“That is true,” Theopolou agreed. “But it begs the question…did he act alone?”
“You think to call us here to accuse us?” Victis shouted, angrily. “How dare you! You are not a ruler of these lands. What right does an elf have to be so bold?”
Prince Loniel spoke. “King Victis, perhaps you should ask if King Lousis still lives. That is the first question I would have answered, and what weighs most heavily on my heart.”
“And if he does not?” asked Theopolou. “Will you march under the banner of King Halmara?”
Prince Loniel leveled his gaze. “My father has long been a friend to King Lousis. Were it not for his ill health he would be here, and his first question would be about the well-being of his dear friend. But to answer your question. If Lousis dies, we may have no choice. We are not blind to the strength of Angraal, nor are we the fools you may think us to be. Without Althetas, how can we resist such an enemy?
“King Lousis has no heir. His passing will throw the city into chaos. If the Reborn King would have our lands, would not that be the time to take them? Who will stand against him? What resistance could we offer? We have no standing armies. Will the elves save us, as you claim? With how many swords will you do this? Ten-thousand?” He laughed sarcastically. “By the words of your own ally, we would need a hundred times that.”
“There is more to war than swords,” said Theopolou. “And victory is claimed by those who have the will to take it. If Angraalmarches on this land, it will not find simpering cowards, but a free people, fighting to protect their love and land. If the King of Althetas has died, will you simply hand over your freedom? The king has been poisoned. Do you really think those who poisoned him will not take what is yours by force?” He motioned for Mohanisi to step forward. “But you are right that we must possess the weapons to combat such a foe. I tell you that we possess strength the armies of Angraalhas yet to account for.”
Mohanisi held out his palms and a ball of flame appeared a few inches above them. Gradually, it grew, and the heat became more and more intense. The members of the council leaped from their seats and bolted for the door. The flame shot out from Mohanisi's hand barring their way.
“You have nothing to fear,” said Theopolou. “Please be calm.”
Mohanisi allowed the flame to die.
The council returned to their seats. They all stared fearfully at Mohanisi. Prince Loniel was the only one who seemed undaunted by the display.
“And this one elf will defeat these vast armies?” asked Prince Loniel.
Theopolou smiled. He liked the young prince. “No. Not alone. But know that you are not without great power on your side.”
Queen Illirial spoke. “I have been a friend to King Lousis. And I do not wish to be under the thumb of King Halmara. But if Lousis dies, you are still left without the ruler of the most powerful of all the twelve city states. The people will not accept the rule of any of us, and they certainly won't follow an elf ruler.”
“Then you must form an alliance now,” said Theopolou. “Your unity will galvanize the people of Althetas. Should the king die, there are worthy lords that could take up the mantle. You could lend your strength to this city. You could give hope to those who would otherwise despair.”
“And what role will the elves play in all this?” asked Loniel.
“We defend our homes, our lives, and our children,” Theopolou replied. “We have lived among you for more generations than can be counted. And though we have been separated by fear and hatred, we intend for that to end. Already, elf and man has spilled blood together. We have fought side by side and faced death as brothers. Understand that I was against this before your grandmother’s were children. If I can change, then so can you. Elf and man live in this world together, and we will rise or fall…together. You ask what our role will be. Our role is to create a new world…together.” He rose to his feet. “Those of you who will join me in this cause stand with me now. Those who will not…” He paused and held his hand to the door. “Your presence is no longer required.”
One by one the kings and queens stood up.
“Then I leave you to your plans,” said Theopolou.
“Will you not stay?” asked Queen Illirial.
“I cannot,” he replied. “But Ertik speaks now for my people, until our elders arrive.”
Ertik looked at Theopolou, shocked. “My Lord…”
Theopolou turned and faced him, and took his hands. “You have my confidence, Ertik. If I am to stand by what I say, I must trust in my own words. You are to be the voice of the elves, whilst I am away.” He smiled warmly. “If you need aid, there are elves here that can assist you until Lord Chiron or one of the others arrive.”
Ertik stared, stunned. Finally, he bowed his head and returned to his chair.
“Before you leave,” said Queen Illirial, “I wonder, did you intend to tell us that King Lousis still lives?” Her face slowly twisted into a smile.
“As you were able to find this out on your own,” replied Theopolou, “it would appear that is unnecessary.”
Theopolou bowed and left, Mohanisi just behind him.
“I noticed you did not mention Shivis Mol,” said Mohanisi.
“That is not for me,” said Theopolou, “and I think it would have done more harm than good. These people fear for their lands and family. It is enough that a vast army intends to wreak havoc. Should I tell them their very souls are at stake as well?”
Mohanisi nodded with understanding. “The woman, Maybell, is here.”
“Good,” said Theopolou. “Gather the men. We leave as soon as I have spoken to her.”
Mohanisi led him through the manor to where Maybell waited.
Maybell sat on the edge of a bed. She had dimmed the lanterns and allowed the dark to surround her.
“You are Maybell?” Theopolou's voice was deep and soothing.
“Yes,” she replied weakly. “And you want to hear my story. You want to know what happened to Malstisos.”
“I do,” he replied and sat next to her. “My name is Theopolou. I am-.”
“I know who you are,” she said, irritably. “And I know why you're here. But I don't know if what I can tell you will be of any help.”
“Whatever it is, I need to know,” said Theopolou
“You know, when I saw two brothers….real brothers mind you…fight to the death, I thought I had seen enough to break my heart in two.” The light from the crack in the door silhouetted Theopolou. “But when I saw someone as noble and kind as Malstisos slowly become dark and diseased…” A tear fell down her cheek. “I can't explain what happened.”
“Do your best,” said Theopolou.
Maybell recounted the events up until the duel between Grentos and Vadnaltis. “Once that happened, Malstisos withdrew. His mind and spirit grew darker each day. I just thought he was agonizing over what had happened, but soon it was clear to me that there was more to it than that. He began muttering to himself, almost like he was arguing with some inner demon. I tried talking to him, but he either ignored me or became angry.”
“Do you think he went mad?” asked Theopolou.
“I did at first,” she replied. “But then strange things began to happen. Dark figures began lurking about, wherever we went. Then, Malstisos started disappearing for hours at a time. I thought he was scouting or hunting, until one night when we camped just outside a small farm village, I caught him talking to a black-cloaked figure, behind a clump of bushes. When I asked him about it, he grew enraged and started shouting and flailing about. I swear, I thought he was going to hurt me.”
Theopolou rubbed his chin thoughtfully. “These cloaked figures…could you hear what they were saying?”
“No,” she replied. “I could only hear whispers. But after that I didn't question where he went.”
“Did he say or do anything else that would explain what was happening to him?”
She shook her head. “By the time we reach Althetas he had stopped talking altogether. But whatever is happening, I pray you can help him.” She covered her face and wept. “He was so good and kind.”
Theopolou placed his hand gently on her head. “If I can help him, I will. That he kept his word, and delivered you safely means that there may still be hope.”
“I'm sorry.” She choked back her sobs. “I wish I could tell you more.”
“You have told me enough.” He stood up. “If you wish, I can have you escorted to Valshara. Kaylia is there.”
“I would like that. Thank you.” Maybell stood and walked Theopolou to the door. “May the Gods keep
