Brian Anderson - Shadow of the Gods

“Yes,” she replied. “Something resides there. Something ancient. Something with fury in its heart.”

He glanced over at the sleeping figure of Pali. “How can he sleep so near this place?”

She pulled the blanket tight around her. “It could be that he cannot feel it. Or…”

“Or what?” asked Gewey.

“Or perhaps whatever lives there chooses not to trouble him.” She shuddered. “If so, then it knows we are here. Either way, I am pleased that our guide will be rested. I feel that we will need all of our wit and strength very soon.”

Theopolou led the army at a pace that would have astounded any human warlord or general, only pausing briefly once a day to rest and take a quick meal. At night they made camp alongside the roads and trails, sleeping for only a few hours, then marching before the sun broke the horizon.

Kaylia and Nehrutu continued with their lessons, though only for an hour each day. Still, she progressed rapidly, and by the third day of the march, was able to allow the flow to pass through her with ease. By the end of the first week she could move small amounts of earth and use the power to heighten her senses far beyond that of even the most experienced seeker. Scouts brought news of Valshara preparing for siege, with sightings of at least a dozen Vrykol roaming the area outside the temple. A guard of twenty men blocked the path leading up to the gates, and bowmen patrolled the ramparts day and night. Theopolou hoped that they may be able to enter through the rear passageway, but learned that it had been completely blocked off.

The army turned north to avoid coming too close to Valshara before joining with the human forces. It added an extra day, but Theopolou felt it better to hide their numbers until the last moment. The terrain became rocky and jagged, causing them to twist and turn to avoid spots where they could be ambushed.

The day before they arrived, Theopolou called a council of the elders. Nehrutu and Mohanisi joined them, as did Linis and Kaylia. Theopolou had received word that the soldiers from Althetas awaited them ten miles north of Valshara.

“This means that they will be expecting an attack to come soon,” said Chiron. “A human army is loud and easily spotted.”

“It is likely they know we are coming as well,” said Theopolou. “It is not the battle that will take them by surprise. It is the weapons we bring.” He motioned to Nehrutu and Mohanisi, who stepped forward.

“We can break open the gates,” said Nehrutu. “But from the way they are described, it may take both of our efforts. The approach is narrow and exposed, so we will need to dispose of the enemy archers.”

“Our bowmen can give you the time you need,” said Bellisia.

“I assumed so,” Nehrutu continued. “But if the gates are held by these Vrykol, we may find ourselves faced with a different problem. If they can only be slain by removing their heads, then we will lose many elves before we can overcome them. The narrow passage will make our numbers count for nothing.”

“Let us not forget our human allies,” Bellisia reminded. “Their city is close, and they may be well-supplied with siege engines.”

“I have not forgotten,” said Theopolou. “But they have not made war in five hundred years, beyond petty border squabbles. The human armies of old were cunning and powerful, but I doubt a single soldier today has ever seen true battle.” His eyes grew dark and distant. “And many of us have.”

“Still,” Linis interjected, “they are our allies, and perhaps we should wait until we arrive to make any final decisions. Otherwise they may take it as an insult.”

“Linis speaks wisely,” said Nehrutu. “Though it is clear that Mohanisi and I must breach the gates, you would be well served to include your new allies in your planning. And as Lady Bellisia pointed out, they are near their home. It may provide assets we cannot yet account for.”

“Then we wait,” said Theopolou. “We will join with the humans tomorrow.”

The knowledge that the elf army would soon join with humans had caused palpable tension among the ranks. Many were still unsure, not having been present at the Chamber of the Maker. They accepted the word of the elders, but this did little to calm their unease. Many had never even seen a human, and all had grown up with the hatred.

That evening they halted early and slept until dawn. Theopolou wanted his army rested when they arrived. By midday, they could hear the sounds of blacksmiths’ hammers ringing out in the distance. The ground had become even and far less rocky, and a few trees struggled out of barren soil. When the camp came into view, Theopolou and the other elders gathered in front, and called for a halt.

Moments later, trumpets blew and the sound of human commanders barking orders carried over the still air as the soldiers scurried to form ranks.

“I see elves among them,” remarked Linis. “That is a good sign.”

Theopolou only nodded.

The humans formed a long line of red shields and long spears. A lone banner hung lifelessly, bearing the image of a great serpent coiled around a full moon. The humans made no move and soon all was silent. Some of the elves among them stirred uneasily, but did not approach. It was Theopolou who moved first, followed closely by Linis and Kaylia.

“The rests stay behind for the moment,” said Theopolou over his shoulder.

When they were about one-hundred yards away the line parted and four figures appeared. Three Theopolou recognized immediately as Selena, High Lady of Valshara, and Haldrontis and Stintos, his escorts that had been sent back to Valshara. The fourth was a tall, lean man, with a salt and pepper beard, deep olive skin and piercing blue eyes. His face was wrinkled and cracked with age, but still his strides were long and sure as a young man in his prime. He wore simple leather armor and a long sword on his belt, but atop his brow rested a thin gold crown.

“I am pleased to see you are well,” said Theopolou to Haldrontis and Stintos.

“We have been well-tended,” said Haldrontis.

Theopolou nodded, “Then return to your comrades. They will be glad to see you.” They bowed and walked toward the elves. He turned to Selena. “I am pleased to see you again as well.”

Selena smiled warmly. “And I you.” She stepped aside to allow the man beside her to come forward. “May I present King Lousis Maldiva, King and Protector of Althetas.”

“I am honored to meet you, Lord Theopolou,” said the king. His voice was course and gruff, though steady and commanding. “Lady Selena speaks highly of you.” He held out his hand.

Theopolou paused a moment, then took it, shaking it firmly. “The honor is mine, your highness. I extend to you the friendship of my house, and the houses of all my kin.”

The king smiled and gave Theopolou's hand one more solid shake. “My city has welcomed elves for some time now. We are glad to extend our hospitality to as many as care to take it.”

“Sadly, we are in need of far more,” said Theopolou. His somber expression wiped the smile from the king's face. “And I fear many lives may be lost before we see peace again.”

“As do I,” the king agreed. “But perhaps spilling our blood together will remedy old fears and hatreds. If that is the price we must pay, then I am willing to pay it.”

Theopolou nodded. “Then let us begin here. Together, we shall rid Valshara of this plague that had besieged it.”

“If what the High Lady tells me is true, then this is only the beginning.” The king turned and ordered his men to break ranks. “Come, let our forces be as one. Tonight we dine and celebrate our union. Tomorrow is for war.”