The king nodded. “Around a dozen of them. They refused to go west with the others, and I had no cause to force them.”
Mohanisi looked down at the general. “Then I ask that Merwood be escorted back to Kaltinor. There he will face the people he has truly wronged.”
Spasms of fear began to shake the man's body. “Please. You promised that I would be released.”
“I promised nothing other than I would not torture you if you answered my questions,” Mohanisi countered. “I never said that you would not be brought to justice.” He looked up at Lousis. “Is this agreeable with you, Your Highness?”
The king thought for a long moment. “My commanders would wish to interrogate him themselves first. But after they are done, I have no objections.”
“They can do as they like, they will not learn any more than I have,” Mohanisi stated. He gave Lousis an unnerving grin. “But I suppose there no harm in being thorough.”
Lousis chuckled. “Indeed. No harm at all.”
* * * * *
Prince Lanmore gazed out over the ramparts. The chill air felt good on his skin, though for most of the men along the wall it was far too cold for their taste. It probably would have been so for me as well, he thought. When I was just a man. But now, thanks to his master, he was much more than that.
“Any news from the south?”
The high-pitched whining voice of General Jasish had always irritated him. And hearing it now, while enjoying a rare respite from the burdens of command, made him want to throw the man from the wall. He was another noble born fool who rankled at the thought that someone from the lower classes could rise so high. But unlike many of the others, he was a capable leader. A fact that, at this very moment, had saved his life.
“Kaltinor has fallen to the west,” Lanmore replied. “The enemy will be upon us soon.”
“I advised that you leave a larger force there…my prince.” The words 'my prince' were spat out as if a bitter seed.
“Your advice was stupid,” he shot back. “Kaltinor means nothing. I only left that idiot Merwood there in order to establish the location of Darshan.”
“And?”
“He is not with them.”
The short, stocky man’s shoulders sagged with relief. “That is good to hear.”
Lanmore sneered. “Is that so? Is it a good thing to not know the location of our deadliest enemy? Have you any idea of just how powerful Darshan is?”
“I think so.” In defiance of the cold weather, beads of sweat were forming on his brow. “At least, I know what I’ve heard.”
“You think so?” Lanmore mocked. “You know nothing. Darshan could wipe out an entire army with just a thought. He could descend from the heavens and burn every living creature to cinders with no more effort than it takes to draw a sword. Only the power of the Reborn King can stop him.”
Jasish pulled a handkerchief from his pocket and wiped his forehead. “Then it is good we have our master’s protection.”
“That is the first intelligent thing you’ve said so far. Now go tell the other commanders to muster their soldiers. We march south in three days.”
“South, my prince?”
Lanmore gave him an irritated look. “That is what I said. Now that Merwood has served his purpose and led them to believe that we cower behind our walls, we will go forth and slaughter our foes like the dogs they are. King Lousis and his army will never gaze upon the spires of Kratis – that I swear.”
Jasish hesitated. “Is it true that you are from Kaltinor, my prince?” Lanmore gave no reply. “I see. Forgive me for asking,” the general quickly added. After a brisk salute, he hurried away with quick nervous steps.
Kaltinor, thought Lanmore. Yes, that was my home.
And because of Merwood’s blood lust, it was now all but gone. Its people killed needlessly to satisfy one man’s insanity. Through the power bestowed upon him by his master, Lanmore had peered through Merwood’s eyes and heard his thoughts. He'd seen the bodies of his brother and mother sprawled out in the streets like heaps of abandoned rubbish.
He did his best to feel outrage and anger, but could muster only mild displeasure. Had the power bestowed on him stifled his human emotions? No, that could not be. He felt rage toward the army that now sought to destroy him; he felt hatred for Darshan; and he felt a love for those who were loyal to his king. He laughed softly. Even that fool Jasish. But the murder of his family was bringing forth no urgent desire for justice or revenge.
Still…no matter...Merwood had earned his reward. He closed his eyes and reached out across the vast distance separating them.
He quickly found the man. “Merwood,” he whispered. “You have failed me. You have failed Angrääl. And you have failed your king.”
“Please,” he responded weakly. “I did as you commanded. I told them nothing. I swear it.”
“You are a wretched fool.” Lanmore pressed deeper into his mind. “Little better than a wild animal. No one ordered you to slaughter the people of Kaltinor. Your only task was to find out if Darshan marched with the west's army. Nothing more.”
“But my prince. I could not escape. I only did it to give myself time to....”
“Time to what?” His thoughts were like a claw wrapping itself around Merwood’s spirit. “Time to save your miserable skin? Better for you to have died.”
Merwood was weeping now. “I beg you, my prince. “Spare me.”
Lanmore laughed viciously. “I’m not going to kill you, fool. But you will wish that I had.”
* * * * *
Mohanisi and King Lousis sat together talking by a small fire just beyond the king’s tent. Only light conversation was permitted. It had been decided between them that dire subjects had no welcome until the sun rose. Meanwhile, Chiron and Bellisia were acquainting themselves with their desert kin, and the commanders were organizing their ranks with a man from Baltria called Bevaris. He was a knight of Amon Dähl, and, from what Lousis could make of him, an extremely capable leader and tactician.
As dusk turned into night, the merriment rose to a fever pitch. Lousis had never seen such joyous abandon as that being exhibited by the desert elves. Stories of their prowess in battle were already spreading quickly about the camp. It was enough to give hope to a doomed cause.
A distraction, he thought. A mere distraction from all this death. He wondered if he would ever be able to look at Darshan again without feeling anger. In his mind he knew this was not the young god's doing. It was the only path to victory. But his heart was telling him something different. If only Darshan would engage and defeat the Reborn King before they faced the enemy in battle…
He shook off these dark thoughts and returned to his wine. A short time later, Mohanisi produced a small silver flute – something Lousis had never seen him do before – and began to play an unfamiliar yet delightful tune. Clearly the elf was being influenced by the high spirits of his kin.
“Is that a melody of your homeland?” Lousis asked when the music was over.
“No,” he replied. “It is something new.”
“A new song for a new age,” mused the king.
Mohanisi smiled, then began to play again. This time the tune was slow and sweet. It reminded Lousis of his time with Selena just after their wedding. He pictured her face and imagined himself lying beside her, his arms wrapped around her soft shoulders, her warm breath gently ruffling the hairs on his chest. He closed his eyes and allowed the fantasy to take him.
“Your Highness.”
The voice of the messenger broke the spell. Lousis sighed and forced a smile. A lad of no more than eighteen years was standing beside him.
“What is it?”
“You are needed, Your Highness,” said the young boy. “There is something amiss with the prisoner.”
Reluctantly, the king rose to his feet. After exchanging curious glances, he and Mohanisi followed the boy back to the tent where Merwood was being held. They could hear his screams sounding out when still fi
fty yards away. But these were not the screams of a man being tortured for information. These were screams of sheer madness and terror.
On entering the tent they saw Merwood, still tied to the post, thrashing his head wildly from side to side and screaming incoherently. Standing close by were one of the desert elves and a young Baltrian captain. Both of them appeared confused and unsure what to do.
“What happened?” Lousis demanded. “What did you do to him?”
“We did nothing,” the elf stated. “We have not even begun to question him yet.”
Kneeling down, the king looked hard at Merwood. His eyes were in a faraway place and his face contorted. Blood was dripping from his mouth where he had bitten his tongue.
Lousis grabbed the man’s head and held it fast, forcing their eyes to meet. But there was no look of recognition or reason there. “What could have done this?” he asked.
Mohanisi touched the king’s shoulder. “Allow me.”
Lousis moved aside, watching closely as the elf bent down and placed his hands on Merwood’s face. Almost at once, the general's thrashing ceased and his eyes grew even wider. But the contact only lasted for a few seconds. With a surprised gasp, Mohanisi suddenly withdrew his hands and stumbled backwards as though receiving a violent shock.
Lousis caught his shoulders and held him steady. “What is it? What did you see?”
Mohanisi rubbed his temples and shook his head. “I…I cannot describe it.” He looked at Lousis with a horrified expression. “And yet, it was something I will never forget.” Politely shaking off Lousis’ hold, he knelt in front of Merwood. “Another's mind has broken his will. It has left him in a place where nothing but dread and pain exists. Pain beyond reckoning, and fear the like of which makes the darkest nightmares seem a pleasant and kind place to dwell.”
“Is there anything you can do?” asked Lousis.
“Nothing,” he whispered. The vision of what he had witnessed was still fresh in his mind. His hands trembled and his chest felt heavy. “No one should be forced to endure this, whatever their crimes.”
In one single fluid motion, Mohanisi drew his dagger and plunged it hard into the middle of Merwood’s heart. The man gave a single gasp and shudder, then the light in his eyes was gone.
“Burn his body,” ordered Lousis.
He and Mohanisi returned to the fire, but Mohanisi was no longer in a mood for merrymaking. Very soon, he retreated on his own to a quiet spot at the south end of the camp.
Shortly after that, Lousis retired to his bed. Seeing the elf so troubled had brought the reality of the coming battle back to the fore.
Even so, as he had done every night since leaving Althetas, he made sure that his dear love, Selena, was his final thought before allowing sleep to take him.
Chapter Fifteen
The sun was setting as Aaliyah entered the gates of Althetas. The light from the street lamps that once gave the city a friendly glow and brought a feeling of security to its inhabitants, now illuminated the faces of a troubled and despondent people. With the king away and only sparse news coming regarding how the war was faring in the east, there was little to be happy about.
Construction and repairs had all but ceased as most skilled humans and elves were now away serving with the army. In fact, the city's population was currently reduced to less than a quarter of its former number.
Aaliyah had felt the presence of her people the previous day, and could not help but wonder about their feelings on discovering such conflict. War was virtually unknown to them. Aside from the Morzhash raids, there were no real threats to their society. Indeed, her own initial reaction to the turmoil had not been favorable. She recalled her revulsion on learning that elves had been attacking their own kind. Back then, she'd had grave doubts that her people and those of this land could ever be truly reunited. But now, bitter experience had helped her to understand the foolishness of that attitude. It was the world that had molded the people here. The weakness of both races could not be blamed. Or at least, they should be given understanding.
On reaching the king’s manor, she noticed at once how relieved the guards appeared to be at the sight of her.
“Lady Aaliyah,” called one of the men. “Your return is most welcome. The queen will want to see you right away. I will take you to her.”
“Thank you,” she replied, bowing her head. “Are my people residing within the city walls?”
“No, My Lady. They have chosen to remain aboard their vessels.”
Aaliyah frowned while following the guard to the queen's parlor. This did not bode well. To refuse hospitality was not normally the custom. She needed to find out what had transpired as soon as possible.
Queen Selena was sitting in a plush chair near a crackling fire, reading a book. Her face lit up on seeing Aaliyah. Tossing the book aside, she sprang to her feet and hugged her in a tight embrace.
“I am so happy you are here,” she enthused. “Life here is dull beyond imagining. Perhaps you can bring some light into these dismal halls.”
Aaliyah returned the embrace, but her expression remained one of confusion. “I would have thought that with my kin docked in your harbor, there would be plenty of excitement.”
Selena huffed. “They’ve been here for days, and still refuse to leave their ships. Jacob met with an envoy when they first arrived, but they would say nothing other than they wished to speak with you as soon as possible. I must say, I am disappointed by their lack of courtesy.”
“As am I,” she agreed. “Such behavior is not typical. Did they give their names?”
“Only one, who called herself Estrella. From what Jacob said, she is in charge of the fleet.”
“Yes, she would be. Of that there is no question.”
“So you know her?”
Aaliyah nodded slowly, her eyes narrowing with concern. “I do. And the fact that she has come here may not be what I was hoping for when I sent for my people.”
“So what does it mean?”
Aaliyah forced a smile. “Perhaps nothing. Dark thoughts enter my mind so easily now that I am separated from Nehrutu. I will send for Estrella in the morning. She will not refuse my summons.”
Selena offered Aaliyah the chair across from where she had been seated. “I understand. I never imagined that I would love again after the death of Lee’s father, but I was wrong. Lousis makes me feel young and alive.” Tears welled in her eyes. “And now I fear that I shall lose yet another love…I don’t think my heart will be able to endure it.”
Aaliyah leaned forward to gently touch the back of her hand. “I will not tell you that I know for certain your husband will return. But then, I cannot tell that to myself either. However, I do believe he will. And that belief keeps me from despairing.” She leaned back again and smiled. “I will say this: of all the humans I have met, King Lousis is by far the most blessed by fortune. If anyone can evade death, it is him.”
Selena began to laugh softly and wiped away her tears. “You are not wrong. Lousis is most certainly blessed with good luck. King Victis told me the very same thing before he went south. He said that, even if the enemy were to completely blot out the sun with arrows, Lousis would still be standing in the one spot where none landed.” She sighed. “I suppose I will have to follow your example and believe that he will return safely.”
Both women reflected in silence for a moment. Aaliyah then said: “When I arrived, I noticed that your guards seemed to be on edge.”
“Yes. Since your people appeared, rumors of both hope and disaster have been rampant. No one knows for certain if they are here to help us or not. Poor Jacob has done his best to reassure the people, but they have not known him long enough yet for him to earn their trust. They constantly cry out for Lousis. Thankfully, Jacob was called away to Skalhalis for a few days and is currently removed from the constant needs of the city.”
“I have only known him for a short time,” said Aaliyah. “But he is a strong young man. I'm sure he will win them over
eventually. And after tomorrow, all rumors will be laid to rest.”
The two women talked for a while longer. Aaliyah then excused herself and retired to her room. Before going to sleep, she had a messenger take a letter of invitation to the lead elf vessel.
Why have you come, Estrella? The question continued to plague her as she drifted off to sleep.
She woke just before dawn. After quickly dressing, she sought out Selena and found her in the same parlor as the previous night. The queen was sitting at a small table beside the window, a steaming plate of eggs and ham in front of her. Another plate had been set opposite in anticipation of Aaliyah's arrival.
“I miss the food in Valshara,” remarked Selena. “But this is not too bad.”
The two women ate quietly, both of them glancing at the door each time the sound of footfalls drifted in from the hall.
“When do you think your kin will arrive?” asked Selena.
“It depends,” she replied. “If this were a casual affair, I would say early. But as this is not, I would guess that we shall see them after midday.”
Just then, a young servant girl arrived. She curtsied formally. “Your Highness. The elves from the harbor have arrived and are awaiting an audience.”
Selena looked at Aaliyah. “It would seem either they think this a casual visit, or they are unwilling to wait.”
Aaliyah thought for a moment and then stood. “After introductions, I would ask that you allow me to speak first, Your Highness.”
“I think that would be best,” Selena agreed. She turned back to the servant. “How many are there?”
“Three, Your Highness.”
“Then have them brought to the king’s library. I will receive them there.”
The servant curtsied again and hurried away.
“I think it will be a better place than the throne room. A bit more…personal.”
Aaliyah nodded her approval.
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