Of Gods and Elves - By Brian D. Anderson Page 0,69
once again.
Vadnaltis did not return to the camp, not that Maybell or Malstisos expected him to. When asked, they said that the two went off hunting, but when they didn't turn up the next day a search party went to look for them. After a time, it became clear that they were gone, and the camp divided their belongings, and gave Malstisos a purse with coin matching the value of the gear and possessions. Malstisos promised to give it to them should he see them again.
Something had changed in Malstisos. Maybell could sense it but did not know what it was. As the days passed, the elf became more withdrawn, sometime disappearing for hours. When she tried to speak to him, he would just say that he was fine and only needed to think. But somehow, this didn't ring true. It was as if his spirit was broken. She prayed to the Gods that she could help him to heal.
Chapter Twenty
Lee hurriedly packed their gear and helped Dina prepare a quick meal of dried meat and fruit. Jacob refused to eat at the same table and took his meal in the living room. By the time Jansi returned, the party was ready to depart. The sun had been down for more than an hour, and the faint light from the windows of the houses lit the streets. They said farewell to Jansi, and made their way out of the city. The darkness of the streets pleased Lee. The darker the better, and he had even planned their exit from Baltria to avoid sections that were lit by lamps.
They wound their way through the streets, Lee leading the way and keeping watch for signs that they were being followed. At first, there was nothing out of the ordinary. Then just as they entered the main avenue leading to the city gates, they noticed a small group of five people wearing dark cloaks and carrying torches, standing to their right, on the walkway. As they passed the group fell in behind them.
“The faithful, I presume,” whispered Millet. “What should we do?” “Nothing,” Lee replied. “Do nothing until they make a move.”
As they continued, more began to emerge and follow. By the time the gates were in sight, there were nearly thirty behind them.
“Be ready,” said Lee. “When I give the signal, we'll make a run for the gate.” A lone figure stepped in front of them, barring their path.
“Move aside,” Lee commanded.
“Peace, Lord Starfinder,” said the figure, in a distinctly feminine voice. She pushed back her hood revealing a familiar face.
“Salmitaya,” Dina hissed. “I should have known you were behind this rabble.”
“You're wrong,” she replied. “I am just a servant... and a messenger.”
“Then deliver your message.” Lee gripped the hilt of his sword. “I have no patience for the likes of you.”
Salmitaya smiled, amused. “Very well. Reconsider your present course. Yanti knows you intend to refuse his offer. He also assumes you intend to attempt to free your wife. This will fail, and you and your family will die.” She took a step forward. “Yanti begs you to reconsider. You could live in peace and wealth. You need not sacrifice any more than you already have. He promises this, and more. You could even return to Hazrah as governor, if you wish. You can go home and have the power to protect your people.”
“I intend to protect my people, witch,” snarled Lee. “Perhaps I should begin by taking your head.” His sword sang as he pulled it from it sheath.
“That would be unwise,” said Salmitaya, pointing to the group of the faithful behind them.
Lee let out a hearty laugh. “You think that rabble frightens me?” He sprung from the saddle and turned to the mob. “Many of you know who I am. You know my reputation. So open your wretched ears and know this. I swear that should you attack me, or any of my friends that I, Lee Starfinder, son of Saraf, God of the Sea, will kill every last one of you.” He took a long step toward the faithful. The mob stirred uneasily.
“I await your response,” called Salmitaya.
Lee spun around. “My response is this. Tell this Yanti creature that before this is over, I will bathe my sword in his blood. If he wants to save his own life, he should run as fast as he can to Angrääl and return my wife to me at once. Then he should pray to whatever he worships that I decide it