“And what would that be?”
“We feared a mixing of the races. That should we live alongside humans, in time our race would simply be absorbed until the elves were no more.”
Lousis tilted his head and raised an eyebrow. “And now you think this should happen?”
A tiny sigh slipped from Chiron's mouth. “I look at Celandine. She is proud and strong, with all of our grace and none of our flaws. She personifies what is best in both elf and human. She is not burdened by hatred and prejudice. If that is the future, then maybe we should embrace it. Perhaps you and I are destined to fade.”
“Perhaps.”
With a brisk movement of his hand, Lousis then shook off the sudden melancholy that Chiron’s tone had created. “But for now, it is our task to ensure that such a future has an opportunity to happen.”
The messenger returned a short time later. “The enemy commander has agreed to meet and hear your terms,” he announced.
A few minutes later the city gate and portcullis opened. Three men on horseback emerged and proceeded to a point about a hundred yards beyond their own lines.
Lousis’ guard was gathered in seconds.
“You will still be within the range of their bows,” warned the guard captain. “You should not go to meet them.”
“Then we will wait for Mohanisi,” Lousis said. “He will be able to protect us should there be treachery.”
Mohanisi was quickly with them. With him riding alongside, Lousis and Chiron spurred their horses forward to meet the enemy. As they drew nearer, they could see more details of the three men waiting to talk. They were clad in fine polished armor and carried well-made swords, their hilts set with gold and precious stones. This finery was in stark contrast to the soldiers standing in front of the city walls. Most of these looked ragged and terrified, though it was difficult to see beyond the first row of men.
When they were only a few yards away, the man in the middle raised his hand in salute. Lousis returned the gesture.
“I am General Kylio Merwood,” he announced. “These are my captains.” He looked across to Mohanisi and Chiron and frowned. “But where is Darshan? I was greatly looking forward to meeting with him.”
“I am King Lousis of Althetas,” the king replied. “And if you know what is good for you, you do not want to meet Darshan. More importantly, he has no desire to meet with you.”
“I see,” said the general. “Well, little matter. Speak your terms.”
“Lower your flags, throw down your arms and surrender the city at once. In return, we will spare your lives and allow you to return to your master unharmed.”
Merwood rubbed his chin and nodded. “A generous offer, Your Highness. Only a great fool would turn down such kindness. But then again, my mother always said that I was a fool.” The two other men chuckled at his levity. “So now, allow me to counter your offer. Turn your army around and march back to where you came from as fast as you can. Once there, await the judgment of the Reborn King.”
Lousis’ anger began to boil. “Do you not see the forces arrayed against you? Do the lives of your people mean so little that you would see them slaughtered?”
“I would see you and the rest of your rabble be gone from my sight,” Merwood responded brusquely. “Soon the mighty Darshan will be no more, and you will come to understand the price for defying the true ruler of this world.”
Lousis glared at Merwood, who only smirked back at him. “You will pay for your stupidity,” the king said. “And your people will pay with you.” Sharply turning his horse, he galloped back to their lines with his companions hurrying to catch up.
“Ready your elves,” Lousis instructed Mohanisi. “We attack at once.”
The elf gave a quick nod and rode away.
“This man Merwood is a fool,” remarked Chiron.
“I hope you’re right,” Lousis said. “But such arrogance generally derives from advantage. Have you or the other elves sensed any Vrykol about?”
“No. Not in two weeks. And even then, they fled when we confronted them.”
Lousis frowned. “Yes. Mohanisi also told me that. Most curious.”
The lines quickly formed with the elves just behind the vanguard. Mohanisi then stepped forward and raised both arms. Almost instantly, the air above him burst into a massive ball of flames. The enemy positioned outside the walls began shifting about fearfully.
The air crackled and spat with furious power as Mohanisi sent the flames hurtling directly into the enemy’s center. Instantly, those to the fore scattered, the agonized screams of the burning men behind them tearing the air to shreds. There was no need for another bolt. Not one soldier had remained at his position and the way to the city gate was already clear.
The human infantry surged forward bearing ladders, with the elves immediately behind them preparing to repel an avalanche of enemy arrows. But no arrows came. Almost unbelievably, the ramparts now appeared to be completely empty.
“Forward!” bellowed Lousis, his sword raised high. “The cowards flee the walls!”
The lines moved faster, their cheers increasing in volume with every yard they drew closer. Still, not a single man could be seen atop the wall. A trick, thought Lousis.
He continued to watch, awaiting whatever scheme the enemy had devised. “Onward my brave men,” he called out. But just as the line arrived at the point where Mohanisi had delivered the fireball, it suddenly came to a halt. All sounds of cheering also ceased. Lousis frowned. A full minute passed, and still there was no further sign of them advancing further.
A short time later a soldier arrived. His face was pale and his hands were trembling.
“What is it?” Lousis demanded.
The soldier saluted. “Your Highness. They were children...women...old men.” His voice wavered badly. “They are all dead.”
“What in the name of heaven are you talking about?”
“The people that Mohanisi's fire consumed. Only the front line were men of fighting age. The others were lined up behind so we couldn’t see them.”
The king could hardly believe what he was hearing. A vicious knot of anguish gripped the pit of his stomach as he looked around for Mohanisi and then beckoned for him to come over. On being told of what had happened, the elf's ear-splitting cry of rage and remorse severed through the entire clamor of the field.
“Scale the walls,” Lousis commanded. “And bring me the head of the enemy commander.”
The soldier bowed and sped off.
Mohanisi was still clenching and unclenching his jaw and fists, utter fury on his face.
“It was not your fault,” the king said, before Mohanisi could speak.
“No, you are wrong,” he retorted. “I should have been more aware. I could feel the unusually intense fear rising from them, but I chose to ignore it.”
“Even had they been real soldiers, they believed Darshan was coming. Their fear would have been the same.”
Lousis’ words went unheard. Eyes blazing, Mohanisi said: “Do not kill Merwood. Bring him to me.” With that, he spurred his horse and urged it into a gallop toward the rear.
In less than half an hour the men were over the wall, and very soon after that the city gates creaked open. That was too fast, thought Lousis.
The king approached at a slow trot, his guard completely surrounding him as they went. One of the captains saw his advance and moved up to meet him.
“The monsters killed everyone, then fled through the east gate,” the officer announced. “So far we have not found a living soul in Kaltinor.” His eyes bore unmistakable rage and revulsion.
This fresh burst of terrible news hit Lousis hard, forcing him to squeeze his eyes tightly shut. It took him several moments to gather his wits enough to speak. “Send men to round up those who fled the fire. Give food and medical treatment to any who need it.”
He opened his eyes and fixed them on the captain. “And see that none of them are harmed.”
The captain saluted
and hurried off. Moments later, Chiron arrived.
“Beasts,” he said in a half-whisper. “What will you do now?”
The king stared at the open gate. “Bury the dead and move on.”
“I’ll send seekers to scout the way ahead.”
Lousis nodded, then turned his horse around and made his way to his tent. After dismounting, he spotted Bellisia and Mohanisi talking quietly nearby. Bellisia was gripping her staff like a club, her knuckles white around its shaft. On seeing the king, the pair walked over at once.
“Come,” said Lousis. He handed his reins to a guard. “Drink with me.”
Normally, neither Mohanisi nor Lady Bellisia would partake of alcoholic drink, but on this occasion they did not balk at the suggestion.
After escorting them into the tent, Lousis tossed his sword aside and produced three bottles. By nightfall, all of them were more than a little intoxicated, though they drank in utter silence.
A report came through stating that the majority of the people who had fled the fireball had been caught and tended to. Most of them were from Kaltinor. They had been warned that, if they ran, the archers on the wall would fill them with arrows. None had known anything of the slaughter within the city.
“Do not allow the children to re-enter until all of the dead are removed and buried,” Lousis ordered the messenger. “And then only long enough to collect some belongings.”
“So what shall we do with them, Your Highness?” he asked.
“I’ll send a small group of soldiers to escort them back to Althetas.”
“You cannot shelter the world,” said Bellisia.
“Perhaps not,” Lousis retorted. “But I will help these children if I can.”
“And those that wish it, may make a new beginning across the sea,” added Mohanisi.
“Would your people allow that?” Bellisia asked.
“I will not give them a choice,” he replied sullenly. “The rest of the world is coming to our shores. This is a fact we will be forced to accept, be it now, or in a hundred years' time.”
As midnight approached, Chiron joined them, along with Lord Brasley Amnadon and Eftichis. Though Lousis was grateful for the company of his new friends, he dearly wished Victis was with him as well.
It took three days for the bodies to be attended. Less than fifty people were found still alive in Kaltinor, and most of these had decided to go west with the other survivors.
When the seekers returned they reported that the army holding Kaltinor had in fact been only five-hundred men strong, and that it was now hastening with all speed toward the Goodbranch. Lousis considered pursuit, but eventually dismissed the idea. It would be difficult for even the elves to catch them, and he would not risk the possibility of a trap being laid for a small force separated from his main army. As much as he longed to capture Merwood, he knew that it was time to keep moving.
As they passed by more towns, Lousis was relieved to see that these had not suffered the same fate as Kaltinor. Likely the fleeing dogs were in too great a hurry to get back to their master. By now, Angrääl would certainly be preparing for an assault. The only question remaining was, would they retreat north, or choose to meet his army head-on before it could cross the borders.
Three days before they were due to arrive at the banks of the Goodbranch, scouts reported that the army from Baltria was already awaiting them. Thousands of desert elves, together with a large contingent of humans – some recruited from riverside cities and from the Eastlands – were encamped on the west bank about thirty miles north of Sharpstone.
The hometown of Darshan, Lousis reflected. He'd been informed that Sharpstone remained completely untouched. A good thing too. He shuddered at the thought of Darshan’s rage should he discover that the town in which he'd grown up had been ravaged. Only harm to his wife and child would be capable of eliciting a greater anger.
They had only just made camp when a courier brought him a letter from the Baltrian army. As he read it, a smile slowly appeared. He called at once for Mohanisi. When he appeared, Lousis asked him to sit.
“The Baltrians have engaged and defeated the Angrääl force that was fleeing Kaltinor,” he announced.
The elf instantly leaned forward. “And Merwood?”
“Captured!”
Lousis' cheerful smile turned into a wicked grin. “And he knows that we are coming. The letter says he is begging to be released, and has offered valuable information in exchange for freedom.”
“And what was their response to that?”
“That the decision rests with me.”
Mohanisi’s normally stoic demeanor was now dark and dangerous. “And will you allow me to see him first?”
“I will, my friend,” replied the king. “You have my word on that.”
Mohanisi rose and bowed low. “Thank you.” Without another word, he turned and left.
Once alone, Lousis wondered if he would truly be capable of watching while Mohanisi did whatever it was he had in store for the General. But the thought of the man’s smug expression inflamed his anger; even more so when picturing in his mind yet again the countless devastated bodies of the innocent.
Yes, he told himself. I think I will be able to bear it.
Chapter Fourteen
Mohanisi approached the tent with steady, deliberate strides. To him, the celebration going on all around was non-existent. A few of the desert elves had come to offer greetings, but after one brief look at his face they understood that this was not the time and quickly backed away.
The king had wanted to be with him, but his presence was required elsewhere. For this, Mohanisi was thankful. In just a few moments he would be face-to-face with the object of his fury. This was a time reserved for vengeance, and it would be a brand of vengeance that was best kept away from those close to him.
The two guards stepped aside and allowed him to pass without a word. His keen vision meant that adjustment from the brightness of the noon sun to the dim light of the solitary lamp took only a second. He saw him at once – General Merwood.
The man was sat on the ground and tied to the tent's stout center post, his clothes ripped and ragged from capture. He squinted as the sun struck his eyes. But they widened the moment the entrance flap closed and he could clearly see the tall figure of the elf standing over him.
“They told me you were coming,” Merwood said, clearly trying to mask his fear. “Are you here to torture me?”
Mohanisi knelt down to be at eye level. His face was expressionless, though his eyes burned with the fire of justice.
“Answer me, elf!” the general demanded. But his bluster quickly disintegrated as the threatening silence continued. Before long, a tear began to fall from the corner of his right eye.
In a blur of speed, Mohanisi’s hand shot out and caught the drop on the end of his index finger before it reached the man's cheek. With exaggerated fastidiousness, he then wiped it away on the front of Merwood’s shirt.
“Did you know that I would burn the people you placed in front of the gate?” he asked. “Or did you think they would flee so your men could fill them with arrows?”
“I only did what I was ordered to do,” he whimpered. “My master....”
“Your master is far from here,” snapped Mohanisi. The steel in his voice caused the man to flinch. “I want to know how you intended for them to die.”
Merwood’s lips quivered. “Darshan. Darshan was meant to kill them. We hoped his anger would drive him to leave the army and travel to Kratis alone.”
“So you did want them to burn. And what else?”
Merwood looked confused. “I…I don’t…”
Mohanisi reached out and lightly touched the general's forehead. There was a hiss of burning flesh, quickly followed by an agonized scream from Merwood. Mohanisi removed his finger, revealing a black spot.
“I will burn you one inch at a time on every single part of your body, which will prove to be infinitely more painful than the relatively quick
death many of those poor innocent souls that you condemned suffered.” His voice was calm and his countenance detached. “Then I will remove your manhood. And when you beg for death, I will heal you and begin all over again. Know that I can repeat this indefinitely. You can only avoid this fate should you choose to speak. Do you understand?”
By the time the elf had finished speaking, Merwood’s features had already turned a ghastly shade of dirty white. The stench of urine was also filling the tent.
Mohanisi smiled. “That is good. I think we are now ready to begin.”
He interrogated General Merwood for the next three hours without pause. The sounds of merriment going on outside the tent were an ironic backdrop to the severity of the grilling as he demanded answers about the plans and strategy of the Reborn King. When Lousis finally arrived, he looked at the two of them in surprise.
“I was just about to go out and find you,” Mohanisi told him. He stood up and rubbed the back of his neck.
“I thought he would be…well…in far worse condition.”
“I have questioned him about the enemy. He lied, naturally.”
“I did not!” Merwood protested. “I swear it!”
“Silence!” Mohanisi snapped back. “Of course you did. You think I know nothing? You are no mere foot soldier. One such as you will have been in the presence of your master many times. This much I learned from my conversations with Jacob Nal’Thain.” He turned to Lousis. “The general is incapable of betrayal. Should he attempt such a thing, it would kill him.”
“So how did you learn anything?” the king asked.
Mohanisi smiled. “You would be amazed what can be discovered from lies. When you know what is not true, then the real truth often is revealed.”
“So what did you find out?”
“A large force awaits us one hundred miles to the north,” he said. “They are meant to test our strength and give us a sense of confidence before we reach the Angrääl border. They want us to think that the battles in the west have diminished their ability to fight. Naturally, this is not the case. From there, the way is clear until we reach Kratis. That is where the real war will be fought. And I am sad to say, it does not appear to be a battle we can win.”
The Reborn King (Book Six) Page 18
