The Godling Chronicles The Shadow of God

chapter 24





Theopolou was wakened at dawn, when Mohanisi arrived at his door.

“What did you think of the city?” asked Theopolou.

“Humans have come a long way,” said Mohanisi, approvingly. “Their skills at building are more advanced than I would have guessed. In fact, many of the temples are quite stunning.”

“And the people?” he asked.

“Not what I expected.” He took a seat. “Though some are clearly not accepting of us, in large they are very hospitable and kind, particularly Lord Ganflin. Have you met him?”

Theopolou shook his head. “Not yet. Though I am sure I will soon enough.”

“I heard from the others, that a representative of Angrääl has arrived,” said Mohanisi. “How do you think this will affect the council?”

“Not well. It may be that we may be fighting on two fronts if my mission to the Steppes fails. King Lousis believes the cities south of Skalhalis will rally to King Halmara’s banner. And it is quite possible he was involved in the siege of Valshara.”

There was a knock at the door and a young servant boy entered.

“King Lousis summons you to the council, Lord Theopolou,” said the boy, timidly.

“Very well,” said Theopolou. “Wait for me outside.” He rose to his feet. “Go to the Temple of Ayliazarah. There you will find a woman named Maybell. I need you to bring her here. Tell her you are a friend of Linis and she will come.”

Mohanisi nodded. “I will do as you request. I wish you fortune today.”

Mohanisi left and Theopolou got dressed. The servant boy led him through the labyrinth of corridors to the east end of the manor to a broad oak door, guarded by two soldiers. The soldiers snapped to attention as Theopolou opened the door and entered the room. The council chamber was a fifty by fifty-foot hall. The walls to his left and right were covered with carved reliefs of various ships and sea creatures. At the far end stood a dozen pedestals with marble busts, each bearing a gold crown. The center of the room was dominated by a round table and fifteen chairs. The kings and queens had already arrived. Ertik was seated at the left hand side of King Lousis and Theopolou's chair stood empty at his right.

“Ah, Lord Theopolou,” called Lousis. “Now we can begin.”

Theopolou took his seat and looked out over the table.

Lousis stood. “My lords and ladies, this is Lord Theopolou. As many of you know, he is here to represent the elf nations. You have been introduced to Ertik, representing the Order of Amon Dähl.” He raised his arm in a grand sweeping motion. “These are the rulers of the western kingdoms. Starting to my right, King Stanis of Calderia, King Tredford of Yuledan, Queen Lilian of Farthing, King Brääl of Maiden Shore, Queen Fasheil of Lamitia, King Halmara of Skalhalis, Lord Sialo Magrifal, ambassador of Angrääl, King Victis of Tarvansia, Prince Loniel of Sieren Bay, King Jeris of Wisterton, Queen Illirial of the Saraf's Jewel , and King Tranton of Red Cliff. On behalf of all the kings and queens of the twelve cities, we bid you welcome.” He took his seat. “I think you all know by now why I have called this council.”

“I hope it’s to explain why your soldiers have invaded my land and taken possession of what is rightfully mine,” said King Halmara.

Ertik stiffened and turned red with anger. But a glance from Lousis kept him silent.

“Surely, you do not refer to the liberation of Valshara?” Lousis countered. “We merely came to the aid of a friend in need. A friend who had been set upon by the forces of Angrääl. Forces who marched on your borders long before my men arrived.”

“Then perhaps this has all been a huge misunderstanding,” Sialo Magrifal interjected. “We were asked by our dear friend and ally, King Halmara, to expel those residing illegally in Valshara. According to King Halmara they were in clear violation of his law.”

This was more than Ertik could stand and he shot out of his seat. “You lie! Our temple has stood for thousands of years unmolested. You murdered my people out of revenge. Revenge your master could not exact after he was expelled from Amon Dähl for his betrayal.”

Lousis grabbed Ertik's arm and pulled him back in his seat.

“This is who the high lady sends to speak on her behalf?” mocked Sialo. “You should learn to govern your passion, when in the presence of your betters.”

“Ertik may have spoken out of turn,” said Lousis. “But he speaks truth. And I would remind Lord Sialo, that no question has been posed to him, yet he chose to speak...in the presence of his betters.” This brought a round of soft laughter.

Sialo showed no signs of anger, as he nodded and folded his hands.

“The fact remains that I was well within my rights to take Valshara,” said Halmara. “It should not matter that I enlisted the aid of Angrääl to do so.”

Queen Fasheil spoke. “You believe it none of our affair that a foreign force is allowed to enter our domain?”

Halmara curled his lip. “And what of the elf army that slaughtered the Angrääl soldiers when King Lousis marched his men into my land? Is that not a foreign force?”

King Stanis of Calderia, King Tredford of Yuledan, Queen Illirial of the Saraf's Jewel, and King Victis of Tarvansia all nodded in agreement.

“The elves have as much right to be here as we,” said Lousis. “They have been here far longer and have lived among us in peace. The presence of Angrääl is of great concern to them as well.”

King Stanis spoke. “Is your memory so short? There are elves living today that fought our people in the Great War. You may be liberal in your thinking, King Lousis, but for those of us in the south, we cannot ignore that elves have been a constant threat to our way of life. They have never forgiven humans for their defeat...and I doubt they ever will.”

“What say you to this, Lord Theopolou?” asked Queen Fasheil.

Theopolou looked over the council. “King Stanis is correct. In fact, I fought in the Great War.” This brought gasps and whispers. “Until recently, I was opposed to a human-elf alliance, as were most of our elders. But that has changed. We face a threat that none of us can overcome alone. We must leave behind mistrust and hatred in order to survive.”

“And what threat is that?” asked Halmara, contemptuously. “The only threat I see here is you.”

“You know well the threat I speak of,” Theopolou replied, calmly. “That you have aligned yourself with the power you believe will be victorious will not save you in the end. Should the elves fall and the armies of Angrääl sweep across this land, do you think your people will remain free?”

“If I may?” said Sialo. Lousis nodded his consent. “The Reborn King has no intention of making war on this or any other land. He only seeks to strengthen friendships and create prosperity for all. Lord Theopolou speaks of unity, yet his own people assault him from the Steppes. He would have you believe that his people will protect you from the wrath of a kingdom that has done nothing to offend you. We have not invaded your land, nor will we ever. It is the elves that seek protection. And what is worse, protection from their own kind. It is they who would need you.”

Theopolou smiled. “Very well put. I can see why your master sent you. And I must admit, you are not entirely wrong. We do need an alliance with humans to survive. Our numbers are few compared to the vast armies in the north. But if your king has no intention of making war, then why raise a force so immense as to rival the armies of the Great War? Such an army can have only one purpose. Conquest.”

“You exaggerate, my lord,” said Sialo, smiling back. “We have been beset with requests for aid from all corners of the world. We only raised the forces necessary to accommodate our ally’s needs.”

“I see,” said Theopolou. “Then you should be willing to allow the kings and queens of this land to send envoys to Angrääl to seek the truth of the matter...am I correct? Certainly, they would report that tens of thousands of soldiers are not massing for war, and that their neighboring kingdoms are not under the yoke of Angrääl. In fact, I could send an elf envoy along with them. It would certainly ease the minds of my people. If they departed right away they could be there and back before spring. Of course, you would remain here to ensure complete objectivity.”

Sialo glared at Theopolou.

“What say you, Lord Sialo?” asked Lousis, clearly amused at the man's anger. “You could remain my guest until then.”

“I, naturally, would have no objection,” Sialo replied, regaining his composure. “But you would have to allow me to send word of their coming.”

“I think not,” said Lousis. “It may cause doubt about their findings.”

“I must insist,” Sialo retorted. “I would not want there to be any misunderstandings.”

“You could write a letter of safe passage,” offered Lousis. “Certainly, that should clear up any potential misunderstandings that might occur.”

Sialo shifted uneasily in his seat.

“Enough of this distraction,” roared King Halmara. His voice echoed through the hall. “I came here to resolve the matter of the invasion of my land, not listen to my guest have his honor insulted.”

“Indeed,” Lousis agreed. “Though I do not see where anyone has given insult. The fact is, that foreign forces invaded and killed those within your rightful borders.”

Halmara leaned forward, menacingly. “And as I said, they were acting on my behest.”

Lousis cocked his head and furled his brow. “I'm confused. What crime did these people commit to warrant their slaughter?” He leaned back. “Surly if some crime was committed they should be brought to justice, not put to the sword without trial.”

This brought murmurs of agreement...even from the southern rulers.

“You say that Valshara existed in violation of your laws,” Lousis continued. “I know your laws well, your highness. They were written at the same council as ours here in Althetas, along with the other kingdoms. Since when is a temple considered an outlaw state? When is a temple looked upon in the same manner as a brigand or bandit?”

“Valshara hid their existence from us,” argued Halmara. “They have never sworn allegiance to my rule. Moreover, they support a military branch of their order. You expect me to sit idly while this so-called temple builds its own army, beneath my very nose?”

Lousis looked to Ertik, who had managed to calm himself, and nodded.

“The Order of Amon Dähl has never had an army,” said Ertik. “Any who would say differently knows nothing. For thousands of years we have been the guardians of heaven and the keepers of history. Our knights have fought to protect all that is sacred and have served the Gods since the ancient kingdoms were young. This is well known to the Reborn King, as he betrayed our order and seized the Sword of Truth, which we had protected for generations.” He stood up and looked over the council. “You need not go to Angrääl to see the Dark Knight's treachery. Temples throughout the land have been desecrated, their priests and priestesses murdered. In Baltria, the king has become little more than a puppet. In Hazrah, there are entire battalions garrisoned and ready to march. Do you think the people of Hazrah need so many for protection?

“Most of you have heard stories about my order. Can any one of you say that you have heard stories of our conquests? We have stayed hidden for so long because what we guarded could unravel the world should it fall into the wrong hands. Well, that has happened. The master Lord Sialo serves possesses a power beyond any of your imaginings. Do you think he has no intention of using it?” Ertik sat back down, staring daggers at Sialo.

There was a long pause, then Sialo got to his feet, his eyes never leaving Ertik's. He sneered, then pushed back his chair and stormed out. King Halmara stood and followed.

For more than a minute, there was silence in the hall. Finally, King Lousis stood and addressed the council. “I believe we should adjourn for an hour.”

The council rose and filed out. Only Theopolou, Ertik and Lousis remained. A servant brought them cups of wine.

“I hope what I said made a difference,” said Ertik. His hands trembled as he held his cup.

Lousis slapped Ertik on the shoulder. “I think it did. If we can sway enough of the southern rulers to our side, the rest will abandon King Halmara.” He drained his cup. “If our fortune holds, we may yet turn the tide in our favor.”

“What will happen if we cannot?” asked Theopolou.

Lousis shook his head and sighed. “In all probability, civil war. Halmara will rally the southern cities, and we will be forced to respond in kind.”

“That would be a tragedy,” said Theopolou. “Let us hope we can avoid it.”

Lousis squinted his eyes and rubbed his throat. Suddenly, he threw his head back, gasping for air and slid from his chair.

Theopolou rushed to his side. He looked back to tell the servant to get help, but the boy was gone. “The king is poisoned.”

Ertik looked at his cup and flung it to the ground.

“Are you all right?” Theopolou asked Ertik.

Ertik could only nod.

“The wine is poisoned.” Theopolou swept the table clear. “Help me get him up, then go find Mohanisi. If he is not in the manor, he may be at the Temple of Ayliazarah.”

They lifted the king onto the table. Theopolou placed his hands on the king’s chest and closed his eyes. Ertik bolted from the room yelling for the guards. Theopolou could feel Lousis' life slowly draining away as he used the flow to slow the poison coursing through his veins. Whatever the assassin had used, it was powerful. He just hoped he could keep the king alive until Mohanisi arrived. Six guards burst in, swords drawn.

“Find the servant who was just in here,” Theopolou commanded. “And let no one leave the manor. Two of you stay and guard the door.”

The guards obeyed at once.

Lousis slipped further away as Theopolou strained to keep his body alive. “Stay with me,” he whispered. “You are still needed.”