“First, I will deal with Halmara. Then I will see to Baltria.”
“You intend to make war with Baltria?” asked Ertik.
“I hope not,” he replied. “But it very well may come to that. This war may begin here, but it will spread to all nations. We must find other allies. Baltria may not be as lost as we think. My understanding is that Angraalhas influenced the nobles and merchants. If we can break that hold, then war will not be necessary. Of course, if Baltria is already under military control, then we will be forced to liberate it.”
“Do you have enough men?” asked Ertik.
“Alas, no,” admitted Lousis. “Even with all twelve kingdoms united we would be hard-pressed. The elves will be of great help, but we will need even more of them.”
“Then let us hope there are more rulers such as you, who are not afraid to stand against the Reborn King.”
Lousis smiled. “Make no mistake, I am afraid. But I fear even more what would happen to my people should we fail.”
There was a knock at the door and Prince Loniel entered.
“I hope your highness doesn't mind,” said the Prince. “I grew tired of listening to the nobles bicker. My mind was set the moment you were poisoned.”
Lousis offered him a seat, which he gratefully accepted.
“How are things faring,” asked Lousis.
“As one might expect,” he replied, with a shrug. “They speak of peaceful resolutions and fear of war. But I think most are more afraid to stand alone. And in light of recent events, they fear what Angraalmay do to them.”
“So you think they will side with Althetas?” asked Ertik.
“I do,” Loniel replied. “At least they will give what support they can. Most cities do not have the wealth of Althetas, and could raise no more than a few thousand soldiers at best.”
“It will be enough,” said Lousis. “It will have to be.”
A few minutes later the other kings and queens began to arrive. With only a few minutes until the hour was up, only King Victis had not yet arrived.
“It will be a blow to lose the Tarvansia Peninsula,” remarked Loniel.
“Being that it has the most direct route to Baltria, it will make thing’s far more difficult,” agreed Lousis.
Just then, the door opened and King Victis entered, looking very unhappy. “I am loathed to use force against King Halmara. But as the will of the council is against me…”
Queen Illirial spoke. “King Lousis. As you know, none of our kingdoms possess the wealth of Althetas, and this shall cut off our trade with Baltria. What can you do to ensure our people don't starve?”
“If I must, I will empty my treasury,” Lousis replied, allowing his gaze to meet each of them. “There are already lords and ladies in my city that are struggling against this growing threat. We will enlist their help as well. Once we deal with Halmara, we will address Baltria.”
“So you will expand this war to include Baltria?” asked Victis, scowling.
“I will try other means first,” said Lousis. “But we cannot allow a port of that size to be under Angraal’s control. But these are things to be discussed once we have settled with Halmara. In the meantime, we must discover what is happening in Skalhalis. I will ask Ertik to send elf scouts to see if they have armed for war.”
“I will do so at once,” said Ertik. “And I would suggest you send more men to Valshara. One hundred can hold off a siege for a long time, but not indefinitely.”
“I agree,” said Lousis. “I intend to make Valshara our staging point.” He got to his feet. “I know that some of you do not have many soldiers to offer. So all cities south of Althetas should keep what you must in your land to keep order, and send the rest to Tarvansia. If Angraalsends forces from Baltria, that is where they will strike first. The rest will join my forces in Valshara. Agreed?”
Gradually, all nodded in agreement.
For the next several hours, they mapped out plans for troops and supplies. It was late in the afternoon before they decided to adjourn for the day. Lousis asked Victis to remain in his chambers once the others had left.
“Thank you, my friend,” said Lousis. “I know how difficult it was for you to make this decision.”
“King Halmara is my cousin,” Victis replied. “But in the end, there is no denying that you are right. He is not fit to rule. I have worried about the future of my land for some time, and I am not blind to what Angraalhas done. I can see what will become of us. But I still do not think we can prevail.”
“Then why did you join us?” asked Lousis.
Victis held his head high. “Because I am King of Tarvansia. My people will remain free for as long as I draw breath.” He moved to the door. “But I am tired, and I believe we have several more days of planning ahead of us.” He pulled open the door. Just as he left he paused. “I thank you for excluding me in the campaign against my cousin.”
Lousis smiled as the door closed. He changed into his robe and slipped into bed. His body ached and his head was swimming. The battle of Valshara entered his thoughts. The sights and sounds of the dead and dying were still fresh in his memory. This would get worse. Much worse. He looked up at the picture of his father, King Hersal, which hung on the wall. Hersal had ruled for fifty-two years. In all that time, there had been only one border dispute, and a few bands of marauding raiders had been run out of the kingdom.
“What I would give to trade places,” he muttered, then let himself drift off to sleep.
Chapter 27
For six days, Lee had been chained, hands above his head, to a cold stone wall. At least, that’s how long he thought it had been. No food or water had been offered, and even with the strength of Saraf running through his veins, he was beginning to weaken. He occasionally heard someone enter the small cell where he had been taken, but a blindfold had been kept tight over his eyes, and he could not tell who it was. He did his best to concentrate and hear what was going on nearby, but there was only the sound of various rodents scurrying about, and the stomping of hard boots on stone floors.
His mind wandered to thoughts of Jacob. He refused to believe that he had been betrayed, though his captors had clearly wanted him to believe so. He would not fall prey to doubt and despair. In all probability, his life would end soon, and he would need more than innuendo for his last moments to be filled with anger.
The door opened. The footfalls were light and graceful, not the clumsy, plodding of a soldier. The scent of lilacs filled the air.
“So they have sent a woman to attend me,” said Lee. His mouth was so dry, each word was an effort. “You can tell your master his efforts to break me will fail. It is just as well that he kill me and be done with it.”
He felt a cup touch his dry cracked lips. The water poured down his throat. He moaned with relief in spite of himself.
“So what is it you intend to do?” he asked, contemptuously. “Keep me alive so you can watch me suffer?” There was no response. “You fear to speak? It's just as well. Your words would be lies.”
“I don't know what to say.” The voice was a soft whisper.
“Then say nothing,” he shot back. “Better next time they send a mute fool.”
There was a long silence, then he felt a cool rag gently cleaning the grime from his face.
He shook his head violently. “Do not touch me, unless it is a blade you carry.”
“Are you so anxious to die?” she asked.
The voice was familiar. “Another trick,” he thought.
“Yes, my love.” She spoke as if she knew his thoughts. “It is me.” She lifted the cup to his lips again, but Lee turned his head.
“Then remove my blindfold,” he commanded.
“I am forbidden,” she replied. “It was the only way they would allow me to see you.”
“I know you are lying. Penelope would not act with such cruelty.”
“I will remove your blindfold,” she offered. “But know that if I do I will be taken from here at once and n
ot be allowed to return. You will learn I speak truth, but we will not speak again…ever.”
Lee's heart ached. “Then leave me blind. But know that I will tell you nothing the Dark Knight may want to know.”
“That is best,” she said. “There is much that has happened of which you are unaware.”
“And Jacob,” he asked. “What has happened to him?”
“He has escaped,” she replied. “He did not betray you, Lee. He was recognized by a recruit from Hazrah.”
“That is good to hear,” he replied. This lifted a great weight from his heart. “But if the Dark Knight intends to break me, why tell me this.”
She continued to clean his face. “The Reborn King does not need to leave you in despair to break you, my love. You will understand once you are in his presence.”
“He may find it more difficult than he imagines.”
“He is aware of your strength,” she said. “It is why he has waited. He wishes you intact. Should he force his will upon you, your spirit could shatter.”
“And how is it you know this,” asked Lee.
“I have been in the presence of the Reborn King,” she replied, sadly. “I have witnessed his power. No one can resist him. Not even you, my love.”
“Did you come here to warn me, or prepare me,” he asked, angrily. “Penelope would never say these things.”
“I only tell you the truth,” she replied. “I wish things were different. I am Penelope Nal'Thain, but no longer the woman you knew. The king has changed me.”
“Then help me,” said Lee. “I will undo what he has done.”
“If only that were possible,” Her voice was filled with sorrow and longing. “But I am lost. Even if I helped you escape, I would betray you. I wouldn't be able to help myself. You can't know what it means to be under the king’s power.”
He could hear her weeping softly. “Please. I can help you. I swear it. I can break the hold he has over you.”
“I must go.” She lifted the cup to his lips once more. “I will try to return tomorrow. Soon you will be brought before the king.” Lee heard the door creak open. “I would speak to you again before you become his.”
The door slammed shut. A tear fell down his cheek. He didn't want to believe it was Penelope, but he knew it was. Rage and frustration swelled in his chest. He jerked the chains that bound his wrists with all his might, but even with his immense strength they were far too thick.
He knew he must escape, somehow. He would find a way to free Penelope. He would take her away from this wretched place. His thoughts turned to Jacob. He had escaped. But would he run? He doubted it. Jacob had too much of his father in him, which meant he would likely end up being killed or captured. There must be a way to escape before it was too late. If what Penelope said was true, the Dark Knight had the power to break him, then soon he may be helpless to do anything. He wished he could have seen her, if only for a moment.
He thought back to the last time they were together; her eyes filled with tears, her voice hot with anger. She cursed him for leaving.
The door opened again. His heart jumped, but the sound of boots told him that it was not Penelope. A fist slammed into his abdomen, nearly causing him to lose his breath.
“You know what you cost me, Starfinder?” It was Captain Lanmore. “Because of your deception, I have lost everything.”
“And you expect me to feel guilt?” Lee scoffed. “You are the servant of my enemy and the enemy of all free people.” This brought a fist crashing to his jaw. The taste of blood filled his mouth, and he spat. “I'm surprised they allowed you to live, after they realized your stupidity and incompetence.”
He whispered in Lee's ear. “I should kill you now. But perhaps I'll kill your son, instead…while you watch. Yes. He's stupid enough to think he can rescue you. When he's caught, I'll skin him alive.”
Lee laughed. “Those are the words I would expect from a coward. You are truly bold when faced with a man in chains. Were I free, you would run like the scared dog that you are.”
“You think me a fool?” He grabbed Lee's face and squeezed. “I am not ignorant to what you are, Lee Nal'Thain, Starfinder, or whatever you call yourself…son of Saraf. You think my king sends us to war ill-informed. I know what you are capable of. So if you think to goad me into releasing you, then you waste your breath.”
“Then I suggest you finish your business and leave,” said Lee.
“I'm finished,” said Lanmore. “And soon, you will be, too.”
The door slammed hard. Lee couldn't help but feel pity for the captain. A commoner in a world of nobles, clawing his way through the ranks, was admirable. He had felt a genuine kinship with the man. But still, he was the enemy. He had not really thought he could anger Lanmore enough to release him. But it had been worth a try. Still, there must be a way.
He slid down the wall, allowing the chains to support him. He needed to rest. He need to stay strong. When the moment arrived, he would be ready. He fell asleep, his face still showing determination.
The sound of a creaking door shocked him out of his slumber. It was the light footfalls of Penelope, but mixed with the clinking of metal, and scraping of leather. He felt thin, delicate fingers pull the blind-fold from his eyes. He squinted at the light from the torches, but as his eyes focused, he saw her.
Her long, straight, raven hair fell down her back and around her shoulders, framing her sweet features. Her ivory skin and deep blue eyes staring lovingly at him, brought him to tears. She smiled a warm, sad smile as she stepped back. Even in the blue nightgown she wore, she looked graceful. Age had not touched her. She was every inch the woman he remembered.
“It is you,” he cried.
In her right hand she held a large, iron key. With it, she reached up and unshackled him. Lee nearly collapsed. Struggling to steady himself, he threw his arms around his wife and embraced her tightly.
“I am here, my love,” she whispered. She pulled back slightly and met his eyes.
Lee was weeping openly. He kissed Penelope long and deep, crushing her to his chest. “I prayed for this. Come. We will find Jacob, and I will get you away from here.”
She pointed to a guard’s uniform and sword, piled next to the door. “Quickly. Change into this.”
Lee beamed, and donned the uniform. “Are you ready?”
Penelope smiled a sad smile, and kissed Lee once more. “I cannot go with you.”
“What do you mean,” he exclaimed. “Of course, you can. They will not stop us. If I have to, I will cut my way through every soldier in Angraal.”
Penelope grasped her stomach and doubled over. Lee rushed to her side and helped her as she slid to the floor.
“What is wrong?” His voice was desperate.
“I am saving you the only way I can,” she said, weakly. “I told you. I belong to the king now. He has enslaved my spirit. I could only resist him for a short time. But it will be long enough…” She winced in pain, then reached inside her robe, and pulled out a small, empty vial.
“Please, no!” he sobbed. He recognized the faint odor of venil root. “Not this way!”
“It was the only way I would not betray you,” she explained, softly. “I could not bear you falling under the same curse that now possesses me. The Reborn King is more powerful than you can imagine. He must be stopped. His plans go far beyond the coming war. He wants to watch the world burn. And once he has conquered all, he will destroy the earth….and heaven along with it. Nothing will remain.” She tried to push Lee away, but he held her fast. “Now go. Jacob has been spotted three miles south of the garrison. Find him before they do. Please, save our son.” Her eyes closed and with one last gasp, and she went limp.
Tears fell freely as he pulled her close. Then, as if an echo in his mind, came the words save our son. He laid her gently on the floor and kissed her lips. “Goodbye, my love.” He took one final look and wiped his eyes. Dark sadness began to boil into blinding rage.
He open the door
to his cell. Two guards lay dead, just outside, one wearing nothing but his underclothes. He dragged the bodies inside the cell and closed the door. Lee thought about the layout of the garrison. He hoped the uniform would be enough to allow him to pass through unnoticed. That must have been why Penelope cleaned his face, he thought. She must have known all along. The memory stabbed at him, harshly. No. He must push aside despair for now. He recalled how he had been brought there. They had not blindfolded him until after he was in chains. Their mistake.
He made his way through the stone corridors of the keep until he reached the main hall leading to the front entrance. His muscles tensed as two guards walked by, but to his relief they didn't even bother to look at him. The bureaucrats had left their desks for the evening, so the path to the door was open.
Hoping it was night, he opened the door and stepped into the yard. Torches burned around the perimeter and along the slate path leading to the gatehouse. The frigid night air swept under his clothes. He shivered for a split second, then walked at a steady pace toward the gate. Two guards were at the gatehouse, but they scarcely noticed his passing.
The road south was empty. He looked north to Kratis. It glowed on the background of the night sky, its towers looming ominously. The thought of the Dark Knight being so close redoubled his rage, but he forced it down and headed south. Once out of eyesight of the garrison, he left the road, darting in and out from behind trees and brushes, and stopping every few yards to listen for signs of Jacob. Just as Penelope had said, after three miles, he heard him.
Lee crept silently until he was only a few yards away from a felled tree. Jacob crouched behind it ready to spring.
“Jacob,” whispered Lee. “Come out.”
Jacob stayed perfectly still. Lee called out again. This time he cautiously climbed over the tree and walked to where his father waited. Lee embraced his son.
“How did you escape?” asked Jacob.
The pain of Penelope's death cut deep once again. “We must flee.”
“What about mother?” he pressed.
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