The Godling Chronicles (Shadow of the Gods, Book #3) (37 page)

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 décor 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.

“
Lord Theopolou, your highness,” cried
a herald stationed beside the door.

The room went silent as all eyes fell on
Theopolou. He paused a moment, then made his way to the King’s
table, where an empty seat at the king’s right side awaited him.
Everyone rose and bowed. Theopolou returned the gesture, and took
his seat.

“
Our kitchen has been preparing a few
elf dishes just for you and your people,” said Lousis, cheerfully.
“Though, from what I've heard, The Frog's Wishbone may far outshine
what I have to offer. Lord Ganflin prides himself in his elf
cuisine.”

“
Yes,” said Theopolou. “Linis mentioned
it. If ever I have the time, I would like to explore your
city.”

Just then a servant ran up to the King and
whispered into his ear.

“
It would seem King Halmara has
arrived,” said Lousis, a look of concern on his face. “Along with a
representative from Angrääl.”

“
Will you receive him?” asked
Theopolou.

“
If he travels with King Halmara, I
have little choice,” Lousis replied angrily. “To deny him entrance
would be seen as an insult. Skalhalis is an important port, and
nearly as large as Althetas. And King Halmara carries much
influence in the council.”

“
Prepare them a seat,” Lousis ordered
the servant. “And show them in. Then have quarters
prepared.”

The servant scurried off.

“
So it would seem Angrääl is making no
secret of their intent,” said Theopolou.

“
It could be worse than you think,”
said Lousis. “Valshara is within King Halmara’s boarders. If he
took part in the siege, then the council meeting may be a useless
gesture. The cities to the south will certainly side with
Skalhalis, leaving the coast split in two. Then we will be caught
between the elves of the Steppes and Skalhalis.”

“
I hope to sway the elves from their
present course, once my business here is concluded,” said
Theopolou. “If I am successful, then the situation will not be as
dire.”

“
And if you fail...” Lousis' words
faded as two figures stepped inside the hall.

The first was dressed in a fine blue silk
shirt, open at the neck, with silver ruffles, matching trousers,
and polished, black leather boots. A golden scabbard hung from a
black belt. The hilt of the sword was interlaced with gold and
ivory, and crowned with a blue sapphire. His short, sandy blond
hair was oiled and combed back neatly. Though clearly a man of some
years, his tan skin and stout build gave him a somewhat youthful
appearance.

At his side, stood a short, thin man dressed
in a plain, black cotton robe tied at the waist by a thin, white
rope. Theopolou guessed him to be in his early thirties, yet his
jet-black hair was already thinning. Though not strong in stature,
his piercing blue eyes shone brightly and could be noticed even
from across the room. This and his confident strides gave him a
commanding presence. He followed close behind as they approached
the table.

King Lousis stood up and bowed. “King
Halmara. I welcome you.”

Halmara smiled. “Thank you, my old friend. I
have missed your company.” He stepped aside and motioned toward his
companion. “I present Lord Sialo Magrifal, Ambassador of Angrääl,
and servant of the Reborn King.”

“
You dress oddly for a lord,” remarked
Lousis. “Do you not?”

“
If my attire offends your highness, I
will change,” said Sialo, bowing low.

“
Not at all,” Lousis replied. “Please,
be welcome. A place has been set for you both. My home is at your
disposal.”

They bowed and took their seats at the far
left end of the table.

“
I think I will be glad to have you in
the council tomorrow,” said Lousis. “Your support will be
crucial.”

“
I will help, if I can,” Theopolou
replied. “Though my experience dealing with humans is quite
limited, I am well-versed in the nuances of diplomacy.”

Lousis lifted his cup. “A skill I will need
in abundance. As for me, I have never enjoyed the subterfuge and
misdirection of the nobles. My father was the politician. I am far
to plain spoken for my own good.”

Theopolou laughed quietly. “I regard that as
an admirable trait. I may speak the language of politics, but I
prefer simple truth.”

Lousis chuckled. “I doubt we'll hear much of
that tomorrow.”

Theopolou excused himself from the banquet
after another hour. He felt the eyes of Sialo Magrifal following
him as he left. Two elves accompanied him and insisted they guard
his door. At first, he protested, but seeing their determination,
relented. They wished for this business to be done. With every day
that passed, the Dark Knight's grip on his kin would
strengthen.

The darkness closed in as he allowed himself
to drift into a dreamless slumber. His final thought was of Sialo
Magrifal. He knew his arrival was a bad omen.

Chapter 24

Theopolou was wakened at dawn, when Mohanisi
arrived at his door.

“
What did you think of the city?” asked
Theopolou.

“
Humans have come a long way,” said
Mohanisi, approvingly. “Their skills at building are more advanced
than I would have guessed. In fact, many of the temples are quite
stunning.”

“
And the people?” he asked.

“
Not what I expected.” He took a seat.
“Though some are clearly not accepting of us, in large they are
very hospitable and kind, particularly Lord Ganflin. Have you met
him?”

Theopolou shook his head. “Not yet. Though I
am sure I will soon enough.”

“
I heard from the others, that a
representative of Angrääl has arrived,” said Mohanisi. “How do you
think this will affect the council?”

“
Not well. It may be that we may be
fighting on two fronts if my mission to the Steppes fails. King
Lousis believes the cities south of Skalhalis will rally to King
Halmara’s banner. And it is quite possible he was involved in the
siege of Valshara.”

There was a knock at the door and a young
servant boy entered.

“
King Lousis summons you to the
council, Lord Theopolou,” said the boy, timidly.

“
Very well,” said Theopolou. “Wait for
me outside.” He rose to his feet. “Go to the Temple of Ayliazarah.
There you will find a woman named Maybell. I need you to bring her
here. Tell her you are a friend of Linis and she will
come.”

Mohanisi nodded. “I will do as you request. I
wish you fortune today.”

Mohanisi left and Theopolou got dressed. The
servant boy led him through the labyrinth of corridors to the east
end of the manor to a broad oak door, guarded by two soldiers. The
soldiers snapped to attention as Theopolou opened the door and
entered the room. The council chamber was a fifty by fifty-foot
hall. The walls to his left and right were covered with carved
reliefs of various ships and sea creatures. At the far end stood a
dozen pedestals with marble busts, each bearing a gold crown. The
center of the room was dominated by a round table and fifteen
chairs. The kings and queens had already arrived. Ertik was seated
at the left hand side of King Lousis and Theopolou's chair stood
empty at his right.

“
Ah, Lord Theopolou,” called Lousis.
“Now we can begin.”

Theopolou took his seat and looked out over
the table.

Lousis stood. “My lords and ladies, this is
Lord Theopolou. As many of you know, he is here to represent the
elf nations. You have been introduced to Ertik, representing the
Order of Amon Dähl.” He raised his arm in a grand sweeping motion.
“These are the rulers of the western kingdoms. Starting to my
right, King Stanis of Calderia, King Tredford of Yuledan, Queen
Lilian of Farthing, King Brääl of Maiden Shore, Queen Fasheil of
Lamitia, King Halmara of Skalhalis, Lord Sialo Magrifal, ambassador
of Angrääl, King Victis of Tarvansia, Prince Loniel of Sieren Bay,
King Jeris of Wisterton, Queen Illirial of the Saraf's Jewel , and
King Tranton of Red Cliff. On behalf of all the kings and queens of
the twelve cities, we bid you welcome.” He took his seat. “I think
you all know by now why I have called this council.”

“
I hope it’s to explain why your
soldiers have invaded my land and taken possession of what is
rightfully mine,” said King Halmara.

Ertik stiffened and turned red with anger.
But a glance from Lousis kept him silent.

“
Surely, you do not refer to the
liberation of Valshara?” Lousis countered. “We merely came to the
aid of a friend in need. A friend who had been set upon by the
forces of Angrääl. Forces who marched on your borders long before
my men arrived.”

“
Then perhaps this has all been a huge
misunderstanding,” Sialo Magrifal interjected. “We were asked by
our dear friend and ally, King Halmara, to expel those residing
illegally in Valshara. According to King Halmara they were in clear
violation of his law.”

This was more than Ertik could stand and he
shot out of his seat. “You lie! Our temple has stood for thousands
of years unmolested. You murdered my people out of revenge. Revenge
your master could not exact after he was expelled from Amon Dähl
for his betrayal.”

Lousis grabbed Ertik's arm and pulled him
back in his seat.

“
This is who the high lady sends to
speak on her behalf?” mocked Sialo. “You should learn to govern
your passion, when in the presence of your betters.”

“
Ertik may have spoken out of turn,”
said Lousis. “But he speaks truth. And I would remind Lord Sialo,
that no question has been posed to him, yet he chose to speak...in
the presence of his betters.” This brought a round of soft
laughter.

Sialo showed no signs of anger, as he nodded
and folded his hands.

“
The fact remains that I was well
within my rights to take Valshara,” said Halmara. “It should not
matter that I enlisted the aid of Angrääl to do so.”