“I want you to spread the word,” commanded Selena. “Gather all packs and gear and place them in the receiving hall at once. If it comes to that, I want nothing to hinder our escape.”
“Yes, High Lady.” Ertik bowed and left.
Selena busied herself by inspecting the provisions and defenses. The knights tried once more to convince her to leave, but she would not be moved. When it was time for the evening meal, fatigue was setting in. Her feet had swelled and her legs ached. However, even after a hearty meal and hot bath, she still could not bring herself to sleep.
After lying in bed for an hour, she decided to read. She sent for some hot tea and settled into her favorite chair, curling up with one of her favorite comedies. She needed a laugh. But she had barely got beyond the first paragraph when a loud knock sounded at the door. It then burst open before she could even respond. Jericho, the captain of the knights, stepped inside the chamber. He held his sword tightly.
“We are besieged, High Lady,” said the captain. “We must evacuate.”
“I heard no alarm raised.” Selena reached for her coat. She was thankful that she had begun the habit of dressing in clothes suitable for travel rather than her cotton nightgown. “Have they breached the defenses already?” She slipped into a pair of short leather boots.
“I don't know how it was done,” Jericho admitted. “But they killed three knights before we even knew they were there. Whatever they are, they're neither human nor elf.”
A cold knot twisted in her stomach. “How many are there?”
“We can’t be sure,” said the captain. “But they fight as if possessed. We cannot hold. You must leave now.”
Selena squared her shoulders, standing straight and tall. “Begin the evacuation. Then, and only then, will I leave.”
Jericho lowered his eyes but made no move to obey. “My Lady, if you do not come with me willingly, I regret that I must take you by force.”
“You wouldn't dare!” she hissed.
“It is my duty to protect this Order.” He took a small step forward, but did not lift his eyes or place his hands on her. “You are not only our leader, you also symbolize what we are. Should you die, we die with you. The knights are falling back as we speak to aid in your escape. Every second you delay, more of us meet our end.”
Selena boiled with anger, but she had no other choice. She nodded sharply and allowed Jericho to lead her though the temple to the receiving hall. Screams echoed everywhere as the enemy found new victims, but Jericho wouldn't allow her to pause. Tears streamed down her face. Her people were being slaughtered, and she was helpless to do a thing about it.
She hoped desperately that the gathering in the receiving hall would be large. But as they entered, those hopes were dashed; just three knights, Ertik, and two novices were waiting there.
“So few,” Selena whispered in horror. She felt her legs begin to give way, but Jericho caught her.
“Come High Lady,” said the captain softly. He led her to the tunnel entrance. “Others may yet follow.”
Selena tried to fight back her tears.
“I will stay behind and help others get out,” said Ertik.
“No!” Selena shouted. “You will escape now.”
Ertik bowed and helped Selena to the ladder once Jericho had descended. When they reached the door, Jericho motioned for them to wait before creeping outside into the cool night.
“All clear,” whispered the captain. “My Lady, stay close behind me.”
Jericho led the group down the trail, sword in hand. The others followed as closely as they could without tripping on each other.
They had walked for about half a mile when they suddenly heard footsteps approaching from out of the darkness. Jericho crouched and the rest followed suit. As the footsteps grew louder, the lights from three torches came into view.
“Off the path,” whispered Jericho.
They scampered into the nearby brush, trying to stay quiet. Soon the torches were right next to them. Selena's heart raced, her breaths short and swift. Then the torches halted. From where they were behind a small bush, she couldn't see who it was.
“Come out,” hissed a foul, unearthly voice. “I can smell you, hiding like scared rabbits.”
Selena was the first to stand. “Who are you?” she shouted. “Why have you attacked the sacred Temple of Valshara?” She stepped onto the path. The others quickly jumped up and followed. The knights stood at her side, while the others stayed close behind. Ertik had drawn a small dagger.
What she saw shocked and revolted her senses. Two soldiers stood in full chain mail, each one bearing a vicious looking curved scimitar in one hand, and a rope attached to a bound and blindfolded elf in the other. Selena recognized the elves as being part of Theopolou's guard. They had been badly beaten, but there was no mistaking who they were. Standing in the center was a creature she had never seen. Even in the dim torchlight she knew it wasn't human. Hunched over and swaying from side to side, it was wrapped in a long, flowing, black cloak, and wore heavy boots of leather and iron. Though its face was hidden behind the drawn hood, she could feel its eyes on her. It took a step forward and drew a long, jagged sword. The creature’s movement was unimaginably quick and fluid. Jericho and the knights leaped in front of the High Lady.
“Stay back, demon,” commanded the captain.
“The Vrykol bid you greetings, High Lady,” said the creature. “You will come with us - or all of your companions will die.”
“You will not lay your foul hands on the High Lady of Valshara,” growled Jericho.
The Vrykol hissed a laugh. “Brave words, human. I think I'll kill you slowly.”
“You will harm no one,” said Selena. In a flash, she reached inside her sleeve and threw a small glass phial straight at the Vrykol's head. The sound of breaking glass was followed by another foul laugh.
“Holy water has no effect on me, foolish woman,” said the Vrykol. “Your gods have no power in this world.”
Selena smiled fiendishly as smoke began to rise from the Vrykol's hood. A second later it burst into intense, blue flames. The two soldiers standing beside the Vrykol stepped quickly back as the creature desperately tried to beat out the flames eating away at it. It was no use. The fire grew larger and hotter until the light was blinding. The creature dropped to its knees and let out a short series of unearthly screams. The sound caused Selena to wince and cover her ears. Then, abruptly, the noise stopped. The smoldering remains of the Vrykol crumbled to the ground.
The two human soldiers immediately dropped the ropes they were holding and ran off into the night. Jericho started after them, but Selena ordered him back.
“We can't waste time chasing them,” said Selena. “We must move quickly.”
They untied the elves and examined their wounds.
“You are Theopolou's guard, are you not?” asked Selena.
The elves nodded. “I am Stintos, and this is Haldrontis. We owe you our lives, High Lady.”
Selena smiled. “We are happy to aid you. How did this happen?”
Stintos explained how they had been attacked by the Vrykol, and how Gewey and Linis had slain them. “We were to return to the temple until I was able to travel, but we were ambushed and held captive.” Anger raged in his voice. “They tried to get us to turn spy, but I would not dishonor myself, or my kin, with treachery. They are devils. And they have elf allies. Now that we are free, I must get this information to Theopolou.”
“He will be told,” assured Selena. “But your wounds must be tended. We go to Althetas, and the two of you are coming with us. I will send word the moment we get there.” Stintos opened his mouth to protest, but Selena shot him a stern look that told him there would be no argument.
“Can you travel?” asked Jericho.
“Yes.” Haldrontis spoke with fierce determination. “And we will fight if need be.”
Jericho turned to one of the knights. “Give him a dagger.” The knight obeyed, while Jericho gave
Stintos a dagger from his own belt. “I wish I could arm you better...”
“This will be fine,” said Stintos. “An elf with a dagger is a thing to be feared.”
The elves struggled to their feet.
“What was that thing?” asked Selena. “It called itself a Vrykol.”
“I'm not certain,” Haldrontis replied. “But they fight like they are possessed. And the only way I know to kill one is to remove its head.” He glanced at the smoking corpse. “And it would seem they do not like fire either.”
The entire group erupted into uneasy laughter.
“Let us go,” said Selena, still chuckling. “It's many miles to Althetas.”
Despite their injuries, the elves easily kept pace. By the time dawn pierced the darkness they had traveled many miles.
To everyone’s relief, there was no sign of pursuit.
Chapter 14
Several days had passed since Millet and Jacob had parted with Malstisos, Maybell, and the caravan. Once they arrived in Manisalia, Maybell discovered that the Oracle had fled more than a year before, and no one knew where she had gone.
Malstisos arranged for Maybell to have her own tent, and they purchased enough provisions to last the rest of their journey.
Though it was bitter cold, the blizzard had not reached the far west and the roads were clear enough to allow travel after only a few days. The nights brought cheer and laughter as Maybell and Malstisos made friends among the merchants. Maybell instructed the men in manners, and the women in how to keep a man in his place. Soon she became viewed as a sort of caravan elder, settling disputes and advising the merchant leaders.
Malstisos spent a great deal of his time with Grentos and Vadnaltis, exchanging stories and news from their tribes. Maybell checked in on them from time to time, but her new-found duties kept her busy.
On the eighth night, Maybell was preparing for bed when Malstisos came to her tent. He looked worried and anxious.
“What is it?” asked Maybell.
Malstisos' lips pressed tight and his brow furled. “I fear my kinsmen are not what they seem.”
Maybell's back stiffened. “How do you mean?”
Malstisos knelt down near to the entrance of the tent and peered outside before speaking. “First of all, they are seekers.”
Maybell looked confused. “Why is that odd?”
“Because seekers do not hide who they are,” he explained. “And they have attempted to mask what they are from me.”
“Is that all?” asked Maybell. “There could be any number of reasons for that.”
“Perhaps,” he agreed. “And if it were only that, I wouldn't be so concerned. Seekers can be an odd bunch, and the ways of my kin in the steppes are different. But these two have been probing me for information - the kind that can only be for one purpose. And they have underestimated me. I am not a seeker, but I am a worthy diplomat. Much more so than either of them. I know when I am being manipulated.”
Maybell tensed. She knew how vulnerable they were. “What do they want to know?” she whispered, suddenly afraid that they were being spied on.
“The identity of allies who are hiding their sympathies, the location of Valshara and its strength - things of that nature.” He fingered the knife on his belt. “The thing is, if they had asked me directly, I wouldn't have become suspicious. But they hide their questions behind other, seemingly innocent questions. Their poor attempt at subterfuge has made it clear to me that they are not what they seem.”
“Should we run?”
Malstisos shook his head. “No. We are better off remaining with the caravan for now. I do not think the humans are aware of their deception, and I doubt my kinsmen will want to draw attention to themselves so far from home. If we run, we are vulnerable. They are seekers. They will hunt us down and kill us both.”
Maybell's eyes brightened. “I know what to do.” She stood and began to pace the tent. “We will be near Farmington in two days’ time. I have friends there who will give us shelter. We should say that we need to pick up extra supplies, then take refuge.”
“Good plan,” said Malstisos, nodding in agreement. “It is unlikely they will openly attack us in a human village. Until then, behave normally. I will quietly gather what we can carry without being noticed.”
“Good,” said Maybell, satisfied. “Then if you'll excuse me. An old woman needs to sleep. Especially if we're going to be running for our lives in two days’ time.”
Malstisos bowed and left the tent. He took a deep breath and returned to the fire where the humans were laughing and singing. He knew that he should join Grentos and Vadnaltis so as not to raise their suspicions, but he needed time before he could face them. The thought of being deceived by his kin caused his blood to boil, and if they were to escape he needed them to believe he knew nothing. He just hoped that the place of refuge Maybell had in mind would be secure enough to stop two seekers.
After a couple of hours of socializing and singing with the merchants, Malstisos finally steeled his emotions sufficiently to join Grentos and Vadnaltis in their tent. The talk was light and cheerful, and for once they didn't try to gather any information from him. Around midnight they all went to sleep, though Malstisos found it nearly unbearable to stay in the same tent as the treacherous seekers. He slept light and woke several times.
He decided he would find a reason to stay with Maybell in her tent the following night.
Chapter 15
Salmitaya cursed as she slapped a horsefly stinging the back of her neck. Her plain wool dress was stained with mud and grime, and her brow was beaded with sweat. She was not accustomed to humid climates, or the way she was now being forced to live.
For two weeks she and Yanti had been in Baltria, and for two weeks she had worked for him as a slave. The home they stayed in was a modest, single story dwelling, though well decorated and comfortable. Located on the northern outskirts of the city populated mostly by merchants and store owners, it had a decent yard and a small flower garden in the back – a garden well tended by her own backbreaking efforts.
There had been two servants at the house when they’d arrived, but Yanti promptly dismissed them both.
“You are all I need, my love,” he’d told her in his melodic tone. “I wouldn't want you to feel useless.”
He’d then made a list of her daily duties, though they changed from moment to moment on his whim. The first day had nearly killed her. She’d been forced to rearrange all of the furniture, tend the garden, prepare the meals, and then go to the market to pick up a week’s worth of food and supplies. After she completed each task, Yanti would inspect her work.
“You must do better, my love,” he would say. “Otherwise you will never leave my service.”
Angrääl had forced her to give up her position and wealth, and had indentured her to Yanti until he felt she had earned the right to regain her status. She had gone from a powerful High Priestess to a lowly servant overnight. At first she had hoped it wouldn't be so bad, but it didn't take long to realize that despite Yanti's smooth and cultured demeanor, he was in truth a vicious and cruel monster.
She had attempted to escape during the very first week, only to be caught less than an hour into her flight. She still cringed at the thought of the beating he had given her, and at his promise that, should she try to do the same thing again, then he would most certainly kill her – very slowly.
Today, her duties consisted mostly of scrubbing the house clean from a black mold that seemed to cover everything in Baltria. Yanti had commanded that she be finished by midday because he had other errands for her to run later on. She looked up. The sun was high in the sky, and she was still only halfway done. Her back ached and her hands were blistered from constant scrubbing.
“Taya, my love,” called Yanti from behind her.
She jumped. Yanti moved silently and was constantly sneaking up on her. “Yes?” She tried to hide her hatred by averting her eyes.
“I need you to check th
e inns again. See if your friends have arrived yet.” He turned and strode away. Just as he reached the corner of the house, he paused. “Later this evening we'll discuss the fact that you weren't able to finish your work on time again. Perhaps we can find new ways to motivate you.”
Salmitaya shuddered as she watched him disappear around the corner. She dusted herself off, put away the bucket and brush, and headed to the tavern district. The streets of Baltria were filthy by Kaltinor standards. Though well paved and maintained, you could actually hear the mud and grime crunch beneath your feet. The city was situated in the very center of the largest delta in the world. The soil was rich and black, and the humid climate meant that the ground was wet for most of the time. It was nearly impossible not to track mud wherever you walked. Frequent rain helped to wash away the buildup before it could get out of hand, but it left a strong musty odor to which Salmitaya swore she could never grow accustomed.
The houses were mostly single story, bricks and mortar structures, even those owned by the nobles. However, as she drew closer to the docks she began to notice the many houses and shops built on tall pylons in order to avoid the occasional extreme high tides.
One of the largest cities in the world, Baltria was known mostly for its massive ports and market places that were as big as some towns. A colossal variety of goods were shipped both into and away from the Goodbranch River, and from there spreading to all points near and far.
Salmitaya despised the tavern district. Yanti had her coming here every two or three days to check the local gossip and pay his informants. At first, she feared she might be spotted by someone from the temples. Word of her betrayal had certainly traveled this far by now, and if she were caught then she would be doomed to spending the rest of her life in a dark temple prison cell. However, it soon became clear that, in her present state of filth and dishevelment, no one was likely to recognize her. Twice before she had seen sisters and brothers who she had known quite well, but they simply walked right past without so much as a second glance. After that, she removed the mirrors from her room.
The Godling Chronicles : Of Gods and Elves (Book Two) Page 14
