipped it.

“Word of you and Felsafell will have begun to spread by now,” said Theopolou. “I have called for a gathering in