Styak was no longer bound by contract to remain a cat but found it easy and comfortable. Physical shape meant little to it anyway, preferring to prowl the five Hells in only its true shape. Once banished to the mortal world, it remained incorporeal. Styak planned to stay in the mind and soul space of the boy during possession, and it was irksome when Parry forced it to be a kitten. But despite the assault on its dignity, the form had proven useful: no one paid any attention to a cat, neither in the cities nor on the open road.

The demon familiar nestled in the crook of Parry's neck that first evening in Baronston.

"You plan to assault the Creator as a party. Attacking in numbers is good strategy, assuming you trust completely those beside you."

Parry lay on the bed staring into nothing, night-blind. It took too many candles or a bright fire to overcome his curse, leaving him few options at night but to rest and think.

"I've never tried it before."

The demon gave a feline snort. "Unsurprising. Where are you going to find allies?"

"I found you."

"And I'm on your side, provided you amass incalculable power and fail, bequeathing it all to me, or succeed, returning to your world and, again, bequeathing it all to me. And you guarantee it in an unbreakable familial contract inscribed on your soul."

"Not a bad deal for you, I suppose."

"It would be a terrible bargain, were you mad or deluded or worse. But I've relived your memories, which cannot be falsified, so I believe you. You've discovered, created or harnessed unspeakable magic, puissant items, private or lost knowledge, political secrets, awareness of the past and future, and you've done it thousands of times. I'm convinced, with my help, you have a chance at success. Also, I saw a god believe you."

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"Mmmhmm."

"How do you intend to get anyone else to believe you, let alone agree with your goals and join you? They have to be someone who brings tremendous value to the mission. Say you find and persuade someone worthy, what's in it for them? Will you offer them power enough to conquer the five Hells?"

The claws came out, pricking him on the throat. "Note, that is already spoken for. No devaluing our agreement."

"The Hells are all yours, don't fret."

"Baronston is a frontier town with its share of dauntless pioneers and explorers, doubtless, but it's unlikely you'll find candidates here. I trust you won't post a 'Slay the Creator' notice on the Adventurer's Guild job board or push your way into the nearest brawler's tavern and call for a party?"

It was Parry's turn to snort. "This isn't a dungeon crawl, Styak."

"So what's the plan? Don't say 'allies,' no one competent will believe you or follow you if you haven't got a plan."

"They don't have to believe me. I won't share my top-level goals with anyone else at the start. Mostly."

"'Mostly'?"

"Goodnight, Styak."

"Wait, what did you mean 'mostly'?"

"I don't have power, wealth, potent magic or armies at my command, not yet, and without them no one sane will take me seriously. As it is, I have to appeal to other motivations."

The cat wore a remarkable expression, it was almost a shame Parry couldn't see it.

"You want to enlist the insane?"

"As I said, 'other motivations.'"

Styak's next word was untranslatable from the demonic tongue.