Lee bowed his head. “I don't blame him for hatingme. I hate myself for leaving him.”
“You did what you had to do,” said Millet.“You did not choose this.”
Lee pretended not to hear. “Do you have mounts?”he asked.
“No, my lord,” Millet replied. “Wesold them.”
Lee reached in his pouch, retrieved several gold coins,and handed them to Millet. “Have Jansi purchase horses andsaddles for you and Jacob.” He began to walk toward his room.“We leave as soon as he returns.”
Chapter Nineteen
Maybell inconspicuously readied their gear for a quickgetaway. They would be in Farmington in less than an hour and she didher best to remain calm. She had spoken to Malstisos several timesabout the exact route and timetable, but still, she knew howdangerous the elves could be. One mistake could cost both of themtheir lives. Malstisos was scouting the surrounding area with Grentosand Vadnaltis. Maybell feared that the elves would suspect that theywere on to them, but so far they had shown no indication of it.
She rode in the wagon with the family of a silvermerchant from Althetas. Both her and Malstisos' horses had been tiedto the rear. She passed the time by playing a card game with Lilly,the merchant’s wife and their two children, Anna, who was sixyears old and Beth, who had just turned eight.
They were among her favorite people in the caravan.Lilly was kind and cheerful, and in spite of a life of travel andraising two children, was always well groomed. Maybell enjoyedspending time in their tent when they camped. Lilly kept it much likea home. She even took the time to display personal keepsakes.
“It makes me not miss Althetas as much,”Lilly had explained. “And the children are reminded that thereis a home waiting for them.”
Her husband Gaylan, though not as cheerful as Lilly, wasa good and decent man. Tall and thin, with narrow eyes andwind-burned skin, he was not particularly handsome, yet Maybell couldsee why Lilly, who was very fetching, loved him dearly. He always didhis best to make his family comfortable. Though well off, he was notrich, but still he provided the best that money could buy when itcame to comforts. They had goose down mattresses and cotton sheets tosleep on, though he admitted that they were a burden to carry along,and their clothes were of the finest quality. When it was time formeals, Gaylan wouldn't touch a bite until Lilly sat down to join him.Clearly, he loved her very much.
Before long, Malstisos returned and joined her in thewagon. The children cheered with glee when they saw him. They lovedthe elf and couldn't get enough of touching his ears. One of thefavorite activities of the children in the caravan, had becomelistening to Malstisos tell stories at night. In fact, on the nightswhen there were no stories you could hear the wail of crying childrenthroughout the camp.
“Will you join us, master elf?” asked Lilly.“I am afraid Anna keeps getting the best cards.”
Malstisos smiled. “No. I'm afraid I cannot. Wewill be stopping in a matter of minutes, and Maybell and I mustventure into town to resupply.”
“Nonsense,” said Lilly. “My husband isgoing into town. He can pick up whatever you need.”
“I’m afraid I must go myself,” saidMalstisos. “I often don't know what I need until I see it.”
“Yes,” said Maybell. “And there is amatter I must attend to personally.”
Lilly frowned. “Very well. But you must join ustonight for supper.”
Maybell reached over and hugged the woman then thechildren in turn. “If we are back in time, we will.” Shehated misleading them.
Soon the caravan halted and began to make camp. Aftersetting up their tents, Maybell and Malstisos detached their horsesfrom the wagon and headed in the direction of Farmington. They hadn'ttraveled half of a mile when they heard a voice call from behindthem.
“Wait” It was Grentos. Vadnaltis was justbehind. Both carried their long knives at their side, and Vadnaltishad a bow slung across his back.
“I was afraid we'd miss you,” said Grentos.
“I wasn't aware you intended to go to town,”said Malstisos, trying not to sound alarmed.
“We noticed you were leaving and thought we'd keepyou company,” said Grentos.
“I thank you,” said Maybell. “But ourday will be tedious and long. I would not want you to waste your timeon such trivialities.”
“You are kind,” said Grentos. “But wedon't mind… do we?” Vadnaltis was expressionless. His eyeswere fixed on the road ahead. “You carry a bow, I see,”Malstisos remarked.
“Yes,” Grentos replied. “We thoughtwe'd do a bit of hunting, later. I'd ask you to join us but as youhave no bow… ”
“That's quite alright,” said Malstisos. “Thegame here is small and sparse. And I have no need for food orclothing, and such a hunt requires greatskill.”
Maybell noticed a sudden change in the elves’ walkand movements.
“I see,” muttered Grentos. “Then wewere correct.”
“About what?” asked Maybell.
“We had suspected you had found us out,Malstisos,” Grentos continued. “But we couldn't becertain. Seekers are not as adept at reading people as an elf such asyou. Luckily, those dull humans believe whatever they are told.”
“What is your intent?” asked Malstisos. Ifhe were afraid, it did not show.
“That has been a thing much debated betweenVadnaltis and me,” Grentos replied. “I would not have youescape to the temples.” He glanced over at Maybell. “Ican only assume that is what you were planning. Nor can I simply killyou. That would not sit well with Vadnaltis.”
“What's your solution?” asked Malstisos.
“You will face my challenge,” Grentosanswered, sounding pleased with himself. Malstisos reigned in hishorse. “You cannot be serious.”
Grentos backed away a few steps. “I am. Do youaccept?”
Malstisos slid from the saddle but made no move to drawhis weapon. “You have no right to do this.”
“Don't I?” scoffed Grentos. “I think Ihave every right to call out a traitor.”
“What's going on here?” Maybell demanded.“What challenge?”
“If I were a seeker and broke their code, or hadrefused judgment of the elders,” Malstisos explained. “Grentoswould have the right to challenge me to single combat. But as neitheris the case, he has decided to take matters into his own hands.”
Vadnaltis placed his hand on Grentos' shoulder. “Heis right, brother. You cannot do this. Call him to face judgmentinstead. You have that right.”
“He will not honor it,” Grentos countered.“He's just like the rest of our kin who have taken up with thehumans.”
“Perhaps,” said Vadnaltis. “But thenhe shows his dishonor, and can be put to death. As it is, you have noauthority. The elders have not given any such edict, and our lawsforbid it.”
“We have already been through this,” Grentoslet out with frustration. “The elders already ordered the deathof a traitor without judgment. What is the difference?”
“They were wrong to do so,” said Vadnaltis.“And the difference is, we are from the steppes,and we hold to the laws that have guided our people for thousands ofyears. Would you behave as the rebels, and throw away the lawsbecause they are inconvenient?”
Grentos shook off Vadnaltis' hand and turned his back.“We've been over this. I will not be swayed.”
“And if Malstisos refuses the challenge?” heasked. “What then?”
“Then not only will he die,” Grentos replieddarkly. “But his human pet will die with him. As it stands, I'mwilling to let her go in peace.”
Sadness washed over Vadnaltis' face. “I will askyou, one more time, to reconsider.”
“I will not,” Grentos replied, sternly. Hespun around to face Malstisos. “Do you accept or not?”
Malstisos opened his mouth to answer, but Vadnaltisstepped in front of him.
“I challenge you, brother,” said Vadnaltis.His eyes were full of tears. “Do youaccept?”
“What is this?” Grentos cried. “Youcannot do
this.”
“I ask again,” he pressed. “Do youaccept?”
“I…” Grentos stammered. “I… I do.”
The two elves stepped away from the horses and tookopposite positions on the road. Maybell moved close to Malstisos andgrabbed his arm. “What is going on?” she whispered.
Malstisos bowed his head. “A tragedy,” hesaid. “And an act of pure honor.”
The two elves put down their bows and quivers, and eachdrew their long knives. “Why?” asked Grentos. “Whydo you do this?”
“Because I love you too much to see you live indishonor,” he replied. “Should you strike me down, it isunlikely you will be able to defeat Malstisos after, even if he isnot a seeker. And as you well know, the challenge made cannot bewithdrawn.”
“Then I hope I die by your hand, brother.”Grentos charged.
Vadnaltis stepped aside, narrowly avoiding Grentos'initial onslaught. Time and again they traded blows, each unable togain advantage over the other.
Eventually, it was Grentos that drew first blood, as hisblade cut deep into Vadnaltis' left thigh. Blood soaked the elf'sleather trousers as it poured from the wound. Any human would havecollapsed in agony, but Vadnaltis showed no signs of weakening. Hespun around and brought his blade across the right shoulder ofGrentos. Grentos staggered forward but quickly regained his balance.Both elves stepped back for a moment, blood dripping from theirblades.
Grentos felt the wound on his shoulder and smiledsorrowfully. Tears streamed down the face of Vadnaltis.
“Deep enough,” said Grentos looking at theblood on his hand. “You have killed me. I beg you… finishit.” He dropped his weapon and fell to his knees.
Vadnaltis slowly walked over to his comrade and stood infront of him. “I will join you soon enough, brother.” Heplaced his hand on top of Grentos' head and muttered a prayer. “Isend you to the Creator.” With that, he plunged the knifethrough Grentos' heart. The elf gasped, then fell to the ground.
Maybell was weeping uncontrollably. Her thoughts went tothe death of Berathis.
Vadnaltis pulled his knife free and cleaned it on hisshirt. “Malstisos of the Finsoulos Clan.” he said withoutlooking up, “I call you to judgment for crimes against ourpeople.”
Malstisos took a step forward but did not approachVadnaltis. “I am bound to see this woman to safety,” hereplied. “But upon the fulfillment of that duty, I will facejudgment.”
“Then go in peace,” he said. “I wouldperform the rites alone.”
Malstisos bowed low and motioned for Maybell to mounther horse. They urged their mounts on in the direction of town insilence. Once they were a few hundred yards away, Malstisos began toweep. Maybell rode in silence, tears stinging her eyes. They haltedjust before they got to town.
“I know you don't understand what just happened,”said Malstisos, softly.
“I think I do,” Maybell replied. “Atleast part of it. What I don't understand is why Grentos allowedhimself to be killed.”
“He was dead either way,” answeredMalstisos. “The fight would have continued for some time, andGrentos was losing blood. Even if he were victorious, he would havebeen so weak that he could not have challenged me successfully. Hechose to die by his brother’s hand, instead.”
“Seekers and their ways are beyond myunderstanding,” said Maybell. “I could never kill asister… even that devil Salmitaya.”
“Yes,” said Malstisos. “But they weremore than just seekers. They were brothers.”“You don't mean…” she gasped.
Malstisos nodded slowly. “I do. They were brothersby birth.”
“How do you know?” She reeled at thethought.
“He is performing the burial rites alone,”he replied. “That is only done under two circumstances. Ifthere are no others to help… or if it is blood kin, killed by yourown hand.”
“Monstrous,” Maybell cried. “And youintend to let such people judge you?”
“They are mypeople!” he yelled, causing Maybell to recoil. He took a breathand calmed himself. “I'm sorry. I shouldn't expect you tounderstand. Forgive me.”
“There is nothing to forgive,” she assured.“It's just… I can't…”
“I don't expect you to understand all of ourways,” he said. “But know that I am not afraid to facejudgment. In fact, after today, I welcome it. I am tired of thedivision within my people. Perhaps this is the only way that we canheal.” He urged his horse forward.
They spent the rest of the day in utter silence. Maybellpicked up a few supplies, but was in no mood to linger. The onlything she wanted to do was get back to her tent and sleep. On thetrip home she could smell the funeral pyre, somewhere in the forest,and she began to weep once again.
Vadnaltis did not return to the camp, not that Maybellor Malstisos expected him to. When asked, they said that the two wentoff hunting, but when they didn't turn up the next day a search partywent to look for them. After a time, it became clear that they weregone, and the camp divided their belongings, and gave Malstisos apurse with coin matching the value of the gear and possessions.Malstisos promised to give it to them should he see them again.
Something had changed in Malstisos. Maybell could senseit but did not know what it was. As the days passed, the elf becamemore withdrawn, sometime disappearing for hours. When she tried tospeak to him, he would just say that he was fine and only needed tothink. But somehow, this didn't ring true. It was as if his spiritwas broken. She prayed to the Gods that she could help him to heal.
Chapter Twenty
Lee hurriedly packed their gear and helped Dina preparea quick meal of dried meat and fruit. Jacob refused to eat at thesame table and took his meal in the living room. By the time Jansireturned, the party was ready to depart. The sun had been down formore than an hour, and the faint light from the windows of the houseslit the streets. They said farewell to Jansi, and made their way outof the city. The darkness of the streets pleased Lee. The darker thebetter, and he had even planned their exit from Baltria to avoidsections that were lit by lamps.
They wound their way through the streets, Lee leadingthe way and keeping watch for signs that they were being followed. Atfirst, there was nothing out of the ordinary. Then just as theyentered the main avenue leading to the city gates, they noticed asmall group of five people wearing dark cloaks and carrying torches,standing to their right, on the walkway. As they passed the groupfell in behind them.
“The faithful,I presume,” whispered Millet. “What should we do?”“Nothing,” Lee replied. “Do nothing until they makea move.”
As they continued, more began to emerge and follow. Bythe time the gates were in sight, there were nearly thirty behindthem.
“Be ready,” said Lee. “When I give thesignal, we'll make a run for the gate.” A lone figure steppedin front of them, barring their path.
“Move aside,” Lee commanded.
“Peace, Lord Starfinder,” said the figure,in a distinctly feminine voice. She pushed back her hood revealing afamiliar face.
“Salmitaya,” Dina hissed. “I shouldhave known you were behind this rabble.”
“You're wrong,” she replied. “I amjust a servant… and a messenger.”
“Then deliver your message.” Lee gripped thehilt of his sword. “I have no patience for the likes of you.”
Salmitaya smiled, amused. “Very well. Reconsideryour present course. Yanti knows you intend to refuse his offer. Healso assumes you intend to attempt to free your wife. This will fail,and you and your family will die.” She took a step forward.“Yanti begs you to reconsider. You could live in peace andwealth. You need not sacrifice any more than you already have. Hepromises this, and more. You could even return to Hazrah as governor,if you wish. You can go home and have the power to protect yourpeople.”
“I intend to protect my people, witch,”snarled Lee. “Perhaps I should begin by taking your head.”His sword sang as he pulled it from it sheath.
“That would be unwise,” said Salmitaya,pointing to the group of the faith
fulbehind them.
Lee let out a hearty laugh. “You think that rabblefrightens me?” He sprung from the saddle and turned to the mob.“Many of you know who I am. You know my reputation. So openyour wretched ears and know this. I swear that should you attack me,or any of my friends that I, Lee Starfinder, son of Saraf, God of theSea, will kill every last one of you.” He took a long steptoward the faithful.The mob stirred uneasily.
“I await your response,” called Salmitaya.
Lee spun around. “My response is this. Tell thisYanti creature that before this is over, I will bathe my sword in hisblood. If he wants to save his own life, he should run as fast as hecan to Angraal and return my wife to me at once. Then heshould pray to whatever he worships that I decide it is enough for meto spare him.”
Salmitaya bowed her head. “I will convey yourmessage. He will be disappointed, I'm sure.” She snapped herfingers and the mob slowly dispersed. “Farewell Lee Starfinder.I'm afraid we will not meet again.” With that, she vanishedinto a nearby alley.
Lee tensed, awaiting an attack but none came. Finally,he remounted his horse. “I guess they are choosing to strikelater, rather than sooner.” He clicked his tongue to urge hishorse forward.
They passed through the gates unhindered. Lee noticedthe lack of city guards. So did Millet.
“The guards seem to have abandoned their posts,”Millet remarked.
“We just met the keepers of Baltria,” saidLee. “They've taken the city with a force more powerful thanany army. Fear.”
“Perhaps it's time we gave them a taste of theirown medicine,” said Dina. Lee turned and smiled maliciously. “Iintend to.”
They headed north through the delta roads for severalhours. Dozens of small bridges made good spots for an ambush, butthey passed unmolested. From time to time, they would see light fromtorches several hundred yards ahead, but they disappeared before theyreached them.
“They seek to unnerve us,” said Millet.
“They only succeed in angering me.” Leeslowed his horse allowing Jacob to catch up with him. “Are youalright?”
Of Gods And Elves tgc-2 Page 17
