“The rear of the temple is blocked,” said Nehrutu. “There is no escape. Perhaps you should offer their lives in exchange for surrender.” He glanced at the prisoners who had been herded against the north wall. “It would seem that they have no intent to fight to the last man.”
Theopolou nodded. “And for that I am grateful. Too much blood has been spilled this day.”
“What will you do with them?” asked Nehrutu.
Theopolou shrugged. “It is for the High Lady of Valshara to decide their fate. It was Amon Dahl that was attacked, and her people that were slaughtered when the temple was taken.” He shook his head slowly. “I do not know if they will be shown mercy.”
Nehrutu looked up to see Linis several yards away, kneeling over the bodies of his seekers. “I am not certain they should be.”
Theopolou tightened his jaw, then walked to where the prisoners were being held. He picked one of the soldiers and had him brought to the main door of the temple.
“Tell any remaining that they are to throw down their arms and come out at once,” Theopolou ordered. “If they do not, then the Temple of Valshara will become their tomb.”
The soldier nodded and enter the temple. More than an hour passed before he returned. By then Selena and Kaylia had joined Theopolou. Tears welled in Selena's eyes at the sight of so many dead.
“They will come out,” said the soldier. “But you must promise they will be spared.”
“I promise to burn this place down around them if they don't come out at once,” said Selena, furiously. “You tell them that I will send their ashes back to Angraalin a box.”
The soldier lowered his eyes, clearly afraid. “Yes, my lady.” He turned and re-entered the temple.
A short while later the door swung open and soldiers began to file out, unarmed, with their hands on their heads.
“What will you do with them?” asked Kaylia.
“Until my anger subsides, nothing,” Selena replied. “I will not act until I am certain my mind, and not my heart, speaks for me.”
They watched as the soldiers were led to the north wall. Once they were all out, a small group of elves entered to see that the temple was empty. A few minutes later, the door flew open and a woman was shoved through, an elf holding a long knife at her back. Kaylia recognized her at once.
“Salmitaya,” she whispered, and drew her knife.
Salmitaya stood there, defiant and proud, dressed in a long black robe, with a silver cord tied at the waist. Her light brown hair was pulled back and interlaced with white and gold, bound together in the back by white silk.
“I knew I would fall to an elf blade,” said Salmitaya, glaring at Kaylia. “But I would not have it happen by your hand.”
Selena stepped in front of Kaylia. “You may yet save your wretched skin. I have heard your name before… Salmitaya. And I have known of your evil works longer than you think.” She grabbed Salmitaya's chin and forced her to look into her eyes. “I also know that you are high in the council of the Reborn King.”
Salmitaya jerked her head free of Selena's grasp. “You know nothing, fool.” She shut her eyes. “Kill me and be done with it.”
Selena scrutinized Salmitaya for a full minute. “I may. Or perhaps I should send you back to Angraal.”
Salmitaya's eyes shot wide.
“Yes. That's what I'll do.” Selena stepped back and smiled.
“Please,” cried Salmitaya. “You can't-”
“I can and I will,” said Selena. Her tone was low and dangerous. “Or do you wish to remain here?”
“I wish you to kill me,” she replied.
“I say we give her what she wants,” said Kaylia, still holding her knife.
Linis approached. He snatched Salmitaya up by the arm and shook her violently. “Who had the elves hung from the walls?”
Salmitaya said nothing.
“Answer him,” Selena commanded. “Or I swear I will send you back.”
“Yanti,” answered Salmitaya, meekly.
“Who is Yanti?” asked Selena. “Was it he who ordered the taking of Valshara?”
“You will find out soon enough.” Salmitaya shook her head. “But understand that I know nothing of value to you. I am disgraced in the eyes of my lord. If you intend to question me, you will get nothing, for I know nothing. If you set me free, I must continue to fight you. That is if I’m allowed to live. So you have to kill me.”
“It appears you fear returning to your master more than you fear death,” said Selena, thoughtfully. She looked up at the elf who had brought Salmitaya out. “Put her with the other prisoners, for now. We have wounded to attend. I will decide her fate later.”
Linis glared at Salmitaya, then released her.
“Do you think she will tell us anything?” asked Theopolou, once Salmitaya had been led away.
“I don't think she knows anything,” Selena replied.
“Then why keep her alive?” asked Kaylia.
Selena bowed her head. “As I said, I will not decide anything until my anger lessens. Whoever Yanti is, it is clear he escaped before we arrived.”
“He may be among the prisoners,” offered Theopolou. “If not, they may know where he has gone. I will have them questioned.”
Selena nodded in agreement. “Thank you. Let me know what you discover.”
The rest of the day was spent tending to the wounded. Once Nehrutu cared for Mohanisi, he and Kaylia began treating the most severe injuries. Mohanisi was too weak to assist and was taken inside the temple and given a bed. Selena ordered that the wounded from the first battle be brought in and soon the entire courtyard was filled. King Lousis refused further treatment until all of the men and elves had been seen to first. By nightfall Nehrutu and Kaylia were exhausted, and stumbled from person to person as if in a daze. Finally, Selena decided to intervene.
“You must rest,” Selena said to Kaylia. “We have other healers among us. You have already saved the most critically wounded.”
“I will rest when Nehrutu does the same,” said Kaylia.
“Then that time is now,” came the voice of Mohanisi from behind. “I am well enough to continue what you have started. I will take over until morning.” He strode off to relieve Nehrutu.
Linis and a small group of elves were gathering the bodies of their fallen kin, preparing them for the funeral rites. King Lousis ordered the slain humans to be taken back to Althetas. The bodies of the enemy were to be burned and buried near the passage entrance, along with their weapons and armor.
Selena found that her chambers remained as she left them, with the exception of Salmitaya's clothing and a few extra books. She ordered the bed sheets to be burned and replaced, then she had Salmitaya's belongings packed away. She had a basin of hot water brought in, and changed into a plain, tan cotton dress and suede moccasins. Sitting in her plush chair she closed her eyes, trying to push the visions of battle from her mind. Just as she opened them, there was a light rap at her door. King Lousis entered, with a guard helping him walk on his broken leg, followed by Theopolou, Linis and Nehrutu.
“It is good to see you back where you belong,” said Linis, smiling.
Selena stood. “As soon as possible, I want the injured in the courtyard brought inside the temple.”
“We are already clearing out the rooms,” said Theopolou. “I can have the beds ready within the hour. Though I am not certain what to do about the prisoners. We cannot keep them here indefinitely.”
“I will decide what is to be done with them in the morning,” said Selena. “Keep them under guard until then.”
“And Salmitaya?” asked Linis.
“I will speak with her again shortly,” Selena replied. “She will be kept apart from the soldiers. We have a small holding area in the west wing.”
“I would like to be with you,” said Linis.
“No,” Selena replied. “I will speak to her alone.”
“Should you decide to spare the soldiers,” said Lousis, “I can have my men construct cages in a small
