As the room parted, Necromancer came into view. He moved but
his robe showed no motion from his legs. As he grew near his eyes became a
deeper red and nearly appeared ablaze as he approached the elves. He stopped
directly before the guards in the front of the column.
“Captain,” he ordered. “You and your men may return to your
duties.”
The captain looked puzzled. “I certainly would never disobey
you, My Lord, but we were told these are the most dangerous prisoners we have
ever held. With Lord Mandrean about to begin Court, I would think it would be
wise to stay with them. After all, Lord Mandrean’s protection is the most
important factor.”
“Your concern is noted,” Necromancer answered as anger
swelled in his voice. “There are over a dozen Imperial Guards already stationed
in this room. That is more than sufficient. Your men have other
responsibilities they are neglecting. I suggest they return to them. As for our
Dear Lord Mandrean, I am here. There is no greater protection to be had. You
are dismissed. Pray I do not recall you’re questioning of my orders in the
future. Such a recollection may displease me and be detrimental for you.”
The captain gave the fist salute and said firmly, “By your
leave, My Lord.” He turned on his heal and led the guards from the chamber.
Necromancer smiled a fiendish grin as he approached Linvin.
“I see you have been restored to health. That is good. I may not have use for
you but I will be prepared all the same, Grithinshield.”
He walked over to the twins and looked at them with
contempt. Then he glared at Linvin. “I can see why you loathe them. They are
miserable excuses for elves. To be fair, elves never have impressed me as a
group. These two are particularly under whelming. Had I been you, I would have
eliminated them long ago.”
“They are my kin,” Linvin stated indignantly.
“A fact I am sure you have regretted on more than one
occasion,” remarked Necromancer. “They may be of your blood but you would have
done well to shed it long ago. Your trip would have been far easier. Then
again, I may be giving you too much credit. Perhaps you enjoy having inferiors
around. I personally despise it, but have no choice in the matter. I have no
equal with whom to associate.” He moved on to Anvar. “You certainly draw
a pathetic comparison to me. What is the world coming to when everyone is so
scared of a circus freak like you? An Orange Magician, eh? You are better
served as a sideshow trickster. At least that would earn the slightest respect.
Instead you pass yourself off as a force to be handled with extreme caution. You
could not harm me on your best day.
“There are many here who may fear your tricks. For that
reason I will be clear. I will be removing all your restraints soon. After all,
we do not want the ‘Emperor’s Prisoners’ to be uncomfortable, do we? Then you
will all sit where I tell you and do nothing until called upon. If any of you
make the slightest effort to escape, you will only leave this chamber when your
ashes are swept aside.” He paced before the prisoners with his hands behind his
back. “That means, no swordplay, fisticuffs or that sad thing Anvar Greenlith
calls magic. Remember, you are nothing more than a means to an end for me. Even
at that, you are a backup plan. Your incineration would at worst be an
inconvenience to me. So do not bother convincing yourselves that you are
indispensable.”
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