The Reborn King (Book Six) (22 page)

“No,” he replied. “It is something new.”

“A new song for a new age,” mused the king.

Mohanisi smiled, then began to play again. This time the tune was slow and sweet. It reminded Lousis of his time with Selena just after their wedding. He pictured her face and imagined himself lying beside her, his arms wrapped around her soft shoulders, her warm breath gently ruffling the hairs on his chest. He closed his eyes and allowed the fantasy to take him.

“Your Highness.”

The voice of the messenger broke the spell. Lousis sighed and forced a smile. A lad of no more than eighteen years was standing beside him.

“What is it?”

“You are needed, Your Highness,” said the young boy. “There is something amiss with the prisoner.”

Reluctantly, the king rose to his feet. After exchanging curious glances, he and Mohanisi followed the boy back to the tent where Merwood was being held. They could hear his screams sounding out when still fifty yards away. But these were not the screams of a man being tortured for information. These were screams of sheer madness and terror.

On entering the tent they saw Merwood, still tied to the post, thrashing his head wildly from side to side and screaming incoherently. Standing close by were one of the desert elves and a young Baltrian captain. Both of them appeared confused and unsure what to do.

“What happened?” Lousis demanded. “What did you do to him?”

“We did nothing,” the elf stated. “We have not even begun to question him yet.”

Kneeling down, the king looked hard at Merwood. His eyes were in a faraway place and his face contorted. Blood was dripping from his mouth where he had bitten his tongue.

Lousis grabbed the man’s head and held it fast, forcing their eyes to meet. But there was no look of recognition or reason there. “What could have done this?” he asked.

Mohanisi touched the king’s shoulder. “Allow me.”

Lousis moved aside, watching closely as the elf bent down and placed his hands on Merwood’s face. Almost at once, the general's thrashing ceased and his eyes grew even wider. But the contact only lasted for a few seconds. With a surprised gasp, Mohanisi suddenly withdrew his hands and stumbled backwards as though receiving a violent shock.

Lousis caught his shoulders and held him steady. “What is it? What did you see?”

Mohanisi rubbed his temples and shook his head. “I…I cannot describe it.” He looked at Lousis with a horrified expression. “And yet, it was something I will never forget.” Politely shaking off Lousis’ hold, he knelt in front of Merwood. “Another's mind has broken his will. It has left him in a place where nothing but dread and pain exists. Pain beyond reckoning, and fear the like of which makes the darkest nightmares seem a pleasant and kind place to dwell.”

“Is there anything you can do?” asked Lousis.

“Nothing,” he whispered. The vision of what he had witnessed was still fresh in his mind. His hands trembled and his chest felt heavy. “No one should be forced to endure this, whatever their crimes.”

In one single fluid motion, Mohanisi drew his dagger and plunged it hard into the middle of Merwood’s heart. The man gave a single gasp and shudder, then the light in his eyes was gone.

“Burn his body,” ordered Lousis.

He and Mohanisi returned to the fire, but Mohanisi was no longer in a mood for merrymaking. Very soon, he retreated on his own to a quiet spot at the south end of the camp.

Shortly after that, Lousis retired to his bed. Seeing the elf so troubled had brought the reality of the coming battle back to the fore.

Even so, as he had done every night since leaving Althetas, he made sure that his dear love, Selena, was his final thought before allowing sleep to take him.

The sun was setting as Aaliyah entered the gates of Althetas. The light from the street lamps that once gave the city a friendly glow and brought a feeling of security to its inhabitants, now illuminated the faces of a troubled and despondent people. With the king away and only sparse news coming regarding how the war was faring in the east, there was little to be happy about.

Construction and repairs had all but ceased as most skilled humans and elves were now away serving with the army. In fact, the city's population was currently reduced to less than a quarter of its former number.

Aaliyah had felt the presence of her people the previous day, and could not help but wonder about their feelings on discovering such conflict. War was virtually unknown to them. Aside from the Morzhash raids, there were no real threats to their society. Indeed, her own initial reaction to the turmoil had not been favorable. She recalled her revulsion on learning that elves had been attacking their own kind. Back then, she'd had grave doubts that her people and those of this land could ever be truly reunited. But now, bitter experience had helped her to understand the foolishness of that attitude. It was the
world
that had molded the people here. The weakness of both races could not be blamed. Or at least, they should be given understanding.

On reaching the king’s manor, she noticed at once how relieved the guards appeared to be at the sight of her.

“Lady Aaliyah,” called one of the men. “Your return is most welcome. The queen will want to see you right away. I will take you to her.”

“Thank you,” she replied, bowing her head. “Are my people residing within the city walls?”

“No, My Lady. They have chosen to remain aboard their vessels.”

Aaliyah frowned while following the guard to the queen's parlor. This did not bode well. To refuse hospitality was not normally the custom. She needed to find out what had transpired as soon as possible.

Queen Selena was sitting in a plush chair near a crackling fire, reading a book. Her face lit up on seeing Aaliyah. Tossing the book aside, she sprang to her feet and hugged her in a tight embrace.

“I am so happy you are here,” she enthused. “Life here is dull beyond imagining. Perhaps you can bring some light into these dismal halls.”

Aaliyah returned the embrace, but her expression remained one of confusion. “I would have thought that with my kin docked in your harbor, there would be plenty of excitement.”

Selena huffed. “They’ve been here for days, and still refuse to leave their ships. Jacob met with an envoy when they first arrived, but they would say nothing other than they wished to speak with you as soon as possible. I must say, I
am
disappointed by their lack of courtesy.”

“As am I,” she agreed. “Such behavior is not typical. Did they give their names?”

“Only one, who called herself Estrella. From what Jacob said, she is in charge of the fleet.”

“Yes, she would be. Of that there is no question.”

“So you know her?”

Aaliyah nodded slowly, her eyes narrowing with concern. “I do. And the fact that she has come here may not be what I was hoping for when I sent for my people.”

“So what does it mean?”

Aaliyah forced a smile. “Perhaps nothing. Dark thoughts enter my mind so easily now that I am separated from Nehrutu. I will send for Estrella in the morning. She will not refuse my summons.”

Selena offered Aaliyah the chair across from where she had been seated. “I understand. I never imagined that I would love again after the death of Lee’s father, but I was wrong. Lousis makes me feel young and alive.” Tears welled in her eyes. “And now I fear that I shall lose yet another love…I don’t think my heart will be able to endure it.”

Aaliyah leaned forward to gently touch the back of her hand. “I will not tell you that I know for certain your husband will return. But then, I cannot tell that to myself either. However, I do
believe
he will. And that belief keeps me from despairing.” She leaned back again and smiled. “I will say this: of all the humans I have met, King Lousis is by far the most blessed by fortune. If anyone can evade death, it is him.”

Selena began to laugh softly and wiped away her tears. “You are not wrong. Lousis is most certainly blessed with good luck. King Victis told me the very same thing before he went south. He said that, even if the enemy were to completely blot out the sun with arrows, Lousis would still be standing in the one spot where none landed.” She sighed. “I suppose I will have to follow your example and believe that he will return safely.”

Both women reflected in silence for a moment. Aaliyah then said: “When I arrived, I noticed that your guards seemed to be on edge.”

“Yes. Since your people appeared, rumors of both hope and disaster have been rampant. No one knows for certain if they are here to help us or not. Poor Jacob has done his best to reassure the people, but they have not known him long enough yet for him to earn their trust. They constantly cry out for Lousis. Thankfully, Jacob was called away to Skalhalis for a few days and is currently removed from the constant needs of the city.”

“I have only known him for a short time,” said Aaliyah. “But he is a strong young man. I'm sure he will win them over eventually. And after tomorrow, all rumors will be laid to rest.”

The two women talked for a while longer. Aaliyah then excused herself and retired to her room. Before going to sleep, she had a messenger take a letter of invitation to the lead elf vessel.

Why have you come, Estrella
? The question continued to plague her as she drifted off to sleep.

She woke just before dawn. After quickly dressing, she sought out Selena and found her in the same parlor as the previous night. The queen was sitting at a small table beside the window, a steaming plate of eggs and ham in front of her. Another plate had been set opposite in anticipation of Aaliyah's arrival.

“I miss the food in Valshara,” remarked Selena. “But this is not too bad.”

The two women ate quietly, both of them glancing at the door each time the sound of footfalls drifted in from the hall. 

“When do you think your kin will arrive?” asked Selena.

“It depends,” she replied. “If this were a casual affair, I would say early. But as this is not, I would guess that we shall see them after midday.”

Just then, a young servant girl arrived. She curtsied formally. “Your Highness. The elves from the harbor have arrived and are awaiting an audience.”

Selena looked at Aaliyah. “It would seem either they think this a casual visit, or they are unwilling to wait.”

Aaliyah thought for a moment and then stood. “After introductions, I would ask that you allow me to speak first, Your Highness.”

“I think that would be best,” Selena agreed. She turned back to the servant. “How many are there?”

“Three, Your Highness.”

“Then have them brought to the king’s library. I will receive them there.”

The servant curtsied again and hurried away.

“I think it will be a better place than the throne room. A bit more…personal.”

Aaliyah nodded her approval.

The king’s library was nearly as large as the council chambers, with every wall completely filled with shelf after shelf of leather bound tomes. Rows of lamps were positioned in the middle of the room between two long mahogany tables, and there was a large desk to the far right.

“Lousis loves this room,” mused Selena. “His passion for books rivals even that of my son.”

They took their places behind the desk, with Aaliyah choosing to stand to the right of the queen. When the door opened, two guards escorted the three elves inside.

The middle elf was a tall female with long, sleek black hair similar to Aaliyah’s. Her features were similar too, though a little less angular and delicate. Her eyes were azure and sparkled in the lamplight. She wore a flowing green dress tied at the waist by a white sash. Her two male companions, one with honey blond hair and ice blue eyes, the other with auburn hair and eyes of deep violet, both wore white satin tunics with intricate, black threaded embroidery. Each carried a small dagger and a leather pouch on his belt.

Selena got to her feet as the trio approached. “You are most welcome to my city. I am Selena, Queen of Althetas. I regret that my husband, King Lousis, is not here to greet you as well. But sadly, he still fights in the east.”

All three elves bowed in unison.

“I am Estrella, but this I am sure you already know.” She gestured to the blond elf. “This is Bruhintu, brother of Nehrutu, and on my other side, Lhasari, who is a cousin of Mohanisi. I thought it appropriate that they should join us.”

Selena bowed and smiled warmly. “You are indeed most welcome.” She turned her attention to Lhasari. “I wish your cousin was here, but he is with my husband.”

This drew a look of displeasure from the elf.

“And my brother?” asked Bruhintu.

“He is with Darshan,” Aaliyah answered, quickly adding: “Or as you know him – Shivis Mol.”

“And where is Shivis Mol now?” asked Estrella, her eyes fixed firmly on Aaliyah.

“The answer to that will take much explanation,” she replied coldly. “If you would sit, I will tell you everything that has transpired.”

The three elves sat on the chairs offered.

“First of all, it would be best if you know the story from its very beginning,” Aaliyah continued. “And that would be best told by Queen Selena.”

Selena nodded and began the tale, first of all telling them everything she knew about the Dark Knight. For more than two hours she explained all the events leading up to the war, including a background of the first Great War. Mention of this brought uncomfortable glances from the elves, but she ignored them and pressed on.

“And that is what has brought us to this present state of affairs,” she finally concluded.

“Interesting,” remarked Estrella impassively. “And what can you add to this story, Aaliyah?”

“Much,” she replied. “But that will take at least as long to tell as did the queen’s part. Perhaps you should take repast first.”

“No,” insisted Estrella. “I would hear what you have to say now.”

Aaliyah bowed and folded her hands in front of her. “As you wish.”

She spoke in detail of her time with Darshan, and of the part they had played in the war. When she mentioned her bonding with Nehrutu, both Estrella and Bruhintu’s eyes widened.

“It seems you have been through much,” Estrella said, once Aaliyah’s tale had ended. She turned to Selena. “I would speak to Aaliyah alone.”

A heavy frown formed on Selena's face. She leaned forward in a forceful posture. “I realize that you are Aaliyah’s kin. But I was unaware you are not accustomed to displaying civility. You have docked in my harbor for days and we have not harassed you. You have been welcomed into my city, and my home. And now you have been entrusted with knowledge reserved for only the trusted few among us. Yet you presume to order me about as if I were a simple servant.” She rose to her feet, her eyes unblinking. “You will address me as Your Highness. I am the Queen of Althetas and deserve courtesy. Do you understand?”

Estrella bowed her head, though her expression remained unreadable. “I apologize if I have been discourteous. It was not my intent. But the events that have led us here, combined with hearing what you and Aaliyah have told us, has robbed me of all else but my purpose.” She stood and bowed again. “Please,
Your Highness. I would like to speak to my sister privately.”

Selena’s eyes shot to Aaliyah.

“Yes,” she affirmed. “Estrella is my sister.”

“I should have guessed,” said Selena. “Very well. If you wish to talk alone, I could show Bruhintu and Lhasari around the manor. Your kin have taken much pleasure in the art my house boasts. Perhaps you will too.”

Both elves stood and bowed respectfully in acceptance of her offer. Once Selena had led them from the room, the two women sat, Aaliyah behind the desk and Estrella opposite.

“What have you done, sister,” scolded Estrella.

“Only what I knew to be right.”

“You were sent here to bond with Shivis Mol. Not to get involved in the wars and politics of this savage world.”

“I have already told you what has happened since we arrived,” she retorted. “I was unable to bond with Darshan. He loved another. As did I.”

Estrella’s face darkened. “Yes. Nehrutu. I should have never allowed him to go with you. His feelings for you have clearly influenced your objectivity.”

“You are wrong. My feelings for him had only been set aside out of a sense of duty. They were always as strong as his were for me. All we have done is complete a bond that should never have been ignored in the first place.”

Estrella shook her head. “You have shamed yourself. And you have endangered our people.”

Aaliyah sniffed. “Our people were already in danger. We were just unaware of it. I involved myself because there was a need. This world will not suffer isolation now that the barrier is down. We fight not only to save this land, but our own as well.”