The four elves huddled in the shadow of the mountaintop crag. A cold blustery wind tore across the face of the mountain, penetrating their thin clothing. The irritating blare of hundreds of horns reverberated off the rocky face of the mountains. The alarms came from every direction, and tiny figures could be seen far below scurrying around in their search for the escaped elves. Mistake gazed down at the island far below and shook her head.
“There are thousands of them,” she frowned as she watched the distant kruls searching the island. “It is only a matter of time before they decide to search the mountain peaks. We must get back to that small cave.”
“Kruls will not venture up to the peaks,” Eltor responded, “but the soldiers will. The spreading of the alarms will surely bring the army into play before long. Still, I think it is best to wait for the dark of night before continuing. If anyone notices us moving against the skyline, we will be doomed for sure.”
“I am not sure that Caldar can wait that long,” frowned MistyTrail as she cast another healing spell on the injured elf. “His body is trying to respond to the healing spells, but the cold is weakening him. If we don’t get him out of this wind soon, I fear we may lose him.”
“Do you have any more clothes in your pack?” asked Eltor.
“I already added your old slave clothes and the spare uniform to what little he was wearing,” MistyTrail shook her head. “There is nothing left to cover him.”
Eltor nodded solemnly as he stripped off his army uniform and handed it to MistyTrail. She looked curiously at the near-naked elf.
“It does no good for you to freeze,” MistyTrail said. “There must be a better solution.”
“I will survive,” insisted Eltor. “We have only a few hours until sunset. Put the uniform on him and continue to heal him. He must survive.”
MistyTrail nodded as Mistake reached out and pulled Eltor close to her. Mistake wrapped her arms around Eltor to warm him. MistyTrail smiled inwardly as she slid the uniform onto Caldar.
* * *
Lady Mystic and Aakuta walked slowly through the forest. They watched the kruls running in every direction with curiosity.
“This is most unusual,” commented Lady Mystic. “The kruls can usually lock onto the scent of an escaped elf with little difficulty. They appear to have no inkling of which direction to search. Perhaps we erred by waiting so long to issue the alarm. Vand will be incensed if they are not found soon.”
“Why would he get worked up over such a trivial matter?” questioned Aakuta. “It is not likely that the elves will go anywhere. They will be found in due time. He must have more pressing matters to occupy his time.”
“You do not yet understand the nature of Vand,” Lady Mystic frowned as she stopped and stared at the dark mage. “He portrays himself as a god. He cannot afford to show any fallibility. Even something as minor as an escaped elf can cause doubt in the minds of his followers. He cannot allow for even the tiniest shred of doubt. His power lies in his absolute infallibility.”
“Portrays himself as a god?” echoed Aakuta. “There is a hint of something more in what you say. You know more about his nature than you are willing to let on.”
“Do you truly believe in gods?” shrugged Lady Mystic. “I thought you were much more intelligent than that.”
“I do believe that there are higher powers than man,” replied Aakuta. “The power of man cannot explain all things. Therefore, there must be something greater.”
“So you do believe that Vand is a god?” Lady Mystic asked questioningly.
“No,” Aakuta shook his head. “I suspect that Vand has great powers, but he is as mortal as we are, although I am intrigued as to how he has managed his longevity of life.”
“He has the ability to take another’s life for his own,” Lady Mystic responded. “Others can do as much, but only once. Vand has the knowledge to do so as often as he wishes. It is his most closely guarded secret.”
“Is that why you are so close to him?” asked Aakuta. “You seek to learn his secret?”
“Never say such a thing,” warned Lady Mystic. “To do so is to dance with death.”
“You truly fear him,” the dark mage retorted with surprise. “You just said that he was only a man, and yet your fear is palpable. Why?”
“Vand may not be a god,” Lady Mystic answered softly, “but he is protected by a higher power. Do not think of trying to cross him. Your life would surely be forfeit.”
“But you have indicated that you do not believe in gods,” countered Aakuta. “Now you speak of higher powers. You confuse me.”
“I confuse myself,” admitted Lady Mystic. “What people believe in as far as gods go, I find humorous, yet you were correct in saying that there are powers far greater than man. I do not know how to classify such supreme powers, but I know that they exist.”
“How do you know they exist?” pushed Aakuta.
“Because one controls Vand,” answered Lady Mystic. “Vand is a very talented and powerful mage, but I have learned to recognize one who is serving a greater master. That is why I have been so lenient with you. It is clear to me that you serve no master. I do not have to worry about you interfering with Vand’s plans on the orders of anyone else. You serve no one.”
“But Vand does?” mused Aakuta. “Who does he serve?”
“I do not know,” admitted Lady Mystic, “but I have seen the proof of it many times. There is a chamber inside the temple where none are allowed to go. Only Vand is allowed to enter the secret chamber. He goes there daily, and I have seen dramatic changes in him after he returns. Whatever exists inside that chamber has vast power. Vand fears it.”
“And you have not thought of entering that chamber to see what resides within?” asked Aakuta.
“Death resides within,” responded Lady Mystic, “and not just a simple death. It is a lingering death of excruciating pain.”
“How do you know this?” inquired Aakuta.
“I have seen those foolish enough to stumble through the wrong doorway,” answered Lady Mystic. “Most of the victims were merely fools who did not know where they were going, but one was a mage of extraordinary skill. His death still haunts my dreams. His screams echoed through the temple for over a fortnight. He begged people to kill him, but it was forbidden.”
“Surely, he could have killed himself,” posed the dark mage. “Perhaps he could have thrown himself off the roof of the temple?”
“He tried that and many other ways to kill himself,” replied Lady Mystic as she started walking again. “None were successful.”
“Do you mean he could not bring himself to jump?” questioned Aakuta.
“Oh no,” Lady Mystic shook her head. “He jumped just fine, but he did not die. Nor did he die when he entered the huge bonfire, but his pain increased greatly. Whatever entity decided that he should pay for his transgression, it had power enough to keep him alive to suffer for his errors.”
“Yet Vand can enter unharmed?” asked Aakuta.
“He can enter unharmed,” nodded Lady Mystic. “In fact, I believe that he is required to enter that chamber daily. He never misses a day even when he is involved in something important.”
They reached the edge of the forest and stopped walking. Aakuta gazed up the barren mountains above him as something tugged at his mind. A group of kruls moved swiftly through the forest towards them. When they reached the edge of the woods, the kruls growled softly and shook their heads. They stumbled into each other in their attempts to leave the area.
“The kruls are acting very strangely today,” frowned Lady Mystic as she turned to follow the small group. “I cannot understand what has gotten into them.”
Aakuta bent down and examined the carcass of a dead rabbit. It appeared to have been gutted by a knife, but something about it bothered the dark mage. He bent closer to inspect it, and a strong smell of garlic penetrated his nostrils. He rose and stared up at the bare mountain peaks again, his eyes searching for any sign of the elusive elves. With a nod of sudden understanding, he turned and hurried after Lady Mystic who had disappeared following the kruls through the forest.
* * *
StarWind dropped the air tunnel and sat silently in the Campanil park for several moments as she digested the news from StarCity. Things were moving much faster than she could have imagined. The news about Duran and Zaramilden defecting to the Sakova was surprising, but not unthinkable. She knew that food could be a persuasive negotiator with starving citizens, but Alamar was no longer in danger of starvation. StarCity had been unable to provide the details of how Lyra managed to get Alamar to defect, but the Sakovan spy master did not doubt the proclamation.
StarWind stared at the mayor’s building across the park and inhaled deeply. As many times as StarWind had walked into the enemy’s strongholds, she never quite got used to the feeling of risking her life in such a passive fashion. Steeling her nerves, the Sakovan spy rose and started walking towards the mayor’s building. She mentally reviewed what she knew about Ferde, the mayor of Campanil. She remembered the nighttime visit that she made with HawkShadow, and how they had silently penetrated the defenses and caught the mayor asleep in his chamber. It had been a risky plan, but it was necessary to avert a war.
This time StarWind would be going in alone. She would not have HawkShadow to watch her back, or Fisher to distract the Imperial Guards. This visit was also not one of averting a war. The war had already been declared, and StarWind was the enemy to the people in Campanil. Even Mayor Ferde might turn StarWind over to the Imperial Guards when he saw her. While he had been helpful the last time, much had changed since the fall of Alazar.
StarWind exhaled slowly as she left the park and crossed the street to the entrance gate. She tried to appear nonchalant as she approached, but she could not help noticing how the Imperial Guards stiffened at her approach. They became instantly alert as their eyes watched her carefully. Campanil had never been so dangerous for a Sakovan spy as it was now. StarWind subconsciously rubbed her palms against her tunic to wipe the sweat from them.
“What business do you have with the mayor?” snapped one of the Imperial Guards as StarWind halted before the gate.
“My business is personal,” replied StarWind as she tried to force color into her cheeks. “I am an old friend of Mayor Ferde’s.”
“What is your name?” demanded the Imperial Guard.
“I prefer not to give it,” StarWind replied knowing that any name she made up would mean nothing to the mayor. A false name would just make it easier to dismiss her.
“Without a name,” scowled the Imperial Guard, “you are just wasting our time. Run along.”
“Wait,” ordered the other Imperial Guard as he inspected StarWind closely. “She looks familiar to me. Perhaps we should hold her and check the board for criminals.”
StarWind smiled and tried to shrug casually. “You will not find my picture on the boards,” she stated as her mind tried to concentrate on some of the most embarrassing moments of her life. “Look, this is embarrassing for me. I met Mayor Ferde on one of his trips to Okata. We spent some time together at the Palace Arms in the capital. He said that he would visit me the next time he came to Okata, but he has not returned. All I want to do is talk to him for a little bit.”
StarWind succeeded in producing bright red cheeks, and one of the Imperial Guards snickered under his breath.
“You look old enough to know better than to believe the promises of the high and mighty,” the Imperial Guard shook his head. “Run along now. No doubt he has forgotten you long ago.”
“You may be right,” sighed StarWind, “but I have to know for sure. Is it too much to ask one of you to whisper in his ear? Just mention that his friend from the Palace Arms is outside and would like just a few minutes of his time. If he says no then I will leave and not bother you any longer. Please?”
“There is a war going on in case you hadn’t noticed,” replied one of the Imperial Guards. “Mayor Ferde has no time for such things now. Run along.”
“Oh, let her message through,” retorted the smirking guard. “She is not harming anything while she waits here. I will keep an eye on her.”
“I am sure you will,” scowled the serious Imperial Guard. He gazed at StarWind again and finally shook his head. “Alright,” he said, “I will send your message, but you will leave promptly when his reply comes through.”
“I promise,” StarWind smiled weakly.
The serious Imperial Guard turned and called for a runner. He whispered in the runner’s ear, and StarWind watched the man’s face break into a grin as he nodded at the instructions. As the runner turned and raced into the building, the serious Imperial Guard returned to his post. He pointedly ignored StarWind as the other Imperial Guard continued to stare at her. The Sakovan spy kept her eyes glued to the front door of the building. She knew that one of the possible responses would be a squad of Imperial Guards racing out of the building to arrest her. She mentally planned a course of action that would afford her a small chance to escape.
The wait was long, and StarWind grew increasingly nervous. She felt her skin begin to dampen and realized that she was nervously tapping the ground with her foot. She chided herself and stole a glance at the two Imperial Guards. One was still ignoring her, but the other was grinning openly. Finally, the runner emerged from the building. StarWind was slightly surprised to see him without an escort of Imperial Guards. She sighed and let the nervousness subside somewhat. The runner ran up to the Imperial Guards and said something so softly that StarWind could not hear the words. The gate swung open.
“You made more of an impression than I thought possible,” announced the serious Imperial Guard as he ushered StarWind through the gates. “This man will guide you to Mayor Ferde.”
“Thank you,” StarWind replied with a weak smile as she followed the runner towards the building.
The runner led her through the corridors of the large building and up a flight of stairs. He stopped at a tall ornate wooden door and knocked loudly before cracking it open and peering inside. Satisfied that the mayor was not in the middle of a meeting, the runner opened the door wide and waved StarWind through it. StarWind immediately locked eyes with the mayor of Campanil as she entered the room. The mayor stood behind his desk and stared at the Sakovan spy as she entered the room. He did not speak until the runner exited the room and closed the door.
“You are incredible,” frowned the mayor as he waved StarWind to a chair in front of his desk. “You walk into this building when our countries are in a state of war. Do you think so little of the Imperial Guards that you truly expect to get away with this?”
“I have no tendency to think ill of the Imperial Guards,” StarWind replied as she sat in the offered chair. “I do, however, think highly of you as a man of honor. I realize that you may have me arrested and executed as a Sakovan spy, but I was willing to wager that you would talk to me first. Neither of us wishes to be the enemy of the other.”
“What we wish in that regard is of little significance,” retorted the mayor as he sat in his chair. “The fact is that we are enemies. This is not determined by our wishes, but by the directives of those who lead our countries. You have offered your life to bring me a message. I wish you had not. I can only imagine that it is important. Use this time wisely to convey what has brought you to Campanil.”
StarWind swallowed hard as she realized that Mayor Ferde planned to arrest her at the conclusion of the meeting. She nodded inwardly as she realized that he had to. In a state of war, he could hardly allow a Sakovan spy to move around freely.
“There is importance to this meeting,” StarWind began. “This war is going to result in many deaths. Neither you nor I can stop it at this point. Already the armies of the Katana have invaded the Sakova. The senseless slaughter will begin now.”
The mayor cocked his head and looked at StarWind with curiosity. “Are you here to defect?” inquired the mayor. “Is that the reason that you came here?”
“No,” StarWind shook her head. “I came here in an attempt to minimize the number of people that must die. You are wise enough to know that the Sakovans hold no malice towards the Omungans. You helped to avert the last war between our nations because you truly care for your people. I admire you for that. I want you to safeguard your people from this war.”
“I intend to do exactly that,” countered the mayor, “but I have the feeling that we are talking about two different things. What exactly is your purpose in coming here?”
“To warn you,” replied StarWind. “Up until now, the Star of Sakova has forbidden the Sakovans to attack the Imperial Guards. That is soon to change, if it has not already.”
“I need no such warning,” frowned Mayor Ferde. “The troops of Campanil have been ready for Sakovan attacks since the war was declared. I am surprised that it has not happened yet.”
“I am not talking about any attack against Campanil,” responded the Sakovan spymaster. “We have no desire to inflict harm on the Omungan people. If your troops remain inside this city, they will survive this war intact.”
“You are asking me to keep the Campanil troops out of the war?” gasped the mayor. “I cannot believe what I am hearing. You are sadly mistaken about me if you think I would abandon my country in a time of war.”
“Your country?” echoed StarWind. “Had you said that you would not abandon your people, I would have believed you, but Omunga is no more your country than Khadora is.”
“What nonsense are you spouting?” scowled the mayor. “Campanil is a founding city of Omunga. Every Omungan city will fight the Sakovans, not just Okata. Are you daft?”
“Am I daft?” retorted StarWind. “It is not my people who are continually ruled by madmen. You no sooner got rid of Alazar, and you choose another madman to lead you into a senseless war.”
“You did not feel this way about Larst when he saved your people from arrest in Okata,” countered the mayor. “All of a sudden he is a madman because he seeks a war that all Katanas have sought over the centuries.”
“Larst was an honest and decent man,” responded StarWind. “Were he still alive, we would not be having this war.”
“What do you mean?” asked Mayor Ferde. “Larst is alive. He is the Katana. Surely your spies could not miss such a thing?”
“Our spies miss nothing,” StarWind smiled thinly. “In fact, we know more about what is happening in Omunga than most mayors do.”
“Explain yourself,” demanded Mayor Ferde.
“First Councilor Larst and the Star of Sakova held many secret meetings over the past few months,” explained StarWind. “They agreed in principle to an everlasting peace between our two nations. Plans were made to jointly build roads through the Sakova to unite the remote areas of Omunga. Our food shipments to Omungan cities were a direct result of those negotiations. The last meeting between Lyra and Larst was on the day before he was chosen as the Katana. What changed during the course of one day to make the new Katana declare war as almost his first order of business?”
“I had heard rumors of such meetings,” Ferde admitted, “but I know nothing of any agreements. Regardless of what Lyra thought was promised, the Katana has decided on war. All of Omunga will follow his lead.”
“Why?” questioned StarWind. “Why will all of Omunga go to war on the word of an imposter?”
“What a foolish question,” countered Mayor Ferde with confusion on his face. “And what do you mean imposter?”
“I mean that some mage has taken over Larst’s body,” declared StarWind. “Isn’t his sudden turnaround disturbing to you?”
Mayor Ferde stared silently at the Sakovan spy. She could detect the doubt in his face, but she held her tongue.
“What proof do you have of this?” the mayor finally asked.
“I have none,” admitted StarWind. “Even if I did, Omungans have already shown that they would not take any corrective actions against the Katana. Besides, it is too late for such an effort. I mention it because you have a right to know. You will have weighty decisions thrust upon you in the coming days, Mayor Ferde. You have the right to know what is truly happening in Omunga before you are forced to make those decisions.”
“And I am to believe that this is not just an attempt to weaken Omungan resolve?” retorted the mayor. “Have you spread these rumors to other Omungan cities?”
“You are the only Omungan official that I would show myself to,” replied StarWind. “I realize that you are skeptical of what I have told you. I can appreciate that skepticism, but I feel that you know that I would never lie to you. You have the ability to speak to the members of the Katana’s Council. Ask them when Larst suddenly changed. There is no way that they could not have noticed.”
“I shall do so,” declared the mayor, “but that would change nothing. Our countries are at war now, and all Omungan cities will act accordingly. The end of the Sakova is upon you. The best thing I could do for you now is to have you arrested here in Campanil. At least you will not be tortured as you would be if you were caught in Okata.”
“Okata really does keep you in the dark,” StarWind shook her head sadly. “If you think that Omunga is going to survive this war, you are sadly mistaken. I came here in an attempt to have your people spared from the destruction. If your troops remained in the city, they would still be alive when the war is over.”
“What preposterous nonsense,” scowled the mayor. “I doubt the Sakovans are capable of capturing a single Omungan city, never mind conquering the whole country. Do you take me for a fool because I helped you at one time?”
“No, Mayor Ferde,” sighed StarWind, “I took you as a leader who would do whatever was necessary to safeguard his people. As for your estimation regarding the capabilities of the Sakovans, all I can say is that I expected more from you. You, of all people, should appreciate what the Sakovans are capable of. You know that every Sakovan will die before he surrenders. The same cannot be said about Omungans.”
“What are you hinting at?” Mayor Ferde asked questioningly. “Is there news that I have not learned of yet?”
“There is,” StarWind smiled thinly. “Omunga is half the country that it used to be. Zaramilden, Duran, and Alamar are now Sakovan cities.”
“What?” gasped the mayor. “What an outlandish thing to say. I cannot believe this.”
“So they haven’t told you yet?” smiled StarWind. “I am not surprised. Why would the Katana boast about his defeats?”
“I had heard that General Romero’s army had returned from Alamar,” admitted the mayor, “but that was because of the disease that inundated the region. The starvation of those people probably brought it about. They were hit long before we were.”
“Actually,” responded StarWind, “the people of the east are well fed. There is no disease there. We supplied their cities with food as we had been doing for Campanil before the Imperial Guards made it impossible to continue. Our mages have also had a hand in ridding their crops of the disease. The fields around Alamar are healthy and bountiful now.”
“All of which I cannot verify,” frowned the mayor. “I suppose that I am to take your word for all of this?”
“You could,” smiled StarWind, “but I suspect that you will not. Send a man to Alamar to see for himself.”
“A single man?” questioned the mayor. “Just one man could be captured and worked on by your mages. I could not believe his report when he returned.”
“Then send two,” shrugged StarWind, “but I would be cautious about sending more. We are in a state of war. A large patrol would be destroyed or captured.”
“I have ways of getting to the truth,” Mayor Ferde said confidently. “Even if what you said is true, it makes little difference to me. Campanil is not equivalent to Duran.”
“No, it isn’t,” conceded the Sakovan spy, “but it must cause you to think about your actions before you jeopardize the lives of the people who depend upon you for their safety.”
“What exactly do you wish me to do?” Mayor Ferde asked with annoyance.
“I want to avoid having your people killed,” answered StarWind. “In a short time, Campanil will be a Sakovan city. The people here will be as precious to us as the people in Alamar are. I am prepared to promise that Campanil will not be attacked if your Imperial Guards do not attack Sakovans.”
“You are asking me to keep my troops out of the war?” inquired the mayor. “How can I justify such a thing?”
“Your troops are meant to protect your people,” explained StarWind. “Use them for that purpose. It is not as if your troops will make a great difference in the coming battles. Use your thousand men to safeguard Campanil from the Sakovans. Let the large armies of Okata battle the Sakovans. Can anyone fault you for such a decision?”
“Actually they are two thousand strong,” replied Mayor Ferde, “but I am beginning to understand where you are coming from. Still, if Okata is attacked, the call for troops from Campanil will be strong. I do not know if I can refuse such a request.”
“At least you are honest about it,” StarWind said. “Do what you must, Mayor Ferde, but I encourage you to rethink the old philosophies of Omunga. The system of Katanas has failed you too many times. Your people and my people can live in peace, but not when you continually choose leaders who are bent on war between us. This war will end in a Sakovan victory. Think about how that affects the people who depend upon you.”
“You are bold to make such a statement so early in the war,” countered the mayor. “Granted you have faith in your fellow countrymen, but the outcome of this war is far from certain.”
StarWind tried to gauge the position of the mayor before continuing. He had appeared to soften somewhat during the meeting, and StarWind felt sure that he would no longer try to arrest her, but keeping Campanil out of the war was pivotal. She decided to push the mayor further in an attempt to guarantee his cooperation.
“We have dealt honestly with each other since we met,” offered StarWind. “Can I trust you with a confidence?”
The mayor’s brow creased as he stared at the Sakovan spy. “You wish me not to repeat what you are about to say?” he asked.
“Not to anyone,” nodded StarWind. “I should not be mentioning it to you, but I respect you and understand that you are trying to do what is best for your people.”
The mayor sat silently for a moment before answering. Finally, he nodded his head in agreement.
“I will keep in confidence what you are about to say,” he promised, “but I will also view it skeptically without the ability to confirm it.”
“Understandable,” replied StarWind. “You are free to attempt to confirm it if you wish. You are only forbidden to declare it as fact or that you heard it from a Sakovan spy.”
“Agreed,” accepted the mayor.
“The Star of Sakova has made many friends since we last met,” StarWind revealed. “If the war goes poorly for the Sakovans, I believe that the Khadorans will certainly come to our aid. I am sure that you are aware that the Khadorans have a new emperor. I have visited with Emperor Marak and accompanied him to Khadoratung. He is strongly allied with the Sakovans. I believe that he already has offered to send armies to assist us, but Lyra has refused. She feels that the Sakovans should solve their own problems, but I can guarantee that she will not rule over the destruction of the Sakova. If the worst comes, she will have to call upon the Khadorans to aid us.”
“Mercy!” gasped the mayor. “I heard rumors of a new emperor up there, but the thought of Khadorans invading Omunga is disturbing. Nothing would arouse the Omungans more than a foreign invasion. Do you realize what the people would do if they learned of this?”
“That is precisely why I demanded your confidence,” nodded StarWind. “I hope it does not come to that, but you now know the source of my confidence on the outcome of this war. Keep your troops at home, Mayor Ferde. The Sakovans will start sending you food as soon as it is safe for us to do so.”
“I can still not make any promises,” the mayor shook his head. “What you have told me must be confirmed somehow.”
“I understand,” StarWind said as she rose. “I will return in a fortnight for another talk. Hopefully, you will have found the confirmation that you need.”
The mayor rose reflexively and stared at StarWind. A worried frown clouded his features.
“Use the name Samantha when you return,” suggested the mayor. “I will leave orders to have you sent up.”
StarWind smiled and nodded as she left the room.