The Godling Chronicles 02 - Of Gods And Elves (18 page)

By the time he had read the fifth story his eyes grew
heavy and decided to go to bed. He examined the glowing orbs but
could find no way to dim them. Finally, he lay down and covered his
eyes with a shirt from his pack. He thought it best not to undress,
just in case he had to move quickly, and kept his clothes on. His
dreams were filled with visions of Lilith and her struggle to return
to her family.

Chapter Twelve

Gewey awoke to find that the lights were dimmed and
Linis sitting quietly on the couch, flipping through one of the books
he had sent.

“
Good morning,” yawned Gewey. “Assuming
it is morning.”

Linis placed the book on the end table. “It is
indeed. The elders began to show up late last night. Theopolou is
hoping they will all be here today.”

A breakfast of bacon, eggs and juice sat on the table.
Gewey stretched and walked over, his mouth watering.

“
I noticed you were reading “
The
Songs of Lilith
”,” remarked
Linis. He joined Gewey at the table. “It was a favorite of mine
as a child. I hope you are enjoying it.”

“
Very much. Though the symbolism is hard to
understand at times.” He picked up his plate and breathed in
the aroma.

“
I thought you should start at the beginning. It
will help you understand elf ways better, if you understand us from
childhood. These books are some of the first lessons we are taught.”

Gewey swallowed a healthy portion of eggs. “They’re
certainly different from the stories I heard as a child. My father
would have loved them... so would Lee, I bet.”

“
I'm sure he would,” Linis face grew
concerned.

“
What's wrong?” asked Gewey.

“
The elders are taking a long time to gather.
Theopolou was worried that we would arrive after the others were
already here. But instead we wait.”

“
Maybe some of them were delayed,” offered
Gewey.

Linis shrugged. “Perhaps. But too many have yet to
arrive. I fear they conspire against Theopolou.”

“
Conspire? To do what?”

“
I do not know,” Linis admitted. “Many
who have yet to come are those who are openly against him. When and
how they arrive will tell me much.”

“
Do you think they'd try something here?”
asked Gewey.

Linis shook his head. “Within these walls... no.
They would never break our customs to such a degree. To do violence
in the home of another elf is one our greatest crimes. We consider
the home a sacred place. Besides, Theopolou controls the
flow
here. Even if they did the unthinkable, they'd be slaughtered.”
Linis stood and paced in thought. “No. If they intend to kill
Theopolou they'll need to remove him from this place.”

“
Easy,” said Gewey. “We just make sure
he doesn't leave.”

“
I wish it were easy,” said Linis. “If
there is a plot, it will be subtle. They will not simply threaten or
force Theopolou to expose himself. They will dress it in a manner he
will have no choice but to comply.”

“
How would they do that?” asked Gewey.

“
I wish I knew. I am not as wise as Theopolou, or
as versed in the nuances of politics.”

“
What can we do?” asked Gewey, suddenly
losing his appetite.

“
Wait and see,” said Linis. “I may be
seeing intrigues that do not exist. I hope so.” He walked to
the door. “I must leave you. I'm sorry that I cannot stay
longer, but I have much to do before the meeting begins. Kaylia says
to pay attention to the tenth story of Lilith.” A smile crept
over his face. “She is quite an elf.”

Gewey laughed. “Yes she is. Oh, one more thing
before you go,” said Gewey remembering the lights. “How
did you dim the lights?”

Linis laughed softly. “Rub your hand up the side
of the glass to brighten, and down to dim.”

“
Thank you,” said Gewey.

Linis nodded and left. Gewey tried out the light. Just
as Linis had said it became brighter as he moved his hand up the
side. He marveled at the skill it must have taken to make such a
wondrous device.

Gewey spent the next few hours reading. He made it to
the ninth story in
The Songs of Lilith
when there was a knock at the door. Gewey open it to find Akakios
standing there, a broad grin on his face.

“
Theopolou granted me permission to keep you
company,” said Akakios. “Please come in,” said
Gewey, happy to have someone to talk to.

Akakio sat down at the table and gestured to the book
Gewey held. “What do you think?”

“
I'm loving it,” said Gewey as he sat across
from the elf. “Do you know who wrote it?” Akakios raised
an eyebrow and chuckled. “You think you might know the author?”
He picked up the book and thumbed through the pages. “Anyway,
if I told you, you wouldn't believe me.”

“
Try me.”

“
Legend says it was written by Lilith herself,
thousands of years ago.”

Gewey's eyes widened. “You mean these are true
stories?”

“
Perhaps. But I think not.” He leaned back
and crossed his legs. “More likely Lilith was just the one who
invented the stories.”

“
Of course.” Gewey felt foolish. “Has
the meeting begun?”

“
Yes,” Akakios replied. “About an hour
ago. The last of the elders arrived just before they were going start
without him.”

“
How is it going so far?”

Akakios shrugged. “I would not know. The only
non-elder allowed in is Linis. I'm sure he'll fill you in later. In
the meantime...” He pulled a set of eight-sided dice from his
pocket. “How would you like to learn an elf game?”

Gewey beamed. “I'd love to. But I must warn you,
I'm not a very good gambler. And I really don't have much money.”

Akakios leaned back in his chair and gave Gewey a
devilish grin. “Don't worry. We can play for fun... for now.”

Gewey fetched the little money he had... three coppers,
a silver, and a gold (Lee had given him the gold) and tossed it on
the table. “That won’t be necessary.”

“
Don't worry,” joked Akakios when he saw
Gewey's money. “I'll give you a loan if you need one.”

The game was similar to games played at the tavern in
Sharpstone, and though Gewey was not one to visit the tavern at night
often, he caught on quickly. Soon he had nearly doubled his money.

“
Not a gambler?” teased Akakios, as he
fiddled with his dwindling pile of coins.

“
Is that what I said?” said Gewey, feigning
innocence.

Linis entered, looking very unhappy. Akakios gathered
his coins and excused himself.

“
From the look on your face things aren't going
well,” said Gewey as they took a seat on the couch.

Linis lowered his head and rubbed his neck. “That
is putting it mildly. Things are turning sour and fast.”

“
What happened?”

To begin with,” started Linis. “They knew
you were here.” “How?” asked Gewey.

Linis shook his head slowly. “I don't know.
Somehow they found out that both you and Kaylia are here. Some of the
elders are calling for Theopolou to face judgment for harboring a
fugitive and for treason.”

Gewey shifted nervously. Without Theopolou's protection,
he wasn't sure what could happen. “They can do that?”

“
It's doubtful. It's just a prelude to another
move.” Linis looked disgusted. “Even if they can get
enough support to call Theopolou to judgment, they would never be
able to convict him.”

“
Then why do it?”

“
To force him to expose himself,” said
Linis. “If he is called to judgment, he will have to go to the
Chamber of the Maker.”

“
What's that?” asked Gewey.

“
It's where all judgments are made, and where the
council meets during times of war.” Linis stood up and began
pacing. “If he leaves these walls he is vulnerable.”

“
You don't really think they'd try to kill him...
do you?”

Linis sighed heavily. “If you had asked me that
question a year ago, I would have said no. Now...”

Gewey thought for a moment. He needed to speak to the
elders and convince them to join him against Angrääl. If
Theopolou were brought to judgment, he didn't know if there would be
another chance.

“
There's more,” said Linis. “They want
to speak to you... and Kaylia.”

This sent a chill throughout his entire body.
“Together?”

“
Yes,” Linis replied. “They know about
your bonding. Needless to say they are not pleased.”

Gewey shot to his feet. “What will they do?”

Linis grabbed Gewey's shoulders, trying to calm him.
“They can do nothing so long as you are under Theopolou's
protection. If they tried, the elves who are undecided in this matter
would move against them. And don't forget, this is the house of an
elf sage and council elder. Only a great fool would attack him here.
He
controls the
flow
within these walls.”

“
But if we are forced to leave?”

“
Then you have the greatest living seeker to fight
at you side,” Linis assured. “Even the elders will pause
at that.”

“
But that will put you at war with your own
people,” Gewey shook his head. “I won't have that.”

“
I'm already at war.” Linis held a deep
sadness in his eyes. “I've been called to judgment.”

Gewey's eyes shot wide. “What? What are you going
to do?”

Linis forced a weak smile. “I've refused to
recognize their authority. Once I leave these walls I am to be
considered a fugitive and a traitor.”

“
I'm so sorry,” said Gewey

“
Don't be. I knew this would happen. It was just a
matter of time.” He squared his shoulders. “I have made
my choices, and I do not regret what I have done.”

The door opened and Theopolou entered, dressed in a long
white robe, looking weary.

“
I imagine Linis has filled you in,” said
Theopolou. Gewey nodded.

“
The council wishes to extend you an invitation to
join them at the Chamber of the Maker,” said Theopolou in a
clear even tone. “Do you accept?”

“
Why?” asked Gewey. “Why do they want
me to go there?”

“
They feel that your presence has jeopardized the
gathering,” Theopolou replied without conviction. “They
fear you may have led others here.”

“
That is a lie and you know it,” Linis
roared. “They are luring you into a trap. You must see that.
Once you're outside of these walls they will kill you... and Gewey.”

“
I pray that you are wrong, seeker,” said
Theopolou. “But if you are not, you must take the Book of Souls
and keep it safe. I'll entrust it to you before I leave. Keep it
hidden.”

“
No need,” said Linis flatly. “I'll be
going, too.”

Theopolou nodded. “Very well.”

“
What about Kaylia?” asked Gewey.

“
She will be accompanying us,” Theopolou
answered.

“
I won't let you march her to her death.”

“
She is not to be judged,” said Theopolou.
“At least not yet. She has been called to bear witness and give
testimony.”

“
Testimony?” said Gewey “What kind of
testimony?”

“
Against me,” Theopolou replied. “I
have been called to judgment.”

“
You cannot do this,” said Linis. “Your
enemies know that you will not be found guilty. It can only mean they
intend to move against you once you are away from the safety of your
home.”

“
If so,” said Theopolou. “I shall
count on you to come to my aid.” “My seekers should come
as well.”

“
No,” said Theopolou. “If you insist
on coming, they must not. It will be taken as a sign of aggression.
You must help me keep the Book... and Gewey safe. ”

“
So I won't be opening it here?” asked
Gewey.

“
I do not think it would be wise,” Theopolou
replied. “It would cause more trouble than I care to handle at
this point. The council is aware that I have re-acquired the Book,
and that has gained me some support. But introducing a God into the
situation this soon would be... unwise. Linis is right. I will not be
found guilty. Once that happens we can move on from there. I will
gather the council once more after I am found guiltless, and then you
will open it.”

“
Is Gewey still to meet with the council before we
depart?” asked Linis.

“
Yes,” Theopolou replied. “Though your
petition to have the elves join your cause must wait.”

Gewey’s heart sank. “Isn't there any way for
me to speak to them before we reach the Chamber of the Maker?”

“
It would be a foolish risk,” said
Theopolou. “Beyond the grounds of my house I cannot protect
you. Certain revelations may cause my kin to react... poorly.”