Of Gods and Elves - By Brian D. Anderson Page 0,99
feel the bond between them grow stronger with each step he took. He no longer noticed the elves in the gallery.
“Your sword,” whispered Linis.
Gewey removed the blade and carefully handed it over. Linis stayed just behind him as he continued down.
Theopolou’s eyes were closed, his hands folded in front of him. As Gewey finally reached the stage, Theopolou opened his eyes. The old elf held a grave expression, denoting the seriousness of the ceremony.
As he stepped beside Kaylia, Gewey saw the slightest of smiles on her lips. Theopolou bowed slightly and held out his hand, palm down. Gewey and Kaylia slowly dropped to their knees. All voices were silent, and all eyes were focused on them.
“We are here on this night to bear witness,” said Theopolou. His voice echoed throughout the Chamber. “The Creator has deemed that the two here before me be bonded in spirit. Their souls forever as one. Their lives... a single life. It has been many years since such a thing has taken place, so it is fitting that such a sacred vow be made here, in the Chamber of the Maker, for all the elders of our race to see.” He stepped forward and placed a hand on Gewey and Kaylia’s heads. “Is there anyone here that can find just cause to stand against their bond?”
This caused a stir among the crowd, and Gewey's heart raced, but no one spoke. “This is good,” Theopolou continued. “Then--”
“I claim the right of pudnaris,” called a voice from the crowd.
Both Kaylia and Gewey turned. From the crowd, a lone elf pushed his way through. He was dressed in plain tan leathers and wore a long knife on his belt. He was tall, nearly as tall as Gewey, though not as broad in the shoulders. His long, silver blond hair was tied back in a tight braid, and his eyes were aflame with determination.
“Eftichis,” whispered Kaylia.
“By what right do you challenge?” Theopolou demanded.
Eftichis reached the floor and stood tall, just a few feet away from Gewey. Linis moved in between.
“Still yourself, seeker,” said Eftichis. “I will do no violence... yet.”
“Answer the question,” said Theopolou. “By what right do you challenge?”
“Kaylia was promised to me,” Eftichis replied, in a loud clear voice.
Kaylia sprang to her feet. “I was never promised to you or to anyone.”
“You dare to tell untruths in this sacred place?” Eftichis challenged. “Your father made this arrangement during the Great War as a symbol of unity between our families. You were yet to be born, but the promise still holds. Certainly you know this.”
“I know nothing of the sort,” Kaylia countered. “Were you to ever make this claim, I would have refused, and you know it. I am already bonded to Gewey, and I will not be forced to accept a promise made by my father before I was born... if he ever made such a promise.”
“You doubt my honor?” Eftichis asked. “You doubt the word of my father?”
“You think to trick me into naming you a liar,” said Kaylia. “I will not. But if you wish to see the Maker, so be it.”
Eftichis laughed. “You think much of your human mate.”
Gewey rose to his feet and met Eftichis’ gaze. “You speak from ignorance. I will ask you not to do this. I have no desire to spill your blood, but if you stand between us... I will.” Gewey allowed the flow to wash over him. Audible gasps came from the gallery.
“I see,” said Eftichis. “There is more to you than meets the eye, it would seem. Still, I will not be deterred. Do you accept?”
“He has until sunset tomorrow to answer,” Theopolou interjected.
“I don't need to wait,” snapped Gewey. “I accept. I am sorry. I had hoped I would never have to spill elf blood. But if you force me to, I will.”
“We will see whose blood will spill, human.” Eftichis sneered and turned to Theopolou. “And unless you dare to dispute my word, then you have no choice. The right is mine, and I claim it.” He looked out over the gallery. “Does anyone here question the truth of my claim?”
A minute passed and the Chamber was silent. Eftichis smirked with satisfaction.
Theopolou bowed his head and sighed. “Then it is done. When the dawn breaks, you will return here. You may bring with you your weapon, your clothes, and nothing more. One elf of your choosing may stand with you, but he is not to interfere. Do you understand?” Both Gewey and Eftichis nodded.