Gewey imagined the mist lifting. It cleared slowly, revealing a lush forest. He could smell the earth and trees around him. Standing next to a tall pine was Kaylia, dressed in a flowing white dress. Her auburn hair fell loosely down her back, and her skin glistened like the night sky.

"Can you see me now?" she asked, smiling.

He was completely awed by her stunning beauty. "Yes," he answered. "You look...different."

Kaylia's laughter sounded almost childlike. "Here, we look as we are. I see you tall and straight, dressed in gold robes."

Gewey tried to look at himself, but he looked out of focus.

"Why can't I see myself?"

Kaylia walked lightly across the forest floor until she was less than a foot in front of him.

"It takes time to learn to see yourself. But that's not why we're here. Come with me." She took his hand. "Let me show you things you never dreamed of."

"Where are we going?" he asked as he let himself be led away.

"Inside your mind," she answered. "And inside mine. It's doubtful you'll remember what you've seen when you wake-at least not until you've been properly trained. But the impressions will last."

Gewey felt a tinge of disappointment. "Will you tell me about it tomorrow?"

"No, not unless I feel you need to know. But don't worry, I swear I won't force you to reveal anything you don't want to."

The last thing Gewey remembered was a sensation of flying, with Kaylia's hand locked firmly in his. When he woke the next morning, Kaylia was still sleeping nearby with a sweet smile on her face.

Chapter 18.

Gewey was afraid that his experience with Kaylia would make things even more awkward than they already were, but he found that the opposite was true. For some reason, conversation with her the next day was easier. He even told her some stories about his life back in Sharpstone. Dina was quiet, but her eyes kept wandering to Gewey. He pretended not to notice, but it was hard to ignore her.

He hoped Kaylia was unaware of Dina's gaze, but he held little hope that anything would escape the elf's attention. By the time they reached Delhammer, Gewey was ready for a change of scenery. The city wasn't as big as Kaltinor, but at least the gates, though guarded, were open. Millet stopped and asked one of the guards about the quality and location of the inns, and the guard was more than happy to help once he was given a copper.

The streets were busy, but much cleaner than those in Kaltinor. It seemed that commerce had not been affected by hard times, and the people were cheerful and smiled as they pa.s.sed by.

The inn they found was decent, and the common room was filled with patrons enjoying the antics of a juggler and magician, something Gewey had never seen. Lee paid for the rooms while Millet stabled the horses. Gewey shared a room with Lee, while Dina and Kaylia shared another. Millet and Maybell got rooms of their own, though both of them protested, arguing that they were perfectly willing to share and even sleep on the floor if necessary. Once they were settled, Maybell left in search of the temple district, insisting that Dina accompany her. Millet and Lee went looking for a caravan headed west. Gewey persuaded Kaylia to join him in the common room and watch the acrobat who, as it turned out, played the lute and sang. Kaylia was uneasy at first, but she soon realized that no one paid her any attention; as she grew more comfortable, she even laughed at some of the more silly songs. Lee and Millet were the first to return, and they joined them at the table.

"I see your aversion to being seen in public has lessened," Millet said cheerfully.

"I didn't want Gewey left unprotected," she answered unenthusiastically. "And luckily, these people don't seem so interested in the comings and goings of others. A hooded woman doesn't seem so out of place here."

"I think you'll find that to be more and more the case, the further west we go," Millet replied.

"Did you find a caravan?" asked Gewey, still watching the entertainment with glee.

"We did," Lee confirmed "It doesn't depart for two days. Still, I think it's the best way to travel unnoticed."

"I think I could use a break anyway," Gewey noted. "This seems like a fun place."

"We can't be reckless," Lee said sternly. "And we can't afford to expose ourselves too much."

"If the entertainment here is as good at night as it is at midday, then I think I'll be happy not leaving the inn," said Gewey.

The acrobat was juggling six apples, taking a bite from each one as it pa.s.sed, before making them disappear.

Seeing Gewey in such high spirits, Millet couldn't help but smile affectionately. "I think the lad does need a bit of fun in his life right now, my lord. Who knows when he'll get another chance, given what the future may hold?"

Lee sighed. "You're right, of course. I forget sometimes that he's only seventeen."

"He's sitting right here," Gewey said, waving his hand in front of Lee's face. "And I just want to enjoy myself while we wait. Don't you?"

"Good point," said Lee, slamming his hands on the table. "I think we could all do with a bit of fun. Wait here."

Lee got up and went to the bar. Gewey saw the barman nod enthusiastically as Lee whispered into his ear.

"What did you do?" asked Gewey when Lee returned.

"You'll see tonight," Lee said with a sly grin.

Kaylia shook her head, unimpressed. "I think I'll be staying in my room tonight."

"Not a chance," Lee said, pulling out a red scarf from his pocket.

"This, my dear, is traditional attire in this region, and it should cover up your more...obvious attributes. Besides, Gewey needs looking after, and it seems you've volunteered for the job."

"Mind your tongue," Kaylia fumed.

"I didn't think you could blush," Lee teased, paying no mind to Kaylia's anger. "I guess I was wrong."

Just then, Maybell and Dina returned.

"How are things at the temples?" asked Lee.

"Better than I expected," Maybell replied. "I spoke to the High Priestesses at the temples of Gerath and Ayliazarah. They've been suspicious of Salmitaya for some time. Apparently the witch wasn't as careful as she thought."

"Why didn't they move against her?" Lee inquired.

"It's not as easy as you think to oust a High Priestess," she answered. "Even a corrupt one. Besides, Salmitaya was well protected within Kaltinor-and still is, from what I've learned. We have no soldiers to simply march in and remove her. But I am pleased to say that if she is caught outside the city walls, she will spend the rest of her life in a temple prison."

"What else did you find out?" Lee asked.

"Not much," she admitted. "At least, nothing useful."

Lee looked concerned. "I had hoped we could get an idea about what we might run into as we get further west."

"Communication between the temples has become spotty at best," added Dina. "I spoke to a few of the Sisters, and from what they told me, suspicion between the temples has become a plague. They hear the rumors about the gathering strength in the north, and some even claim there are agents of Angraal living openly in some cities, gathering followers."

Lee scratched his chin. "I want you to go to the other temples tomorrow and see if you can find out anything else. For now, we should all keep our eyes and ears open." Everyone nodded in agreement.

"But now, my friends, Millet and I have an errand to run, and we must leave you," Lee said. "Be washed by sundown, Gewey; I have a surprise for you."

Gewey looked confused as he watched Millet and Lee leave the inn.

"A surprise? What could he possibly be up to?" he wondered aloud.

"With that one, who knows," Maybell replied. "But if you don't mind, I haven't seen an acrobat in years."

They all watched until the acrobat had finished, then retired to their rooms to wash and get ready for supper. The smell from the kitchen promised roast lamb and fresh bread. Gewey's mouth watered at the thought.

Lee entered the room just as Gewey had finished bathing. He was carrying a bundle tied with twine.

"Here," Lee said, tossing him the bundle. Gewey opened it, and saw that inside was a set of new clothes and a pair of fine leather boots. The long tunic was gold silk with silver embroidery, and the pants were of the same design. A polished black leather belt completed the outfit. Gewey stared, not knowing what to say.

"Well?" Lee asked happily. "Are you going to try it on or not?"

"I don't get it. Why did you give me this?"

"To wear at your coming of age celebration," he said matter-of-factly.

"My what?" Gewey cried. "I'm only seventeen."

"True," Lee replied, smiling. "But the way I see it, the age of a G.o.d should be counted differently. Besides, who knows if you'll have the chance to have a real coming of age party?"

"True," Gewey acknowledged, holding up the clothes in front of him. "We might be dead by then."

Lee laughed heartily. "Not what I had in mind, but a good point," he admitted. "Now get dressed. I'm going to Millet's room to get ready. I'll send him for you when it's time."

An hour later Millet showed up at Gewey's door, dressed in fine blue linens, looking very much a city dweller. His face beamed with delight when he saw Gewey in his new finery.

"Now that's proper dress," Millet remarked. "You look very much the young lord."

Gewey felt awkward. He had never worn anything fancier than festival robes. He couldn't stop pulling and tugging at the long tunic, and the heeled boots made him feel as if he would tip forward at any moment.

"You'll get used to it," Millet laughed. "One day, I suspect you may dress like this all the time."

That idea didn't please Gewey. He felt much more comfortable in his own clothes-the clothes of a farmer. He smiled anyway and tried to stop fidgeting.

When Gewey entered the common room, everyone smiled cheerfully and clapped their hands with approval at the sight of him. He saw that the others were dressed in fine attire as well. Lee was decked out in a bright red suit and jacket with gold b.u.t.tons. Dina and Maybell both wore emerald green dresses with matching scarves wrapped tightly around their heads. Their hair, adorned with tiny white flowers, fell loosely from underneath the scarves. Dina's eyes were painted, giving them an elfish quality that made Kaylia appear less obvious. Kaylia wore a similar dress, but hers was light blue and tied at the waist with a deep blue sash.

Minstrels were just arriving and tuning their instruments in the corner. The dozen or so patrons looked on, whispering with smiles.

"Now that's more like it," said Lee, as he threw his arm around Gewey's shoulder and led him to the table. "First we feast, then we celebrate." He jumped up on a chair and addressed the entire room. "You are all welcome to join us, let us all celebrate and be merry." This was met with enthusiastic cheers and applause.

By the time the meal was being served, the minstrels had begun to play. The crowd in the common room had swelled, as word of the celebration had gotten out. Before long, more than fifty people had gathered in the hall, all laughing and feasting.

"Not bad for last minute," Lee said as he surveyed the room. "If I do say so myself."

"It's wonderful," Gewey agreed. "Thank you."

"Not exactly discrete, my lord," Millet pointed out.

"You're right about that," Lee replied. "But sometimes the right thing isn't necessarily the smart thing."

Millet smiled. "Quite right, my lord." Lee smiled at Gewey and hopped up on his chair.

"Ladies and gentlemen," he shouted above the crowd. He had to repeat it several times before everyone settled down and paid attention. "Tonight we celebrate the coming of age of a young man who I have come know and love. Through adversity and hardship he has shown himself to be a man of honor and respect, and is most deserving of our admiration."

Voices yelling "Here, here!" and the beating of mugs on tables could be heard throughout the room.

"In the years I've known him, I have never seen him falter or turn a blind eye to someone in need. I consider it a privilege to be to here with him today, and to be part of this celebration." Lee looked down at Gewey, his eyes showing a touch of sadness. "I only wish his father were here today to see him. He would have been so proud of the man I see before me. I look at you and I see him. His bravery and loyalty live on."

Gewey felt a lump in his throat and choked back his tears.

"So without further ado," Lee continued, "I present to you Gewey Stedding!"

The crowd erupted in cheers and yells. The stomping of feet and slamming of mugs shook the room. Gewey stood and bowed low.

"Thank you," he said, once the crowd had calmed down. "I'm not much for making speeches, but I do want to say this to my friends: I love you all. I am honored to have you with me, and I hope that we have more reasons to celebrate in the days ahead." He bowed again, then turned to embrace Lee. The room erupted once more.

"Thank you for this," Gewey said, tightening their embrace.

It wasn't long before the wine began to flow, and the room came alive with music and dance. Gewey danced with Dina, careful not to step on her feet this time. It was during the second song that he felt a tap on his shoulder-it was Kaylia. Dina smiled and politely stepped aside. To his great surprise, he found dancing with Kaylia felt easy and natural. He was able to completely antic.i.p.ate her movements.

They gracefully spun around the room like a top, and Gewey found himself laughing joyfully.

Lee cut in for the third song, but by then Gewey felt dizzy and was ready to sit anyway. He sat at the table and watched as Lee picked Kaylia up by the waist and spun her around. The elf threw her head back with laughter.

Dina sat down beside Gewey. "You look every bit the man," she said. "How do you feel?"

"Happy," he answered. "Very happy."

"Kaylia's very beautiful," she said, looking at the elf. "Don't you think?"

Gewey felt himself blush, "Yes she is," he said shyly, trying not to meet her eyes. "But so are you," he added.

Dina placed her hand lightly over his. "Careful," she said, giggling playfully. "You wouldn't want two women competing for your favor, would you?"

Gewey tried to think of something to say, but was only able to manage a nervous grin. Dina squeezed his hand quickly, then asked Millet to dance. Millet was more than happy to oblige; Maybell had been bending his ear for most of the night about etiquette and customs in the western cities.

The night wore on, but the party gave no indication of dying down. Gewey was sitting across from Kaylia when suddenly he saw her back stiffen and eyes narrow.

"What is it?" he whispered.

"An elf," she said.