“Do you know the whole thing?” Lee asked.
“No,” she answered. “But I know someone who might. She’s a Sister living in the Temple of Ayliazarah in Gristol. I’ve known her for many years. She is without a doubt the most learned Sister in the Order. It’s on our way to Althetas. Perhaps we should stop on the way.”
“We might,” said Lee. “Can you tell me anything about what’s in the box?”
“I can only guess,” she said. “I think it might contain the Book of Souls. It is said that it was written at the time of creation, and contains all the secrets of the Gods”
Kaylia eyes went wide. “It couldn’t be.”
“Why not?” Lee asked. “What do you know about it?”
“The Book of Souls was kept by the elves until the time of the Great War,” she explained. “It was thought to have been lost forever. If that is the book, then it rightfully belongs to the elves.”
“If that is the book, then it rightly belongs to everyone,” Maybell corrected her. “But you’re right; it was said the elves guarded it for centuries. But let’s not jump to conclusions. We don’t even know if it’s actually the book that’s in there.”
“Good point,” Millet agreed. “And being that we don’t know how to open it, this discussion is pointless.”
“Where did you get it?” asked Maybell.
“It was among Lord Dauvis’s possessions,” Lee replied. “I’ve always thought it was something important, but I could never figure what. Where he acquired it, I don’t know.”
“Lord Dauvis?” Maybell asked. “Of Hazrah? Then you must be Lee Nal’Thain. I’ve heard of you. You inherited his property and title when he died.”
Lee nodded. “I keep that name secret. I imagine news of my inheritance is well known throughout the temples, but I would ask that you keep this to yourself.”
“The death of Lord Dauvis was spoken of at the time,” Maybell acknowledged. “As was his successor. A lord of such wealth and influence is of interest to us. But now I have a more important question: Why do a Lord of Hazrah and an elf take so much care to keep the true identity of a farm boy such a secret? Not to mention the training. Dina here doesn’t seem to know much, but perhaps you could tell me.”
“These are things you’re better off not knowing,” said Lee.
“You think I might betray you?” she responded, sounding offended. “I know enough to do that now, if I so choose. Face the facts: I will either work it out on my own eventually, or I’ll learn the truth when we get to Valshara.”
“She’s right,” Gewey said. “Besides, I don’t want people risking their lives without knowing why.”
“Boy,” Lee snapped. “You need to listen to me and keep your mouth shut.”
Gewey looked at Kaylia. “What do you think?”
Kaylia took a deep breath. “I would keep this secret as long as I could,” she said. “But you’re right; people should know why they risk their lives. And I think sister Maybell would figure it out on her own eventually.” Then Kaylia looked at Dina. “But, there are two people here that know nothing. Would they both keep your secret?”
“If you would share it,” Dina affirmed. “I will keep it, even from my own order. Though I suspect what you have to say is the very reason I’m taking you to them in the first place.”
“If you need an oath from me,” Maybell said, “the best one I can give is my word. I will not betray you, and I will keep your secret with me until death.”
Gewey looked around the fire. All eyes were on him. “Lee, if I reveal myself then I reveal you.”
“That doesn’t matter much,” said Lee. “I’m not the important one. Besides, the world has seen many of my kind, so it would be no great shock to see another.” He stared into the fire. “Do as you will.”
Gewey took a breath, then told them the story from beginning to end. When he was finished, Maybell and Dina were staring at him in amazement.
“Is this true?” Maybell whispered. “You are a god walking the earth?”
“I am,” said Gewey. “But trust me, I don’t feel like one. Until Lee proved it to me, I had no idea. It still doesn’t seem real sometimes.”
“Do you remember being in heaven?” asked Dina.
“I don’t know that I was ever in heaven,” he replied. “For all I know, I was born in this world. I have no memory beyond my childhood.”
The camp was quiet for a long while. Dina and Maybell just sat there staring at Gewey.
“Well now,” said Maybell, breaking the silence. “This is exciting. I would say this calls for some of that wine we have in the wagon.”
She went over, retrieved one of the bottles, and passed it around.
“Do you know who your real mother and father are?” Dina asked, swallowing a mouthful of wine.
“No,” said Gewey. “Like I said, I didn’t even know I was a God until just recently. Whoever they are, they left me no clues.”
“I think it’s important that we find out what’s in that box,” Maybell said to Lee. “If it is the Book of Souls, then it could hold the key to why the boy is here.”
“I agree,” said Kaylia. “But the book is said to be written in ancient elfish. Even if we open it, we have no way to read it.”
Lee looked thoughtfully at the box. “I do think we should open it and see what it contains, but it’s more important to get Gewey to a safe place where he can train. We can stop and see this woman in Gristol, but we can’t stay long. If she can’t help, the book will have to wait.”
“I disagree,” Kaylia contended. “If that is the Book of Souls, then it’s the key to more than Gewey’s power; it’s the key to victory. If we can open it and understand it, it will give us the knowledge we need to defeat the Dark Knight. Gewey may not even need to be put in danger at all.”
“What are you saying?” Lee asked.
“I’m saying that Gewey may not have to fight,” she answered. “The book may show us another way.”
“This is all well and good,” said Lee. “But like you said, who can read it?”
“The elves can,” Gewey said suddenly, his eyes turning to Kaylia. “You’re thinking about bringing it to the elves.”
Kaylia smiled sweetly at Gewey and nodded. “That’s right.”
“You can’t,” Gewey protested. “You said they’ll kill you.”
“I’ll face their judgment eventually,” she replied. “If it means victory without bloodshed, I’ll gladly take the risk.”
“I’m sorry,” Lee cut in. “But I’m not sending it to the elves. At least not yet. First we’ll try Gristol, and see if it can be opened. It may not be the Book of Souls at all. For all we know, it could be a recipe for lamb stew. No, it stays with me for now.”
Gewey smiled with satisfaction, but Kaylia did not look pleased.
“Kaylia,” said Dina. “I would like hear more about the elves before I sleep.”
“Of course,” she replied, and led her away, out of earshot. When the wine was gone, they began settling into their blankets. Gewey lay watching Kaylia as she shared her elven heritage with Dina. Just as he felt himself begin to drift off, they returned to the fire and lay down. He could feel the eyes of both women on him, so he rolled over on his side and faced away from them.
“You haven’t been taking your jawas tea,” Kaylia said quietly.
Gewey had not heard her approach and nearly rolled off his blanket in surprise. He took the flask from her hands and took a large drink. He felt the familiar sensation of relaxation flow through his limbs.
“Can I ask a favor of you?”
“Of course,” answered Gewey.
“Would you allow me to touch your mind? The jawas should make it easy, if you allow it.”
“Why?” Gewey asked, concerned.
“I want to see you who you really are,” she said. “And you will see me. If you refuse, I will understand.”
“I…I’m not sure. How would you do it?”
“It’s not difficult,” Kaylia assured him. “When you are falling asleep, you will feel my mind touch yours. When you do, just let me in.”