“And when they find out what he is?” arguedLee. “What then? Even elves that befriend humans hold no lovefor the Gods.”
“Nor do I,” said Theopolou. “But I donot subscribe to the notion that it was the Gods that caused theSplit. I was there.” He turned to Kaylia. “As was yourfather. I saw no evidence of divine intervention.”
“Then what do you think really happened?”asked Lee.
“That is not a thing I would discuss here. It isthe business of the elves. I only say this much to set your mind atease regarding my intentions toward Gewey. I may not wish to befriendhumans, but as Gewey is not human, I bear him no ill will.”
“I wish you could let go of the old hatred,uncle,” said Kaylia. “They’re not as we have beentold. At least not the ones I call friend.”
“You did not suffer through the Great War, or theSplit. I watched the humans take advantage of our weakness anddecimate our people. I could never trust them, and without trust,there can be nofriendship. If I can help Gewey convince my people to help yourcause, it is only to fight a greater threat. I do not believe thepromises made by the Dark One. Once he has defeated his humanenemies, he will turn on us and destroy us.”
“I'm still concerned about the Book falling intothe hands of our enemies,” said Selena. “How does thisagreement prevent that?” She walked to the bed and sat besideGewey.
“If I fail to help sway my kin, I will take theBook and hide it away where it will never be found,” Theopoloureplied. “You have my solemn vow on this.”
“And just how do you propose to sway them?”asked Lee.
“Gewey and Kaylia will accompany me to my home.There the elders will meet and decide.”
“Hold on a minute,” said Lee “Do youreally think we would allow Gewey and Kaylia to simply leave with youand deliver themselves into the hands of people who want nothing morethan their deaths?”
“They will be under my protection,” repliedTheopolou. “No elf will harm them while I give them sanctuary.That I return with the Book of Souls will also go far in aiding ourcause.”
“If you do this, I will go with you.” Leeplanted his fists on his hips.
“No, Lee,” said Gewey. “It can only beme and Kaylia. If we have any hope of bringing the elves to our side,we must show them we can be trusted.”
“You will not be welcome among us, half-man,”said Theopolou. “If you come then our efforts will fail.”
“Find a way to make them bear my presence if youare so bloody wise.” Lee could barely contain his frustration.
“Insults are not called for. I have given my wordthe boy and Kaylia will not be harmed.”
“And what of Kaylia?” Dina was careful notto come to close to Theopolou, afraid he might discover her heritage.“What if they decide to judge her?”
“Kaylia will face judgment,” he replied.“But not at this time. I have granted her my protection, and mypeople will honor it.”
“Let us think on this,” said Selena. “Iwill give you my answer tomorrow-in any event, they cannottravel until they are stronger.”
“I would like Dina and Lee to stay a while,”said Gewey. “They've heard my story, and I'd like to heartheirs.”
Selena smiled. “Only for a short while. You mustregain your strength.” She turned to Theopolou. “I'llhave rooms made ready for you and your escort.”
Theopolou nodded. “Thank you, High Lady. If youhave rooms that are a bit… secluded, it would make our stay morepleasant for everyone.”
“That can be arranged.” She showed no signof being insulted. “I can have your meals brought to you aswell, if you wish.”
“That would be fine.”
“Then, if you will follow me,” she said, andled Theopolou from the room.
“You certainly wasted no time in causing metrouble,” said Lee.
“I'm sorry,” said Gewey once the doorclosed. “But there is no other way.”
“I didn't say you were wrong. I just don't likeit.”
“Enough.” said Kaylia. “I want to knowwhat has happened while I was asleep.”
“Yes,” agreed Gewey. “So would I.”
“Fine.” Lee sighed.
Lee recounted the events up until the meeting. Geweysmiled when he heard about the meeting between Lee and his mother.
“It's hard to believe,” said Gewey once Leehad finished. “All this time, and she was living here.”
“Yes.” Lee chuckled. “The world isfull of surprises.” His eyes grew sad, “Now, if only Ihad word from Millet.”
Gewey thought for a moment. “I think I may be ableto find them… with Kaylia's help.”
“How would you do that?” asked Lee, unableto contain his excitement.
“I believe I can touch the mind of Malstisos. Witha healthy dose of jawas tea, and Kaylia lending me her strength-itmay be possible.”
Lee looked at Gewey doubtfully. “They're hundredsof miles away. How could you do such a thing?”
Gewey smiled wide. “One thing I realized when Iwas with the spirits is that time and distance don't amount to muchthere. Now that I know the way, I can return.”
Dina became alarmed. “But won't you risk beingtrapped again?”
“Not likely. The spirits will leave me alone now,and they are the ones who trapped me. Without them in my way, Ishould be able to come and go as I please. With Kaylia there to helpme find him, I think I can reach Malstisos no matter how far away heis.”
“I still can't ask you to risk it.” Leeshook his head. “If you're wrong…”
“He is not wrong,” said Kaylia. “Reachingout and returning is not the challenge. Finding one particular mindis. We have an advantage in that Malstisos will probably be the onlyelf in the area, and it will be easier to single him out. That'swhere I come in. Our bond allows me to travel with Gewey, and myfamiliarity with an elf’s mind should increase our chances.”
“When you say travel…” said Dina.
“I mean it literally,” replied Kaylia. “It'sdifferent than when one touches the mind of another, the way you or Iwould do. The world where we go is as real as this one in a way.”
“I am familiar with this sort of contact, as youknow,” said Lee. “But it's still difficult tounderstand.”
“As much as I'd like to show you, I'm not surewhat the risks would be,” explained Gewey. “Just imagineyourself in a dream where anything is possible, only you’rewide awake.”
“Sounds wonderful,” said Dina.
“It is.” Gewey nodded. “But it can beterrible, too. If it wasn't for Felsafell saving us, we'd probablystill be trapped.”
“That's probably the most confusing thing aboutyour tale,” remarked Lee. “Little is known about him, andif Theopolou is right about his being a part of some ancient race,then his motives are a mystery. I don't like mysteries.”
“Whatever he's after, it doesn't seem he means toharm me,” said Gewey. “Until I can see him again, thatwill have to be enough.”
“But he was the one who freed you,” saidLee. “What if the spirits decide to keep you there again?”
“They won't,” said Gewey. “Even ifthey did, I think I could escape them if I needed to.”
“And you really think you can contact Malstisos?”asked Dina.
“I do,” Gewey nodded. “Tonight, I willtry.”
Lee nodded reluctantly.
That settled, Kaylia turned to Dina. “I see youare in full dress.”
“Indeed I am. While you and Gewey slept, I waselevated to full cleric. I'm a temple historian now.”
“That is wonderful,” said Kaylia. “Iknow you'll do well.”
“I'm going to try. The High Lady has put a greatdeal of trust in me.”
“You won't disappoint her,” said Gewey. “Iknow it.”
Dina smiled and her cheeks flushed. “I hope you'reright. It's everything I've hoped for. I just didn't think it wouldhappen so quickly.” She choked back tears of happiness. “Butenough of that. Do you really think you can open the Book of Souls?”
“I'm not sure,” Gewey admitted. “I dobelieve it's the only way to bring the elves over to our side.”
“I agree that we need them,” said Lee. “ButI'm not sure this is the best way to go about it. Why not leave it toLinis and the others to sway them?”