Gewey and Kaylia paused as they approached the door to The Bean and Broth. He had waited as long as he could for Lee, but the time had come when he could wait no longer. Malstisos had offered to accompany them, but Gewey refused him. When Malstisos insisted, Ganflin helped a bit in convincing him to stay behind.
“I’m rubbish with a sword,” he had said to the elf. “Someone needs to be here that can fight.”
Reluctantly, Malstisos had relented, allowing Gewey and Kaylia to leave for the tavern alone.
Gewey stared at the door and checked his sword for the hundredth time. “If anything happens, I want you to promise me you’ll run,” he said gravely.
Kaylia reached up, pulled his face to hers, and kissed him softly. Gewey stood stunned, momentarily forgetting the danger. “You will never get such a promise,” she said firmly, but with a sweet smile. “I do not abandon my friends, and I certainly do not leave a suitor undefended.” Gewey smiled back, and they entered the tavern.
It took a second for his eyes to adjust to the dim light of the room, and he could hear nothing but the sound of the barman cleaning mugs and glasses. He rubbed his eyes and looked around. The tavern was empty save for the barman and a lone figure sitting in a corner, facing away from them. The barman looked up at Gewey and Kaylia and motioned toward the figure. Gewey and Kaylia walked up to the table and stood behind the man. He had blond, shoulder-length hair that was tied in a short ponytail and wore a simple maroon tunic and pants.
“Unless you intend to stab me in the back, I suggest you sit down,” he offered, sounding amused.
They looked at one another for a moment, and then sat across from him. To Gewey’s surprise, he didn’t look but maybe a few years older than Gewey himself.
“You’re Saylis Fernmen, I presume?” Gewey asked. His hand had not left the hilt of his sword.
“And you are Gewey Stedding,” he answered. “I see you brought the lovely Kaylia with you-understandable, if unnecessary. I have come as I promised, alone and unarmed.”
“Good,” said Kaylia. Her tone was dangerous.
Saylis laughed confidently. “I didn’t mean to imply that I am unprotected. But for the purpose of our conversation, I thought a show of force might be…distracting.”
“What do you want?” demanded Gewey.
“Me?” he replied. “Nothing. Nothing at all. But my master on the other hand…” He motioned for the barman, who brought him a glass of wine. He looked over to Gewey and Kaylia “Would you join me?”
Gewey glared in silence.
“That will be all,” Saylis told the barman, tossing him a copper. “Now then, as I was saying, my master would very much like for you to come to Angraal. There is no reason for you to run. He means you no harm and only wants your friendship.”
Kaylia laughed. “You must think us fools,” she sneered. “If that’s all you have to say, then you’ve wasted your breath.”
“Ah, the fury of an elf,” he mocked. “Such passion. The fact is, he has no need for you, my dear. If young Gewey wishes it, you can accompany him, but my orders say nothing about you except that I should be careful regarding your temper.” He leaned back and sipped his wine. “Oh yes, and if you should ask, I’m to inform you that your uncle has ordered your assassination.”
Kaylia forced a smile. “You seem to know much,” she allowed. “But if you think I don’t know this and your intent is to upset me and throw me off balance, you’ve misjudged me.”
“Not at all,” he replied. “I wish this encounter to be pleasant.”
“If that is all you have to say, then I have an answer for you,” said Gewey.
Saylis held up his hand and said, “Before you do, you should hear the rest.” He paused a moment then continued, “You seek to destroy my master. He knows this, but doesn’t blame you. You have been deceived. He only wishes that you understand the truth and perhaps aid him in his cause. By now, you have discovered what you are, but you have no idea how you got here, or even how to use your power. My master can help. All he asks in return is that you stop this foolish quest for his destruction.”
“I’ve heard your master’s lies before.”
“Pure misunderstanding,” Saylis said dismissively. “His reaction was…unfortunate. Moreover, he wants me to convey his apologies. The truth is, he was shocked to discover your existence, and he knows he acted unwisely. But now he is hopeful. That you have been abandoned on earth can be turned into a great boon for the whole world. If you join him, there is nothing that can’t be achieved.”
“It is your master’s desire for power that caused me to be here in the first place,” barked Gewey. “And I’m sick of listening to your lies.”
“Careful,” Saylis warned. His tone became dark and threatening. Consider your words. If you refuse to listen to reason, you will not live to see the Temple of Valshara. But before you die, you will watch as your friends are tortured until they beg for death. Think about this. You can save yourself and your friends. All you have to do is come with me now. Bring the elf woman if it pleases you. I promise that the rest of your companions will be left in peace.”
“For how long?” boomed a voice, as the door flung open. It was Lee. His sword was in his hand and his face was spattered with blood and sweat.
“I see I should have picked better men,” Saylis noted calmly. “I didn’t expect you, but please, join us.”
“No thank you,” Lee snapped as he strode over to the table. “We’re leaving.”
“Don’t you want to hear my proposal first?”
Lee reached down, grabbed Saylis by his hair, and jerked his head back. “I’ll give you a proposal,” he hissed. “Tell your master that if he returns what he has stolen, he will receive a painless death. And as for you, if you are ever stupid enough to hinder me or my friends again, I will remove your eyes, cut off your hands, and set you loose in the wilderness.” He slammed Saylis’ head into the table, knocking him unconscious. “Let’s go.”
Gewey and Kaylia were stunned by Lee’s outburst, but they stood and followed him to the door. Broin ran up just as they were leaving.
“If you think I’m running anymore, you’re wrong,” Broin told them, breathing heavily. Lee didn’t say a word as he stalked away with Kaylia and Gewey trailing behind.
“Don’t worry about me,” Broin called after them. “I’m fine.” He bent over and rested his hands on his knees. “I need a brandy,” he muttered, then ran to catch up. When they reached Broin’s house, Millet was sitting on the stoop.
“Good to see that you’re unhurt, my lord,” said Millet. “I see you retrieved Gewey and Kaylia.”
“Is everything ready?” asked Lee.
“I was only waiting for your return,” he replied. “Malstisos is with the horses in the back. All the gear is packed and ready. All that’s missing is Sister Maybell.”
“I’m not missing,” said Maybell as she walked through the gate. She held the Book of Souls in her arms. “I’ll be ready to leave presently.”
“You’ll not be coming,” said Lee flatly.
“We’ve been over this before,” replied Maybell. “I’ll not be left behind and that’s that.”
“I have no time to debate,” growled Lee. “We ride hard and fast, and if you can’t keep up you’ll be left behind.”
“My lord,” interrupted Millet. “I only purchased two horses.”
“I have enough horses for you stabled nearby,” Broin offered. “I’ll send for them now.” He nodded to Angus, who immediately headed off.
Lee turned and looked at Gewey furiously as they entered the house. “Fool,” he yelled. “Have you lost your mind? What were you thinking?”
“What did you expect me to do?” Gewey shot back.
“I expected you to wait for me,’ said Lee. “You could have been killed. Then where would we be?”
“I don’t care what you say,” said Gewey. “I did the right thing. Besides, I didn’t go alone.”
Lee took a deep breath and rubbed his temples. “You still should have waited,” he said, calming himself. “I can’t allow you to be killed. You don’t understand how dangerous these people are. If it weren’t for Lord Broin, Maybell and her friend would most likely be dead right now. If they have the chance, they’ll kill us all. As it is, they set a trap that I walked right into.”
“What happened?” asked Gewey as they walked up the steps to their room.
Lee recounted the events at the temple. “And that stubborn woman refuses to stay here,” he complained, clenching his fists.
“Maybe she’ll listen to you.”
“I don’t think she will,” answered Gewey. “She believes all this is part of her destiny. Or at least that’s what she says. I must admit, she hasn’t slowed us down yet.”
“Yes,” he agreed, “but she’ll push herself to death before she’ll admit she can’t keep up.”
Gewey thought for a minute. “Why not send her with Millet?” he suggested. “How could she refuse? There should be considerably less danger, and she might be a lot of help.”
A huge smile slowly grew on Lee’s face. “Now that’s a great idea,” he said and tore off down the stairs.
Kaylia came in a second later. “Are you alright?”
Gewey blushed, thinking about the kiss in front of the tavern.
“I’m fine,” he replied shyly. “Lee just overreacted, but we settled it. He’s going to ask Maybell to help Millet get his family out of Hazrah.”
“I heard,” she said, sitting on the bed. “That’s not what I mean. I’m talking about the scum in the tavern. Are you alright?”
Gewey smiled. “Actually, I feel better than I did before. My enemy seems more human now. He may have been trying to sound powerful, but to me he sounded desperate. It gives me hope for victory.”
“Good,” she said and stood up. She placed her hand on his shoulder and squeezed almost imperceptibly. Gewey felt a pleasant chill run down his spine, and he smiled back at her. “I think the Dark Knight should be very afraid,” she said, and left the room.
Gewey picked up his pack and headed downstairs, just in time to see Maybell storm past and slam her door shut. Lee was standing at the bottom of the stairs with a satisfied grin. Millet, on the other hand, wore a look of desperation.
“Please, my lord,” begged Millet. “Don’t do this.”
“It’s done,” said Lee unyieldingly. Millet lowered his head and skulked away, muttering angrily.
Gewey couldn’t help laughing at the scene. “I take it all went as you expected?”
“They leave as soon as Maybell is ready,” Lee replied.
Lord Ganflin walked from the study and handed a sealed letter to Lee. “When you get to Althetas, give this letter to Harlondo. He manages my affairs when I’m away. He will provide you with anything you need. You’ll probably beat me there by several days, so you may also wish to visit the innkeeper at the Frog’s Wishbone. That’s where the humans and elves meet most of the time. Do not open the letter; Harlondo is not the trusting sort and may give you a problem if the seal has already been broken. But now you must excuse me. All this excitement has made me forget that I am overdue to meet the mayor for dinner. I detest the man, but I must maintain certain relationships. It was a great pleasure to meet you all.”
“My thanks,” said Lee. “I hope to see you again under better circumstances.”
Lord Ganflin bowed low and departed into a waiting coach.
An hour later, Broin returned with three stable boys leading five magnificent horses. Lee stared at the animals in wonder.
“I see that you appreciate a good horse when you see it,” Broin noted with pride. “These are the finest animals for a thousand miles. If those who pursue you want to catch you, they’ll need to grow wings.”
“Where on earth did you get such animals?” asked Lee.
“They’re bred on the northwestern steppes, by the nomadic tribes that dwell there. It wasn’t easy to get them to part with them; I’m proud to say that I’m the only man to ever leave with so many.”
“If our mission wasn’t so urgent, I could never accept,” Lee admitted. “You must at least allow me to pay you-though I don’t know that I have enough money.”
“You misunderstand,” said Broin. “I have no intention of giving up my horses. I expect you to return them when this is all over and the Dark Knight is defeated. But until then, they are yours to do with as you please.”
Lee smiled, overcome with the thought of such a generous gesture. “I shall take care of them until then,” he promised. “I hope one day I can talk you into taking another journey to the steppes with me, if only to see if I can pick one out for myself.”
“It would be a trip I would love to take.”
Millet readied one of the horses for Maybell. When the three were mounted, Lee handed Millet a small bundle of letters and nodded as if he had asked a silent question.
Millet reached down and took Lee’s hand. “All will be well,” he said reassuringly. “I’ll send word of our success.”
Malstisos rode up beside Lee. “I will look after your family. They will have my protection until I deliver them to your care.”
“Thank you,” said Lee, trying to force back tears of worry. “I am deeply in your debt.”
“You had better keep your word,” said Maybell as she admired her mount. “I will see the Temple of Valshara once this is done.”
“You don’t need to worry,” replied Lee. “You’ll see it if I have to carry you there on my back.”
Maybell tried to look angry, but seeing the worry on Lee’s face, she said instead, “I swear that I will not step foot in Valshara until your family is safe.”
Lee smiled and bowed. “Thank you, Sister. That means a lot to me.” He realized what a good idea it was to send Maybell. She would lay down her life if necessary to protect his family, and her knowledge of the cities and temples could be invaluable.
Gewey and the rest bid them farewell and watched as they rode toward the east gate. Once they were out of sight, Lee called everyone into the parlor.
“Thanks to Lord Broin’s generous loan,” Lee began, once they’d gathered, “we should be able to make it to Althetas in less than seven days. We’ll be moving fast. We have enough food and water for the whole journey, so we won’t need to stop for supplies along the way. Once we arrive, Dina will make contact with her order, and from there we should be safe.” His eyes focused on Gewey. “If anything happens and we’re separated, we’ll meet at the Frog’s Wishbone in Althetas. Wait there until I or someone from Dina’s order gets there.”
Dina stepped forward and pulled out her medallion so that Gewey could see it clearly. “If you are approached by anyone claiming to be in my order, make them show you this. Be sure to touch it. It should burn you. If it doesn’t, then that person is an imposter.”
“We need to be out of the city before sundown,” Lee continued. “It’s certain they’ll see us leave, so we must move fast once we’re beyond the gates.”
“I’ll send word ahead,” said Broin. “I have a messenger flock on the roof. I’ll instruct my friends in Althetas to aid you.”
“Thank you,” Lee replied. “That would be helpful.”
“The horses have been saddled and packed,” said Angus, sticking his head through the door.
Lee and the others went outside and double-checked their belongings. Once mounted, Lee looked at Lord Broin and nodded respectfully.
“Until we meet again,” said Broin. “Angus is watching the gate and will tell me if you are followed.” He stood just outside his door and watched as Lee and the others slowly made their way down the street.
The ride to the gate was tense, and no one spoke a word. As they approached the gate’s heavy metal doors, they saw Saylis Fernmen waiting for them. His head was bandaged, and his eyes were swollen and bruised.
Lee motioned for everyone to stop as he and Kaylia began scanning the alleys and rooftops for further trouble. Gewey put his hand on his sword, and Dina pulled out a small dagger.
“I thought I’d see you off,” called Saylis. Despite his words, his face was grim. “I want you to know that I’ll be there in the end, Starfinder. Mine will be the last face you ever see.” He shot Lee an angry look, then ducked down a nearby alley.
“He won’t try anything until we’re outside the gates,” Lee guessed, hoping he was right. “He may have set up an ambush. If that’s the case, I’ll handle it. The rest of you keep going and I’ll catch up. That means you, boy.” He looked straight at Gewey and didn’t look away until the boy nodded in agreement. “Don’t worry, I’ve had more capable men than this idiot think they could kill me. I’ll burn before I’d let scum like him be the end of me.”
They urged their horses on and passed through the west gate.
“Are you ready?” Lee asked to the others. They nodded. “Then let’s go.”
Lee booted his mount, and the horse broke into a run. Gewey and the others did the same, and they were off like bolts of lightning. Gewey had never ridden so fast. He could feel the sheer power of the animal beneath him, and it thrilled him. He smiled at the thought of anyone thinking they could catch them.