night and the guardian who watches the souls of my kin that I mean you no harm.” With that, she rose.
“I’m going with her,” said Gewey. “I don’t think she wants to hurt us.”
Lee grumbled and nodded. “Very well,” he said, putting away his weapon. “I know nothing about the oaths of an elf or what your people now hold sacred, but you’re right about one thing. I do trust his instincts. But know that if you betray us, it will be the last thing you do.”
“As you say,” the elf laughed, then led them north into the nearby woods.
Lee walked directly behind the elf, his hand never leaving the hilt of his sword. Gewey followed, trying to keep himself from gawking at the silhouetted figure of the elven woman moving through the forest. He thought back on the tale Lee had told him about the war.
‘How could man make war on such beautiful people?’ he wondered.
They walked for several minutes until they came to a steep hill.
The elven woman stopped and turned.
“Before we go on, I must ask you a favor,” she said.
“What favor?” asked Lee.
“I wasn’t speaking to you, half-man,” she said.
Lee glared at the elf. “You will speak to…”
“What is it I can do for you?” Gewey asked, cutting Lee off.
Lee was furious.
The elf looked straight into Gewey’s eyes. “If what I have to show you is of value, I want you to allow me to accompany you.”
“Out of the question,” Lee asserted. “You have no business with us. If you feel in our debt for saving you, I release you from your obligation.”
“It is not for you to release me from anything,” she replied. “You know nothing of my motives, and I will tell you nothing except that I will not harm you. I will follow you with or without your permission. All I ask is that you let me do so openly.”
“It would be an honor to have you join us,” Gewey said, before Lee could stop him. “But I must warn you, our road is dangerous.”
“I have already guessed,” she said. “And I thank you. Now come and see what the night has caught.”
She led them up the hill, where a small patch of thin pines grew.
Lying face down was a man-bound, gagged, and unconscious. A horse was tied to a tree, and the man’s belongings had been tossed on the ground next to him.
“He’s been following you,” she said. “I overheard him asking someone on the road about two men traveling west, one young, and one older. He described you perfectly. I thought you might want to question him before I slit his throat.”
Lee walked to the unconscious man and rolled him over. To his great surprise, it was Millet.
“Millet!” Lee shouted. “What have you done to him?”
“You know him?” asked the elf.
“He’s my servant, and my friend,” said Lee as he drew his knife and cut Millet’s bonds.
“Forgive me,” she said. “I didn’t know.”
Lee examined him. He had a few bruises but otherwise looked unharmed. “Why is he unconscious?” asked Lee, cradling Millet in his arms.
“I forced him to drink jawas tea,” she answered. “He’ll be awake soon. In the mean time, I suggest you gather your things and bring them here. This is a much better location. I’ll watch over your servant until you return.”
Lee reluctantly agreed, leaving Gewey to keep watch on the hill. He didn’t want Millet to wake up only to see an armed elf at his side.
Millet was still unconscious when Lee returned. They built a small fire and Lee unpacked medicine to heal Millet’s bruises.
The elf woman sat far from the fire, her eyes closed. Gewey couldn’t keep his eyes off her. Finally, he shyly walked over and sat next to her.
“What’s your name?” he asked.
She slowly opened her eyes and looked at Gewey. “I am called Kaylia.” Her voice was soft and feminine, yet strong.
“I’m Gewey,” he said awkwardly. He looked over at Lee, who was tending to Millet. “He’s not so bad. If it wasn’t for him, I’d be dead right now.”
“Perhaps,” she said.
“Why do you want to come with us?” asked Gewey.
Kaylia closed her eyes again. “I have my reasons.”
Gewey stared at her in silence for a while.
“Why do you stare?” Kaylia asked. Her tone wasn’t judgmental or accusing, but it made Gewey blush all the same.
“I don’t know,” said Gewey. “I don’t seem to be able to help myself. I’m sorry.”
Kaylia smiled. “Most humans turn their eyes from my kind. Strange that you do not.”
“I’m just curious about you,” he said. “I never thought I’d meet an elf.”
“Did you want to?” she asked.
“I never gave it much thought,” he replied. “But now that you’re here, I’m glad I have the chance.”
Kaylia looked at him peculiarly. “You don’t fear me. Why?”
“Should I?” asked Gewey. “You said you didn’t want to hurt us.”
“I could be lying,” she replied.
Gewey shook his head. “Why would you? I’m not an expert in battle, but I’d think that if you wanted to hurt us, you could have picked us off with your bow.”
“True,” Kaylia agreed. “It’s just that I find it odd that you’re so willing to take me as a companion. You’re clearly not like other humans.”
“You might be surprised, if you get to know a few,” he replied.
“Perhaps,” said Kaylia. “I have a feeling I’ll know soon enough.”
Millet began to stir by the fire. Lee was still cradling his head in his lap.
“My…My Lord?” Millet asked weakly.
“Yes my old friend,” said Lee, smiling down at him. “You’re safe.”
“An elf,” he said. “She attacked me on the road. How did you find me?”
“Don’t worry about it,” said Lee. “Rest for now. I’ll explain everything in the morning.”
“Of course.” said Millet, lowering his eyes. “I’m sorry. I couldn’t let you go alone.”
“He is not alone,” said Kaylia.
Millet looked over and saw the elf woman “You!” he screamed and tried to get up. “My lord, she’s the one. She attacked me.”
Lee held him. “I know,” he said soothingly. “Don’t worry, she won’t do it again. Go back to sleep, and I’ll explain everything in the morning.”
“If it’s all the same to you, my lord,” he said, “I’ve slept quite enough.” He sat up and tried to stand, but his legs were still sore from his bindings, and his head swam from being drugged.
“Easy, Millet,” Lee advised. “Take your time.”
“Perhaps I’ll just sit for a while,” Millet said. “At least until that blasted tea wears off. Strong stuff, that is.”
Millet was wearing a dark leather woodsman’s outfit. His round features and pale skin gave the impression that he was city born and ill-suited for life in the country, but the stories Lee had told of him painted a different picture. He may have seemed soft, but Gewey guessed that the man had a strength that wasn’t readily apparent. Lee had described him as crafty, resourceful, and-most of all-loyal. Gewey could tell that Lee was pleased to see him.
“If you don’t mind, I would like to know what I’ve missed,” said Millet, still glaring at Kaylia.
Lee recounted the events of the past days, leaving out any mention of Gewey’s heritage. Gewey figured this to be for Kaylia’s benefit. When he finished, Millet shook his head and sighed.
