The death of Mordred had a devastating effect upon the massed ranks of his armies. Whatever hold the Archpriest of Isulan had over his troops was broken irrevocably when he was slain. It was as if the iron, demonic grip of this powerful man had shattered and the army suddenly woke up to its’ impossible task. You sense Mordred’s influence upon every single soul. You also sense the communal relief that his death brings and there is an almost tangible sigh from the retreating hordes.

From somewhere distant you perceive a soft, mournful melody - a solitary singer laments the great man’s passing although you struggle to hear it. Your senses tune in and the singing seems to draw closer. The words are alien, demonic, and the singer approaches. Gaxx lies still in your grasp and you feel no sense of danger as you struggle to catch sight of the songster. You are aware of no other sound and a quick glance around reveals that only one other can even hear the singer or the song. Hyuga’s head is cocked as if listening intently. His eyes meet yours and your suspicions are confirmed. He tightens his grip upon Barrasain’s sword although you are still convinced that you are in no danger.

Suddenly the figure appears. The song has stopped and the demon stands over the spot where Mordred fell. He seems to keep yourself and Hyuga in his line of sight at all times and has the appearance of a Perren foot soldier.

"I am Xem," he says in common tongue. "Do not be alarmed for I am not here to harm you. My existence is in a form that only the two of you can accept and my presence is due to your execution of Mordred, Lord of Demons and Torturer to the Gods. It is with great respect I bow to you - you who have succeeded where many have failed - men such as Karamatsu, Curevar, Suliman, Allius Quaylar, Jaxxiom and several others. My task is to congratulate you and to serve upon you the legacy which is now your right.

"Of all of his talents it was in the field of Demon Lore where he truly excelled. He has made many friends in the lower planes - as well as many enemies - and these friends will feel his loss greatly. Mordred had committed much of his time, energy, power and soul into his studies of things demonic and has struck several crucial deals and contracts within our community.

"As his killers you also become inheritors of his true power and thus inheritors of his great legacy. My masters would dearly like to meet the two of you soon. They feel a mutually beneficial arrangement would help both parties with the massive adjustment that these powers will bring."

You stare at Hyuga, who returns the curious expression. You feel unable to converse with this shadow demon yet you now feel a great change within each of you. Hyuga appears somehow different. His eyes are darker and seem to mirror his black, soulless demeanour. The demon continues:-

"I see you sense it...that is good. I will prepare a meeting - at midnight tonight - you will have to be alone or my masters will not appear." And the shadow demon is gone...

Back