compound outside Althetas.”
“I will keep that in mind,” said Selena. “How many did we lose in battle?”
“More than three-hundred men and elves,” answered Lousis. “Our enemy lost three times as many. Angraalwill think twice before moving against us now.”
“This was nothing,” said Theopolou. “A skirmish, at best. When the Dark Knight sends his armies south, we must be ready. This defeat may only serve to anger him. And it may cause him to march sooner than he had originally planned.”
Lousis furled his brow. “Are you saying we should have held off our attack?”
“Not at all,” Theopolou replied. “This victory has solidified the bond between elf and human. And it will show potential allies that our defeat is anything but certain.”
“It will go a long way toward helping our cause when I assemble the kings and queens,” said Lousis. “That must be my first priority. I shall leave tomorrow.”
“Are you well enough to travel?” asked Selena.
Lousis held his head high and smiled broadly. “The King of Althetas will not be laid low by a broken leg, high lady.”
Nehrutu leaned over with his hands outstretched to Lousis' injured leg. “With your permission.”
The King nodded. “If you are well enough.”
Nehrutu touched the leg, eyes closed. The king gasped, reached for Nehrutu's shoulder, and cried out in pain. The king’s guard rushed to his side, but by then it was over. Nehrutu straightened his back and heaved a sigh.
“It is done,” said Nehrutu.
Lousis tenuously put his weight on his leg. He began stomping his feet hard as a low chuckle turned into a full-on belly laugh. “If only my people possessed such power.”
Nehrutu smiled weakly. “Perhaps one day they will. I cannot say with certainty that such abilities are beyond your kind.”
Lousis slapped Nehrutu on the shoulder. “What a wondrous notion.” He turned to Selena. “I must beg your leave. Thanks to our elf ally I can see to my soldiers as a king should. Unless you object, I will be leaving fifty men here to give you aid, and I will send men and materials to repair damage done during the battle.”
“Your help is well-received, your highness” said Selena.
The king bowed low and left, his guard struggling to keep pace.
“A strong leader,” remarked Linis, with an approving nod. “We could use many more like him.”
“Indeed,” Theopolou agreed. “And his haste is warranted. We must decide our next course of action.”
“I intend to join Millet and Dina in Sharpstone,” said Linis. “Angraalwill certainly move their armies down the Goodbranch. If they secure it, they will have a supply line leading all the way to Baltria.”
“I agree,” said Theopolou. “But we must remember that elf and human are not united there. Your presence may be disruptive.”
“I can ask Lord Ganflin for assistance,” said Linis. “And Lord Broin as well. The sight of human lords alongside elves may ease fears.”
“Then you should depart with King Lousis,” said Theopolou.
“I will send what is left of the knights of Amon Dahl with you,” Selena added. “Dina sent out a general request for aid, and in light of the attack, I doubt many, if any responded. I would not have her mounting a defense with nothing but sell-swords. I can send instructions ahead of your arrival by messenger flock.”
“That will be wise,” said Linis. “If Broin and Ganflin are able to help, it may take time for them to assemble men and supplies. Millet and Dina should be made aware of the situation as soon as possible.”
“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 Angraalto 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.”
