Nehrutu looked down at Mohanisi and saw a red-feathered arrow protruding from his belly. His anger boiled as he drew in the flow. Theopolou and the others were already halfway across the yard. He let loose all the power he could muster. A ten-foot section of the wooden wall heaved up and flew against the side of the temple, sending the men behind it scurrying back.
From both sides of the battlements, and atop the roof of the temple, more archers appeared, all eager and ready to rain down hell on the advancing elves.
Mohanisi struggled to his feet. Blood soaked his tunic and trousers. “Bring down the wall,” he told Nehrutu. “I will handle the archers.”
A tempest erupted directly above the heads of Theopolou, Linis and the other attackers. Dozens of arrows that were only a heartbeat away from causing mass death and injury were thrown clear. At the same time, Nehrutu destroyed another section of the wall just as the elves were about to engage the enemy. The defending archers above now abandoned their positions on the wall, dropping their bows and unsheathing their swords.
“That's enough,” Nehrutu said to Mohanisi. The tempest dissipated. He helped his friend to the wall and allowed him to gently slide down.
“I will be fine,” said Mohanisi. “Attend to the more seriously injured.” He looked up to see Linis and Theopolou already cutting a path through the human enemy.
Elves continued to pour in through the destroyed gate to join the fray. More soldiers came running out from the temple and down from the battlements to meet them.
“The temple will soon be ours,” said Nehrutu. “I will need your help, my friend.” He pulled the arrow from the wound. Mohanisi grimaced. “Be still.” He placed his hands on Mohanisi’s stomach. In moments the bleeding had stopped.
“You can complete this once the battle is done,” said Mohanisi, smiling. “You have done enough for now. Go aid Theopolou.”
Nehrutu squeezed Mohanisi's shoulder and leaped to his feet. “I shall return as soon as I am able.”
The battle continued to rage. By now the Angrääl soldiers had formed a shield wall around the main entrance to the temple and had managed to stop the elf advance. Several elves fell to spears thrust from over the rims of the shields. Nehrutu drew in the flow and released a blast of air, pushing the humans back. He could have easily destroyed the line, but dared not use more force with the elves so close at hand. Another blast pushed the soldiers further back, this time creating a small gap. It was all the opportunity Theopolou needed. He immediately ordered the elves in, and within seconds the line was scattered. The sounds of clashing swords mingled with the cries of the dying.
Nehrutu held back as the elves finished off the remaining soldiers. Dozens simply threw down their weapons and fell to their knees once it became clear that the fight was lost. By the time the courtyard was secure, hundreds of soldiers lay dead, along with several dozen elves.
Without wasting a second, Theopolou ordered the courtyard cleared and began gathering the wounded. Several elves wanted to enter the temple, but he told them to wait. Linis climbed the wall and retrieved the bodies of his fallen comrades.
“The interior is vast,” Theopolou said to Nehrutu as he helped carry a wounded elf. “There may be many more soldiers inside. And they will have had time to set traps and prepare a defense. It may take time to dislodge them.”
“The rear of the temple is blocked,” said Nehrutu. “There is no escape. Perhaps you should offer them their lives in exchange for surrender.” He glanced at the prisoners who had been herded against the north wall. “It would seem they have no intent to fight to the last man.”
Theopolou nodded. “And for that I am grateful. Too much blood has been spilled this day.”
“What will you do with them?” asked Nehrutu.
Theopolou shrugged. “It is for the High Lady of Valshara to decide their fate. It was Amon Dähl that was attacked, and her people who were slaughtered when the temple was taken.” He shook his head slowly. “I do not know if they will be shown any mercy.”
Nehrutu looked up to see Linis several yards away, kneeling over the bodies of his seekers. “I am not certain they should be.”
Theopolou tightened his jaw and walked over to where the prisoners were being held. He picked out one of the soldiers and had him brought to the main door of the temple.
“Tell any remaining inside 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 stepped inside 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 that 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 again. 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 that 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 check that the temple was indeed empty. A few minutes later the door flew open and a woman was shoved through. An elf held a long blade at her back. Kaylia recognized her at once.
“Salmitaya,” she whispered, drawing her knife.
Salmitaya stood there, defiant and proud. She was 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 at 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 opened wide with fear.
“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 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,” Salmitaya answered after a pause.
“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. She looked up at the elf who had brought Salmitaya out. “Put her with the other prison
ers 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 had cared for Mohanisi, he and Kaylia began treating the most severe injuries. Mohanisi was too weak to assist so 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, stumbling 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 her. “I am now well enough to continue what you have started. I will take over until morning.” He strode off to relieve Nehrutu.
While a small group of elves led by Linis were gathering the bodies of their fallen kin and preparing them for the funeral rites, King Lousis ordered that his slain soldiers should 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.
With the exception of Salmitaya's clothing and a few extra books, Selena found that her chambers were pretty much as she had left them. She ordered the bed clothing to be burned and replaced, after which she had all of Salmitaya's belongings packed away. After washing and changing into a plain cotton dress and suede moccasins, she settled into her plush chair. Closing her eyes, she tried to push the visions of battle from her mind. She was still sitting like this when a light rap sounded at her door. King Lousis entered, along with a guard helping him to walk on his broken leg. He was followed inside by Theopolou, Linis and Nehrutu.
“It is good to see you back where you belong,” said Linis, smiling.
Selena rose from her chair. “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 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. “But 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. Lousis 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,” he said.
Lousis tenuously put his weight on to the injured leg. A low chuckle turned into a full-on belly laugh as he began stomping his feet hard. “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 now see to my men as a king should. Unless you object, I will be leaving fifty soldiers here to give you aid. I will also send more 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 its armies down the Goodbranch River. If they secure that, 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, but in light of the attack, I doubt that many 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. “Even if Broin and Ganflin are able to help, it may still 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?” Selena 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 the Reborn King’s 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 travel with you 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 as long as 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 own 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 here today, I doubt that resistance will persist for long.”
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, would you 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, looking closely at each and every object. She was loath to touch anything until it had been cleaned. The mere idea of the beasts who’d slaughtered her people pawing through her possessions made her skin crawl. She wasn't sure what to do about Salmitaya - or the enemy soldiers 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 first.
As she slipped into her bed and closed her eyes, fatigue took over. Though feeling a bit guilty for resting while others were still laboring, she could feel that she was spent. She hoped a couple of hours rest would be sufficient 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 feel happy to be back in her own bed and in the temple she loved.
“I shall restore this place,” was her final thought before consciousness faded.
The Godling Chronicles : Bundle - Books 1-3 Page 86
