The Sword of Truth

you’re better off not knowing.”

“I’m just glad to know he’s on our side,” Linis replied. “But don’t worry. I will keep my questions for another time. I do hope to one day have them answered.”

Gewey was shaking at the thought of what he had done. What if he had accidentally killed Linis-or any of the others, for that matter? Gewey swore to himself that he would learn to control his power. He would not cause the death of a friend through ignorance.

Linis could see how upset Gewey was. “Calm yourself,” he soothed. “I am not hurt. But if you would allow me, I think I might be able to help.”

Gewey looked at the elf in confusion. “Help? How?”

“Come with me,” Linis instructed, leading Gewey away from the others. “There are those among my people who can feel the energy of the earth and forest. In ancient times, it is said some could even use that energy to change the earth according to their will. Seekers use a similar technique, though we can only harness very small amounts of it compared to what I saw in you. We can channel it to give us great stamina and strength.”

“I can feel it,” Gewey confided. “Even now. But I can’t control it.”

Linis smiled. “Do not try,” he stated simply. “When you feel the flow enter you, do not try to channel it or direct it. Instead, picture it as a stream filling your soul. Once filled, let the rest pour over you and flow around you. Do not try to hold it in. Instead, simply replace it with more. Your body should become part of the energy flow, not a receptacle built to contain it. What happened earlier was caused by you holding on, when all you had to do was allow the power of the earth to continuously flow through you.”

“How do I do that?” Gewey asked.

“By forgetting to try,” he answered. “Do not think about it. When you hear the pulse of the earth, know that it was always there. Let your mind wander, and it will take its own course.”

“I think I understand,” said Gewey, nodding slowly in comprehension. “Thank you.”

Linis slapped Gewey on the back. “What a Seeker you would make,” he said. “One day, when our quests are done, I hope you will allow me to instruct you further.”

“I would like nothing more,” Gewey replied earnestly.

When they were about three miles from Gristol, Prustos returned. He spoke briefly to Linis and handed him a piece of parchment. Linis looked at it and smiled.

“Prustos has informed our people of your arrival,” Linis announced. “They will meet you at the Bean and Broth tavern, and then escort you to a house where you will be safe.”

“How will we know them?” Lee asked.

“Prustos has given them your descriptions,” he answered. “They will speak my name so that you know them to be true. The road leading to the city is one mile north, and the gates are unguarded during the daylight hours. You should have no trouble.”

“We can’t thank you enough for all you’ve done for us,” Lee said.

“I am honored to have met you and your kin.”

“The honor is ours,” Linis replied.

Gewey and the others traded heartfelt goodbyes with the elves, and then watched as they vanished into the forest.

Once the elves had gone, Millet turned to Kaylia. “What an extraordinary people you are,” he remarked.

“Thank you,” she replied. “I am pleased to have encountered them. I thought I would never speak to one of my kind in friendship again.”

Lee started north toward the road, and the others followed close behind. Without their elven friends, the march to the city gate felt dull and dreary. Gewey found himself missing their familiar laughter.

As Linis had said, the city gates were open and unguarded. The people of Gristol were far more accommodating than those they had encountered in other towns and villages, so they had no trouble getting directions to the Bean and Broth tavern. The tavern itself was nice, as taverns go. At first, Gewey worried that such a diverse group would stick out and raise suspicions, but none of the patrons seemed to take notice. They found a table and ordered ale and wine. They had hardly had time to take a single sip when they were approached by a man wearing a long, worn, brown leather coat and tan shirt and pants. He had salt and pepper hair and fair skin. He smiled cheerfully as he scanned the group.

“Friends of Linis, I presume?” the man asked.

“We are,” Lee responded, apprehensively.

“I’m Broin,” he said, taking a seat. “You’ll be my guests while you’re here.”

“We’re pleased to meet you,” Lee said, relaxing a bit.

Just then, the barmaid walked up to their table. “Good to see you, Lord Broin. The usual?”

“Yes indeed,” he answered, and then returned his attention to Gewey and his friends. “I’ve looked far and wide, and have yet to find a plum brandy to equal that of the Bean and Broth. In fact-” Struck with a sudden idea, he hopped up and whispered in the barmaid’s ear.

“We’re grateful for your assistance Lord Broin,” said Lee. “Our mutual friends speak highly of you.”

“Thank you,” he replied. “But you can drop the ‘Lord’ part; I’m not really a lord. About ten years ago there was a massive fire in the city, and I helped rebuild. Since then everyone started calling me Lord Broin. I’m actually just a merchant.”

Lee gave a knowing smile to Millet. “Lordship is earned,” Lee countered. “Clearly you earned it if that’s the title the people gave you.”

“I know,” he said. “But I still find it a bit…pretentious. I don’t dress like a lord, and I certainly don’t live like one.”

“I don’t know,” Millet commented. “You look much like some lords I’ve encountered. Not all wear silk and satin.”

“You sound like a man of experience.” Broin complimented him, laughing heartily as the barmaid returned. She carried a tray full of small glasses filled with pungent plum brandy.

“Please enjoy,” said Broin. “I would not have you visit our fine city without sampling what I consider to be its finest attribute.” Everyone took their brandy and raised their glasses.

“To new friends,” Broin toasted loudly, and they all took a sip. Gewey winced at the sweetness, but found the aftertaste to be quite pleasant.

“When you’re ready, we’ll go to my home,” Broin said as he held the glass under his nose. “I’ve had baths prepared. I know how time in the wilderness can take its toll.”

“That would be marvelous!” Maybell beamed. “You must forgive my rude companions for not introducing themselves. I’m Sister Maybell.”

“I’m pleased to know you, Sister,” he replied, nodding his head.

“While you’re here, I’ll have someone escort you to the Temple District if you wish.”

“That would be perfect,” she said graciously.

Embarrassed by Maybell’s words, each introduced themselves in turn.

“What a unique band of friends,” said Broin, his eyes fixed on Kaylia. “But enough of this. We should go, so you can wash off the dirt and grime of your long journey.”

Lord Broin led them to his home. It was a modest two-story structure, but it looked well built with sturdy red brick and hard pine. It had a small white balcony overlooking the street, and a flower garden surrounded the entire house. Inside the foyer, a staircase led to the upstairs bedrooms; doors on either side of the stairs led to the dining room, study, and parlor.

“I must apologize in advance,” Broin said. “I only have three spare rooms, but there are ample beds.” A series of clanks and rattles could be heard coming from the back of the house. “From the sound of it, Angus is preparing dinner.”

Broin led them to the bedrooms, where tubs of steaming water waited for them. Maybell took a room for herself, insistent that she get to bathe in private. Kaylia and Dina shared the next room, while Lee, Gewey, and Millet split the third.

“When you’ve washed, please join me in the parlor,” Broin said with a bow, leaving them to it.

“What do you think, my lord?” Millet asked, once they were alone.

“I trust Linis,” Lee answered. “But all the same, be alert.”