Gewey allow the power to ebb.
“I do not doubt your love for Kaylia,” said Aaliyah. “Nor hers for you. But I was chosen for a reason, and I will not be deterred. You are a living God, bound to this world. Destined to save it. Destined to save us. Should you not choose a mate that can meet such a challenge?” Her eyes met Kaylia's. “Have you not doubted that you are worthy? You are fierce and strong. Perhaps, in time you could be even stronger. But should Shivis Mol not have the deepest well to draw from? Are you that well? Or am I?”
Kaylia moved Gewey and Theopolou aside. “You speak of Gewey as if he were a tool…a mere object. You do not love him.”
“I speak of him as he is,” she replied. This time her tone matched Kaylia's ferocity. “A God. You say that I do not love him. And I do not. Not as you love him. But he is Shivis Mol. And we are not children. For him to bond with me would give him even greater strength. Strength he will need if we are to survive. You must look beyond your own selfish desires.”
“This is all irrelevant,” Theopolou interjected. “Kaylia and Gewey are already bonded. This cannot be undone.”
Aaliyah shook her head. “How little you know. Of course it can be undone. You may have lost the ability, but we have not.”
“I don't want it undone,” Gewey objected. His voice was cold and menacing. “And if you try-”
“I will do nothing without your consent,” said Aaliyah. She looked on Gewey and Kaylia for a long moment. “I offer you this bargain. Allow Shivis Mol to go with me…alone. I will present my case during our journey. If I am rejected, so be it. In return, I will instruct him, and help him reach his true potential. I am the most powerful among my people. You will find no better teacher.”
“I will not be parted from Kaylia,” said Gewey. He pulled Kaylia close.
Aaliyah looked into Kaylia’s eyes. “If you are meant to be with him then you have nothing to fear. Your bond shall remain intact unless Shivis Mol decides otherwise.”
“I refuse to-” started Gewey, but Kaylia pulled away.
“If it means saving our people, then you must,” said Kaylia. Her voice was tender and sad. “I fear losing you.” She gave Aaliyah a contemptuous glance. “But not to her. Go, and learn what you must to save us from the darkness that comes. I will be waiting.”
“You have made a wise decision,” said Aaliyah.
Theopolou placed his hands on Gewey and Kaylia. “If this is to be, then you shall complete the bond. You cannot know what perils lay ahead. I would see you as one before you are parted.”
Kaylia smiled and took Theopolou's hands. “Thank you.” She released him, and looked at Gewey. “Assuming you are agreeable?”
Gewey nodded, smiling. “Of course, I am.” He scanned the area for Linis. “Would someone tell Linis to come here?”
Bellisia stepped forward. “I will find him.” She left and returned with Linis a short time later.
Linis grinned, and squeezed Gewey's shoulder. “I am happy for you.” He glanced at Kaylia. “Both of you.”
“Kneel,” said Theopolou.
Without another word Kaylia and Gewey fell to their knees. Theopolou placed his hands on their heads and began to recite the ritual. Though Gewey couldn't understand the language, the sound of Theopolou's voice caused images to erupt in his head. Colors swirled and danced until he was dizzy, and he had to reach out to Kaylia to steady himself. The moment he touched her he could feel their bond grow stronger, taking root within his soul. Minutes passed until he realized Theopolou was no longer speaking. He looked across at Kaylia. Her face was aglow with joy. He could feel every fiber of her being. In that moment, he knew how deeply she cared. It was as if the bond they shared before was a shadow of what it had become.
“Normally, the ceremony is a bit more involved,” said Theopolou. “But every minute you have left together is precious.”
Gewey and Kaylia rose. Aaliyah was expressionless. The rest of the elders bowed and took a step back.
“When shall you depart?” Theopolou asked Aaliyah.
“At dawn,” she replied. “My ship is less than two days journey.”
Theopolou turned to Gewey. “Prepare whatever you intend to take with you, then return here.” He took Kaylia's hand. “In the meantime, come with me.”
Linis smiled. “I envy you, my friend.”
“One day, such joy will be yours, Linis,” said Gewey. “I just know it.”
Linis let out a hearty laugh and slapped Gewey on the back. “I hope so, but now…this is your time.”
Gewey and Linis went to his pack. He wanted to travel as light as possible. As he sifted through his belongings, he told Linis what Aaliyah had said, and the bargain he had made with her.
“I will go with you,” offered Linis.
“No,” said Gewey. “You're needed here. If the elves are going to gather for war, you must help.” He looked across the field to where Nehrutu was speaking to the other elves. “You must learn whatever they can teach you. It's why I'm going. To learn what I must.”
“Be careful, Gewey,” warned Linis. “She is unlike any elf I have known. She may tempt you in ways you cannot imagine.”
Gewey smiled. “She can try. But as long as my heart belongs to Kaylia, she will fail.”
When Gewey finished packing he returned to where the others were still gathered. Theopolou waited. His smile made him seem youthful. Kaylia stood just behind him. She had changed into a white silk dress, tied at the waist by a thin gold sash. Her hair fell loosely about her bare shoulders. Gewey’s heart raced at the sight of her familiar but breathtaking beauty.
Theopolou took them both by the hand and led them across the field and past the pavilion. An area had been hastily cleared just out of sight of the camp, and a small tent had been erected. It was large enough for two, and no more.
Kaylia turned to her uncle and kissed him lightly on the cheek. He smiled the loving smile of a father. Theopolou took her hand and placed it in Gewey's, then turned and walked away. Kaylia looked deeply into Gewey's eyes then led him inside.
Chapter 8
Lee and Jacob had ridden at an easy pace for the two weeks after taking a riverboat up the Goodbranch River. They waited until they were three days north of Sharpstone before returning to the road. They could not risk being seen. From the sailors, Lee had heard news of the faithful occupying his beloved town, and he had to fight the urge to do something. But Millet would have to deal with them. It was now the duty of Lord Nal'Thain, not Lee Starfinder, to save Sharpstone. His tasks lay elsewhere.
Jacob had been relatively quiet during the journey. Lee had tried many times to engage his son in conversation, but the boy had little to say. A few times Lee tried to teach Jacob sword techniques, and though Jacob learned quickly, he could tell that his heart wasn't in it.
“We'll arrive in Klinton by sundown,” said Lee. The air was bitter cold. Jacob was bundled in a small wool blanket. “We should change clothes before we get there.”
“Why?” asked Jacob.
“We must blend in with a less than savory crowd,” Lee explained. “If we're to get information, and not be discovered, we can't march in as lords of Hazrah. There are towns near the foothills of the Razor Edge Mountains where news of Angraalcan likely be heard. The bandits and mercenaries make it their business to know the comings and goings of the land.”
Jacob sniffed. “So? We're a week from the foothills.”
“Yes,” said Lee. “But our deception should be believable. I'm hoping to find someone heading north. We can pose as sell-swords. Possibly hire on with a merchant. It will go a lot more smoothly if we arrive up north in character.”
