“None of your folk who tried to reach our land would have survived,” said Nehrutu. “The Great Barrier has barred the way for thousands of years. It has only been nineteen summers since we have been able to get through ourselves. And yes, that is our home. Once, long ago, it was the home of all elves. But now…” He paused, placed his hand on Aaliyah’s shoulder, and nodded.
“Yes, quite right,” she said. “We should go. Your brothers and sisters await your return. I would think they would want our tale told to all.” She met Gewey's eyes once again. “And I suspect they are especially anxious to see you.”
“You seem to know something about me,” said Gewey. He was no longer afraid to reveal himself.
“Oh, indeed I do,” Aaliyah replied, with a hint of laughter. “There is not an elf among us that does not know of the coming of Shivis Mol. News of your arrival has caused great rejoicing. You are the herald of a new age and a new way.” She stepped forward and placed her ivory hand on Gewey's cheek. “I have dreamed of this day my entire life. As have all of my people.”
Gewey’s face felt hot at the touch of Aaliyah’s hand. He blushed and tried to look away, but couldn't. Her touch held him fast. A flash of rage flowed through his bond with Kaylia, breaking the spell before he stepped back.
“I see you have bonded to Shivis Mol,” said Aaliyah. Her eyes scrutinized Kaylia for a moment. “And yet you have no connection to…what is it you call it? The flow. How unusual.” She smiled. “And how fortunate for you. To be coupled with such as he, is a great honor, but requires great strength.”
“It is I who am honored,” said Gewey. He moved close to Kaylia and took her hand.
Aaliyah laughed. It was like bells on the wind. “I am sure that is so. She is clearly a noble elf…if that is the word I should use. I apologize, but certain concepts are difficult for us.”
“Being noble is a difficult concept?” remarked Kaylia, trying not to allow her anger to seep into her voice.
Nehrutu interjected. “Perhaps it is better to say we have no concept of…” He searched for the words. “We have no conflict among our people. At least not in the way you would understand. The idea of not acting noble, in the way you see it, is unknown to us.”
“But enough,” said Aaliyah. “There will be time for this when we arrive.” Nimble and swift as the wind, she spun around and walked down the road toward the Chamber of the Maker. Nehrutu and Mohanisi followed close behind.
Gewey, Kaylia, and Linis, looked at each other, then did the same.
As they approached the field where the pavilion had been erected, Aaliyah and her companions dropped back next to Linis. The field was still abuzz with activity, as hundreds of elves darted about.
“I believe you should make introductions,” said Aaliyah. “Considering what has happened here, it may be better if your people are greeted by someone more…familiar.”
Linis nodded in agreement.
Two guards barred their way when they reached the edge of the field. They eyed the strangers for a moment.
“They are not foes,” said Linis.
The guards grunted then stepped aside.
“A bit brutish,” remarked Mohanisi.
Linis pretended not to hear, but couldn't help but bristle at the insult. “They must be hard to survive these times. They fought bravely to protect their kin.”
“I meant no insult,” Mohanisi explained. “It is only that you are so different from what we know.”
Theopolou, Eftichis, and Bellisia approached from the pavilion. Kaylia ran ahead and embraced her uncle with joy. She held him tight for nearly a full minute.
“I am happy to see you are safe,” said Theopolou, smiling broadly. “Though I had no doubt Gewey would succeed in your rescue.” As Gewey approached with the others, Theopolou bowed. “Thank you,” he said to Gewey and Linis. “I am in your debt.”
Gewey bowed. “I wish I could say I freed her. But as it turns out she managed that on her own.”
Theopolou smiled lovingly at Kaylia. “A tale I would love to hear.”
“As would I,” said Bellisia. “But first I would like to know who you have brought among us.”
Linis introduced the elves and explained how they met, not failing to mention their claim.
“So you say you are from beyond the Great Western Abyss,” said Theopolou. His tone bore no hint of surprise or trepidation. “That would explain the news we received. Reports of red sails on the horizon have caused quite a stir.”
Aaliyah stepped forward and took Theopolou's hand. The old elf stiffened and staggered back. In a flash, Linis and Eftichis had drawn their knives and pulled Theopolou away. Mohanisi and Nehrutu made no move to stop them.
“No,” Theopolou cried. “Stay your weapons. I am not harmed…only dazed.”
“What happened?” asked Linis, holding Theopolou's arm.
“I beg your forgiveness,” said Aaliyah. “I thought it would be easier this way. As you are one of the more… how should I say this… talented among you. That is to say, you can use the flow.”
“Yes,” said Theopolou. He steadied himself and straightened his shoulders. “But I suggest you refrain from doing that again. At least until you have addressed the others.”
“Theopolou-” began Bellisia.
“She is who she says she is,” said Theopolou. “She merely communicated it to me in a manner which I am not accustomed. It was just too much at once.”
“I would speak to your people,” said Aaliyah. “But first, your wounded should be attended.” Her companions nodded in agreement. “You could help as well,” she said to Gewey.
“Of course,” said Gewey.
Linis stepped forward. “I will join you.” He could tell that Theopolou and the others had recently been using their powers to heal, and were exhausted, though they hid it well. “The elders should rest until we have done what can be done.”
“Of course,” said Aaliyah. “They have accomplished all they can.” She looked at Kaylia and smiled. “If you would tend to your elders while we do our work-”
“I will go with you,” said Kaylia.
“Theopolou and the others have greater need of you.” Aaliyah’s tone was not contentious, yet it held an air of authority that caused Kaylia to stop short.
“Stay,” said Theopolou. “You can tell me what happened after you were taken.”
Aaliyah didn't wait for a response. She turned gracefully and walked in the direction of the pavilion. Kaylia’s eyes followed her closely.
When Gewey and the elves entered the healing pavilion, they saw scores of elves lying injured in row upon row of beds that had been taken from the tents. As there weren't enough beds, the least injured were place on bedrolls. The rest were busy distributing food and medicine, and at first, hardly noticed the group’s presence. Gewey peered just beyond the pavilion, and could see others tending to the dead. His heart ached.
“How could this happen?” muttered Mohanisi. His face flushed with anger. He spun and faced Linis. “How could this happen?” This time his voice boomed with rage. Everyone in the pavilion stopped and stared.
Aaliyah gently placed her hand on Mohanisi's shoulder. “Calm yourself, my friend. This is not his doing.”
Mohanisi's muscles tensed until he trembled, then he closed his eyes. Gasps filled the pavilion as the elf filled himself with the flow. More and more entered him, until the air around him glowed with power. Only Gewey could hold so much…or so they thought. After a few seconds he released it and opened his eyes.
Mohanisi breathed deeply, then smiled apologetically at Linis. “Forgive my anger. Aaliyah is correct. This is not your doing. But I have not seen a sight such as this before. It took me aback for a moment.”
Linis bowed. “There is nothing to forgive. You are not wrong to feel anger. We have all allowed this to come to pass. I am as much at fault as any.” He could still feel the lingering power of the flow all around him, and all eyes still stared in amazement. “But, I must ask. How is it you can channel so much of the flow? Gewey is the only one I have seen use so much.”
“I doubt I have the power of Shivis Mol,” said Mohanisi.
“Your people have forgotten much,” Aaliyah interjected. “Once all elves could do as Mohanisi has done. Why
