The Godling Chronicles (Shadow of the Gods, Book #3)

by Brian D. Anderson

  “Tell any remaining that they are to throw down their arms and come out at once,” Theopolou ordered. “If they do not, then the Temple of Valshara will become their tomb.”

  The soldier nodded and enter the temple. More than an hour passed before he returned. By then Selena and Kaylia had joined Theopolou. Tears welled in Selena's eyes at the sight of so many dead.

  “They will come out,” said the soldier. “But you must promise they will be spared.”

  “I promise to burn this place down around them if they don't come out at once,” said Selena, furiously. “You tell them that I will send their ashes back to Angrääl in a box.”

  The soldier lowered his eyes, clearly afraid. “Yes, my lady.” He turned and re-entered the temple.

  A short while later the door swung open and soldiers began to file out, unarmed, with their hands on their heads.

  “What will you do with them?” asked Kaylia.

  “Until my anger subsides, nothing,” Selena replied. “I will not act until I am certain my mind, and not my heart, speaks for me.”

  They watched as the soldiers were led to the north wall. Once they were all out, a small group of elves entered to see that the temple was empty. A few minutes later, the door flew open and a woman was shoved through, an elf holding a long knife at her back. Kaylia recognized her at once.

  “Salmitaya,” she whispered, and drew her knife.

  Salmitaya stood there, defiant and proud, dressed in a long black robe, with a silver cord tied at the waist. Her light brown hair was pulled back and interlaced with white and gold, bound together in the back by white silk.

  “I knew I would fall to an elf blade,” said Salmitaya, glaring at Kaylia. “But I would not have it happen by your hand.”

  Selena stepped in front of Kaylia. “You may yet save your wretched skin. I have heard your name before...Salmitaya. And I have known of your evil works longer than you think.” She grabbed Salmitaya's chin and forced her to look into her eyes. “I also know that you are high in the council of the Reborn King.”

  Salmitaya jerked her head free of Selena's grasp. “You know nothing, fool.” She shut her eyes. “Kill me and be done with it.”

  Selena scrutinized Salmitaya for a full minute. “I may. Or perhaps I should send you back to Angrääl.”

  Salmitaya's eyes shot wide.

  “Yes. That's what I'll do.” Selena stepped back and smiled.

  “Please,” cried Salmitaya. “You can't—”

  “I can and I will,” said Selena. Her tone was low and dangerous. “Or do you wish to remain here?”

  “I wish you to kill me,” she replied.

  “I say we give her what she wants,” said Kaylia, still holding her knife.

  Linis approached. He snatched Salmitaya up by the arm and shook her violently. “Who had the elves hung from the walls?”

  Salmitaya said nothing.

  “Answer him,” Selena commanded. “Or I swear I will send you back.”

  “Yanti,” answered Salmitaya, meekly.

  “Who is Yanti?” asked Selena. “Was it he who ordered the taking of Valshara?”

  “You will find out soon enough.” Salmitaya shook her head. “But understand that I know nothing of value to you. I am disgraced in the eyes of my lord. If you intend to question me, you will get nothing, for I know nothing. If you set me free, I must continue to fight you. That is if I’m allowed to live. So you have to kill me.”

  “It appears you fear returning to your master more than you fear death,” said Selena, thoughtfully. She looked up at the elf who had brought Salmitaya out. “Put her with the other prisoners, for now. We have wounded to attend. I will decide her fate later.”

  Linis glared at Salmitaya, then released her.

  “Do you think she will tell us anything?” asked Theopolou, once Salmitaya had been led away.

  “I don't think she knows anything,” Selena replied.

  “Then why keep her alive?” asked Kaylia.

  Selena bowed her head. “As I said, I will not decide anything until my anger lessens. Whoever Yanti is, it is clear he escaped before we arrived.”

  “He may be among the prisoners,” offered Theopolou. “If not, they may know where he has gone. I will have them questioned.”

  Selena nodded in agreement. “Thank you. Let me know what you discover.”

  The rest of the day was spent tending to the wounded. Once Nehrutu cared for Mohanisi, he and Kaylia began treating the most severe injuries. Mohanisi was too weak to assist and was taken inside the temple and given a bed. Selena ordered that the wounded from the first battle be brought in and soon the entire courtyard was filled. King Lousis refused further treatment until all of the men and elves had been seen to first. By nightfall Nehrutu and Kaylia were exhausted, and stumbled from person to person as if in a daze. Finally, Selena decided to intervene.

  “You must rest,” Selena said to Kaylia. “We have other healers among us. You have already saved the most critically wounded.”

  “I will rest when Nehrutu does the same,” said Kaylia.

  “Then that time is now,” came the voice of Mohanisi from behind. “I am well enough to continue what you have started. I will take over until morning.” He strode off to relieve Nehrutu.

  Linis and a small group of elves were gathering the bodies of their fallen kin, preparing them for the funeral rites. King Lousis ordered the slain humans to be taken back to Althetas. The bodies of the enemy were to be burned and buried near the passage entrance, along with their weapons and armor.

  Selena found that her chambers remained as she left them, with the exception of Salmitaya's clothing and a few extra books. She ordered the bed sheets to be burned and replaced, then she had Salmitaya's belongings packed away. She had a basin of hot water brought in, and changed into a plain, tan cotton dress and suede moccasins. Sitting in her plush chair she closed her eyes, trying to push the visions of battle from her mind. Just as she opened them, there was a light rap at her door. King Lousis entered, with a guard helping him walk on his broken leg, followed by Theopolou, Linis and Nehrutu.

  “It is good to see you back where you belong,” said Linis, smiling.

  Selena stood. “As soon as possible, I want the injured in the courtyard brought inside the temple.”

  “We are already clearing out the rooms,” said Theopolou. “I can have the beds ready within the hour. Though I am not certain what to do about the prisoners. We cannot keep them here indefinitely.”

  “I will decide what is to be done with them in the morning,” said Selena. “Keep them under guard until then.”

  “And Salmitaya?” asked Linis.

  “I will speak with her again shortly,” Selena replied. “She will be kept apart from the soldiers. We have a small holding area in the west wing.”

  “I would like to be with you,” said Linis.

  “No,” Selena replied. “I will speak to her alone.”

  “Should you decide to spare the soldiers,” said Lousis, “I can have my men construct cages in a small compound outside Althetas.”

  “I will keep that in mind,” said Selena. “How many did we lose in battle?”

  “More than three-hundred men and elves,” answered Lousis. “Our enemy lost three times as many. Angrääl will think twice before moving against us now.”

  “This was nothing,” said Theopolou. “A skirmish, at best. When the Dark Knight sends his armies south, we must be ready. This defeat may only serve to anger him. And it may cause him to march sooner than he had originally planned.”

  Lousis furled his brow. “Are you saying we should have held off our attack?”

  “Not at all,” Theopolou replied. “This victory has solidified the bond between elf and human. And it will show potential allies that our defeat is anything but certain.”

  “It will go a long way toward helping our cause when I assemble the kings and queens,” said Lousis. “That must be my first priority. I shall leave tomorrow.”
/>
  “Are you well enough to travel?” asked Selena.

  Lousis held his head high and smiled broadly. “The King of Althetas will not be laid low by a broken leg, high lady.”

  Nehrutu leaned over with his hands outstretched to Lousis' injured leg. “With your permission.”

  The King nodded. “If you are well enough.”

  Nehrutu touched the leg, eyes closed. The king gasped, reached for Nehrutu's shoulder, and cried out in pain. The king’s guard rushed to his side, but by then it was over. Nehrutu straightened his back and heaved a sigh.

  “It is done,” said Nehrutu.

  Lousis tenuously put his weight on his leg. He began stomping his feet hard as a low chuckle turned into a full-on belly laugh. “If only my people possessed such power.”

  Nehrutu smiled weakly. “Perhaps one day they will. I cannot say with certainty that such abilities are beyond your kind.”

  Lousis slapped Nehrutu on the shoulder. “What a wondrous notion.” He turned to Selena. “I must beg your leave. Thanks to our elf ally I can see to my soldiers as a king should. Unless you object, I will be leaving fifty men here to give you aid, and I will send men and materials to repair damage done during the battle.”

  “Your help is well-received, your highness” said Selena.

  The king bowed low and left, his guard struggling to keep pace.

  “A strong leader,” remarked Linis, with an approving nod. “We could use many more like him.”

  “Indeed,” Theopolou agreed. “And his haste is warranted. We must decide our next course of action.”

  “I intend to join Millet and Dina in Sharpstone,” said Linis. “Angrääl will certainly move their armies down the Goodbranch. If they secure it, they will have a supply line leading all the way to Baltria.”

  “I agree,” said Theopolou. “But we must remember that elf and human are not united there. Your presence may be disruptive.”

  “I can ask Lord Ganflin for assistance,” said Linis. “And Lord Broin as well. The sight of human lords alongside elves may ease fears.”

  “Then you should depart with King Lousis,” said Theopolou.

  “I will send what is left of the knights of Amon Dähl with you,” Selena added. “Dina sent out a general request for aid, and in light of the attack, I doubt many, if any responded. I would not have her mounting a defense with nothing but sell-swords. I can send instructions ahead of your arrival by messenger flock.”

  “That will be wise,” said Linis. “If Broin and Ganflin are able to help, it may take time for them to assemble men and supplies. Millet and Dina should be made aware of the situation as soon as possible.”

  “And what will you do?” she asked Theopolou.

  “I must see to the situation with my kin from the Steppes,” he replied, mournfully. “I cannot allow Angrääl to divide us further, and I am certain that once the elves have served his purpose, they will be disposed of.”

  “How do you intend to accomplish this?” asked Linis. “Will our people even accept them, now that they have spilled elf blood?”

  “I have spilled elf blood, Linis,” said Theopolou. “During the first split, I led thousands to their death, against our own kind. I will not sentence our brothers and sisters to death for sins I have committed myself, unless all hope of redemption is exhausted.”

  “So you will go to the Steppes yourself?” Linis' face was dark with worry. “Then you should see if Mohanisi or Nehrutu will go as well.”

  “I cannot,” said Nehrutu. “I must await Aaliyah and Gewey. But I agree that one of us should go. I will speak to Mohanisi tonight.”

  “And what shall you do, Kaylia?” asked Selena.

  “I will wait here for Gewey,” she replied. “If you will allow it, high lady.”

  Selena smiled. “You are now a part of this temple, and can stay if you wish. And I could certainly use your help in the coming days. At least until Gewey's return.”

  “With your approval, I would like to leave some of my people here in addition to the king's,” said Theopolou. “The elders will be returning to their homes to organize a defense of their lands, and to help other elves understand our cause. There will still be much resistance to these new ideas. Though, considering what has happened, I doubt that resistance will persist.”

  Selena nodded. “Your people are welcome to stay, and their help is also welcome. But now I must rest. I have much to think about. Kaylia, if you would, find Ertik and have him bring Salmitaya here in two hours.”

  “Yes, high lady,” replied Kaylia.

  The party bowed and left. Selena walked the floor of her chambers, examining each and every object. She was loath to touch anything until it had been cleaned. The idea of the beasts who slaughtered her people pawing her possessions made her skin crawl. She wasn't sure what to do about Salmitaya...or the enemy soldier for that matter. The screams of her people echoing through the halls of Valshara were still fresh in her mind, and she knew this was not the time for rash choices. She must still her anger.

  As she slipped into her bed and closed her eyes, fatigue took over. Though feeling a bit guilty for resting, while others still labored, she could feel that she was spent. She hoped a couple of hours would be enough to clear her mind and rejuvenate her body. The soft bed cradled her, pulling her into a deep slumber. And though much blood had been spilled, she couldn't help but be happy to be back in her own bed, and in the temple she loved.

  “I shall restore this place,” she thought, just before her consciousness faded.

  Chapter 19

  Selena was shaken out of her slumber. As her vision cleared, she saw Ertik standing over her, his face awash with worry.

  “I'm sorry, high lady,” he said. “But you ordered the woman, Salmitaya, brought to you in two hours.”

  Selena stretched and rubbed the back of her neck. She was not exactly rejuvenated, but felt more like herself than before. “Give me a moment to change, then bring her in.”

  Ertik bowed, then left.

  Selena searched her wardrobe and found a long, blue linen dress, with the symbols of the Nine Gods embroidered in white on the front. She doubted that Salmitaya would wear such a thing, but still she wished she had brought other attire. She pulled her hair back, tied it in a loose ponytail, and looked at herself in the mirror. The lines of worry and age were carved deeper than ever before. She sighed and scolded herself for her vanity.

  “Bring her,” she called out firmly. The door opened and in walked Salmitaya, hands bound in front of her, Ertik scowling behind her. “Cut her bonds.”

  Ertik hesitated for a moment, then drew his dagger and cut the rope.

  Selena sat in her chair and motion for Salmitaya to sit across from her. “Please, leave us.” Once Ertik left, she took a deep breath. The anger still boiled in her breast.

  “What do you want from me?” Salmitaya demanded, as defiant as ever.

  “I'm not sure,” Selena replied. “Perhaps nothing. Maybe just to look at the face that had my temple captured and its people slaughtered.”

  Salmitaya sneered. “Then you will be disappointed...high lady. I arrived after Valshara was already taken.”

  “Is that so?” She looked in Salmitaya's eyes. The woman masked her fear well. “If that is so, then why not plead for mercy? Why wish for death? You speak as if you prefer it to being returned to your master.”

  “If you don’t kill me now, I shall die soon enough.” She shifted in her seat. “If you imprison me, then I will languish in squalor until Angrääl returns and destroys this place. Then die I will, slowly, for my failure.”

  “If you are so certain your master would kill you, why return? Why not flee?”

  Salmitaya sneered. “You know nothing. You don't think I've tried to run away? You think I would be under the lash of someone like Yanti if there was any other way? If it were possible, I would disappear, but I can't. And even if I could elude Yanti, I've been in the presence of the Reborn King. I've heard his true name. I
am bound to serve him until I die. There is no other way.” Her lips trembled at the mention of her master. “And when he comes, when he has you put in chains and brought before him, you will give yourself to him, too.”

  “I think you underestimate me,” said Selena.

  Salmitaya laughed. “It is you who have underestimated him. Do you think this petty victory means anything? Do you think allying yourself with the elves will save you? Nothing you can do will stop what is coming. He possesses the power of the Gods. By his will he has imprisoned them. Such a man will not be defeated by the pitiful force you have gathered. And when the time comes, not even your godling will be able to save you? No. Soon, even Gewey Stedding will be his as well, along with everything and everyone else in this cursed world.”

  “If you know what Gewey is, then you can't possibly think he can gain power over him,” Selena scoffed. “Your king is powerful, yes. But he is still just a man.”

  “That may be, but the Reborn King has laid low the Gods of this world in one fell stroke.” She cocked her head. “They are nine...he is one. Gewey will either serve or die. As for me, you waste your time speaking to me. I know nothing of value. And you gain nothing by keeping me alive.”

  “That is for me to decide,” said Selena. “For now, I give you your life. But you need not fear. I will kill you myself, before I allow Yanti, or your king to take you.” Selena called for Ertik. “We will speak again very soon.”

  Selena returned to bed. She knew what she must do next. She had known from the beginning. The captured soldiers could not be released. They must die. But such things could wait until morning. One night more without being the instrument of death was all she asked for...and she would have it.

  The next morning the temple was a beehive of activity. Selena ran into Ertik on her way to the kitchen. He had already prepared her breakfast, and was bringing it to her room.

  “Thank you, but I'd rather eat in the dining hall,” she explained. “Could you find Theopolou and King Lousis and ask them to join me?”

  Ertik bowed and ran down the hallway, still carrying the tray of food. The east dining hall was nearly filled to capacity. Elves and human dined together talking and laughing over their meal. Selena smiled at the sight. She had only walked a few steps when cheers broke out, mugs were banged on tables, and the words “Hail the High Lady of Valshara, Hail Amon Dähl” carried through the hall in loud, boisterous voices. Selena held up her hands to quiet the crowd.