“I thought as much,” Broin said with a knowing smile. “You have the trust of Linis, so I won’t press you to tell me things you think you shouldn’t. But if you know anything about what we face, I hope you will share it.”
Lee took a sip from his cup and looked at the tense face of Lord Broin.
“The power you face in Angraal,” Lee said, “is known as the Dark Knight, though some call him by other names. He is far more dangerous than you might have guessed. He has stolen a powerful weapon not meant to be wielded by mortal men. With it, he has locked the door to Heaven, and if he isn’t stopped, he’ll reshape the world into a living hell.”
“You speak of the Sword of Truth,” said Ganflin. “I’ve read about it, but I thought it was just a myth.”
“I wish it were,” Lee said solemnly. “The one who stole it is the power behind the trouble in the north. He seeks to destroy the gods, and with the sword, he might find a way. He hasn’t yet reached his full strength, but the longer he possesses the sword, the more powerful he becomes.”
“How can he be stopped?” asked Broin. “I have heard of the Sword of Truth as well, and if the legends are true, then he now holds the power of a God.”
“He may have their power, but he is not a God,” Lee asserted. “He can be killed.”
"Among the elves, hatred of the Gods runs deep. There are many who would side with this Dark Knight." Malstisos noted. “If he is as powerful as you say, we will need to convince them to do otherwise.”
“For that, we must count on you and your brethren,” Lee said. “I’ll aid you in any way that I can, but I doubt my interference in this particular matter would help.”
“Hers might,” Malstisos said, nodding toward Kaylia.
“They want me dead,” Kaylia retorted. “They are even willing to ignore tradition to see it done. I doubt I can say anything to sway them.”
“There is at least one elder that doesn’t seek your death,” he countered. “It may be that he is our only hope.”
“He wants nothing to do with me,” Kaylia replied coldly. “That my own kin has been sent to kill me tells me that.”
“Who are you talking about?” asked Gewey.
“My uncle,” Kaylia answered in a whisper. “He fought in the Great War alongside my father-his brother. After my father died, he raised me as his own. But that was long ago.”
“Still, it might be worth the attempt,” Malstisos argued. “He is not as stubborn as the other Elders. He may listen to reason.”
“He will not,” Kaylia said firmly. Her tone was full of hate and anger. “My people could not have been sent to kill me without his consent. You would be better off if you told him you had murdered me yourself.”
“I think you underestimate him,” Malstisos said, his voice softening. “But as you wish; I will press you no more.”
Kaylia got up and stood by the fireplace.
“In any case, we have further matters to discuss,” Broin said.
“There are rumors that the dead walk the earth. At first I thought them nothing more than nonsense, but now I’m not so sure.”
“They’re not nonsense,” said Lee. He told Broin what had happened with the baker’s wife in Sharpstone, though he left out the name of the town.
“How is such a thing possible?” Broin asked, horrified.
“When the Dark Knight locked the door to Heaven, he trapped the souls of the living on Earth,” Lee explained. “As his power has grown, there have been certain…side effects. I believe it may be a result of his growing power. Whatever the case, it’s effective in spreading fear, and that’s his greatest weapon.”
Broin took a deep breath and sighed. “Be straightforward with me,” he said. Lee could hear the desperation in his voice. “Is there a way to fight him?”
“Yes,” Lee answered with conviction. “He is not all powerful-at least, not yet. Keep doing what you’re already doing for now. Before it’s over, we will need allies anywhere we can find them. It may not come to all out war, but if it does, we’ll need to be united and ready. My friends and I are journeying to a place that may reveal a way to end this without bloodshed, but there is no guarantee of success.”
“Then we will aid you in any way you wish,” Broin said with resolve. “Simply tell me what it is you need.”
“There is only one thing I would ask,” Lee replied. “It is a personal request, but one of great importance to me.”
“Ask,” Broin invited. “I will help if I can.”
“There are people dear to me in Hazrah,” he said. “I cannot abandon the things I must do, so I will send my friend and companion in my stead.”
Millet’s eyes went wide. “You don’t mean to send me away!” he cried.
“Please,” Lee begged. “You must see my wife and child safely away from Hazrah. I can trust no one else, and they will believe you when they see you.”
Millet nodded his head and put his hand on Lee’s shoulder. “I will do everything in my power to make sure nothing happens to them.”
Lee turned to Broin. “I would not have him go alone, so I ask that you send someone to help him as he needs. I can pay all of the expenses, and whoever goes will be well rewarded.”
“I will go,” Malstisos volunteered. “But do not insult me with promise of reward. You are a friend to my kin, and that is enough.” He smiled at Millet. “We leave when you are ready.”
“Thank you,” said Lee. “I hope one day to return the favor. Now, if you all don’t mind, we’ve had a long journey, and I’m sure my companions are longing to spend some time in a warm bed.”
“I agree,” said Broin. “We can talk more tomorrow.”
They all stood up from their chairs and bid one another goodnight.
Gewey went straight to bed, while Millet and Lee discussed the rescue of Lee’s family. Kaylia stopped in to give Gewey his nightly dose of jawas tea, a routine he had come to look forward to.
“She certainly does take good care of you,” Millet observed. “A thing not to be taken for granted.”
Normally such teasing would have embarrassed Gewey, but tonight he just smiled and let the jawas take him away.
Chapter 22
Gewey was the first to rise the next day. He got dressed and wandered downstairs, following the smell of sausage. Angus was setting up the table when he spotted him at the door.
“Please sit,” Angus urged him, pulling out a chair. “It’s good to see an early riser around here.”
Gewey thought about waiting for the others, but dismissed the thought when Angus placed a plate filled with sausage, eggs and fresh biscuits in front of him. To top it off, there was even fresh orange juice. In Sharpstone, orange juice was rare; the only times he’d had it before were when his father had taken him to visit Lee as a child.
The sun was shining through the windows and Gewey could hear the bustle of a new day beginning outside.
“It’s been some time since the sun has broken through,” Angus observed, pleased.
“Let’s take it for a good omen,” Broin said as he strode into the room.
Gewey felt embarrassed for not waiting to eat, but Broin didn’t seem to mind. In fact, Angus brought him a plate and some juice and he immediately started in himself.
“You said very little last night, my young friend,” Broin noted. “What are your thoughts on what goes on in the world?”
Gewey had to wash down a mouthful of sausage before answering. “Honestly, it’s hard to make heads or tails of it. Compared to what I’m used to, things have been moving very fast.”
Lord Broin nodded with understanding. “Yes, indeed. Things feel out of control, even for those of us who are more accustomed to dealing with the fast pace of the world. But I’m curious, how did you end up involved in all this to begin with?”
Gewey was unsure how to answer. Broin could see his unease and waved his hand.
“Forget I asked,” he said. “Let’s talk about your companions instead. I’ve noticed you seem quite comfortable traveling with elves. Have you always been so accepting?”