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 Angraalreturns 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 Dahl” 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 Angraal. 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 Angraalthat 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 Dahl 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.”
“My men are at your command,” said Lousis. “I would not leave them otherwise.”
“As are the elves who are remaining,” added Theopolou.
