They rode on until daybreak, giving Gewey time to think on what had happened. A flood of regret and anxiety filled his heart, and suddenly the faces of the men he killed became clear. He could see the horror in their eyes as his sword cut through them. By the time he dismounted, he was weeping uncontrollably.
“I know, Gewey,” Lee said comfortingly. “Most people who are forced to kill aren’t put into a situation like that. I’d like to say it gets easier, but it doesn’t.”
“It doesn’t seem to bother you or Kaylia,” he sobbed. “I’ve seen you both kill. Sometimes you even look like you enjoy it.”
“I never enjoy killing,” Lee replied. “I feel it every time. It’s just that I’ve come to terms with it.
“It is right that you weep,” Kaylia interjected. “As the elves say, you have become a bringer of death.”
“That’s enough,” Lee snapped.
“No,” Gewey said, “Let her speak. I want to hear it.”
“You are not a human,” Kaylia continued. “But nor are you an elf. You are a
“Suppose you found a way to let them live. Do you think they would thank you, return to their homes, and raise crops?” she asked. “No. You would find yourself facing them again and again.
“You should weep because you have left a part of yourself behind that is innocent. Mourn the loss, but rejoice that you have gained the strength to protect those that you love from the evils of this world. We elves do not take a life lightly, but once done, it cannot be undone. We gain strength in the knowledge that each person we kill is set free and cleansed of all evil. To meet the creator, purified, is the greatest gift one can bestow.”
“Are you saying you believe you can only be forgiven if you are killed in battle?” Gewey asked.
“Not at all,” she replied. “We believe that all spirits are pure. Only in life is someone evil. We do not believe that the sins of this life continue to the afterlife. How could we? Atonement would be impossible, and we would be doomed for all eternity.”
“I just wish the pain would go away,” said Gewey. “At first it was different…I felt almost numb. But then it all came rushing in. I know I must cope with this, but I think it will take time to learn how.”
“There are no easy answers,” Lee acknowledged. “But the fact that you’re asking questions tells me that you’re on the right path. In time, you’ll find a way to deal with the pain. But I don’t think you’ll ever forget it; I know I haven’t.”
Gewey lowered his head in thought. “I wish I understood what happened. It was as if the sword came alive in my hand. I could feel the power of the earth like never before. It was intoxicating.”
“I think I might know what happened,” Dina chimed in, approaching the trio. “I think it had something to do with the bond between you and your sword.”
“My sword?”
“It’s made from the same material as my medallion. It’s more than just a way we identify one another. We also use it to focus our energy when we meditate. The more talented among us can use it to project their spirit and see other places without physically being there. I think your sword may have amplified your abilities in some way. I’m not sure how, but perhaps someone at the temple could tell you when we get there.”
“If that’s the case, you should be careful until we understand it better,” Lee advised.
Gewey nodded. It made sense. The heat of the sword and the pulse of the earth coursing through his body; it was as if he and the energy were one. He would definitely have to take care. They ate a quick meal of dried figs and water, then continued on. The remainder of their trip was less than comfortable; Lee refused to allow a fire, and the nights were cold. Kaylia huddled next to him on several occasions. At first, he felt uneasy, but by the third night he looked forward to it. Their speed had them just outside of Althetas in only six days.
The few towns along the way were easy enough to avoid. Gewey marveled at the endurance of their mounts; even after a hard ride, they acted as though they were ready to run some more. It was little wonder the people of the steppes guarded their animals jealously, as just one would be worth a dozen of any other horse he had ever seen. He promised himself to return to Sharpstone with one. The whole village would be envious, and he smiled at the thought. When they were ten miles from the city, Lee told them to make camp. He and Kaylia would scout ahead in case there were any surprises. Gewey told him he wanted to join them, but Lee stubbornly refused.
“I’ll not have you captured or killed just before we reach our destination,” said Lee. “Besides, I need you to guard the horses.” He was careful not to say that he also needed Gewey to protect Dina. He wasn’t in the mood for
To Gewey and Dina’s delight, Lee decided it would be all right to risk a small fire.
“At least we won’t be sitting here in the dark while they’re off having fun,” Dina said, after Lee and Kaylia had left.
“I was getting a bit tired of sitting in the dark, too,” he admitted.
Dina got some dried meat and flat bread from her pack and split it with Gewey.
“I have a surprise,” she said impishly, then pulled a small flask from inside her saddlebag. When she opened it, the smell of plum brandy filled the air. “Broin gave it to me just before we left.” She took a sip, then passed it to Gewey.
Gewey hadn’t really been a big fan of plum brandy, but he took it anyway. The far-too-sweet taste made it hard to swallow. “Thanks,” he said, forcing a smile.
Dina laughed. “I see how much you enjoy plum brandy,” she teased. “Still, I refuse to drink alone.” She grabbed the flask and took a sizable mouthful. “I’ve noticed you and Kaylia have become rather…close.”
“What do you mean?” Gewey asked, suddenly embarrassed. “We’re friends.”
“Is that how
Gewey became painfully aware of Dina’s eyes on him and noticed that she had moved closer. “Of…of course,” he stuttered. “What else
“That’s not for me to say,” she said, handing him the flask again. “But I see how she looks at you.”
“How’s that?” Gewey asked, not really wanting to hear the answer.
“Like one who is in love.” Her eyes twinkled in the firelight and her voice was playful. “Don’t pretend you don’t know what I’m talking about. I’ve seen the way you look at her, too.”
“I…I didn’t mean to…I wasn’t-” He couldn’t find the words. His heart was beating so fast he felt like it would burst from his chest.
Dina draped her arm around his shoulders and met his eyes. “It seems you are in quite a dilemma, wouldn’t you say?” Suddenly she jumped up, spun around on her toes, and danced around the fire. “Don’t worry; these things have a way of sorting themselves out.”
Gewey wasn’t sure if the whole thing was just a cruel joke or not.
For the next few hours, he tried to avoid conversation, but Dina kept at him until he finally stormed off and pretended to check his horse.
When Lee returned with Kaylia, Gewey could barely look up at her. He was afraid she would see him blushing, and he’d had quite enough embarrassment for one night.
“Everything looks fine all the way to the gate,” Lee told them, as he retrieved his blanket from his saddlebag. He sniffed the air. “Is that plum brandy I smell?”
“It is indeed,” Dina answered cheerfully as she threw him the flask. “I saved you some.” Lee nodded gratefully and took a sip.
Kaylia noticed Gewey was out of sorts. “What’s wrong?”
“Nothing,” Gewey lied. “I’m fine. I’m just tired.”
“We should try to get a good night’s sleep,” Lee said. “Tomorrow should be a telling day.”
They all rolled out their blankets and laid down. Gewey tried to place himself as far from Dina and Kaylia as he could, but he ended up between them in spite of his efforts. Sleep did not come easily, even after a larger than normal swallow of jawas tea.
Chapter 27
