They often worked tactical missions with the aid of Zelrus's loyal foot soldiers, operating both as a team and as individuals. They took back small sections of farmland for the demon populace, drove bears and wolves away from the outskirts of Banesteppe, protected vulnerable demon gatherings... Whatever was required of them.
“He does remember the king has asked us all to meet tomorrow?” Raxx asked.
“Unfortunately, he hasn't forgotten andstillgot into that state.” Lephas sighed.
“Had a good night?” the shadow demon asked with a grin that said he already knew the answer to his own question.
“I think Oriel did. Although he is severely disappointed he didn't get to bring any tail home.” Lephas laughed
“It won't hurt him.”
“That's what I said. I'm surprised that thing isn't worn down to a fucking nub...” Lephas snorted.
“Lephas, you go inside. Zelrus is going to expect you to be on top form tomorrow. I'll take care of any ne'er-do-wells that may have been stupid enough to follow you here.” Raxx patted his friend's shoulder heavily.
“You sure?”
“Yeah, go get some shut eye, Boss.” Raxx nodded his head towards the door to the inn.
“Thanks.” Lephas headed towards the entrance and paused. “I don't suppose you know what Zelrus wants us for tomorrow?”
“I have my suspicions,” Raxx answered cryptically.
Lephas had known the shadow demon long enough to know when he wasn't going to get any more information from the man. He nodded and headed inside silently, pausing at the door to knock the slushy snow off his boots.
∞∞∞
“Good morning, everyone.” Zelrus, King of Demons, strode into the room, as domineering as ever.
Lephas and Haros stood to salute their leader.
Zelrus cast his eyes around as he walked to the head of the table, slipping his heavy leather gloves off. He pinned his emerald green eyes on his older brother.
Oriel remained sat, with a boot up on the table, shading his eyes and leaning back on two legs of the rickety wooden chair.
Zelrus cocked an eyebrow and deliberately kicked the leg of the chair as he passed.
“Shit!” Oriel hissed, lurching forward to stop himself falling.
“Sorry brother, I didn't see you there.” Zelrus cast him a look that could have melted steel. “Late night, was it?”
Zelrus looked across at Lephas questioningly. The commander glanced away, cursing Oriel silentlyand willing the ground to swallow him up.
“You could say that...” Oriel groaned, rubbing his temples.
Despite being nearly four years younger than Oriel, Zelrus looked much older. He was taller and more muscular, though Lephas had heard that demons of royal bloodwere oftenmightier in stature than regular demons.
Lephas had never met Tennul, their father, but he had read many books on the heroic demon. He too had been powerful in stature. It was an honour to be able to work with his kin.
“I've called you here today to brief you on some important information that has come my way.” Ignoring his brother, Zelrus addressed the room. “I have been contacted by Cirro Goldwyrm. He has requested a meeting.”
“My King–” Lephas protested.
“It's got to be a trap,” Haros spluttered from beside him.
“I have it on good authority that it is genuine.” Zelrus glanced across to a shadowed corner. Raxx materialised from its depths.
“The faerie has not been home to his castle in the south for many, many months,” Raxx spoke. “He has spent night and day in Banesteppe; serving in soup kitchens, visiting orphanages... It appears his willingness to help is not a trick as we first thought.”
