By the Sword Read online

  Talya’s eyes widened. He couldn’t know about that.

  “The Lord has told me of your dream involving a young lad who agreed to do certain atrocities in order to feed his mother.”

  “How…”

  “The Lord wants me to tell you that it was not a dream, but a vision of what has occurred.”

  So that is why it seemed so real.

  Talya shuddered. She wondered what had become of the lad.

  “Is there still hope for the boy?” she asked.

  “There is always hope.”

  “But he’s a Malinorian.”

  Uittan smiled.

  “Yes, he is. Hmm. I thought you hated Malinorians.”

  “Well, I would never hate a child. He’s not a monster yet.”

  “Even monsters need a savior.”

  Talya exhaled. She knew where this was going. Prophets and pastors naturally viewed lost souls in a more nurturing sort of way.

  “I understand what the Scriptures say about sinners, but—”

  “Are you saying that it is okay to make exceptions to the Word of God?”

  “Of course not.”

  “What are you saying, then?”

  “I don’t know, I guess.”

  Talya bit her lip. She had never felt so exposed before. Everything that Uittan said was true, but the Malinorians killed her mother – an innocent civilian and a loving parent. She couldn’t shake the desire to avenge her death.

  “Did you tell your father about Waltez?” Uittan asked.

  Talya gasped. God really had been watching her all that time.

  Her father and Waltez had been friends once, before the empire had been formed. But things changed. Waltez became a murderer. Her mother had died a brutal death.

  “I am not sorry for what I did. He was an enemy. The general should have never allowed him to leave alive,” said Talya.

  “Even enemies can show respect. You were not in the middle of a battlefield when you murdered him.”

  “But he was a murderous animal!”

  “The same could be said about you.”

  Talya felt her face grow hot.

  “I would never slay an innocent man.”

  They stared at one another for a moment. Talya had never felt like a worse person than she did at that moment, but she couldn’t admit that she was anything close to a Malinorian.

  “So, why did God choose me for this mission if I am so terrible?” she asked.

  Uittan looked away from her for a moment, returning his attention to the starry sky. He was silent for several moments.

  “Many are called, but few are chosen,” he said at last.

  Talya exhaled loudly. She did not want to disobey God, but she craved the battlefield. It was true that her hate for the Malinorians ran deep within her veins. It was what she had lived for ever since the Holy Wars. Instead of braiding her hair or playing with dolls, she had fought and dueled with other aspiring soldiers. Fighting was in her blood.

  A memory of her mother suddenly flashed through Talya’s mind. It was one of the last days they had spent together. They had gone fishing. While they were waiting for a bite, Talya’s mother had said something that she would never forget.

  “Things here may change a lot. I just want you to remember that God is always there for you, watching you. Listen to Him and He will guide you always.”

  Talya closed her eyes for a moment, wishing that she could go back in time. Even for a moment. But she couldn’t. Her mother was gone.

  “What is it that God has called me to do?” asked Talya.

  “He wants you to journey to Hunter Forest and reach the giants before Jalarn does.”

  A grin slowly tugged at the corners of her mouth. So, she might have a chance to slay the wicked general after all. This mission was suddenly starting to sound a little better.

  Talya would use her persuasive skills to convince the giants that they should help Sanctus fight the controlling Malinorians. Her superior sword fighting ability would come in handy if the large men decided that she was an enemy. Then she would take care of Jalarn.

  The prophet eyed her suspiciously. He was probably wondering why God would choose a brutal warrior like her to complete the mission.

  “I must warn you that God does not wish for you to take any weapons on this mission. You are to bring God’s love to these men, before they are deceived by the devil. Jalarn will use whatever means necessary to make them join him. You need to make them see God’s love. It is not a matter of recruiting them for the war.”

  “What if they decide to attack me?”

  “The Lord knows your heart, Talya. He has shown me that you have a blood lust. You can’t fool Him.”

  Talya didn’t argue.

  “Jesus Himself said that those who live by the sword will die by the sword.”

  Talya remembered reading those words a few times in the Great Scroll when she was younger, but she had purposely overlooked them.

  “You must leave tonight. It will be a five-day journey on foot.”

  I don’t even get a horse.

  Uittan pulled a scroll from his robe’s pocket.

  “You will need this.”

  Talya took the scroll from him.

  He was right. She called herself a God-follower, but she had not been out to worship God in a very long time. She barely found time to pray to Him, let alone read His Word.

  But I’ve been busy, like every other knight.

  “Do you accept this mission, Talya?” he asked.

  Do I have a choice?

  Images of the troubled boy came back to her mind. Maybe if she went on this mission, God would help him if she asked. He had lost his mother, too, but unlike Talya, he was forced to endure the Malinorians’ brutality on a daily basis. The child deserved a better life – a chance to be a normal human, before he grew up to be another soulless killer.

  Uittan cleared his throat, bringing Talya back to the present. He was still staring at her.

  “I can’t refuse this mission if it is what God really wants me to do.”

  Uittan smiled.

  “There are many who will never heed God’s will for their lives. You are wiser than they.”

  “I’m not so sure about that.”

  “The scroll that I gave you contains Luke’s account of Jesus’ Sacrifice. Do not lose this, for you will need it to accomplish the mission. Also,” he added, taking a large ring out of his other pocket, “show this to the eldest of the giants. He will know that it was I who sent you.”

  “Thank you.”

  Talya had so many questions.

  “If I am able to win the giants’ trust and they agree to join with Sanctus, will I be allowed to join our army in battle?”

  “You need to stay in Hunter Forest whether they decide to join with Sanctus or not. There is a second part to your mission. You will know what it is when the time is right. It will not be easy, but God will give you the strength if you ask Him.”

  What could it be?

  “I suggest that you meditate on the scroll during your journey. I suspect that it’s been much too long since you have read of your Savior’s sacrifice, among other things. It will give you the preparation you need. Now, go and ready yourself.”

  Talya nodded, but then she remembered the two people whose lives were more important to her than her own. She would not see them until after the battle.

  Talya swallowed back a lump that had formed in her throat.

  “My father and Tanel are going to wonder where I am,” she said.

  “I will tell them, child,” he said.

  “Thank you.”

  “God is watching you, Talya.”

  “Will you please pray that God keeps them safe?”

  “Of course, child.”

  They parted ways.

  Talya went to the empty barracks to get her buckskin bag and then walked to the meal house, packing a loaf of bread with a slab of salted pork, some cheese, four canteens of water, and a blank
et.

  She looked back at the palace once more. Bright lights lit up the grand windows. Tanel was still in there. She longed for a chance to bid him farewell, but her stupidity had put them at odds.

  She had a chance to speak with him the night that she had killed that Malinorian commander, but instead she had walked right by him when he challenged her. She had also been horrible to her father for the past four years, even though he had deserved it. It was possible that she would never see them again.

  In addition to the dangers of war, Hunter Forest would be full of deadly hurdles. The older knights sometimes spoke of it like it was some sort of real-life hellhole.

  Give me at least one more chance to see them again, Lord. I want to tell them I am sorry.

  With her bag in hand and her stomach in knots, Talya began her journey.

  *****

  Ittonifer stood on the library’s balcony and watched the approaching storm clouds. It had been one of the best days of his life. The ten greatest beasts had been morphed into powerful land monsters by the prince’s power. The army of Sanctus would never stand a chance now if they were foolish enough to still fight. If Waltez was successful in convincing Edandir and the queen to join the empire, Malinor would be one step closer to taking over the entire continent.

  There was now three times the wealth that Ittonifer used to have in the palace. The empire would expand beyond the continent in no time.

  Below, the mighty animals sat in large steel cages until the battle. They were subdued by a spell that Aterun had cast over them as soon as they had emerged from their watery home.

  Now all that they needed were the giants.

  Jalarn will take care of that.

  Footsteps sounded from behind Ittonifer.

  “My lord,” said Naeshi.

  Ittonifer turned and faced his reinstated senior guard.

  “I have been informed that Commander Waltez has not returned yet.”

  “That is odd. I expected him back no later than this evening. Thank you.”

  Naeshi nodded, but he did not leave. He stared at Ittonifer intently.

  “Spit it out, man.”

  “Can it happen tomorrow?” he asked.

  “Yes, you can marry my daughter tomorrow,” said Ittonifer.

  “Thank you, my lord. How soon?” said Naeshi.

  “In the morning, of course.”

  Naeshi left the room.

  Ittonifer frowned as he returned his attention to the army below. He already knew why Waltez had not returned.

  Heat surged down his neck, and he punched the stone railing.

  That general is a fool. I am going to crush his army and kill him myself. Slowly.

  Ittonifer left the library. Turning down the dark hallway that led to his bedchamber, he heard light footsteps following him.

  It was Chrissa.

  “Father.”

  “What now?”

  “I see that you have obtained the ten great beasts of the deep! When are you marching for Sanctus?”

  “What concern is it of yours?”

  “This is my country, too. I wish to march with you.”

  “Don’t even—”

  “Please listen to me, Father! I’ve been practicing and you know how gifted I am with the sword.”

  “You already know that is out of the question.”

  “I am surprised you don’t want me to fight. I might just grant your wish and die.”

  “Leave me in peace, wench! I’ll be counting down the hours when you are finally married to Naeshi.”

  “Naeshi? Father, you know I won’t marry him!”

  “You don’t have a choice. He has proven himself to me recently, and I promised him your hand.”

  “What? When?”

  “Tomorrow.”

  “Since when do you keep your word to a foot soldier?”

  Ittonifer pushed Chrissa, and her back slammed into the wall. Her wide blue eyes stared at him in shock. He would give her a bruise on her face if she bothered him again.

  Ittonifer left her in the hallway and closed his bedroom door behind him, thankful for solitude once again.

  Chrissa ran down the hallway and into the courtyard. She had expected her bullheaded father to undermine her ability as a swordswoman, but he had never laid a hand on her before.

  Then there was the matter of Naeshi. Had the oaf not been demoted to a mere foot soldier after his eye had been plucked out? Since when did Ittonifer regard the man so highly?

  Chrissa didn’t know what she was going to do, but she couldn’t marry him. She didn’t want to marry anyone. Not yet. If she was forced to be someone’s wife, she would become a shell of herself, a half-living creature, just like every other woman in Malinor. Her status as Ittonifer’s daughter had done nothing to liberate her from a meaningless life, after all.

  Ever since childhood, she had hoped that her father would admire her for something, anything, but she was nearly eighteen now, and all he wanted was to be rid of her. Jalarn meant far more to him.

  Chrissa shook her fist as she fought back tears.

  “Prince, why haven’t you given me what I desire? I have studied your spells and still you have left me alone. I trusted you and believed that you would help me.”

  Not even he would listen to her. It had been a waste of time to think otherwise. He did not need her. She knew that now.

  Chrissa turned to go back inside, but she was startled to see that Naeshi was standing right behind her, blocking her way through the door. There was no way out this time. She was trapped.

  He wore the expression of a satisfied lion.

  Chrissa’s pulse quickened.

  “I trust that you haven’t yet heard that I have resumed my position as senior guard,” he grinned.

  “Absurd!”

  “Maybe so, but it’s true. I’ll have you as my wife tomorrow.”

  “So I’ve heard.”

  He came closer and she instinctively backed away.

  “Come here,” he said.

  He grabbed her by the shoulders and kissed her. She closed her eyes and braced herself, willing him to stop. But he didn’t.

  She didn’t know how she could stand being married to someone that she loathed so much.

  At last, their lips parted, but his grip on her tightened. He looked longingly into her eyes. He was handsome, but she could never fall in love with him. He would never respect her.

  But if I treat him badly now, he will punish me for it later. I guess now is the time to play the game of a dutiful wife.

  Chrissa forced a smile and initiated the next kiss. It ended abruptly.

  “There are things that I must attend to now, before we are to be married in the morning.”

  “The morning?”

  He ignored her as he rushed back into the castle.

  *****

  General Edandir searched for Talya among the dueling knights on the field. Instead, he spotted Tanel sparring with Pori and approached them.

  Tanel was a gifted archer, but he was only marginal with a sword. He was no match for the strapping Pori.

  “Better off to stick with the bow, Sir Tanel,” Pori grinned.

  Tanel shrugged.

  Timlin walked over and patted Tanel on the back.

  “Don’t sweat it,” said Timlin. “You should challenge him with target accuracy after dinner and see how well he does.”

  “Tanel,” said Edandir, “have you seen Talya?”

  “No, she left the banquet early last night, and I haven’t seen her since.”

  “It’s odd of her not to be here. She’s usually the first one up.”

  “I know,” said Tanel.

  “My brother must have scared her off,” laughed Timlin.

  “Shut up,” grumbled Pori.

  “I know where she is,” said Uittan as he approached them.

  “Where?” asked Edandir.

  “God has sent her on a mission to Hunter Forest. She left last night.”

  “Are we
talking about the same Talya?” asked Tanel.

  “Tell me why you would send a young girl out into that wilderness alone!” demanded Edandir.

  The general tried to keep his temper under control. He respected the man, but he never fully trusted those who claimed that God spoke to them. Yes, his prayer had rescued Roselyn, but Talya going alone to the dangerous forest was asinine.

  Uittan did not bother to explain. He began to walk away.

  “You shouldn’t have allowed her to leave. Do you know what lives in those woods?”

  Uittan stopped.

  “God has found her to be capable enough,” the prophet replied.

  “Those giant men eat humans. Do you understand what you have done? My daughter is going to face those animals alone.”

  “Those giants are human. They are worthy of our Savior’s salvation as well. He died for all of us, Edandir. You know that.”

  “I just can’t believe you sent her. She is a warrior, yes, but she does not have the maturity to carry out something like this by herself,” the general said.

  Uittan rested his hand on Edandir’s shoulder.

  “The Lord sent her, General. Talya has many things to work out in her heart, and this journey is more beneficial for her than you could ever imagine. She is young, but she is also courageous and smart.”

  “I have to send someone after her. I can’t allow this.”

  “I can’t stop you from making that mistake, but I highly suggest that you do not interfere.”

  “I am the leader over this entire army, Uittan! If I know that one of my knights – my daughter – is in danger, I will send help.”

  “Of course you can. Just remember that this is God’s plan for Talya. Do you want to be the one that interferes? Trust me, you will regret it if you do. And so will she.”

  “I am her father.”

  “Maybe it is time for you to trust in God, rather than in yourself.”

  The prophet left.

  Edandir stared after him. He couldn’t argue with God. And the prophet was right. Being a military general, it was more difficult for him at times to lay down his pride and let God take care of things. He should be trusting God to see her through. Still, his faith only went so far. The thought of his only child wandering through the desert, let alone that cursed forest, nearly drove him mad.

  He thought back to two years ago. He had done everything he could to discourage Talya’s interest in the army, and it had driven her to Cardamon. He just wanted her to be safe. He did not want to lose Talya, like he had lost her beautiful mother – the only woman that he would ever really love.