by Don P. Bick
Chapter 22
The small cavern was dimly lit, and then only in selected places. The rest of the space was left in darkness. It was furnished in the manner of a small apartment, sparsely to be sure, yet it was where he lived. He never went out into the daylight, light was certain death to the one who feeds and gains strength from darkness and the death of others.
On a black woven carpet he kneeled, his vision turned inward as he searched for the next move of the group seeking the bridge. So far things were going well. His followers were scattered throughout the land causing disruption and discontent. Disease was spreading and the animals were also doing their part by adding to the chaos. Still, he wasted no time in deriving satisfaction, there was much yet to be done.
He summoned his aide; a grotesque deformed Martian named Dumak. Word had to be sent to OceanBay for his followers to be on the alert for the group that was being led by the one from the golden flower.
The warrior shuffled away to tend to the task. Complying with his master's will was all the hideous warrior lived to fulfill.
The Dark One went back into his meditation.