The Godling Chronicles (Shadow of the Gods, Book #3) (21 page)

“
I wouldn't say that,” Lousis replied,
and took a long drink from the bottle. “But they have made offers
of friendship. But I know an ultimatum when I hear one. They all
but cut off our trade with Baltria, when I refused to sign a trade
agreement stating that we would only ship to cities allied to the
Reborn King.” He sighed. “But that is not what troubles me the
most. They have made trade bargains with other cities along the
coast. You must understand, though my title is king, I only rule my
city and the lands that surround it for fifty miles.”

“
And the other cities?” asked
Theopolou.

“
The same,” Lousis replied. “There are
twelve kings and queens from the north port of Lamitia to the
Tarvansia Peninsula. We govern our territories absolutely, with no
interference from the others. This has been the way of things since
the Great War.”

“
And if something threatens you all?”
ask Kaylia.

“
Then a council of kings and queens is
called,” said Lousis. “Before the war, Althetas ruled the whole
coast of the Western Abyss. After the war ended, the cities were in
turmoil; several leaders, mostly former governors of the
territories, wanted to seize control. Instead of civil war, we
eventually formed an alliance of city states.”

“
A wise decision,” Theopolou
remarked.

“
It was,” Lousis agreed. “The war was
over, and no one desired more blood, so the council was forged. It
has kept the peace for five-hundred years. But now...” His jaw
tightened. “Now a snake has slithered its way into our midst. Men
and women I once trusted are under the influence of a foreign
power. It is why, for now, Althetas stands alone. Even the kings
and queens who I still name friend, and in the past would have
called for aid, fear reprisal. None are as rich as Althetas, and
can ill afford to lose trade with Baltria.”

“
Why did you not sign the agreement?”
asked Kaylia.

Lousis' back stiffened and his eyes narrowed.
“Althetas trades with who it chooses. We do not bow to the will of
some tyrant in the north that clearly seeks war and havoc. Our
ports and markets have always been free. And while I live, they
will remain so.”

“
I commend your resolve,” said
Theopolou. “I can only hope that your example will show others the
right path.”

“
Cities in the southern region are far
more vulnerable than those north of Althetas,” said Lousis. “We use
the roads west as much as we do our ports. And I’m embarrassed to
say, your people hold the lands to the east of the southern cities,
and they fear travel by land.”

Theopolou nodded. “Rightly so. But those
times are in the past.”

Lousis grinned. “That is good to hear. It
will go a long way toward uniting the twelve cities, when the time
comes.”

The tent flap opened and three armor-clad men
entered, each bearing the crest of Althetas on their chest plate.
The first was tall and lean, and looked weathered and worn, much
like the king, though clean shaven. The other two were considerably
younger, and far broader in the shoulders, though not quite as
tall.

King Lousis stood. “Ah, good. This is Lord
Maynard Windcomber, war master and commander of my forces. These
are his captains, Lord Brasley Amnadon and Lord Jeffos Windermere.”
The commander and his captains bowed low. Theopolou and the others
stood and returned the gesture.

A moment later, Nehrutu, Mohanisi, and Chiron
entered. Theopolou made introductions and they gathered around the
table.

“
The other elders have chosen to remain
with the army,” said Chiron, before Theopolou could ask. “Though
the humans here have had experience with elves, alas, the opposite
is not true.

They want to be near their people in case of
any...misunderstandings.”

Theopolou nodded. “That is probably for the
best. We can go over the plans with them later.”

“
To business then,” said
Lousis.

Lord Maynard leaned over the map. “I'm sure
you are aware of the danger in approaching the gates. The way is
narrow, and protected by bowmen. Unfortunately, it is the only way
in.”

“
We can fell the gates,” said Nehrutu.
“But not without exposing ourselves. The narrow approach makes it
impossible to match their bowmen in number, and as skilled as elf
archers are, our enemy need only shoot into the thick of our
ranks.”

“
What about the rear entrance?” asked
Linis. “We were told it has been blocked. Can it be
cleared?”

“
No,” Lord Maynard replied. “It has
been completely collapsed. But even still, we face further danger.”
He pointed to the path leading to the gates. “We must defend the
cliffs on either side of the path. Should they control it, they can
simply rain down death upon us. We'd be destroyed before we came
close enough to see the temple.”

“
Do you know their strength?” asked
Theopolou.

“
We haven't been able to get close
enough to know their numbers,” admitted Maynard. “They have taken
six of my scouting parties. Still, if they have enough men to
protect the cliffs, we'll need to take them first. The terrain is
rough and uneven. A skilled captain could make it difficult for us
to dislodge them.”

“
And if they are not defending, we
waste our strength,” said Linis. “We should send elves to scout. I
will lead them. No offense to the skill of your men, of
course.”

“
There is no offense taken,” said
Maynard. “I have been told of elf seekers. But make no mistake. The
men I sent were not without talent, and most were intercepted and
likely killed.” He placed his palms on the table and looked
directly at Linis. “The elves that came with the High Lady told me
of the Vrykol. I think it must be those creatures who watch the
pass. If you go, you may not return.”

Linis flashed a sinister grin. “I have dealt
with the Vrykol before. If I encounter them again, there will be
less for us to deal with later.”

Maynard raised an eyebrow and smirked
approvingly. “I like that. I like that, indeed.” He turned to
Theopolou. “You say you can smash the gates from bow range, as well
as take out their archers?”

“
Yes,” said Theopolou. “Without a
doubt.”

“
How will you do this?” asked Lousis.
“I saw no siege engines with your army, and we brought none. And
even if we had, the difficult approach would make them
useless.”

“
My kinsmen and I have the means,” said
Nehrutu. “We possess skills you may not be able to understand. But
rest assured it can be done.”

Lousis looked skeptical, scrutinizing the
elf. “You back up this claim?” he asked Theopolou.

“
I do,” Theopolou replied. “But still
we are left with our archers being bunched up and
exposed.”

“
I think I can help,” said Maynard. “My
men can protect them with shields until they are close enough to
fire.”

Chiron shook his head. “If you do that then
they will be first through the gates. Those behind must wait until
they move forward. You will lose many men.”

Maynard threw his head back in laughter.
“Then our foes will die by the hands of humans rather than elves.
We have not marched here to stay out of the fray.”

“
Then I suggest your soldiers meet with
our archers as soon as possible,” said Chiron.

Maynard glanced at his captains, who nodded
in return. “My men will be at your disposal.”

The rest of the battle plan was simple. Once
the gates were down they were to section off each area of the
temple until it was all secured. With the exception of the initial
force of humans, the rest would be elves, with the remainder of the
Althetan soldiers protecting the rear. At first Maynard protested,
but eventually let go of his pride, in favor of Theopolou's wisdom.
If Vrykol were encountered, humans would be no match for them.

After the meeting they dispersed. Kaylia and
Linis stayed with Theopolou and found a place among his kinsman,
while Nehrutu and Mohanisi found a spot far removed from the rest.
Theopolou and Chiron met with the other elders and explained the
strategy. Each tribe sent their best archers to meet with Lord
Maynard just north of the camp to drill.

By late afternoon, barrels of wine were being
unloaded from the wagons, and cooking fires burned everywhere. At
first, the elves kept to themselves, but soon the humans intruded
and forced their hospitality on them. The elders and commanders
made certain they were close at hand, in case trouble broke out,
but the so called ‘rebel elves’ who, like Linis, had been living
among humans for quite some time, joined them. This went a long way
toward easing tensions, and by the time the sun was beneath the
horizon, the camp was completely integrated. And though the comfort
level was not one of friendship, soon stories and songs sprang up
from both human and elf.

Selena invited Kaylia to join her in her
tent, just beside the king's. When she arrived, Selena was sitting
on a chair beside a small chest, atop which sat a cup of wine. She
smiled and offered the chair beside her, then filled another cup
and handed it to Kaylia.

“
I could see your pain when I mentioned
Gewey's name earlier,” said Selena. “I thought you may wish to
talk.”

“
There is nothing to say,” Kaylia
replied. “Gewey is on an important mission, and I worry. That is
all.”

Selena leaned forward and placed her hand
tenderly on Kaylia's. “I'm no elf. But I am a woman, and can tell
when another woman needs help. Please...”

Selena's words and genuine concern struck
home and tears welled in Kaylia's eyes. She took a breath and
recounted the events leading up to the march.

“
I see,” said Selena, in a half
whisper. “And these elves from across the Abyss… you are certain
they know what Gewey is?”

“
Yes,” she replied, wiping her eyes.
“Though I know Gewey loves me, I still fear that she will convince
him that she is the better choice.” She lowered her eyes. “I should
not despair, but the loss of our bond is driving me mad. If not for
Nehrutu, I....”

“
Gewey is your husband,” Selena
interrupted, “to use the human term. He is not hers and will never
be. What I know of Gewey, tells me his heart is true. More
importantly, that heart belongs to you. If you feel that learning
these powers will benefit you, then by all means do so. But if you
think you must compete for his love...” She shook her head,
laughing, then squeezed her hand fondly. “You are the one he chose.
And you chose him. That is all you need care about. And I assure
you that when he returns, nothing will have changed between
you.”

Kaylia smiled. “Thank you. Your words have
lifted my spirits.”

The sounds of songs and laughter drifted in
from the camp.

“
Speaking of spirits,” Selena remarked,
“it seems as if the very first elf-human alliance is going better
than expected.”

“
So it would seem,” Kaylia agreed.
“Though I wonder about the wisdom of wine and song on the eve of
battle.”

“
I think it may bring the two people
closer,” said Selena. “Better to have an aching head and good
allies, than suspicions and mistrust.”

Kaylia thought on this for a moment, then
rose to her feet. “Perhaps we should join them.” She held out her
hand and helped Selena up.

The brisk night was warmed by dozens of
fires. The smell of meat and wine filled the air, mingling
perfectly with the songs and laughter. By the time the meal was
served, Kaylia stood in amazement at the sight of two armies – one
elf and the other human – laughing like the Great War had never
happened. Her heart filled with hope. And though her thoughts were
ever on Gewey, she knew somehow all would be well.

Chapter 15

The orange sky that proceeded the dawn
brought with it an eerie glow that washed across the sand. Gewey
thought that it was beautiful in a way that only could be
appreciated firsthand. Kaylia would be the only one who would ever
understand what it looked like through his eyes; he could never
find the words. Just then his heart ached from the emptiness he
felt without her voice inside him.

“
Keep your thoughts here and now,”
scolded Aaliyah.

Pali stirred and stretched. “I see neither of
you slept.” He reached in his pack, retrieved some jerky and
flatbread and shared it with Gewey and Aaliyah.

Something caught Gewey's eye. A figure
approached from the direction of the Black Oasis. As it neared he
could see that it was a human woman. Her dark blond hair was
tangled and matted, and her tattered clothes were covered with dust
and grime. She stumbled through the sands as if near exhaustion
until she was only a few yards away. Gewey and the others stood,
but did not approach her.

“
Who are you?” the woman asked, weakly.
She didn't meet their eyes, and stared submissively at the ground.
Cuts and bruises on her face and arms told of abuse. “Why are you
here?”

“
A slave,” whispered Pali. “Who is your
master?”

“
Why are you here?” she
repeated.

“
You need not fear us,” said Aaliyah.
“If you wish, we shall protect you.”

Pali nodded approvingly. “Come forward.”

She didn't move. “Please. Why are you
here?”

Gewey could see the fear in the woman's eyes.
He took a step forward, but she jumped back, wrapping her arms
around herself.