The Godling Chronicles 02 - Of Gods And Elves (39 page)

Linis glanced over his shoulder to Eftichis. “Watch
the door,” he ordered. Eftichis quickly obeyed.

“
The attackers are moving away,” said Gewey.
“I caught this one about to set fire to the tent.”

He knelt down over his captive. “Now you will tell
me everything I want to know.” The elf glared defiantly.

A malicious smile crept over Gewey's face. He reached
down and ripped open the elf's shirt. “I'll ask you one
time...” He placed the flat of his blade on the elf's chest and
the sizzle of burning flesh rose up.

The elf winced and his jaw tightened. “A curse on
you,” he hissed.

Gewey turned the blade, allowing the edge to dig into
the elf's flesh. “Not the words I wanted to hear. And you
didn't wait for my question.” He pressed the blade in harder.

“
Where is Kaylia?”

The elf moaned but said nothing.

“
Gewey,” said Linis, but Gewey ignored him.

Gewey began to drag the blade across the elf's chest.
“If you don't answer me, I'm going to cut you apart... piece by
piece.”

“
Gewey,” said Linis again, this time more
forcefully. Gewey glared at Linis, but Linis was undeterred.

“
Stop this,” said Linis. “This is not
what you want on your heart.”

“
I think I do,” snarled Gewey. “And I
think if he doesn't tell me what I want to know, I'll make good on my
promise.” He pressed the blade even deeper.

The elf wailed, and the smell of burning flesh filled
the tent.

“
Allow Linis and I to do this,” said
Theopolou. “If we fail, then you may do as you wish with him.”

“
Please,” said Linis.

Gewey paused, glaring at his captive with hatred. Then
in one smooth motion, he released his hold and walked to the
entrance. “Make it fast.” He stared outside at the
smoldering tents. The sound of fighting had faded, replaced by the
cries of the wounded and the sobs of the survivors.

Linis dragged the captive into the back of the tent and
bound his hands and feet. He and Theopolou leaned in close, speaking
in soft whispers. After several minutes, Theopolou rose to his feet
and walked over to Gewey.

“
They have taken her north, toward the steppes,”
said Theopolou. “Along with the Book of Souls.”

“
So the northern tribes are responsible for this,”
growled Eftichis in disgust.

“
It would seem,” Theopolou affirmed.

“
I leave now,” said Gewey. “They can't
have gone far.”

“
True,” Theopolou agreed. “But I don't
think the northern tribes could have acted alone. They knew exactly
when to strike.”

“
Then we were betrayed,” said Linis.

“
Yes,” said Theopolou. “That seems
certain. But betrayed by whom?”

“
Bellisia?” Linis offered.

“
Possibly,” Theopolou replied. “Though
not likely. I can think of no one who would do this.”

“
I don't care who did it,” said Gewey. “The
only thing I care about is getting Kaylia back.” He pushed his
way past Theopolou and Linis, and stalked to his room. A few minutes
later he returned, wearing a set of brown travel leathers, his sword,
and a small pack thrown across his back. He took a moment to stare at
his captive and walked to the entrance.

“
Gewey,” said Theopolou. “I understand
your urgency. You are bonded to her, but she is also my niece. Allow
me one hour to gather more information. I fear you will fail if you
simply march off without knowing what you face. If we
were
betrayed, you could be walking into a trap.” He placed his hand
on Gewey's shoulder. “Just one hour.”

Linis walked over and placed his hand on Gewey’s
other shoulder. “Give him one hour. Besides, I'll need to scout
their trail to find out where they have taken her. That will take
time.” He met Gewey's eyes. “I promise we will find her.”

Gewey muscles tensed and his body shuddered. He let out
a terrifying scream. “One hour,” he roared. “That's
all.”

Theopolou nodded. “Stay with him, Linis.” He
turned to Eftichis. “Come with me.”

The two left the tent and Gewey watched as they vanished
into the smoke and carnage. “One hour,” Gewey muttered
through his teeth.

Chapter Thirty

Gewey paced the tent. Occasionally he stopped to look
outside for Theopolou's return.

“
Try to be calm,” advised Linis. “You
must have your wits about you if you want to save her.”

Gewey took a deep breath. He knew Linis was right. He
must be able to think clearly. He reached out once again, attempting
to touch Kaylia's mind, but the result was the same. No matter how
hard he tried, he could only sense that she lived. Whatever blocked
him was indeed powerful. He prayed they would not harm her.

“
Why would they take her, anyway?” asked
Gewey. “Why single her out?”

“
I can only imagine to get to you,” Linis
replied. “Strong leverage.”

“
If they harm her...” the words stuck in
Gewey throat.

“
You cannot let such thoughts enter your mind,”
said Linis. “They will cloud your judgment and cause you to
make a mistake that could cost both your lives.” He handed
Gewey a rag. “Clean your sword and recheck your gear. Make
certain you have what you need.”

Gewey nodded and obeyed. He realized he had not brought
clothing for Kaylia. She might need it. He searched her room and
rummaged through her wardrobe until he found a set a travel clothes.
He could smell her scent everywhere, and tears welled in his eyes. He
focused his mind and swallowed hard. When he finished, Theopolou had
returned. Chiron, Bellisia, Syranis, and Eftichis stood beside him.

“
Where are the others?” asked Linis.

“
Lord Aneili was slain,” said Theopolou.
“Lord Endymion and Lady Leora were injured in the fray and are
being tended to. The rest are gathering nearby.”

“
Have you figured out who is responsible?”
asked Gewey. “Not yet,” answered Chiron. “But we
will.”

“
We should join the others,” said Eftichis.

“
Indeed,” said Theopolou. “But
first... what to do with our captive?”

“
I would like the chance to question him,”
said Chiron.

“
As would I,” agreed Bellisia.

“
As you wish,” said Theopolou. “But I
doubt you will learn anything I have not. I do not think he has any
answers that can help us. Those who planned this attack would not
have allowed anyone to know too much.”

“
All the same, I will try,” said Chiron.

As Bellisia, Syranis, and Chiron approached the captive
elf, Bellisia noticed the wounds on his chest. Her eyes met Gewey's
with disapproval, but he met her gaze unmoved.

Chiron knelt beside him. “What is your name?”

The elf looked broken and weary. “I have told you
all that I am willing to say.” He turned his head and looked
away. “Kill me and be done with it. Or better yet, give me to
the human. I'm sure he would love to make sport of me.”

“
You attacked your own kin,” said Bellisia.
“And you took a captive, one bonded to this human. You are
fortunate he
is
human
and
not
an elf. An elf
would have made more of you than sport.” She moved closer. “An
elf would have you screaming so loudly, it would wake your
ancestors.” She moved even closer, forcing him to meet her
eyes. Her voice dropped to a whisper “And if Kaylia dies... I
will
give you to him.”

Fear struck the elf, but he forced it down. “All I
know is that you have a traitor among you.” He closed his eyes.
“I will say nothing more.”

Bellisia stood up and turned to Theopolou. “Kill
him,” she said lowering her head. “But do it without
pain.”

“
No,” shouted Gewey. “His life is
mine.”

“
And just what will you do with it?” asked
Bellisia. “Will you kill him? Do you wish to torture him
further?”

Gewey was speechless.

“
Then allow this elf to die,” said Bellisia.
“Without pain.”

“
Release him,” said Gewey.

The elders stared at Gewey, stunned.

“
Release him?” exclaimed Syranis. “Don't
be a fool.”

“
Linis and Theopolou were right to stop me when I
was torturing this elf,” said Gewey. “Though I did not
see it.” He closed his eyes and steadied his nerves. “I
will not kill him... I will not murder a helpless person. That will
not be on my soul.”

Linis placed his hand on Gewey's shoulder. “Is it
the best way? If we let him go, our enemies will gain knowledge.”

“
Then keep him captive,” offered Gewey.

“
How shall we do this?” asked Theopolou. “We
have no prison. Our people are reeling from the attack. Where should
we keep him?” He drew his knife. “Unless you intend to
take him with you, there is nowhere for him.”

“
It just feels wrong,” said Gewey.

“
Did it feel wrong when you were cutting into his
flesh?” Bellisia challenged. “If Linis and Theopolou had
not stopped you, would you be so kind now? This elf attacked his own
kin and abducted your bonded mate. His death is warranted. ”

“
You're right,” said Gewey. “If I had
continued to hurt him, my heart would have changed. I see that now.
And I'm grateful I didn't.” He met Bellisia's eyes. “How
could I face Kaylia with a stain on my heart?”

“
If you wish him to live,” said Bellisia,
“you can only release him.” She looked down at their
captive. “Would you like that? Would you simply wander off, and
not warn your kin that Gewey is coming for them?”

The elf squirmed and shifted until he could meet Gewey's
eyes. “If you wish to let me go, then you have nothing to fear
from me. I will not interfere. I will go east. This I swear.”
He lowered his eyes. “But they are right. You can only kill me.
It is what I would do in your place.”

Gewey's eyes narrowed, then he straightened his back and
said, “You will wait until I am gone three days, then release
him. If his word is good, then he will not follow. If not....he had
better pray that we do not meet again.”

“
I do not agree with this,” said Theopolou.
“But I will do as you ask. I will have what remains of my guard
watch him.” He called outside and two elves entered. He
instructed them to guard the prisoner.

“
We should meet with the others,” said
Chiron.

They made their way through the smoldering ruins of the
camp, to the field near the bridge. There Gewey could see more than a
hundred elves gathered in a loose circle.

Several yards away, a pavilion was being erected to
house the wounded. From the crowd Akakios limped toward them,
carrying a bundle under his arm. His leg was bandaged and his left
cheek bore a deep gash.

“
My lord,” said Akakios. “It is good
to see you unharmed.”

“
Thank you,” said Theopolou. “I feared
you were slain.”

“
I nearly was,” he replied. “I only
just bandaged my leg. I was caught in the tempest Gewey unleashed
when you made your escape.”

“
I'm sorry,” said Gewey. “I didn't
mean—”

Akakios held up his hand. “You saved the life of
my lord and an elder of our people. A small price. Besides... I
live.” He smiled. “I do have a bit of good news, my lord.
I was stopped by Felsafell just before I entered the Chamber of the
Maker. You had already descended to the floor.” He handed
Theopolou the bundle. “He gave me this and told me to give it
back to you.”

Theopolou unwrapped it and his eyes widened. “The
Book of Souls,” he whispered. “This
is
good news.”

“
But that means Felsafell must have known of the
attack,” said Chiron. “And that he refused to warn us.”

“
Perhaps,” Theopolou replied. “Perhaps
not. I do not pretend to understand the motives of Felsafell. But
that he safeguarded the Book of Souls means we have not lost hope.”
He turned to Gewey. “I must ask one more thing of you before
you leave.” He handed Gewey the box containing the Book. “You
must open it and read from its pages.”

Gewey ran his fingers over the smooth, polished wood.
“Then we must do it now. I will not wait much longer.”

“
Agreed,” said Theopolou. “Come.”

“
I must see what has become of my seekers,”
said Linis. “I must know if they live. And I must find the
trail of our attackers. I shall return soon, Gewey. Then we will
depart.”

Gewey nodded, and Linis dashed off over the bridge.

Theopolou led the group to where the elves gathered. All
eyes turned to them as they drew near.

“
He has brought this on us,” called a voice.
“He must leave.” This was met by loud shouts of
agreement.

“
He
will
leave,” said Bellisia, her voice rising over the crowd. “He
will pursue our attackers and free Kaylia. While you bicker and
argue, he will take action.” The crowd became silent.