“Where, may I ask, is Paymon?” he directed at no one in particular.
They were not given time to answer, as the doors flew open and the sounds of various horns proceeded the appearance of a dromedary. Seated upon the hump of the bizarre looking animal was a crowned man, his legs dangling over the caramel-colored ribcage of the tall, lank camel. The animal strode lazily into the room and stopped, the doors closing behind it as it chewed on its own spittle. The man’s attention went to Lucifer and he addressed him with a bow of the head, his gold crown gleaming as the light reflected off the movement.
“Paymon at your service, my Lord,” he greeted his roaring voice a blast of assault to the ears. One who was not familiar with the ceremonial demon would think his manner to be prone to anger from his boisterous tone, but the fact was his vocal chords were naturally bombastic in volume and he actually possessed quite the tranquil disposition despite his powerful vocalization.
“Why were you not here with the others as per my request?” Lucifer merely asked, glaring at him under hooded lids. He leaned on his scepter, which he held in his left hand while he waited for an answer.
“I do apologize my Lord, for my...tardiness. There seemed to be a commotion erupting outside just as I arrived. I regret to say I halted to view the events, again, I am sorry. It shan’t happen again, sir.” He sat dignified upon his dromedary, awaiting Lucifer’s reaction.
“Yes, well, your excuse is tolerable, for now,” he replied in a throaty voice. “But disregard my orders again, Paymon, and I will revoke your title and give it to Xaphan, then you may take his place fanning the embers in the furnace below for the rest of eternity until your flesh is nowt but a scorched sea of blisters covering your decrepit bones.” He knew full well what it would do to his crowned assistant should he lose his dignity as he struck the seated man with his threat.
Paymon nodded silently in agreement.
“Take your place, then,” Lucifer added. Paymon obediently directed the dromedary to the far wall and dismounted, then taking his place at the podium in the northwest.
“May I begin, my Lord?” he asked after he situated himself.
Lucifer still stood in the center of the room, “Nay, I have invited a guest for this particular meeting. We shall await his arrival. There is something that I want all of you to hear.” He then strode arrogantly to his place on the council, which was high above the rest along the southeast wall. With his long strides, he reached the top of the steps in a matter of seconds and he set himself down in his emperor chair, putting his black scepter between his knees and then laying both hands on top of it, he leaned his chin on his clasped hands. He sat there for some time, surveying the room quietly, looking quite bored all the while. Several minutes passed as the monarchs busied themselves in their corners, attending to each private matter on their agenda in front of them, waiting for the mystery guest.
***
The faint sound of footsteps could be heard from behind the oak doors. They increased in volume and tempo slightly before the double doors parted and the mystery guest entered the room. The monarchs turned their attention to the door as the 'demon of lies' stalked through it, every bit as commanding as the reputation that preceded him. His black cloak swished around his ankles as he walked, he held the air with imperial grace and was conscious of it. He was a king of hell, thus his excuse for not pausing to bow at the emperor upon entering. He ignored the monarchs as well, causing some of them to gape in disbelief, and walked past Paymon without so much as a wayward glance. His steps ceased, however, when he reached Lucifer’s location. He stared up at the emperor from his place on the floor and waited patiently. And to everyone’s surprise it was Lord Lucifer that spoke first, with a small smile.
“Ah, Belial, it’s so nice of you to join us. It has been too long between visits, old friend.”
The other attendants were slightly stunned at Belial’s less-than-reverent manner regarding the emperor, but did not voice it as they watched in unison as the two exchanged what appeared to be pleasant greetings to one another. From their positions they could not view the facial expressions of the more powerful sovereigns, but could garner from their tones that the emperor and the head demon were, in fact, attempting to be civil to one another. But they were less shocked at his manner and attitude than they were in the fact that the emperor had invited him here. None of them had seen Belial in quite some time, partly due to the fact that they kept mainly to their own regions and only partook in each other’s company during these infrequent meetings. But it was mostly due to the fact that Belial considered himself far too superior to grace them with his presence most of the time.
They were well aware that Belial had received a highly regarded invitation by Lucifer himself after the Fall to be a supreme monarch of whichever region he so chose. However, he had declined this invitation, stating his reasons to be that he was not one for all the political obligations that job would entail, after which he had suited himself with the obligation to rule over any such souls that had departed from that of the Supreme Being, as he was still known as even here in the infernal regions.
Belial was the second eldest of all that dwelt in Hell, exceeded only by Lucifer, and the rumor still circulated every now and then that it was he who had first instigated the revolt in Heaven, and not their emperor as one would be so inclined to believe. This rumor was whispered in hushed tones only in the darkest corners and with the utmost secrecy so as not to fall upon the ears of Lucifer, who would not take kindly to the insubordination it suggested.
Belial continued to ignore their presence, even Zimimar’s who ruled over the region his chambers sat upon as he took a seat that Lucifer had produced below his throne. Paymon noticed that he seemed a bit breathless and disheveled despite his obvious attempt to mask it. Several strands of champagne-colored hair were plastered to the sides of his sweat-dampened face. Belial was not known to have a nervous bone in his body, so the light dew of his skin could only have been brought on by means of physical exertion. Paymon wondered silently if Belial had not had a hand in the commotion outside the Council building several moments ago. He watched as Belial lowered himself gracefully to the wooden chair underneath him and crossed one trouser-clad leg over the other. He placed a hand on his knee and stared straight ahead with a slight frown to his thin lips, waiting for the meeting to commence.
Adramelech rose and strode to the center of the spheric room, his navy pinstripe suit clinging admirably to his athletic physique. He halted at the podium and placed his hands on each side, at which time the piece of flooring beneath his wing-tipped feet began to rise. The platform elevated him several meters in the air and stopped. It then began to systematically spin counter-clockwise allowing him to survey all in the room as he addressed the attendees.
“Gentlemen, thank you all for coming on such short notice.” He looked at each monarch, all of who nodded in return at his form of apology.
“Since it was at the request of Lord Lucifer that this meeting be held, does the lordship wish to state the manner of business at this time?” he directed this at Lucifer, who sat looking down at him from his throne.
“Nay, proceed with business as usual, Adra. I would prefer to get the usual agenda out of the way first. My reasons for calling this meeting will be acknowledged at a later time,” Lucifer answered, his cheek now resting on his large-veined hand.
“As his lordship wishes,” Adramelech continued in an accented voice. “This meeting is hereby called to order.” He then proceeded with the standard formality of the grand chancellor. Trivial business was handled as such with the council casting votes democratically to reach decisions. After the formalities, Adramelech turned his platform to face Lucifer.
“All matters of business have been addressed, my lord. The floor is now clear for you,” he informed Lucifer as the platform once again lowered back to the ground. He nodded in a quick bow and straightened his double-breasted jacket, tugging firmly at the bottom edges, as he exited the p
latform and returned to his seat.
Lucifer, who up until this moment had been carefully constructing a speech in his mind, glanced up at the man that addressed him. He waited until Adra had taken his seat, watched him as he sauntered over to it slowly and full of confidence. Adramelech resembled more of what mortals would call a tycoon than a presiding demon. With his businesslike attire and his chestnut hair, shortly cropped to his tanned head. It was styled pompously to one side, the hair ending in a small curve on his lined forehead. Hazel eyes were surrounded by fine lines, and a pair of perfectly shaped brows resided above them.
Lucifer possessed exceptional sight, and could even see Adra’s manicured nails topping his agile fingers as he smoothed his jacket. From head to toe he glowed with elegance, which was why Lucifer also acquired his services as a fashion consultant from time to time. When he was confident that Adramelech had reseated himself, only then did he rise and make his way to the floor. He did not make use of the elevating platform, instead opting to keep his feet on solid ground while keeping his supreme manner intact. He decided against apologizing for calling this meeting, as Adra did, and decided to get right to the point, because if there was anything that Lucifer was guilty of in his mind, it was bluntness. He tipped his head back a bit so his chin was raised and addressed the monarchs simultaneously.
“You all are here because I have been informed by the sentinel guard that we have a bit of a problem,” he spoke this loudly, making sure each of them could hear him properly, but also to make sure he was controlling the meeting as of now. Unlike Belial, who possessed a suave and pleasant voice, Lucifer’s was rough and virulent the high volume tone only emphasized this.
The room remained silent as he continued, “It seems that a rather restless soul has cast aside all rules and obligations and taken it upon herself to walk in forbidding territory, so to speak.”
“Wait, a soul? You’re referring to a mortal, my Lord?” This came from Bael.
“Not exactly, she is neither a first nor a second order demon, from what I understand. She has experienced mortality, for a short time, thus deeming her to a more inferior rank,” Lucifer answered.
“Alright, what exactly has she done and what do you propose we, the committee, do about it?” Bael posed his question to the emperor, who regarded him with a short glare.
“I’m afraid I had not the time to be thoroughly briefed concerning this matter, so I will allow the one who informed me to explain further. Send in Charun,” Lucifer ordered.
***
A few moments later, the sentinel guard and demon of death emerged from the corridor and walked into the room. He held his hands together in front of him, clenched in balls as he fidgeted slightly in the presence of the monarchs. Belial scoffed at this. He saw no reason why Charun, whom he considered a fond acquaintance, should display fumbling behavior in their company. He shook his head slightly and remained quiet, allowing the committee to have their little meeting and continued to wonder why he was involved.
“Charun, tell the counsel what you know of Mara,” Lucifer said, as he leaned on his scepter impatiently, his other hand on his hip.
“Aye, my Lord. Well, she is a relative newcomer. When she first arrived she had a little scrape with a disobedient subordinate down in the furnaces, not long after that I considered sending her down to my chambers along with all of the others to be sorted into training or punishment. She protested greatly at this; I will not go into great detail, but I will say that I could not contain her. I found through some conversation that she possesses quite the sadistic sense of humor, though, so I saw fit to keep her on as an assistant, if you will. I taught her the trade. Needless to say she has been quite the apt pupil.”
He glanced quickly at Lucifer, who in turn nodded and replied, “Go on.”
Charun cleared his throat, “As I said, I taught her my trade, but she also has her own qualities so she is quite adequate at using both physical and psychological methods of torment to subdue her prey, my Lord.”
“Like what?” Paymon asked, mildly intrigued.
“She’s a great seductress, sir. That was one of her more charming… capabilities before she came to me. She has corrupted many males down in the lower regions, subjected to her whimsical, lusty ideas. I--,” Charun paused as he heard a laugh coming from the side. He turned to see Belial hiding a smile behind his hand as he suppressed a chuckle.
“You have something to add?” Lucifer blinked.
Belial removed his hand to speak freely and replied with a small smile, “I believe those dwelling in the lower regions were corrupted long before the arrival of some runaway spirit obsessed with dominating the opposite sex.”
“Dominating, sir? No, I don’t believe that is what she is trying to accomplish,” Charun said.
“Of course it is. Seduction is all about dominance and power; a game, an art form. Making one bend to your will is an incredible aphrodisiac, predator and prey. They succumb to your power of seduction and you win the game. Simple as that,” Belial explained.
“And you would know,” Lucifer turned a smirk on him. Belial returned it with a knowing grin.
“Now, if I may join in the conversation freely,” Belial started, but Lucifer interrupted.
“Haven’t you already?”
“Yes, I suppose,” Belial answered, “What I want to know is why we are being bothered with this matter? She’s not even of the high order. This problem should have been dealt with in the lower regions and kept there. I see no need for it to have escalated to the high council. I can see that plainly and I’m not even a member of the committee. As I’ve asked, why has it come this far?” He relaxed in his chair and uncrossed his legs, while laying his hands in his lap, and regarded Charun with a bit of contempt mixed with sheer curiosity.
Charun looked at his longtime friend and could plainly see that Belial was in no mood to be danced around, or upon for that matter. Piercing honesty would serve Charun better in the current situation and he decided to spit it out.
“She performed a rather crude trick on Belphegor while she was visiting his chambers not too long ago, sir, one which backfired most unpleasantly. We all know how much Belphegor despises carnal pleasures. Well, Mara somehow found out and decided to see if the rumors were true. She went to his chambers with the intention of seducing him, and after that it’s not exactly clear what happened in between the time she entered his domicile and the time the guards barged in, but from what the guards relayed back to me, they were in an altercation with Belphegor attempting to place Mara on the spiked chair as punishment for what he deemed to be a lewd act committed in his presence and Mara wasn’t having it. She had to be subdued by several guards and is now in a holding chamber in the southern region.”
Lucifer and Belial looked toward Gorson, southern monarch, as if to clarify this. He nodded his hideous head to confirm.
“I’m baffled as to what this has to do with me,” Belial admitted, furrowing his brow for a second before relaxing his soft features once more. Although Belphegor was most certainly not high on his list of acquaintances, Belial still held in his Cheshire grin at the thought of the frightened demon’s predicament with the new inferior.
Lucifer turned toward him and simply stated, “I want you to handle our little problem.”
Chapter Four
Belial studied Lucifer for a moment with an indifferent expression, which quickly turned to one of mock interest. He brought up his hand to scratch at his cheek lightly as his eyes traveled from Lucifer to Charun and back again. His smile, although short-lived, was one of disbelief and he chuckled again, fully interpreting the situation in which he found himself.
“Me?” he paused, “how did you fall upon that conclusion?”
“Gentlemen, if you’ll excuse us, we have an arrangement to make. In private,” Lucifer stated, while spinning his upper torso around so as to take in everyone in the room without lifting his feet from their planted position.
“Come along, Belial,�
� he continued as he reached out his hand and made a gesture for Belial to follow.
The smaller demon rose from his chair rather reluctantly, hands on his knees as he sighed. He joined Lucifer as they made their way out of the chamber and into the more illuminated hallway. The stately doors closed behind them with minimal sound, leaving them to discuss their arrangement in solitude. After assuring himself that they were alone, Lucifer spoke first.
“So, how is everything treating you these days?” he asked Belial as they slowly began walking the length of the corridor.
“As good as can be expected,” Belial shrugged. “I’m not complaining, my lord.”
Lucifer nodded his acceptance of the answer and said, “Good. I gather you still do not know why you have been chosen for this assignment.”
“Hmm, however did you guess that?” Belial smiled playfully.
“Simply from your expression of shocked silence after it was announced. You looked quite baffled. I can remember only one other occasion that forced you into bemusement, and that was centuries ago.”
“Yes, I remember. The event that none of us could forget even if we tried, which we ceased doing long ago. However, I am aware at how touchy the subject is to you, my lord. Forgive me, but we should refrain from traveling down that path of conversation for now,” Belial suggested.
“Yes, some other time,” Lucifer replied after a brief pause. “Well then, onto business. No use in partaking with the formalities of rekindling a friendship, we have plenty of time for that later on, I would think. I do hope you were paying attention in there, our subject is quite important to me.”
Belial had not paid particular attention to the meeting as he deemed it dull, yet he decided it would be much easier to make Lucifer believe that he had been paying rapt attention to every detail. This was simply because he wanted to get this assignment over with and get on with his usual duties. He didn’t see himself quite as the babysitter that Lucifer obviously did. He had no qualms about lying, even to the emperor himself, and no one was slicker at the game of deceit than himself.
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