The Godling Chronicles 02 - Of Gods And Elves (36 page)

The
keeper
ignored Linis and fixed his eyes on Gewey.

“
I am here to complete my bond with Kaylia,”
he said, his voice clear and strong.

There was a long pause, then both
keepers
nodded and moved aside. Gewey nodded sharply and marched forward. As
he passed into the Chamber of the Maker, he could feel the
flow
grow ever stronger, until it threatened to penetrate him. He was
barely able to keep it at bay. The interior, though without
decoration, was still impressive. The seats were carved from white,
silver-veined marble that surrounded the entire hall. In the middle
was a smooth floor, made from the same crystal as the statues. It
glowed with power from the
flow
,
illuminating the entire building. Hundreds of elves filled the seats,
talking and whispering, but they all fell silent as Gewey came into
their view. Theopolou and Kaylia were down below, on the theater
floor. Felsafell, still dressed in his ragged skins and holding his
gnarled walking stick, stood quietly, several feet behind them, a
quirky smile on his wrinkled face.

Gewey was taken aback at the sight of his future
unorem
.
She was clothed in a silver gown that shimmered in the light of the
Chamber. The cloth hung to her curves flawlessly, and though her back
was to him he knew she was smiling. Her hair fell loosely about her
shoulders and was decorated with tiny, delicate, white flowers. He
could feel the bond between them grow stronger with each step he
took. He no longer noticed the elves in the gallery.

“
Your sword,” whispered Linis.

Gewey removed the blade and carefully handed it over.
Linis stayed just behind him as he continued down.

Theopolou’s eyes were closed, his hands folded in
front of him. As Gewey finally reached the stage, Theopolou opened
his eyes. The old elf held a grave expression, denoting the
seriousness of the ceremony.

As he stepped beside Kaylia, Gewey saw the slightest of
smiles on her lips. Theopolou bowed slightly and held out his hand,
palm down. Gewey and Kaylia slowly dropped to their knees. All voices
were silent, and all eyes were focused on them.

“
We are here on this night to bear witness,”
said Theopolou. His voice echoed throughout the Chamber. “The
Creator has deemed that the two here before me be bonded in spirit.
Their souls forever as one. Their lives... a single life. It has been
many years since such a thing has taken place, so it is fitting that
such a sacred vow be made here, in the Chamber of the Maker, for all
the elders of our race to see.” He stepped forward and placed a
hand on Gewey and Kaylia’s heads. “Is there anyone here
that can find just cause to stand against their bond?”

This caused a stir among the crowd, and Gewey's heart
raced, but no one spoke. “This is good,” Theopolou
continued. “Then--”

“
I claim the right of
pudnaris
,”
called a voice from the crowd.

Both Kaylia and Gewey turned. From the crowd, a lone elf
pushed his way through. He was dressed in plain tan leathers and wore
a long knife on his belt. He was tall, nearly as tall as Gewey,
though not as broad in the shoulders. His long, silver blond hair was
tied back in a tight braid, and his eyes were aflame with
determination.

“
Eftichis,” whispered Kaylia.

“
By what right do you challenge?” Theopolou
demanded.

Eftichis reached the floor and stood tall, just a few
feet away from Gewey. Linis moved in between.

“
Still yourself, seeker,” said Eftichis. “I
will do no violence... yet.”

“
Answer the question,” said Theopolou. “By
what right do you challenge?”

“
Kaylia was promised to me,” Eftichis
replied, in a loud clear voice.

Kaylia sprang to her feet. “I was never promised
to you or to anyone.”

“
You dare to tell untruths in this sacred place?”
Eftichis challenged. “Your father made this arrangement during
the Great War as a symbol of unity between our families. You were yet
to be born, but the promise still holds. Certainly you know this.”

“
I know nothing of the sort,” Kaylia
countered. “Were you to ever make this claim, I would have
refused, and you know it. I am already bonded to Gewey, and I will
not
be forced to
accept a promise made by my father before I was born... if he ever
made such a promise.”

“
You doubt my honor?” Eftichis asked. “You
doubt the word of my father?”

“
You think to trick me into naming you a liar,”
said Kaylia. “I will not. But if you wish to see the Maker, so
be it.”

Eftichis laughed. “You think much of your human
mate.”

Gewey rose to his feet and met Eftichis’ gaze.
“You speak from ignorance. I will ask you not to do this. I
have no desire to spill your blood, but if you stand between us... I
will.” Gewey allowed the
flow
to wash over him. Audible gasps came from the gallery.

“
I see,” said Eftichis. “There is more
to you than meets the eye, it would seem. Still, I will not be
deterred. Do you accept?”

“
He has until sunset tomorrow to answer,”
Theopolou interjected.

“
I don't need to wait,” snapped Gewey. “I
accept. I am sorry. I had hoped I would never have to spill elf
blood. But if you force me to, I will.”

“
We will see whose blood will spill, human.”
Eftichis sneered and turned to Theopolou. “And unless you dare
to dispute my word, then you have no choice. The right is mine, and I
claim it.” He looked out over the gallery. “Does anyone
here question the truth of my claim?”

A minute passed and the Chamber was silent. Eftichis
smirked with satisfaction.

Theopolou bowed his head and sighed. “Then it is
done. When the dawn breaks, you will return here. You may bring with
you your weapon, your clothes, and nothing more. One elf of your
choosing may stand with you, but he is not to interfere. Do you
understand?” Both Gewey and Eftichis nodded.

“
A shame, it is,” rang the voice of
Felsafell. “To see blood of the young wasted. But blood there
will be and nothing more.”

“
I have heard you were here,” said Eftichis.
“What wisdom do you bring us? Do you think to stop me?”

“
No, oh no,” Felsafell replied. “I am
no mover of elves or molder of fate.”

“
Then why are you here?” called a voice from
the crowd.

Felsafell surveyed the gallery, then his eyes fell on
Gewey. “I am here to live in the world one last time. Oh, yes,
once more before the end. To see a
child of
heaven
walk the earth. To hear the wails of
the elves and cries of men. To free my brothers from winter’s
cold grasp.” He reached out and took Gewey and Kaylia by the
hand. “Come with me. The dawn comes early, and there is much to
say.”

The three made their way back out of the Chamber,
followed closely by Theopolou and Linis. Once they had reached
Theopolou's tent, Felsafell released them and took a seat at the
table. Gewey, Kaylia, and Linis did likewise, while Theopolou gave
orders to his escort. Once he had finished he joined the rest of the
group.

“
Did you know this would happen?” Gewey
asked Felsafell.

“
A fortune teller I am not,” he replied.
“Things I know, I do indeed. But the future... a mystery
difficult to grasp.”

“
I suspected someone may try to stop you,”
said Theopolou. “But I never thought Eftichis would lie openly,
on the Chamber floor.”

“
He was lying.” Gewey turned to Kaylia.
“Wasn't he?”

Kaylia stared down at the table. “Perhaps. His
father was close to mine. They fought together during the Great War.
If he promised me to another, I was never told. But I suppose it is
possible. Eftichis would have been a good match for me, had my life
taken another path.”

A pang of jealousy shot through Gewey, but Kaylia smiled
and placed her hand on his.

“
You will have to kill him,” said Linis.
“There is no way to avoid it.”

“
Perhaps,” said Felsafell. “Always
choices. Always new roads to travel. Listen to me,
child
of heaven
.” His eyes fixed on Gewey.
“My time in this place is at an end. A new road I must travel.
But this you must know. The cold of the north comes swifter than you
can imagine. Not ready to face it are you, but you must. Hard choices
you will make, and many deaths will you see. Your true mother will
soon be revealed, and with this knowledge will come madness. Your
bonded mate will save you if you allow it. But the cost may be more
than you can bear.” He rose to his feet. “One last thing.
Do not falter. Do not retreat and all will be overcome.” With
that, he walked toward the back of the tent. “Until the morning
I remain, I will. Then off to free my kin.” He pushed back the
flap and disappeared down the hall.

“
I really don't understand him,” said Gewey.

“
You're telling me that he walked all this way,
just to tell you that?” said Linis. “Now he's leaving?”

“
Felsafell has his own reasons,” said
Theopolou. “He comes and goes as he pleases and speaks in his
own time. Besides, I think you have more urgent matters to attend
to.”

Gewey nodded. “Is there anything I should know
about Eftichis?”

“
He's strong,” said Kaylia. “Had his
father not been the leader of his people, he would have likely been a
seeker. It is known that he has great skill with a weapon. You should
be cautious.”

“
Indeed,” said Theopolou. “Do not
underestimate him, as he will underestimate you. Though your display
in the Chamber will have given him pause, not to mention the others
watching. The best thing you can do is get some rest and gather your
strength. In the morning you will face him, and we shall see.”

“
I wish there was another way,” Gewey
grumbled. “Why must everything be life or death? I really don't
want to kill him.”

“
But kill him you must,” said Theopolou.
“Otherwise Kaylia will be taken from you, and there will be
nothing I can do to stop it.”

Gewey’s fist clenched until his knuckles turned
white. “Then death it is.”

Kaylia put her arm gently around Gewey's shoulders.
“This will only be the first of many, I fear. But I'll be with
you until the end.”

“
I'm afraid you are not allowed to attend the
pudnaris
,” said
Theopolou. “You must remain here until it is over.”

Kaylia turned to Theopolou, her eyes burned with fury.
“I will not wait here while Gewey faces death.”

“
Yes, you will,” said Theopolou. “You
have no choice.”

“
Don't worry,” said Linis. “I'll be
with him. I know he will prevail.”

Kaylia scowled. “The moment it is over, I expect
you to send word.” She turned to Gewey. “And you... show
no mercy. I will not have you killed. Forget everything else. Just
win.”

Gewey smiled and said, “I will, I swear.” He
kissed her lightly on the forehead. “I haven't come this far to
die now.”

“
Then you should rest while you can,” said
Theopolou. He rose to his feet. “As should I.”

“
Are you still being…drained?” asked
Gewey.

“
No. It ended once we neared the Chamber. Whatever
the cause, it has no effect in this place. Do not be concerned. We
have more pressing matters at hand.”

“
Agreed,” said Linis. He looked at Gewey.
“Come. I know it will be difficult, but you need to at least
try to rest.”

Gewey gave a deep sigh and nodded. “I'll try.”

Linis led Gewey to his room, Kaylia just behind them.

“
Don't worry,” Gewey said to Kaylia, just
before he entered. “I'll be fine.”

Kaylia smiled sweetly and put her hand on his cheek. “I
know.” She allowed their bond to share her emotions with him.

Gewey's heart pounded as he felt the love pour through.
He watched for a moment as Kaylia walked away, then went inside.

Linis smiled broadly.

“
What?” said Gewey, suddenly embarrassed.

“
Nothing,” Linis replied, still smiling.
“You have come a long way, since I first met you in that
tavern. I knew there was strength in you, even then. But I think
Kaylia has made you invincible. I pity Eftichis.”

“
I'm trying not to think about it,” said
Gewey. “I know what I have to do. But I still wish there was
another way. I've killed before, but this time it's different.”

“
Why?” asked Linis. “Because it's an
elf?” He shook his head.

“
Listen to me, Gewey. This will not be the last
time you will face one of my kind. There is a split among my people.
The idea of a second split once weighed heavily enough on our hearts
to prevent it. Now it is inevitable. The world is changing, and the
new ways are struggling with the old. I regret to say that means more
blood will be spilled. We have already been attacked once by our own
kin.”