"I think I might know what happened," Dina chimed in, approaching the trio. "I think it had something to do with the bond between you and your sword."

"My sword?"

"It's made from the same material as my medallion. It's more than just a way we identify one another. We also use it to focus our energy when we meditate. The more talented among us can use it to project their spirit and see other places without physically being there. I think your sword may have amplified your abilities in some way. I'm not sure how, but perhaps someone at the temple could tell you when we get there."

"If that's the case, you should be careful until we understand it better," Lee advised.

Gewey nodded. It made sense. The heat of the sword and the pulse of the earth coursing through his body; it was as if he and the energy were one. He would definitely have to take care. They ate a quick meal of dried figs and water, then continued on. The remainder of their trip was less than comfortable; Lee refused to allow a fire, and the nights were cold. Kaylia huddled next to him on several occasions. At first, he felt uneasy, but by the third night he looked forward to it. Their speed had them just outside of Althetas in only six days.

The few towns along the way were easy enough to avoid. Gewey marveled at the endurance of their mounts; even after a hard ride, they acted as though they were ready to run some more. It was little wonder the people of the steppes guarded their animals jealously, as just one would be worth a dozen of any other horse he had ever seen. He promised himself to return to Sharpstone with one. The whole village would be envious, and he smiled at the thought. When they were ten miles from the city, Lee told them to make camp. He and Kaylia would scout ahead in case there were any surprises. Gewey told him he wanted to join them, but Lee stubbornly refused.

"I'll not have you captured or killed just before we reach our destination," said Lee. "Besides, I need you to guard the horses." He was careful not to say that he also needed Gewey to protect Dina. He wasn't in the mood for that argument again.

To Gewey and Dina's delight, Lee decided it would be all right to risk a small fire.

"At least we won't be sitting here in the dark while they're off having fun," Dina said, after Lee and Kaylia had left.

"I was getting a bit tired of sitting in the dark, too," he admitted.

Dina got some dried meat and flat bread from her pack and split it with Gewey.

"I have a surprise," she said impishly, then pulled a small flask from inside her saddlebag. When she opened it, the smell of plum brandy filled the air. "Broin gave it to me just before we left." She took a sip, then pa.s.sed it to Gewey.

Gewey hadn't really been a big fan of plum brandy, but he took it anyway. The far-too-sweet taste made it hard to swallow. "Thanks," he said, forcing a smile.

Dina laughed. "I see how much you enjoy plum brandy," she teased. "Still, I refuse to drink alone." She grabbed the flask and took a sizable mouthful. "I've noticed you and Kaylia have become rather...close."

"What do you mean?" Gewey asked, suddenly embarra.s.sed. "We're friends."

"Is that how you feel about her?" she replied with a slight grin.

Gewey became painfully aware of Dina's eyes on him and noticed that she had moved closer. "Of...of course," he stuttered. "What else would I feel?"

"That's not for me to say," she said, handing him the flask again. "But I see how she looks at you."

"How's that?" Gewey asked, not really wanting to hear the answer.

"Like one who is in love." Her eyes twinkled in the firelight and her voice was playful. "Don't pretend you don't know what I'm talking about. I've seen the way you look at her, too."

"I...I didn't mean to...I wasn't-" He couldn't find the words. His heart was beating so fast he felt like it would burst from his chest.

Dina draped her arm around his shoulders and met his eyes. "It seems you are in quite a dilemma, wouldn't you say?" Suddenly she jumped up, spun around on her toes, and danced around the fire. "Don't worry; these things have a way of sorting themselves out."

Gewey wasn't sure if the whole thing was just a cruel joke or not.

For the next few hours, he tried to avoid conversation, but Dina kept at him until he finally stormed off and pretended to check his horse.

When Lee returned with Kaylia, Gewey could barely look up at her. He was afraid she would see him blushing, and he'd had quite enough embarra.s.sment for one night.

"Everything looks fine all the way to the gate," Lee told them, as he retrieved his blanket from his saddlebag. He sniffed the air. "Is that plum brandy I smell?"

"It is indeed," Dina answered cheerfully as she threw him the flask. "I saved you some." Lee nodded gratefully and took a sip.

Kaylia noticed Gewey was out of sorts. "What's wrong?"

"Nothing," Gewey lied. "I'm fine. I'm just tired."

"We should try to get a good night's sleep," Lee said. "Tomorrow should be a telling day."

They all rolled out their blankets and laid down. Gewey tried to place himself as far from Dina and Kaylia as he could, but he ended up between them in spite of his efforts. Sleep did not come easily, even after a larger than normal swallow of jawas tea.

Chapter 27.

Gewey couldn't help but be excited as they approached the gates of Althetas. From more than a mile away, he could see the buildings rising above the city wall. Some looked to be over five stories tall.

"Is the whole city like that?" Gewey asked.

Lee laughed lightheartedly. "A good portion of it. Althetas is the largest city on the Western Abyss. All the cities and towns for hundreds of miles come here for trade."

"How far are we from the Abyss?"

"Not far," Lee replied. "Less than thirty miles, I should say."

"Why not build it on the sh.o.r.e? Wouldn't it be easier for shipping?"

"Long ago, Althetas was on the sh.o.r.e," Lee explained. "But a great storm nearly destroyed it, so they moved it here. Most towns along the sh.o.r.e now are small ports and fishing villages. The storms of the Western Abyss are enormous. They don't hit often, but when they do, everything is destroyed."

Gewey nodded, wondering what it would be like to see such a storm up close.

The walls of the city were twenty feet high and ten feet thick, made from gigantic blocks of black granite. As they approached, the guards waved them to a halt.

"State your business," called the guard, seemingly bored.

"Trade," Lee replied.

"How long will you be staying?"

"Three days."

The guard gave their party a quick once over. "If your stay lasts longer than one week, you'll have to register at the clerk's office. Welcome to Althetas." He waved them on without enthusiasm, and then went back to his post, where a chair and a jug of ale awaited him.

As they pa.s.sed the gates, Gewey stared at the sights of the city, unable to believe his eyes. The streets were jammed shoulder to shoulder with people-some selling wares, other trading, and even some who stood on boxes shouting scripture at the crowds. Most of the taller buildings had balconies on each floor, where people ate and drank far above the hustle and bustle. Gewey stared, wishing he could see the city from their vantage point.

Lee noticed Gewey staring at the balconies. "Impressive, isn't it? Millet loves Althetas. He and I once stayed here for six months. There used to be a great sword master that lived here, and his home was in one of the taller buildings. While we're here, I'll see if I can arrange for us to visit one. On the north end of the city there used to be some taverns on the top floors; I'm sure some of them are still there."

Gewey beamed with excitement. "Do you think Lord Ganflin's house is anything like this?"

Lee laughed. "Certainly not. From the directions he gave me, his manor is in the southern garden district, where they prefer traditional, two-floor houses. The aristocrats consider the rest of the city to be somewhat tacky."

Gewey looked at Lee in amazement. He couldn't imagine thinking such wondrous buildings to be tacky. "The lords here must be a bunch of idiots."

"I'll tell Ganflin you said so," Lee teased. "I'm sure he'll agree."

"Maybe that's not such a good idea," Gewey said with a smile. "Considering we're staying at his house."

Just then, Gewey noticed something he didn't expect: an elf. He was standing in front of the door to an inn, talking to a short human. Kaylia noticed too.

"I know they told us that elves walked freely in the city," said Kaylia, "but to actually see it..."

"You should remove your hood," Gewey suggested.

Kaylia paused for a moment, and then did just that. Her auburn hair flowed free, and she closed her eyes, letting the sun shine on her face. Gewey thought she looked beautiful, her bronze skin glowing the in sunlight. He scanned the crowd to see if anyone had noticed. A few people cast a quick glance in their direction, but for the most part, they were ignored.

"How does it feel?" he asked.

"Strange," she replied. "But good. I hate hiding."

"You shouldn't have to hide," Dina said. "None of us should."

Kaylia nodded in agreement. "Maybe one day we won't have to."

Lee led them through the crowded streets to the southern garden district. Just as Lee had said, the houses in the area were single- and two-story dwellings, their brick walls covered in ivy and protected by wrought iron gates. The streets were clean and far less crowded than the rest of the city. Fine coaches navigated the wide avenues, driven by haughty men in red and gold jackets, and pulled by horses nearly as well adorned as the drivers. Lords and ladies in elegant attire strolled down the broad sidewalks.

Lee stopped in front of an immense manor and dismounted. The double-gated wall was at least ten feet high. A man in a gold silk suit and waistcoat stood at the gateway.

"Is Harlondo in?" Lee asked politely.

"He is," the gate keeper responded. "Might I tell him who calls?"

Lee pulled the letter Lord Ganflin had given him from his pocket. "I have a message from Lord Ganflin."

"I see. Please wait here." The man pa.s.sed through the gate and disappeared inside the manor.

Gewey was amazed by the size of the estate; it was bigger than most temples. The entire structure was made from polished white granite, and sat upon at least three acres of land. The vestibule was lined with stone columns supporting a veranda that spanned the length of the front of the house. The driveway was almost as wide as the avenue, and the well-manicured lawn and gardens held plants and flowers of so many different kinds, it would take someone an entire spring just to name them all. He recognized flowers such as roses and tulips from back home, but others looked as though they belonged in a fairytale. Low lying lavender blooms sprinkled with deep yellow swirls followed a stone path leading to a white, ivy-wrapped gazebo.

At the center of the yard was a marble fountain in the likeness of Althetas Mol, the G.o.ddess of Wisdom and Compa.s.sion, the patron G.o.ddess and namesake of the city. Beautiful carved wooden benches faced the fountain at six foot intervals, and a small table had been placed beside each of them.

When the gatekeeper returned, he was accompanied by a short man in a gray b.u.t.toned shirt and trousers with a thin black jacket. His hair was jet black and slicked back with oils. He wore silver reading gla.s.ses and was carrying a leather binder under his arm.

"You have a message from Lord Ganflin," Harlondo said by way of greeting. His voice was high and almost feminine.

Lee handed him the letter and waited as he broke the seal and read.

"I see," said Harlondo, putting the letter in his pocket. "Greetings my lords and ladies. Welcome to the house of Lord Ganflin. I have instructions to treat you as I would Lord Ganflin himself. Clearly he holds you in high regard." He gave a loud whistle and four young boys ran from the house. "Your horses will be well-tended and your belongings brought to your rooms. Will you be sleeping separately, or shall I have couple's suites prepared?"

"Individually will be fine," Lee answered.

Harlondo raised an eyebrow. "Excellent. Please, come with me."

"You didn't want a couple's suite did you?" Lee whispered to Gewey, trying to hide a smile. Gewey clenched his jaw and shot him a dirty look.

The inside of the manor was even more impressive than the outside. On either side of the large foyer sat marble basins filled with perfumed water that filled the air with the scent of lavender. Beyond the foyer, an alabaster staircase led upward before splitting into two spirals that led to opposite sides of the house. The polished marble walls were covered with elaborate tapestries and fine oil paintings depicting members of the Ganflin family in various heroic acts. To the far left were large double doors that led to the formal dining room, and in the corner was a smaller wooden door that provided access to the rear chambers. On the right side of the room were three separate doors leading to the studies and offices. Directly behind the stairs, a huge archway opened up to a ballroom where an exquisite crystal chandelier hung from the vaulted ceiling. Though the room was currently unused, it was well-lit, and the lights beamed and reflected from around the steps to sparkle against the pink marble floor.

"We have hot showers in each room," Harlondo informed them. "However, a bath can be prepared if you prefer."

"A shower?" Gewey asked. "What-"

"Showers will be fine," Lee said, cutting him off.

"Martin will show you to your rooms," Harlondo continued, motioning to a tall, silver-haired man in a straight cut, blood red suit and jacket. "I have business to attend to, but I'll be joining you for dinner this evening. I can see you've traveled light, so a change of clothing will be brought up directly."

"Thank you, Harlondo," Lee said graciously. "That would be much appreciated."

Harlondo bowed and took his leave. Gewey smiled, thinking Lee was right at home in this environment.

Martin led them upstairs and to the left. At the end of the hall, they turned right and were shown to their rooms in turn. Gewey couldn't believe his eyes when he entered his own suite; it was as big as the common room of most inns. An oak feather bed-large enough for three grown men-sat flush against the right wall, and to its left was a gla.s.s dressing table and mirror. In the far right corner was a small, round breakfast table with two chairs, and beyond that stood a tall, carved mahogany wardrobe with polished bra.s.s handles.

In the near left corner was by far the most interesting feature: a round curtain hung from the ceiling, above a section of black tile. Gewey pulled back the curtain and saw three copper pipes protruding from the ceiling. The first of the pipes hung about a foot from the eight-foot ceiling. At the end of the pipe was a cone- shaped attachment with tiny holes drilled into the solid facing. The other two pipes ran down to his chest, each with a small bra.s.s handle. Attached to each handle was a tray; one held a small bar of soap and the other a square piece of pink coral. He knew what the soap was for, but had he no idea what purpose the coral might serve. Curious, Gewey grabbed one of the handles and turned. Water sprayed down from the pipe and poured on his head. It was hot-scalding hot. He screamed in shock and leapt away. He watched the water spill onto the tile and swirl down a recessed drain in the center.

Gewey heard Lee laughing behind him. "I was just coming to show you how to use that. I guess I'm a bit late."

"This must be a shower," he said as water dripped down his face. He wasn't looking at Lee at all. "What a marvel!"

"I thought you'd like it," Lee said. "Dina's showing Kaylia how to use hers now."

Lee showed Gewey how to adjust the water temperature by manipulating the handles and explained that the coral was used to scrub off dead skin.

"Be careful with it though," Lee warned. "Scrub too hard and you'll peel your skin right off."

Gewey relished his first shower. He had never felt anything like it, and he swore that when he finally returned home, he would build one for himself.

Martin came in during his shower and announced that he had placed Gewey's belongings next to the wardrobe and laid out fresh clothing on the bed.

"Your friends will join you in the parlor," Martin told him. "It's to the left from your room, at the end of the hall."

When Gewey stepped out of the shower, he felt refreshed-more so than after a good night's sleep even. The clothing Martin had brought was every bit as fine as the suit Lee had bought for him for his coming of age party, which he'd had to leave behind in Gristol. It was a cream silk shirt with gold b.u.t.tons and gold st.i.tching, along with a pair of shining black trousers. A short black jacket, soft leather shoes, and a belt with a gold buckle completed the ensemble. Gewey quickly dressed, but as he was about to head to the parlor, there was a knock on his door. Gewey gaped as a young woman in a baby blue housedress stood smiling in the doorway, a small basket propped against her hip.

"Lord Starfinder said that you were in need of grooming," she said, scrutinizing Gewey. "I can see he was correct. Please sit down." She motioned towards the chair in front of the dressing table.

Gewey wasn't sure what to do, so he complied. "How long will this take? My friends are waiting in the parlor for me."

"Your friends are being tended too as well," she a.s.sured him. "To think of beautiful young women in such a state. Your elf friend-what was her name?"