Chapter 4 Part 5

The table was round. This was the traditional setting for the meeting of two or more who acknowledged the equality of each other. Serpent Blackheart and his son were engaged in negotiations with the Dukes of Hell. He would have preferred to have Morteous with him, but the warlock was seeing to their enemies and that was also an important matter.

"By this treaty," Mephistopheles, one of the Dukes of Hell, and a powerful ruler, said in a strong bass voice, "House Blackheart will receive one hundred companies of Spined Devils, fifty companies of Horned Devils, two legions of Ice Devils and one legion of Pit Fiends. In addition, House Blackheart is hereby granted authority over two hundred thousand wights and one hundred wraiths. This is to be used as House Blackheart sees fit for a period no greater than one smaller moon to commence upon request.

In return, the Dukes of Hell are granted exclusive rights to the souls of all casualties inflicted upon the minions of House Blackheart during the conflict, in addition to all souls of those slain by minions of Hell and the undead." Mephistopheles rolled up the scroll outlining the agreement. "Is this satisfactory to both sides?"

Serpent Blackheart arose from his chair. "The agreement is acceptable to House Blackheart," he announced.

Asmodeous also stood to face his new ally. "The Dukes of Hell also agree."

Mephistopheles affixed a wax seal to the parchment, then handed it to the High Priest of Set, a thin and pale man whose presence was as much referee as mediator. "As agreed," the arch-devil said, "the dark god will mediate the transaction as a neutral party."

"Agreed and witnessed," said the High Priest as he accepted the scroll.

As the priest left the room, Serpent walked around the table to where Asmodeous stood. "I can foresee a profitable relationship in the future for us," the devil said.

"I hope that it is as you say, O Master if the Underworld."

"Your associates bargained well, Arch-devil," Miguel commented as he approached. "I would like to have Mephistopheles with me when I go to bargain with Freon and the Ice Kingdom for their support in the upcoming campaign."

"Fear not, grandson of the Godking," Asmodeous laughed. "The way you bargain, one expected to see horns sprouting from your own brow. I have no doubt that you will do quite well on your own."

He leaned closer to Miguel. "Darwina speaks admirably of your, shall we say, abilities, and the queen of the Ice Kingdom is well-known for her tastes in fleshly pleasures. I think you will have no trouble getting her support."

The entire room broke into laughter. Apparently, even in Hell, Miguel's reputation in the bedchamber had gotten around.

Morteous was waiting in Serpent's private chambers when the master of Aspberg returned from the meeting. "You missed a good meeting, my brother," he said as he entered the room and began to disrobe. Morteous sat in silence and watched the tyrant change clothes. "The Dukes of Hell are lending us such aid that we may be able to achieve more than we had originally planned." Serpent sat across from his brother. Morteous had a worried look on his face. "What is wrong?"

Morteous leaned back in his chair. "Things are moving too slowly," he said. "We should have waited to summon our victims. The magic that drained their powers is losing its potency. Their powers are beginning to return, and I will not be able to stop it."

"I can not set our plan into action until we are ready. What would you have me do?"

"Just hurry," Morteous said as he stood and wrung his hands impatiently. "Hurry before the chance is lost."



Miguel returned to his chambers to fetch a few items he needed for his voyage to Freon. He was surprised, but not disappointed, to see Darwina on his bed.

"One more roll in the sack before you leave, my lover?"

Miguel smiled. "If I fell into your arms now, I may never get to Freon in time for the conference."

"You know that I could get you there in a matter of minutes. Come to me, mortal master."

Miguel took the she-devil into his embrace. The fact that her form was not entirely human meant little to him. The tiny black horns and soft tail covered with fine downy fuzz were far from repulsive. Her small fangs only made her kisses more exciting and her pink skin contrasted with her lavender hair making her into a voluptuous, sexually enraging object of lust. That was how Miguel had originally seen her on that night so long ago when she had come to corrupt his soul. Now they had become close friends and regular lovers. His father had even suggested a marriage to ally the Dukes of Hell to the causes of House Blackheart.

"I am sorry, Darwina," Miguel said at last. "I can't let you be involved yet. Diabolic magic is easily identifiable, and we don't want anyone to know of the alliance until we are ready to strike."

"Well, then how about a quickie?"

Miguel surrendered.