A  resonant hum filled the air, from the spires upon the hillside down to the rivers below meandering around its base. The nightly festivities were in full swing. Murder and mayhem abound. The city streets were full of all the creatures of the world. From werewolves to dark elves and all manor of vileness in between. Following the streets up towards the mountain side a dome shimmered like onyx in the moonlight. Inside the dome the opulent hall was filled with music. The steady primordial rhythm of the drums could be heard, the rhythm entrancing the audience. It was a seething mass of bodies adding their cries of ecstasy to the rhythmic beat.

A beautiful greatsword rested against an ornate red velvet throne atop a raised platform. The sword pulsed with a dull light, its blade reflecting the world around it like a mirror. In front of the dais a group of humanoids danced in time to the beat. Most wearing nothing but black silken undergarments. One stood out from the rest; a giant warrior in black leather armour. His black hair long and straight, framing his cleanly shaven face and piercing green eyes. His hands were wrapped around a chain, which was attached to the collar of a young woman dancing in front of him. He pulled her in close, felt her firm breast and pressed his lips against her neck. The girl flinched, tried to pull away but couldn't release herself from his grip. A death rattle could be heard escaping her throat. She slumped to the floor, pale in death. A small trickle of blood ran down her neck. The Immortal King Agnar wiped the bloody residue from his lips. Two guards, clad head-to-toe in wolf's head grey full plate, carried the body to a dark stairwell disappearing into its dark depths.

Agnar just stared at the scene emotionlessly and followed the wolves' departure. 

The King and his Wolves travelled down the winding staircase and along many passageways, past other guards and revellers. The further down they went, the more icy cold and devoid of life it became. The only sound that could be heard were the Heavy footfalls hitting the stone floor as they continued their journey deep below the city. 

The pathways became more rough-walled leading to an ancient cave.  At the opposite end of the cave stood a massive stone door with runic engravings inlaid with silver.

The Wolf handed the girl to the immortal king. He carried her like a child, stopping before the towering door. Its surface shimmered and shifted, displaying their reflection as if upon a moving mirror. He stepped through.

The void he entered was pitch black, not even his mighty sight could pierce the veil.

A stone altar stood before him emanating an eerie green light. The king gently placed the girl on the altar. Agnar’s face contorted in pain. He threw his hands into the air. Drew in a deep breath. White light surrounded him and with a stone splitting scream, released the energy towards the altar. It sucked in the energy. Then slowly the raven haired girl began to float. A brilliant green aura emanated from her and her eyes flashed open.

She spoke" What a pitiful little morsel you have brought me, cursed one. I crave more. You do not want to displease me. The gateway has almost reached its zenith. Soon, we will be able to enter your world at our leisure."

Agnar fell to one knee. His face contorted with concentration and pain. The devil's words caused him physical pain. 

Through gritted teeth, he rasped, "Most treacherous Ormr, you are correct. The gateway is almost sated. Yet, we have not found souls strong enough to unlock the final summit. The gateway feeds too quickly to reach the final stage."

With an anguished cry, Agnar fell to both knees. His leather armour  slowly melting and showing his white skin beneath.

The girl gave him a devilish grin. "You aren't having second thoughts? Our bargain is irreversible. Time has no sway over us. You will find what we seek or you will suffer greatly. Hunger will consume every thought of every second of your pitiful existence. Be at peace for now and, when you return, I expect souls more worthy of sacrifice."

With a blinding flash of light and pain, the Immortal King appeared back in the cave before the door. His leather armour melted and deformed. His Wolves of Nawiz stood at attention ready to obey their master.

Agnar's deep voice echoed within the cave. "Fetch Volur and send her to my chambers."

The guards left the cave at a light trot. Alone, Agnar pealled the leather armour from his skin. Chunks of skin coming off with each piece. Some of the armour held together so once the melted pieces were removed Angar was able to remove it fairly easily. Once removed he stood completely naked. His chest and back were covered in wounds from where he pulled the melted armour from his skin. All the undergarments turned to ash. He stood motionless for a minute. The wounds began to heal by themselves. The magic he infused into the armour had worked to some extent. The fiends mere presence could suck a moral’s soul through their flesh. He was no mere mortal. His soul had already been sold. The devil's presence still caused him great pain. He had been working on the armour for months. The protective enchantment had worked at first, he was able to resist the pain but eventually its effectiveness waned. He was so close. The enchantments needed some fine tuning but they were on the right track. If the fiend had less power over him in the void, the chances that he could halt his influence in the real world would be greatly increased. He realised many years ago that he would need to find stronger souls to sacrifice. Not enough to open the doorway but enough to make Ormr less suspicious.

He held his hand up, made a slight gesture with his index finger, as if calling someone from the other side of the cave. A shimmer began in the King's hand. A golden handle materialized. Then a silver pommel. The mirror blade unfolded. Almost longer than a spear. The mighty sword Heithster appeared in his hands. It’s unearthly metal thrown from the heavens by ancient gods whose names have long since been lost to the winds. The blade pulsed once before Agnar dexterously began sparring with an invisible opponent. His martial forums always centered him. With Heithster in his hands, he felt invincible. The sword and he were one. When he had finished his blade work he held the greatsword close to his face, with the blade pointing towards the cave ceiling. A white light flowed from the sword over his naked flesh. It started at his shoulders and moved down to encompass his whole body. It solidified into a white silk robe with gold trim and white boots. He placed his sword against his back and it disappeared inside the robe.

He was ready. The sacrifice had been made to the Devil. This gave them a window of time where the madness of constantly needing to feed on souls wouldn't affect them. The time varied and couldn't be easily predicted but it usually wouldn't last more than three days. He could think clearly. Time to set his generals to task. His plans must be set in motion before hunger becomes unbearable once more.

He made his way to his chambers, high up in one of the spires, overlooking the cold, dark mountain range. Rare wood furniture and luxurious carpets populated the spacious rooms. Crossing the common room, he pushed open a heavy wooden door ro reveal a large polished stone table dominating the centre of a minimally decorated room: his war room. He sat at the head of the table. Many maps and parchments littered its surface. The bookshelves, ,stretching from floor to ceiling, contained books, scrolls and parchments of various sizes. A grey-haired man shuffled into the war room carrying a tray with a glass and a decanter filled with a thick, crimson liquid.

"Greetings, master. Will anyone be joining you this evening?'' He placed the tray on the table and flooded the liquid into the crystal glass.

The king sipped it, taking a moment to enjoy the feel of the liquid running down his throat. "This is a fine vintage, Svenn. I am expecting Volur, at present, but be prepared, you know how it can be after the sacrifice."

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Svenn’s eyes narrowed. “I know what day it is, master. We have been together for many years. Everything is prepared as it should be. Smooth as silk. you know how I run things around here.”

Svenn bows deeply before exiting the room, closing the door quietly behind him.  Agnar sighs, picking up a piece of parchment, then another.  A frown descended over his angular features and his eyes darted up to the ceiling. A high vaulted area wreathed in shadows. His gaze followed a particular shadow moving towards his position like a spider crawling on a web. The shadow fell from the heights and landed gracefully next to him. A petite slender figure clad in blood red leather armour stood before him. Her raven hair and pale smooth skin confused his senses. His mind screamed danger but his body longed to be consumed by her. Fiery green eyes melted a man's resolve. The leather clad women moved towards the King, gave him a kiss on the cheek, then grabbed the glass in front of him. She drank deeply from the crystal. Small ruby droplets trickled from the corners of her mouth. She wiped them away with the back of her hand and licked it. Not a drop was wasted.

“My king, how can I be of service to you? Shall I fill your cup? It has been so long since we have held council.” The beautiful temptress leaned her elbows on the table and looked longingly at the King of Mist.

The king gave her a knowing, crooked smile. “General Volur, you shall have everything you desire but first I must congratulate you. Your machinations were correct. The warded armour worked.”

Volur lent forward and pulled a chair close to the king. “Tell me more, my liege. I need every detail.”

The King began to describe the events of the evening as accurately as he could. Volur was particularly interested when the king mentioned the need for more suitable offerings.  

Volur took a more delicate sip from the king’s glass. “Angar, it is as I have seen in my visions. We must send hunters to the Northern borders of our lands. The one we seek will be there soon. With the prisoner, we will unlock the power you seek.”

“We have talked of your visions for decades. My own haunts me still: the twin blade cleaving through my neck. Wielded by a being radiating pure light.”

“ Who is the seer here, Agnar? You or I?”

“Your prophecy is one of many and without the chosen children we will forever be cursed. I for one would rather cease to exist than feel the hunger for all eternity.”

Svenn entered the room once again. Followed by four youths carrying trays and bottles of every kind.

Once the sacrifice was made. The Generals could return to some semblance of normalcy. They drank and ate as others did. The feast would begin in earnest. Svenn had prepared everything as promised. He walked to the table. Bowed low to Lady Volur and presented a tall slender goblet to her. On his other hand a bottle appeared. He filled her glass with a sparkling amber concoction. Volur smiled. “Svenn, you know how to treat a lady. Your wife may her soul be blessed” Volur raised her glass. Svenn bowed again, clapped his hands and food and drink were laid out on the war table by the youngsters waiting patiently behind him. Cautiously two other places were set. It was all done quickly and silently.

Svenn and his minions left once more. A commotion could be heard as they exited. A crash of silverware and a startled scream could be heard. Heavy footfalls sounded around the corner. A colossal creature clad in the wolves head armour entered the war room. At 8 feet tall the metal wolf creature bowed low.

“Master  thy hunger is mine and I serve till death knocks twice”

Agnar looked at the beast. “Welcome General Skoll of the Warg helm Legion.”

“ Let your Hunger be sated. Eat, Drink and be at ease.”

Skoll moved to the table. Selecting the seat opposite to Lady Volur. He removed the wolf shaped mouth guard of his helm. His skin was pale white and he had a square that looked like it was made of granite. Then he twisted a small metallic dial on the neck of the helm and it separated into small sheets. Smoothly the sheets slid down towards his chest. A bald head was revealed. Then piercing blue eyes.

Skoll smiled revealing sharp fangs. Lady Volur it is good to see you”

Lady Volur tilted her head. “ and you General.”

Skoll took up a massive metal jug, almost crushing the handle in his giant fist. The amber liquid inside disappeared down his throat in one gulp.  “Ah let's get to business.” He started rubbing his hands together and pulling platters of different meats and delicacies towards himself.

“You know I am a sucker for a sweet pastry.”

  With a sweet roll in one hand and a sausage in the other. The General seemed like a giant bald kid in a candy store. He wolfed both down and washed it down with some more of the malt. 

“My king I have news” We have captured many souls. The dungeons are full.” Our next sacrifice should be within the month”

The king replied. "That is news but I have a new need for your skills. You are the greatest hunter of our kingdom.” Skoll puffed out his chest a little.

Angnar bent forward “You have heard of the Chosen Children”

Skoll stopped feeding his face. Gave a side glance towards his ruler. “That old myth. Master I have travelled all the lands. See all this world has to offer. I have never come across a creature such as this.”

Volur pulled out a long elegant pipe. Stocked it. Lite it with a small flame from her forefinger. A large pillow of smoke filled the air. “The stars have aligned. The children will come within our reach soon. We must be ready. Our northernmost borders will be the landing point. For now that is all the information I have but when the time is near, more will be revealed.” She pulled in another lungful of smoke.

Skoll turned to face his king with a skeptical look. “Our city of Isaz has very few troops and the population in the area is widely scattered. With the dark sea to the north and the Mykir mountains to the south, very few travel that way. The Isaz road is not to be taken lightly.”

The king pulled out a small sharp knife. A large glistening red steak rested on a wooden board in front of him. He cut a piece off making sure to take a piece of juicy fat with each bite.

He swallowed. Then closed his eyes for a brief second. He looked Skoll directly in the eyes. “My old friend, our needs are great. You must take personal command of Isaz. Use whatever resources you need. The Children must be found. In two moons you must be on the ice road.”

“Volur will read the cosmos. We will send word of her findings when you reach Isaz. Now eat, rest and enjoy the now.”  

With an explosion of smoke a new figure appeared on a chair next to Volur. Sitting cross legged in the chair was a large buxom red headed woman. She wore green robes and a thick leather tool belt around her waist. A wondrous gold and silver set of spectacles covered her eyes. The lenses were a dark charcoal color and reflected the light.

“Having all the fun without me. While I slave away in my furnace” She removed her goggles. Her brown eyes smiled.

Skol’s demeanour changed. The brown eyed girl's smile was infectious. He stood up and bowed to the new guest. “Lady Brokkr, it is good of you to join us. Why not take a seat next to me?”

Brokkr smiled her crooked smile at Skol. “Thank you General but the meat juices are less likely to stain my dress on this side of the table.

Skol looked down. It looked like carnage on his side of the table.

He sheepishly smiled. “ Can I pour you a cool glass of ale? Brokkr nodded. “Thank you”

Skol filled up another goblet. Placed it within her reach. When they touched hands he paused for a moment. Then handed the goblet to her.

He took his own goblet and raised it to her. They both drank deeply.

The feast consisted of fine wines and stout ales. Sweet juicy meats and a host of raw and cooked vegetables. It was a tradition they had kept for many years. At the end of the sacrifice. The hunger would be subdued and they would return to a human state.

The Generals would be at peace for a brief moment. Enjoy each other's company until the thirst would corrupt them.

Kind Agnar ate and drank. He looked at the people before them. He considered them friends. Sure they didn't always agree but they were loyal and steadfast. More often than not ruthless but that was the path they had chosen.

They had converted power and uncovered secrets that should have remained hidden. They performed the ancient spell which summoned the devil. It was a complex spell. It required all of their essence to complete. They didn't understand or care about the consequences at the time. The spell enhanced all their natural abilities ten fold. Immortality was also part of the bargain.

What they didn't know is that the bargain they had struck with Ormr would make them a slave to his will as well as a slave to the thirst for soul essence. If they didn't devour it. They would go insane and tear the world asunder. Also the longer they went without sacrificing a large portion to Ormr the more quickly they would need to feed before the hunger corrupted them.

So for this peaceful time the king and his friends shared in each other's company. Not knowing how long it would last but savouring every moment. What tomorrow would bring was certain. They would need to feed and fight insanity.