“I assumed so,” Nehrutu continued. “But if the gates are held by these Vrykol, we may find ourselves faced with a different problem. If they can only be slain by removing their heads, then we will lose many elves before overcoming them. The narrow passage will make our superior numbers count for nothing.”
“Let us not forget our human allies,” Bellisia reminded. “Their city is close, and they may be well supplied with siege engines.”
“I have not forgotten,” said Theopolou. “But aside from petty border squabbles, they have not made war in five hundred years. The human armies of old were cunning and powerful, but I doubt a single soldier today has ever seen true battle.” His eyes grew dark and distant. “And many of us have.”
“Still,” Linis interjected, “they are our allies, so perhaps we should wait until we meet with them before making any final decisions. Otherwise they may take it as an insult.”
“Linis speaks wisely,” said Nehrutu. “Though it is clear that Mohanisi and I must breach the gates, you would be well served to include your new allies in your planning. And as Lady Bellisia has pointed out, they are near to their home. This may provide assets we cannot yet account for.”
“Then we wait,” said Theopolou. “We will join with the humans tomorrow.”
The knowledge that they would soon be joining with humans had caused palpable tension among the elf army ranks. Many were still unsure, not having been present at the Chamber of the Maker. They accepted the word of the elders, but this did little to calm their unease. Large numbers had never even seen a human before, although all had grown up with the hatred.
That evening they halted early and slept until dawn. Theopolou wanted his army rested when they arrived. By midday they could hear the sounds of blacksmiths’ hammers ringing out in the distance. The ground had now become level and far less rocky, with even a few trees struggling out of the barren soil. When the camp came into view, Theopolou and the other elders gathered in front and called for a halt.
Moments later, trumpets blew a loud fanfare. The sound of human commanders barking orders carried over the still air as the soldiers scurried to form ranks.
“I see elves among them,” remarked Linis. “That is a good sign.”
Theopolou only nodded.
The humans formed a long line of red shields and spears. A lone banner hung lifelessly, bearing the image of a great serpent coiled around a full moon. Having formed up, the humans now remained absolutely still. Soon all was silent. Some of the elves among them stirred uneasily, but did not approach. It was Theopolou who moved first, followed closely by Linis and Kaylia.
“The rest stay behind for the moment,” said Theopolou over his shoulder.
When they were about one hundred yards away, the line parted and four figures appeared. Three of these Theopolou recognized immediately: the first as Selena, High Lady of Valshara, and then Haldrontis and Stintos, his escorts who had been sent back to Valshara. The fourth was a tall, lean man with a salt and pepper beard, deep olive skin, and piercing blue eyes. His face was wrinkled and cracked with age, but his strides were still as long and sure as a young man in his prime. He wore simple leather armor with a long sword on his belt, but atop his brow rested a thin gold crown.
“I am pleased to see you are well,” said Theopolou to Haldrontis and Stintos.
“We have been well-tended,” said Haldrontis.
Theopolou nodded, “Then return to your comrades. They will be glad to see you.” They bowed and walked on toward the elves. He turned to Selena. “I am pleased to see you again too.”
Selena smiled warmly. “And I you.” She stepped aside to allow the man next her to step forward. “May I present King Lousis Maldiva, King and Protector of Althetas.”
“I am honored to meet you, Lord Theopolou,” said the king. His voice was course and gruff, though steady and commanding. “Lady Selena speaks highly of you.” He held out his hand.
Theopolou paused a moment, then accepted, shaking hands firmly. “The honor is mine, Your Highness. I extend to you the friendship of my house, and the houses of all my kin.”
The king smiled and gave Theopolou's hand one more solid shake. “My city has welcomed elves for some time now. We are glad to extend our hospitality to as many as care to take it.”
“Sadly, we are in need of far more,” said Theopolou. His somber expression wiped the smile from the king's face. “And I fear many lives may be lost before we see peace again.”
“As do I,” the king agreed. “But perhaps spilling our blood together will remedy old fears and hatreds. If that is the price we must pay, then I am willing to pay it.”
Theopolou nodded. “Then let us begin here. Together, we shall rid Valshara of this plague that had besieged it.”
“If what the High Lady tells me is true, then this is only the beginning.” The king turned and ordered his men to break ranks. “Come, let our forces be as one. Tonight we dine and celebrate our union. Tomorrow is for war.”
“I would speak to your generals and captains as soon as it can be arranged,” said Theopolou.
“They already await you,” the king replied. “The High Lady has been mapping out the temple for us. Of course, we wanted to wait until your arrival before forming a plan of attack.”
“I thank you.” Theopolou bowed slightly. “We have assets that may save many lives, Your Highness.”
He raised an eyebrow “That's good news. We have been fearful of the approach to the gates. We hope that you have a way to lessen our enemy’s advantage. I have five hundred swords and fifty horses. More could not be spared without leaving my city and territories defenseless.” He held his arms wide. “But that can be discussed later. Your elves have traveled far. We don't have much in the way of comforts, but you are welcome to all that we do have.”
“It is gratefully accepted,” said Theopolou. He raised his hand high, and the elf army marched forward.
“It's good to see you again,” said Selena to Linis and Kaylia. She moved in and hugged them both. “I notice that Gewey is not with you.”
Kaylia paused, her eyes suddenly sad and distant at the mention of Gewey's name. “He will be joining us as soon as he is able.”
Selena nodded with understanding. “I'm sure he will.”
The elf army halted when only a few yards away. The campground the humans had chosen was easily large enough to accommodate them, but they remained still, uncertain what to do.
King Lousis stepped forward to address the elves. “You must feel welcome. We have brought food, water, and wine enough for you all. My soldiers have been instructed to provide you with whatever you may need.”
After a nod from Theopolou, his army slowly made its way into the camp and spread out. Unlike the elves, the humans had brought dozens of wagons filled to the brim with provisions of all types. Three bellows had been erected at the north end away from the main group, and a large tent, surrounded by several smaller ones had been placed in the camp center. Theopolou told the elders to gather here as soon as they could.
“If your elders require tents, it can be arranged,” said Lousis. He led the group toward the large tent.
“That will not be necessary,” said Theopolou.
The procession of Theopolou, Linis, Kaylia, Selena and King Lousis attracted more than a few stares as they made their way through. Theopolou was thankful that this first encounter was with humans who’d had previous dealings with elves. Also, that there were already elves among the king’s men. The situation could have been far worse.
The large tent was guarded by two stocky, tough-looking soldiers, and was spacious enough for ten people to enter comfortably. The guards snapped to attention at the sight of the king. Inside, a small round table placed dead center was almost completely covered by a roughly drawn map. In the corner was a small wooden cot, together with a chest. A brass lantern hung in each corner, and two others directly above the table. In the far left corner, six chairs were arranged in a semi-circle around another small table.
King Lousis instructed the guard to bring his commanders, then offered Theopolou and the others a seat. “I must say, this has happened at just the right time.” Lousis grabbed a bottle of wine from the chest and sat down with a grunt. “I fear that if we are left on our own, we shall come under the thumb of Angrääl.”
The mention of Angrääl caused Theopolou to sit up. “Have they troubled you before?”
“I wouldn't say that,” Lousis replied, after taking a long drink from the bottle. “In fact, they have made offers of friendship in the past. But I know an ultimatum when I hear one. They all but cut off our trade with Baltria when I refused to sign a trade agreement stating that we would only ship to cities allied to the Reborn King.” He sighed. “But that is not what troubles me the most. They have made such trade bargains with many other cities all along the coast. You must understand, though my title is king, I only rule my city and the lands that surround it for fifty miles.”
“And the other cities?” asked Theopolou.
“The same,” Lousis replied. “There are twelve kings and queens from the north port of Lamitia to the Tarvansia Peninsula. We govern our territories absolutely, with no interference from the others. This has been the way of things since the Great War.”
“And if something threatens you all?” asked Kaylia.
“Then a council of kings and queens is called,” said Lousis. “Before the war Althetas ruled the whole coast of the Western Abyss. After the war ended, the cities were in turmoil. Several leaders, mostly former governors of the territories, all wanted to seize control. But instead of descending into civil war, we eventually formed an alliance of city states.”
“A wise decision,” Theopolou remarked.
“It was,” Lousis agreed. “The war was over, and no one desired more blood, so the council was forged. It has kept the peace for five hundred years. But now...”
His jaw tightened. “Now a snake has slithered its way into our midst. Men and women I once trusted are under the influence of a foreign power. That is why, for now, Althetas stands alone. Even the kings and queens who I still name as friends, and in the past would have called for aid, fear reprisal. None are as rich as Althetas, and they can ill afford to lose trade with Baltria.”
“Why did you not sign the agreement?” asked Kaylia.
Lousis' back stiffened and his eyes narrowed. “Althetas trades with who it chooses. We do not bow to the will of some tyrant in the north who clearly seeks war and havoc. Our ports and markets have always been free. And while I live, they will remain so.”
“I commend your resolve,” said Theopolou. “I can only hope that your example will show others the right path.”
“Cities in the southern region are far more vulnerable than those north of Althetas,” said Lousis. “We use the roads as much as we do our ports. But I’m embarrassed to say, your people hold the lands to the east of the southern cities, so they are fearful of traveling by land.”
Theopolou nodded. “Rightly so. But those times are now in the past.”
Lousis grinned. “That is good to hear. It will go a long way toward uniting the twelve cities when the time comes.”
The tent flap opened and three armor-clad men entered, each bearing the crest of Althetas on their chest plate. The first was tall and lean, and though clean-shaven, had a weathered and worn look much like the king. The other two were considerably younger and far broader in the shoulders, though not quite as tall.
King Lousis stood. “Ah, good. This is Lord Maynard Windcomber, war master and commander of my forces. These are his captains, Lord Brasley Amnadon and Lord Jeffos Windermere.” The commander and his captains bowed low. Theopolou and the others stood and returned the gesture.
Moments later, Nehrutu, Mohanisi, and Chiron entered. After Theopolou had made the necessary introductions, they all gathered around the table.
“The remaining elders have chosen to stay with the army,” said Chiron, before Theopolou could ask. “Though the humans here have had experience with elves - alas, the opposite is not true. They want to be near to their people in case of any misunderstandings.”
Theopolou nodded. “That is probably for the best. We can go over the plans with them later.”
“To business then,” said Lousis.
Lord Maynard leaned over the map. “I'm sure you are aware of the danger in approaching the gates. The way is narrow and protected by bowmen. Unfortunately, this is the only way in.”
“We can fell the gates,” said Nehrutu. “But not without exposing ourselves. The narrow approach makes it impossible to match their bowmen in number, and as skilled as elf archers are, our enemy need only shoot into the thick of our ranks.”
“What about the rear entrance?” asked Linis. “We were told it has been blocked. Can it be cleared?”
“No,” Lord Maynard replied. “It has been completely collapsed. But we face yet further danger.” He pointed to the path leading to the gates. “We must defend the cliffs on either side of this path. Should the enemy control these, they can simply rain down death upon us. We'd be destroyed before we came close enough to even see the temple.”
“Do you know their strength?” asked Theopolou.
“We haven't been able to get close enough yet to know their numbers,” admitted Maynard. “They have already taken six of my scouting parties. Even so, if they have the number to protect the cliffs, then we'll need to take them first. That won’t be easy. The terrain is rough and uneven. A skilled captain could make it difficult for us to dislodge them.”
“And if they are not defending them, we waste our strength,” said Linis. “We should send elves to scout first. I will lead them. No offense to the skill of your men, of course.”
“There is no offense taken,” said Maynard. “I have been told of elf seekers. But make no mistake. The men I sent were not without talent, and most were intercepted and likely killed.” He placed his palms on the table and looked directly at Linis. “The elves that came with the High Lady told me of the Vrykol. I think it must be these creatures that watch the pass. If you go, you may not return.”
Linis flashed a sinister grin. “I have dealt with the Vrykol before. If I encounter them again, there will be less for us to deal with later.”
Maynard raised an eyebrow and smirked approvingly. “I like that. I like that, indeed.” He turned to Theopolou. “You say you can smash the gates from bow range, as well as take out their archers?”
“Yes,” said Theopolou. “Without a doubt.”
“How will you do this?” asked Lousis. “I saw no siege engines with your army, and we brought none. And even if we had, the difficult approach would make them useless.”
“My kinsmen and I have the means,” said Nehrutu. “We possess skills you may not be able to understand. But rest assured, it can be done.”
Lousis looked skeptical, scrutinizing the elf. “You back up this claim?” he asked Theopolou.
“I do,” Theopolou replied. “But still we are left with our archers being bunched up and exposed.”
“I think I can help,” said Maynard. “My men can protect them with shields until they are close enough to fire.”
Chiron shook his head. “If you do that then they will be first through the gates. Those behind must wait until they move forward. You will lose many men.”
Maynard laughed loudly. “Then our foes will die by the hands of humans rather the elves. We have not marched here to stay out of the fray.”
“Then I suggest your soldiers meet with our archers as soon as possible,” said Chiron.
Maynard glanced at his captains, who nodded in return. “My men will be at your disposal.”
Other details of the battle plan were simple. Once the gates were down, they would then section off each area of the temple until it was completely secured. With the exception of the initial force of humans, the rest of the attack party would be entirely made up of elves, with the remainder of the Althetas soldiers protecting the rear. At
first Maynard protested, but eventually let go of his pride in favor of Theopolou's wisdom. If Vrykol were encountered, humans would be no match for them.
After the meeting, the group dispersed. Kaylia and Linis stayed with Theopolou and found a place among his kinsman, while Nehrutu and Mohanisi found a spot far removed from the rest. At the same time, Theopolou and Chiron met with the other elders to explain the battle strategy. As a result of this, each tribe sent their best archers to meet with Lord Maynard just north of the camp to drill.
By late afternoon, barrels of wine were being unloaded from the wagons and cooking fires burned everywhere. At first the elves kept to themselves, but soon the humans intruded and forced their hospitality upon them. The elders and commanders made certain they were close at hand in case trouble broke out, but the so called ‘rebel elves’ who, like Linis, had been living among humans for some time, joined them. This went a long way toward easing tensions, and by the time the sun was beneath the horizon, the camp was completely integrated. And though the comfort level was not yet exactly one of warm friendship, it wasn’t long before stories and songs began springing up from both human and elf.
Selena invited Kaylia to join her in her tent, pitched just beside the king's. When she arrived, Selena was sitting on a chair beside a small chest, atop which sat a cup of wine. She smiled and offered the chair beside her, then filled another cup and handed it to Kaylia.
“I could see your pain when I mentioned Gewey's name earlier,” said Selena. “I thought you may wish to talk.”
“There is nothing to say,” Kaylia replied. “Gewey is on an important mission, and I worry. That is all.”
Selena leaned forward and placed her hand tenderly on Kaylia's. “I'm no elf. But I am a woman, and can tell when another woman needs help. Please....”
Selena's words and genuine concern struck home, bringing tears to Kaylia's eyes. She took a deep breath and recounted the events leading up to the march.
“I see,” said Selena, in a half whisper. “And these elves from across the Abyss - you are certain they know what Gewey is?”
The Godling Chronicles : Bundle - Books 1-3 Page 79
