Gewey’s heart raced as Kaylia dimmed the lights. No one would disturb them for some time. Gewey felt as he did their first night together. He stripped off his travel worn clothes and tossed them into the corner. Dust flew as they struck the flagstone floor.

Gewey smiled. “I'm filthy.”

Kaylia retrieved a washrag from the wardrobe. “Not for long, my love.”

Chapter 31

As they lay in bed, Gewey felt utterly content. His mind was far from the troubles he was to face, and obstacles he had overcome. Kaylia smiled sweetly as she lay with her arm draped over his chest.

“I never want to leave this room,” said Gewey.

As if the fates had been challenged, there was a knock at the door.

“The High Lady sends word that it is nearly time,” came a shy voice.

Gewey groaned then shouted loud enough so that whoever it was on the other side could hear. “Very well.”

Gewey climbed out of bed and rummaged around his pack for the elf clothes Theopolou had given him. He held them up and frowned. They were wrinkled and stained. In fact, all his clothes were in the same condition.

“I have clothes for you,” said Kaylia. “I would not have you looking like a vagabond.” She went to the wardrobe and pulled out a black, silk shirt and matching trousers.

Gewey held up the shirt and cocked his head. “I'll miss the comfort of my elf clothes.”

Kaylia laughed. “I'm sure we can find you more. But this must suffice for now.” She took out a pair of leather boots and a silver belt. “Do not worry. You will be covered with dirt again soon enough.” She grabbed his arm and had him sit in the chair in front of the dressing table mirror.

He looked at himself in horror. His beard had grown to nearly an inch long, and his hair was a tangled mess. “I can't believe you can bear to look at me.”

“Don't worry,” she said, kissing his neck. “I will see to it that you are presentable. Get dressed and I will return shortly.”

She donned a cotton robe and a pair of silk slippers and left the room. A few minutes later she returned with a young girl dressed in a plain, green tunic and skirt.

“Go with her,” said Kaylia. “She will see to your…grooming.” Her last word came out with a light titter.

Gewey gave himself one last look in the mirror, and sighed. “Not exactly inspiring, am I?”

“We'll change that, my lord,” said the girl, with a perky bounce.

She led him to an unused chamber, and set to work, and soon Gewey was shaved and groomed. A guard came, just as the girl was finishing, to tell Gewey that Kaylia awaited him in the receiving hall.

The guard escorted Gewey to the hall. Just outside the doors he saw Chiron, speaking quietly to Bellisia.

Chiron beamed as Gewey approached. “Ah, now you are a welcome sight.”

Gewey bowed to them both. “When did you arrive?”

“Just now,” he replied. “Both mine and Bellisia's lands are not as far away as others. The other elf nations will be here within the month.”

“Is it true Angraalhas taken the city of Skalhalis?” asked Bellisia.

“It would appear so,” Gewey replied. “It looks like time has run out. War is come.”

“I hear dear Theopolou left Ertik of Valshara to speak for the elves in Althetas,” said Chiron. “How times are changing.”

“For the better, I pray,” added Bellisia. “The idea of elf and human living together is still unsettling to many of my people. But they are coming to accept it as inevitable, as I have.”

“There is much you will hear that will surprise you, Lady Bellisia,” said Gewey. “Aaliyah and I made many discoveries in the eastern desert.”

“What could be discovered in such a barren waste?” she asked, looking doubtful.

“I am sure Gewey will tell us everything once we are inside,” said Chiron. He reached out and opened the door. “Shall we?”

Inside the receiving hall, a large oval table had been placed in the very center of the room. Most of the chairs were already filled with finely, dressed men and women, some with obvious military insignia on their attire, along with several elves Gewey recognized from the Chamber of the Maker. Aaliyah and Nehrutu sat together near the far end. Aaliyah had changed into a deep blue dress, with emerald embroidery, and her black hair was decorated with tiny white flowers. Gewey smiled when he saw her.

At the far end sat Selena, dressed in the ceremonial robes of Amon Dahl. Ertik was seated to her left, and Maybell to her right. Maybell smiled when she saw Gewey. He waved and smiled in return. Kaylia sat at the other end next to an empty chair opposite Selena.

The room went silent as Gewey made his way to his seat. Kaylia touched his hand gently. Chiron and Bellisia found a seat near Ertik. Chiron whispered something into Ertik’s ear that brought a pleased look to his face.

Selena stood and addressed the room. “We all know why we are here. War has come sooner than expected. Angraalhas landed ships in the city of Skalhalis, and will march on Althetas any day. We must decide how to act. I know that most of our force is still gathering, but we have already gathered soldiers from Queen Lilian of Farthing, Prince Loniel of Sieren Bay, along with ten-thousand elves. King Lousis will have more men here by morning.” She sat back down.

A tall, grizzled-looking man, with silver hair and rough features stood. “I am General Keise Halman, of Farthing. Do we know the numbers we will face, or shall we march blindly into battle?”

“We are trying to find out how many Angraal has sent,” Selena replied. “But we do not know as of this moment their exact number.”

Prince Loniel spoke. “I think it is more important to know if they march on Valshara, or do they look to Althetas.”

“We do not know,” said Selena.

“What, if anything, do we know?” asked General Halman.

Gewey stood. “We know that if we don't move quickly, this war will be over before it begins.” His large frame loomed tall and commanding over the gathering. “On my way back from the eastern desert, we spotted fifty ships bound for Skalhalis. Angraalis moving to end this war here and now. It doesn't matter what we do not know. What we know is that we must attack now or all is lost.”

General Halman sneered. “From the looks of you, boy, I wouldn't think you know much of battle and strategy. Perhaps you should join the rank and file, and leave the planning to the soldiers.”

Kaylia nearly jumped from her chair, but Gewey held her in place with a quick glance.

“And what experience do you have, General Halman?” asked Chiron. “Border disputes? Roving bandits? Before you embarrass yourself further, perhaps Gewey should take a moment to tell us of what he found in the desert. Those of us who know him would like to hear it. And those that do not…well, they may benefit as also.”

Gewey nodded, then recounted his adventure in the eastern desert. When he finished some of the generals and captains in attendance snickered and laughed. Only the elves nodded their heads with understanding.

“And what proof do you have of these outlandish claims?” asked General Halman, looking amused. “I mean, if you can kill fifty men, and are truly a God, then surely you can offer up some sort of proof.”

“Gewey is what he says he is,” said Bellisia. “And I do not doubt his tale. He need not prove himself to you.”

“Clearly this boy has made fools of you all,” said Halman. “Can't you see that? What does a God need with armies? Could he not vanquish our foes with a wave of his hand?”

Flames shot out of Gewey's hands and ran along the walls of the hall until they met just behind the general and exploded with a thunderous boom. Halman lurched forward crying out in fear, and scurried onto the table.

Gewey met the general’s eyes. “Do you need further demonstration? We do not have time for debate and bickering. So tell me, General Halman, is there more I can do to ease your mind?”

General Halman crawled down from the table and took his seat. His hands trembled as he shook his

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