The Godling Chronicles 02 - Of Gods And Elves (17 page)

Once Theopolou and the others were about fifty feet
ahead, Akakios led them through the gate. Gewey sucked in his breath.

A polished, solid white, marble path lay before him.
Each stone was etched with an intricate golden inlay of elf ruins.
The grounds were dotted with ancient willows and strong oaks, and
wild flowers covered the area like a glorious carpet of color and
splendor. Directly ahead, stood a ten foot tall, solid crystal statue
of an elf maiden. Her arm held aloft an orb, surrounded by tiny vines
of ivy. The sunlight struck the orb and it sparkled and split,
causing rainbows of light to dance playfully. The craftsmanship was
far beyond anything Gewey had ever imagined possible.

What most impressed Gewey was the house... if such a
structure could be called a house. The entire building was
constructed from pure white marble and it stood three stories high,
rising to an apex. Elaborate carvings of horses, wolves, bobcats, and
many other animals Gewey did not recognize, decorated the facing. Not
a speck of dirt blemished its beauty, and it showed no sign of
weathering. A massive flight of stairs, wide as the entire house, led
to a broad double door made from the same gleaming metal as the
gates. Lining the front and supporting the lip of the high ceiling
stood six massive columns, ten feet apart and as big around as a
mature oak.

As Theopolou and the others passed by the crystal
statue, each stopped in turn and bowed their heads.

“
Come,” Akakios commanded.

He led Gewey and Kaylia around the west end of the house
where three small round buildings stood, lined up east to west from
the side of the main house. They were crafted from smooth white
stones and the roofs glittered with quartz tiles. The door was blond
maple and had a silver doorknocker in the center.

“
All of the rooms are identical,” said
Akakios. “Each is equipped with a shower, and food and fresh
clothing will be brought right away.”

They thanked Akakios. Kaylia took the room nearest the
main house and Gewey the one just beside it. When Gewey opened the
door, he felt the relief of cool air pour out. The room was large
enough for four people, and well lit by the same strange orbs he had
seen at the home of Kaphalos. The four of them hung from a silver
chain near the wall. To his right was a single bed with fine linen
sheets and a plump, round, comfortable-looking pillow. On his left
stood a small, round, oak table with four chairs. A plush couch, with
two brass tables on each end, sat at the far side of the room. But
what caught Gewey's eye was the area between the table and the
couch—the shower.

Gewey nearly forgot to close the door behind him before
he threw down his pack and stripped off his clothes. It looked much
like the one he had used in Lord Ganflin's manor, only the fixture
were a bit more elaborate and a small marble table held the soaps and
bathing implements.

Once inside the shower area he pulled the curtain
around. Remembering the shock of the water from his first time, he
carefully twisted the knobs. He lost himself in the feeling of
steaming hot water pouring over his body. When he finished, he
grabbed a towel which hung on the wall and stepped out. To his
amazement a fresh set of clothes lay neatly on the bed, and a bowl of
hot stew and fresh bread had been placed on the table. He had not
heard anyone enter or move about.

He dried off and donned the clothes that the elves had
provided. They were simple tan pants and shirt, with a thin leather
belt. The fabric was comfortable, fit nicely, and was highly durable.
A pair of calfskin moccasins and cotton socks completed the ensemble.
Gewey sat at the table and began to eat, when the door swung open. It
was Linis.

“
You look very much the elf in those clothes,”
remarked Linis, smiling.

“
This is what elves wear? I've never seen an elf
dressed this way.”

“
Of course not.” Linis laughed. “This
is what we wear at home while relaxing. Do you find it comfortable?”

“
Very.” In fact, the longer he wore the
clothes the more he noticed they had certain properties. His skin
felt cool and alive, and the moccasins hugged his feet to the point
he barely noticed he wore them. “I'd love to know how they're
made. The tailors back home would go crazy for this. The cobblers,
too.”

“
I am sure they would,” said Linis. “You
may find it is easier to sway the minds of the elf elders than to pry
the secrets from our craftsmen. They are protective of their art.”
He sat across from Gewey. “It may be some time before you can
leave this room. Do you need anything? I can have it brought.”

Gewey thought for a moment. “Some books would be
nice. About the elves, if possible.”

“
I'm sure that can be arranged.”

“
Have you seen Kaylia?”

Linis shook his head. “Not yet. I was going to see
her after I came here. Do you have a message?”

Gewey hated that he couldn't speak to her when she was
just yards away. “No. I'll deliver it myself.”

Linis frowned. “You must not leave this room. Give
it to me and I'll convey it.”

Gewey flashed a mischievous grin. “I don't need to
leave this room to deliver my message. I agreed to stay here and I
will. But where my spirit travels is my business.”

Linis burst out with laughter. “I sometimes forget
what you are, and what you're capable of. Mind that you keep it to
yourself. Once the elders are told about you, many are likely to fear
you. Give them no more reason than you must to do so.”

“
I was wondering,” said Gewey. “The
gate. How did it open?”

“
By the same means you gain strength when you use
the power of the earth,” Linis replied. “We can create
tools and objects that can harness the
flow
just as you do. It is said that in ancient times the elves created
things of such power that they could upend the very earth, moving
entire mountains.”

Gewey’s eyes widened at the thought. “Incredible.
Have you ever seen such a device?”

Linis shook his head, as sadness washed over him. “No,
I have not. No one has in many generations. The wisdom and knowledge
of our forefathers was said to rival that of the Gods. But I fear we
will never regain what we have lost. ”

“
Maybe together we can rediscover the secret.”

Linis forced a smile. “Perhaps. I fear I will not
live to see such a thing.”

“
Don't say that,” said Gewey. “We're
all going to make it through this alive. I swear.”

Linis furled his brow. “Never make a promise you
cannot keep. Besides, I have no fear of death. It comes to us all...
except perhaps, to you.”

“
I may be a God, but I am not immortal. Whatever I
am, I'm part of this world, just as you are.” He stood and
turned his back. “What bothers me is that if I am bound to
earth as a human, I may have a human lifespan. Kaylia could live for
four or five-hundred more years.”

Realization washed over Linis. “You're afraid that
if you complete your bond she will only live a human lifetime.”

Gewey nodded and lowered his head.

“
Your fears are justified,” said Linis. “But
certainly that should compel you to value the time you will have.”
He stood and placed his hand on Gewey's shoulder. “Do not dwell
on it. You and she are the first to have such a bond. It could be
that if you have a human life, it may be extended to that of an elf.
And there is the possibility that you may not die at all, and the two
of you will live together forever. Whatever the case, there is
nothing to be done.”

“
You’re right.” Gewey sighed. “But
sometimes it's hard not to think about it.”

Linis gave Gewey's shoulder a light squeeze. “I'll
have the books sent. Perhaps that can occupy your thoughts.”

Gewey turned and smiled. “I'd appreciate it.”

Linis left and Gewey lay on the bed and closed his eyes.
He reached out with his mind, hoping to touch Kaylia's, but found
that it was difficult, as if something was blocking him. He looked in
his pack, retrieved a small flask of jawas tea and took a long
drought. At once he felt its affects. His body and mind relaxed and
his breathing deepened. He reached out, but again he was unable to
make contact. It was as if a wall blocked his way. He tried a few
more times but with the same result. Frustrated, he got up and began
pacing the room.

The desire to leave the room and ask Kaylia if she had
experienced the same thing was nearly unbearable. But he knew it
would cause trouble. Instead, he busied himself by unpacking his
things, and polishing and oiling his sword at the edge of the bed.
The weapon never seemed to need care, but he enjoyed it all the same.
Simply by holding it, he felt the throbbing pulse of the earth.

He closed his eyes allowing the
flow
to move through him. More and more he opened himself until every
fiber of his being was saturated.

“
Stop this!” cried a loud, deep voice.
Theopolou stood at the door, fury in his eyes.

Gewey released the power. Immediately he longed to hold
it again.

“
You must not do that again,” said Theopolou
slamming the door behind him. “Why?” asked Gewey. “What
can it hurt?”

“
Fool,” the elf grumbled. “You expose
yourself when you draw that much power.”

Gewey got to his feet. “I don't understand.”

“
Then understand that should an elder be nearby
and you draw that much of the
flow
,
you will not need to tell anyone what you are.” Theopolou sat
at the table and motioned for Gewey to do the same.

Gewey, irritated by his inability to contact Kaylia,
resisted. “I'll stand.”

“
You tried to contact Kaylia through your bond,”
said Theopolou. “Did you not?”

Shocked, Gewey sat. “How did you—”

“
I know everything that happens within these
walls,” he said. “And though another elder may not be as
sensitive as I am within my house, they will know that you are not as
you seem if you do that again. You are fortunate no one has arrived.”

Gewey nodded but still felt angered. “Why can't I
contact Kaylia? It's as if I'm being blocked. And why is it you can
feel when I use the power, but your guards did not?”

Theopolou's mouth tightened. “I am not inclined to
be your instructor, but I suppose this time I must be.” He
folded his hands on the table and leaned forward. “As far as
your inability to spirit travel, I prevented it. I cannot risk you
accidentally ruining my plans. And as for why I can feel you using
the
flow
, it is a
trait of my race. As we age, we become more sensitive. Seekers
develop this ability, which is why Linis can feel it, but it would
come naturally with time.” Theopolou stood. “That is all
you need know. Any further instruction will be from Kaylia, or
perhaps Linis.” He walked to the door. “Do not be a fool
and try that again, or we will be undone.”

Gewey felt like an ignorant child. He sat in silence.
When he first left home with Lee, he had been rebuked many times, but
this time it struck home all too keenly. He had thought his
experiences had matured him, but now he questioned himself and his
worth. There was so much he didn't know.

The door opened and Akakios entered, carrying an armload
of books. “Linis sent these.” He placed them on the
table. “Mostly children’s stories, but Linis thought it
best for you to learn our culture from the beginning.”

“
Thank you.” Gewey picked up a leather-bond
book with the title “Songs of Lilith” embroidered on the
cover.

“
Something troubles you?” Akakios asked.

“
It's only that sometimes I realize I have much to
learn.”

Akakios smiled warmly. “It is good to know that
about yourself. Even the very wise are not all knowing, though some
may think so. I take it Theopolou had harsh words for you?”

Gewey shrugged. “He didn't say anything I didn't
deserve. It's just that for a while I was starting to feel like I was
my own man, and then I'm reminded of how young and inexperienced I
really am.”

“
Then take comfort that you are the first being,
other than an elf, to grace the home of Theopolou or his family in
more than five-hundred years. That is an honor that you, and you
alone can boast. If it is experience you desire, this is certainly a
good start.”

This lifted Gewey's spirits. “Thank you. I guess I
was feeling a bit out of place and alone.”

“
Think nothing of it.” He turned and opened
the door to leave. “I'll be guarding your door. I will see if
Theopolou will grant me permission to keep you company. Linis may be
tied up with the meeting of elders.”

“
I'd like that,” said Gewey.

Gewey spent the next few hours reading
The
Songs of Lilith
. The book was a collection of
stories about a young, elf girl named Lilith, who was kidnapped by a
spirit and taken to the other side of the world. Each short tale
recounted her quest to return home and ended with a moral lesson.