The Godling Chronicles (Shadow of the Gods, Book #3) (28 page)

The barracks was no more than a two-story
warehouse, with dozens and dozens of three-man bunks lining the
walls and a series of long tables and benches in the center. A
brazier, filled with hot coals had been placed between the tables
on either side of the entrance. A crude flight of wooden spiral
stairs stood dead center. Only a few dozen men were scattered
about. Some sleeping, others playing cards and dice at the tables,
and a few reading over paperwork or going over maps. All took
notice as they entered, but none spoke.

“
Officers of the Reborn King live the
same as the common soldier,” said Lanmore as they entered. “We're
lucky to have arrived when we did. The day watch is on duty now, so
we'll not have to spend the next hour on introductions. The night
watch are mostly commoners like us. They don't care much about who
comes and goes.” He walked toward the stairs. “We'll be bunking on
the second floor.”

The upper floor was much like the lower,
except along the far left wall, several casks of ale were neatly
stacked three high. Lanmore removed his pack and threw it on an
empty bed, and motioned for Lee to do the same. He then escorted
him back outside around the side of the keep to the quartermasters.
In exchange for the wooden token, he was given his tunic
embroidered with the sigil of Angrääl and on the sleeves one red
star, signifying his rank as lieutenant, and studded leather armor.
Lee was offered a sword, but told the quartermaster that he would
use his own; the quartermaster looked down at it and nodded
approvingly. A large, burlap bundle containing an officer’s coat,
boots and trousers were the final items to complete his
transformation into officer.

“
Anything else you have to buy on your
own,” said the quartermaster, grumpily. “There are smiths and
armorers in Kratis who can outfit you, if you want something
sturdier than plain leather. If you need your sword tended, I’d go
there. I don’t trust the garrison smithy.”

Lee thanked the man and left.

It was nearly full dark by the time they
returned to the barracks, and the day watch was beginning to file
in. All took notice of Lee and Lanmore, and immediately hissing
whispers could be heard throughout the room. Servants were busy
readying the table for the evening meal.

“
We needn't bother with this lot
tonight, unless you want to,” said Lanmore. “I intend to take my
meal in the bunk, then get a good night’s sleep.”

Lee knew he should at least try to gather
information, but felt it may be better to speak with Lanmore in a
more relaxed setting. “I think I will do the same.”

Lanmore called over a servant and instructed
him to have their meals brought up. The meal was a simple beef stew
and salted bread, along with a cup of sweet wine. As simple as it
was, Lee was grateful for it. After a servant retrieved their
plates and cups, Lee stripped off his clothing, and changed into a
pair of heavy cotton pants, and thick wool socks. He felt his
muscles relax as he eased into his bunk, and had to fight to stay
awake.

“
May I asked you a question, sir?” Lee
rolled over so he could see Lanmore.

“
Ask,” he replied, yawning.

“
How did you end up in the service of
the Reborn King?”

Lanmore smiled and slid down beneath his
blanket. “I was captain of the Kaltinor city guard, once. I was
accused of theft and treason by the city temples, and forced to
flee or face execution.” He laughed softly “I journeyed north to
Hazrah and caught word that Angrääl was seeking soldiers. I heard
that a man could remake himself here, no matter what burdens his
past carried. It sounded like a good idea at the time, so off I
went. The funny thing is, as it turned out, it was Angrääl that
controlled the temples in Kaltinor, and probably gave the order to
have me accused.”

“
If you know this why not
return?”

Lanmore closed his eyes “I have pledged my
fealty to the Reborn King. I couldn't return even if I wished.
You'll understand when you're in his presence. When that happens
there's no turning back...ever.” He drifted off into a deep
sleep.

***

Lee awoke abruptly a short time later, and
instinctively reached for his sword.

“
Don't move!” yelled a harsh
voice.

He looked up to see five soldiers, all
pointing crossbows at him. He raised his hands.

“
What is the meaning of this?” roared
Captain Lanmore. “Answer me at once!”

From the stairs, Lord Pollus strode toward
them, glaring at the captain. “It would seem, my dear captain, you
have brought a spy with you.” His gaze fell on Lee. “Don't bother
with denials...Lord Nal'Thain.”

Lanmore leaped from his bunk. “Barath?”

Lee's eyes never left Lord Pollus. “How did
you find me out?”

Pollus laughed. “Your son, my lord. How
else?”

Chapter 17

Linis had returned just before dawn, as the
armies were readying to march. He and his scouts had found the
cliffs unguarded, though they had seen Vrykol lurking.

“
The Vrykol fell back the moment we
approached,” Linis told Theopolou.

Theopolou nodded and left to inform the king.
Linis joined Kaylia and Selena, who were made to join the rear
guard. Kaylia clearly was unhappy about this.

“
I don't like being treated like I'm
some helpless child in need of protection,” complained
Kaylia.

“
We can't afford for you to be harmed,”
said Linis. “If you are killed or captured, what would happen to
Gewey?”

“
Besides,” Selena added, “you may not
need protection. But I do. And I feel better with you at my side.”
She smiled. “And didn't you promise your husband that you would
stay safe until his return?”

Kaylia grumbled angrily, but said
nothing.

Soon the army began to march. Nehrutu,
Mohanisi, the elf bowmen and human shield bearers, led the way.
Theopolou led the elf soldiers just behind the front line, along
with Chiron. The other elders scattered among the elves serving as
captains. The Althetans were just behind Kaylia, Selena, and Linis,
led by King Lousis.

Selena was surrounded by what was left of the
Valsharan guard along with a few knights that had arrived after the
siege. Ertik had refused to let her out of his sight, and spent
most of his time seeing to her every need.

“
How are you faring?” Came a boisterous
voice from behind. It was King Lousis, astride a great black
warhorse.

“
We are well,” replied Selena. “And
you?”

“
I long for battle, High Lady.” He
leaped from his horse with the vigor of a much younger man. “I hope
that the elves don't win the day before I arrive.”

“
I hope they do,” said Selena. “I would
not see you in peril. Your people need you. As do all free people
of the world. In these times a stout heart and firm resolve is in
short supply.”

“
I think they need you far more than
they need me, my lady.” His friendly smile was a welcome respite
from the nervous tension of men and elves preparing for war. “Your
name will become a battle cry after today, and Valshara, a symbol
of hope for victory.”

“
I hope not, your highness,” said
Selena. “I would not have men and women going to their death with
my name on their lips. Though I fear it may be so.”

The entrance to the road leading to Valshara
was a half-day’s march. Soon the men began singing songs of victory
and glory, and though the elves did not join in, it seemed to lift
their spirits nonetheless. Theopolou had sent a small advance force
to secure the road and paths leading to the cliffs, and reported
that the way was clear.

“
Whatever they have planned, it is to
wait until we are within the cliff walls,” said Linis. “They know
we come, yet refuse to guard an easily defensible road. Our numbers
would count for nothing in that narrow passage.”

“
Are you worried?” asked
Selena.

“
I am,” he replied. “You should stay
near me at all times.” He tapped Kaylia's shoulder. “You, too. I
will not explain to Gewey why I allowed you to be hurt.”

“
He knows full well that I can look
after myself,” Kaylia shot back. “If something happens to me, the
fault will be mine.”

“
That will not matter to him.” He
looked up and saw the Stone of the Tower come into view. His face
grew solemn. “Frankly, at this moment, I wish he were here with
us.”

All nodded in agreement.

Word came back that the advance force had
secured all access points to the cliffs and that the road was
abandoned. The temple, however was not. From the cliffs they
spotted dozens of archers lining the battlements, and smoke
billowed up from within.

Slowly, the army funneled into the narrow
valley, guarded from above on each side by fifty elf archers. It
took a full hour before the Althetan soldiers began to creep
forward.

The king rode up, face hard, with sword in
hand. “I'd ask you to halt here and allow my men to pass.”

Kaylia opened her mouth to protest, but
Selena held out her hand and bowed to signal her compliance. She
and the others made their way to the cliff-face, so that the army
could pass. Nearly half the Althetans had entered the passage when
a low horn blast sounded in the distance. Not from the temple, but
from the north, behind the human lines. Another blast rang out.

“
What is that?” asked
Selena.

Linis drew his weapon. “I believe we are
flanked, high lady.”

Orders were shouted by commanders as the army
slowly turned. Another horn echoed against the cliffs, followed by
a low rumble. Kaylia, Linis, and the Valsharan guard stepped in
front of Selena. The rumble grew to the roar of hundreds of
frenzied voices. The king rode up, fury in his eyes.

“
We were out-maneuvered,” yelled the
king. “Linis. Inform Theopolou.”

Linis nodded and pushed his way through the
soldiers into the narrow passage. Althetans were still trying to
turn and exit. Linis had to knock several to the ground to get
through. Once he cleared the lines, he ran full speed to the elves
who were less than a quarter mile ahead. He grabbed the first elf
he reached and ordered him to relate to Theopolou what had
happened, then raced back to Selena and Kaylia. By the time he
reached them he could hear that the battle had begun.

The king was shouting orders and waving his
sword wildly. He tried to spur his horse forward, but a dozen men
surrounded him, and wouldn't allow him to move. Selena was still
against the cliff face clinging to Kaylia's sleeve.

“
Are you all right?” asked
Linis.

Selena nodded. “I'm—“

The hairs on the back of Linis' neck stood
up. He spun around to see the sky was streaked with incoming
arrows. The guards raised their small round shields and pushed
back, hiding Selena and Kaylia. Kaylia squirmed and struggled, but
Selena tightened her grip. Linis backed away. There was no room and
he carried no shield. The air filled with high pitched whines, and
dozens of loud thuds and cracks as the arrows sank into the ground
and smashed into shields. Linis moved, barely in time to avoid
being skewered. One guard fell screaming, the shaft of a black
feathered arrow protruding from the top of his shoulder. Two guards
reached down and pulled the man to the rock facing. Selena bent
down and immediately began tending his wound, but a knight dragged
her back to her feet.

“
How dare you!” she shouted.

“
We will see to him,” said the knight.
“You stay behind us.” But as she looked down she realized it would
be useless. The guard was slumped over, eyes closed, with a trickle
of blood coming from the corner of his mouth. The arrow had pierced
his lung. There was no hope.

Linis could see that the Althetans were being
forced back, though he could still not see the enemy. A tall
soldier ran up, his breast plate covered in blood.

“
High lady,” said the soldier, trying
to catch his breath. “The king commands that you retreat into the
passage. We are out matched, and I fear our line may soon
collapse.”

“
How many are there?” asked
Linis.

“
Nearly a thousand,” he replied. “They
came from nowhere. We were only just able to form ranks when they
reached our lines. They fight like men possessed.”

“
Hold fast,” said Linis. “I've sent
word to Theopolou. Help is coming”

No sooner had the words left his mouth when
dozens of elves came pouring out of the passage, weapons drawn.

“
What is your name, soldier?” asked
Linis.

“
Mitchis,” he replied.

“
Come with me,” he ordered, then turned
to Selena. “As soon as the elves clear the passage, you and Kaylia
go inside.” Without waiting for an answer, he and Mitchis ran to
meet the elf warriors.

Bellisia’s was the first face Linis
recognized. In each hand she wielded a thin, short-sword. When she
saw Linis approach she rushed to meet him.

“
What has happened?” she asked,
urgently.

Linis nodded to Mitchis, who explained the
attack.

“
Our left flank is nearly gone. If it
collapses, we are undone,” said Mitchis.

“
Go and tell them help is on the way,”
said Bellisia. She pointed the sword in her left hand to an elf
bearing the symbol of her tribe on his leather armor, carrying a
longbow. He nodded with understanding and shouted for the other
archers to form a line. Bellisia reached in her belt, pulled out a
small silver horn, and blew. The high-pitched sound pierced the air
like the cry of an eagle.