and re-entered the temple.
A short while later the door swung open and soldiers began to file out, unarmed, with their hands on their heads.
“What will you do with them?” asked Kaylia.
“Until my anger subsides, nothing,” Selena replied. “I will not act until I am certain my mind, and not my heart, speaks for me.”
They watched as the soldiers were led to the north wall. Once they were all out, a small group of elves entered to see that the temple was empty. A few minutes later, the door flew open and a woman was shoved through, an elf holding a long knife at her back. Kaylia recognized her at once.
“Salmitaya,” she whispered, and drew her knife.
Salmitaya stood there, defiant and proud, dressed in a long black robe, with a silver cord tied at the waist. Her light brown hair was pulled back and interlaced with white and gold, bound together in the back by white silk.
“I knew I would fall to an elf blade,” said Salmitaya, glaring at Kaylia. “But I would not have it happen by your hand.”
Selena stepped in front of Kaylia. “You may yet save your wretched skin. I have heard your name before...Salmitaya. And I have known of your evil works longer than you think.” She grabbed Salmitaya's chin and forced her to look into her eyes. “I also know that you are high in the council of the Reborn King.”
Salmitaya jerked her head free of Selena's grasp. “You know nothing, fool.” She shut her eyes. “Kill me and be done with it.”
Selena scrutinized Salmitaya for a full minute. “I may. Or perhaps I should send you back to Angrääl.”
Salmitaya's eyes shot wide.
“Yes. That's what I'll do.” Selena stepped back and smiled.
“Please,” cried Salmitaya. “You can't—”
“I can and I will,” said Selena. Her tone was low and dangerous. “Or do you wish to remain here?”
“I wish you to kill me,” she replied.
“I say we give her what she wants,” said Kaylia, still holding her knife.
Linis approached. He snatched Salmitaya up by the arm and shook her violently. “Who had the elves hung from the walls?”
Salmitaya said nothing.
“Answer him,” Selena commanded. “Or I swear I will send you back.”
“Yanti,” answered Salmitaya, meekly.
“Who is Yanti?” asked Selena. “Was it he who ordered the taking of Valshara?”
“You will find out soon enough.” Salmitaya shook her head. “But understand that I know nothing of value to you. I am disgraced in the eyes of my lord. If you intend to question me, you will get nothing, for I know nothing. If you set me free, I must continue to fight you. That is if I’m allowed to live. So you have to kill me.”
“It appears you fear returning to your master more than you fear death,” said Selena, thoughtfully. She looked up at the elf who had brought Salmitaya out. “Put her with the other prisoners, for now. We have wounded to attend. I will decide her fate later.”
Linis glared at Salmitaya, then released her.
“Do you think she will tell us anything?” asked Theopolou, once Salmitaya had been led away.
“I don't think she knows anything,” Selena replied.
“Then why keep her alive?” asked Kaylia.
Selena bowed her head. “As I said, I will not decide anything until my anger lessens. Whoever Yanti is, it is clear he escaped before we arrived.”
“He may be among the prisoners,” offered Theopolou. “If not, they may know where he has gone. I will have them questioned.”
Selena nodded in agreement. “Thank you. Let me know what you discover.”
The rest of the day was spent tending to the wounded. Once Nehrutu cared for Mohanisi, he and Kaylia began treating the most severe injuries. Mohanisi was too weak to assist and was taken inside the temple and given a bed. Selena ordered that the wounded from the first battle be brought in and soon the entire courtyard was filled. King Lousis refused further treatment until all of the men and elves had been seen to first. By nightfall Nehrutu and Kaylia were exhausted, and stumbled from person to person as if in a daze. Finally, Selena decided to intervene.
“You must rest,” Selena said to Kaylia. “We have other healers among us. You have already saved the most critically wounded.”
“I will rest when Nehrutu does the same,” said Kaylia.
“Then that time is now,” came the voice of Mohanisi from behind. “I am well enough to continue what you have started. I will take over until morning.” He strode off to relieve Nehrutu.
Linis and a small group of elves were gathering