appear hard and inhospitable to you. But I assure you I am not.”
“You have no need to explain,” said Aaliyah. “I, too, am responsible for the lives of others, and understand the need for caution when it comes to the safety of my people.”
Weila's countenance softened. “Then I shall let you rest. Tomorrow you will get proper clothing for your journey.”
Aaliyah and Gewey bowed as the Sand Master rose to her feet.
“That went better than I thought,” remarked Pali.
“You're lucky to have a mother that cares so much,” said Gewey. He thought of his own mother and her absence from his life. “Mine died when I was very young.”
“I am sorry to hear it.” Pali cocked his head. “You share much with our kind. I see that you are accustomed to the company of elves. That is good to know. Most of what we have heard of the west are stories of hatred and war.”
“The stories are true,” said Gewey. “But things are changing.”
They sat up for a few more minutes, then bedded down for the night.
Chapter 12
Kaylia awoke screaming and crying uncontrollably. In seconds Linis and Theopolou were at her side.
“It's gone!” she cried. “It's gone!”
Theopolou pulled her close. “What's gone?”
It took her a moment to stifle her sobs. “My bond with Gewey. It's gone!”
Theopolou closed his eyes and breathed deeply. He placed his hands on her head. “It is not gone. It has been…somehow blocked.”
At that moment Nehrutu approached. “Is everything all right?” His shimmering red pants and shirt, along with his effortless, regal movements made him easy to recognize. As graceful as the elves of this land were, they appeared awkward by comparison.
Kaylia tried to rise, but Theopolou held her fast. Her eyes burned. “Aaliyah is behind it! I know it!”
“What has happened?” asked Nehrutu.
“I believe Aaliyah may have somehow blocked the bond between Kaylia and Gewey,” Theopolou explained. “At least that is the only explanation I can imagine.”
Nehrutu leaned down and placed his hand on Kaylia's shoulder. He closed his eyes for a full minute. “Yes, she has.”
“That witch,” Kaylia hissed.
“Can you undo what she has done?” asked Theopolou.
“I could…perhaps,” Nehrutu replied. “But I will not.”
“Why?” Kaylia screamed. “Why will you not help me?”
Nehrutu sighed. “Aaliyah has done this, and she has her reasons. It is not for me to interfere. Take comfort that she did not break your bond. She is certainly strong enough.”
“Why would she do this?” asked Linis. “What purpose does it serve?”
Nehrutu thought for a moment. “The only reason would be to help Shivis Mol. If the bond hindered his training, she would not hesitate to block it. I would do the same.”
Kaylia's anger boiled. She pulled away from Theopolou and jumped to her feet, standing inches away from Nehrutu. “And if you did, the powers of the Creator would not save you. Nor would they save Aaliyah, if she were here.” Tears welled in her eyes, as the pain of Gewey's absence grew.
Nehrutu's face was expressionless, and he met her eyes unflinchingly. “Then it is both fortunate that I did not do this, and that she is not here to face your wrath.”
Linis gently grabbed Kaylia's arm. “There is nothing to be done. I am certain Gewey will find a way to undo this.”
Kaylia stepped back and walked away into the darkness. Over and over she reached out, but to no avail. Finally, she collapsed on the ground and wept. The vast emptiness was more than she could bear. The bond with Gewey was a part of her. It was as if it had always been, and until that moment, she thought it would always be. For nearly an hour she wept in the darkness, until she heard footfalls approaching. Expecting to see Linis or Theopolou, she wiped her eyes and stood. But instead she saw Nehrutu.
“I do not want to speak to you.” Her voice seethed with hatred.
“You may change your mind when you hear what I have to say,” said Nehrutu.
Kaylia folded her arms and turned away.
“You are aware of Aaliyah's intentions toward Shivis Mol,” he said.
“His name is Gewey,” she shot back.
“As you say.” He took a step closer. “We are not all in harmony with her intentions. Particularly me.”
Kaylia turned. “And why is that?”
“Before we became aware of…Gewey,” he replied, “I was Aaliyah’s betrothed. We were to be joined.”
This took Kaylia aback. “And now?”
“Aaliyah is determined,” he said, lowering his eyes. Kaylia could see the pain in his expression. “She truly believes that it is her duty to join with Gewey, and she will not relent. That he loves you is your greatest ally. But Aaliyah is clever and powerful. She will not make it easy for Gewey to refuse.”
“What can I do?” she asked, desperately. “How can I stop her?”
“You must learn to use the powers that the Creator has provided.” He took her hands and looked into her eyes. “I can help you, but only if you let me. I do not want to lose Aaliyah, and I fear I will. But if you show yourself to her as an equal, she may very well step aside.”
“How can I do this?” Her voice cracked. “I am no seeker, nor am I an elder.”
“You have the ability inside you,” he assured. “If only you will allow me to show you, you will discover your true gifts. Then perhaps we can both find peace and contentment.”
Kaylia nodded slowly. “I would be grateful for your help.” She pulled away and rubbed her arms from the chill night. “How is it she simply abandoned you?”
Nehrutu gave her a sad smile. “You should not judge her harshly. She is dedicated to the well-being of our people. She looks to the needs of others above her own desires. Everything she has done has been for the good of our people…though I often wish it was not so.”
Kaylia choked back her tears. “When shall we begin?”
“As soon as possible,” Nehrutu replied. “With your fire we should accomplish much.”
They walked back to camp together. Kaylia felt more at ease, though the loss of the bond still wrenched at her heart.
Since Gewey and Aaliyah's departure the elves began making preparation to retake Valshara. Mohanisi, through the power of the flow, was able to get word to his ship and send it back to his homeland. Kaylia and Linis both remarked at the advantage of such communication.
The elders immediately sent messengers to muster the elves, and bear news of the events at the Chamber of the Maker. Theopolou had one of his guards bring a letter to Selena in Althetas, informing her of their intent. They reckoned it would take at least four weeks to ready a viable assault, and decided to use that time to gather intelligence on the temple occupation.
The first night of Kaylia's training was more frustrating than anything she had ever experienced before. Nehrutu took her away from the camp and sat her on a soft patch of grass.
“The earth will be first,” he said. “It is the simplest to achieve. Once you master it, you will be able to do many things that were far out of your reach before.”
“I have seen Linis and Theopolou use such power,” she said. “I know-”
“You know nothing,” he said, cutting her off, though he did not raise his voice. “The elders and your seekers, have no idea of how to harness this power. In my land, elf children can do more.” He leveled his gaze. “I am at odds with Mohanisi by my instructing you, exclusively. Do not make me regret this by thinking that you know what you do not.”
