By the time they came within sight of the Cylcopi wall, the trees had hidden the fires. As they went into the clearing, they found many bats perched upon the walls. The cyclopi seemed to be speaking with them.

As Massacre came forward, Kronel greeted them. "Sir William, we were not expecting you. What business has brought you to our domain?"

"I wish to speak to the King," said William. "I desire to arrange an alliance against Calisha. Or at the very least ensure that our peoples do not march to war against one another again." He eyed the bats warily.

"You are the second creature to come before us with that as your intention," said Kronel. "One of you will be disappointed. Yet that is King Themos' affair. Open the gates. Let him in.

"We'll hear the King's mind soon enough."

The gate was hauled open. William dismounted from Massacre, and he and Felix walked through. They were led to the cave and once more stepped into it. Within the throne room, they found King Themos waiting. He was clad for war now, and a colossal mace was laid next to his throne. His one eye gazed at William carefully.

"William Gabriel, you return. I am glad to see that you still breathe," said Themos. "Yet if I have guessed your purpose here, I fear you have wasted a trip."

"Not all fears are founded, King Themos," said William. "I have come from a battle with the Calishans, where we have already scored a great victory."

"Victory?" laughed a harsh voice. I wonder, has the word changed its meaning since last I heard Harlenorian?" It was speaking in a language he did not understand, yet the meaning came to him plainly. A Cyclops standing next to Themos whispered something in the King's ear.

Into the room walked Neseriah. She was far more horrible up close. She was like a cross between a human and a bat; her hands had long nails. On her arms were two great bat wings.

"Princess Neseriah, you have something to say at last?" said Themos.

"I do indeed," said Neseriah. "However, I wished to say it before the emissaries of Harlenor. Hear this, Skull Mask. Your villages are in flames. Your pathetic militia is routed, and your knights are far from here."

"The battle has not gone as you think, Neseriah," said William. "Calishan Immortals lie dead upon the soil of Estal. And with them, many of your soldiers."

"Ah, but I have many more of those," said Neseriah. "And Immortals are gifted. They will reincarnate with all their memories in another eighteen years. Then they shall fight for me again. Yet those militias who have been slaughtered shall not be so easily replaced. Your gates and walls have failed.

"Even as we speak, I sense more of my warriors mustering, fresh from victory. They march upon that little town you rallied. It will fall soon. And all who live within it shall be put to the sword: every man, woman, and child.

"Those who escape my wrath will flee into the city. There, they will be safe for a time until my brothers arrive. Then they will land, and the full might of Calisha will fall upon you. And none may stand against the might of Baltoth."

"Strange," said William. "I thought the power of your bloodline was the ability to wield the shadows. Yet you seem to have learned to see the future. Or so I assume. The children of Baltoth are not known for their hubris." That was a lie.

"It is not hubris to read the signs," said Neseriah. "Harlenor is far away and distracted. Estal is the aggressor and has violated our truce on the day it was signed. My delicate sister is a captive of Aris, so right is on our side. And our armies are vast beyond number.

"What you have seen thus far is but a taste of the power of Calisha. Soon, she might be let loose in flood to wash away all who would oppose us.

"Still, I will not deny that you may be of some irritation. Thus, I will say what I came to say." And she turned to King Themos. "Hear me, King Themos. Calisha does not quarrel with you. Your people had no part in the kidnapping of my sister. Nor have you ever broken a treaty with us. And yet, for a long time, you have had wars with your neighbor, Estal.

"Would it not be better to be rid of them? Join your forces with Calisha. It is we who are wronged, we who have been betrayed. Do so, and the rewards will be great, for we will need someone to rule this island in the name of Baltoth. Why shouldn't it be you? You who dwelled here long before these humans ever did?

"Or, if you do not want to join us, just stay your hand. Let us finish our business with Estal, and do not waste your people in a needless war. I am certain my brother, Suloth, will be happy to leave your lands in peace when we finish. And no honorable man could fault you for not aiding these bandits.

"They speak of honor while they kidnap other men's wives. They boast of valorous deeds performed. Yet these deeds are not those of heroes but of raiders and plunderers. They fall on villages that cannot defend themselves and kill without mercy. Priestesses were raped within the bounds of their own gods' temples and dragged away in chains.

"These warriors are but pretenders. They fight for no one's benefit but their own. Aid them, and they shall declare eternal friendship. Then they will turn upon you before the wax on your treaty has dried."

Themos heard these words. For a moment, he remained silent as they were told to him. Then he turned to William. "What say you, Sir William?"

William considered his answer. He'd have to spin this somehow. "Some men say that one Harlenorian is worth ten Calishans upon the battlefield. Yet I know this to be wrong. I have seen the valor of Calishans on the battlefield. I have watched as men clad only in leather with spears held their ground against armored knights. They fought bravely and brought glory to their families and nation.

"When taken hostage, they were allowed to keep their arms and go in peace back to their own land as a mark of respect. I have seen great deeds performed by both Calishan and Harlenorian. I will not pretend that we Harlenorians are any greater warriors.

"Nor may I claim our cause wholly just. The kidnapping of Safara, though she came of her own will, was a deed of supreme dishonor. The shame of it rests upon Estal. Indeed, where Cassandra was taken for the sake of peace, Safara was taken for war.

"Yet I ask you, what part in that dishonor did the villages in the shadow of your mountain play? What choice did the children trapped in burning houses have in the decisions of their Prince? Emissary Emira has yet to have the chance to speak two words. And yet Neseriah had already mobilized. Let alone carry the reply of King Estal back to Emperor Baltoth.

If we had given time to let tempers cool, King Estal could have been convinced to give up his son's prize.

"Yet now that will never happen. There will be much more blood and death before the end of this war. You have repaid the courtesy of Harlenor with vicious slaughter. You have put to the flame the houses of the innocent and butchered the people of this land." William thought his words were entirely hollow. But he was obligated to pretend they weren't.

"Only a fool does not have a plan to deal with his enemies," said Neseriah. "We had been preparing ourselves to invade Estal when their offer of peace was made. Thus, we put aside our plans for the sake of it and resumed them when we were betrayed.

"As for butchery, what have we done that Argath Marn and his entourage have not done so much more willingly? It is the way of war that sides prey on their weakest enemies first.

"Yet this is beside the point. What do you propose, Sir William? That King Themos join his enemies in repelling a nation he has never had to fight? What reward will you promise him? And of what worth is any promise now made by Estal?"

"Neseriah speaks well," said Themos after his translator had finished speaking. What do you propose, Sir William?"

He had to turn Themos against the Calishans. Or at least make him distrust them. "First, let me say that you have never been enemies with Calisha. Because Calisha has never possessed Estal," said William. "Had a Calishan Prince colonized it, and not the young brother of King Andoa, things would be different. I do not doubt that there would have been war. It is a way for neighbors to fight with one another.

"Yet consider this: Calisha is far greater in power than Estal. If King Estal today were to send all his armies against your people, you won. Yet if Baltoth were to seize this island and unleash his armies against you, you would be hemmed in. An island of freedom in a sea of tyranny.

"And you would inevitably fall.

"Baltoth does not fear any nation by itself. But many nations together? That he does fear.

"Calisha is not so invincible as they claim. Upon the banks of the river, Savior's Run, my father defeated a vast host of Calishans. And before that on the shores of Desora, he destroyed a Calishan army as it landed.

"Each time, Calisha drew back its hand. Each time, they negotiated rather than fall.

"No army is invincible. No nation is beyond defeat. If the Cyclopi march to war against Calisha alongside the men of Estal, we may gain a great victory. If Calisha is defeated badly enough, they will seek terms. And when they do, we may find a way to settle the debt of honor without the need for such bloodletting.

"Join us, King Themos. Prove to the world the might of the Cyclopi. In so doing, you will solidify the friendship between Estal and the Cyclopi. For there is a saying that blood spilled is thicker than wine poured. In the fires of war, great friendships may be founded. One may be forged between Estal and your people and, in so doing, the future secured." He was lying through his teeth now. When the war was over, things would probably go right back the way they were. But it was his duty.

Unlawfully taken from Royal Road, this story should be reported if seen on Amazon.

"Baltoth fears nothing, Skull Mask. Remember the fact," said Neseriah.

Themos remained silent. "...You both speak well. Yet I will not make any decision in haste. I must observe and consider the situation. For now, I must offer you what hospitality I can."

Oh, good. The Cyclopi would remain neutral. They might actually make it out of this war alive. "I fear I cannot accept it, King Themos," said William, bowing his head. I must return to the front. I fear the battle will be bloody."

"Then go in peace," said Themos with a wave of his hand. An ironic farewell if ever there had been one.

So they began the journey back to the villages. As they walked alongside Massacre, darkness came on. William looked to Felix, who was silent.

"What do you think, Felix?" he asked.

"Themos is going to wait until he thinks he knows which side is winning," Felix decided. "Then he'll jump in and finish the job."

"That was my assessment as well," mused William. "Which means we have to win as many victories as we can as quickly as possible."

"We're doomed, you know that," said Felix.

"I know," said William.

Felix wasn't going to let it end at that. "Baltoth humored Duke Vanion because it was a friendly rivalry. His people were treated with the utmost respect, and Baltoth got something out of the deal. This is a personal vendetta and a betrayal. He will keep coming until he, or Estal, is dead."

"I know!" said William.

"Then why are you trying to get the Cyclopi to help?" asked Felix.

"It is my duty," said William. "If the Cyclopi assist us, we may be able to stall Calisha. At least long enough to get the other Harlenorian Kingdoms involved."

"You'll tear up everything your father worked for," said Felix, voice cold.

"Aris teared up everything Father worked for!" said William as he turned on them. "Not me!" He realized he was shouting, hearing his echo. He took several deep breaths. "Estal is of strategic importance. I can't let Baltoth take it. Not without doing everything I can to stop him."

"Well, as long as you don't think you're the hero in this story," said Felix. "Do as you like?"

"And who is the hero, then?" asked William.

Felix shrugged. "Haven't you learned anything? There are no heroes."

They kept walking. Eventually, William looked to his bloodstained chimera. "What do you think about Massacre?"

Massacre took a bite out of some thornbushes. "Bah."

"Yes, I thought you'd say that," mused William.

They journeyed in silence. When, at last, they came within sight of the villages, most of the fires had been put out. There were still some smoking ruins, but William could see nothing in the darkness. As they neared the town they had set out, they found Eitrigg.

The priest was sitting against the gatehouse, meditating. As soon as they reached him, he opened his eyes and stood. "William, thank Elranor. You've returned. Were you successful?"

"King Themos has decided to ponder the matter," said William. "I take this to mean that he will wait to see how the war is going before committing his forces. What is our situation?"

"We've had refugees fleeing into this town from all over," said Eitrigg. "Several villages fell in the initial onslaught. The Calishans went out of their way to kill everyone they could lay hands on. No prisoners or slaves taken.

"I've been hard-pressed to convince the men not to execute prisoners. Still, we've beaten them in several battles. And stalemated them in several others."

"Any news from my mother?" asked William.

"The Lady Azgora destroyed several companies of Calishan soldiers," said Eitrigg.

"Then her militia training was not wasted," said William.

"No, she destroyed several companies by herself," said Eitrigg. "She left the militia in reserve. We've found her standing over a field of corpses."

William blinked in surprise. "Where is she now?"

"The last word was that she was trying to gather some of the forces which were put to flight," said Eitrigg. "Word has been sent across the bridge. The city is in flames, or so men say. Some say it has been burned to the ground. However, I suspect these are an exaggeration."

"Have any reinforcements come from the city?" asked William.

"None," said Eitrigg. "The Calishans dropped a large force of Immortals into the city itself. They are fighting with the guards. We have been ordered to hold our position as long as possible."

"Then that is what we'll have to do," said William. "Did you manage to save the granary?"

"Yes," said Eitrigg. "But several other villagers lost their food supplies to fire. There will be great hunger in the coming years."

"Oh, don't worry," said Felix with a smile. "I'm sure my countrymen will kill so many people that you won't even notice the difference."

William looked at him. "That wasn't funny, Felix."

"It doesn't make it any less true," said Felix. "This is the Calishan vanguard. What do you think the main army will do when it arrives?"

"Our main army isn't here yet," said William.

Then, his eye fell on the bodies of Calishans. They had been laid out in great numbers. It looked as if the lord, what was his name, was building a great pyre to burn all the dead. Yet all the wood hadn't been gathered yet. He looked at the faces. They were far darker than those who had fought at the battle of Savior's Run. They were also taller and more muscular.

"Eitrigg, who are these men?" asked William. "Some among them are Drens; I know that much. But others have a slant to their eyes that I don't recognize."

"Calishans," said Eitrigg.

"There are more than one kind of Calishan, Eitrigg," said William. "There are many different racial stocks. We're all from Harlenor. But I'm a Haldrenian with Escorian blood. You're an Estalian, descended from the men of Antion.

"It is the same with Calishans."

"Actually, my father came here from Escor," said Eitrigg. But regarding your question, I don't know."

"These aren't my sort, the Medi. They're far easterners," said Felix, coming forward. "Narsuf, I think, a crossbreed between Drens and the Namineans who used to rule them. That was before Neseriah took the land out of their domain. Of course, that was long after Namina itself sank into the sea.

"Baltoth took Narsuf for it's Malas."

"Malas?" asked William. "I thought Artarq was the only source."

"It is," said Felix. "We overmined it while seeking to conquer our neighbors and put down rebellions. Malas does restore itself over time, but only if there is enough of it to reproduce. So we've had to find alternative sources, thus the importance of Artarq."

Then, there was the sound of beating wings. William looked up to see the great bats flying away. Their baskets were still in their claws. "The bats are leaving," he murmured. "But what about the Calishans still here?"

"Neseriah cares little for the lives of mortals," said Felix. "They are expendable. They aimed to sew discord and disrupt our defenses in preparation for the main thrust. When Baltoth lands his main fleet here, the outer fortifications will be in chaos.

"I expect the remaining Narsuf will begin a guerilla campaign. Strike exposed targets. Their only hope of survival is to hold out long enough for the main fleet to arrive."

"So they've been sent to die," guessed William.

"What are soldiers for if not to die for their nation?" asked Felix.

"To make the enemy die for theirs," said William.

"... I'll concede the point," said Felix.

Then, one of the bats took a spear through the chest and staggered down to the ground. Another soon fell beside it. The bats scattered and flew faster as spear after spear pierced them. Nearly half a dozen fell to the ground dead before they were clear.

"Who could throw a spear like that?" asked Eitrigg.

"Mother could," said William. "Apparently, spear-throwing contests are held where she is from. It's a sport. Father won a prize at it once."

Eitrigg blinked. "What was the story behind that?"

"There were several, actually," said William. "Mother's land of Themious is a Matriarchy, where the women have divine blood. Ment there are not warriors because of physical inferiority. Father, having been raised in a warrior culture, was somewhat eccentric.

"Mother and he went on several adventures together."

"Thus the hydra?" asked Eitrigg.

"Yes," said William. "When one cut off one of its heads, two more grew in place. Mother cut off the heads, and Father burned the stumps with a fire. Then, there was also a boar whose hide was immune to weapons and could not be stopped. Father lured it into a pit trap filled with oil, and once it fell into it, he lit it on fire. The smoke and flame choked it to death.

"And, of course, there was a giant of steel who sought to overthrow the gods of Themious. They started an avalanche to trap them in plus, then cut off his head when he was trapped in place. During that time, they fell in love, and when Father left, Lady Azgora went with him."

"That's quite an impressive story," said Eitrigg.

"It's only the barest of summaries," said William. "And I haven't even touched on Serecula, the Queen of Spiran." Then he looked to Felix. "Felix, I need to ask you something to one side."

The two walked out of earshot. "Yes, what is it?" asked Felix.

"Why didn't Baltoth use those bats against us at Artarq?" William asked. He could have easily crossed the river without fear of an ambush."

"The bats answer only to Neseriah," said Felix. "Banir was a subordinate king to Suloth. The children of Baltoth rarely unite for anything. Aris has managed to get Baltoth angry. A feat I wasn't sure was possible anymore."

"Anymore?" asked William.

"Well, he hasn't exactly gone into any bloody rages—not on any records, at any rate," said Felix. "Most of the day-to-day affairs of Calisha are minded by the Kings. Suloth is the one who provides most of the leadership for them."

"What could occupy Baltoth if not the affairs of his own nation?" asked William.

Felix shrugged and smiled. "Who am I to know the private affairs of Baltoth?" Then he laughed.

"What's funny?" asked William.

"You expect too much of me, William," said Felix. "I haven't been home in years."

"Right. Of course," said William. "Do you ever miss it?"

"Sometimes. I was from the area around Ruscow," said Felix. "Mother kept a garden and had servants to help her with it. However, she didn't need it. We could buy whatever we needed.

"Perhaps that was a warning sign."

William paused. Something about the whole thing was bothering him. "Felix, this may sound callous, but do you know how Baltoth learned your father was skimming off the top?"

Felix looked at him warily. "Baltoth has eyes everywhere. I expect someone saw something which incriminated him."

"I see," said William, looking away.

"Is something wrong?" asked Felix.

"Something has been bothering me for a long time, Felix," said William. "Father praised King Banir's skill and valor. Yet Baltoth saw through it and had him killed."

"It would not take much to observe that man's incompetence," said Felix.

"Yes, that was what I thought," said William. "But then, in Khasmir, Calisha sent an army there very quickly. Almost too quickly."

"He probably had already mobilized his forces ahead of time," said Felix. "Banir was meant as a vanguard."

"Logical," said William. "But now this. Baltoth knew that Aris meant to march to war. How could he have known that we were stalling Emira? And if he didn't intend to negotiate, why would he have sent her at all?"

"Emira was here to give an ultimatum," said Felix. "I'm certain she has means to send word from her post here."

"Baltoth seems far too well informed," mused William.

"He is a god," said Felix. "It is his business."

"King Estal is here!" cried the lookout. "King Estal has come!"

Well, it was time to report his partial success.