I thought about that statement. “Everybody drew their own conclusions about our involvement. We never actually said we were working for the Dominion. But I have no problem with keeping that lie alive. I have no intention to talk to you about my past, sorry. At least not now, maybe in time. As for working together, what did you have in mind?”
Loriel looked a bit disappointed. “You are going to remain a mystery? Such a shame.” She shook her head. “I suppose I will have to tease the information out of you, in time. As for working together, for a start I would like you to appear at the summit. I presume the duke would ask the same of you but it would help our image if you are there on my behalf. I would like you to present your findings. I would also like your opinion beforehand, on everything you encountered.”
She took a short break to sip her coffee. “Afterwards maybe you could help against the Empire. I have no idea how you collected information but anything you can give us would be appreciated. We know they had plans to invade Beravis. I have no idea if those will continue now.”
“Both of you are a powerful force and I would like you on our side. I know that the Empire is conducting research into enhancing people. Personally I suspected the emperor of working with some powerful being for a time. I am afraid if left unchecked the Empire will become a threat to the Dominion.“ Loriel said.
“But the demons sacrificed the imperial soldiers.” Lucy argued. “It did not seem like they were working together.”
“I am not sure it is a demon that the Empire is working with.” Loriel answered. “It could be, there are several demon lords and they have their own fights. But I suspect it might be something else.”
“What makes you think that?” I wondered. “What evidence do you have of them working with something?”
“We have discovered people that were experimented on. The magic was strange and had similarities to a warlock pact. It would be impossible to create an army of warlocks, powerful beings cannot bestow their gifts that frequently. But I think they have been studying the process and are trying to use it differently. I think they are summoning creatures, like demons, and try to transfer their powers to mortals, killing the demon in the process.”
This story is posted elsewhere by the author. Help them out by reading the authentic version.
“What?” I was shocked. I knew that the creation of a warlock required you to place a part of your soul into the recipient of your power. Not many beings were capable of doing that. You needed a strong soul. “To achieve what you described they would likely have to tear the soul of a demon apart and then stuff what they ripped off into a human. That would kill the demon in a cruel way and twist the human into… something.” I said.
Loriel’s eyes widened. She looked really surprised. “But… how do you know that? The creation of warlocks is generally a secret. Only very powerful beings seem to know the details. That is why I figured they have to be working with something…”
Lucy smiled. “I am a warlock actually.”
Loriel looked uncertain now. “Who is your patron, if I might ask?” Then she glanced at me. “Are you…? No. The orb showed that you are not disguised. You are an elf. And you seem to be a sorceress. Do you carry the same blood as her patron? Are you a descendant of the creature she pacted with?”
“You could say that I share blood with her patron, yes.” I said. “But that is all we can say.”
Loriel thought about that for a moment. “I see. I suppose I did learn something about you after all. That would explain a lot about your mysteries. I assume your patron is opposed to what happens in the Empire?”
Lucy answered: “Yes. I can safely say my patron is not a fan of the Empire. I can also say that we are acting freely here, without orders.”
I was amazed she managed that with a straight face. It was also the truth. Loriel was digesting all the information. Meanwhile Elnora looked rather pale. I was wondering what theories she came up with in her head.
A thought occurred to me. “Loriel, are you a warlock yourself? Or a sorceress? Your eyes are unusual for an elf. So you must have either changed due to a pact or you carry the blood of a different creature.”
“I am a sorceress.” She replied. “The blood of a shadow beast runs in the royal family.”
“Oh, can you transform into an animal? We need to play some time!” Lucy said enthusiastically. Then she blushed a little, probably remembering that she was talking to a queen.
“You can transform into animals? I don’t think I saw that in a report…” Loriel said.
“I can become a black panther and Lucy turns into a fox, unsurprisingly.” I answered.
Loriel seemed a bit overwhelmed with all the information. I assumed she was desperately trying to figure out where our power came from. How many lightning aligned beasts were there that would offer a warlock pact?
Finally Loriel said: “You have given me a lot to think about. I would still like to work with you. Can we meet again soon? I might have to contact the high queen with a messenger stone…”
“Sure.” I said. “You know where to find us.”