an extra day, but Theopolou felt it better to hide their numbers until the last moment. The terrain became rocky and jagged, causing them to twist and turn to avoid spots where they could be ambushed.
The day before they arrived, Theopolou called a council of the elders. Nehrutu and Mohanisi joined them, as did Linis and Kaylia. Theopolou had received word that the soldiers from Althetas awaited them ten miles north of Valshara.
“This means that they will be expecting an attack to come soon,” said Chiron. “A human army is loud and easily spotted.”
“It is likely they know we are coming as well,” said Theopolou. “It is not the battle that will take them by surprise. It is the weapons we bring.” He motioned to Nehrutu and Mohanisi, who stepped forward.
“We can break open the gates,” said Nehrutu. “But from the way they are described, it may take both of our efforts. The approach is narrow and exposed, so we will need to dispose of the enemy archers.”
“Our bowmen can give you the time you need,” said Bellisia.
“I assumed so,” Nehrutu continued. “But if the gates are held by these Vrykol, we may find ourselves faced with a different problem. If they can only be slain by removing their heads, then we will lose many elves before we can overcome them. The narrow passage will make our numbers count for nothing.”
“Let us not forget our human allies,” Bellisia reminded. “Their city is close, and they may be well-supplied with siege engines.”
“I have not forgotten,” said Theopolou. “But they have not made war in five hundred years, beyond petty border squabbles. The human armies of old were cunning and powerful, but I doubt a single soldier today has ever seen true battle.” His eyes grew dark and distant. “And many of us have.”
“Still,” Linis interjected, “they are our allies, and perhaps we should wait until we arrive to make any final decisions. Otherwise they may take it as an insult.”
“Linis speaks wisely,” said Nehrutu. “Though it is clear that Mohanisi and I must breach the gates, you would be well served to include your new allies in your planning. And as Lady Bellisia pointed out, they are near their home. It may provide assets we cannot yet account for.”
“Then we wait,” said Theopolou. “We will join with the humans tomorrow.”
The knowledge that the elf army would soon join with humans had caused palpable tension among the ranks. Many were still unsure, not having been present at the Chamber of the Maker. They accepted the word of the elders, but this did little to calm their unease. Many had never even seen a human, and all had grown up with the hatred.
That evening they halted early and slept until dawn. Theopolou wanted his army rested when they arrived. By midday, they could hear the sounds of blacksmiths’ hammers ringing out in the distance. The ground had become even and far less rocky, and a few trees struggled out of barren soil. When the camp came into view, Theopolou and the other elders gathered in front, and called for a halt.
Moments later, trumpets blew and the sound of human commanders barking orders carried over the still air as the soldiers scurried to form ranks.
“I see elves among them,” remarked Linis. “That is a good sign.”
Theopolou only nodded.
The humans formed a long line of red shields and long spears. A lone banner hung lifelessly, bearing the image of a great serpent coiled around a full moon. The humans made no move and soon all was silent. Some of the elves among them stirred uneasily, but did not approach. It was Theopolou who moved first, followed closely by Linis and Kaylia.
“The rests stay behind for the moment,” said Theopolou over his shoulder.
When they were about one-hundred yards away the line parted and four figures appeared. Three Theopolou recognized immediately as Selena, High Lady of Valshara, and Haldrontis and Stintos, his escorts that had been sent back to Valshara. The fourth was a tall, lean man, with a salt and pepper beard, deep olive skin and piercing blue eyes. His face was wrinkled and cracked with age, but still his strides were long and sure as a young man in his prime. He wore simple leather armor and a long sword on his belt, but atop his brow rested a thin gold crown.
“I am pleased to see you are well,” said Theopolou to Haldrontis and Stintos.
“We have been well-tended,” said Haldrontis.
Theopolou nodded, “Then return to your