Shadow of the Gods tgc-3

by Brian D. Anderson

  No sooner had the words left his mouth when dozens of elves came pouring out of the passage, weapons drawn.

  “What is your name, soldier?” asked Linis.

  “Mitchis,” he replied.

  “Come with me,” he ordered, then turned to Selena. “As soon as the elves clear the passage, you and Kaylia go inside.” Without waiting for an answer, he and Mitchis ran to meet the elf warriors.

  Bellisia’s was the first face Linis recognized. In each hand she wielded a thin, short-sword. When she saw Linis approach she rushed to meet him.

  “What has happened?” she asked, urgently.

  Linis nodded to Mitchis, who explained the attack.

  “Our left flank is nearly gone. If it collapses, we are undone,” said Mitchis.

  “Go and tell them help is on the way,” said Bellisia. She pointed the sword in her left hand to an elf bearing the symbol of her tribe on his leather armor, carrying a longbow. He nodded with understanding and shouted for the other archers to form a line. Bellisia reached in her belt, pulled out a small silver horn, and blew. The high-pitched sound pierced the air like the cry of an eagle.

  “The humans need us to reinforce their left flank.” Her voice rose above the sound of the battle. “It is time to prove our worth.” She pulled three elves aside. “See that the king is unharmed. Get him to pull back to the wall if you can.” They bowed quickly and obeyed. Lousis was atop his horse urging his men forward, and his personal guard was still struggling to keep him from riding to the front line.

  Bellisia and Linis raced to catch up with the others. As Mitchis had said, the left flank was nearly demolished. Warriors, in black mail with the symbol of broken scales in bright red across their chest, were starting to push through. The bodies of the dead and dying littered the ground. The elves cut a path through the advance, and quickly the enemy panicked and fell back. The Althetan soldiers began to pursue, but their commanders wisely called them back and reformed the lines.

  Linis looked to his right. The elves had arrived just in time to prevent them from crushing the Althetan center. They met Angraalwith fury as the clang and clatter of steel sang its deadly song.

  For nearly an hour the battle raged as more elf reinforcements arrived. On three separate occasions, it looked as if the Althetan center would break, but they managed to hold long enough for more elf support to arrive and push the Angraalsoldiers back. Linis had slain at least a dozen men, and Bellisia just as many. Linis was impressed with her fighting skill and smiled every time he caught sight of her.

  By mid-morning the Angraalforces were routed and in full retreat, with the men of Althetas on their heels. Nearly half of the elf force had come out of the passage to aid in the battle. Hundreds had died. The king had injured his right leg when his horse reared, throwing him from the saddle, during the final surge forward. His personal guard had pulled him to the cliffs beside Selena and Kaylia.

  Bellisia was cleaning her sword on the tunic of a dead enemy soldier when Linis approached.

  “You fight well,” he remarked. “As well as any seeker.”

  Bellisia smiled, looking prideful. “My father was a seeker. He trained me until I came of age and chose the life of a scholar and healer.” Her smile vanished and she cast her gaze on the battlefield. “A skill I believe we need at this moment.”

  Theopolou appeared from the passage with half a dozen elves. Linis waved his arm in greeting and went to meet him. Bellisia walked beside him.

  “What are your losses?” asked Theopolou.

  “I cannot say,” replied Bellisia. “Substantial, I would think. The enemy was well-prepared.”

  Theopolou led them to where the king was being tended. Lousis smiled as they approached and sat up straight.

  “Are you badly injured?” asked Theopolou.

  “No.” The king looked at his leg with disgust. “But my fighting is done for now. Were your elves assaulted in the passage?”

  Theopolou shook his head. “No. I believe they counted on breaking through and assaulting our rear.”

  “If you hadn't sent your elves, they would have,” said Lousis. “I mourn the loss of those who died in our defense.”

  Theopolou bowed. “As I mourn the loss of your soldiers. They died bravely facing overwhelming numbers.”

  “What will we do now?” asked Linis.

  “We will do what we came here to do,” said Theopolou. Determination burned in his eyes. “Nehrutu and Mohanisi are with the archers and shield bearers, one-thousand yards from the gates. They await my return.” He turned to Linis and placed his hand on the elf's shoulder. “You should know that the bodies of three of your seekers hang from the walls.”

  Linis lowered his eyes and clenched his fists. “I will come with you.”

  Theopolou nodded. “What are your plans, your highness?”

  King Lousis shifted uncomfortably, digging a rock from beneath his thigh and tossing it aside. “The wagons are being emptied to carry the wounded back to the city. Those that can't be moved will be cared for here.” He looked out on the battlefield riddled with bodies. “I will have my men take care of the dead. Rest assured the elves will be taken care of as well.”

  “Are there captives?” asked Bellisia.

  “A few,” the ting replied. “I suppose I must see to them until this is over. I'm hoping that we can learn something useful from them.”

  Selena approached, blood covered her clothes from treating the wounded. Kaylia was at her side.

  “I will remain with the High Lady and Kaylia,” said Bellisia. “I believe my healing skills will be of greater use than my skills in battle.”

  “Your help is most welcome,” said Selena.

  “I will join you and Theopolou,” said Kaylia.

  “No,” shot Linis. “My heart is full of vengeance. I am told that bodies of my kin hang from the walls of our enemy. I cannot promise to protect you as my fury may blind me. You will stay here.”

  Kaylia could see Linis would not be moved and stepped back.

  Theopolou bowed to Lousis and Selena. “We must hurry.” He spun around and headed back to the passage, with Linis and the guard close behind.

  “It is done,” said Selena.

  “What is that, High Lady?” asked Kaylia.

  Selena lowered her eyes. “Human and elf have bled together. Whatever our destiny may be, we will meet it together. I only wish the cost of peace was not so high.”

  Chapter 18

  The wind whipped between the tall cliff walls, blowing the banners tight. Linis and Theopolou pushed their way through the ranks until they reached the vanguard where Nehrutu and Mohanisi awaited. Linis fixed his eyes on the tall, thick walls of Valshara. Just as Theopolou had said, three bodies swung in the breeze from just left of the main gate. He boiled with fury as he recognized Sitrisa, Prustos, and Santisos. Their faces were swollen, bruised, and caked with dried blood and grime, and their clothes tattered and stained.

  “They will pay for this dishonor.” Linis drew his long knife and grabbed the blade tightly. Blood trickled down to the hilt. “I swear this.”

  “You must wait until the gates are down and we vanquish the archers before you charge,” warned Nehrutu.

  “My fury does not make me a fool,” Linis snapped.

  “Of course, not,” Nehrutu replied. “And you are not alone. The sight of my kin displayed with such malice and contempt fills me with rage as well.” His eyes fell on the mutilated bodies. “I swear that you will have vengeance. They will understand wrath and fear after this day.”

  “Then ready yourself to advance,” commanded Theopolou. The shield bearers lined up in front of the archers. Nehrutu and Mohanisi just behind, weapons drawn. “Attack!”

  Slowly the column inched forward. Trumpets blared from behind the wall. Men scrambled about just behind the bowmen atop the battlements as orders were shouted frantically. Theopolou and Linis stood shoulder to shoulder watching as their forces came within range of the enemy arrows. Th
e thwack of dozens of bowstrings rang out and streaks of death flew across the sky. The shields came and the elves crouched behind them. But the arrows never found a mark. Both Nehrutu and Mohanisi stood, their arms outstretched. A blast of wind gusted up, knocking the arrows back. The clatter of wood on stone punctuated what had happened, and murmurs of shock and approval carried through the elf ranks, soon followed by loud cheering. The humans on the wall stood in silent fear.

  “Why would they need the shields?” wondered Linis.

  “I would think it is for when they bring down the gates,” Theopolou answered. “It may be beyond their skill to do both at once.”

  The elves drew closer until finally they were in range. The archers stood and fired. All but one found its mark. Bodies slumped, then disappeared, and some fell screaming from the wall. This brought another round of cheers from the elves. The humans returned fire, but again Nehrutu and Mohanisi sent their missiles back. Four more volleys and the wall was clear.

  Nehrutu and Mohanisi stood, their heads down and arms folded. The earth began to shake violently. Then the gates to Valshara burst into flame. The heat could be felt all the way to where Theopolou and Linis stood. Several arrows flew from over the wall, but they were completely random and undirected. Only a few came close enough to strike the shields. The ground continued to shake, until finally the gates burst into flaming splinters. They crept forward as the archers kept their eyes on the ramparts.

  “Forward!” cried Theopolou.

  At a quick march the army moved in behind the archers just as they reach the shattered gates. Smoldering pieces of wood littered the ground, but were soon stomped out by elf warriors. Smoke obscured their vision, making it impossible to see more than a foot beyond the gate, but the sound of clashing steel and the pounding of boots, told them that the battle had yet to begin.

  “To me!” roared Nehrutu, holding his sword high.

  Black-cloaked figures appeared in the acrid, gray smoke. First, one, then another, until five stood in the entrance. Five more were standing just behind them. The elf archers fired in a volley. The arrows struck home but had no effect.

  “Vrykol!” shouted Nehrutu. “You must take their heads!”

  The elves dropped their bows and drew their long knives. The Vrykol were tall, menacing, and motionless. A thick ball of flame shot out from in front of Nehrutu and Mohanisi engulfing the beasts, but the flames died the moment they reached them. When the shield bearers were only a few feet away, the Vrykol stepped forward in unison. Their blades struck with tremendous force, shattering all but two shields and throwing the soldiers to the ground. The elves leaped over the fallen humans hacking and slashing maniacally. Two Vrykol were laid open across their chests. Foul, black ooze poured out of the wounds, but this did nothing to stop them.

  The humans scrambled to their feet, but the elf line blocked their way, and they could only watch as the Vrykol cut the elves down, one by one. After the first wave of elves were slain, the Vrykol fell back to the gate to await another charge. With fury the Althetan soldiers attacked, and were immediately cut to pieces.

  Nehrutu and Mohanisi charged in together, followed by a dozen elf warriors. They clashed with the Vrykol; a wave of air erupted as they struck, throwing the Vrykol back and slamming them into the others standing at the rear. Nehrutu took three heads with unearthly speed, and Mohanisi two others. The Vrykol countered, killing three elf warriors and pushing them back past the thresh-hold. Another blast of air knocked two Vrykol off their feet. Nehrutu moved in and took another head. Ten elves were at his back moving to engage the rest. Soon the Vrykol were overwhelmed and hacked to pieces by vengeful blades.

  Beyond the gates the center of the courtyard was empty. At the rear, just in front of the temple, a six-foot wooden wall had been erected, spanning the breadth of the yard.

  Nehrutu held out his arms and halted the attack. “I need archers now!”

  The words were barely out of his mouth when arrows flew from behind the wall in a low arc. Nehrutu and Mohanisi tried to deflect them by blasting a current of air, as they had done outside the battlements, but their actions were too late. Only a few were sent back, and three elves were struck, including Mohanisi.

  “No time to wait,” shouted Theopolou, from behind. He forced his way by Nehrutu, followed by Linis and a stream of screaming elves.

  Nehrutu looked down at Mohanisi and saw that a red-feathered arrow protruded 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 wall heaved up and flew against the temple, sending both wood and men back.

  From the left and right on the battlements and atop the roof of the temple, more archers appeared, ready to rain down hell on the advancing elves.

  Mohanisi struggled to his feet. Blood soaked his tunic and trousers. “Bring down the wall. I will handle the archers.”

  A tempest erupted just above the heads of Theopolou, Linis and the others. Arrows were thrown clear just before they would have pierced their target. Nehrutu destroyed another section of the wall, just as the elves engaged the enemy. The archers abandoned their positions, dropping their bows, and unsheathing their swords.

  “That's enough,” said Nehrutu 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 cutting a path through the humans.

  Elves poured through the gate, joining in the fray. Soldiers exited the temple and descended from the wall 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 stomach. In moments the bleeding 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. The Angraalsoldiers had formed a shield wall around the main entrance to the temple and managed to stop the elf advance. Several elves fell to spears thrust from over the rim of the shields. Nehrutu drew in the flow and a blast of air pushed 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 them back farther creating a small gap. This was all Theopolou needed. He ordered the elves in, and in seconds the line was scattered. The cries of the dying mingled with the sound of clashing swords.

  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 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,” said Theopolou 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 their lives in exchange for surrender.” He glanced at the prisoners who had been herded against the north wall. “It would seem that 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 Dahl that was attacked, and her people that were s
laughtered when the temple was taken.” He shook his head slowly. “I do not know if they will be shown 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, then walked to where the prisoners were being held. He picked one of the soldiers and had him brought to the main door of the temple.

  “Tell any remaining 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 enter 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 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 Angraalin 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 and 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 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 see that the temple was empty. A few minutes later, the door flew open and a woman was shoved through, an elf holding a long knife at her back. Kaylia recognized her at once.

  “Salmitaya,” she whispered, and drew her knife.

  Salmitaya stood there, defiant and proud, 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 in 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.”