The Forgotten Queen

by Matt Glicksman

  The jester placed his left hand over his heart. "My apologies. He overheard the Seductress talking to Maligus about them. Apparently, they're not worth the energy needed to create them."

  "I don't understand. They seemed pretty powerful to me."

  "That's because they are, but a demon of similar strength created from a human soul requires a lot less energy."

  "So, they're just wolves infused with dark energy? They don't have souls?"

  "Actually, they do have souls."

  The demon lord cocked his head. "Is this another one of your jokes? Because I don't get it."

  "No, no. Sorry. No joke. Let me start over from the beginning. Ever since Verago became the Devil way back when, his objective has been to create a demon army capable of defeating the humans. To do so, he's taken two separate but equally important paths. The first is to make his demons stronger. Your presence is evidence of his progress there. The second is to create more demons. Strength in numbers and all that. But, our count has been dropping over the last hundred years."

  "Why's that?"

  "A number of reasons. Your standard demon comes from a human who died with a weight on their soul."

  "A wanderer."

  "Exactly. With Verago turning soul after soul into demons, there was no one left for the Whisper guild to help transcend. So before long, they went bye-bye. Those interested in helping wanderers became priests instead of whisperers. And, everyone started to fear dying with regret in their hearts."

  Erynion put the pieces together. "More priests means more cleansings, which means less demons. And, more people dying with a clear conscience means less wanderers, which means less demons."

  Flinch tapped the tip of his nose. "You got it."

  "So, Verago's army is shrinking, and he…tries animals?"

  "There's a little more to it than that. Verago's always been interested in turning animals into demons. The problem is living creatures and dark energy don't get along so well. You ever see a human caught in Corruption?"

  The demon lord thought back to the night in Malarekita when the Seductress released her purge spell and engulfed the town in a black cloud. His memories pulled him back even further to the morning after his rescue from Nolka. Lying on the ground was a dead priest who appeared to have been decaying for some time. "I believe so."

  "It's not pretty, is it? Now imagine that being done to cute little puppies."

  "You're saying it's impossible for any living creature to survive the effects of dark energy?"

  "Nonhumans? Yes. Humans?" The jester shrugged. "Almost impossible. The typical human body would be overwhelmed, rot away, and die. The only exception would be someone trained in the practice of dark energy, like a zaidon."

  "Like the greater iymed," Erynion pointed out. "What was his name again? Umaro something?"

  "Umaro Lijjo. And yes, the humans call him the Zaidon because he was the most powerful, but he's far from the only one. And in any case, he was a demon. I'm talking about human zaidons. The only ones I know of are Death Gods, and they're all in Alovajj."

  "So, if it's impossible for all other creatures to use dark energy, what makes the Denhauli so special?"

  Flinch held up his hands. "I'm getting there. So for ages, Verago tried to make demon animals, but nothing worked. No matter which creature he picked, they'd all get sick and die. Then, about forty years ago, this guy joined the Brotherhood. Shinigami. No doubt you've heard of him."

  "Who hasn't?"

  "So, it turned out Shinigami was something of a genius with dark energy. No one knew where he came from or who trained him, but nobody seemed to care too much either. He was passing out secrets right and left, and even Umaro Lijjo was blown away by the knowledge. They say it's because of Shinigami that Verago finally figured out how to create a demon lord. Needless to say, trust earned. And, he ended up being so helpful that Verago, for the first time in the history of the Brotherhood, broke the line of succession and made Shinigami the Grand Overseer. Well, we all know how that turned out."

  "He betrayed Verago and the Brotherhood at the Assault on Light's Haven," said the demon lord.

  "Mm-hmm, but before that day, when Verago still completely trusted him, Shinigami supposedly revealed the secret to creating demon animals. It had to be done in stages. First, you infuse the animal with dark energy. Then, when it starts to get sick, you give it more dark energy to fight the sickness. And then when it gets sick again, you give it even more, and even more, and even more. Until finally, it doesn't get sick anymore."

  "And that worked?"

  Flinch snickered. "No. It was a ruse, and a clever one too. Shinigami had convinced Verago that the Denhauli would stop getting sick in time for the Assault. And while the Devil was in the Depths pouring obscene amounts of energy into those wolves to keep them alive, the demons on the Surface were dying, or worse, getting cleansed. Verago had no idea the demon lord that Shinigami helped him create was actually a trap. It wasn't until after the Assault had completely failed that we discovered Shinigami's duplicity."

  "But the wolves somehow survived?"

  "Yes. After the Assault, Verago became obsessed. He had spent so much energy on them—and they had become so powerful—he refused to let them die. But the more darkness he gave them, the quicker they deteriorated. It was a vicious cycle. Eventually, it was the cleansed soul of Umaro Lijjo who discovered the key to it all."

  "Which was?"

  "A human soul for each wolf."

  Erynion shook his head. "What?"

  "Umaro Lijjo imprinted his knowledge of dark energy onto two willing human souls, much like he did to you. And then, Verago bound each human soul to a wolf body."

  "And that's it? That allowed the Denhauli to survive?"

  "I guess so. That's all I know," Flinch said.

  "I suppose that makes sense. The human souls allow the wolves to cope with the dark energy because only humans can be truly evil."

  "Well, I don't consider myself evil," the jester retorted. "I'm too likeable and good looking."

  The demon lord rolled his eyes.

  Flinch cleared his throat. "But you're right. Humans are the only creatures who can use both light and dark energy. It occurs naturally within them. But anyway, that's why the Denhauli are the only demon animals. And because wolves can't speak our language, Verago granted them the ability to communicate telepathically."

  "So, does that mean they can read minds as well?"

  "No, no, that's impossible."

  "Really? They can project thoughts into your head. You're telling me they can't read yours as well?"

  Flinch opened his mouth and paused. "Well, when you put it that way, I'm not really sure. I mean, I've always just talked to them, and they've understood. I don't think they ever reacted to my thoughts. Or did they? No. Or maybe they were just pretending so I couldn't tell. Hmm, I hadn’t really thought about it before. I don't think I had any bad thoughts while they were around. Well, I'll tell you this. I’m going to be extra careful around them from now on."

  "I wouldn’t worry about it. I can’t imagine anyone who would intentionally expose themselves to your thoughts."

  "Aha! That was a joke. The demon lord has a sense of humor after all."

  Erynion struggled to keep a straight face, but the corner of his mouth pushed up into a crooked smile. It quickly faded. "I was actually wondering if the Denhauli could help me unlock more of the secrets in my mind."

  "You mean the spells?"

  "You said so yourself. Umaro Lijjo imprinted his knowledge on me." The demon lord pointed to his temple. "I can feel it up here. I remember casting a spell during the battle at Royal Oak, but I can't recall the details. I need help."

  "Well, if Sonojj were around, I'm sure he'd tell you to meditate. That's worked for you before, right?"

  "To discover my identity, yes. I tried meditating while Millan was enchanting these chains, but it didn't seem to help with any spells."

  "You may have been a little distrac
ted by the nearby priest who wanted nothing more than to kill you. I think you should keep at it," Flinch said. "Maybe even try some now. We do have three days before we have to be at Nolka, and we should probably be traveling at night."

  Erynion glanced over his shoulder and pulled up the cloth over his demonic eye. "We’ll keep going for another hour or two. I don’t like being so close to Light’s Haven. Who knows what the Prima will do once she hears about the arrangement."

  "Yeah, helping a demon isn't usually rewarded by the glorious and honorable priests of Candelux, especially the Prima. So what happens if he fails and the archdon refuses?"

  Erynion covered his Devil's Eye. "If he isn't able to keep his end of the agreement, I fear Nolka will be swallowed next in the purge."

  Chapter 3

  "We will forever remember those we lost at Royal Oak, and we will stop at nothing to put an end to Erynion's reign of terror. Thank you all for coming and may the angels watch over us."

  Millan leaned on the railing of the second-floor balcony as the Prima concluded the memorial ceremony.

  "Wow. A demon lord and the Denhauli? That must have been exciting," Don Jaisse said.

  When Millan had arrived at the Sanctuary, he had asked to speak with the Prima, but Advisor Razza Merona came to greet him instead. She invited him to attend the ceremony and had asked Don Jaisse to accompany him.

  Millan shook his head. "I don't know if I would call it exciting."

  "Then what?"

  "The word 'terrifying' comes to mind. The wolves ripped through armor like it was nothing. And, the scorcher arrows couldn't penetrate their fur. And the demon lord?" Millan shuddered. "I pray to the angels that I never have to come face-to-face with him again."

  "Face-to-face? Like…" Jaisse held his palm inches from his nose. "Here?"

  "Pretty much."

  "Whoa. That is so amazing. You have to tell me everything. Please?"

  Millan looked away from Jaisse. "I don't know. Right now, it's urgent I speak with Her Luminescence."

  "Of course. Advisor Razza said she would meet us by the offices after the ceremony. I can take you now, if you like."

  "Please." Millan followed his escort down the curving staircase, but their trip ended abruptly. A group of people were gathered at the bottom, blocking their path. "What's happening?"

  Jaisse leaned over and whispered, "It's the royal procession. King Batar always leaves first."

  In the distance, the Nesinu priest spotted the ornate crown bobbing up and down. Aside from the watchers lining the aisle, Batar had four bodyguards, most likely paladins, who stayed in close proximity to him. Behind the king's procession followed another man in full plate armor.

  Millan pointed him out to Jaisse. "Who's that?"

  "Really? That's Sir Skarabin. You don't recognize the guild master of the Paladin Order?"

  "I've only been to Light's Haven once, and I don't recall him ever coming out to Nesinu."

  "Fair point. Well, if your new post is going to be Light's Haven, you should probably know who the important people are. So, you see the paladin walking right behind Sir Skarabin? That's Sir Tothoros. He's like the second-in-command for the paladins. And then, after him, those are the other Champions of the Light who reside in Light's Haven. Thirteen total."

  Millan searched the small group for the golden helmet of Lady Sundancer, but at this distance, he couldn't make her out. Jaisse went on to identify other guild leaders and nobility, but Millan only half listened. Nesinu never had anyone of such high standing. It was too small for anyone to care about, except for those who lived there. Millan's father had explained to him numerous times how useless and corrupt the nobility was in every city. But then again, his father had also called the Prima corrupt, and Millan disagreed with that idea wholeheartedly.

  "All right. Looks like we're finally moving," Jaisse said. "Follow me."

  The two priests meandered through the crowd toward a side door. Millan was thankful for the guide. He remembered from his last visit just how enormous and confusing the Sanctuary could be. But back then, he had Don Skully to lead him around. The Nesinu priest thought fondly of his mentor as he blindly followed Don Jaisse. Millan slid his hand into his pocket, and his fingers grazed the conduit resting within. Although there was no reason to believe Don Skully was alive, Millan still clutched a sliver of hope.

  "Your Grace," Don Jaisse said as he bowed to Razza Merona, who was seemingly guarding the entrance to the offices.

  "Your Grace," Millan echoed and copied the gesture.

  "Don Jaisse, thank you for taking care of Don Millan during the ceremony," the advisor said. "You are excused."

  Jaisse bowed again and turned to leave. "It was a pleasure. Don Millan, please find me later if you'd like to chat."

  "Thank you. I'll think about it. May the angels watch over you."

  "And you as well."

  After Jaisse departed, Razza grinned and opened the door behind her. "It's so good to see you made it out alive. Come, Prima Mashira is eagerly awaiting your story. I must admit, I couldn't stop thinking about you during the entire ceremony. How did you manage to survive the purge? And where have you been the last five days?"

  "Well, I…I…" Millan stuttered as he considered explaining the whole history.

  "Oh, you don't need to tell me now." Razza led him by half a step as they walked down the hallway. "I can wait a minute until your audience with the Prima. It's so exciting, though. We all thought you were dead."

  "Your Grace, may I ask you something?"

  "Yes?"

  "What happened? What happened after the purge?"

  "Hmm, not much. The battle was over after that. The demons retreated, those that survived it. The purge destroyed half the city and the twisted gate along with it. They've started rebuilding the wall, but it'll take time. Head Archdon Vikard has a lot to do."

  "Head Archdon Vikard? What happened to Archdon Scarit?"

  "He stepped down."

  "Is the city going to be all right?"

  "Light's Haven and Memorial City have both sent reinforcements to help protect Royal Oak. Builders from around the kingdom have flocked there to help with the reconstruction. If the demons wanted to destroy it completely, they could've attacked again, but the last few days have been pretty quiet. We're not really sure where the demon lord is."

  "I think I can help with that," Millan said under his breath.

  Razza peered over her shoulder. "Sorry, did you say something?"

  "Nothing."

  The advisor halted in front of one of the many doors in the hallway. "We're here. Are you ready?"

  Millan drew in a deep breath and nodded. Razza knocked.

  "Enter," a voice called from the other side.

  The door opened and revealed a spacious room. On the far end, Prima Mashira was seated behind a desk. With perfectly combed, golden hair, she stared at Millan. To her left stood Advisor Ayristark. Despite being well into his sixties, he looked about twenty years younger. On the right side of the room, against the wall, sat Advisor Deidok with his head down. As the door hinges squeaked, the old man raised his head, and his eyes fluttered. Razza Merona entered before Millan and found a seat opposite Deidok.

  The Nesinu priest crossed the threshold and knelt before his leader. "Your Luminescence."

  A grin spread across Mashira's face. "Don Millan. So, it's true. You're alive. Please grab a chair and sit down. You must tell us everything."

  While the Nesinu priest fetched a chair from the wall and carried it back to the middle of the room, the Prima continued, "When you stayed behind with Archdon Omana and Archdon Westan, we thought all three of you were done for. Archdon Westan is lucky to be alive."

  Millan gasped as the chair slipped from his grasp. "He made it out?"

  "Barely. He was badly injured, but he'll pull through."

  Picking up his seat, the Nesinu priest thought back to the battle at Royal Oak. How futile it had seemed when Archdon Westan fled as the purge
was imminent. But Millan's heart lifted at this news. If Westan had successfully outrun Erynion's purge, it made the demon lord seem slightly less unbeatable.

  "But what of Archdon Omana?" the Prima asked. "Was she with you? Did she survive the purge as well?"

  The glimmer of joy within Millan faded. "She was with me until the very end, but she didn't make it. She was caught in the spikes. I mean, I didn't actually see her, but there's no way she could've escaped."

  "I see. Well, what happened? How were you able to survive the purge?"

  "After Archdon Westan retreated, Archdon Omana and I tried everything in our power to stop the purge, but the demon lord's bubble negated all of our spells. We couldn't break through. Eventually, we decided to leave, but we were attacked by a couple of stragglers. Not that it would've mattered. There was no way we could've escaped the purge. It all seemed pretty hopeless, but then I suddenly remembered my trip back to Nesinu with Archdon Feranis. Erynion had purged there, too, and in the middle, there was a patch of untouched grass. You know, the spot where he stood? And so, at the last moment, I was able to dive at the demon lord's feet just before the purge was cast."

  Deidok tapped his temple. "That's very impressive thinking. Very brave."

  "Thank you." Millan blushed, but then scowled. "Unfortunately, Archdon Omana was unable to reach the spot."

  Ayristark folded his arms across his chest. "So, you're saying that for the duration of the purge, you were right next to Erynion?"

  "That's correct."

  "The purge lasted for a few minutes. In that time, you couldn't do anything to stop him?" the advisor pressed.

  "Ayristark," Mashira said softly.

  "Well, uh, n-no," the Nesinu priest stuttered. "He, um, he drained my energy before I could do anything."

  The advisor narrowed his eyes. "It's my understanding that a purge is an uncontrollable release of energy that leaves a demon completely incapacitated while casting. Are you suggesting Erynion was capable of also draining your energy while purging?"