King Lousis stood. “Ah, good. This is Lord Maynard Windcomber, war master and commander of my forces. These are his captains, Lord Brasley Amnadon and Lord Jeffos Windermere.” The commander and his captains bowed low. Theopolou and the others stood and returned the gesture.
A moment later, Nehrutu, Mohanisi, and Chiron entered. Theopolou made introductions and they gathered around the table.
“The other elders have chosen to remain with the army,” said Chiron, before Theopolou could ask. “Though the humans here have had experience with elves, alas, the opposite is not true.
They want to be near their people in case of any…misunderstandings.”
Theopolou nodded. “That is probably for the best. We can go over the plans with them later.”
“To business then,” said Lousis.
Lord Maynard leaned over the map. “I'm sure you are aware of the danger in approaching the gates. The way is narrow, and protected by bowmen. Unfortunately, it is the only way in.”
“We can fell the gates,” said Nehrutu. “But not without exposing ourselves. The narrow approach makes it impossible to match their bowmen in number, and as skilled as elf archers are, our enemy need only shoot into the thick of our ranks.”
“What about the rear entrance?” asked Linis. “We were told it has been blocked. Can it be cleared?”
“No,” Lord Maynard replied. “It has been completely collapsed. But even still, we face further danger.” He pointed to the path leading to the gates. “We must defend the cliffs on either side of the path. Should they control it, they can simply rain down death upon us. We'd be destroyed before we came close enough to see the temple.”
“Do you know their strength?” asked Theopolou.
“We haven't been able to get close enough to know their numbers,” admitted Maynard. “They have taken six of my scouting parties. Still, if they have enough men to protect the cliffs, we'll need to take them first. The terrain is rough and uneven. A skilled captain could make it difficult for us to dislodge them.”
“And if they are not defending, we waste our strength,” said Linis. “We should send elves to scout. I will lead them. No offense to the skill of your men, of course.”
“There is no offense taken,” said Maynard. “I have been told of elf seekers. But make no mistake. The men I sent were not without talent, and most were intercepted and likely killed.” He placed his palms on the table and looked directly at Linis. “The elves that came with the High Lady told me of the Vrykol. I think it must be those creatures who watch the pass. If you go, you may not return.”
Linis flashed a sinister grin. “I have dealt with the Vrykol before. If I encounter them again, there will be less for us to deal with later.”
Maynard raised an eyebrow and smirked approvingly. “I like that. I like that, indeed.” He turned to Theopolou. “You say you can smash the gates from bow range, as well as take out their archers?”
“Yes,” said Theopolou. “Without a doubt.”
“How will you do this?” asked Lousis. “I saw no siege engines with your army, and we brought none. And even if we had, the difficult approach would make them useless.”
“My kinsmen and I have the means,” said Nehrutu. “We possess skills you may not be able to understand. But rest assured it can be done.”
Lousis looked skeptical, scrutinizing the elf. “You back up this claim?” he asked Theopolou.
“I do,” Theopolou replied. “But still we are left with our archers being bunched up and exposed.”
“I think I can help,” said Maynard. “My men can protect them with shields until they are close enough to fire.”
Chiron shook his head. “If you do that then they will be first through the gates. Those behind must wait until they move forward. You will lose many men.”
Maynard threw his head back in laughter. “Then our foes will die by the hands of humans rather than elves. We have not marched here to stay out of the fray.”
“Then I suggest your soldiers meet with our archers as soon as possible,” said Chiron.
Maynard glanced at his captains, who nodded in return. “My men will be at your disposal.”
The rest of the battle plan was simple. Once the gates were down they were to section off each area of the temple until it was all secured. With the exception of the initial force of humans, the rest would be elves, with the remainder of the Althetan soldiers protecting the rear. At first Maynard protested, but eventually let go of his pride, in favor of Theopolou's wisdom. If Vrykol were encountered, humans would be no match for them.
After the meeting they dispersed. Kaylia and Linis stayed with Theopolou and found a place among his kinsman, while Nehrutu and Mohanisi found a spot far removed from the rest. Theopolou and Chiron met with the other elders and explained the strategy. Each tribe sent their best archers to meet with Lord Maynard just north of the camp to drill.
By late afternoon, barrels of wine were being unloaded from the wagons, and cooking fires burned everywhere. At first, the elves kept to themselves, but soon the humans intruded and forced their hospitality on them. The elders and commanders made certain they were close at hand, in case trouble broke out, but the so called ‘rebel elves’ who, like Linis, had been living among humans for quite some time, joined them. This went a long way toward easing tensions, and by the time the sun was beneath the horizon, the camp was completely integrated. And though the comfort level was not one of friendship, soon stories and songs sprang up from both human and elf.
Selena invited Kaylia to join her in her tent, just beside the king's. When she arrived, Selena was sitting on a chair beside a small chest, atop which sat a cup of wine. She smiled and offered the chair beside her, then filled another cup and handed it to Kaylia.
“I could see your pain when I mentioned Gewey's name earlier,” said Selena. “I thought you may wish to talk.”
“There is nothing to say,” Kaylia replied. “Gewey is on an important mission, and I worry. That is all.”
Selena leaned forward and placed her hand tenderly on Kaylia's. “I'm no elf. But I am a woman, and can tell when another woman needs help. Please…”
Selena's words and genuine concern struck home and tears welled in Kaylia's eyes. She took a breath and recounted the events leading up to the march.
“I see,” said Selena, in a half whisper. “And these elves from across the Abyss… you are certain they know what Gewey is?”
“Yes,” she replied, wiping her eyes. “Though I know Gewey loves me, I still fear that she will convince him that she is the better choice.” She lowered her eyes. “I should not despair, but the loss of our bond is driving me mad. If not for Nehrutu, I….”
“Gewey is your husband,” Selena interrupted, “to use the human term. He is not hers and will never be. What I know of Gewey, tells me his heart is true. More importantly, that heart belongs to you. If you feel that learning these powers will benefit you, then by all means do so. But if you think you must compete for his love…” She shook her head, laughing, then squeezed her hand fondly. “You are the one he chose. And you chose him. That is all you need care about. And I assure you that when he returns, nothing will have changed between you.”
Kaylia smiled. “Thank you. Your words have lifted my spirits.”
The sounds of songs and laughter drifted in from the camp.
“Speaking of spirits,” Selena remarked, “it seems as if the very first elf-human alliance is going better than expected.”
“So it would seem,” Kaylia agreed. “Though I wonder about the wisdom of wine and song on the eve of battle.”
“I think it may bring the two people closer,” said Selena. “Better to have an aching head and good allies, than suspicions and mistrust.”
Kaylia thought on this for a moment, then rose to her feet. “Perhaps we should join them.” She held out her hand and helped Selena up.
The brisk night was warmed by dozens of fires. The smell of meat and wine filled the air, mingling perfectly with the songs and laughter. By the time the meal was served, Kaylia stood in amazement at the sight of two armies — one elf and the other human — laughing like the Great War had never happened. Her heart filled with hope. And though her thoughts were ever on Gewey, she knew somehow all would be well.