Dina’s eyes were painted, giving them an elfish quality that made Kaylia appear less obvious. Kaylia wore a similar dress, but hers was light blue and tied at the waist with a deep blue sash.
Minstrels were just arriving and tuning their instruments in the corner. The dozen or so patrons looked on, whispering with smiles.
“Now that’s more like it,” said Lee, as he threw his arm around Gewey’s shoulder and led him to the table. “First we feast, then we celebrate.” He jumped up on a chair and addressed the entire room. “You are all welcome to join us, let us all celebrate and be merry.” This was met with enthusiastic cheers and applause.
By the time the meal was being served, the minstrels had begun to play. The crowd in the common room had swelled, as word of the celebration had gotten out. Before long, more than fifty people had gathered in the hall, all laughing and feasting.
“Not bad for last minute,” Lee said as he surveyed the room. “If I do say so myself.”
“It’s wonderful,” Gewey agreed. “Thank you.”
“Not exactly discrete, my lord,” Millet pointed out.
“You’re right about that,” Lee replied. “But sometimes the right thing isn’t necessarily the smart thing.”
Millet smiled. “Quite right, my lord.” Lee smiled at Gewey and hopped up on his chair.
“Ladies and gentlemen,” he shouted above the crowd. He had to repeat it several times before everyone settled down and paid attention. “Tonight we celebrate the coming of age of a young man who I have come know and love. Through adversity and hardship he has shown himself to be a man of honor and respect, and is most deserving of our admiration.”
Voices yelling “Here, here!” and the beating of mugs on tables could be heard throughout the room.
“In the years I’ve known him, I have never seen him falter or turn a blind eye to someone in need. I consider it a privilege to be to here with him today, and to be part of this celebration.” Lee looked down at Gewey, his eyes showing a touch of sadness. “I only wish his father were here today to see him. He would have been so proud of the man I see before me. I look at you and I see him. His bravery and loyalty live on.”
Gewey felt a lump in his throat and choked back his tears.
“So without further ado,” Lee continued, “I present to you Gewey Stedding!”
The crowd erupted in cheers and yells. The stomping of feet and slamming of mugs shook the room. Gewey stood and bowed low.
“Thank you,” he said, once the crowd had calmed down. “I’m not much for making speeches, but I do want to say this to my friends: I love you all. I am honored to have you with me, and I hope that we have more reasons to celebrate in the days ahead.” He bowed again, then turned to embrace Lee. The room erupted once more.
“Thank you for this,” Gewey said, tightening their embrace.
It wasn’t long before the wine began to flow, and the room came alive with music and dance. Gewey danced with Dina, careful not to step on her feet this time. It was during the second song that he felt a tap on his shoulder-it was Kaylia. Dina smiled and politely stepped aside. To his great surprise, he found dancing with Kaylia felt easy and natural. He was able to completely anticipate her movements.
They gracefully spun around the room like a top, and Gewey found himself laughing joyfully.
Lee cut in for the third song, but by then Gewey felt dizzy and was ready to sit anyway. He sat at the table and watched as Lee picked Kaylia up by the waist and spun her around. The elf threw her head back with laughter.
Dina sat down beside Gewey. “You look every bit the man,” she said. “How do you feel?”
“Happy,” he answered. “Very happy.”
“Kaylia’s very beautiful,” she said, looking at the elf. “Don’t you think?”
Gewey felt himself blush, “Yes she is,” he said shyly, trying not to meet her eyes. “But so are you,” he added.
Dina placed her hand lightly over his. “Careful,” she said, giggling playfully. “You wouldn’t want two women competing for your favor, would you?”
Gewey tried to think of something to say, but was only able to manage a nervous grin. Dina squeezed his hand quickly, then asked Millet to dance. Millet was more than happy to oblige; Maybell had been bending his ear for most of the night about etiquette and customs in the western cities.
The night wore on, but the party gave no indication of dying down. Gewey was sitting across from Kaylia when suddenly he saw her back stiffen and eyes narrow.
“What is it?” he whispered.
“An elf,” she said.
“Here?” Gewey asked, startled. “Where?”
Kaylia nodded subtly toward the door. Gewey scanned the room, and saw a tall, hooded figure standing alone in the corner.
“We need to tell Lee,” Gewey urged her.
“Not yet,” she said. “I doubt he’s here to fight. He wouldn’t risk it among so many humans.” With that, Kaylia got up and started to the back.
“Where are you going?” Gewey asked anxiously.
“To talk,” she replied.
“Then I’m coming with you,” he said, and moved to her side before she could protest.
Kaylia paused a moment, then proceeded to her room. It was only a few minutes before there was a soft knock at the door. Kaylia opened it, and the tall hooded figure quickly stepped in. He looked at Gewey for a long moment, then turned and locked the door.
“You wish this human to be present?” the elf asked.
“He wishes it,” Kaylia replied gravely. “And I do not object.”
“Very well,” he said, pushing back his hood. His skin was much darker than Kaylia’s, but his sharp features and elven ears clearly stated his kinship to her. Gewey thought it must be wonderful to live among such people.
“I’m Linis, of the western tribes,” he announced. “I’ve come to warn you and give aid.”
Kaylia was taken aback. “Warn me? How would you even know me? It’s been many years since the western tribe has had dealings this far from their home.”
“You’ve been away from your people for a long time, Kaylia,” he replied. Kaylia was shocked to hear him use her name. “Much has changed.”
“Speak your intent,” Kaylia demanded. “Or leave.”
Linis sat down on the edge of the bed. “You are known to many of our kin. Word of your pending judgment has traveled fast and far.”
“What of it?” Kaylia asked defiantly. “How is it your concern?”
“You will not live to be judged,” he answered. “The elders have sent word that you are to be killed, and even now you are being hunted.”
“I gather from your words that you are not among the hunters,” she observed.
“No,” Linis replied. “I am not here to kill you, and I do not wish you judged at all.”
“But I have broken the law,” she countered. “And do not wish to avoid judgment.”
“Old laws for an old world,” Linis scoffed. “The elders are holding on to a life that no longer exists. The time for the old hatred is over. If we are to survive, we must learn to live with the humans. We cannot hide from the rest of the world forever. Eventually it will find us.”
“You speak of a second split!” Kaylia cried, outraged. “I
“The choice is no longer yours,” he said. “The elders break with tradition by ordering your death without trial. They fear the words you may speak, and seek to silence you before you become a threat to their power. You are already a part of this, like it or not.”
“How did this happen?” she asked solemnly. Her face was pained with the thought of her people turning on one another again.
“It started five years ago,” Linis began. “My tribe was approached by a man claiming to be from a stronghold in the north. He told us there were armies preparing to march on the kingdoms of the west, and offered to return our lands, for us to rule, so long as we agreed to become their allies.
“We contacted the other tribes, only to find out they had been given similar offers. Many wanted to take the
