The Central Lands knew few gods. Ademorna, Almena and Allorethna were the main ones. Three brightest stars in the sky. The Earth Mother was a story, and most thought her to be a myth. The gods of other creatures were never discussed, so it had become common thought that they didn’t worship anything. The Central Lands were wrong. Other lands had their own gods, and all were closely watching Koral and Eric on this quest. What those gods did not realize was that something even darker was watching as well. The gods existed high up in the heavens, but the lower levels held beings as well. Not as powerful as the gods, but they were strong enough to overpower Melarandra should they be set free. The demonic realm, know to some as Holison, was gaining strength. Malena's usage of demons over the years had helped them greatly. Every time she had performed the spell, they had leached a little of her magic. The demons were patient. Exiled to the lower levels, demons hated the gods, save one.
Lakin had created a small connection between his tower and the lower levels, allowing small amounts of magic to seep into the demon realm. It was partly because of all this Lakin was sitting in his study, very worried. He had received word the queen had somehow escaped. This wouldn’t have bothered him if it hadn’t been for the bumbling fool who was Duke Selwell Dubar. He had wanted permission to send out the soldiers to try to find her. Lakin knew she was probably already back in Klayhern with her husband. The only way she could have escaped was with Gillock's help and he would have gone right to the castle. He had sent word back that Dubar could, but to do it quietly. Lakin was sure the request was probably too difficult for Dubar to get right.
Sitting at his desk, he rubbed his temples. Lakin knew it wasn’t going to be much longer until he could rid himself of the fools who surrounded him. Thinking about how much he was going to enjoy getting rid of them all made Lakin relax. Suddenly a bright flash followed by a black mist appeared in his room. Moray slowly formed himself, keeping the elf appearance. The demon was not sure how Lakin would take him in his actual form.
“Good even, Lord Lakin,” came the hissed voice of the demon.
Lakin knew what stood before him was not an elf, but had no idea why a demon had come. “I was not expecting a visitor from the lower levels,” he said, keeping his voice calm.
“You have been working with the higher denizens of my realm, but they did not send me. I was summoned by Malena many years ago and have been working with her. Of course, she thought it was to help her with her designs. I now find her to be useless to me and have left her side to join you.”
The demon kept pacing, and it was beginning to irritate Lakin. “Do you have a name?”
The elf smiled, showing razor sharp teeth. “Moray,” he hissed.
“Well, Moray, why have you decided to join me?”
The demon stopped pacing, and actually sat down. “Like I had stated, I no longer felt Malena was useful. You're creating quite the army, and leaching magic into the lower levels to help us become stronger. Soon we should be able to create a breach and again appear on this world. You aim to rule this world, and I want to be beside you.” The voice had been so matter-of-fact that for a moment Lakin thought the elf whose body he was in, was once again showing through.
“I know you have the oldest daughter of the king here with you. I'm positive she does not know your true goals so therefore I will remain as an elf. But should at any time I feel she is going to betray us, I will change and kill her without a thought.”
The statement surprised Lakin. He was not sure why the demon had spoken as he did, but the tone of voice was so sinister Lakin had no doubts the demon would do exactly that. It made Lakin wonder if the demon wanted to rule with him, or to rule alone.
“She is my claim to the throne, nothing more,” stated Lakin.
“I see,” hissed Moray. After a few moments of silence, he added, “I will take my leave now. Perhaps I will make a proper appearance in the morning. Easier to have me around if it appears you actually asked me to the Tower.”
Lakin was going to voice his agreement, but the demon was already gone. Wondering if things had improved, he decided to go to bed. The next few days were going to be interesting.
Lakin awoke to the sound of arguing just outside his door, and as he got out of bed to put his robe on he realized it was Brin and Vernia. “I am looking forward to this ending,” he muttered to himself.
“If anyone is going to tell him he has a visitor it will be me, not you,” exclaimed Brin.
“Who's here to see me?” asked Lakin.
Brin turned with a start. She had not even heard the door open. “There is an Elf!” she spat out the word like it was poison.
“Ah yes, I was hoping he would arrive today,” came Lakin's reply, surprising both Brin and Vernia.
“He's waiting in the main chamber downstairs,” said Vernia, smirking. “Would you like me to assign him a room?”
“Yes, and bring the elf to my study.” Then he turned and went back into his room, shutting the door.
Brin was shocked, but didn’t want to show her confusion to Vernia. So pushing her way past the witch, she headed to the library. Quiet would help her thoughts now. Running down the stairs, negative thoughts plagued her. She burst into the library and went over to the table she had claimed as her own. Many books on the Central Lands and Melarandra littered the table. She sat down hard, placed her elbows on the table, and rested her face in her hands.
Brin knew there was an elf prisoner in the lower levels of the Tower. Lakin had said he was there for his crimes, but must be kept alive for purposes he still hadn’t told her. Being in the cell with the elf Brin had felt the sadness and pain he was experiencing. This new elf was much different. He appeared cold and cruel. She pondered this for many minutes and then came to wonder if this was how elves truly were. There were many stories of them in the books which sat before her. Brave, strong and fierce fighters was how one tale described them, but they were also quiet, calm and very in tune with the world around them. They could talk to animals and it was said their singing could cast a spell on anyone, including the forest around them. Had Brin read these stories a few years ago, she would have hidden the books away, thinking they were showing magic was not all bad. Now, she had been wondering if maybe Lakin was right. Some magic should not be allowed, but not all should be banished. Sitting back in her chair, she smiled. That was why the elf was here. Elves were a necessary evil, but having one in the tower would make it easier to find others and eliminate them. Again, she was seeing the genius which is Lakin, and got up to go about her daily chores, once again a happy follower of Lakin and his Magima.