you cannot, I do not know.” She squared her shoulders. “But now is a time to heal, not talk. Talk can wait, but the dying cannot.”
They all nodded in agreement. Without another word Aaliyah, Mohanisi, and Nehrutu started off in different directions and immediately began tending the wounded, with the power of the flow. Linis left the more severely injured to Gewey and the other elves, and began healing those who he could more readily help. Gewey went from bed to bed for what seemed like an eternity, using all his strength. By the time it was fully dark, he was barely able to stand. Linis was fairing no better, nearly losing his feet several times. Aaliyah and her companions seemed far less affected.
“Are you well, Shivis Mol?” Aaliyah asked Gewey, as he knelt at the bedside of an elf who had been run through. He only looked up when she touched his shoulder.
“Just tired,” said Gewey. “This takes a lot out of me.”
“I see.” Her tone sounded confused. “We have nearly done all that can be done. Mohanisi, Nehrutu, and I can finish this. You should rest. I am certain Kaylia will tend you well.” Her last remark sounded almost sarcastic.
Gewey shook his head, and steadied himself. “I'm fine.” He placed his hands on the wounded elf and channeled the flow. The wounded elf gasped and his eyes shot wide. After a few minutes the wounds began to close and the elf relaxed.
Gewey struggled to his feet and stumbled to the next bed.
“That is enough,” said Aaliyah. “You cannot go on. There are only a few others who we can help. I insist you rest.” Her words were commanding and Gewey could feel himself wanting to obey. “If you become ill, then I will need to heal you. This will take from those who need more urgent care.” She smiled. “Do not be concerned. Soon I will teach you to heal without so much effort.”
Gewey's resolve gave way. “I'll go.”
Aaliyah took his arm and guided him from the pavilion to where Kaylia, Theopolou and the others were gathered.
“He needs rest,” stated Aaliyah flatly. “Tend to him.”
Before Kaylia could speak, Aaliyah released Gewey and turned back to the pavilion. He nearly collapsed the moment her hand let go. Kaylia was quickly at his side and guided him to a waiting bedroll. Eftichis brought him some bread and wine, which he gratefully accepted. Linis arrived a few minutes later and lay down next to him. He didn't speak a word, and was asleep in seconds.
“You should sleep as well,” suggested Eftichis, who had seated himself a few feet away.
Gewey rubbed his neck and stretched his back until it made a sharp crack. “The others will be finished shortly. I want to be awake when they get here.” He yawned, in spite of himself. “If I sleep now, I won't be able to wake up.”
Small fires were being lit throughout the camp. The scent of spiced meat and wine wafted on the breeze.
At that moment, Aaliyah and the others appeared from the fading light. “We have healed as many as we could.”
“You have our gratitude,” said Bellisia, who had been seated beside Lord Chiron for several hours, talking quietly.
“Indeed,” agreed Chiron. “Many more would have died if not for you.”
“I only wish we could have done more,” remarked Aaliyah, sadly. “Many were beyond our power.”
“You should rest,” said Gewey. “You must be exhausted.”
“We are,” admitted Aaliyah. “More so than we have ever been. And I would have strength before I tell our tale.” She reached down and placed the back of her hand on Gewey's cheek. Kaylia flashed anger across their bond, startling Gewey.
“For one so ignorant of his own abilities, you did well,” said Aaliyah. Her voice was tender and musical, like the cradle-song for an infant prince. “Though I admit I was confused to see how little you know of yourself.” She glanced over to Kaylia, then fixed her eyes on Gewey's. “That will change. I will see to it.”
Kaylia moved close to Gewey, her face hot with jealousy.
Aaliyah smiled. “Fierce and protective. Though I must admit, I can understand why.” Her hair shimmered in the fire light. She stepped back and took a seat on a blanket a few feet away. Mohanisi and Nehrutu rested next to her. “In the morning I shall address the elves.”
“I am afraid it will have to wait until after the funeral rites,” said Theopolou. “They begin with the sunrise.”
“Of course,” said Aaliyah. She lay down and pulled the blanket over her shoulders. It was mere moments before sleep took her.
Gewey looked around. Small groups of elves were gathered around the fires, speaking in hushed whispers. No one had disturbed the newcomers while they were tending the wounded, but news of them spread like wildfire. Gewey smiled. Only the arrival of these elves could overshadow the presence of a God in their midst. And for that, he was grateful. He finished his meal and lay on his back. The stars were peeking out from behind wisps of thin clouds high in the sky. He wished the night was clear. The nights of a new moon were the best time for star gazing. Kaylia lay next to him, her head turned toward Aaliyah.
“She is beautiful,” said Kaylia.
Gewey reached over and took her hand. “I didn't notice.”
“You do not need to spare my feelings,” she said in a half-whisper. “I am not doubting your love for me.”
Gewey turned his head and met Kaylia's eyes “Good. And I'm not sparing your feelings. I was too busy in the pavilion to notice such things.”
“And now that you are not in the pavilion?”
Gewey pushed himself up and leaned over her. “And now that I'm not in the pavilion, you're still more beautiful.” He kissed her softly.
She smiled. “She wants you.” Pulling him to her she kissed him once more. “But she cannot have you. She called me fierce, but she has no idea how fierce I can be.” She stroked his cheek. “Now sleep.”
Gewey lay back down and closed his eyes. The tingle of Kaylia's touch still caressed his lips. As sleep took him he could feel his spirit drift. He had come to enjoy the sensation. Then he heard a call. Not in words, but a sweet summons, like soft music. Kaylia, he thought. A thin mist surrounded him. It was warm and soothing. He allowed it to penetrate him.
“I am here,” called a gentle, feminine voice.
A figure approached through the mist. Gewey expected to see Kaylia, but as the figure neared, he realized it was not her…It was Aaliyah.
Chapter 7
A bitter chill woke Gewey the next morning. Kaylia and Linis had already risen and were nearby helping the others prepare the morning meal. Bellisia, Chiron and Theopolou, had gathered a few yards away, and had donned white robes, Gewey presumed for the funeral rites.
Aaliyah's face still burned in his memory, but he could not recall anything beyond the point when she first appeared. He scanned the area for her and her friends, but they were nowhere to be seen.
Just next to him, lying atop his sword and scabbard, he noticed his pack. Someone must have retrieved his belongings from Theopolou's tent. He rummaged through his things until he found the clothes Theopolou had given him, then went to look for some place private to change. He thought perhaps to seek out some water for washing, but didn't want to miss the ceremony. Gewey walked toward the burned remains of the camp. Beyond the pavilion, he could see dozens of funeral pyres that had been erected in the night. He dreaded the sad ceremony that was to come. Finding a hidden spot just beyond the pavilion, between two tents, Gewey changed into his elf clothing.
“You have an interesting mind.” It was Aaliyah.
Gewey flushed. “How long were you watching me?”
Aaliyah smiled. “Long enough.” She took a step forward.
