The Godling Chronicles 02 - Of Gods And Elves (14 page)

Gewey nodded. “He said it could drive me insane.”

“
Unlikely,” said Linis from behind them.
“I've heard the same tales of caution, but as wise as Theopolou
is, he has no real experience with this matter. It would take many
weeks of constant use to have any lasting effect.”

“
He said that because I can use so much more than
an elf, that it might take less time,” said Gewey.

“
He may have a point,” admitted Linis. “How
do you feel now?”

“
Good,” Gewey replied. “In fact,
better than good. I've never felt so strong in my life. I think I
could run for days without stopping.”

Linis thought for a moment. “Tomorrow I want you
to release the
flow
when we rest. I and the others should be able to keep watch well
enough.”

“
Okay,” said Gewey, smiling. Though the
thought of releasing the power of the earth made his heart ache.
Kaylia at once picked up on this feeling.

“
I'll see to it,” said Kaylia.

Linis threw his head back in laughter. “Then I
have no need to worry. I am sure all will be well so long as you are
keeping watch over our young man.” He moved to his bedroll.
“Don't forget, you must at least pretend to rest, Gewey.”

Gewey lay on his blanket and closed his eyes. He could
hear the forest’s sweet song, as the wind caressed the trees
and moved across the grass. Nocturnal predators stalked their prey,
and high above an eagle soared in the direction of the sea. It was so
much more natural than the first time he has done this. In fact, he
couldn't imagine a time when his ears were deaf to such marvels.
Sleep was not a possibility.

Chapter Nine

When the elves broke camp, Gewey was bursting with
energy. His mind raced with the thoughts of the coming days. The
elves seemed satisfied that Gewey had had enough rest and took little
notice of his energetic behavior.

In the hours before sunrise, they covered many miles.
Gewey was astounded by the speed the elves maintained. His original
journey from Sharpstone would have taken half the time had they been
able to move this speed. He was certain Lee could match it but
doubted that, at the time, he could have.

When the sun broke the horizon Linis called for a halt,
but no one put down their packs. Each helped another to retrieve
bread and a flask from their gear and they continued, eating and
drinking along the way.

By midday, the sun blazed, and the party increased its
pace, but the elves did not appear effected. Gewey, still using the
power of the earth, was as strong as he'd been when they left. In
fact, with each hour that passed he felt stronger.

“
Does the human need rest?” asked Akakios, a
short, stocky elf with sandy blond hair.

“
The human has a name,” said Gewey
irritably.

Akakios laughed and slapped Gewey on the back. “I
meant no offense, young one. Come. Walk beside me and perhaps you can
instruct me on human manners and customs.”

Gewey allowed his irritation to subside and gave the elf
a friendly smile. “I'd be happy to, if you can call me Gewey.”

Akakios bowed his head. “Agreed.”

Akakios and Gewey walked together until the light of the
day began to fade. Gewey told him stories of his home and his
upbringing, and he found Akakios to be an elf of good humor. Just as
Kaylia had when he first told her of his old life and upbringing,
Akakios told Gewey that he and many other elves longed for such a
life.

“
To live a simple existence is the desire of many
of my people,” said Akakios. “Perhaps when all of this
nonsense that plagues the world is done, we can.”

“
Do you hate humans?” asked Gewey, then
realized the rudeness of his question. “I only ask because—”

“
I know why you ask,” Akakios said. “The
answer is no. Though I have no love for them either. Hatred is a
useless emotion. Though I would not choose to live among your kind, I
see no cause to dwell in the past. The world is big enough for all to
live within it.”

Gewey thought for a moment. “So you are against
what Linis and others like him are doing?”

“
I am,” Akakios admitted. “They invite
the destruction of our culture. The result of living side by side
with humanity would be a mixing of the races. I would not see the
blood of our people corrupted.” He lowered his head. “I
hope I have not offended you, but it is how I feel.”

Gewey's thoughts turned to Dina. “I'm not
offended. I don't agree, but you have the right to feel any way you
wish. But then why spend the day in my company?”

“
You have shown yourself to have great strength
and courage. I would know the man behind it. I am not close-minded. I
realize that virtue does not live within my people alone, and your
company does not cause me discomfort.”

“
I'm glad,” said Gewey. “Maybe in
time, I can change your mind even more.”

“
One can never know the future,” said
Akakios. “You're welcome to try.”

When they had made camp, Theopolou informed Gewey that
they would be resting until the morning. Gewey insisted that he could
continue, but Theopolou would not be dissuaded.

“
Your stamina is already causing talk,” said
Theopolou. “Besides, as I understand, you will be releasing the
flow
tonight. You may
find that your body needs to recover.”

A chill shot through Gewey's body. He had all but
forgotten that he would spend time without the power of the earth
inside him.

Gewey sat on his bedroll, staring at the fire when Linis
approached.

“
It's time,” said Linis. “Release it.”

Anger swelled in Gewey’s chest. “I'd rather
not.”

Linis studied him for a few minutes. “I was not
certain before, but I am now. You
must
release the
flow
,
now.”

“
I will not,” he growled. “There is no
reason. I'm fine.”

“
You are
not
fine,” shot Linis. “If you were, you would have no
trouble doing as I request. I can see that you should not hold it for
so long.”

Gewey jumped to his feet, rage swelling inside him. His
eyes focused on Linis, and his hand felt the urge to slide to his
sword.

“
Gewey,” called Kaylia, from just outside
the light of the fire. “Come here...
now
!”
Gewey’s mind snapped to attention. It was then he realized the
entire camp was staring at him. He lowered his head and started
toward Kaylia.

Kaylia stood with her eyes fixed on Gewey. Once he stood
beside her, she took his hand and led him away from the camp.

“
You must release the power,” she said
softly. “And you must do it quickly before you lose yourself.”

Gewey pulled away, his anger returning. “Why? Why
must I become weak again?”

“
Do not call yourself weak,” she said. “You
insult me. My spirit would not bind itself to the weak. Your
strength, your
true
strength, does not come from the
flow
.
It comes from within.” She placed her hand on his chest. “Do
this for me.”

His heart raced at her touch and he lowered his head,
allowing the power to drain away. Gewey felt weakness and fatigue
wash over his entire body and he fell to his knees... weeping. The
absence of the
flow
made him feel hollow and afraid. The sounds and smells he had found
so enthralling were gone, and he was left in silence. It was like the
world had been ripped away.

Kaylia knelt down in front of him and pulled his head to
her shoulder. “It will pass.” She stroked his raven hair.
“I am here.”

After a few minutes, Gewey regained his composure. He
wiped his face and his eyes. “It's dark,” were the only
words he could manage.

Kaylia smiled sweetly and kissed his cheek. “And
it will get darker still... but not tonight.”

“
Thank you,” said Gewey, weakly. “You
were right. I must not hold the power for that long again. I nearly
lost myself.”

“
But you have returned to us, I trust,” came
the voice of Linis from a few yards away. He walked into view,
Theopolou at his side.

“
I'm... back to normal.” Gewey rose to his
feet. “I'm sorry for what I did at the camp. It won't happen
again.”

“
No apologies needed,” said Linis. “The
fault was mine. I should have never asked you to hold the
flow
for that long without knowing what it would do to you.”

“
Indeed you should not have, seeker,” said
Theopolou. “I hope you will heed my advice from here on.”

“
In matters such as this…I will,”
said Linis.

“
What about the others?” asked Gewey. “I'm
sure they noticed what happened.”

“
They believe you pushed yourself too far and your
human body affected your mind,” replied Theopolou. “A
fiction I am not inclined to correct at this time.”

“
If you are able we should get back,” said
Linis. “You need rest.”

Gewey nodded and followed the others back to camp. The
elves all watched as he made his way to his bedroll. Embarrassment
filled him. He rolled on his stomach and hid his face.

“
All is well?” It was Akakios.

Gewey rolled over to see the elf smiling down at him.
“I'm fine. Just tired.”

“
I must admit I was amazed you kept pace with us
with so little rest,” said Akakios. “Don't feel bad. We
may not show it, but we are tired as well. If it were not for the
demons that attacked us at Valshara, we would not be moving at this
pace.”

“
I appreciate your words,” said Gewey,
forcing a smile. “I'll be better once I've had some sleep.”

“
I will leave you to it then.” He walked
over to a group of elves gathered on the other side of the fire.

It didn't take long for sleep to take him, and his
fatigue held off any dreams. Kaylia woke Gewey just as the sun
breached the horizon.

“
Theopolou has said we will stop at the home of
Kephalos.” Kaylia handed Gewey a piece of bread and some dried
meat. She huddled close.

“
Why?” asked Gewey. “I thought we were
in a hurry.”

“
Theopolou wants to show him the head of the
Vrykol,” she replied. “Kephalos is very knowledgeable in
ancient lore and may be able to give us information we need.”

The thought of seeing an elf dwelling excited Gewey.
“When will we arrive?”

“
We should be there by sundown tomorrow.”

Gewey smiled with satisfaction. Kaylia next to him
seemed more natural than before, though the others stared with
disapproval. The next day he woke before dawn, ready for a new march.
By midday, the trees began to thicken and the ground was covered by
dense, moist grass that made walking at speed difficult. The heat of
the sun made the air like earthy steam, and sweat beaded on Gewey's
forehead.

“
How is it so hot this close to winter?”
Gewey asked Linis.

“
We are near the fire hills.”

“
I've heard of them,” said Gewey. “My
father said it's like summer all year there, and that great plumes of
steam erupt from the ground. I had no idea we were so close.”

“
Your father was correct,” said Linis. “But
we will only be just outside the hills. Not within them. One day, if
you wish, I will show them to you properly. They are truly a wonder.”

“
I'd like that,” said Gewey.

By late afternoon, they found a narrow trail that wound
through the forest. Theopolou called a halt, asked Gewey to speak to
him alone, and led him into a small clearing about one-hundred yards
east of the trail. Kaylia tried to follow, but Theopolou stopped her.

“
When we arrive at the home of Kephalos it is
important you do not speak unless spoken to,” Theopolou warned,
once they were alone. “He is a kind elf, and not prone to
violence, but he fought in the Great War for many years and feels the
same as I regarding human and elf living together.”

Gewey had almost forgotten that Theopolou was not
really
on his side. If not for The Dark One and his bond to Kaylia,
Theopolou would never suffer the company of a human, let alone a God.

“
I'll keep quiet,” said Gewey. “I
don't want any trouble. At least not until it's time for it.”

“
And that time will come soon enough,”
Theopolou added. “If I can, I will convince Kaphalos to come
with us. If he agrees, you may be forced to travel in silence for the
remainder of the journey. I tell you this because I would not have
you feel it is an insult from me or my guard. Once we arrive at my
home you are under my protection and may speak as you wish.”

Gewey almost laughed but managed not to. “I won't
be insulted. I understand that this Kaphalos might hold hatred for
me, and I don't want to make things more difficult than they have to
be.”