Brian Anderson - Shadow of the Gods

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 Angraalto 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 Angraal. 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?”

“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 Dahl 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 Angraalto 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 council rose and filed out. Only Theopolou, Ertik and Lousis remained. A servant brought them cups of wine.

“I hope 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.”

Lousis squinted his eyes and rubbed his throat. Suddenly, he threw his head back, gasping for air and slid from his chair.

Theopolou rushed to his side. He looked back to tell the servant to get help, but the boy was gone. “The king is poisoned.”

Ertik looked at his cup and flung it to the ground.

“Are you all right?” Theopolou asked Ertik.

Ertik could only nod.

“The wine is poisoned.” 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 the king 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 slowly draining away as he used the flow to slow the poison coursing through his veins. Whatever the assassin had used, it was powerful. He just hoped he could keep the king alive until Mohanisi arrived. 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 strained to keep his body alive. “Stay with me,” he whispered. “You are still needed.”

Theopolou and Ertik, waited just outside King Lousis' chambers, along with a dozen guards, both elf and human. The other kings and queens had been secured in their quarters, and the manor had been sealed. Theopolou prayed that Mohanisi had arrived in time. The King was nearly dead by the time Ertik had managed to find him.

One of Lousis' personal guards approached, fury in his eyes. “The servant has been found dead in his quarters, and King Halmara and Lord Sialo are not 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,” said 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 well his escape.” 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.”