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 and 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 have chosen to wear such a thing, but still Selena wished she had brought other attire with her. 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, scolding 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.
“Cut her bonds.”
Ertik hesitated for just a moment before drawing his dagger and cutting the rope.
Selena sat in her chair and motioned for Salmitaya to sit across from her. “Please, leave us,” she told Ertik. Once he had reluctantly departed, 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. When I arrived, Valshara was already taken.”
“Is that so?” She looked into Salmitaya's eyes. The woman masked her fear well. “If that is true, then why not plead for mercy? Why wish for death? You speak as if you would prefer it, rather than 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 surely will, and very slowly as punishment for my failure.”
“If you are so certain your master will kill you, why return? Why not flee?”
Salmitaya sneered. “You know nothing. Don't you think I've tried to run away? You imagine I would be under the lash of someone like Yanti if there were any other way? If it were possible, of course 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 true 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 that your king can gain power over him,” Selena scoffed. “He 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, the tray of food still in his hands. When Selena entered, the east dining hall was filled nearly to capacity. Elves and humans dined together, talking and laughing over their meals. Selena smiled at the sight. She had only walked a few steps when cheers broke out. Mugs began banging on tables. Loud, boisterous voices calling: “Hail the High Lady of Valshara - Hail Amon Dähl,” carried throughout the hall. Selena held up her hands to quiet the crowd.
“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 loud cheers.
Selena smiled graciously and sat down. She had barely begun to eat her breakfast when King Lousis and Theopolou entered.
“How go things this morning?” she asked, after they were seated.
“Well,” Lousis replied. “The courtyard is now clear, apart from 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 our lands 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.”
Selena nodded, pleased. “That is good. I think your presence at the council may be of great 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 – and 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 up her hand.
“They are not prisoners of war,” she continued. “They did not march across a field and do battle. They did not sack the 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 before answering. “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 as ruthless and determined as they,” 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. And if that was his plan, it was a blunder. You must see to it that he is understanding of this.”
He drew a deep breath before continuing. “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, and I think you do this to somehow ease your conscience. However, whatever you do, from this moment to the last, I do not feel it serves you to be in denial. You said you held off your decision until it could be made without anger, so to claim indignation now 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 basement rooms. I have had my men gather the ashes and the few personal possessions that remained.”
Tears welled in Selena’s eyes. “Thank you…I…” She quickly wiped away the moisture. “I will see to the remains personally.”
“Very well,” said Louis. “Do you wish for me to arrange the executions?”
“No, Your Highness,” Selena replied. “It is my decision that sends them to their death. So it must be I who will see it done. I only ask that you leave me skilled interrogators.”
“I have seen to that, and they have already begun the questioning,” said the king. “But I have another question. I would wish you at the council when it convenes. Will you be able to come?”
Selena shook her head. “Sadly, no. There is too much for me 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 leave with 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, smiling. “So 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 would 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 this, of course.”
“Actually, I think that is wise,” said Lousis. “Your presence carries weight, and will be much missed. But as you cannot attend in person, your proxy should suffice. I will ensure that all there are aware he speaks on your behalf, and that he is afforded the due respect and courtesy.”
“Thank you.” Selena pushed her food away. “I have no appetite any longer. So, if there is nothing further?”
Theopolou and King Lousis excused themselves, leaving Selena to sit for a minute longer staring at her unfinished plate. She knew Ertik would resist the idea of leaving her side, and was not looking forward to informing him of his mission.
She spent the rest of the morning walking about the halls, seeing that everything was in order. Though with Ertik about, this was a fairly pointless exercise and only served to keep her distracted. He had been busier than she thought any man was capable of. When she eventually cornered him and told him he would be leaving with King Lousis, he very nearly broke down in tears, begging her not to send him away. It was only after she promised to have an elf guard with her at all times that he reluctantly accepted the situation.
Kaylia had also made it clear that she intended to remain close to her side, having chased away several Althetan soldiers awed to be stood in the presence of the High Lady of Valshara, leader of the legendary order of Amon Dähl. At first these admirers didn't trouble Selena, but soon questions about the Dark Knight and his time within the Order arose. These were subjects that she didn't care to discuss, and Kaylia had become adept at knowing when it was time to tell the soldiers 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 was preventing her from speaking about it.
“Kaylia,” Selena began. Her voice was calm and reassuring. “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 do not wish to cause you more grieve so soon after all the tragedy and bloodshed that has passed.” She fixed her eyes 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 could 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 within the order who knew him.”
Selena sighed. “During my early days with the order I heard of a great knight with unparalleled strength and valor who aspired to be the protector of the Sword. But his efforts failed, and another was chosen in his place. 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 and Kaylia, along with the majority of those who would be remaining behind in Valshara, 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 that her decision was the right one, and not simply made out of vengeance.
“Do not heed my earlier words,” said Theopolou. Clearly, he could see her self-doubt. “I spoke from the perspective of my longing for peace. This is war, and I would do as you are. 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 humans and elves 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, the officer left behind 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 s
oftly.
Chapter 20
The reflection of the sun on the desert sands made navigation increasingly difficult as Gewey and Aaliyah made their way back to the shore. Each dune looked much the same as the last, and Aaliyah could no longer sense the direction of her ship. Though their pace started out fast and determined, signs of the poison working its way through her system began to show after only a few hours. Gewey did his best to keep the air around them cool with the flow, but each time Aaliyah stumbled or paused 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 shallow and quick. Gewey took her arm, but she pushed him away.
“No need for that,” she said weakly. “It would seem the poison is 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 yet again to heal her, but as before, 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 into 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 a 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.”
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