The Heavenly Host

“It’s running around interrogating everyone involved with the greater demon.” Lenamare shook his head from side to side. “It’s a most unsettling magic item.”

Gandros blinked. “How is a ‘sword’ running around asking questions? You do realize that sounds nonsensical, yes?”

Damien nodded and then shrugged. “On the surface, yes. However, the sword transformed itself into one very impressive metal golem that can speak.”

“I have never heard of such a thing.” Gandros frowned in consternation. “I’m also wondering why no guards have tried to stop it from running around the palace, or even so much as reported it to me.”

Lenamare gave a somewhat dismissive expression and replied, “It seems to appear and disappear in random locations. It can either become invisible or it teleports. I wasn’t looking with wizard sight when it accosted me.”

“An invisible or teleporting, shapeshifting sword? Where would such a thing ever come from?” Gandros asked.

“One would think such a powerful sword would be well known, along with other famous magical weapons,” Jehenna said.

“Talarius is from Eton, maybe it was well known over there,” Damien said.

“Is it aggressive? Did it seem to be threatening?” Gandros asked.

Damien shrugged and looked at Lenamare, who also shrugged. “Other than its natural appearance, which is rather intimidating, it seemed quite professional to me,” Damien said. Lenamare nodded.

Trisfelt shook his head. “I am starting to think Elrose’s scryings were only scraping the surface of whatever is going on. It’s like every oddity one can imagine is popping out of the woodwork.”

“It is starting to seem that way,” Hilda said, sipping on her hot chocolate. Jehenna took a sip of hers. It was a bit chilly in the early morning air. Hilda had brought a picnic basket with several insulated bottles of hot chocolate for their morning launch party.

“Back to the original topic, though. I find it is interesting that they have both the Oorstemothians and the Rod have timed their leave takings so closely. It’s almost like they are going to the same place, yet by different routes.”

Damien raised an eyebrow. “An interesting thought. Both said they were going to pursue the demons elsewhere. I wonder if they have information we do not?”

“I am not sure what that would be, nor am I sure where else they would pursue these demons,” Gandros said. “The only lead we have is Trevin’s, and I am sure they don’t have that.”

“I received no indication from them that they had even noticed the flying carpet,” Damien said.

“Although the sword did know of the carpet and the individuals on it. It did not, however, mention the woman being a goddess.”

“Thus, they probably did not make the connection Trevin did,” Gandros said.

Lenamare nodded in agreement. “I think it is but a face-saving statement. What are they going to do? Pursue the demons into the Abyss?” The seven of them all laughed at that ridiculous thought.

Chapter 99

^{DOF +5}

^{Morning 16-02-440}

Vaselle had not slept all night; he was nearly a nervous wreck. He had put the finishing touches on his spell, done some dry runs, packed up his supplies and tried to get some sleep. It did not work; sleep would not come. He was so excited and scared. Really scared. Selling your soul to a demon was clearly a risky, crazy, insane thing — but he could not let himself think of that. Or what hellish tortures might await him. However, if he was faithful and obedient, maybe his master wouldn’t torture him too much.

Yes, he had not seriously thought through that torture bit. Gods — at least, Etonian gods — did not torture their priests, at least not in life. They could, of course, be consigned to a horrible fate upon death if they were evil, but that was to be expected.

All through the night, his mind had played through every possible horror he had heard of about demon masters. Which, admittedly, was none. However, he knew the sort of things demons did to victims of misworded commands and such. In theory, though, if Vaselle was a good and valued servant, surely he wouldn’t get dismembered or slowly eaten alive. Vaselle was not that good with pain. He really should have considered that before extending his offer to his future dark master.

Vaselle made his way to the clearing. It took a bit longer than usual; some sort of big hubbub with the Oorstemothians and the Rod. Who cared, as long they did not get in his way. Once at the clearing, he had made the preparations for summoning Estrebrius; really not that complicated. He had then set up a small portable table and mirror and begun the preparations. He had a special paste made from his own blood that he used to draw runes on his forehead and chest. Around his neck, wrists and arms were bands with a single linking rune each.

Once done with this part, he summoned Estrebrius. Estrebrius appeared within the flame. “Greetings, master! You still want to go through with this?”

Vaselle was so nervous he could only nod.