The Godling Chronicles (Shadow of the Gods, Book #3) (39 page)

“
King Lousis has no heir. His passing
will throw the city into chaos. If the Reborn King would have our
lands, would not that be the time to take them? Who will stand
against him? What resistance could we offer? We have no standing
armies. Will the elves save us, as you claim? With how many swords
will you do this? Ten-thousand?” He laughed sarcastically. “By the
words of your own ally, we would need a hundred times
that.”

“
There is more to war than swords,”
said Theopolou. “And victory is claimed by those who have the will
to take it. If Angrääl marches on this land, it will not find
simpering cowards, but a free people, fighting to protect their
love and land. If the King of Althetas has died, will you simply
hand over your freedom? The king has been poisoned. Do you really
think those who poisoned him will not take what is yours by force?”
He motioned for Mohanisi to step forward. “But you are right that
we must possess the weapons to combat such a foe. I tell you that
we possess strength the armies of Angrääl has yet to account
for.”

Mohanisi held out his palms and a ball of
flame appeared a few inches above them. Gradually, it grew, and the
heat became more and more intense. The members of the council
leaped from their seats and bolted for the door. The flame shot out
from Mohanisi's hand barring their way.

“
You have nothing to fear,” said
Theopolou. “Please be calm.”

Mohanisi allowed the flame to die.

The council returned to their seats. They all
stared fearfully at Mohanisi. Prince Loniel was the only one who
seemed undaunted by the display.

“
And this one elf will defeat these
vast armies?” asked Prince Loniel.

Theopolou smiled. He liked the young prince.
“No. Not alone. But know that you are not without great power on
your side.”

Queen Illirial spoke. “I have been a friend
to King Lousis. And I do not wish to be under the thumb of King
Halmara. But if Lousis dies, you are still left without the ruler
of the most powerful of all the twelve city states. The people will
not accept the rule of any of us, and they certainly won't follow
an elf ruler.”

“
Then you must form an alliance now,”
said Theopolou. “Your unity will galvanize the people of Althetas.
Should the king die, there are worthy lords that could take up the
mantle. You could lend your strength to this city. You could give
hope to those who would otherwise despair.”

“
And what role will the elves play in
all this?” asked Loniel.

“
We defend our homes, our lives, and
our children,” Theopolou replied. “We have lived among you for more
generations than can be counted. And though we have been separated
by fear and hatred, we intend for that to end. Already, elf and man
has spilled blood together. We have fought side by side and faced
death as brothers. Understand that I was against this before your
grandmother’s were children. If I can change, then so can you. Elf
and man live in this world together, and we will rise or
fall...together. You ask what our role will be. Our role is to
create a new world...together.” He rose to his feet. “Those of you
who will join me in this cause stand with me now. Those who will
not...” He paused and held his hand to the door. “Your presence is
no longer required.”

One by one the kings and queens stood up.

“
Then I leave you to your plans,” said
Theopolou.

“
Will you not stay?” asked Queen
Illirial.

“
I cannot,” he replied. “But Ertik
speaks now for my people, until our elders arrive.”

Ertik looked at Theopolou, shocked. “My
Lord…”

Theopolou turned and faced him, and took his
hands. “You have my confidence, Ertik. If I am to stand by what I
say, I must trust in my own words. You are to be the voice of the
elves, whilst I am away.” He smiled warmly. “If you need aid, there
are elves here that can assist you until Lord Chiron or one of the
others arrive.”

Ertik stared, stunned. Finally, he bowed his
head and returned to his chair.

“
Before you leave,” said Queen
Illirial, “I wonder, did you intend to tell us that King Lousis
still lives?” Her face slowly twisted into a smile.

“
As you were able to find this out on
your own,” replied Theopolou, “it would appear that is
unnecessary.”

Theopolou bowed and left, Mohanisi just
behind him.

“
I noticed you did not mention Shivis
Mol,” said Mohanisi.

“
That is not for me,” said Theopolou,
“and I think it would have done more harm than good. These people
fear for their lands and family. It is enough that a vast army
intends to wreak havoc. Should I tell them their very souls are at
stake as well?”

Mohanisi nodded with understanding. “The
woman, Maybell, is here.”

“
Good,” said Theopolou. “Gather the
men. We leave as soon as I have spoken to her.”

Mohanisi led him through the manor to where
Maybell waited.

Maybell sat on the edge of a bed. She had
dimmed the lanterns and allowed the dark to surround her.

“
You are Maybell?” Theopolou's voice
was deep and soothing.

“
Yes,” she replied weakly. “And you
want to hear my story. You want to know what happened to
Malstisos.”

“
I do,” he replied and sat next to her.
“My name is Theopolou. I am—.”

“
I know who you are,” she said,
irritably. “And I know why you're here. But I don't know if what I
can tell you will be of any help.”

“
Whatever it is, I need to know,” said
Theopolou

“
You know, when I saw two
brothers....real brothers mind you...fight to the death, I thought
I had seen enough to break my heart in two.” The light from the
crack in the door silhouetted Theopolou. “But when I saw someone as
noble and kind as Malstisos slowly become dark and diseased...” A
tear fell down her cheek. “I can't explain what
happened.”

“
Do your best,” said
Theopolou.

Maybell recounted the events up until the
duel between Grentos and Vadnaltis. “Once that happened, Malstisos
withdrew. His mind and spirit grew darker each day. I just thought
he was agonizing over what had happened, but soon it was clear to
me that there was more to it than that. He began muttering to
himself, almost like he was arguing with some inner demon. I tried
talking to him, but he either ignored me or became angry.”

“
Do you think he went mad?” asked
Theopolou.

“
I did at first,” she replied. “But
then strange things began to happen. Dark figures began lurking
about, wherever we went. Then, Malstisos started disappearing for
hours at a time. I thought he was scouting or hunting, until one
night when we camped just outside a small farm village, I caught
him talking to a black-cloaked figure, behind a clump of bushes.
When I asked him about it, he grew enraged and started shouting and
flailing about. I swear, I thought he was going to hurt
me.”

Theopolou rubbed his chin thoughtfully.
“These cloaked figures…could you hear what they were saying?”

“
No,” she replied. “I could only hear
whispers. But after that I didn't question where he
went.”

“
Did he say or do anything else that
would explain what was happening to him?”

She shook her head. “By the time we reach
Althetas he had stopped talking altogether. But whatever is
happening, I pray you can help him.” She covered her face and wept.
“He was so good and kind.”

Theopolou placed his hand gently on her head.
“If I can help him, I will. That he kept his word, and delivered
you safely means that there may still be hope.”

“
I'm sorry.” She choked back her sobs.
“I wish I could tell you more.”

“
You have told me enough.” He stood up.
“If you wish, I can have you escorted to Valshara. Kaylia is
there.”

“
I would like that. Thank you.” Maybell
stood and walked Theopolou to the door. “May the Gods keep
you.”

Theopolou smiled and left.

Mohanisi was waiting outside. “Was she
helpful?”

“
I do not know,” he admitted. “What she
said was strange. From what I know of him, Malstisos was
strong-willed and noble. I cannot imagine what may have affected
him in such a manner. But I intend to find out. Ready yourself to
depart and meet me in my quarters in one hour.”

Theopolou pondered what Maybell had said.
Perhaps whatever corrupted the mind of Malstisos had affected the
elves of the Steppes as well. And if he could not overcome it, this
may very well be his final journey.

Chapter 26

For three hours, the council had debated on
what to do about King Halmara. Most of the southern rulers, with
the exception of King Tredford, thought it would be best to
negotiate rather than go to war. The others argued that the
attempted assassination of King Lousis left them no other choice.
Ertik was to the point of utter frustration when the door flew open
and King Lousis entered, assisted on either arm by a guard. His
face was pale and he struggled to take each step, but the fire in
his eyes said he was determined.

There was a moment of silence, then the hall
erupted in applause and cheers. As Lousis took his seat he held up
his hand to quiet the council.

“
By the Gods we are grateful that you
live, your highness,” said Prince Loniel.

This prompted another round of cheers.

“
I'm grateful as well, Prince Loniel,”
he replied, his voice matched the fire in his eyes. “I am told King
Halmara and the snake Lord Sialo have fled. Also, that you have
seen the wisdom of alliance against Angrääl. Though I wish it
hadn't taken an attempt on my life to accomplish this.”

King Victis spoke. “We are all overjoyed that
you survived. And clearly Angrääl cannot be trusted. But many of us
feel that perhaps King Halmara has been deceived into doing you
harm, if it even was King Halmara, and not Sialo acting alone. We
would know the truth before we consider war against one of our
own.”

“
The truth is that he fled,” said
Lousis, sternly. “The truth is that he allowed the murder of the
men and women in Valshara. That is enough for me to go to war.
Those who do not have the stomach for it...well, then you have
chosen your side.”

Queen Illirial spoke. “But your highness,
surely you would rather not see us at war with each other? Would
not a peaceful resolution with King Halmara be preferable?”

“
While you contemplate peaceful
solutions, Angrääl may be already moving against us,” Lousis
countered. “I understand that the southern cities are dependent on
trade with Skalhalis as well as Baltria, and the idea of losing
that trade worries you. But King Halmara is not fit to rule. And
either by his action, or inaction, he has made his intentions
known. I will not allow him to sit on the throne after what he has
done. He has brought shame to his house, and his kingdom.” He
struggled to his feet. “Those who are willing, you should begin to
muster your armies.”

“
What do you intend to do?” asked
Prince Loniel.

“
I intend to defeat King Halmara,” He
sat back down. “Then I will do the same to this so-called Reborn
King.” He looked to Ertik. “I am informed that you speak for both
Valshara, and the elves.”

“
This is true,” Ertik replied. “Lord
Theopolou gave me that honor. He heads north with Mohanisi, to
speak to the elves of the Steppes.”

“
Then I will need you to send word to
Valshara,” said Lousis. “We will need the help of the
elves.”

“
I will go myself as soon as possible,”
said Ertik. “You will have whatever support you
require.”

Lousis looked over the council carefully. “I
will return to my chambers now. In one hour, those who are with me,
may join me there. Those who are not...you are free to leave my
home.”

King Stanis spoke. “And should we not join
you, will you make war on us as well?”

Lousis smiled. “I will not. Unless you
support King Halmara, you will remain unmolested by me. But know
that when Angrääl comes...and they certainly will...you stand
alone.” He struggled to his feet, and the guards rushed to his
side. “You have one hour to discuss it. Ertik, as your mind is set,
I would have you join me now.”

Ertik followed as the king carefully made his
way from the chamber. They could hear the room erupt as the door
slammed shut behind them.

“
What do you think they will do?” asked
Ertik.

“
Most will not suffer Halmara to sit on
the throne,” he replied. “They would have come to that conclusion
without my help. Of course, it would take them weeks...and if
Halmara is bold enough to make an attempt on my life, then he feels
that there is nothing the others can do about it. That would mean
he thinks he has the strength to keep the others in line. It may
also mean he is ready for war.”

“
You think Angrääl has already sent an
army?” asked Ertik.

The king shrugged. “I don't know. But if they
haven't, they soon will. We must be ready.”

They wound their way back to the king’s bed
chambers. Ertik was surprised to see how humbly the king lived. The
walls were covered with paintings of past rulers of Althetas, each
with an engraved gold placard fastened below it, stating their name
and years they ruled. The large mahogany bed was well-made and
comfortable, but simple in its design. A small, round glass-topped
table and four chairs sat beside a picture window that overlooked a
well-tended garden. At the opposite end a tall sturdy bookcase
housed dozens of leather-bound tomes. Two doors on either side of
the bed were ajar, revealing a shower in one, and a closet filled
with the kings clothing in the other.