A tall, broad-shouldered man stood on a shelf on one of the mountains overlooking the entrance to the Tower of Trials. He had unkempt spiky blonde hair and light olive skin. There was stubble on his cheeks and the topaz-like irises of his eyes were glowing. His toned arms were visible, as he wore a simple yellow jersey tank top with black collar, shoulder pads and wide armhole binding. On his legs, he had matching olive green cargo pants and dark leather combat boots. From his position, the man could see a trio of travellers sitting around a campfire in the clearing. His senses allowed him to hear them perfectly, but he paid no heed to their words. There was no need to pry. And it is not like they would have anything interesting to say anyway. Not like a certain someone who was doing its best to pretend it wasn’t standing behind him.
‘I told you that you can’t sneak up on me, eh Varyag?’ he said and turned towards the bird creature.
Varyag bowed and said:
‘My lord.’
‘Join me.’
When Varyag was standing next to him, the man pointed at the group below.
‘Most interesting specimens, don’t you think?’ he asked. ‘A Terran slimeling, the granddaughter of Archpraetor Zekuthran and a rebellious Sanguine. Who would have thought that the dungeon would have finally produced results and such marvellous they would be.’
‘There was also a fourth,’ Varyag added in a flat voice.
‘Ah… the assassin. Yes. We’ll see what happens with this one.’
‘My lord… are you sure letting them live is the right idea?’
‘Why wouldn’t it be?’
‘Lord Crystal…’
‘Ah yes. The fractal likes his rules… Don’t worry. I’ll handle him, if need be, though I doubt that he will be able to resist seeing what this one can do, as…’
‘But my lord…’
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Energy crackled in the man’s eyes.
‘You dare interrupt me?’
Varyag realised his mistake and bowed deeply.
‘No, my Lord. I am sorry.’
‘Good. Remember… you are vital to us, but can be replaced if need be. Never forget that.’
‘I won’t.’
There was a hint of resentment in Varyag’s voice but it was inconsequential in the grand scheme of things. The bird would obey. Or die.
‘As I was saying, the point about getting rid of the slime is moot anyway.’
‘How come?’ Varyag asked, genuinely confused.
‘What is the phrase the Terrans like? Lilyth has unknowingly thrown her hat into the ring. It’s been a while since there was a mortal participant in the game. And we’ve never had a Terran join. I am curious how this will affect the outcome. They are an ingenious bunch after all.’
‘She joined? How?’
The man laughed.
‘She swore vengeance on us. That was enough it seems. All things considered, this one is shaping out to be the best cycle we’ve had in a while. My daughters are returning, and now the Terran. Simply marvellous.’
‘My lord, I insist…’
‘There are to be no further attempts at the slime or her companions. Present or future ones, understood?’
‘I never…’
‘Oh… don’t you think I know about your attempt in the catacombs below Y-Ram? Good try, I’ll admit. Don’t pull that one again though, or there will be consequences. Now what is your point that you are so desperate to get across? ’
‘Thank you, my lord. What I am trying to say is… the Terran may result in the balance of power being shaken outside the acceptable parameters. When lord Crystal created me I was tasked with maintaining it. The consequences of this may be… dire.’
‘Oh… you are worried about one of us being killed?’ The man said with mock concern in his voice. ‘How touching.’
The mortals below have put out the fire and gone to sleep. The granddaughter of Zekuthran was lying next to the slime.
Varyag bowed his head.
‘Yes, my lord. There is no telling what the Terran will be able to do at a high enough level. She has already managed to disrupt the plans of Lord Blood, who, incidentally, is not happy about this.’
The King who Commands the Ocean laughed mirthlessly.
‘He’ll have to get over it. Such is the nature of the game.’
THE END OF BOOK ONE