The Godling Chronicles 02 - Of Gods And Elves (15 page)

“
One other thing,” said Theopolou with a
sigh. “You must refrain from speaking to Kaylia in his
presence.”

This irritated Gewey, but he nodded slowly. “If he
comes, I won't speak to her... until we get there.”

“
You must convince her of this as well,”
said the old elf with a hint of embarrassment that amused Gewey. “She
is strong willed and has never been one to take orders well.”

“
You're not kidding.” Gewey chuckled. “I'll
speak to her.”

“
Thank you.” Theopolou held out his arm
motioning Gewey to return to camp. “I advise you speak to her
before we arrive.”

When they got back to the others Gewey told Kaylia what
Theopolou had said.

Kaylia was enraged. “If he thinks I'll pretend I'm
some close minded, human-hating fool, he has lost his senses.”
Her voice rose with each word.

“
I understand,” said Gewey trying to calm
her. “But until we reach Theopolou's home, I think we should
listen to him.”

“
You would have this?” she demanded.

Gewey could feel the fury through their bond. “As
it is, we are deceiving the others. They don't know what has happened
between us. What does it matter if we keep it up a bit longer?”

“
It's one thing to hide a spirit bond,” she
countered. “It's quite another to pretend we do not know each
other. That is what he is asking.”

“
I don't like it either. But if it keeps things
calm until we get there, then I think it's best.”

“
Fine,” she huffed. “But once we
arrive, I plan to reveal the bond between us to every one of those
closed minded morons.” With that she stormed off, staring
daggers at Theopolou.

Linis came up to Gewey and slapped him on the back.
“That went better than we thought.”

“
She's right,” said Gewey. “I entered
into a bond with Kaylia by means I didn't understand, but I am not
ashamed of it. I don't like hiding it any more than she does.”

“
You won't have to hide it for very long. In fact
I doubt you will be
able
to.”

“
It's time,” called Theopolou.

They continued for another hour until they came upon a
smooth stone path leading east. Along either side grew waist high
shrubbery that had been meticulously manicured and was dotted with
tiny white flowers. The scent of lavender and magnolia wafted through
the air, bringing a smile to Gewey's face. The path wound through the
forest for about half a mile, ending in an elegantly carved, wooden
gate with ancient elfish symbols etched along the outer braces.
Beyond the gate the forest ended and the land opened up revealing
lush grass, similar to that Gewey had seen as they entered the fire
hills, but this was much thicker and covered with beads of dew.

When the house came into view, Gewey was filled was
surprise and disappointment. It looked rather like a human dwelling.
It was a single story, wooden structure with a white tiled roof. The
windows were small and round, and a well-kept flower garden had been
placed around the entire building. It looked like a house Gewey might
find in any human town.

“
What's wrong,” asked Linis.

“
Nothing,” Gewey replied. “I just
imagined something... different.”

“
Really? Like what?”

Gewey shrugged. “I don't know. I always thought
elves lived in different houses than humans. You know. More tree
like.”

“
Tree like?” Linis laughed. “Do you
think us birds or squirrels? We live in houses, my friend. Though I
admit, I expected something a bit grander from an elf of Kaphalos'
stature and reputation.”

They were about fifty feet from the front door when it
flew open. A tall elf stood in the doorway, dressed in a gray robe
made from a fabric Gewey had never seen. It looked heavy, but it
flowed like silk. His hair was silver, and tied in a pony-tail that
fell loosely down his back and shoulders. His face was wrinkled and
looked ancient. This was another shock for Gewey. The elves he had
seen did not show the ravages of time as a human did. Theopolou was
old (how old Gewey wasn't sure), but he guessed he was well over
five-hundred, and he could pass for a human in his forties.

The elf looked over the group and shook his head. “What
do you bring to my door, Theopolou?” His voice was deep and
menacing.

“
I wish to speak to you, old friend,”
Theopolou replied.

“
You bring a human to my door and expect my
welcome?”

“
I am an elder and your friend,” said
Theopolou. “So I do indeed expect your welcome.”

“
And who else is this I see?” said Kaphalos,
looking at Kaylia. “Is it the elf who comes to judgment? Or
does she still defy her kin?”

Kaylia stepped forward to speak, but Theopolou held out
his hand to silence her. “She is under my protection,”
Theopolou announced. “As is the human.”

“
Times have surely changed when the great
Theopolou harbors a filthy human and a fugitive elf.” Kaphalos
sneered. “I would know why. Enter.” He disappeared
inside.

Chapter Ten

Theopolou gave Gewey a quick glance then led the group
inside. The interior of the house was a bit more like what Gewey
would have imagined. The main hall just beyond the doorway was
roughly fifty feet wide and equal in length. The walls were made of a
stone like Gewey had never seen. Though rough in texture, they shined
and sparkled with countless tiny, semi-precious stones, which caused
the entire room to change hue from moment to moment. The floor was
covered with a thick carpet that resembled the grass outside. It even
looked as if it bore beads of dew, though it was not slippery. Four
opaque, glass orbs, hung from each corner of the room, giving off a
soft, pleasing light that mixed perfectly with the sparkle of the
walls. No pictures or tapestries hung, but on the far wall, carved
into the stone, and inlaid with pure gold, was the perfect likeness
of an ancient willow. The room itself was devoid of furniture, with
the exception of a round oak table that only stood a foot off the
ground.

The elves knelt around the table. Theopolou motioned for
Gewey to sit beside him. Kaphalos placed himself directly across from
Theopolou and stared intensely.

“
Tell me, Theopolou,” said Kaphalos. “When
did you begin befriending humans and traitors?”

“
I am no traitor,” Kaylia blurted.

“
Silence, girl,” Theopolou scolded.

Kaphalos sneered. “I was referring to the seeker.”

Linis glared. “You dare name me traitor? I should
take your life for that insult.”

“
I would expect as much,” said Kaphalos.
“You would kill your own kind while saving a human animal. But
be warned, I am not unprotected. If you strike me down, you will not
leave these woods alive. My kin are nearby and know that you are
here.”

“
That is enough,” commanded Theopolou. “From
everybody. I did not come here to fight. Nor did Linis.”

“
Then why did you come?” asked Kaphalos.

“
To ask you to accompany us to my home,”
Theopolou replied. “Surely you have received my invitation.”

“
I have,” said Kaphalos dismissively. “I
have no desire to listen to the elders bicker. I am content to remain
here.”

Theopolou nodded to Linis who brought forth the cloak
containing the Vrykol head. Kaphalos stared, stunned, as the cloak
was opened.

“
What is this abomination?” gasped Kaphalos.

“
We hoped you would know,” Theopolou
replied. “It claimed to be a Vrykol.”

“
Vrykol?” Kaphalos whispered. “Certainly
not. That is impossible.” He reached over the table and pulled
the cloak in front of him.

“
I thought the Vrykol were merely a legend,”
said Theopolou.

“
In a way they are,” said Kaphalos. “Their
true nature has been lost to all but a few. Most stories you hear
today are but myths with not an inkling of fact.”

“
What are they, then?” asked Linis.

“
The damned,” replied Kaphalos. “They
are spirits forced to serve the Gods within the decaying remains of
mortals.”

“
The Gods created these beasts?” asked
Linis. “Why?”

“
To punish those who dared defy them,” said
Kaphalos. “They were cursed assassins, roaming the earth. How
is it you came by this?”

Theopolou told of the encounter.

“
You say this human killed two Vrykol?”
Kaphalos laughed. “Are you certain? Or is this what he told
you.”

“
He saved the life of one of my guards in the
process,” said Theopolou. “You may doubt the word of a
human, but surely not that of an elf.”

Kaphalos glared at Kaylia “Depends on the elf.”

Kaylia glared back furiously.

“
In any case,” Theopolou continued. “It
was not the Gods who created these creatures.”

Kaphalos threw his head back in harsh laughter. “The
Lord of Angrääl has seen to that, hasn't he?”

Kaphalos rose to his feet, turning his back on the
table. “You think I am ignorant to the goings on in of the
human world? I know what you would have our people do, and I will
have no part in it.”

“
Then you would sit idle while the fate of our
people hangs in the balance?” Theopolou challenged.

“
The fate of our people was sealed the moment the
human plague set foot on this world,” said Kaphalos. “The
Great War was only the end result.”

“
But it does not have to be the end,” Linis
cried. “Can't you see that?”

Kaphalos spun around. “I see more than you know,
seeker.” His eyes fixed on Gewey. “I see what you have
brought among us. You think he will save us? Do you?”

Gewey's heart raced.
Did he know
?

“
You're wrong,” said Theopolou. “Our
people may still rise again. But we must not succumb to our own
stubborn nature. We need the humans if we are to resist Angrääl.”

“
Resist?” Kaphalos scoffed. “What
resistance can you offer? The humans will scatter before the might of
the army that now gathers. Once they are gone, we will be
annihilated.”

“
There is something you do not know,” said
Theopolou. “We have recovered the Book of Souls.”

Kaphalos raised an eyebrow. “Have you? How nice.
But even if you can open it, and even if it tells you how to defeat
your enemies, what then? Do you not see what will happen?”

“
I see that we will survive,” said
Theopolou.

“
Survive, yes,” Kaphalos retorted. “But
to what purpose? The humans will not suffer those unlike themselves.
Our people will be absorbed, and our race will cease to exist. I have
already heard rumors that one half-breed walks the earth even now.”

Gewey tensed. This did not go unnoticed by Kaphalos.

“
Human,” said Kaphalos to Gewey. “If
that is even what I should call you. Somehow I think not.” His
face was one of disgust. “Theopolou wisely instructed you not
to speak. But I would know your thoughts. Would you have human and
elf live as one?”

Gewey took a deep breath, trying to steady his nerves.
“Yes, I would.” There was a long pause.

“
That's all you have to say? Surely you have more
than that.”

“
I don't know what you want of me,” said
Gewey. “I know you are wise, and I know that you believe you
are of a right mind.” He chose his next words carefully. “I
would not presume to debate you in matters that are beyond my
understanding. So I don't see what I can offer you.”

“
You offer nothing,” agreed Kaphalos. “At
least nothing I would have from you. Still, I am interested in your
reasons for trying to deceive me.”

Gewey was aghast and suddenly afraid. Kaylia shot him a
glance, feeling his dismay through their bond.

Kaphalos let out a malicious laugh. “You have not
told them that you have bonded yourself to an elf woman?” This
caused the elves to stir. “Theopolou has kept this a secret as
well, I see.” He shook his head slowly. “Did you really
think I wouldn't know? I knew the moment I saw them.”

“
I don't see what that has to do with anything,”
Gewey growled with irritation.

“
You wouldn't,” said Kaphalos. “But it
just confirms what I have already said. You are the first, but you
will not be the last.”

“
Is this true?” Akakios asked Theopolou,
appalled.

“
It is,” said Theopolou. “Gewey and
Kaylia have bonded their spirits.”

“
Why keep this from us?” he demanded.

“
It was not for me to reveal,” Theopolou
replied. “The bonding is a personal matter and not to be spoken
of lightly. I made my choice. You do not have to agree with it.”

The elves were clearly upset but calmed themselves and
continued to listen.

“
I am bonded to Kaylia,” announced Gewey in
a clear strong voice. “I know this may anger you, but it was
not my intent to do so. But know that I'm in no way ashamed.”