Of Gods and Elves - By Brian D. Anderson Page 0,97

on the bed. Chiron eyed it carefully. “Might I see it?” asked Chiron, nodding at the sword.

Gewey picked it up and handed it over. “Certainly. But be careful not to touch the blade. It will burn you.”

“I see,” muttered Chiron as he slid the sword free, careful only to touch the leather that wrapped the hilt. A high-pitched ring filled the air, then faded away.

“A true wonder,” said Chiron. “That you possess this is a miracle. Such things were thought lost. There isn't an elf alive that wouldn't give up everything he or she owned to possess such a weapon.”

“They couldn't wield it unless it was truly theirs,” said Gewey. “Once it was first drawn, the blade can only be touched by the one who drew it.”

Chiron re-sheathed and handed it back to Gewey, though his eyes never left it. “I see. You should take care never to lose it.”

Gewey suddenly felt uneasy. “I will.”

Chiron blinked his eyes and regained his focus. “If you are ready, I would have you join me in the main hall. We can relax there and wait until Theopolou has everything in order. It may be several hours, that is, unless you are tired and would rather sleep. I can certainly provide a bed.”

“I'm anything but tired,” Gewey replied with a grin. “In fact, I wish I could explore the camp.”

“That would not be a good idea, unfortunately.” Chiron chuckled. “You will have to make do with the simple conversation of an old elf.”

Gewey’s cheeks flushed. “I didn't mean—”

Chiron threw his head back in laughter. “I jest. I am not offended. I, too, would like to wander the camp. There are many friends I have not seen in some time. But, I fear that my association with Theopolou has lost me many of them.”

“And your support of me, I wager,” Gewey added.

“True.” Chiron rose to his feet. “Come. Let us relax and tell tales. It may be the last of simple pleasures we have for quite some time.”

Gewey nodded and followed Chiron into the main hall. The table was empty and only a couple of Chiron's guards were visible.

“Where did everybody go?” asked Gewey.

“Most are in the back preparing for the ceremony,” Chiron replied. “The rest are running errands for me.”

Gewey and Chiron took seats on opposite sides of the table. One of the guards brought them a bottle of wine.

“Careful with that,” warned Chiron. “We wouldn't want you too lightheaded.” Gewey stared at the bottle, then pushed it away.

Chiron smiled, then ordered a pitcher of water. They talked of Gewey’s home and upbringing until Linis arrived. It wasn’t until he saw Linis enter that he realized that Chiron had not spoken a single word about himself.

“Forgive my absence,” said Linis. “But I've been busy assisting Theopolou. Akakios told me you were here, so I knew you were in good hands.”

“No worries,” said Gewey. “Lord Chiron has kept me quite occupied. Though I regret I must have rambled on. But it's been wonderful to take my mind off things for a bit.”

Chiron bowed his head slightly. “It was a pleasure. So seldom do I have such a chance to hear of the human world.” He turned to Linis. “All is ready?”

“It is,” said Linis. “Theopolou and the others are awaiting us in the Chamber of the Maker. Even Felsafell is there.”

“And Kaylia...” asked Gewey.

Linis laughed heartily. “Don't worry. She will be there as well.”

“Then let us go,” said Chiron.

Gewey’s stomach began to quiver and he felt faint. Linis rushed up and put his arm around him.

“He can face the Vrykol,” Linis teased. “But an elf woman makes him weak in the knees.”

Gewey blushed and tried to regain his composure. “I'm fine.” He took a deep breath. “Let's go.”

Chapter Twenty-Seven

As Gewey left the tent, he was awestruck. In the fullness of night, the camp was an ocean of multicolored lights. The tents glowed brightly, their fabric silhouetted by their inhabitants moving about inside. It wasn't quite as bright as the light of day, yet he could see just as clearly, as if a shadow had been removed from his eyes, allowing him to see the cool, natural beauty of the night. He could feel eyes upon him as they walked toward the Chamber.

“Before we enter, you must receive permission from the keepers to enter,” said Chiron.

“The keepers?” said Gewey.

“Guards with a title,” mocked Linis. “Most are elves that didn't have the talent to become seekers.”

Chiron frowned at Linis. “They are more than that, and you know