The Key of Ban
Crossmore had been agitated for the past few weeks. The wounds from his recent battle were healed, but not his attitude. While resting in the tower he continued to search the Empire for information about the identity of his enemy. The battle with the unknown warrior was interfering with his ability to plan for conquest. Several months ago he knew exactly how he would gain control of the Empire, but now he was feeling uncertainty and confusion. The old books of legend told how the Age of Change would infect the Empire with turmoil and rebellion. He was concerned that the Age of Change might challenge his dream for control.
While Crossmore recovered from his wounds, he had time to evaluate his present circumstances and make four major decisions.
First, he was going to remove Regee from power. Within the next week Regee would disappear. He would direct the blame for Regee’s disappearance to the enemies of the Empire. He would graciously assume the throne out of the generosity of his heart. Anybody who got in his way would join Regee.
Second, he knew it was necessary to destroy his unknown enemy. He would alert his vigilantes to look for new signs of rebellion. Any rebellious attitudes and activities would be crushed by the power of the Imperial Army.
Third, he would expand his power base in the Empire as quickly as possible. More army units would be stationed throughout the Empire to maintain his influence. The sooner he gained control the sooner he would be the source of history. He would use cruelty and fear as his companions. He would take delight in watching people cower and grovel before him. He often dreamed about requiring people to genuflect when he passed in the street, or demanding criminals beg for his mercy.
Finally, he needed to start making wedding plans. He knew Noel would ultimately give into his proposal of marriage. He would take pleasure in slowly crushing her strong will and personality. Just the thought of her submitting to him added pleasure to his life.
As he looked out the tower window, his thoughts were interrupted. Without warning, a sudden surge of magic flooded his being. He staggered back into the center of the room. He had seldom experienced such a powerful discharge of magic. As the force clouded his mind, his knees grew weak. He visualized a small room with a metal tube stored in an elfin trunk. He reached out his hand to combat the energy released from the room. He closed his eyes and pushed his magic against the throbbing force. He felt the small room collapsing under the pressure of his magic. He saw the vague outline of three men rushing from the room as it burst into fragments. As suddenly as the power surge had begun, it also ended.
When the magic force abruptly ended, Crossmore nearly fell to the floor. He desperately searched for the source of the disturbance. The magic left no trace to follow. He could not tell if it had come from near or far. Crossmore’s inability to control the situation caused his frustration to burst into unusual violence. As his anger exploded, Badda was thrown to the floor. Fire burst from the tower windows in large orange flames. Crossmore’s voice erupted with uncontrolled torrents of cursing and yelling. After the anger had drained from his body, he sat on the floor holding his head in his hands. He always felt better after he released his pent up rage.
Crossmore remembered when he did not always have these fits of rage. The purge of energy opened his mind to memories of his youth. He saw himself as a child playing alone in the streets of Goobe. He remembered the pain of being teased by other children. He never knew when a rock would hit him or a gang of kids would strike and kick him. He discovered that the captivity of his personality was inescapable. His gentle nature, frail body, pockmarked face and shyness were target for constant mistreatment. In his loneliness and pain, he soon developed a seething hatred and distrust of people. His sense of inadequacy was compensated by an over powering desire to demonstrate his self worth and supremacy. This quest for power was fulfilled through the use of magic. He used magic to hurt and control his enemies.
As a youth he repeated over and over, “I will prove that I am the best. I will punish people for what they did to me. I will be the most powerful wizard in the world.”
These thoughts faded as the sight of Badda drew his attention.
With inquisitive eyes Crossmore looked at Badda lying on the floor. He was pleased how Badda had injected terror into the hearts of local residents. Yet, Badda had been slowly changing over the last several months. His servant had been showing signs of childish emotions. He was considering reprogramming Badda with a new mind purge but it needed to wait. Presently, he did not want to lose focus on the events surrounding his quest for power. He was then reminded of the special evening he had planned for the new emperor.
Crossmore had invited Regee to a dinner to celebrate his coronation as Emperor. He had also invited Noel to join them in recognition of the festive occasion. The main dishes would be savory duck cooked in wine with fresh sautéed vegetables and creamed fottee roots. The wine was imported from a winery in the Village of Brags. Crossmore knew the dinner would be a great success. Regee would find the evening a life-changing experience.
Crossmore smiled to himself as he thought, “My dear Regee, you will not have to wait long to meet forces much more evil and corrupt than you.”
The dinner party was held in Crossmore’s lavish apartment in the south wing of the palace. The dining room was adorned with colorful tapestry, crafted furniture and plush carpets. Regee was first to arrive followed by Noel and Magee. Noel would only attend the dinner if Magee would act as her escort. Two waiters from Crossmore’s staff served the four course dinner. Crossmore dazzled his guests with his charm and wit. He told light jokes and shared humorous stories about events in his life. The evening was interspersed with pleasant conversation, a toast to the new Emperor and words of praise for the splendid dinner. As darkness covered the palace, Magee and Noel departed Crossmore’s apartment. They were relieved to escape the arrogance of their two dining companions.
After Magee and Noel left the room, Crossmore invited Regee to sit with him in front of the fireplace. Crossmore stared at the leaping flames in a relaxed, peaceful mood.
He finally said to Regee, “I am so proud of you. I feel like a father sitting with his son.”
Crossmore’s melodious voice dripped with charm and sincerity.
He continued, “Over the years I have watched you grow into a strong, intelligent and skilled leader. I know you will be one of the outstanding rulers in the history of the Empire.”
At the sound of these words, Regee’s face glowed with self importance. Crossmore followed, “I have always thought you would be a greater emperor than your father. May he rest in peace. Your insights into human nature will help the Empire grow and prosper. I am volunteering myself to be your advisor and friend.”
Crossmore’s charismatic personality and sweet smile were drawing Regee into his trap.
Regee responded, “I accept your offer of support. I agree with you about my potential to be a great leader. I have often watched in disbelief at my father’s miserable management of the Empire. It was time for him to die so I can fulfill my destiny.”
Crossmore said, “I was saddened by your father’s death, but it is now time for you to stand in the glory of the throne.”
“Yes,” said Regee quietly to himself.
Crossmore continued, “I suggest we construct a monument to you. A tribute to your greatness should not be delayed.”
Regee commented, “Where could we build this monument? Maybe in the market place or outside the West City Gate?”
Crossmore responded, “I want to share with you a bottle of wine I have been saving for such a special occasion. This important moment should be celebrated with the very best wine.”
He rang a bell and a waiter entered the room carrying a bottle of wine and two glasses on a small tray. With the skill and grace of an elegant gentleman, Crossmore poured the wine into the glasses.
He raised his glass to Regee, saying, “Regee, to your success. May you always remember this day.”
Regee grinned with conceit as he swallowed the wine in
one loud gulp. His pale, pimple infected face gleamed with a scornful smile. Regee’s greasy hair and hairless face framed his lifeless eyes. He looked at Crossmore with contempt.
Regee thought, “I will make Crossmore my tool. He is such a fool to believe he can trick me with his dumb magic.”
Crossmore followed, “Have you ever seen my black ring?”
Regee’s eyes were becoming lackluster and glassy, as he responded, “No, I have not seen it before. What can it do?”
Crossmore laughed to himself as he thought, “The power of this ring will soon perform its magic. This poor fool will face a new future.”
Crossmore answered, “The power of the ring will open your mind to new and exciting opportunities.”
Regee was starting to feel uncoordinated as he looked at a shaft of light flowing from the ring. With a burning sensation the light penetrated deep in Regee’s mind. Before Regee could fight off the magic, he was enslaved. The poison in the wine held Regee in a state of submission, thereby allowing the light from the ring to gain control. Regee understood everything that was happening to him, but he could not fight back. Crossmore looked at Regee with disdain. His smug smile erupted into uncontrollable laughter and celebration.
He looked at Regee, saying, “You will have the opportunity to hate me for eternity. The image of my face will stand as a reminder of what I have done to you. I will enjoy knowing your abhorrence of me will last forever.”
Crossmore raised the ring high in the air, saying, “By the power of this ring, I cast you into the Chamber of Oblivion. You will live in the torment of your own creation. Your self indulgence will be the master of your hell.”
Thoughtfully he continued, “Thankfully, I am beyond such trivial limitations. I take pleasure in knowing that my supremacy will shift the balance of power from the weakness of decency to the glory of evil. I will make wrong right. I will crush the roots of goodness. I will validate my own destiny. The future will be justified according to my wishes and commands.”
With every fiber of energy in his being, Regee struggled to escape his bondage. He listened to Crossmore with disbelief, hatred and anger. Regee knew he had been drawn into this trap by his desire for self glory. Blackness filled his mind as he whirled in a downward spiral into nothingness. As he convulsed in rage, he fell into a bottomless pit. His freefall into emptiness continued for what seemed an eternity. In panic Regee reached for something to hold on to. His hands only passed through the illusions of reality.
After a long terrifying period of frantic despair, he found himself facing many ghostly images. Their faces were long and narrow, characterized by large round mouths and eyes. With anticipation the red eyed demons anxiously waited to torment the new arrival. The mouths howled an unquenchable thirst to inflict pain. Long fingers grasp at Regee seeking to assert dominance and control. The quest to destroy or maim was the unending motivation of these vile spirits.
As these evil spirits attacked Regee, they faded in and out from different locations. Reaching hands ripped at his flesh and violently poked at him. Their taunting voices belittled every characteristic of Regee. Ghostly laughter mocked his failures, weaknesses and limitations. Regee fought back with violent gestures and words. His imprisonment would be the perpetual battle between himself and forces striving to control him. He did not know that his only escape was to accept his limitation and yield to the powers of humility and forgiveness.
Crossmore watched Regee disappear into a cloud of smoke. He looked into a mirror on the wall with personal satisfaction at his handsome appearance. He was now ready for the next step in his plan. First, he needed Badda to visit the city to begin a new reign of terror. Crossmore’s spies had reported many rebellious comments needing an answer. He again glanced into the mirror and thought about preparing for a wedding.
He laughed to himself as he said out loud, “How could Noel possibly resist a refined gentleman like me? Ah! Ah! Ah! Ah! By the way, I will miss you, Regee! Ah!”
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Topple and Cando