men.” He glanced up at the archer on the wall. “And please do not think to harm me. Should anything happen to me, the consequences to King Lousis would be…severe.” His smiled widened. “And you should know that your message to the King was not received, though I assure you that your messenger is unharmed…for now.”
Selena face turned red with fury. “If you harm him-“
Yanti held up his hand. “Fear not, my love. I am not an animal. I only take life when I must. After all, I did leave your beloved son alive, did I not? I’m sure Salmitaya told you of our little scuffle.”
It was all Selena could do not to order the archers to fill Yanti with arrows. “You should be glad you did. Or I swear your false king would hear you scream all the way in Angraal.”
“I admire your passion,” said Yanti. “It is a shame you have chosen to be an enemy of the Reborn King. Your fall will cause me great sadness.”
“We shall see who falls,” she said, clenching her jaw. “If there is nothing more, you should leave, before I decide to do something…rash.”
“I will leave when the matter of my men is settled,” said Yanti. “Release them by sundown and I will send word to Althetas to allow King Lousis to live. Do it not, and he will surely die.” He bowed again. “I will await your favorable reply.” He turned and strode off.
“Do you think he is telling the truth?” asked Kaylia. “Do you think he has the means to assassinate the king?”
Selena watched as Yanti disappeared around a bend. “I don't know. But I don’t think I can take that risk.”
“And what of Salmitaya?” asked Nehrutu.
“No matter what happens, she will remain here,” Selena replied, with determination. “I gave my word that she would not be returned to that brute, and I will keep it.” The words stuck in her throat. She knew what must be done, and it stabbed at her heart. “Prepare the prisoners for release. But see to it they leave with nothing more than their underclothes. Pile their possessions in the center of the yard and burn them.”
Selena went to her quarters and sent for Salmitaya. A few minutes passed and a guard arrived, with Salmitaya in shackles.
“You can remove those,” Selena ordered.
Salmitaya sat across from Selena, her face expressionless, hands folded in her lap.
Selena told her about Yanti. “I told you I would not allow you to be taken, and I will keep my word. But I need to know-”
“You need to know if he has someone near King Lousis,” said Salmitaya. “I would think he does. In fact, I'm certain of it. And if he says he is allied with King Halmara, I would think that is true as well. Yanti lies, but he mixes lies with truth. I also know that if you do not do as he requests, he will make good on his threats.”
“I will release his men,” said Selena, sternly. “But I will not turn you over.”
Salmitaya shook head and chuckled softly. “If you do not, he will make good his threat. Lousis will die.”
“He may do that regardless,” Selena countered.
“No,” said Salmitaya, “He will hold to his agreement. At least until his men are away. By then you may be able to warn the king.”
“Why would he care about a few hundred soldiers?” she asked.
“Who knows?” Salmitaya bowed her head. “It is not out of a sense of responsibility to them, that much is certain. Whatever the reason he is not one to bluff. If he says he will kill Lousis, you can count on it.”
Selena stood up and poured two cups of wine. Offering one to Salmitaya, she stared thoughtfully into the woman's eyes.
Salmitaya held the cup under her nose, savoring the sweet scent. She closed her eyes as the wine passed over her tongue. “I remember when I was a novice, I would sneak away to the tavern to drink wine and listen to the musicians with my friends. We were always so afraid we’d get caught…but it just made it that much more fun.” Her body relaxed. She could almost hear the songs, and the laughter of her fellow novices. “Things were so much simpler then.” Her eyes grew heavy, as the sound of breaking glass seemed distant. So very far away. Yes, that's what she wanted. To be far away.
Selena called the guard. “Have her body wrapped in linen and given to the captives when they are released.” She leaned down and pushed the hair from Salmitaya's face. “I'm sorry.”
Chapter 23
For six days, the kings and queens of the twelve city states had been arriving. Only King Halmara was still absent. The presence of elves had caused more than a few nervous stares. King Lousis had made a point to greet each new arrival with Theopolou and Ertik at his side. Co-existence with elves was common in most of the twelve cities, but only in certain areas. And never as welcome guests in the house of the king. But even the elves didn't cause as much of a stir as Ertik, a representative from the High Lady of Valshara. Speculation ran wild as for his reason for attending.
Theopolou spent his time exploring the king’s library, reading about the history of the twelve cities. Mohanisi spent most of his time with Linis, who was busy preparing to journey to Sharpstone. From time to time Theopolou would be approached by the kings and queens, and asked about the goings on of the elves. Word had already spread about the battle in Valshara. Most could scarcely believe human and elf had fought side by side. Theopolou politely answered their questions.
By the seventh day, it had been decided to proceed without King Halmara. That night there would be a banquet, then in the morning the council would meet.
A few hours before the banquet, Theopolou returned to his quarters. The flood of questions had steadily increased until the very thought of another conversation caused him to cringe. As he settled into a plush chair and opened a book, there was a soft rap at the door.
He sighed and closed the book. “Come.”
It was Linis. “I want to speak to you before I leave for Sharpstone. Mohanisi is still exploring the city and says he will not be joining you for the banquet.”
“Your company is welcome,” said Theopolou, smiling. “I wish my presence was not required or I would join Mohanisi. Have you spoken to Lord Ganflin?”
“I have,” he replied, taking a seat beside Theopolou. “He is providing me with two dozen men and ten thousand gold, to aid Millet and Dina. He has already sent word to Lord Broin, and I hope to get his help as well.”
Theopolou nodded approvingly. “That is good. You should have enough to raise a sizable force.”
“I hope to send for elves soon,” said Linis. “But I think it best to prepare the people of Sharpstone first. Most people along the Goodbranch have never seen an elf, and only have heard stories of the Great War to form their opinions.”
“I am certain you can ease their fears,” said Theopolou. “When the time comes, send word, and I will send as many as can be spared.” He could see Linis’ expression darken. “What is it?”
Linis sat. “I have heard some disturbing news. The human, Maybell, has just arrived in the Temple of Ayliazarah, here in Althetas. She was a priestess in Kaltinor and traveled with Gewey and Lee, when I first met them. I am told she was accompanied by Malstisos.”
“I know of him,” said Theopolou. “His father and I fought together in the Great War.”
“He has left Althetas to go north to the Steppes.” Linis paused. “To face judgment.”
“For what purpose?” he asked, taken aback.
“I do not have enough information to say for certain,” said Linis. “But I think you should speak to Maybell.”
“I will send for her after the council meets.” Theopolou stood. “And you should not delay any longer, my friend.”
Linis got to his feet and sighed. “It seems I am ever traveling. But, you are right. Every moment is precious. Farewell, Theopolou. May the Creator bless you.”
“And you,” he replied, smiling.
