The Godling Chronicles : Bundle - Books 1-3

by Brian D. Anderson

  “Indeed, I hope not, Your Highness,” said Selena. “I would not have men and women going to their deaths with my name on their lips. Though I fear it may be so.”

  The entrance to the road leading to Valshara was half a day’s march away. Soon the men began singing songs of victory and glory, and though the elves did not join in, it seemed to lift their spirits nonetheless. Theopolou had earlier sent a small advance force to secure the road and paths leading to the cliffs, and reports now came back that the way was clear.

  “Whatever they have planned, it is to wait until we are within the cliff walls,” said Linis. “They know we come, yet refuse to guard an easily defensible road. Our numbers would count for nothing in that narrow passage.”

  “Are you worried?” asked Selena.

  “I am,” he replied. “You should stay near me at all times.” He tapped Kaylia's shoulder. “You too. I will not explain to Gewey why I allowed you to be hurt.”

  “He knows full well that I can look after myself,” Kaylia shot back. “If something happens to me, the fault will be mine.”

  “That will not matter to him.” He looked up and saw the Stone of the Tower come into view. His face grew solemn. “Frankly, at this moment, I wish he were here with us.”

  All nodded in agreement.

  Word came back that the advance force had secured all access points to the cliffs, and that the road was abandoned. The Temple, however, was not. From the cliffs they spotted dozens of archers lining the battlements, and smoke billowing up from within.

  Slowly, the huge army funneled into the narrow valley, guarded from above on each side by fifty elf archers. It took a full hour before the Althetan soldiers at the rear began to creep forward.

  The king rode up, sword in hand and clearly eager for battle. “I'd ask you to halt here and allow my men to pass,” he said.

  Kaylia opened her mouth to protest, but Selena held out her arm and bowed to signal her compliance. She and the others made their way over to the cliff face, allowing the soldiers the room they needed. Nearly half of them had entered the passage when a low horn blast sounded in the distance. Not from the temple, but from the north, behind the human lines. A second blast rang out.

  “What is that?” asked Selena.

  Linis drew his weapon. “I believe we are flanked, High Lady.”

  Orders were shouted by commanders as the Althetan army slowly turned. Another horn echoed against the cliffs, followed by a low rumble. Kaylia, Linis, and the Valsharan guard formed a protective line in front of the High Lady. The rumble grew to a roar as hundreds more frenzied voices joined in. The king rode up, fury in his eyes.

  “We are out-maneuvered,” he yelled. “Linis. Inform Theopolou.”

  Linis nodded and pushed his way through the soldiers into the narrow passage where more Althetans were still trying to turn and exit. Linis had to knock several to the ground in order to make passage. Once clear of the lines, he ran full speed to the elves, who were less than a quarter mile ahead. He grabbed the first elf he reached and ordered him to relate to Theopolou what had happened, then raced back to Selena and Kaylia. By the time he reached them he could hear that the battle had already begun.

  The king was shouting orders and waving his sword wildly. He tried to spur his horse forward, but a dozen men surrounded him, and would not allow him to move. Selena was still against the cliff face clinging to Kaylia's sleeve.

  “Are you all right?” asked Linis.

  Selena nodded. “I'm....”

  The hairs on the back of Linis' neck stood up. He spun around to see the sky streaked with incoming arrows. The guards quickly raised their small round shields and pushed back, hiding Selena and Kaylia. Kaylia squirmed and struggled, but Selena tightened her grip. Linis backed away. There was no room for him, and he carried no shield. The air was now filled with the high-pitched whining of arrows. Dozens of loud thuds and cracks sounded as they sank into the ground or smashed into shields. Linis darted to one side, only just in time to avoid being skewered. One guard fell screaming, the shaft of a black-feathered arrow protruding from his chest. Two other guards reached down and pulled the man to the rock face. Selena bent down and immediately began tending his wound, but her guarding knight dragged her back to her feet.

  “How dare you!” she shouted.

  “We will see to him,” said the knight. “You must stay behind us.” As she looked down, she realized it would be useless anyway. The guard was slumped over, eyes closed and with a trickle of blood coming from the corner of his mouth. The arrow had pierced his lung. There was no hope.

  Linis could see that the Althetans were being forced back, though he was still unable to catch sight of the enemy. A tall soldier ran up, his breastplate covered in blood.

  “High Lady,” said the soldier, trying to catch his breath. “The king commands that you retreat into the passage. We are outmatched, and I fear that our line may soon collapse.”

  “How many are there?” asked Linis.

  “Nearly a thousand,” he replied. “They came from nowhere. We were only just able to form ranks when they reached our lines. They fight like men possessed.”

  “Hold fast,” said Linis. “I've sent word to Theopolou. Help is coming.”

  No sooner had the words left his mouth when dozens of elves came pouring out of the passage, weapons drawn.

  “What is your name, soldier?” asked Linis.

  “Mitchis,” he replied.

  “Come with me,” he ordered, then turned to Selena. “As soon as the elves clear the passage, you and Kaylia go inside.” Without waiting for an answer, he and Mitchis ran to meet the elf warriors.

  Bellisia’s face was the first one Linis recognized. In each hand she wielded a thin, short-sword. When she saw Linis approaching she rushed to meet him.

  “What has happened?” she asked urgently.

  Linis nodded to Mitchis, who explained the attack.

  “Our left flank is nearly gone. If it collapses, we are undone,” he said.

  “Go tell them that help is on the way,” said Bellisia. She pointed the sword in her left hand to an elf carrying a longbow and bearing the symbol of her tribe on his leather armor. He nodded with understanding and shouted for the other archers to form a line. Bellisia reached in her belt, pulled out a small silver horn, and blew. The high-pitched sound pierced the air like the cry of an eagle.

  “The humans need us to reinforce their left flank.” Her voice rose above the sound of the battle. “It is time to prove our worth.” She pulled three elves aside. “See that the king is unharmed. Get him to pull back to the wall if you can.” They bowed quickly and obeyed. Lousis was still atop his horse, urging his men forward while his personal guard continued with their struggle to keep him from riding to the front line.

  Bellisia and Linis raced to catch up with the others. As Mitchis had said, the left flank was nearly demolished. Warriors in black mail with the symbol of broken scales in bright red across their chests were starting to push through. The bodies of the dead and dying littered the ground. The elves charged forward, cutting a path through the advance. In the face of this new onslaught the enemy panicked and quickly fell back. The Althetan soldiers began to pursue, but their commanders wisely called them back and reformed the lines.

  Linis looked to his right. The elves had arrived just in time to prevent the enemy from crushing the Althetan center as well. They met the forces of Angrääl with sustained fury as the clang and clatter of steel sang its deadly song.

  For nearly an hour the battle raged as more elf reinforcements arrived. On three separate occasions it looked as if the Althetan center would break, but somehow they managed to hold on long enough for more elf support to arrive and push the Angrääl soldiers back. Linis had slain at least a dozen men, and Bellisia just as many. Linis was impressed with her fighting skill, and smiled every time he caught sight of her.

  By mid-morning the Angrääl forces were in full retreat, with the men of Althetas hard on th
eir heels. Nearly half of the elf force had come out of the passage to aid in the battle. Hundreds had died. The king’s right leg was broken when his horse reared and threw him during the final surge forward, after which his personal guards were able to carry him to the cliffs and place him beside Selena and Kaylia.

  Bellisia was cleaning her sword on the tunic of a dead enemy soldier when Linis approached.

  “You fight well,” he remarked. “As well as any seeker.”

  Bellisia smiled, looking prideful. “My father was a seeker. He trained me until I came of age and chose the life of a scholar and healer instead.” Her smile vanished as she cast her gaze over the battlefield. “A skill I believe we will need at this moment.”

  Theopolou appeared from the passage with half a dozen elves. Linis waved his arm in greeting and went to meet him. Bellisia walked beside.

  “What are your losses?” asked Theopolou.

  “I cannot say,” replied Bellisia. “Substantial, I would think. The enemy was well prepared.”

  Theopolou led them to where the king was being tended. Lousis smiled as they approached and sat up straight.

  “Are you badly injured?” asked Theopolou.

  “No.” The king looked at his leg with disgust. “But my fighting is done for now. How about you? Were your elves assaulted in the passage?”

  Theopolou shook his head. “No. I believe the enemy were counting on breaking through our rear and attacking us that way.”

  “If you hadn't sent your elves back to help, they would have,” said Lousis. “I mourn the loss of those who died in our defense.”

  Theopolou bowed. “As I mourn the loss of your soldiers. They died bravely facing overwhelming numbers.”

  “What will we do now?” asked Linis.

  “We will do what we came here to do,” said Theopolou. Determination burned in his eyes. “Nehrutu and Mohanisi are with the archers and shield bearers, one thousand yards away from the gates. They await my return.” He turned to Linis and placed a hand on his shoulder. “You should know that the bodies of three of your seekers hang from the walls.”

  Linis lowered his eyes and clenched his fists. “I will come with you.”

  Theopolou nodded. “What are your plans, Your Highness?”

  King Lousis shifted uncomfortably, digging a rock from beneath his thigh and tossing it aside. “The wagons are being emptied to carry the wounded back to the city. Those that can't be moved will be cared for here.” He looked out on the battlefield riddled with bodies. “I will have my men take care of the dead. Rest assured that the elves will be taken care of as well.”

  “Are there captives?” asked Bellisia.

  “A few,” the king replied. “I suppose I must see to them until this is over. I'm hoping that we can learn something useful from our prisoners.”

  Selena approached; blood from treating the wounded covered her clothes. Kaylia was at her side.

  “I will remain with the High Lady and Kaylia,” said Bellisia. “I believe my healing skills will be of greater use than my skills in battle.”

  “Your help is most welcome,” said Selena.

  “I will join you and Theopolou,” said Kaylia.

  “No,” shot Linis. “My heart is full of vengeance. I am told that bodies of my kin hang from the walls of our enemy. I cannot promise to protect you as my fury may blind me. You will stay here.”

  Kaylia could see from Linis’s expression that would not be moved. Reluctantly, she stepped back.

  Theopolou bowed to King Lousis and Selena. “We must hurry.” He spun around and headed back to the passage. Linis and the guard followed close behind.

  “It is done,” said Selena.

  “What is that, High Lady?” asked Kaylia.

  Selena lowered her eyes. “Human and elf have bled together. Whatever our destiny may be, we will now meet it together.”

  She sighed. “I only wish that the cost of peace were not so high.”

  Chapter 18

  The wind whipped between the tall cliff walls, blowing the banners tight. Linis and Theopolou pushed their way through the ranks until they reached the vanguard where Nehrutu and Mohanisi awaited. Linis fixed his eyes on the tall, thick walls of Valshara. Just as Theopolou had said, three bodies swung in the breeze just left of the main gate. He boiled with fury as he recognized Sitrisa, Prustos, and Santisos. Their faces were swollen, bruised, and caked with dried blood and grime - their clothes tattered and stained.

  “They will pay for this dishonor.” Linis drew his long knife and grabbed the blade tightly. His blood trickled down to the hilt. “I swear this.”

  “You must wait until the gates are down and we vanquish the archers before you charge,” warned Nehrutu.

  “My fury does not make me a fool,” Linis snapped.

  “Of course not,” Nehrutu replied. “And you are not alone. The sight of my kin displayed with such malice and contempt fills me with rage as well.” His eyes fixed on the mutilated bodies. “I swear that you will have vengeance. They will understand wrath and fear after this day.”

  “Then ready yourself to advance,” commanded Theopolou. The shield bearers lined up in front of the archers, with Nehrutu and Mohanisi just behind them, weapons drawn.

  “Attack!”

  Slowly the column inched forward. Trumpets blared from behind the wall. Men scrambled about behind the bowmen manning the battlements as orders were frantically shouted. Theopolou and Linis stood shoulder to shoulder watching as their forces came within range of the enemy arrows. The thwack of dozens of bowstrings rang out and streaks of death flew across the sky. The shields came up and the elves crouched behind them. But the arrows never found a mark. Both Nehrutu and Mohanisi stood absolutely still, their arms outstretched. A blast of wind gusted up, forcing the oncoming arrows back. The clatter of wood on stone punctuated what had happened, bringing murmurs of shock and approval throughout the elf ranks. Soon this was followed by loud cheering. The humans on the wall merely stood in silent amazement and fear.

  “Why would they need the shields?” wondered Linis.

  “I think it is for when Nehrutu and Mohanisi bring down the gates,” Theopolou answered. “It may be beyond their skill to do both things at once.”

  The elves drew closer until finally they were in range. The archers stood and fired, and all but one of them found his mark. Men on the battlements slumped and disappeared. Others fell screaming from the wall. This success brought another round of cheers from the elves. The defenders returned fire, but again Nehrutu and Mohanisi sent their missiles back. After four more volleys from the elf archers, the wall was clear.

  Nehrutu and Mohanisi remained where they were, their heads now facing down and arms folded. Then the earth began to shake violently. A moment later the gates to Valshara burst into flames. The heat could be felt all the way back to where Theopolou and Linis were standing. In retaliation, several arrows flew from over the wall, but they were completely random and undirected. Only a few came close enough to strike the shields. The ground continued to shake until finally the gates burst into flaming splinters. The elf archers then crept forward, all the time keeping their eyes fixed on the ramparts.

  “Forward!” cried Theopolou.

  At a quick march the army moved in behind the archers just as they reached the shattered gates. Smoldering pieces of wood littered the ground, but these were quickly stomped out by elf warriors. Smoke obscured their vision, making it impossible to see more than a few feet beyond the gate.

  “To me!” roared Nehrutu, holding his sword high.

  Black-cloaked figures appeared from out of the acrid, gray smoke. First, one, then another, until five stood in the entrance. Five more were standing just behind them. The elf archers fired in a volley. The arrows struck home but had no effect.

  “Vrykol!” shouted Nehrutu. “You must take their heads!”

  The archers dropped their bows and drew their long knives. The Vrykol were tall, menacing, and motionless. A thick ball of
flame shot out from in front of Nehrutu and Mohanisi engulfing the beasts, but the flames died the moment they reached them. When the shield bearers were only a few feet away, the Vrykol stepped forward in unison. Their blades struck with tremendous force, shattering all but two shields and throwing the soldiers to the ground. The elves leaped over the fallen humans hacking and slashing furiously. Two Vrykol were laid open across their chests. Foul, black ooze poured from out of the wounds, but this did nothing to stop them.

  The humans scrambled to their feet, but the elf line blocked their way, and they could only watch as the Vrykol cut the elves down, one by one. After the first wave of elves were slain, the Vrykol fell back to the gate to await another charge. Stumbling over the bodies of their fallen elf comrades, the Althetan soldiers attacked. It was a brave but futile gesture, and they were immediately cut to pieces.

  Nehrutu and Mohanisi charged in together, followed by a dozen elf warriors. As they clashed with the Vrykol, a wave of air erupted, throwing the creatures back and slamming them into the other Vrykol standing at the rear. Nehrutu took three heads with unearthly speed, and Mohanisi two more. The Vrykol countered, killing three elf warriors and pushing them back past the threshold. A second blast of air then knocked two Vrykol off their feet. Nehrutu moved swiftly in to take another head. Ten elves were at his back moving to engage the rest. Soon the Vrykol were overwhelmed - hacked to pieces by vengeful blades.

  Beyond the gates, the center of the courtyard was empty. At the rear, just in front of the temple, a six-foot high wooden wall had been erected. It spanned the entire breadth of the yard

  Nehrutu held out his arms to halt the attack. “I need archers, now!” he called.

  The words were barely out of his mouth when arrows flew from behind the wall in a low arc. Nehrutu and Mohanisi tried to deflect them by creating another blast of air, but their actions were too late. Only a few missiles were sent back, and three elves were struck, including Mohanisi.

  “No time to wait,” shouted Theopolou from behind. He forced his way past Nehrutu, followed by Linis and a long stream of screaming elves.