“Good,” she said, and smiled. “When do you depart?”
“I have already sent word to gather the kings and queens together,” Lousis replied. “I only have a few more things to attend to, then we will be away.”
“I ask you one last favor,” said Selena. “Though I cannot attend, I would like Ertik to witness the council and represent me in all matters. Unless there is some protocol that will not allow it.”
“Actually, I think that is wise,” said Lousis. “Your presence carries weight and will be missed. But as you cannot attend, your proxy should suffice. I will see that all know that he speaks on your behalf and is afforded all due respect and courtesy.”
“Thank you.” Selena pushed her food away. “I have no appetite. So if there is nothing further?”
Theopolou and King Lousis excused themselves, and Selena sat for a minute staring at her unfinished plate. She knew Ertik would resist the idea of leaving her side, and did not look forward to telling him.
The rest of the morning she walk about the halls seeing that things were attended to and in order; though with Ertik about this was nearly a pointless exercise, and only served to keep her distracted. He had been busier than she thought any man capable. When she finally cornered him and told him he would be leaving with King Lousis, he nearly broke down in tears. He begged not to be sent away. It was only after she promised to have an elf guard with her at all times did he relent.
Kaylia had made no secret that she intended to remain near her side, having chased away several soldiers who were in awe that they stood in the presence of the High Lady of Valshara, leader of the legendary order of Amon Dahl. At first, the admirers didn't bother her, but soon questions about the Dark Knight arose, and his time within the Order. These were subjects that she didn't care to discuss, and Kaylia had become adept at knowing when it was time to tell them to move on.
At midday, Selena and Kaylia sat quietly in the High Lady’s chamber. A light meal of fruit and bread had been brought in. As they ate, Selena could tell that Kaylia had something on her mind, but whatever it was, something prevented her from speaking.
“Kaylia,” said Selena. Her voice was calm, yet humorless. “You must not think me frail. If you wish to speak your mind, you must do so.”
Kaylia sat her plate on the small table beside her chair. “I do not think you frail. Nor am I afraid to speak. I simply did not want to cause you more grieve so soon after so much tragedy and bloodshed.” She fixed her eye on Selena’s. “I cannot help but wonder why you do not speak of the Dark Knight’s time in Amon Dahl. Surely, this knowledge may be valuable to our cause.”
Selena nodded. “It would, without doubt. But sadly, I know very little. When the Dark Knight first came to power, he all but destroyed this order, including all records of who he really was. Those who might have known him cannot remember anything specific about him. Even those who were among us at the time of the betrayal.” Her face was grave. “You must understand that the Sword of Truth wields a power beyond your imagination. My guess is that he used it to mask his true identity from the minds of those in the order who knew him.
“When I first joined the order I had heard of a great knight of unparalleled strength and valor. He had aspired to be the protector of the Sword. But his efforts failed, and another was chosen. Enraged, he abandoned his vows and sought out the Sword’s resting place.” She rose wearily to her feet. “That is the limit of my knowledge. The rest you already know.”
“Then why not tell people this?” asked Kaylia.
Selena sighed sadly. “You ask me to speak of what has brought Amon Dahl its greatest shame. For thousands of years we were guardians and protectors. Now…”
“I understand,” said Kaylia. “I will not ask you again.”
When it was time for the King and the others to depart, Selena, Kaylia, along with most of those who would remain behind, gathered in the courtyard to see them off. Selena's eyes wandered repeatedly to the prisoners against the wall. She wanted not to hate them. She wanted to believe her decision was right and not vengeance.
“Do not heed my earlier words,” said Theopolou. Clearly, he could see she was in self-doubt. “I spoke from the perspective of my longing for peace. This is war, and I would do the same. You cannot afford to second guess yourself in these times. You will act wisely. Have faith in that.”
King Lousis took Selena’s hands and kissed them fondly. “I will eagerly await our next meeting, high lady.”
Selena blushed. “As do I, your highness.”
Once the farewells were said, she watched as the party departed. Cheers erupted from both human and elf as they passed through the shattered gates. Ertik looked back at least four times before disappearing out of sight. Theopolou’s words still echoed in her mind.
She called to Lord Jeffos Windermere, who the King had left in charge of the Althetan forces. “I want you to have your men take the prisoners to the temple basement. There you will find an empty wine cellar. It hasn’t been used in many years and is large enough to house them, for the time being.” Windermere threw his fist to his chest in salute, and marched away.
“I must not doubt,” she whispered softly.
Chapter 20
The reflection of the desert sun on the sands made navigation increasingly difficult as Gewey and Aaliyah made their way back to the shore. Each dune looked the same as the last, and Aaliyah could no longer sense the direction of her ship. Though their pace started out fast and determined, after only a few hours, signs of the poison working its way through Aaliyah's system was beginning to show. Gewey did his best to keep the air around them cool with the flow, but each time Aaliyah would stumble or pause, he found it difficult to concentrate. On more than one occasion a blast of hot air washed over them, making it nearly impossible to breathe. He couldn't imagine living in such a hellish place.
By mid-afternoon their pace had decreased to a slow walk. Beads of sweat formed on Aaliyah's brow, her skin was pale, and her breathing was shallow and quick. Gewey took her arm, but she pushed him away.
“No need for that,” she said, weakly. “It would seem the poison was stronger than I anticipated. I think I will rest for a moment.” She eased herself onto the sand. “If you would just keep the air cool, I think I will be all right in a few minutes.”
Gewey could tell she was lying. He tried once again to heal her, but again his flow was thrown back. He clenched his fists with frustration. “There must be something I can do.”
“There is nothing, I'm afraid.” She reached in her pack, pulled out a blanket, and used it to cushion her head as she lay down. “I just need to rest.” She closed her eyes.
“You must fight it,” Gewey pleaded. “You must stay with me.”
She reached up and touched his cheek. “I have fought, and it would appear I have lost. But do not be sad. I am content to have lived to be part of your story. I have seen our kin reunited, and for all of this I am thankful.”
“Don't talk like that,” said Gewey, fiercely. “I will carry you, if I must.”
“There is no time,” she said. “I will be gone in a few moments. I can feel it.”
“Please.” Gewey's voice cracked. “I can’t let you die.”
Aaliyah smiled sweetly. “This is beyond your power.” She closed her eyes. “Tell Nehrutu that I am sorry. Tell him I only did what I had to do. Tell him…I…”
Gewey lifted her head and cradled her in his arms, tears flowing freely. Her body grew limp as life slipped away. He tried desperately to reach her, but still could not. Throwing his head back, he let out a primal scream. The sand exploded all around them and the earth trembled.
The ground settled and Gewey closed his eyes and allowed his spirit to drift to her. The light inside her was fading and the warmth of her spirit was growing colder. He could not bear to see her fade and he drifted skyward. Just above where they lay, he could see himself holding her limp form in his arms. It was the first time he had ever seen himself in such a manner. The scene threatened to shatter his heart. He could see his own life force burning brightly, and watched as hers flickered and vanished.
