Salmitaya slid from her chair and dropped to her knees. "Thank you!" she groveled. "Tell me what I must do. I swear I will not fail again."

Yanti sat his tea on the arm of the chair and stood up. "There's no need for such a display," he said, helping Salmitaya to her feet. He lifted her chin and tenderly wiped the tears from her face with a handkerchief he produced from his jacket pocket. "I've left you instructions on the table in your study. You should open them right away, my love."

Salmitaya nodded her head slowly. Yanti smiled and turned to leave. "One more thing," he said, glancing back toward Salmitaya. "It would be unfortunate if you failed again. I don't think I'd be able to intervene twice." Salmitaya watched silently as he left.

As soon as she heard the door to the main hall close, she ran to her study. Just as Yanti had told her, there was a sealed letter on the table. She opened it and read its contents. By the time she finished, she was weeping again. She looked around the room as if hoping someone might come to save her, and then collapsed in a heap. Eventually, she gathered her wits and went to bed. The dreams that night were the most terrifying yet.

Chapter 26.

Lee marveled at how hard the horses could be pushed and promised himself to make good on the trip to the northwestern steppes with Lord Broin. They had been riding full speed for more than twenty minutes, and so far he'd seen no sign of ambush. If they didn't run into one by sundown, he thought it likely they wouldn't run into one at all. They'd entered the Great Faldon Plains that stretched all the way to the Abyss; though not impossible, hiding an ambush here would be difficult. The tall gra.s.s could easily conceal a man, but horses would have to be moved far enough away from the road so as not to be seen. The Plains were spa.r.s.ely populated, dotted with ranches and farms. The few small towns were little more than trading posts, frequented by drovers and travelers on their way west. A few shallow rivers and streams were the only real interruption in the vast, flat landscape.

When they finally stopped to rest their mounts, they had already covered many miles. Lee looked behind them, pleased with their progress. A series of wells lined the road to Althetas, placed roughly every twenty-five miles to aid thirsty travelers. Lee knew some to be dry from his previous travels, but most made good spots to rest and water their horses.

"It doesn't look like anyone's waiting for us," Gewey observed as his horse drank from a small trough next to the well.

"So far," Lee acknowledged warily. "But I'd say we'd have to pa.s.s two more of these wells before we're far enough away to be sure. They may still be waiting for us. Hopefully they're not clever enough to let us pa.s.s, then attack us by night."

"If they're foolish enough to attack an elf in the dark then let them," Kaylia said, grinning. "It will be their last mistake."

"Actually, I think it more likely they'll ambush us with bows," Lee replied. "I doubt they'll want to risk getting too close unless they have to. It's what I would do."

The sun was going down, and Lee told them they would be riding through the night. It was fully dark by the time they approached the next well. Kaylia got off her horse, and she and Lee prepared to scout the area. Gewey wanted to join her, but Lee stopped him.

"Protect Dina if something happens," Lee instructed.

"I don't need protecting," Dina argued.

"We all need protecting," Lee replied. "But until we get to your people, you're our only means of making contact. So you will be protected."

Dina growled but held her tongue.

"Keep quiet," Kaylia scolded them. "I'll go alone. Lee can stay here and Dina...you can protect Lee," she said mockingly. She checked her knife and crept into the darkness. When Kaylia returned, she motioned for everyone to get down and stay quiet. "There are men about," she whispered.

"Where and how many?" Lee asked, quickly drawing his sword.

"One hundred yards south of the well," she answered. "About a dozen."

"Could you tell who they are?"

"No, I didn't get close enough. We should move the horses back, then take a closer look."

"You two wait here," Lee told Gewey and Dina. "Kaylia and I are going to see what we can find out."

"I should go," Gewey a.s.serted. "I've trained to hide in the shadows; they won't see me."

"He's right," Kaylia agreed. "You may be fierce in a fight, but you can't match him in stealth any longer."

Lee thought for a second, then looked at Gewey. "Observe only," he said firmly. "Nothing else."

Gewey nodded and removed his sword. "Take care of this for me," he said, handing it to Dina. She was careful to touch only the scabbard.

Gewey retrieved his knife and put it in his belt. He and Kaylia had only taken a few steps when they vanished from Lee and Dina's sight, as if by magic. Lee smiled with pride.

"He's learned much," Dina remarked.

"No doubt," Lee replied. "It's hard to see the boy that left the farm in the man who travels with us now."

Gewey followed closely behind Kaylia. There were no trees to hide behind, but still he could see how the night changed and shifted ahead of him. The shadows were subtle, but they were there.

He allowed his eyes to penetrate and then eliminate the darkness, marveling at how much his training had changed his perceptions.

Gewey was able to see the men from about fifty yards away. They were knelt down in the tall gra.s.s looking toward the well, though he was certain there was no way they could see it in the dark from where they were. He figured they were listening for the sound of approaching horses. He made out fourteen men, all carrying swords and wearing studded leather armor. Kaylia motioned for him to stay where he was, then circled around to look from the other side. Her graceful movements made it difficult not to watch her as she left. She returned a few minutes later, and together they headed back.

"Well?" Lee asked anxiously.

"They're not alone," Kaylia told him. "Another group of ten bowmen is waiting less than fifty yards west of the first group."

"Bait," Lee said. "They want us to engage close up; if we discover the first group waiting for us and attack them, the bowmen will rain down arrows killing everyone, including their own men. A clever plan, actually."

"Can't we just go around and avoid them all together?" Dina asked.

"We could," Lee replied. "And if we were on foot, we would. But if they have anyone else about that we haven't seen, they could alert the rest, and frankly, I don't want to face two-dozen men head-on. As it stands, they don't know we're here yet."

"So what's the plan?" Gewey asked.

Lee scratched his chin in thought. "They've set a trap, so we'll let them think it worked. I'll sneak up and engage them from the north. The first group will be listening for horses to approach the well, so when I attack they'll think we saw them and decided on a full frontal attack. Gewey, you and Kaylia will move in behind the bowmen. They'll hear the fight and think the trap is sprung. Once they've let loose their arrows on the first position, take them out. Don't give them a chance for a second shot. After the first volley, I'll move to your position and help you finish them off. Any survivors from the first group should be confused and scattered. If any are left, we'll take care of them last."

"And what about me?" Dina asked, not wanting to be left out.

"You stay with the horses," he answered. "If we're killed or captured, ride back to Gristol and tell Lord Broin what happened."

"I'll not stand by like a helpless child while the rest of you go headlong into danger," she said stubbornly.

"I have no time to argue with you, woman," Lee snapped. "You are capable, but you are not a warrior. You could get someone killed."

"How would you know what kind of warrior I am?" she challenged. "My order trains us in weapons. Some of us are among of the best swordsmen that ever lived."

"Are you one of them?" Lee asked sarcastically. "If so, then by all means, ready your weapon. If not, we face two dozen men, and one weak link could get us all killed."

Dina glared at Lee for a moment, then threw Gewey his sword.

Satisfied, Lee turned to Gewey. "Listen carefully," he said. His tone was grave. "I know you've never killed before. But you cannot hesitate once the fighting begins. If you don't kill them, they will kill you."

Gewey nodded solemnly, "I understand." He had never really thought about what it would be like to kill a man, but now he was faced with the likelihood that he would have to take another's life. He steeled his nerves and put on his sword. "But I have a question: When they fire their arrows, where will you be?"

"Hoping not to get hit," Lee replied. "Don't worry, I'll keep the soldiers between me and the bowman. It's a risk, but one we have to take. If I am hit, don't stop fighting until they're all down. Understood?"

Gewey didn't like it, but he knew Lee was right. It was the only way to make it work.

"Let's go," Lee said. "I'll wait fifteen minutes for you to get into position. Remember; don't attack until they've fired."

Gewey and Kaylia moved silently around to where the bowmen waited. As soon as they were in position, they drew their weapons. Although more accustomed to fighting with a knife, for some reason the sword felt natural in his hand-maybe because of the bonding that occurred when he first drew it, he thought. He could sense the thumping heartbeat of the earth, and the sword felt warm in his hand. Kaylia pointed to the left, motioning for Gewey to attack there first. She would go right.

A short time later, the night erupted into chaos. He could hear screams from the first group, and orders being barked out in confusion as Lee wreaked havoc upon them. Gewey gritted his teeth, forcing himself to wait, and just as Lee had predicted, he heard the commander order the bowmen to make ready. His muscles tensed and his heart pounded in his ears.

Then, it happened. The bowmen lined up in a single row and notched their arrows.

"Loose!" yelled the commander.

Kaylia burst from their hiding place just as Gewey heard the tw.a.n.g of the bows being fired. He flew out immediately after her, and the soldiers didn't see them until it was too late. Kaylia slashed two across the throat and gutted a third. Gewey focused on a man standing on the far left end of the row. He swung hard, and the sword pa.s.sed clean through the man's leather armor. Gewey heard a scream as the man clutched his chest. A second soldier rushed at Gewey from his right, but Gewey stepped aside and brought his blade down across his attacker's bare neck, sending his head rolling across the ground. Suddenly, time slowed, and his sword struck home over and over again. The fever of battle overcame him as he sought out new adversaries, and the screams of the dying men went silent. He wasn't sure how much time had pa.s.sed, or even how many men he had faced. His sword felt alive in his hand.

"Gewey," a voice called. It sounded distant and faint. "Stop."

He didn't want to stop.

"Gewey," it called again. This time the voice was louder.

He felt the thump, thump of the earth coursing through his veins. He looked for someone to fight, but there was no one.

"Gewey!" This time, the voice broke through. It was Kaylia.

He shook his head as the world crashed in. He expected to see the dead bowmen lying all around him, but he found he wasn't where he thought he would be. Instead, he stood fifty yards away, among the first group of men. Lee and Kaylia were standing nearby, staring at him in awe.

"They're all dead," said Kaylia. She slowly walked over to him and put her hand on his sword arm.

"How did I get here?" Gewey asked, bewildered.

"You don't remember?" Lee countered.

"Not really," he replied, trying to make sense of what had just happened. "I mean...I do, but it's like I see it through someone else's eyes. What did I do?"

It was then he noticed the carnage around his feet. The dead were scattered everywhere, their limbs severed cleanly, as if cut off by a razor instead of a sword. He heard the sickly squish of blood and earth as he shifted his feet.

"I watched you kill over a dozen men as if they were ants," Lee said. "Some of them you cut completely in half. I had just finished causing confusion in the first group of men when the arrows began to fall; only one or two of the men were struck, and none of them fatally. I was actually worried that this might not work when I saw you charging in. I didn't even have a chance to raise my sword again before you took out half of them. In all my days, I've never seen anything like it."

Gewey looked down at his sword. It dripped with blood. He couldn't believe what he had done, nor did he know how to feel about it. In a daze, he reached down, tore some cloth from one of the dead soldiers, and cleaned his sword.

"We should leave," Kaylia suggested. "I don't want to see what the dawn brings here."

"Agreed." Lee looked at Gewey with concern. "Are you alright?"

"I will be," he replied. "Eventually."

"I know how hard it is the first time you are forced to kill," Lee rea.s.sured him. "But you'll get through it. I'll help you."

"That's just it," Gewey replied. "It isn't the killing that bothers me, even though I know it should."

"What is it then?"

"It's the feeling," Gewey said coldly. "It was like something inside me took over...and it felt...good. I never understood what power is until this moment." He turned his back to Lee. "I don't think I can wield it. It's too much-too tempting."

Lee smiled and put his hand on Gewey's shoulder. "That's why you can," he said softly. "Understanding the danger of power is the only way to wield it wisely and with compa.s.sion. I'm sorry you had to learn it this way, but I am pleased that you understand the dangers. That gives me hope...for all of us."

Gewey looked over his shoulder and nodded. "Thank you. I'll be fine in a while. It's just that so much has happened so quickly. It's a bit overwhelming."

"I understand," said Lee. "I really do. But we need to leave now. We'll talk more when we stop again."

Dina was waiting with the horses when she saw them approach, covered in blood. The far away stare on Gewey's face filled her with concern. She wanted to ask if he was all right, but he didn't even look up at her. He climbed in the saddle and sat there motionless.

"What happened?" Dina asked.

"They're all dead," Lee told her. "We should have no more trouble- at least until we get to Althetas."

They rode on until daybreak, giving Gewey time to think on what had happened. A flood of regret and anxiety filled his heart, and suddenly the faces of the men he killed became clear. He could see the horror in their eyes as his sword cut through them. By the time he dismounted, he was weeping uncontrollably.

"I know, Gewey," Lee said comfortingly. "Most people who are forced to kill aren't put into a situation like that. I'd like to say it gets easier, but it doesn't."

"It doesn't seem to bother you or Kaylia," he sobbed. "I've seen you both kill. Sometimes you even look like you enjoy it."

"I never enjoy killing," Lee replied. "I feel it every time. It's just that I've come to terms with it. And I was much older the first time I took a life."

"It is right that you weep," Kaylia interjected. "As the elves say, you have become a bringer of death."

"That's enough," Lee snapped.

"No," Gewey said, "Let her speak. I want to hear it."

"You are not a human," Kaylia continued. "But nor are you an elf. You are a power in this world, and death will follow you wherever you go. But you must learn that without it, there can be no victory. Those men you killed tonight stood against all that you love and honor.

"Suppose you found a way to let them live. Do you think they would thank you, return to their homes, and raise crops?" she asked. "No. You would find yourself facing them again and again.

"You should weep because you have left a part of yourself behind that is innocent. Mourn the loss, but rejoice that you have gained the strength to protect those that you love from the evils of this world. We elves do not take a life lightly, but once done, it cannot be undone. We gain strength in the knowledge that each person we kill is set free and cleansed of all evil. To meet the creator, purified, is the greatest gift one can bestow."

"Are you saying you believe you can only be forgiven if you are killed in battle?" Gewey asked.

"Not at all," she replied. "We believe that all spirits are pure. Only in life is someone evil. We do not believe that the sins of this life continue to the afterlife. How could we? Atonement would be impossible, and we would be doomed for all eternity."

"I just wish the pain would go away," said Gewey. "At first it was different...I felt almost numb. But then it all came rushing in. I know I must cope with this, but I think it will take time to learn how."

"There are no easy answers," Lee acknowledged. "But the fact that you're asking questions tells me that you're on the right path. In time, you'll find a way to deal with the pain. But I don't think you'll ever forget it; I know I haven't."

Gewey lowered his head in thought. "I wish I understood what happened. It was as if the sword came alive in my hand. I could feel the power of the earth like never before. It was intoxicating."