The Godling Chronicles 02 - Of Gods And Elves (34 page)

They wound their way through the camp until they reached
a large silver tent. It was twelve feet tall and at least forty feet
across. Gewey figured it could easily house three times the number
they had with them.

Theopolou pulled back the tent flap and disappeared
inside. Kaylia, Felsafell, and Theopolou's escort followed close
behind. Gewey and Linis entered last. Gewey looked around, impressed.
The interior resembled a house more than a tent. Just past the
entrance was a large open area with a dozen plush chairs lining the
walls. In the center, there was a short round table, big enough to
accommodate twenty people, with an assortment of cushions underneath.
The scent of mint filled the air, emanating from the roasted lamb
that had been placed on the table. Along the ceiling hung light orbs,
set just dimly enough to give the room a warm feel. The floor was
uncovered, but the soft grass was as lush and beautiful as any
carpet. At the far left corner another tent flap led to the back
areas.

“
There are enough rooms for everyone,” said
Theopolou, pointing to the rear door. “All the rooms are the
same, so choose as you will. Hot water should be waiting for you,
unless you prefer to eat before you wash.”

“
No, thank you,” said Gewey. “I prefer
to be clean when I eat, if I can.”

Theopolou nodded and led the group through the tent
flap. A hall lined with several cloth-covered doorways stretched
before him. Gewey chose the third and Linis the one just beyond.
Kaylia and the others continued around the corner, following
Theopolou. Felsafell whistled merrily and winked at Gewey as he
rounded the corner.

The room Gewey chose was rather sparse compared to the
main dining and lounging area. A small bedroll was placed in the
corner, and a wash basin sat in the opposite corner with a cotton
towel folded neatly beside it. One light globe hung from the ceiling
and a soft, thin, brown area rug covered the floor.

Gewey washed and changed into a cotton shirt and pants,
and strapped on his sword. He could still smell the mint lamb and his
stomach growled loudly.

“
Are you ready?” came Linis' voice from just
outside his room.

Gewey threw back the door flap and smiled at the elf.
“I'm starving.”

Linis noticed Gewey was wearing his sword. “You
will want to take that off at the table. It is considered rude to be
armed at the table of your host, and for all intents and purposes
this is still the home of Theopolou.”

Gewey removed his sword. “Should I leave it
behind?”

“
No,” Linis replied. “Keep it with
you, but place it on the floor beside you.”

Gewey nodded and followed Linis to the dining hall.
Theopolou and a few of his escort were already seated. Gewey took a
seat opposite them and Linis sat on his left. Kaylia was not yet
there.

Theopolou nodded at the lamb. “We serve ourselves
here. Felsafell will not be joining us. He said he needs to rest.”

One of Theopolou's escort passed them a bottle of wine.
Gewey gratefully accepted it, then gave it to Linis.

“
I'll wait until we're all here,” said
Gewey, noticing that the others’ plates were still empty.

“
Only await Kaylia,” said Theopolou. “The
rest are running errands.”

“
No need to wait any longer,” said Kaylia,
as she entered the room.

She was dressed in a soft, loosely fitted, white cotton
shirt and trousers and a pair of soft leather shoes. Her hair was
tied into a long braid and she carried a long knife in her left hand.
After surveying the group, she took a seat on Gewey's right.

Theopolou cut off a portion of lamb then passed it
around the table. One of the elves rose from the table, retrieved a
basket filled with flat bread, and passed it out to the party. They
dined in silence, to Gewey's relief. It was all he could do to
maintain his table manners. Not only was he famished, but the lamb
was exceedingly tender and juicy.

Once they finished, two elves cleared the table and
brought out a decanter of plum brandy. Gewey's mouth twisted when the
sweet fragrance fill the room.

“
I see you don't care for plum brandy,”
Theopolou observed. “I have more wine if you would rather.”

“
Brandy will be fine,” said Gewey. “I've
never had elf brandy. I would try it before I decide.”

Theopolou smiled slightly and passed the bottle around
the table. To Gewey’s relief, though the smell was similar, it
was not as sweet as the brandy he had tasted in the past. In fact, it
was quite pleasant and a smile crept onto his face as he sipped it.

“
Word of you and Felsafell will have begun to
spread by now,” said Theopolou. “I have called for a
gathering in the Chamber of the Maker this evening for the joining
between you and Kaylia.” His eyes darkened. “Do
not
expect a warm reception.”

Gewey nodded. “Do you expect me to be challenged?”

“
I hope not,” Theopolou replied. “It
would complicate matters. On one hand, you could show your strength
and resolve it. On the other hand, you may be prematurely exposed.
That Felsafell is your friend and companion may give any would-be
challengers pause... at least that is my hope.” His eyes fell
on Linis. “I have debated as to the virtue of your presence.
You are cast out and have refused to face judgment. Those who do not
know this, soon will. Yet your name still carries weight and respect,
even among your enemies. You shall also stay by Gewey's side.”

“
I never intended to do anything else,”
Linis stated. “And I will offer again to perform the bonding...
if you think it will go ill for you, should you do it.”

Theopolou's jaw tightened and his eyes narrowed. “I
will not be denied my right, nor ignore my obligation as Kaylia's
guardian and uncle. Though some may abandon me for what I am to do, I
will
not
let politics
cause me to act with dishonor.”

“
I meant no offense,” said Linis. “I
think only of your safety.”

“
Then I will have Lord Theopolou bond us,”
said Kaylia. “And no other.”

Theopolou couldn't help smiling. The old elf got to his
feet, accompanied by his escort. “Then you should both prepare.
I must make the arrangements.” He turned and left the tent.

“
What do we do?” asked Gewey.

“
If you are to be bonded in the Chamber of the
Maker,” said Linis. “I think I will try and find you some
appropriate attire.”

“
Won't you be in danger wandering around alone?”
asked Gewey.

Linis flashed a smile. “I think not. There are not
many who can hope to attack me and live. Besides, with you and
Felsafell around, I doubt I'm of much interest. At least not yet.”
Linis stood and fastened his long knife to his belt. “If I were
you, I would take advantage of your time alone.”

Gewey blushed as Linis departed. Kaylia forced back a
laugh. “Are you nervous?” asked Gewey.

Kaylia took Gewey's hand and kissed him lightly on the
cheek. “No... not really. At least not in the way a human might
be.” She could see that Gewey did not understand. “I feel
as if I am beginning a new chapter in a life that I know nothing
about. This does not make me nervous. It makes me excited.” She
scrutinized Gewey for a moment. “And you? How do you feel?”

Gewey thought for a moment. “I don't know... not
really. I know this is what I want. I can feel that in my heart. But,
it's just...” He shook his head in frustration. “I wish I
had the words. But I don't. In truth, I'm still just a simple farmer.
I guess I feel small among the company I have been keeping. It's
confusing.”

“
Even with me?” she asked.

“
Especially with you.” he admitted. “You
are so far beyond what my wildest dreams could have imagined. And I'm
to be bonded with you. How am I worthy of this? How? Me, a hay farmer
from Sharpstone married to an elf princess.”

Kaylia pulled Gewey to her and kissed him again, this
time deep and hard. Gewey felt dizzy when she finally released him.

“
For a farmer with no words you seem to speak them
well,” she whispered. “You are worthy because I deem you
worthy. Never forget that. And never forget that it is the company
you keep that stands in awe of you.” She stroked his cheek and
smiled sweetly. “One more thing... I'm
not
a princess.”

Gewey gazed deeply into her eyes. For the first time in
days, he felt confident and at peace. He took Kaylia's hand and
pulled it to his chest. “Thank you.”

Kaylia cocked her head. “For what?”

“
For showing me what I must do.”

“
And what is that?”

He squeezed her hand then kissed it. “Bond with
you. Bond with you, then see to it that we are never in fear again.”
He jumped to his feet and pulled Kaylia with him. “I guess you
should get ready.” He pulled her to him and embraced her for a
long moment. “As for me... I'll count the minutes.”

Kaylia laughed softly. “It is tradition that I be
attended by two elf maids.” She looked around the tent. “Sadly,
I seem to lack them.”

As if on cue two young elf girls, dressed in blue satin
dresses, entered the tent. One carried a thick bundle bound by a thin
twine. The other had a large leather bag thrown over her left
shoulder. They stopped just inside the tent and bowed.

“
We have been sent by Lord Chiron to attend Lady
Kaylia,” said the elf holding the bundle.

Kaylia beamed. “A kind gesture. And well
received.” She leaned over and kissed Gewey lightly on the
cheek, then allowed the two maids to lead her away into the back of
the tent.

Gewey took a seat back at the table and nibbled on a
piece of bread while he waited for Linis to return. After half an
hour, the tent flap opened, but instead of Linis, Akakios entered. He
wore a grave expression.

“
What's wrong?” asked Gewey.

“
Word of your bonding has spread.” he
replied. “Lord Theopolou was nearly assaulted.” Gewey
jumped up. “How did it happen?”

Akakios peered outside for a moment. “An argument
broke out regarding his presiding over the bonding ceremony. Linis
stopped it just as knives were being drawn.” He looked around
the tent. “Where is Kaylia?”

“
She's getting ready,” Gewey answered. “Lord
Chiron sent two maids to attend her.”

“
That's good,” said Akakios. “The
sooner this is over the better. I have a feeling tensions will keep
rising. Perhaps once the two of you are bonded, there will be no
further need for this nonsense.”

“
I wish I could say I am sorry,” remarked
Gewey. “But Theopolou knew this could happen. I think he knew
it must. Change is always hard. I will not apologize for my bond with
Kaylia. It's important. Not only for us, but for everyone.”

Akakios sighed heavily. “When I first met you,
those words would have angered me. Now... I think I understand why
this must be.” He walked to the wall of the tent and sat in one
of the chairs. “I've heard the words of Felsafell. He speaks of
us as a broken people. I think he is right to say so. When I hear of
the grace and wisdom of my ancestors, I cannot help but long for us
to regain what we were. Not power. Not to be as we were before the
Great War. But to be as we were in the times of our legends. I used
to think they were just stories. But now... I think they were more
than that.” He reached behind him and touched a glowing globe
that hung from the wall. Sadness washed over his face. “Once we
created such things as to rival the craft of the Gods. Now—”

“
Your people are still great and wise. Compared to
the darkness and fear that exists in the human world...”

Akakios held out his hand and shook his head. “No.
We are not as humans think we are. Not as good or as cruel. We have
hidden ourselves away for so long that we have become ... something
else.”

“
I'm hoping to change that,” said Gewey.
“Perhaps when all is done, the elves can learn how to become
what they once were. Perhaps something even greater.” He took a
seat next to Akakios. “I've only begun to learn about your
legends, but what I've read tells about a people who led open and
adventurous lives. I believe it is time for your people to live that
way again.”

Akakios turned his head to Gewey and smiled. “Yes,
I believe you're right. For too long we have stewed in our own
hatred. It is indeed time for us to live in the world again.”

“
Indeed,” said Lord Chiron. He stood just
inside the tent, wearing a crimson robe, tied at the waist by a black
silk rope. His long knife peeked out as he moved toward them.

Both Gewey and Akakios stood and bowed.

“
Forgive me, my lord.” said Akakios. “The
threat to my Lord Theopolou so close to the Chamber of the Maker
caused me to despair.”

“
You are right to be upset by such events,”
said Chiron. “But we should look to happier matters.” He
turned to Gewey. “I trust Kaylia is well attended?”

Gewey bowed again. “She is. I thank you for your
kindness.”