Salmitaya sat across from Selena, her face expressionless, hands folded in her lap.
Selena told her about Yanti. “I told you I would not allow you to be taken, and I will keep my word. But I need to know-”
“You need to know if he has someone near King Lousis,” said Salmitaya. “I would think he does. In fact, I'm certain of it. And if he says he is allied with King Halmara, I would think that is true as well. Yanti lies, but he mixes lies with truth. I also know that if you do not do as he requests, he will make good on his threats.”
“I will release his men,” said Selena, sternly. “But I will not turn you over.”
Salmitaya shook head and chuckled softly. “If you do not, he will make good his threat. Lousis will die.”
“He may do that regardless,” Selena countered.
“No,” said Salmitaya, “He will hold to his agreement. At least until his men are away. By then you may be able to warn the king.”
“Why would he care about a few hundred soldiers?” she asked.
“Who knows?” Salmitaya bowed her head. “It is not out of a sense of responsibility to them, that much is certain. Whatever the reason he is not one to bluff. If he says he will kill Lousis, you can count on it.”
Selena stood up and poured two cups of wine. Offering one to Salmitaya, she stared thoughtfully into the woman's eyes.
Salmitaya held the cup under her nose, savoring the sweet scent. She closed her eyes as the wine passed over her tongue. “I remember when I was a novice, I would sneak away to the tavern to drink wine and listen to the musicians with my friends. We were always so afraid we’d get caught…but it just made it that much more fun.” Her body relaxed. She could almost hear the songs, and the laughter of her fellow novices. “Things were so much simpler then.” Her eyes grew heavy, as the sound of breaking glass seemed distant. So very far away. Yes, that's what she wanted. To be far away.
Selena called the guard. “Have her body wrapped in linen and given to the captives when they are released.” She leaned down and pushed the hair from Salmitaya's face. “I'm sorry.”
Chapter 23
For six days, the kings and queens of the twelve city states had been arriving. Only King Halmara was still absent. The presence of elves had caused more than a few nervous stares. King Lousis had made a point to greet each new arrival with Theopolou and Ertik at his side. Co-existence with elves was common in most of the twelve cities, but only in certain areas. And never as welcome guests in the house of the king. But even the elves didn't cause as much of a stir as Ertik, a representative from the High Lady of Valshara. Speculation ran wild as for his reason for attending.
Theopolou spent his time exploring the king’s library, reading about the history of the twelve cities. Mohanisi spent most of his time with Linis, who was busy preparing to journey to Sharpstone. From time to time Theopolou would be approached by the kings and queens, and asked about the goings on of the elves. Word had already spread about the battle in Valshara. Most could scarcely believe human and elf had fought side by side. Theopolou politely answered their questions.
By the seventh day, it had been decided to proceed without King Halmara. That night there would be a banquet, then in the morning the council would meet.
A few hours before the banquet, Theopolou returned to his quarters. The flood of questions had steadily increased until the very thought of another conversation caused him to cringe. As he settled into a plush chair and opened a book, there was a soft rap at the door.
He sighed and closed the book. “Come.”
It was Linis. “I want to speak to you before I leave for Sharpstone. Mohanisi is still exploring the city and says he will not be joining you for the banquet.”
“Your company is welcome,” said Theopolou, smiling. “I wish my presence was not required or I would join Mohanisi. Have you spoken to Lord Ganflin?”
“I have,” he replied, taking a seat beside Theopolou. “He is providing me with two dozen men and ten thousand gold, to aid Millet and Dina. He has already sent word to Lord Broin, and I hope to get his help as well.”
Theopolou nodded approvingly. “That is good. You should have enough to raise a sizable force.”
“I hope to send for elves soon,” said Linis. “But I think it best to prepare the people of Sharpstone first. Most people along the Goodbranch have never seen an elf, and only have heard stories of the Great War to form their opinions.”
“I am certain you can ease their fears,” said Theopolou. “When the time comes, send word, and I will send as many as can be spared.” He could see Linis’ expression darken. “What is it?”
Linis sat. “I have heard some disturbing news. The human, Maybell, has just arrived in the Temple of Ayliazarah, here in Althetas. She was a priestess in Kaltinor and traveled with Gewey and Lee, when I first met them. I am told she was accompanied by Malstisos.”
“I know of him,” said Theopolou. “His father and I fought together in the Great War.”
“He has left Althetas to go north to the Steppes.” Linis paused. “To face judgment.”
“For what purpose?” he asked, taken aback.
“I do not have enough information to say for certain,” said Linis. “But I think you should speak to Maybell.”
“I will send for her after the council meets.” Theopolou stood. “And you should not delay any longer, my friend.”
Linis got to his feet and sighed. “It seems I am ever traveling. But, you are right. Every moment is precious. Farewell, Theopolou. May the Creator bless you.”
“And you,” he replied, smiling.
Once Linis left, Theopolou sat back down and tried to clear his mind. He felt age gathering upon him as he thumbed through the pages of his book. The journey to the Steppes weighed heavily on his mind, and the fact that Malstisos had gone to face his judgment could complicate matters. He put the book down and slipped into bed. A bit of sleep would do him good.
A few hours later, he rose and dressed for the banquet. The king’s manor was vast and boasted a dining hall large enough to seat more than two-hundred guests. It had been built just after the Great War. It stood three stories high, and was constructed from hard, black stone, quarried from the lands just south of the Steppes. Though the decor was not elaborate, it suited the personality of Althetas and its people. Tapestries of great warships and valiant warriors hung on the walls of the larger room, alongside paintings of former kings. There were also sculptures of various lords and heroes. The furniture was diverse, as one would expect from a port city. Examples of styles from all over the world were found in every room. Theopolou even spotted a few tables and chairs of elf make. He had seen paintings of the original building. It was much smaller than what stood presently. He was told that each new king adds a little bit to the manor.
The grounds were well-tended and included dozens of small flower gardens. Mostly, local flora, but here and there, a flower from a distant land could be seen. A tall, wrought-iron gate surrounded the entire manor and grounds, with a manicured hedge just inside.
He contemplated the idea of skipping the banquet. Every moment he spent in idle conversation with the nobility of the Western Abyss made him anxious to depart for the Steppes. He wandered for a time, admiring the tapestries and sculptures, and though not as fine as those in his own home, he was impressed by the talent of human hands.
When he finally arrived in the banquet hall, the polished oak double doors were open wide and the room was already filled to capacity. Six long tables were placed side by side and ran along the length of the one-hundred foot long room. To his left, a harpist played softly. The music carried over the voices, filling the hall. Three crystal chandeliers hung from the tall ceiling and dozens of silver lanterns lined the walls. On the opposite end of the room, a raised platform held another table that spanned the halls width. Their, King Lousis, Ertik, and the other nobles were seated. He saw a few elves that had taken seats at the far right table, along with Lord Brasley Amnadon. Theopolou had only taken a few steps when a trumpet rang out.