Chapter 43: She’s Not Welcome
The night is dark. And darkness brings out all sorts of creatures out. Creatures that use the darkness to prey upon other unsuspecting creatures and creatures that bring out evil.
The former does so in need of survival but the latter thrive in the absence of strong light bringing forth destruction and calamities.
Dowager Empress Theodora looked at one such creature that loved the night. She’s never seen his face and he rarely speaks.
"She shall not return with him," she said trying to find his eyes. Often she’d wonder if the one who takes the humanoid form is even human. Suspicious as he is, he is the best dark mage in the realm.
She once saw him conjuring an atrocious beast from the belly of hell and the beast listened to him as a dog would. He’s sworn loyalty to her and would do her bidding whenever she asks for it.
A ragged hood shadowed his face and with a bow and a flutter of his cape torn to ribbons, he leapt off the balcony. Theodora looked down only to see a conspiracy of ravens flocking above the trees and they rose towards the endless sky clouding the moon. Her heart skipped a beat and she held the amulet close to her heart.
Clearing her throat, she stepped inside the room. Her eyes widened seeing Lord Zoros standing by the door. She carefully hid the amulet.
"Your Highness," Lord Zoros gave a deep bow.
As loyal and capable Lord Zoros is with his legions of military men, he is not very accepting of magic and the sorts. He prefers the power of mortal men and flesh rather than magic and spells. Maybe that’s why Maximus doesn’t suffer Lord Zoros gladly.
"Make sure he is welcomed as the victorious conqueror that he is and be crowned with the jewels of Aryrth," She looked at Lord Zoros.