“Aren’t we leaving the road?” Gewey asked after they had ridden a while.
“No,” said Lee. “We’re still being followed, and I plan to catch whoever it is.”
Gewey smiled. “Good, I hate running.”
Lee threw the hood of his cloak over his head. “Maybe so, but if I tell you to run, you do it.”
Gewey’s smile vanished. “I’m not running if it means leaving you behind,” he said with determination.
“You’ll do as I say,” Lee shot back. “If danger comes, I can handle it much better if I don’t have to watch you.”
“I don’t need watching,” Gewey protested.
“For now, you do,” said Lee. “Until I’ve had time to train you, you’re a liability in a fight. But don’t worry; your time will come soon enough.”
Gewey didn’t like being thought of as a liability, but he could hardly argue; the last time he fought, he was nearly killed.
They rode on until they found a decent spot to camp. Lee lit a fire and told Gewey to get some sleep.
“Aren’t we a bit out in the open?” asked Gewey.
Lee was changing into a black shirt and a set of black leather trousers. “Like I said, I intend to find out who’s following us. You try to get some rest. I’ll be nearby.” Lee disappeared into the darkness.
Sleeping in the day for so long made it hard for Gewey to do so at night, so he stared at the small fire listening to the crackle of the dry branches. Morning came and he still hadn’t slept. His wounds felt much better, though. In fact, when he reached under the dressings, he could feel that they were almost completely healed. He wondered if there would be a scar. The wounds on his arms had already turned light pink, and the one in his chest had closed and was well on its way to being no more than a minor irritation.
Lee appeared out of the nearby brush, looking stern and focused. He unpacked their breakfast and checked Gewey’s bandages.
“Amazing,” said Lee. “You seem to heal more quickly by the minute. I can’t wait to see how powerful you‘ll become.”
“Did you see anyone last night?” asked Gewey.
“Yes, but whoever it was moved off before I could catch him,” Lee said, and spat angrily. “From now on we stay on our guard. This one is fast, and knows how to move without being seen.”
“Shouldn’t we get off the road?” Gewey asked. “Maybe we can lose him.”
Lee shook his head. “We won’t be able to lose him there; he’s too good, too fast. And though they don’t look like they’ll be a problem much longer, your injuries will slow us down… No, we need to catch him…and kill him.”
This sent a chill down Gewey’s spine. When he had watched Lee kill the bandits, it was fast and furious; he hadn’t had the time to consider what was about to happen. This time they were planning to capture and kill someone. Somehow it felt different-calculated, vicious.
“How do you plan to catch him?” Gewey asked.
“I don’t know,” Lee admitted, squatting down to pick at the grass. “It’s four days until we reach the next town. I have until then to figure it out. That is, unless he attacks us first.”
The next two nights were the same. Lee set up camp, then scoured the area, hoping to get lucky in finding their pursuer, but with no success. Gewey could see the frustration on Lee’s face. He hadn’t slept, and the fatigue began to show in his eyes. Gewey urged him to rest for at least a few hours, but Lee ignored his advice.
On the third night, they set up camp and had just began to eat their meal when Gewey saw Lee‘s neck stiffen and his hand move slowly to the knife in his belt.
“What is it?” Gewey whispered. Lee shook his head almost imperceptibly. Just as his hand reached the handle of his knife, they heard a rustle in the bushes just beyond the light of their fire. Lee and Gewey both jumped to their feet and drew their weapons.
“Peace,” said a female voice. “I mean you no ill will.”
From out of the darkness walked the elf woman they had saved from the bandits. She moved with such grace and precision that her footsteps seemed to glide over the ground. Gewey stared in awe. She was wearing a shirt and trousers made of fine cloth, which appeared to change color and hue as she passed through the fire light.
Her hair was now done in a series of tight braids, tied together by a thin leather strap. Over her shoulder she carried a short bow and a quiver of arrows, and in her hand she held a long knife.
“So it’s you who’s been following us,” growled Lee.
“Yes,” she answered. “And with very little difficulty, I must say.” Her mouth turned to a sinister grin. “Your clumsy efforts to catch me have kept me quite entertained.”
“Those bandits didn’t seem to have much trouble catching you,” Lee shot back.
The elf woman’s jaw tightened. “There were twenty of them before they met me. The six you encountered were all that was left.”
“What do you want?” Lee asked. “Why are you following us?”
“What I want is none of your affair,” she answered. “I follow you because it pleases me to do so.”
“You play a dangerous game, elf,” said Lee. “You’re lucky I didn’t kill you the moment you stepped out of the shadows.”
The elf woman laughed. “Bold words, half-man.”
Lee’s back stiffened. “What did you call me?” he asked, his tone low and threatening.
“I know what you are,” she said. “I knew the moment I saw you. Only a half-man can move as you do.”
“If you know that, then you know it won’t be easy to kill me,” said Lee.
“Maybe it will, maybe it won’t,” she said. “I’ve dealt with your kind before, but it’s not you that I’m interested in-it’s your young friend. You’re no half-man,” her eyes set upon Gewey. “Yet here you stand, when, by all accounts, you should be dead.”
“And that’s none of your affair,” Lee said, before Gewey could answer. “Again I ask you, what do you want?”
The elf woman sheathed her blade. “For now, I want you to come with me. There’s something I need to show you.” She turned and began to walk away.
Gewey started to follow, but Lee grabbed his collar and pulled him back.
“You think I’m a fool?” Lee snapped. “You must, if you think I’ll follow you blindly into the night.”
The elf paused. “You may have strength, half-man, but I believe the instincts of your young companion are better. But if you need assurance…” She turned to them and got down on one knee. “I swear by the angels of the night and the guardian who watches the souls of my kin that I mean you no harm.” With that, she rose.
“I’m going with her,” said Gewey. “I don’t think she wants to hurt us.”
Lee grumbled and nodded. “Very well,” he said, putting away his weapon. “I know nothing about the oaths of an elf or what your people now hold sacred, but you’re right about one thing. I do trust his instincts. But know that if you betray us, it will be the last thing you do.”
“As you say,” the elf laughed, then led them north into the nearby woods.
Lee walked directly behind the elf, his hand never leaving the hilt of his sword. Gewey followed, trying to keep himself from gawking at the silhouetted figure of the elven woman moving through the forest. He thought back on the tale Lee had told him about the war.
‘How could man make war on such beautiful people?’ he wondered.
They walked for several minutes until they came to a steep hill.
The elven woman stopped and turned.
“Before we go on, I must ask you a favor,” she said.
“What favor?” asked Lee.
“I wasn’t speaking to you, half-man,” she said.
Lee glared at the elf. “You will speak to…”
“What is it I can do for you?” Gewey asked, cutting Lee off.
Lee was furious.
The elf looked straight into Gewey’s eyes. “If what I have to show you is of value, I want you to allow me to accompany you.”
“Out of the question,” Lee asserted. “You have no business with us. If you feel in our debt for saving you, I release you from your obligation.”
“It is not for you to release me from anything,” she replied. “You know nothing of my motives, and I will tell you nothing except that I will not harm you. I will follow you with or without your permission. All I ask is that you let me do so openly.”
“It would be an honor to have you join us,” Gewey said, before Lee could stop him. “But I must warn you, our road is dangerous.”
“I have already guessed,” she said. “And I thank you. Now come and see what the night has caught.”
She led them up the hill, where a small patch of thin pines grew.
Lying face down was a man-bound, gagged, and unconscious. A horse was tied to a tree, and the man’s belongings had been tossed on the ground next to him.
“He’s been following you,” she said. “I overheard him asking someone on the road about two men traveling west, one young, and one older. He described you perfectly. I thought you might want to question him before I slit his throat.”
Lee walked to the unconscious man and rolled him over. To his great surprise, it was Millet.
“Millet!” Lee shouted. “What have you done to him?”
“You know him?” asked the elf.
“He’s my servant, and my friend,” said Lee as he drew his knife and cut Millet’s bonds.
“Forgive me,” she said. “I didn’t know.”
Lee examined him. He had a few bruises but otherwise looked unharmed. “Why is he unconscious?” asked Lee, cradling Millet in his arms.
“I forced him to drink jawas tea,” she answered. “He’ll be awake soon. In the mean time, I suggest you gather your things and bring them here. This is a much better location. I’ll watch over your servant until you return.”
Lee reluctantly agreed, leaving Gewey to keep watch on the hill. He didn’t want Millet to wake up only to see an armed elf at his side.
Millet was still unconscious when Lee returned. They built a small fire and Lee unpacked medicine to heal Millet’s bruises.
The elf woman sat far from the fire, her eyes closed. Gewey couldn’t keep his eyes off her. Finally, he shyly walked over and sat next to her.
“What’s your name?” he asked.
She slowly opened her eyes and looked at Gewey. “I am called Kaylia.” Her voice was soft and feminine, yet strong.
“I’m Gewey,” he said awkwardly. He looked over at Lee, who was tending to Millet. “He’s not so bad. If it wasn’t for him, I’d be dead right now.”
“Perhaps,” she said.
“Why do you want to come with us?” asked Gewey.
Kaylia closed her eyes again. “I have my reasons.”
Gewey stared at her in silence for a while.
“Why do you stare?” Kaylia asked. Her tone wasn’t judgmental or accusing, but it made Gewey blush all the same.
“I don’t know,” said Gewey. “I don’t seem to be able to help myself. I’m sorry.”
Kaylia smiled. “Most humans turn their eyes from my kind. Strange that you do not.”
“I’m just curious about you,” he said. “I never thought I’d meet an elf.”
“Did you want to?” she asked.
“I never gave it much thought,” he replied. “But now that you’re here, I’m glad I have the chance.”
Kaylia looked at him peculiarly. “You don’t fear me. Why?”
“Should I?” asked Gewey. “You said you didn’t want to hurt us.”
“I could be lying,” she replied.
Gewey shook his head. “Why would you? I’m not an expert in battle, but I’d think that if you wanted to hurt us, you could have picked us off with your bow.”
“True,” Kaylia agreed. “It’s just that I find it odd that you’re so willing to take me as a companion. You’re clearly not like other humans.”
“You might be surprised, if you get to know a few,” he replied.
“Perhaps,” said Kaylia. “I have a feeling I’ll know soon enough.”
Millet began to stir by the fire. Lee was still cradling his head in his lap.
“My…My Lord?” Millet asked weakly.
“Yes my old friend,” said Lee, smiling down at him. “You’re safe.”
“An elf,” he said. “She attacked me on the road. How did you find me?”
“Don’t worry about it,” said Lee. “Rest for now. I’ll explain everything in the morning.”
“Of course.” said Millet, lowering his eyes. “I’m sorry. I couldn’t let you go alone.”
“He is not alone,” said Kaylia.
Millet looked over and saw the elf woman “You!” he screamed and tried to get up. “My lord, she’s the one. She attacked me.”
Lee held him. “I know,” he said soothingly. “Don’t worry, she won’t do it again. Go back to sleep, and I’ll explain everything in the morning.”
“If it’s all the same to you, my lord,” he said, “I’ve slept quite enough.” He sat up and tried to stand, but his legs were still sore from his bindings, and his head swam from being drugged.
“Easy, Millet,” Lee advised. “Take your time.”
“Perhaps I’ll just sit for a while,” Millet said. “At least until that blasted tea wears off. Strong stuff, that is.”
Millet was wearing a dark leather woodsman’s outfit. His round features and pale skin gave the impression that he was city born and ill-suited for life in the country, but the stories Lee had told of him painted a different picture. He may have seemed soft, but Gewey guessed that the man had a strength that wasn’t readily apparent. Lee had described him as crafty, resourceful, and-most of all-loyal. Gewey could tell that Lee was pleased to see him.
“If you don’t mind, I would like to know what I’ve missed,” said Millet, still glaring at Kaylia.
Lee recounted the events of the past days, leaving out any mention of Gewey’s heritage. Gewey figured this to be for Kaylia’s benefit. When he finished, Millet shook his head and sighed.
“That explains how I lost you in the forest,” said Millet. “You must have been less than a stone’s throw away when I passed you.”
“That was you?” Gewey asked.
“Indeed,” Millet answered. “I was on your trail the day after you left. Don’t worry, Master Gewey; your farm is being well tended. I left instructions for the staff to say that the two of you will be away for many weeks, and that Lord Starfinder had made arrangements to tend your farm.”
“I’m sure everything is in order, Millet,” Lee said. “But you shouldn’t have come. This isn’t like our other journeys, old friend. I don’t know if we’ll ever return.”
“I know,” said Millet. “And if you think for one second that I’ll be left behind to rot, then you’re not nearly as bright as I thought. Besides, I’m tired of village life. It’s high time I had another adventure. One more before the end. Wouldn’t you say, my lord?”
Lee slapped Millet on the shoulder. “Yes I would.”
Lee and Millet spent the rest of the night talking quietly by the fire, while Gewey and Kaylia sat in silence until dawn. After they packed the gear, Lee gathered everyone around.
“The village of Harvesting Shallows is one more day’s ride,” said Lee. “Kaylia will have to wait for us on the other sided of the town. The last thing we need is to be seen traveling with an elf.”
Kaylia nodded in agreement.
“When we get there,” he continued, “we’ll trade our steeds in for a wagon and horses better suited for the job. From then on, we’ll act as pilgrims. I already have the proper clothing for us, so that won’t be an issue. Anyone looking for me and Gewey won’t be looking for four pilgrims, and that should make it easier to hide Kaylia’s identity.”
“Wise plan,” Kaylia said. “I’ll scout ahead for now. You won’t see me again until you leave Harvesting Shallows.” With that, she took off through the woods and disappeared.
“Elves are strange folk,” said Millet. “I’m not sure it’s a good idea to let her travel with us, my lord.”
“I doubt we could have stopped her,” said Lee. “Besides, Gewey’s the one who agreed to let her come along.”
Millet glared disapprovingly at Gewey.
The day was uneventful. They passed a few people on the road, but no one took special notice of the three travelers. When they arrived in Harvesting Shallows, it was an hour after sunset. Lee and Gewey got a room at an inn while Millet stabled the horses. When they got to their room, Lee checked Gewey’s wounds.
“Your arms are completely healed,” said Lee with satisfaction. “And at this rate your chest will be healed in a few more days.”
Gewey had almost forgotten his injuries. The wound on his chest itched from time to time, but other than that, he felt fine.
When Millet arrived, they unpacked their things and headed down to the common room to eat. Gewey was thrilled to be allowed out of his room.
“I don’t want you talking to anyone,” warned Lee. “We’re still trying to go unnoticed.”
Gewey nodded his head enthusiastically. “Don’t worry, Lee. For the rest of the night, I’m a mute.”
Lee gave Gewey a sideways look. “Just keep your conversation confined to the three of us.”
Millet couldn’t help but smile. “He reminds me of you,” he whispered into Lee’s ear.
Lee chuckled softly.
The common room wasn’t as nice as the one in Gath, but there was a lovely young woman in the corner singing folk tunes, most of which Gewey knew. The crowd was also a bit more common than in the last inn, but that was fine by him. He didn’t like pretending to be rich and stuck up. In his mind, he was still just a simple farmer, though he hadn’t realized until that moment just how proud of that he was.
“Where do we go from here?” asked Gewey over a bowl of hot beef stew.
“We’ll keep to the west road for now,” said Lee. “The additional company has forced me to rethink the plan, but it looks like it’s going to turn out for best. We’ll move more slowly, but we’ll draw a lot less attention.”
Millet nodded in agreement. “Sir, if I may, sooner or later our lady friend will get curious about the true nature of our trip. How do you plan to deal with certain…revelations?”
“What do you mean?” asked Gewey.
“What I mean is, although she may know the true nature of Lord Starfinder, yours is something quite different. From what I understand about her kind, it may become a problem.”
“I don’t follow,” said Gewey. “Why should my ‘nature’ be a problem for her?” Until then, Gewey hadn’t been sure how much Millet knew about him, but clearly Lee had confided everything.
“What Millet means,” said Lee “is that your kind is not exactly held in high regard by hers. When she finds out, there’s no telling how she’ll react. It’s one of the reasons I didn’t want her with us.”
Gewey looked confused. “It would help if I knew what you are talking about.”
“When I told you about the war, I left out an important detail,” said Lee. “Man was losing until the gods intervened. They gave mankind the means to turn the tide; needless to say, this left a bad taste in the mouths of the elves where your kind is concerned.”
“I see your point,” Gewey said thoughtfully. “How do we handle it?”
“With great care, I would think,” said Millet. “She may be dangerous, but given her current choice of traveling companions, she may not take it as poorly as we fear. Frankly, I’m surprised she let me live.”
Lee contemplated the situation. “For now we need to keep things to ourselves,” he said, finally. “Short of killing her, there’s no way to be rid of her. Besides, she may be of use in the days to come.”
“We’re not killing her,” Gewey snapped. “I gave my word.”
“Calm down, boy,” said Lee. “I have no intention of killing her, and if I did, I doubt it would be easy. She said she killed at least fourteen bandits before she was captured, and I believe her. I tried to catch her myself for two straight nights and couldn’t, and I’m not someone you can easily avoid. No…I think killing her is out of the question. Still, we need to be careful until we find out what she really wants.”
“Isn’t it obvious?” Gewey asked. “We saved her life, and she feels she owes us.”
“I don’t think it’s as simple as that,” Lee replied. “Traveling openly with our kind is risky enough considering the way humans feel about elves. However, should her people discover it, I don’t think they would be happy-and that’s putting it mildly. If she simply wanted to return the favor, she could follow us unseen and wait for an opportunity. No…I don’t think it’s a matter of a simple debt.”
“We could just ask her,” Gewey suggested. Lee and Millet both laughed.
“Yes, young master,” said Millet. “That may be the solution, but I doubt she will be very forthcoming.”
“Millet’s right,” said Lee. “She won’t tell you until she’s ready. But do ask if you feel the need. You never know; she might surprise us.”
The conversation steered toward more pleasant topics as the warm stew filled their bellies and lifted their spirits. When they were finished, they retired to the room. There were only two beds, and Millet insisted on sleeping on the floor. Gewey protested, but Millet wouldn’t listen.
“I may look soft, Master Gewey,” said Millet. “But let me assure you that I am not. Besides, you are still injured, and Lord Starfinder is far less able to deal with hardship than I.”
Lee smiled, rubbing his eyes. “Don’t try to argue with him, Gewey; the man will stay up all night badgering you if you try.” Lee stretched his arms and yawned. “If he says he’s sleeping on the floor, that’s what he’ll do, and there’s nothing on earth that can stop him. Believe me, I’ve tried to change his mind before, and you saw how well that went.”
Millet looked displeased. “If you’re referring to me following you and master Gewey, need I remind you that I had told you even before you left that I had no intention of letting you go off and get yourself killed. I daresay that you are quite incapable of managing without me.”
“I wouldn’t presume to dispute you,” said Lee. Millet smiled. “Very wise, my lord.” Gewey decided it was best to let Millet have his way and went to sleep. The morning came, and for once Gewey had risen before Lee.
However, Millet was nowhere to be seen.
“Wake up,” said Gewey, shaking Lee.
“What is it, boy?” he asked groggily.
“Millet’s gone.”
The door opened. “I’m not gone,” Millet said, carrying a platter with three bowls of porridge and three cups of fresh milk. “While the two of you have lazed around wasting the day, I procured us a wagon and two fine horses to pull it. And I’ve restocked our provisions and had them delivered to the inn.”
Lee rolled out of bed and took the milk and porridge. “You see, Gewey? The man’s a freak of nature. Who else could get all that done before breakfast?”
“Indeed,” said Millet, and offered Gewey his breakfast, which the boy took gratefully. Gewey noticed that their gear had been packed, and three sets of pilgrim’s robes had been laid out for them. He could see why Lee held Millet in such high esteem. The sun was barely up, and he had already done a day’s worth of work.
Millet was the first to finish his breakfast and put on his robes.
“I’ll remove the gear to the wagon,” he said. “Do hurry. We don’t want to keep our elf friend waiting.”
“Wow,” said Gewey as he watched Millet walk out the door with their gear over his back.
“You got that right,” said Lee. “He may look like a soft city dweller to you, but that man is as tough as a spring bull.”
Gewey nodded in agreement. “I can’t believe you wanted to leave him behind.”
“I fear for his safety,” Lee said, looking pained. “I don’t know what I would do if something were to happen to him.”
Gewey got up and put his hand on Lee’s shoulder. “We’ll protect him.”
“Until you’re ready, I’ll be doing the protecting,” said Lee.
Gewey frowned. “I just meant…”
“I know what you meant,” Lee interjected. “And don’t think I don’t appreciate it, but now I have two people to watch out for-not to mention an elf.”
“Don’t worry,” said Gewey. “I’ll be ready when the time comes.”
“I know you will,” Lee said, rising to his feet. “And speaking of being ready, it’s time we got going.”
They put on their robes and left the inn. Millet was waiting out front with the wagon, an impatient look on his face. The wagon was covered and had two benches running along either side. Gewey examined the new animals Millet had bought. They were of good stock- strong and solid, fit for the long journey ahead. Gewey climbed into the back of the wagon with the supplies as Lee climbed up next to Millet, who insisted on doing the driving.
When they reached the outskirts of the village, they saw someone in pilgrim’s robes standing alongside the road.
“I see all went well.” It was Kaylia. She hopped in the back of the wagon across from Gewey without waiting for Millet to stop.
“I don’t remember you taking robes with you,” said Gewey. Kaylia gave a mischievous smile. “You should pay more attention, young one.”
“We’re headed to the city of Kaltinor,” said Lee. “At our pace, it should take us at least six days to get there. Remember, should anyone ask, we’re pilgrims from the Eastern Temple of Ayliazarah, on our way west to worship at the Temple of the Far Sky.”
Gewey had heard of these places from the stories his father had told him when he was a child. Ayliazarah, the Goddess of Fertility and Love, was worshiped in almost every city and village. Even the towns too small to have a temple usually had a shrine or two in her honor. The Temple of the Far Sky was on the coast of the Western Abyss, atop the Cliffs of Heaven, where all of the nine gods were worshipped. It was by far the oldest temple in existence, and thousands of pilgrims journeyed there each year. As Gewey saw the disgust on Kaylia face, he remembered what Lee had told him about the way elves felt about the gods.
“Tell me about yourself,” Gewey said to Kaylia.
“You know all that you need to know about me for now,” she said brusquely.
“Fine, then tell me about the elves,” he pressed.
Kaylia looked at him darkly, her fierce eyes burning from underneath her hood. “You do not need to know anything about my people, other than to stay away from them.”
“If elves hate humans so much, why did you want to travel with us?”
“Save your questions,” said Kaylia. “I’m sure your friends told you that you would get no answers from me.” She pulled her robes close. “You should listen to them.”
The rest of the day Lee and Millet discussed possible routes west while Kaylia listened quietly, occasionally offering advice. Gewey dozed on and off, though still determined to question Kaylia again. He desperately wanted to learn more about the elves; they seemed magical, yet treacherous-like beautiful predators. Every movement Kaylia made flowed like water, and her voice was like soft music. Gewey caught himself staring over and over again, though she didn’t seem to notice-if she did, she ignored it. That night, they set up camp just off the road. Kaylia disappeared as soon as they settled in.
“Where do you think she went?” asked Gewey.
“I don’t know,” said Lee. “But I’m sure she’ll be back by morning.”
“Do elves sleep?” he asked.
“I would think so,” said Lee. “But how often, I couldn’t say. Most of what I know about elves is from the few books I’ve read on the subject, and most are about the elves of old. Very little is written about what they are like now. Best not to worry about it. Get some rest.”
Lee removed Gewey’s bandages and examined the wound on his chest. It had almost completely healed, so Lee decided a bandage was no longer necessary. The pink lines on his arms that told where his cuts had been had vanished completely.
The morning came, and just as Lee had said, Kaylia returned. They climbed on the wagon and slowly moved on.