Demon Lord

Bane writhed in the grip of a dream that was more akin to a nightmare. His father was in a towering rage, with good reason, which was why Bane did not try to shield himself from his wrath. A seething storm of black fire engulfed him, buffeting him, tearing at him with lashes of burning pain. The Black Lord’s inky visage twisted and his slit yellow eyes blazed, scorching Bane.

  “You destroyed Yansahesh. I warned you not to!”

  “She made me do it, Father. I had no choice.”

  The Black Lord’s raging countenance hardened. “No choice? You fool! You protect the one who was sent to kill you. You must kill her, before she forces you to do other things.”

  “She has a spell on me, or I would have left her to die. She tricked me into drinking some strange potion too.”

  The storm of black fire turned into a red inferno that seared Bane. He knew his power protected him from fire, so the burning was an illusion, and he could have brushed aside the illusory flames.

  The Black Lord raged, “She will do more than that! The longer she stays with you, the stronger her power over you will become. Had you killed her when I first told you to, you would be rid of her now. Your foolishness has caused this. You must kill her, or send her away so I can.”

  Bane shook his head. “I cannot. She uses me to protect her now. Her power binds me.”

  “Are you so weak?” The Black Lord’s words dripped scorn. “It is an Overworld spell. You must find a way to break it.”

  “Yes, Father. But so long as her magic binds me, I cannot let her die. You were right about her, although her poison did not work.”

  The Black Lord’s fury abated and the burning stopped. The fiery vision turned to a calmer vista of black smoke in which darting red sparks danced. “She will find one that does, though. You must guard yourself well. Otherwise, you have done well. Another ward broken. Only four more, son.”

  “Yes, Father.”

  “Bane, get to the others as soon as you can. Nothing else matters. Let the girl have her silly spell, it will not stop you breaking the wards. If she tries to turn you from that purpose, beware. Do not listen to her. Once I have risen, I will help you to be free of her. Do not fail me, son. I am counting on you. And do not let her poison your mind against me, either. I know she will try.”

  “She has already tried. She will not succeed.”

  “Good.” The Black Lord’s red maw curved into a smile. “I forgive you for Yansahesh. I never liked him anyway. Air demons are so slick.”