The Godling Chronicles (Shadow of the Gods, Book #3) (31 page)

“
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.

Chapter 19

Selena was shaken out of her slumber. As her
vision cleared, she saw Ertik standing over her, his face awash
with worry.

“
I'm sorry, high lady,” he said. “But
you ordered the woman, Salmitaya, brought to you in two
hours.”

Selena stretched and rubbed the back of her
neck. She was not exactly rejuvenated, but felt more like herself
than before. “Give me a moment to change, then bring her in.”

Ertik bowed, then left.

Selena searched her wardrobe and found a
long, blue linen dress, with the symbols of the Nine Gods
embroidered in white on the front. She doubted that Salmitaya would
wear such a thing, but still she wished she had brought other
attire. She pulled her hair back, tied it in a loose ponytail, and
looked at herself in the mirror. The lines of worry and age were
carved deeper than ever before. She sighed and scolded herself for
her vanity.

“
Bring her,” she called out firmly. The
door opened and in walked Salmitaya, hands bound in front of her,
Ertik scowling behind her. “Cut her bonds.”

Ertik hesitated for a moment, then drew his
dagger and cut the rope.

Selena sat in her chair and motion for
Salmitaya to sit across from her. “Please, leave us.” Once Ertik
left, she took a deep breath. The anger still boiled in her
breast.

“
What do you want from me?” Salmitaya
demanded, as defiant as ever.

“
I'm not sure,” Selena replied.
“Perhaps nothing. Maybe just to look at the face that had my temple
captured and its people slaughtered.”

Salmitaya sneered. “Then you will be
disappointed...high lady. I arrived after Valshara was already
taken.”

“
Is that so?” She looked in Salmitaya's
eyes. The woman masked her fear well. “If that is so, then why not
plead for mercy? Why wish for death? You speak as if you prefer it
to being returned to your master.”

“
If you don’t kill me now, I shall die
soon enough.” She shifted in her seat. “If you imprison me, then I
will languish in squalor until Angrääl returns and destroys this
place. Then die I will, slowly, for my failure.”

“
If you are so certain your master
would kill you, why return? Why not flee?”

Salmitaya sneered. “You know nothing. You
don't think I've tried to run away? You think I would be under the
lash of someone like Yanti if there was any other way? If it were
possible, I would disappear, but I can't. And even if I could elude
Yanti, I've been in the presence of the Reborn King. I've heard his
true name. I am bound to serve him until I die. There is no other
way.” Her lips trembled at the mention of her master. “And when he
comes, when he has you put in chains and brought before him, you
will give yourself to him, too.”

“
I think you underestimate me,” said
Selena.

Salmitaya laughed. “It is you who have
underestimated him. Do you think this petty victory means anything?
Do you think allying yourself with the elves will save you? Nothing
you can do will stop what is coming. He possesses the power of the
Gods. By his will he has imprisoned them. Such a man will not be
defeated by the pitiful force you have gathered. And when the time
comes, not even your godling will be able to save you? No. Soon,
even Gewey Stedding will be his as well, along with everything and
everyone else in this cursed world.”

“
If you know what Gewey is, then you
can't possibly think he can gain power over him,” Selena scoffed.
“Your king is powerful, yes. But he is still just a
man.”

“
That may be, but the Reborn King has
laid low the Gods of this world in one fell stroke.” She cocked her
head. “They are nine...he is one. Gewey will either serve or die.
As for me, you waste your time speaking to me. I know nothing of
value. And you gain nothing by keeping me alive.”

“
That is for me to decide,” said
Selena. “For now, I give you your life. But you need not fear. I
will kill you myself, before I allow Yanti, or your king to take
you.” Selena called for Ertik. “We will speak again very
soon.”

Selena returned to bed. She knew what she
must do next. She had known from the beginning. The captured
soldiers could not be released. They must die. But such things
could wait until morning. One night more without being the
instrument of death was all she asked for...and she would have
it.

The next morning the temple was a beehive of
activity. Selena ran into Ertik on her way to the kitchen. He had
already prepared her breakfast, and was bringing it to her
room.

“
Thank you, but I'd rather eat in the
dining hall,” she explained. “Could you find Theopolou and King
Lousis and ask them to join me?”

Ertik bowed and ran down the hallway, still
carrying the tray of food. The east dining hall was nearly filled
to capacity. Elves and human dined together talking and laughing
over their meal. Selena smiled at the sight. She had only walked a
few steps when cheers broke out, mugs were banged on tables, and
the words “Hail the High Lady of Valshara, Hail Amon Dähl” carried
through the hall in loud, boisterous voices. Selena held up her
hands to quiet the crowd.

“
Please,” she said in a clear strong
voice. “It is you who deserve all the praise. If not for you and
your bravery, this holy place would still be under the control of
Angrääl. Through your ability to set aside old hatreds and
misgivings, you have found kinship and solidarity. It is I who
applaud you.” This set off another round of cheers.

Selena smiled graciously, and sat down. Just
as she began to eat her breakfast, King Lousis and Theopolou
entered and took their seats.

“
How go things this morning,” asked
Selena.

“
Well,” Lousis replied. “The courtyard
is clear, with the exception of the prisoners. The elves have made
preparation for funeral rites a few miles beyond the passage. Also,
I have chosen the men to remain behind. Ertik has already taken it
upon himself to organize them.”

“
I have also chosen fifty of my people
to remain,” added Theopolou. Once the funeral rites are complete,
most of us will return to gather our full force. Lousis has asked
me to delay my journey to the Steppes until after his council
meets, and I have reluctantly agreed.”

Selene nodded, pleased. “That is good. I
think your presence at the council will be a help.” Her face turned
grim. “And now I must tell you what is to be done with the
prisoners.” She lowered her eyes and breathed deep. “They are each
to be questioned,” she paused. “then hanged.”

“
High Lady,” said Lousis. “I know they
have wronged you, but one does not simply execute prisoners of
war.”

“
You said you would abide by my
decision in this matter,” she countered.

“
I will but—” he stopped as Selena held
out her hand.

“
They are not prisoners of war,” she
continued. “They did not march across a field and do battle. They
did not sack a city of a nation with whom they were at war. No!”
She rose to her feet. “They broke into my house, and slaughtered my
family. They are brigands and thieves, nothing more. Should a
murderer of the innocent be allowed to return to his home, stained
with the blood of his victims? Would you allow it in your city,
King Lousis?”

The entire hall was silent. The King stared
at Selena for a moment then answered. “I would not.” He sighed.
“But I fear this choice may haunt you.”

“
It haunts me even now,” she replied.
Her eyes turned to Theopolou who was sitting quietly, with his
hands folded in front of him. “And what say you?”

“
I agree,” he said, after a long pause.
“They are not prisoners of war. And if you look upon them as
criminals, they should be treated as such. But I think that is not
why you do this.”

Selena stiffened. “I beg your pardon?”

“
You need to show Angrääl that you are
ruthless and determined,” said Theopolou. “You know this to be a
minor victory. Since this campaign began, I have thought it odd
that the Dark Knight should show his hand so soon. There was no
reason to take Valshara now. Not unless he was certain he could
keep it. If it was his plan, it was a blunder, and you must see to
it he is understanding of this.

“
You are correct in your actions, high
lady. And though I cannot say I would do likewise, I will not
criticize your decision. You have chosen to keep the woman,
Salmitaya, alive. I think you do this to somehow ease your
conscience. However, whatever you do, from this moment to the last,
I do not think it serves you to be in denial. You said you held off
your decision until it was made without anger, so to claim
indignation is false. And though your actions are harsh, they are
justified.”

Selena sat back down. “You are correct, of
course. And though I hear your words, my mind is not swayed. I
stand by this decision.”

Theopolou nodded.

“
I will order gallows built at once,”
said Lousis. He leaned forward, and cleared his throat.

“
You have something else to say?” asked
Selena.

Lousis nodded hesitantly. “We found the
bodies of your people. They had been piled up and burned in one of
the rooms in the basement. I had my men gather the ashes and the
few personal possessions that remained.”

This struck a nerve, and tears welled in
Selena’s eyes. “Thank you…I…” She dried her eyes. “I will see to
the remains, personally.”

“
Very well,” said Lousis. “Will you
want me to see to the executions?”

“
No, your highness,” Selena replied.
“It is my decision that sends them to their death. So it will be I
that will see it done. I only ask you leave skilled
interrogators.”

“
I have already seen to it, and they
have begun the questioning” said the king. “There is another
matter. I would have you at the council when it convenes. Will you
come?”

“
No,” she replied, “There is too much
to do here. Sister Celandine is in Sharpstone with Millet. They are
gathering the few remaining knights of Amon Dähl there, to
establish a foothold along the Goodbranch River. Linis is to join
them, and I must see to it they have all that is required. Also, I
must make contact with the other temples throughout the land. We
must know who is with us and who has been compromised.” She looked
at Theopolou. “Keeping Salmitaya alive serves more than to ease my
conscience.” She leaned back and rubbed the bridge of her nose. “I
will be sending out some of the people you have left me into great
peril. You should be aware of this.”