“Please,” she said in a clear strong voice. “It is you who deserve all the praise. If not for you and your bravery, this holy place would still be under the control of Angrääl. Through your ability to set aside old hatreds and misgivings, you have found kinship and solidarity. It is I who applaud you.” This set off another round of cheers.
Selena smiled graciously, and sat down. Just as she began to eat her breakfast, King Lousis and Theopolou entered and took their seats.
“How go things this morning,” asked Selena.
“Well,” Lousis replied. “The courtyard is clear, with the exception of the prisoners. The elves have made preparation for funeral rites a few miles beyond the passage. Also, I have chosen the men to remain behind. Ertik has already taken it upon himself to organize them.”
“I have also chosen fifty of my people to remain,” added Theopolou. Once the funeral rites are complete, most of us will return to gather our full force. Lousis has asked me to delay my journey to the Steppes until after his council meets, and I have reluctantly agreed.”
Selene nodded, pleased. “That is good. I think your presence at the council will be a help.” Her face turned grim. “And now I must tell you what is to be done with the prisoners.” She lowered her eyes and breathed deep. “They are each to be questioned,” she paused. “then hanged.”
“High Lady,” said Lousis. “I know they have wronged you, but one does not simply execute prisoners of war.”
“You said you would abide by my decision in this matter,” she countered.
“I will but—” he stopped as Selena held out her hand.
“They are not prisoners of war,” she continued. “They did not march across a field and do battle. They did not sack a city of a nation with whom they were at war. No!” She rose to her feet. “They broke into my house, and slaughtered my family. They are brigands and thieves, nothing more. Should a murderer of the innocent be allowed to return to his home, stained with the blood of his victims? Would you allow it in your city, King Lousis?”
The entire hall was silent. The King stared at Selena for a moment then answered. “I would not.” He sighed. “But I fear this choice may haunt you.”
“It haunts me even now,” she replied. Her eyes turned to Theopolou who was sitting quietly, with his hands folded in front of him. “And what say you?”
“I agree,” he said, after a long pause. “They are not prisoners of war. And if you look upon them as criminals, they should be treated as such. But I think that is not why you do this.”
Selena stiffened. “I beg your pardon?”
“You need to show Angrääl that you are ruthless and determined,” said Theopolou. “You know this to be a minor victory. Since this campaign began, I have thought it odd that the Dark Knight should show his hand so soon. There was no reason to take Valshara now. Not unless he was certain he could keep it. If it was his plan, it was a blunder, and you must see to it he is understanding of this.
“You are correct in your actions, high lady. And though I cannot say I would do likewise, I will not criticize your decision. You have chosen to keep the woman, Salmitaya, alive. I think you do this to somehow ease your conscience. However, whatever you do, from this moment to the last, I do not think it serves you to be in denial. You said you held off your decision until it was made without anger, so to claim indignation is false. And though your actions are harsh, they are justified.”
Selena sat back down. “You are correct, of course. And though I hear your words, my mind is not swayed. I stand by this decision.”
Theopolou nodded.
“I will order gallows built at once,” said Lousis. He leaned forward, and cleared his throat.
“You have something else to say?” asked Selena.
Lousis nodded hesitantly. “We found the bodies of your people. They had been piled up and burned in one of the rooms in the basement. I had my men gather the ashes and the few personal possessions that remained.”
This struck a nerve, and tears welled in Selena’s eyes. “Thank you…I…” She dried her eyes. “I will see to the remains, personally.”
“Very well,” said Lousis. “Will you want me to see to the executions?”
“No, your highness,” Selena replied. “It is my decision that sends them to their death. So it will be I that will see it done. I only ask you leave skilled interrogators.”
“I have already seen to it, and they have begun the questioning” said the king. “There is another matter. I would have you at the council when it convenes. Will you come?”
“No,” she replied, “There is too much to do here. Sister Celandine is in Sharpstone with Millet. They are gathering the few remaining knights of Amon Dähl there, to establish a foothold along the Goodbranch River. Linis is to join them, and I must see to it they have all that is required. Also, I must make contact with the other temples throughout the land. We must know who is with us and who has been compromised.” She looked at Theopolou. “Keeping Salmitaya alive serves more than to ease my conscience.” She leaned back and rubbed the bridge of her nose. “I will be sending out some of the people you have left me into great peril. You should be aware of this.”
“My men are at your command,” said Lousis. “I would not leave them otherwise.”
“As are the elves who are remaining,” added Theopolou.
“Good,” she said, and smiled. “When do you depart?”
“I have already sent word to gather the kings and queens together,” Lousis replied. “I only have a few more things to attend to, then we will be away.”
“I ask you one last favor,” said Selena. “Though I cannot attend, I would like Ertik to witness the council and represent me in all matters. Unless there is some protocol that will not allow it.”
“Actually, I think that is wise,” said Lousis. “Your presence carries weight and will be missed. But as you cannot attend, your proxy should suffice. I will see that all know that he speaks on your behalf and is afforded all due respect and courtesy.”
“Thank you.” Selena pushed her food away. “I have no appetite. So if there is nothing further?”
Theopolou and King Lousis excused themselves, and Selena sat for a minute staring at her unfinished plate. She knew Ertik would resist the idea of leaving her side, and did not look forward to telling him.
The rest of the morning she walk about the halls seeing that things were attended to and in order; though with Ertik about this was nearly a pointless exercise, and only served to keep her distracted. He had been busier than she thought any man capable. When she finally cornered him and told him he would be leaving with King Lousis, he nearly broke down in tears. He begged not to be sent away. It was only after she promised to have an elf guard with her at all times did he relent.
Kaylia had made no secret that she intended to remain near her side, having chased away several soldiers who were in awe that they stood in the presence of the High Lady of Valshara, leader of the legendary order of Amon Dähl. At first, the admirers didn't bother her, but soon questions about the Dark Knight arose, and his time within the Order. These were subjects that she didn't care to discuss, and Kaylia had become adept at knowing when it was time to tell them to move on.
At midday, Selena and Kaylia sat quietly in the High Lady’s chamber. A light meal of fruit and bread had been brought in. As they ate, Selena could tell that Kaylia had something on her mind, but whatever it was, something prevented her from speaking.
“Kaylia,” said Selena. Her voice was calm, yet humorless. “You must not think me frail. If you wish to speak your mind, you must do so.”
Kaylia sat her plate on the small table beside her chair. “I do not think you frail. Nor am I afraid to speak. I simply did not want to cause you more grieve so soon after so much tragedy and bloodshed.” She fixed her eye on Selena’s. “I cannot help but wonder why you do not speak of the Dark Knight’s time in Amon Dähl. Surely, this knowledge may be valuable to our cause.”
Selena nodded. “It would, without doubt. But sadly, I know very little. When the Dark Knight first came to power, he all but destroyed this order, including all records of who he really was. Those who might have known him cannot remember anything specific about him. Even those who were among us at the time of the betrayal.” Her face was grave. “You must understand that the Sword of Truth wields a power beyond your imagination. My guess is that he used it to mask his true identity from the minds of those in the order who knew him.
“When I first joined the order I had heard of a great knight of unparalleled strength and valor. He had aspired to be the protector of the Sword. But his efforts failed, and another was chosen. Enraged, he abandoned his vows and sought out the Sword’s resting place.” She rose wearily to her feet. “That is the limit of my knowledge. The rest you already know.”
“Then why not tell people this?” asked Kaylia.
Selena sighed sadly. “You ask me to speak of what has brought Amon Dähl its greatest shame. For thousands of years we were guardians and protectors. Now…”
“I understand,” said Kaylia. “I will not ask you again.”
When it was time for the King and the others to depart, Selena, Kaylia, along with most of those who would remain behind, gathered in the courtyard to see them off. Selena's eyes wandered repeatedly to the prisoners against the wall. She wanted not to hate them. She wanted to believe her decision was right and not vengeance.
“Do not heed my earlier words,” said Theopolou. Clearly, he could see she was in self-doubt. “I spoke from the perspective of my longing for peace. This is war, and I would do the same. You cannot afford to second guess yourself in these times. You will act wisely. Have faith in that.”
King Lousis took Selena’s hands and kissed them fondly. “I will eagerly await our next meeting, high lady.”
Selena blushed. “As do I, your highness.”
Once the farewells were said, she watched as the party departed. Cheers erupted from both human and elf as they passed through the shattered gates. Ertik looked back at least four times before disappearing out of sight. Theopolou’s words still echoed in her mind.
She called to Lord Jeffos Windermere, who the King had left in charge of the Althetan forces. “I want you to have your men take the prisoners to the temple basement. There you will find an empty wine cellar. It hasn’t been used in many years and is large enough to house them, for the time being.” Windermere threw his fist to his chest in salute, and marched away.
“I must not doubt,” she whispered softly.
Chapter 20
The reflection of the desert sun on the sands made navigation increasingly difficult as Gewey and Aaliyah made their way back to the shore. Each dune looked the same as the last, and Aaliyah could no longer sense the direction of her ship. Though their pace started out fast and determined, after only a few hours, signs of the poison working its way through Aaliyah's system was beginning to show. Gewey did his best to keep the air around them cool with the flow, but each time Aaliyah would stumble or pause, he found it difficult to concentrate. On more than one occasion a blast of hot air washed over them, making it nearly impossible to breathe. He couldn't imagine living in such a hellish place.
By mid-afternoon their pace had decreased to a slow walk. Beads of sweat formed on Aaliyah's brow, her skin was pale, and her breathing was shallow and quick. Gewey took her arm, but she pushed him away.
“No need for that,” she said, weakly. “It would seem the poison was stronger than I anticipated. I think I will rest for a moment.” She eased herself onto the sand. “If you would just keep the air cool, I think I will be all right in a few minutes.”
Gewey could tell she was lying. He tried once again to heal her, but again his flow was thrown back. He clenched his fists with frustration. “There must be something I can do.”
“There is nothing, I'm afraid.” She reached in her pack, pulled out a blanket, and used it to cushion her head as she lay down. “I just need to rest.” She closed her eyes.
“You must fight it,” Gewey pleaded. “You must stay with me.”
She reached up and touched his cheek. “I have fought, and it would appear I have lost. But do not be sad. I am content to have lived to be part of your story. I have seen our kin reunited, and for all of this I am thankful.”
“Don't talk like that,” said Gewey, fiercely. “I will carry you, if I must.”
“There is no time,” she said. “I will be gone in a few moments. I can feel it.”
“Please.” Gewey's voice cracked. “I can’t let you die.”
Aaliyah smiled sweetly. “This is beyond your power.” She closed her eyes. “Tell Nehrutu that I am sorry. Tell him I only did what I had to do. Tell him...I...”
Gewey lifted her head and cradled her in his arms, tears flowing freely. Her body grew limp as life slipped away. He tried desperately to reach her, but still could not. Throwing his head back, he let out a primal scream. The sand exploded all around them and the earth trembled.
The ground settled and Gewey closed his eyes and allowed his spirit to drift to her. The light inside her was fading and the warmth of her spirit was growing colder. He could not bear to see her fade and he drifted skyward. Just above where they lay, he could see himself holding her limp form in his arms. It was the first time he had ever seen himself in such a manner. The scene threatened to shatter his heart. He could see his own life force burning brightly, and watched as hers flickered and vanished.
Then, as if from far away, he heard the sound of a child’s laughter. First, only one, then another and another, until he heard dozens and dozens of mirthful voices all laughing at once. Not in a clamor of incoherent sound, but in the purest of harmony. Gentle at first, they grew louder and stronger until the sound surrounded him with magnificent wonder. In between each sweet voice, the tinkling of tiny bells increased the harmony. A wave of joy washed over him, causing his heart to swell with unmeasured happiness. It was as though bliss were tangible; a treasure one could possess.
He looked back down at his body holding Aaliyah's. He looked the same, but her body was surrounded by a million tiny points of light twinkling and swirling in rhythm with the laughter. The light moved closer and closer together until they began to take form. At first it wasn't clear, then slowly he realized it was the figure of Aaliyah. She glowed and shimmered with the light of a thousand stars. Her face beamed at him as she drifted away from her body.
Gewey reached out. It was then he felt a burning on his breast. He looked to see the specter of the medallion Gerath had given him that still hung around his neck. Heat upon heat burned into his spiritual flesh, until he thought he could no longer bear it. He tried to scream, but no sound came from his lips. He could see Aaliyah drifting farther away, above him. Her spirit was fading. He called to her. She stopped. Right then he understood.
He concentrated on the sound of the laughter. In moments it took physical form. It appeared as a shimmering mist that surrounded everything. It was everywhere. Gewey could not believe he had never seen this before. He knew this was the spirit of the flow. The very soul of the earth.
He reached out to Aaliyah's spirit and shepherded it back into her body. He drifted back into his own, as the laughter grew distant, then went silent. He looked down at Aaliyah. Almost imperceptibly her chest move up and down as life returned. He reach out to her, and this time met no resistance. The poison was gone. He allowed his energy to flow into her, slowly at first, then more and more, until he could feel her strength returning.
“That is enough, Gewey.”
Her voice shocked him back into reality. She was smiling up at him, eyes closed, gently stroking his arm.
“How do you feel?” he asked, brushing her hair away from her face.
“Thanks to you, I feel alive,” she replied. “But weary. I should rest until morning, I think.” She squeezed him tight then slipped back onto the desert sands and nestled her head in the blanket. “You felt it, didn't you?” sh
e whispered. “The spirit of the earth.”
“Yes,” said Gewey. “It was beautiful. Like nothing I could have ever imagined.”
“I wish I could have seen it.” She sighed, and fell into a deep, restful sleep.
Gewey watched over her until the dawn broke, keeping the chill night air around them warm. When she awoke, the sun was just peeking over the horizon. She looked at him and scowled.
“You have not slept,” she scolded, though not convincingly.
Gewey took out a piece of flatbread and his flask, and gave it to her. “I'm fine. I've lived with less sleep before. And after a swifter pace.” He recalled his journey from Valshara to the house of Theopolou.
“Still, what you did for me could not have been easy,” she countered.
“Actually, it was.” He tore off a piece of bread. “Though I'm not sure I could do it again.” He remembered the medallion and reached to his breast. It was gone. “It was the gift of Gerath that showed me how.”
Aaliyah touched his chest where the medallion once hung. “Such a sacrifice.”
Gewey smiled. “I don't need it anymore. The power that was in it, is now inside me. I can feel it.”
“How does it feel?”
He shrugged. “It's hard to explain. It’s not much different than when I touch the spirit of another person, only much more intense. It lacks the negative emotion and uncertainty of the mortal spirit. When your spirit left your body, I could see you join with it...in a way. Do you remember?”
“No,” she said, sadly. “I truly wish I did. I remember fading, as if falling asleep. Then waking up in your arms. I knew you had found a way to save me.”
This brought a smile to Gewey’s lips. Aaliyah jumped to her feet, listening intensely. Immediately, Gewey heard it, too. The sound of footfalls barely audible in the sand, even to Gewey's heightened senses, were just about to crest a nearby dune.
The Godling Chronicles (Shadow of the Gods, Book #3) Page 23
