by Ava D. Dohn
* * *
As Asotos watched the viewing screen, observers saw him wince and bring his hand to his head. A look of dismay and bewilderment flashed across his face. He politely excused himself, telling his officers he would be just a moment.
When reaching the privacy of an inner room, Asotos clutched his head and swore out curses. “You evil worm! Be off with you and depart, Bitchmaster of Darkness!” Asotos believed Lowenah was playing games in his head. He assumed no other person had the power to press his mind like Erithia except for Tolohe, and he believed her to be too incapacitated to do such a thing. He mentally screamed out to his adversary, “You promised to stay out of this! How dare you renege on your oath!”
Silence, wonderful silence...and then the voice spoke again, laughing, “I am not who you believe me to be. I am the wind that chases dreams, the maker of death, the maiden mother of lords and kings. I am hungry. My children desire fresh meat. We have come for our evening meal.” The laughter became wild and maniacal.
Then the voice began a little song, playing over and over in Asotos’ head the entire time Nazareth engaged him in battle. It went something like this:
“Where the river crosses time and space,
And witches’ caldrons brew,
Resides a golden jackal’s lair
And a pit reserved for you.
I ride upon a midnight fleece
Of fire, beasts and hounds.
Upon your flesh my gorgons yearn to feast
Until your cherished manhood drowns.”
Asotos unleashed a volley of sacred oaths and curses against the laughing voice, then stormed back to the captain’s bridge.
The ensuing series of engagements which historians call ‘The Battle of Gorgon Pass’ were most significant in that they are credited for encouraging Asotos to abandon the frontline oversight of his military forces. Supporting evidence for this viewpoint is that shortly after the battle, Asotos feigned need to return to his capital city, AgathosChrusos. From there, long into the war, he issued orders and received his lieutenants.