Nehrutu looked down at Mohanisi and saw that a red-feathered arrow protruded from his belly. His anger boiled as he drew in the flow. Theopolou and the others were already halfway across the yard. He let loose all the power he could muster. A ten-foot section of the wall heaved up and flew against the temple, sending both wood and men back.
From the left and right on the battlements and atop the roof of the temple, more archers appeared, ready to rain down hell on the advancing elves.
Mohanisi struggled to his feet. Blood soaked his tunic and trousers. “Bring down the wall. I will handle the archers.”
A tempest erupted just above the heads of Theopolou, Linis and the others. Arrows were thrown clear just before they would have pierced their target. Nehrutu destroyed another section of the wall, just as the elves engaged the enemy. The archers abandoned their positions, dropping their bows, and unsheathing their swords.
“That's enough,” said Nehrutu to Mohanisi. The tempest dissipated. He helped his friend to the wall and allowed him to gently slide down.
“I will be fine,” said Mohanisi. “Attend to the more seriously injured.” He looked up to see Linis and Theopolou cutting a path through the humans.
Elves poured through the gate, joining in the fray. Soldiers exited the temple and descended from the wall to meet them.
“The temple will soon be ours,” said Nehrutu. “I will need your help, my friend.” He pulled the arrow from the wound. Mohanisi grimaced. “Be still.” He placed his hands on Mohanisi stomach. In moments the bleeding stopped.
“You can complete this once the battle is done,” said Mohanisi, smiling. “You have done enough for now. Go aid Theopolou.”
Nehrutu squeezed Mohanisi's shoulder, and leaped to his feet. “I shall return as soon as I am able.”
The battle continued to rage. The Angraalsoldiers had formed a shield wall around the main entrance to the temple and managed to stop the elf advance. Several elves fell to spears thrust from over the rim of the shields. Nehrutu drew in the flow and a blast of air pushed the humans back. He could have easily destroyed the line, but dared not use more force with the elves so close at hand. Another blast pushed them back farther creating a small gap. This was all Theopolou needed. He ordered the elves in, and in seconds the line was scattered. The cries of the dying mingled with the sound of clashing swords.
Nehrutu held back as the elves finished off the remaining soldiers. Dozens simply threw down their weapons and fell to their knees once it became clear the fight was lost. By the time the courtyard was secure, hundreds of soldiers lay dead, along with several dozen elves.
Without wasting a second, Theopolou ordered the courtyard cleared, and began gathering the wounded. Several elves wanted to enter the temple, but he told them to wait. Linis climbed the wall and retrieved the bodies of his fallen comrades.
“The interior is vast,” said Theopolou to Nehrutu, as he helped carry a wounded elf. “There may be many more soldiers inside. And they will have had time to set traps and prepare a defense. It may take time to dislodge them.”
“The rear of the temple is blocked,” said Nehrutu. “There is no escape. Perhaps you should offer their lives in exchange for surrender.” He glanced at the prisoners who had been herded against the north wall. “It would seem that they have no intent to fight to the last man.”
Theopolou nodded. “And for that I am grateful. Too much blood has been spilled this day.”
“What will you do with them?” asked Nehrutu.
Theopolou shrugged. “It is for the High Lady of Valshara to decide their fate. It was Amon Dahl that was attacked, and her people that were slaughtered when the temple was taken.” He shook his head slowly. “I do not know if they will be shown mercy.”
Nehrutu looked up to see Linis several yards away, kneeling over the bodies of his seekers. “I am not certain they should be.”
Theopolou tightened his jaw, then walked to where the prisoners were being held. He picked one of the soldiers and had him brought to the main door of the temple.
“Tell any remaining that they are to throw down their arms and come out at once,” Theopolou ordered. “If they do not, then the Temple of Valshara will become their tomb.”
The soldier nodded and enter the temple. More than an hour passed before he returned. By then Selena and Kaylia had joined Theopolou. Tears welled in Selena's eyes at the sight of so many dead.
“They will come out,” said the soldier. “But you must promise they will be spared.”
“I promise to burn this place down around them if they don't come out at once,” said Selena, furiously. “You tell them that I will send their ashes back to Angraalin a box.”
The soldier lowered his eyes, clearly afraid. “Yes, my lady.” He turned and re-entered the temple.
A short while later the door swung open and soldiers began to file out, unarmed, with their hands on their heads.
“What will you do with them?” asked Kaylia.
“Until my anger subsides, nothing,” Selena replied. “I will not act until I am certain my mind, and not my heart, speaks for me.”
They watched as the soldiers were led to the north wall. Once they were all out, a small group of elves entered to see that the temple was empty. A few minutes later, the door flew open and a woman was shoved through, an elf holding a long knife at her back. Kaylia recognized her at once.
“Salmitaya,” she whispered, and drew her knife.
Salmitaya stood there, defiant and proud, dressed in a long black robe, with a silver cord tied at the waist. Her light brown hair was pulled back and interlaced with white and gold, bound together in the back by white silk.
“I knew I would fall to an elf blade,” said Salmitaya, glaring at Kaylia. “But I would not have it happen by your hand.”
Selena stepped in front of Kaylia. “You may yet save your wretched skin. I have heard your name before…Salmitaya. And I have known of your evil works longer than you think.” She grabbed Salmitaya's chin and forced her to look into her eyes. “I also know that you are high in the council of the Reborn King.”
Salmitaya jerked her head free of Selena's grasp. “You know nothing, fool.” She shut her eyes. “Kill me and be done with it.”
Selena scrutinized Salmitaya for a full minute. “I may. Or perhaps I should send you back to Angraal.”
Salmitaya's eyes shot wide.
“Yes. That's what I'll do.” Selena stepped back and smiled.
“Please,” cried Salmitaya. “You can't-”
“I can and I will,” said Selena. Her tone was low and dangerous. “Or do you wish to remain here?”
“I wish you to kill me,” she replied.
“I say we give her what she wants,” said Kaylia, still holding her knife.
Linis approached. He snatched Salmitaya up by the arm and shook her violently. “Who had the elves hung from the walls?”
Salmitaya said nothing.
“Answer him,” Selena commanded. “Or I swear I will send you back.”
“Yanti,” answered Salmitaya, meekly.
“Who is Yanti?” asked Selena. “Was it he who ordered the taking of Valshara?”
“You will find out soon enough.” Salmitaya shook her head. “But understand that I know nothing of value to you. I am disgraced in the eyes of my lord. If you intend to question me, you will get nothing, for I know nothing. If you set me free, I must continue to fight you. That is if I’m allowed to live. So you have to kill me.”
“It appears you fear returning to your master more than you fear death,” said Selena, thoughtfully. She looked up at the elf who had brought Salmitaya out. “Put her with the other prisoners, for now. We have wounded to attend. I will decide her fate later.”
Linis glared at Salmitaya, then released her.
“Do you think she will tell us anything?” asked Theopolou, once Salmitaya had been led away.
“I don't think she knows anything,” Selena replied.
“Then why keep her alive?” asked Kaylia.