The Godling Chronicles 02 - Of Gods And Elves (32 page)

Gewey gathered his gear and checked his sword. Akakios
and the other three guards had rejoined the others, leaving Linis as
Gewey's sole companion.

“
I guess there's no point in guarding me anymore,”
Gewey remarked.

“
I think they realize it is a useless gesture,”
said Linis. “They are of more use protecting their masters than
watching you.”

Chapter Twenty-Five

The spirits of the party did not rise with the sun. The
events of the previous day weighed heavily on their minds. Aside from
their footfalls and the rustling of gear, not a sound could be heard.
Kaylia continued to stay by Theopolou's side, while Linis and Gewey
stayed to the rear. Gewey felt more at ease where eyes could not
easily watch him. Though the pace had slowed a bit, they were still
able to cover many miles before they made camp for the night. The
evening mood was as dreary and quiet as it was during the day, though
it was decided that a few small fires could be lit.

Linis and Kaylia, along with Theopolou and Chiron,
joined Gewey beside the fire he had built a few yards away from the
main camp. Six guards surrounded them, far enough away so that they
did not intrude, but Gewey still felt uneasy as he noticed the
contemptuous stares they gave him when he met their eyes.

“
I thought it would be best to show our...
friendship, to the others,” explained Chiron, as he took a seat
by the fire.

“
I appreciate it,” said Gewey. “I need
all the help I can get.”

“
Indeed,” said Theopolou. “The coming
days will be difficult. Lord Chiron and I both agree that we must
find a way for our people to survive the coming storm... even if it
means allying ourselves with the humans for a time.”

“
Others will argue that it is the humans who
march,” added Chiron. “The King of Angrääl was
himself a member of Amon Dähl, and his armies are human, even if
it is their own kind they march on.”

“
The humans who follow him have been deceived,”
said Linis. “They have no idea what is about to be unleashed
upon the world. And the elves that think him the reincarnation of
King Rätsterfel are just as blind, and twice as stupid.”

“
I cannot argue,” Chiron admitted. “But
you must take into account that many of our people are weary of what
has become of us. They no longer want to live in the shadows, yet
they cannot bear to live side by side with humans.”

“
What do you think?” Gewey asked Chiron.

“
In my opinion the elves should leave,” he
replied. “There are legends of lands beyond the great Western
Abyss. It is said that my people once dwelt there. Perhaps it is time
we returned.”

“
Those are just legends, as you say,” said
Theopolou. “And we have sent ships across the Abyss. None have
ever returned.”

Chiron smiled and laughed softly. “I suppose this
will be a discussion to be had once our people are no longer facing
extinction. In the meantime we have matters to resolve.” He
turned to Gewey. “You will face intense opposition when you
face the entire council of elders. Some, perhaps many, will wish to
aid you, but few will say so openly. It is important that you
convince more than just Theopolou and me to speak in your favor. To
do this you
must
open
the Book of Souls.” He eyed Gewey intensely. “Theopolou
is confident that you can do this. Can you?”

Gewey thought for a long moment then said, “I
don't know.”

“
That’s not the answer I was hoping for,”
said Chiron. “But it will do. If you are challenged for the
right to bond with Kaylia, you must wait until after the bonding to
speak to the council. You have until sunrise of the next day to
answer the challenge, so

you must not act before then. If the Book is opened and
you are proven to be the fulfillment of prophesy, then not only will
you likely avoid further challenges, but almost certainly gain the
support you need.”

“
What if we waited until I opened the Book to
complete the bond?” suggested Gewey.

“
Risky,” remarked Linis. “If you are
not successful—”

“
Then Gewey and I will still complete the rite,”
Kaylia interjected.

“
The fact is,” said Theopolou, “there
is no way to tell what will happen until we arrive. I suspect all of
our plans will be useless. We will be entering an atmosphere alien to
us all. Not since the Great War have so many elders been summoned.”

Chiron nodded in agreement.

A commotion sounded at the edge of the camp. Gewey and
the others sprang to their feet and drew their weapons. One of the
elves that had been guarding Gewey ran up to them.

“
We have an intruder,” said the elf.

“
An intruder,” Linis exclaimed. “How
did anyone get past the watch?”

The elf shook his head. “I don't know. He just
appeared out of nowhere.”

“
Is it an elf?” Theopolou asked.

“
No,” the guard replied. “He looks
human but...”

“
But what?” Chiron pressed.

“
I'm not sure what to make of him,” the elf
stammered. “He doesn't
smell
like a human.”

“
Take us to him,” ordered Theopolou.

The guard bowed sharply and led Theopolou and the others
through the camp, to its opposite edge. A group of elves gathered in
a circle with their weapons drawn, surrounding a small, cloaked
figure, leaning on a long, ash walking staff. Theopolou pushed his
way between two elves and stood directly in front of the newcomer.

“
Who are you?” Theopolou demanded. “What
do you want?”

The figure did not look up. “I seek a child of
heaven, I do. Oh, yes. Among the young ones, I find him.”

Gewey knew at once who it was. “Felsafell!”

An audible gasp could be heard throughout the elves.
Clearly they knew the name well.

Felsafell pushed back his hood, revealing his haggard
features and crooked grin. “I see you remember old Felsafell...
but of course, of course. You are not daft. Your mind is sharp, oh
yes it is.” He took a few steps toward Gewey. The elves gave
way.

“
What are you doing here?” asked Gewey.

“
I have come again to see the world,” he
replied. “The spirits are gone and the wind has risen. Blown
away my friends, it has. The darkness comes and the
first
born
shall have one final adventure.”

“
You claim to be Felsafell.” Bellisia
stepped forward. “How do we know this is who you really are?”

“
Ah yes,” Felsafell laughed. “The
child of discontent, who sought me out. Did not find me. Could not
find me. Cannot find herself. Lost you became, and lost you are
still. Indeed, indeed. With troubled past and uncertain future. She
still seeks the thing she once lost.”

Bellisia glared at Felsafell but fell silent.

This time Theopolou stepped forward. “If you are
Felsafell, we welcome you. Your wisdom has helped our people for many
ages past. But please, explain to us why you are here.”

Felsafell's smile vanished. “The wisest of the
fallen speaks. Fallen from grace you are, yet in you, the spark
remains. But I fear it fades. Like me and my brothers and sisters,
fading from memory. Sad, sad, sad. The end nears for us both. But
perhaps you may be saved. Oh, yes, I have seen the many paths. The
trails of joy and sorrow join together.”

“
You speak in riddles,” said Theopolou. “If
you know something, tell us.”

“
Know?” Felsafell sighed. “I know many
things. Yes, I do. But none to help you. Alone is the journey of the
second born. To what end shall be your task to discover. I come to
aid the heaven child. Nothing less and nothing more.”

Gewey walked up to Felsafell and bowed low. “I
never had the chance to thank you for what you did for me. If it were
not for you I'd still be trapped.”

“
How did he help you?” asked Bellisia.

“
The why's and what's will have their time,”
Felsafell said. “I know much and will share what I can. I will
indeed. Oh, yes.” He looked across the gathering. “I know
you have questions. Always questions for old Felsafell. But be
mindful of what you ask. You may learn what you should not know.”

“
So you intend to accompany us?” asked
Chiron.

“
I do, I do” he replied. “If you will
have me. To learn to speak in the world again. An adventure that I
did not see. Thought I would fade. Fade away and join my kin. But
they have been stolen. The first are all gone.”

“
You may join us,” said Gewey.

“
You speak without authority,” snapped
Bellisia. “We must—”

“
He joins me, or I don't go,” said Gewey.

Bellisia paused, then turned and walked away, muttering.

“
An old man is tired,” said Felsafell. “Rest
is what I need. At least for a while. Questions after. Questions
waiting.”

“
Come with me,” said Gewey, offering his
hand.

Felsafell smiled cheerfully and allowed Gewey to lead
him through the camp to where he had set up his bedroll.

“
You can take my blanket,” said Gewey. “I'm
not tired.”

“
A kind child of heaven you are,” said
Felsafell. He plopped down on the ground and wrapped himself in the
blanket. In seconds, he was breathing deeply.

“
I can't believe he is here,” remarked
Kaylia. “I wonder what he wants.”

“
Whatever it is, he sure has stirred up the
elders,” said Gewey, almost amused.

Theopolou approached. “We would like to speak with
you,” he said. It was clear he did not share Gewey's amusement.

Gewey, Kaylia, and Linis followed Theopolou to the far
side of the camp where the elders, along with their escorts, had
gathered. They eyed Gewey as they shuffled uneasily and whispered to
each other.

“
How is it you know of Felsafell?” Bellisia
demanded.

Gewey considered for a moment whether or not to mention
his experience in the spirit world, and decided not to. “I met
him in the Spirit Hills, after escaping from an agent of the Dark
One.”

“
And how did you come upon him?” asked Lord
Aneili.

Gewey recounted the story of his encounter (leaving out
things that would suggest his origin).

“
You stayed in his home?” said Chiron.
“Remarkable. Many of my people have sought out Felsafell. Some
never to return. But even those who found him have never been
afforded such a privilege.”

“
We're still not certain that is the
real
Felsafell,” countered Bellisia.

“
You seemed certain enough when he spoke to you a
moment ago,” said Theopolou.

“
Gewey appears to believe him, and of all of us he
seems to have the most personal knowledge.”

“
Suppose this is Felsafell,” said Lady
Leora. “Is it wise to have him among us?”

Lord Endymion laughed. “Just what would you have
us do, Leora? Kill him? He walked straight into our camp without
being noticed. Do you think he gives us a choice?”

“
I think we should hear what Gewey has to say.”
Theopolou turned to Gewey. “You clearly want him with you, but
is there anything you can tell us that might explain his being here?”

Bellisia leveled her gaze on Gewey. “Indeed,
child
of heaven
. That is what he called you, is it
not? What do you think are his motives?”

“
I don’t know why he’s here,”
said Gewey. “But I don't think he is here to harm us. That's
not his way.”

“
Tell that to my brother,” cried one of
Chiron's escort. “He vanished in the Spirit Hills seeking
Felsafell's so-called wisdom, never to be seen again.”

“
I don't think Felsafell did anything to your
brother,” said Gewey. “He warned me when I was with him
that the spirits would try and trick you. They could make you lost
and confused. If your bother disappeared I would think the spirits
are the villains, not Felsafell.”

“
So you say,” scoffed Bellisia. “Apparently,
he has much interest in you. But why now? Why has he appeared just as
we are ready to gather? Are you sure you cannot answer this riddle…
child of heaven
? Can
you know that he means us no harm? Perhaps he means
you
no harm.”

“
I’m certain he is who he says he is,”
replied Gewey, trying to ignore Bellisia’s repeated reference.
“As for anything else, I was not alone when I met him, and
Felsafell made no move to harm my companion. In fact, he did what he
could to make sure the spirits left both us in peace.”

Bellisia scowled “That proves nothing. There is
something you are not telling us. No one shows as much trust as you
show Felsafell without good reason.”

“
Perhaps Gewey is not as jaded as some,”
said Chiron, an obvious dig at Bellisia.