Sialo showed no signs of anger. He merely 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 still living today who 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 been able to forgive 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, contempt plain in his voice. “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 from the Steppes assault him. 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, they seek 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 as 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. “That 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. “Surely, 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 all 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?”
“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 by while this so-called temple builds its own army beneath my very nose?”
Lousis nodded in the direction of Ertik, who by now had managed to calm himself.
“The Order of Amon Dähl has never had an army,” Ertik began. “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. All this is well known to the Reborn King. 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 really think that the people of Hazrah need so many for protection?
“Most of you will have heard tales about my order. But can any one of you say that you have heard stories of our armed conquests? Of course not! We have remained hidden for so long simply because of what we guarded. The Sword of Truth has the power to unravel the entire world should it fall into the wrong hands. Well, that terrible thing has now happened. The master Lord Sialo serves possesses a power beyond any of your imaginings. Do you think he has no intention of using it?” With a final contemptuous glare at Sialo, Ertik sat back down.
There was a long pause before Sialo got to his feet, his eyes never leaving Ertik's. With a loud sneer, he pushed back his chair and stormed from the hall. King Halmara quickly stood and followed.
In the wake of their departure, the hall remained absolutely silent for more than a minute. Finally, King Lousis stood and addressed the council. “I believe we should adjourn for an hour.”
The council rose and filed out. Only Theopolou, Ertik and Lousis remained. A servant brought them cups of wine.
“I hope that what I said made a difference,” said Ertik. His hands trembled as he held his cup.
Lousis slapped Ertik on the shoulder. “I think it did. If we can sway enough of the southern rulers to our side, the rest will abandon King Halmara.” He drained his cup. “If our fortune holds, we may yet turn the tide in our favor.”
/> “What will happen if we cannot?” asked Theopolou.
Lousis shook his head and sighed. “In all probability, civil war. Halmara will rally the southern cities, and we will be forced to respond in kind.”
“That would be a tragedy,” said Theopolou. “Let us hope we can avoid it.”
Barely had he finished speaking when a sudden, violent change came over Lousis. The king’s eyes narrowed and he clutched at his throat. A moment later he slid from his chair, head thrown back, gasping for air.
Theopolou rushed to his side. He looked back to tell the servant to get help, but the boy was already gone. “The king is poisoned,” he said. “ The wine!”
Ertik looked at his cup and flung it to the ground.
“Are you all right?” Theopolou asked.
Ertik could only nod.
Theopolou swept the table clear. “Help me get him up, then go find Mohanisi. If he is not in the manor, he may be at the Temple of Ayliazarah.”
They lifted Lousis up onto the table. Theopolou placed his hands on the king’s chest and closed his eyes. Ertik bolted from the room, yelling for the guards. Theopolou could feel Lousis' life gradually draining away as he used the flow to slow the poison coursing through his veins. Whatever the assassin had used, it was powerful. All he could do was strive to keep the king alive long enough for Mohanisi to take over.
Six guards burst in, swords drawn.
“Find the servant who was just in here,” Theopolou commanded. “And let no one leave the manor. Two of you stay and guard the door.”
The guards obeyed at once.
Lousis slipped further away as Theopolou continued with his struggle. “Stay with me,” he whispered. “You are still needed.”
Chapter 25
Together with a dozen guards, both elf and human, Theopolou and Ertik waited anxiously just outside King Lousis' chambers. The other kings and queens had by now all been secured in their quarters and the manor sealed. The king was on the very brink of death by the time Mohanisi arrived; Theopolou could only pray that he wasn’t too late.
One of Lousis' personal guards approached, fury in his eyes. “The servant has been found dead in his quarters, but King Halmara and Lord Sialo are no longer in the manor. It seems they have fled the city. I'm sending men to pursue them.”
“No,” said Theopolou. “There is no need. They will see justice soon enough.”
“But My Lord,” protested the guard, “the king is poisoned and the culprits are within our reach.”
“I doubt that very much,” said Theopolou. “Someone like Sialo will have planned his escape well.” He placed his hand on the guard’s shoulder. “If you wish to serve your king, send more men to the city gates and scout the surrounding area.”
The guard heaved a sigh of frustration. “It will be done, My Lord.”
The door to the king’s chambers opened and Mohanisi stepped out. “The king will live,” he announced. “Though it may be a few days before he is fully recovered. He was moments from death, and even my skill has limits.”
This news brought cries of relief from the guards.
“Say nothing to anyone,” ordered Theopolou. “Tell the council I wish to speak to them. I will await them in the council chambers in one hour.”
“Not to offend, My Lord,” said an older guard. “But the council may not honor your request. They are a prideful bunch, and not all of them care much for elves.”
Theopolou smiled. “If they refuse, then threaten to drag them to the chamber by the scruff of their necks.” He could see the look of fear in the guard’s eyes. Clearly the idea of threatening royalty disturbed him. “The king nearly died, and it is very possible that one of the other kings and queens had a hand in it. I swear you will not be punished if you are forced to become insistent.”
The guard smiled devilishly, then marched down the hall.
“Do you really think one of them had something to do with this?” asked Ertik.
“No,” Theopolou replied. “But I am well aware that the allies of King Halmara fear such an accusation. I cannot undo what has been done to the king. But I can use it to our advantage.”
“How do you propose to do that?” asked Mohanisi.
“With your assistance,” Theopolou replied. “We must show them our strength. And most of all, we must help them to unite.”
One hour later, the council filed into the chamber. Mohanisi stood behind Theopolou as they watched the kings and queens take their seats. Many wore looks of both anger and concern.
King Victis of Tarvansia spoke first. “What right have you to summon us?”
“You ask me this after what has happened?” said Theopolou, not hiding an accusing tone.
“What are you suggesting?” King Victis' nostrils flared.
“I suggest nothing,” Theopolou replied. “Only that King Lousis is poisoned, and someone is responsible.”
“It's obvious who is responsible,” said Victis. “King Halmara is the only one absent.”
“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. “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 asked, 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 himself, and his first question would be about the well-being of his dear friend. But to answer your question. If King Lousis dies, we may have no choice. We are not blind to the strength of Angrääl, nor are we the fools you may think us to be. Without Althetas, how can we resist such an enemy?”
He took a deep breath before pressing on. “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 Angrääl marches on this land, it will not find simpering cowards, but a free people fighting to protect the things that they love. 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. And I tell you that we possess strength the armies of Angrääl has yet to account for.”
Mohanisi held his palms out flat. A ball of flame appeared a few inches above them, gradually growing in size as the heat became more and more intense. The spectacle immediately caused panic. 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 and Mohanisi.
Prince Loniel was the only one who seemed undaunted by the display. “And will this one elf defeat these vast armies?” he asked.
Theopolou smiled. He liked the young prince. “No. Not alone. But know you are not without great power on your side.”
Queen Illirial spoke. “I too have been a friend to King Lousis. And I certainly do not wish to be under the thumb of King Halmara. But if Lousis dies, the most powerful of all the twelve city states is still left without a monarch. The A
lthetan people will not accept any of us here to rule in his place, 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 who 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 have spilled blood together. We have fought side by side and faced death as brothers. Understand that I was against this before your grandmothers were children. If I can change, then so can you. Elf and human live in this world together, so 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 until our elders arrive, Ertik speaks for my people.”
Ertik looked at Theopolou, shocked. “My Lord…”
Theopolou turned to 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 who 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.
The Godling Chronicles : Bundle - Books 1-3 Page 92