The grounds were well-tended and included dozens of small flower gardens. Mostly, local flora, but here and there, a flower from a distant land could be seen. A tall, wrought-iron gate surrounded the entire manor and grounds, with a manicured hedge just inside.
He contemplated the idea of skipping the banquet. Every moment he spent in idle conversation with the nobility of the Western Abyss made him anxious to depart for the Steppes. He wandered for a time, admiring the tapestries and sculptures, and though not as fine as those in his own home, he was impressed by the talent of human hands.
When he finally arrived in the banquet hall, the polished oak double doors were open wide and the room was already filled to capacity. Six long tables were placed side by side and ran along the length of the one-hundred foot long room. To his left, a harpist played softly. The music carried over the voices, filling the hall. Three crystal chandeliers hung from the tall ceiling and dozens of silver lanterns lined the walls. On the opposite end of the room, a raised platform held another table that spanned the halls width. Their, King Lousis, Ertik, and the other nobles were seated. He saw a few elves that had taken seats at the far right table, along with Lord Brasley Amnadon. Theopolou had only taken a few steps when a trumpet rang out.
“Lord Theopolou, your highness,” cried a herald stationed beside the door.
The room went silent as all eyes fell on Theopolou. He paused a moment, then made his way to the King’s table, where an empty seat at the king’s right side awaited him. Everyone rose and bowed. Theopolou returned the gesture, and took his seat.
“Our kitchen has been preparing a few elf dishes just for you and your people,” said Lousis, cheerfully. “Though, from what I've heard, The Frog's Wishbone may far outshine what I have to offer. Lord Ganflin prides himself in his elf cuisine.”
“Yes,” said Theopolou. “Linis mentioned it. If ever I have the time, I would like to explore your city.”
Just then a servant ran up to the King and whispered into his ear.
“It would seem King Halmara has arrived,” said Lousis, a look of concern on his face. “Along with a representative from Angrääl.”
“Will you receive him?” asked Theopolou.
“If he travels with King Halmara, I have little choice,” Lousis replied angrily. “To deny him entrance would be seen as an insult. Skalhalis is an important port, and nearly as large as Althetas. And King Halmara carries much influence in the council.”
“Prepare them a seat,” Lousis ordered the servant. “And show them in. Then have quarters prepared.”
The servant scurried off.
“So it would seem Angrääl is making no secret of their intent,” said Theopolou.
“It could be worse than you think,” said Lousis. “Valshara is within King Halmara’s boarders. If he took part in the siege, then the council meeting may be a useless gesture. The cities to the south will certainly side with Skalhalis, leaving the coast split in two. Then we will be caught between the elves of the Steppes and Skalhalis.”
“I hope to sway the elves from their present course, once my business here is concluded,” said Theopolou. “If I am successful, then the situation will not be as dire.”
“And if you fail...” Lousis' words faded as two figures stepped inside the hall.
The first was dressed in a fine blue silk shirt, open at the neck, with silver ruffles, matching trousers, and polished, black leather boots. A golden scabbard hung from a black belt. The hilt of the sword was interlaced with gold and ivory, and crowned with a blue sapphire. His short, sandy blond hair was oiled and combed back neatly. Though clearly a man of some years, his tan skin and stout build gave him a somewhat youthful appearance.
At his side, stood a short, thin man dressed in a plain, black cotton robe tied at the waist by a thin, white rope. Theopolou guessed him to be in his early thirties, yet his jet-black hair was already thinning. Though not strong in stature, his piercing blue eyes shone brightly and could be noticed even from across the room. This and his confident strides gave him a commanding presence. He followed close behind as they approached the table.
King Lousis stood up and bowed. “King Halmara. I welcome you.”
Halmara smiled. “Thank you, my old friend. I have missed your company.” He stepped aside and motioned toward his companion. “I present Lord Sialo Magrifal, Ambassador of Angrääl, and servant of the Reborn King.”
“You dress oddly for a lord,” remarked Lousis. “Do you not?”
“If my attire offends your highness, I will change,” said Sialo, bowing low.
“Not at all,” Lousis replied. “Please, be welcome. A place has been set for you both. My home is at your disposal.”
They bowed and took their seats at the far left end of the table.
“I think I will be glad to have you in the council tomorrow,” said Lousis. “Your support will be crucial.”
“I will help, if I can,” Theopolou replied. “Though my experience dealing with humans is quite limited, I am well-versed in the nuances of diplomacy.”
Lousis lifted his cup. “A skill I will need in abundance. As for me, I have never enjoyed the subterfuge and misdirection of the nobles. My father was the politician. I am far to plain spoken for my own good.”
Theopolou laughed quietly. “I regard that as an admirable trait. I may speak the language of politics, but I prefer simple truth.”
Lousis chuckled. “I doubt we'll hear much of that tomorrow.”
Theopolou excused himself from the banquet after another hour. He felt the eyes of Sialo Magrifal following him as he left. Two elves accompanied him and insisted they guard his door. At first, he protested, but seeing their determination, relented. They wished for this business to be done. With every day that passed, the Dark Knight's grip on his kin would strengthen.
The darkness closed in as he allowed himself to drift into a dreamless slumber. His final thought was of Sialo Magrifal. He knew his arrival was a bad omen.
Chapter 24
Theopolou was wakened at dawn, when Mohanisi arrived at his door.
“What did you think of the city?” asked Theopolou.
“Humans have come a long way,” said Mohanisi, approvingly. “Their skills at building are more advanced than I would have guessed. In fact, many of the temples are quite stunning.”
“And the people?” he asked.
“Not what I expected.” He took a seat. “Though some are clearly not accepting of us, in large they are very hospitable and kind, particularly Lord Ganflin. Have you met him?”
Theopolou shook his head. “Not yet. Though I am sure I will soon enough.”
“I heard from the others, that a representative of Angrääl has arrived,” said Mohanisi. “How do you think this will affect the council?”
“Not well. It may be that we may be fighting on two fronts if my mission to the Steppes fails. King Lousis believes the cities south of Skalhalis will rally to King Halmara’s banner. And it is quite possible he was involved in the siege of Valshara.”
There was a knock at the door and a young servant boy entered.
“King Lousis summons you to the council, Lord Theopolou,” said the boy, timidly.
“Very well,” said Theopolou. “Wait for me outside.” He rose to his feet. “Go to the Temple of Ayliazarah. There you will find a woman named Maybell. I need you to bring her here. Tell her you are a friend of Linis and she will come.”
Mohanisi nodded. “I will do as you request. I wish you fortune today.”
Mohanisi left and Theopolou got dressed. The servant boy led him through the labyrinth of corridors to the east end of the manor to a broad oak door, guarded by two soldiers. The soldiers snapped to attention as Theopolou opened the door and entered the room. The council chamber was a fifty by fifty-foot hall. The walls to his left and right were covered with carved reliefs of various ships and sea creatures. At the far end stood a dozen pedestals with marble busts, each bearing a gold crown. The center of the room w
as dominated by a round table and fifteen chairs. The kings and queens had already arrived. Ertik was seated at the left hand side of King Lousis and Theopolou's chair stood empty at his right.
“Ah, Lord Theopolou,” called Lousis. “Now we can begin.”
Theopolou took his seat and looked out over the table.
Lousis stood. “My lords and ladies, this is Lord Theopolou. As many of you know, he is here to represent the elf nations. You have been introduced to Ertik, representing the Order of Amon Dähl.” He raised his arm in a grand sweeping motion. “These are the rulers of the western kingdoms. Starting to my right, King Stanis of Calderia, King Tredford of Yuledan, Queen Lilian of Farthing, King Brääl of Maiden Shore, Queen Fasheil of Lamitia, King Halmara of Skalhalis, Lord Sialo Magrifal, ambassador of Angrääl, King Victis of Tarvansia, Prince Loniel of Sieren Bay, King Jeris of Wisterton, Queen Illirial of the Saraf's Jewel , and King Tranton of Red Cliff. On behalf of all the kings and queens of the twelve cities, we bid you welcome.” He took his seat. “I think you all know by now why I have called this council.”
“I hope it’s to explain why your soldiers have invaded my land and taken possession of what is rightfully mine,” said King Halmara.
Ertik stiffened and turned red with anger. But a glance from Lousis kept him silent.
“Surely, you do not refer to the liberation of Valshara?” Lousis countered. “We merely came to the aid of a friend in need. A friend who had been set upon by the forces of Angrääl. Forces who marched on your borders long before my men arrived.”
“Then perhaps this has all been a huge misunderstanding,” Sialo Magrifal interjected. “We were asked by our dear friend and ally, King Halmara, to expel those residing illegally in Valshara. According to King Halmara they were in clear violation of his law.”
This was more than Ertik could stand and he shot out of his seat. “You lie! Our temple has stood for thousands of years unmolested. You murdered my people out of revenge. Revenge your master could not exact after he was expelled from Amon Dähl for his betrayal.”
Lousis grabbed Ertik's arm and pulled him back in his seat.
“This is who the high lady sends to speak on her behalf?” mocked Sialo. “You should learn to govern your passion, when in the presence of your betters.”
“Ertik may have spoken out of turn,” said Lousis. “But he speaks truth. And I would remind Lord Sialo, that no question has been posed to him, yet he chose to speak...in the presence of his betters.” This brought a round of soft laughter.
Sialo showed no signs of anger, as he nodded and folded his hands.
“The fact remains that I was well within my rights to take Valshara,” said Halmara. “It should not matter that I enlisted the aid of Angrääl to do so.”
Queen Fasheil spoke. “You believe it none of our affair that a foreign force is allowed to enter our domain?”
Halmara curled his lip. “And what of the elf army that slaughtered the Angrääl soldiers when King Lousis marched his men into my land? Is that not a foreign force?”
King Stanis of Calderia, King Tredford of Yuledan, Queen Illirial of the Saraf's Jewel, and King Victis of Tarvansia all nodded in agreement.
“The elves have as much right to be here as we,” said Lousis. “They have been here far longer and have lived among us in peace. The presence of Angrääl is of great concern to them as well.”
King Stanis spoke. “Is your memory so short? There are elves living today that fought our people in the Great War. You may be liberal in your thinking, King Lousis, but for those of us in the south, we cannot ignore that elves have been a constant threat to our way of life. They have never forgiven humans for their defeat...and I doubt they ever will.”
“What say you to this, Lord Theopolou?” asked Queen Fasheil.
Theopolou looked over the council. “King Stanis is correct. In fact, I fought in the Great War.” This brought gasps and whispers. “Until recently, I was opposed to a human-elf alliance, as were most of our elders. But that has changed. We face a threat that none of us can overcome alone. We must leave behind mistrust and hatred in order to survive.”
“And what threat is that?” asked Halmara, contemptuously. “The only threat I see here is you.”
“You know well the threat I speak of,” Theopolou replied, calmly. “That you have aligned yourself with the power you believe will be victorious will not save you in the end. Should the elves fall and the armies of Angrääl sweep across this land, do you think your people will remain free?”
“If I may?” said Sialo. Lousis nodded his consent. “The Reborn King has no intention of making war on this or any other land. He only seeks to strengthen friendships and create prosperity for all. Lord Theopolou speaks of unity, yet his own people assault him from the Steppes. He would have you believe that his people will protect you from the wrath of a kingdom that has done nothing to offend you. We have not invaded your land, nor will we ever. It is the elves that seek protection. And what is worse, protection from their own kind. It is they who would need you.”
Theopolou smiled. “Very well put. I can see why your master sent you. And I must admit, you are not entirely wrong. We do need an alliance with humans to survive. Our numbers are few compared to the vast armies in the north. But if your king has no intention of making war, then why raise a force so immense as to rival the armies of the Great War? Such an army can have only one purpose. Conquest.”
“You exaggerate, my lord,” said Sialo, smiling back. “We have been beset with requests for aid from all corners of the world. We only raised the forces necessary to accommodate our ally’s needs.”
“I see,” said Theopolou. “Then you should be willing to allow the kings and queens of this land to send envoys to Angrääl to seek the truth of the matter...am I correct? Certainly, they would report that tens of thousands of soldiers are not massing for war, and that their neighboring kingdoms are not under the yoke of Angrääl. In fact, I could send an elf envoy along with them. It would certainly ease the minds of my people. If they departed right away they could be there and back before spring. Of course, you would remain here to ensure complete objectivity.”
Sialo glared at Theopolou.
“What say you, Lord Sialo?” asked Lousis, clearly amused at the man's anger. “You could remain my guest until then.”
“I, naturally, would have no objection,” Sialo replied, regaining his composure. “But you would have to allow me to send word of their coming.”
“I think not,” said Lousis. “It may cause doubt about their findings.”
“I must insist,” Sialo retorted. “I would not want there to be any misunderstandings.”
“You could write a letter of safe passage,” offered Lousis. “Certainly, that should clear up any potential misunderstandings that might occur.”
Sialo shifted uneasily in his seat.
“Enough of this distraction,” roared King Halmara. His voice echoed through the hall. “I came here to resolve the matter of the invasion of my land, not listen to my guest have his honor insulted.”
“Indeed,” Lousis agreed. “Though I do not see where anyone has given insult. The fact is, that foreign forces invaded and killed those within your rightful borders.”
Halmara leaned forward, menacingly. “And as I said, they were acting on my behest.”
Lousis cocked his head and furled his brow. “I'm confused. What crime did these people commit to warrant their slaughter?” He leaned back. “Surly if some crime was committed they should be brought to justice, not put to the sword without trial.”
This brought murmurs of agreement...even from the southern rulers.
“You say that Valshara existed in violation of your laws,” Lousis continued. “I know your laws well, your highness. They were written at the same council as ours here in Althetas, along with the other kingdoms. Since when is a temple considered an outlaw state? When is a temple looked upon in the same manner as a brigand or bandit?”
&n
bsp; “Valshara hid their existence from us,” argued Halmara. “They have never sworn allegiance to my rule. Moreover, they support a military branch of their order. You expect me to sit idly while this so-called temple builds its own army, beneath my very nose?”
Lousis looked to Ertik, who had managed to calm himself, and nodded.
“The Order of Amon Dähl has never had an army,” said Ertik. “Any who would say differently knows nothing. For thousands of years we have been the guardians of heaven and the keepers of history. Our knights have fought to protect all that is sacred and have served the Gods since the ancient kingdoms were young. This is well known to the Reborn King, as he betrayed our order and seized the Sword of Truth, which we had protected for generations.” He stood up and looked over the council. “You need not go to Angrääl to see the Dark Knight's treachery. Temples throughout the land have been desecrated, their priests and priestesses murdered. In Baltria, the king has become little more than a puppet. In Hazrah, there are entire battalions garrisoned and ready to march. Do you think the people of Hazrah need so many for protection?
“Most of you have heard stories about my order. Can any one of you say that you have heard stories of our conquests? We have stayed hidden for so long because what we guarded could unravel the world should it fall into the wrong hands. Well, that has happened. The master Lord Sialo serves possesses a power beyond any of your imaginings. Do you think he has no intention of using it?” Ertik sat back down, staring daggers at Sialo.
There was a long pause, then Sialo got to his feet, his eyes never leaving Ertik's. He sneered, then pushed back his chair and stormed out. King Halmara stood and followed.
For more than a minute, there was silence in the hall. Finally, King Lousis stood and addressed the council. “I believe we should adjourn for an hour.”
The Godling Chronicles (Shadow of the Gods, Book #3) Page 27