And then, before he knew it, the sun had risen again. There was indeed no more reason for staying. From the officials, who obviously wanted to do their best to see the intruders depart as quickly and peacefully as possible, he received updated information on the path leading to the Triune’s supreme temple. A couple of the newest converts verified the charts and directions. Uldyssian thanked his reluctant hosts, then led his army on again.
And now…there were no more distractions. Only their goal lay ahead.
Rashim and the other scouts were closer than before, but, as Uldyssian had realized, the swift departure from Istani meant that they were now a day or two again from reuniting with the rest. With Lilith just ahead, Uldyssian could not focus on the small band constantly; instead, he sought out the scouts during each pause. Satisfied that they were still all right, he then returned to constantly attempting to analyze just what the demoness might have in store. But although he thought of a thousand nightmares, Uldyssian doubted that any of them would match her true plan.
The edyrem moved on through the jungle, becoming quieter as they ate away at the miles. It was as if a shroud had fallen over them; for the first time, they became aware of the monumental task quickly approaching.
And then…and then something touched Uldyssian’s very soul. A gnawing darkness that grew with each step.
“We’re close,” he finally muttered to Serenthia. “We’re so close…”
She only nodded. Uldyssian doubled his precautions. For him, the Triune was no longer hiding what it was. They—under Lilith’s guidance—were trying to undermine the edyrem’s confidence.
Uldyssian’s mind swept over his followers, reassuring them of their intentions. This new and subtle ploy would fail his enemies, of that he swore.
He wished that Mendeln and Achilios were with him. That he had seen nothing of either bothered Uldyssian, for surely at least his brother would have tried to be there. As for the archer, it was possible that Achilios was nearby, but if so, why had he not at least given some sign?
Uldyssian decided that he could not rely on their assistance. It was up to him and those who stood with him to survive this struggle.
Night came again, the last night, by his calculation, before they would sight the lands surrounding their target. Somewhere to the northeast—so he was told by one of the Hashiri—stood the vast capital. As Uldyssian sat down by one of the low fires, he marveled that its masters outwardly appeared oblivious or unconcerned about the struggle going on. Uldyssian knew that such could not be the case, that they were actually keeping avid watch to see if the victor in this conflict would then be vulnerable.
So much blood…it won’t end here…it’ll go on and on and on…He wondered if he should just seek out the angel Inarius and ask him to start the world all over. Maybe that was the best course after all…
Uldyssian shook like a dog, trying to jar loose such vile thoughts. He felt ashamed for having even wildly considered them.
Serenthia joined him by the fire. “Are you all right?”
“No,” he returned bluntly. “But that never matters.”
She was taken aback by his reply. “Uldyssian—”
“Forgive me, Serry. It’s nothing. It’ll pass. It’ll—”
Uldyssian leapt to his feet. Once more, he had that sense that there was something not quite right in the vicinity. He turned in a circle, studying each direction carefully. Back along their trail, Uldyssian almost thought that he noticed something…but then did not.
Coming to his side, Serenthia asked, “What’s wrong? What happened?”
He did not answer, instead considering the facts. They were within striking distance of the main temple. The Triune certainly had to know that their arrival was imminent and that there would be no negotiation. Lilith wanted this confrontation. The Triune had even entirely abandoned Istani, where he would have expected that Lilith would have at least forced him to spill more blood before reaching her.
She still wanted the edyrem. That was also a fact. Uldyssian and his followers would face no ordinary battle. Lilith would have something particular in mind…
Once more he checked the region surrounding them. Yet, again, there was nothing.
But what if nothing was more than it seemed?
“Serry…the others need to be alert. Please tell them to be prepared for my command…”
“For what?”
“I don’t know.”
She asked no more questions, instead turning to silently spread the word. As Serenthia reached out to the others, Uldyssian concentrated on the general area where he had momentarily believed that he had sensed a presence.
There had to be something wrong. There had to be a reason for his wariness. It was more than merely nerves.
He focused hard, trying to draw his will into the task as much as possible. This time, Uldyssian could not simply give up. He had to keep searching, even if it took him all night.
Perhaps that was what Lilith wanted. Perhaps she desired Uldyssian so exhausted that he would make crucial mistakes. Maybe all he sought out beyond the camp was one of her illusions.
No, it has to be more…Uldyssian sweated as he pushed himself harder. There was something out there, something worth much effort in hiding—
And suddenly, it was all there to see.
As if a vast blanket swept back by a powerful wind, the truth revealed itself in one rapid layer after another. Through his mind, Uldyssian saw a row of familiar armed figures slowly but relentlessly wending their way toward the encampment through the thick underbrush. Behind them materialized another row and another and another…and on until it became clear that an army had been secreted from him.
Peace Warders…
The Triune’s soldiers were not alone, either. Uldyssian noted priests among them, priests of all three orders. They were the ones casting the elaborate cloaking spell, but he sensed Lilith’s hand in its making. Such a casting was far too advanced even for these senior acolytes.
So at last the truth about Istani was known. Lilith had arranged their vanishing, only to have them—and surely warriors from Kalinash and perhaps even the supreme temple—gather nearby. While Uldyssian’s concentration had been upon the enemy ahead—even with his attempts to sweep the trail behind the edyrem—they had followed, awaiting the moment to strike.
That moment, it appeared was to be tonight.
Serenthia! Uldyssian silently called. She answered with a questioning note. He quickly filled her in.
But as he did, the son of Diomedes discovered that he had erred. Within the invisible ranks, a priest’s mind abruptly closed itself from him.
Instantly, the entire army vanished from Uldyssian’s second sight. He had just enough of a last glimpse to see the Peace Warders pick up their pace.
They had noticed him. The attack was coming.
The enemy is behind us! he told not just Serenthia, but everyone. Behind us! Ready yourselves!
It should have made absolute sense to Uldyssian that Lilith would send her forces against him at night, not daylight, when most would attack. Worse was the veil of invisibility that added to the darkness. The edyrem could defeat this foe, but they would need to be able to see them in some manner.
Or did they? Uldyssian knew the approximate location of the Peace Warders. That, in truth, was enough with which to start…
He had no time to summon the aid of the others. Uldyssian clapped his hands together. As he had done once before, what sounded like thunder rolled forward. This thunder, though, was a sound wave so powerful that it tore the nearest trees from their roots and sent leaves and vines scattering.
It also, he knew even without seeing, struck the first ranks of the Peace Warders with equal force.