The Godling Chronicles The Shadow of God

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. The 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 Angrääl soldiers 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 Dähl that was attacked, and her people that were slaughtered 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 Angrääl in 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.”

Selena stepped in front of Kaylia. “You may yet save your wretched skin. I have heard your name before...Salmitaya. And I have known of your evil works longer than you think.” She grabbed Salmitaya's chin and forced her to look into her eyes. “I also know that you are high in the council of the Reborn King.”

Salmitaya jerked her head free of Selena's grasp. “You know nothing, fool.” She shut her eyes. “Kill me and be done with it.”

Selena scrutinized Salmitaya for a full minute. “I may. Or perhaps I should send you back to Angrääl.”

Salmitaya's eyes shot wide.

“Yes. That's what I'll do.” Selena stepped back and smiled.

“Please,” cried Salmitaya. “You can't—”

“I can and I will,” said Selena. Her tone was low and dangerous. “Or do you wish to remain here?”

“I wish you to kill me,” she replied.

“I say we give her what she wants,” said Kaylia, still holding her knife.

Linis approached. He snatched Salmitaya up by the arm and shook her violently. “Who had the elves hung from the walls?”

Salmitaya said nothing.

“Answer him,” Selena commanded. “Or I swear I will send you back.”

“Yanti,” answered Salmitaya, meekly.

“Who is Yanti?” asked Selena. “Was it he who ordered the taking of Valshara?”

“You will find out soon enough.” Salmitaya shook her head. “But understand that I know nothing of value to you. I am disgraced in the eyes of my lord. If you intend to question me, you will get nothing, for I know nothing. If you set me free, I must continue to fight you. That is if I’m allowed to live. So you have to kill me.”

“It appears you fear returning to your master more than you fear death,” said Selena, thoughtfully. She looked up at the elf who had brought Salmitaya out. “Put her with the other prisoners, for now. We have wounded to attend. I will decide her fate later.”

Linis glared at Salmitaya, then released her.

“Do you think she will tell us anything?” asked Theopolou, once Salmitaya had been led away.

“I don't think she knows anything,” Selena replied.

“Then why keep her alive?” asked Kaylia.

Selena bowed her head. “As I said, I will not decide anything until my anger lessens. Whoever Yanti is, it is clear he escaped before we arrived.”

“He may be among the prisoners,” offered Theopolou. “If not, they may know where he has gone. I will have them questioned.”

Selena nodded in agreement. “Thank you. Let me know what you discover.”

The rest of the day was spent tending to the wounded. Once Nehrutu cared for Mohanisi, he and Kaylia began treating the most severe injuries. Mohanisi was too weak to assist and was taken inside the temple and given a bed. Selena ordered that the wounded from the first battle be brought in and soon the entire courtyard was filled. King Lousis refused further treatment until all of the men and elves had been seen to first. By nightfall Nehrutu and Kaylia were exhausted, and stumbled from person to person as if in a daze. Finally, Selena decided to intervene.

“You must rest,” Selena said to Kaylia. “We have other healers among us. You have already saved the most critically wounded.”

“I will rest when Nehrutu does the same,” said Kaylia.

“Then that time is now,” came the voice of Mohanisi from behind. “I am well enough to continue what you have started. I will take over until morning.” He strode off to relieve Nehrutu.

Linis and a small group of elves were gathering the bodies of their fallen kin, preparing them for the funeral rites. King Lousis ordered the slain humans to be taken back to Althetas. The bodies of the enemy were to be burned and buried near the passage entrance, along with their weapons and armor.

Selena found that her chambers remained as she left them, with the exception of Salmitaya's clothing and a few extra books. She ordered the bed sheets to be burned and replaced, then she had Salmitaya's belongings packed away. She had a basin of hot water brought in, and changed into a plain, tan cotton dress and suede moccasins. Sitting in her plush chair she closed her eyes, trying to push the visions of battle from her mind. Just as she opened them, there was a light rap at her door. King Lousis entered, with a guard helping him walk on his broken leg, followed by Theopolou, Linis and Nehrutu.

“It is good to see you back where you belong,” said Linis, smiling.

Selena stood. “As soon as possible, I want the injured in the courtyard brought inside the temple.”

“We are already clearing out the rooms,” said Theopolou. “I can have the beds ready within the hour. Though I am not certain what to do about the prisoners. We cannot keep them here indefinitely.”

“I will decide what is to be done with them in the morning,” said Selena. “Keep them under guard until then.”

“And Salmitaya?” asked Linis.

“I will speak with her again shortly,” Selena replied. “She will be kept apart from the soldiers. We have a small holding area in the west wing.”

“I would like to be with you,” said Linis.

“No,” Selena replied. “I will speak to her alone.”

“Should you decide to spare the soldiers,” said Lousis, “I can have my men construct cages in a small compound outside Althetas.”

“I will keep that in mind,” said Selena. “How many did we lose in battle?”

“More than three-hundred men and elves,” answered Lousis. “Our enemy lost three times as many. Angrääl will think twice before moving against us now.”

“This was nothing,” said Theopolou. “A skirmish, at best. When the Dark Knight sends his armies south, we must be ready. This defeat may only serve to anger him. And it may cause him to march sooner than he had originally planned.”

Lousis furled his brow. “Are you saying we should have held off our attack?”

“Not at all,” Theopolou replied. “This victory has solidified the bond between elf and human. And it will show potential allies that our defeat is anything but certain.”

“It will go a long way toward helping our cause when I assemble the kings and queens,” said Lousis. “That must be my first priority. I shall leave tomorrow.”

“Are you well enough to travel?” asked Selena.

Lousis held his head high and smiled broadly. “The King of Althetas will not be laid low by a broken leg, high lady.”

Nehrutu leaned over with his hands outstretched to Lousis' injured leg. “With your permission.”

The King nodded. “If you are well enough.”

Nehrutu touched the leg, eyes closed. The king gasped, reached for Nehrutu's shoulder, and cried out in pain. The king’s guard rushed to his side, but by then it was over. Nehrutu straightened his back and heaved a sigh.

“It is done,” said Nehrutu.

Lousis tenuously put his weight on his leg. He began stomping his feet hard as a low chuckle turned into a full-on belly laugh. “If only my people possessed such power.”

Nehrutu smiled weakly. “Perhaps one day they will. I cannot say with certainty that such abilities are beyond your kind.”

Lousis slapped Nehrutu on the shoulder. “What a wondrous notion.” He turned to Selena. “I must beg your leave. Thanks to our elf ally I can see to my soldiers as a king should. Unless you object, I will be leaving fifty men here to give you aid, and I will send men and materials to repair damage done during the battle.”

“Your help is well-received, your highness” said Selena.

The king bowed low and left, his guard struggling to keep pace.

“A strong leader,” remarked Linis, with an approving nod. “We could use many more like him.”

“Indeed,” Theopolou agreed. “And his haste is warranted. We must decide our next course of action.”

“I intend to join Millet and Dina in Sharpstone,” said Linis. “Angrääl will certainly move their armies down the Goodbranch. If they secure it, they will have a supply line leading all the way to Baltria.”

“I agree,” said Theopolou. “But we must remember that elf and human are not united there. Your presence may be disruptive.”

“I can ask Lord Ganflin for assistance,” said Linis. “And Lord Broin as well. The sight of human lords alongside elves may ease fears.”

“Then you should depart with King Lousis,” said Theopolou.

“I will send what is left of the knights of Amon Dähl with you,” Selena added. “Dina sent out a general request for aid, and in light of the attack, I doubt many, if any responded. I would not have her mounting a defense with nothing but sell-swords. I can send instructions ahead of your arrival by messenger flock.”

“That will be wise,” said Linis. “If Broin and Ganflin are able to help, it may take time for them to assemble men and supplies. Millet and Dina should be made aware of the situation as soon as possible.”

“And what will you do?” she asked Theopolou.

“I must see to the situation with my kin from the Steppes,” he replied, mournfully. “I cannot allow Angrääl to divide us further, and I am certain that once the elves have served his purpose, they will be disposed of.”

“How do you intend to accomplish this?” asked Linis. “Will our people even accept them, now that they have spilled elf blood?”

“I have spilled elf blood, Linis,” said Theopolou. “During the first split, I led thousands to their death, against our own kind. I will not sentence our brothers and sisters to death for sins I have committed myself, unless all hope of redemption is exhausted.”

“So you will go to the Steppes yourself?” Linis' face was dark with worry. “Then you should see if Mohanisi or Nehrutu will go as well.”

“I cannot,” said Nehrutu. “I must await Aaliyah and Gewey. But I agree that one of us should go. I will speak to Mohanisi tonight.”

“And what shall you do, Kaylia?” asked Selena.

“I will wait here for Gewey,” she replied. “If you will allow it, high lady.”

Selena smiled. “You are now a part of this temple, and can stay if you wish. And I could certainly use your help in the coming days. At least until Gewey's return.”

“With your approval, I would like to leave some of my people here in addition to the king's,” said Theopolou. “The elders will be returning to their homes to organize a defense of their lands, and to help other elves understand our cause. There will still be much resistance to these new ideas. Though, considering what has happened, I doubt that resistance will persist.”

Selena nodded. “Your people are welcome to stay, and their help is also welcome. But now I must rest. I have much to think about. Kaylia, if you would, find Ertik and have him bring Salmitaya here in two hours.”

“Yes, high lady,” replied Kaylia.

The party bowed and left. Selena walked the floor of her chambers, examining each and every object. She was loath to touch anything until it had been cleaned. The idea of the beasts who slaughtered her people pawing her possessions made her skin crawl. She wasn't sure what to do about Salmitaya...or the enemy soldier for that matter. The screams of her people echoing through the halls of Valshara were still fresh in her mind, and she knew this was not the time for rash choices. She must still her anger.

As she slipped into her bed and closed her eyes, fatigue took over. Though feeling a bit guilty for resting, while others still labored, she could feel that she was spent. She hoped a couple of hours would be enough to clear her mind and rejuvenate her body. The soft bed cradled her, pulling her into a deep slumber. And though much blood had been spilled, she couldn't help but be happy to be back in her own bed, and in the temple she loved.

“I shall restore this place,” she thought, just before her consciousness faded.