In a large square room sat a small podium with a glass case on top of it. Other than that, the room was entirely empty, save for some pebbles and moss that littered the stoney walls, floors and ceiling. Inside the glass box was what looked like a brownish, oblong orb. At first glance, it would seem like this object was on display within the case, but every once in a while purple fire flickered in and out of existence within it, making it seem like something else entirely. Every time it did, the object itself let out an ear-shattering scream.
“How long must you endure this?” Said an infernal voice that seemed to be coming from everywhere at once. The orb didn’t answer it, and so the purple-tinted flames continued, followed by howls of pain.
“How many years has it been?” The voice crackled and snapped like a house fire, every word erasing all feelings of hope and salvation.
“You do not know the first thing about harmony, demon.” The orb finally answered from within its confinement.
“You’ll have to kill me.” The oblong orb continued. Laughter erupted like hissing smoke, and once again an inferno sputtered to life within the glass box.
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“You can keep trying for another hundred years, druid, your attempts will always humour me.” The infernal voice blurted out over the screams from the confinement.
“The others are getting closer with each passing day. It is inevitable. You’re only prolonging your suffering!” It roared and the box shook as another wave of fire enveloped the orb.
“MORE!” It growled and before the fire had a chance to turn to smoke, another wave exploded.
“STOP!” Shrieked the orb, and for a moment the fire sputtered out of existence.
“Are you ready to tell me what you know, old man?” The crackling inquired.
“Yes.” The orb answered, all notes of hope gone from its voice.
“I’ll tell you everything.” The room grew still as if all air had left it.
“Tell me, old man, tell me…” The voice was a calm whispering candle smoke and practically drooling with curiosity. The orb, however, didn’t answer, and for a long moment, the room was filled with silence. The voice spoke up again.
“WELL!?” It exploded.
“I just wanted a break.” The orb answered matter-of-factly and braced itself. The fiery entity screamed in frustration and lit up the box once more.