Page 25 of Greed

“Am I going to want to know what you’ve been up to?”

“Master, I think you will be most pleased. I wished to be further along before you graced us with your presence, but enough has been done to show the promise of my work in honor of your great name.” Brill reached out for the heavy golden door that had deeply embedded hieroglyphics of protection.

“Brill, don’t kiss my ass.” I looked at the demon, who looked like he was snarling but indeed was smiling.

“As you wish, Master.”

“Those are new.” I nodded toward the door and the unique designs.

“There had been a few issues with spies, they all died painfully in the lower chambers, but the door made the most sense to keep out any further prying eyes. I had those with power come and carve the protection along the door, and now anyone that does not wear your brand and hold honor for you will not be granted access.”

“Well, now Brill, you do continue to impress me. Who was trying to spy?”

“No one in particular, just lower-level demons trying to dig up information they can use as leverage.”

We walked silently the rest of the way, Brill leading me steadily along the corridor that twisted toward the wing furthest from my side of the palace. Brill pushed through the door to the final destination, and as I stepped into the cavernous space. I had to work hard to keep the shock off my face.

The room had been divided into two groups. The left side had been decorated with soft grays and orange—everything from newly birthed demonies to dwix were lined up talking and playing while guards kept watch. However, the right side of the room was for those reaching full demon status, each one in a different class, learning a different topic. I walked a little further along the massive cavern area, and as I did, the demons of all ages grew quiet. The youngest dropped to the floor as they placed their heads on the black onyx. The older group lined up like human soldiers, shoulder-to-shoulder they stood, backs straight, muscles bulging, but eyes averted to the floor.

“What exactly am I looking at?” I asked as I took in every little detail.

“We always had trouble recruiting demons that were the right blend of brain and brawn for the army. There were so few of any species that was smart enough or strong enough to make a good warrior, and those we did find had issues with loyalty and their own agendas.”

“I remember clearly,” I said. The tortured and distinct sounds of the demon’s pain-filled screams were hard to forget.

In the beginning, it had been a real struggle to round up demons that suited what I wanted to have for my palace and army. Brill had been one of the very first that I enlisted, and as he proved to be a worthy ally, the more authority he was given. Only the very best would suffice, and the very best were few and far between in Hell.

“While you have been attending to business elsewhere, I realized that we may have been approaching the situation all wrong.” Brill stopped, and he spread his beefy arms wide. “These are all my demonies.”

“These are all your kids,” I asked, flabbergasted.

“Yes, I found one thousand suitable incubators for my donations, and this is the beginning of the result. I am birthing our army to the specs we desire. Some have already graduated school and are now in the army, while others are still to be born. The idea is to have a steady supply forever. As more incubators are available, I will choose one or two others that can help with the cause, but they must be the best specimens and worthy of the task.”

I looked Brill up and down, a whole new respect for the demon beginning to form. Not only for the idea, which I hated to admit was brilliant, and I wished I’d thought of it, but also because that many demon-mating-sessions was a new record even by my standards. Female demons were not exactly known for their willingness to participate in breeding. Brill had his chest puffed out, obviously pleased with his creation.

Placing my hands behind my back, I strode past the remainder of the line. Each one of the demons, regardless of age, sex, or even cross genetics, all acted the same. They were obedient, but more than that, I could see the intelligence burning in their eyes.

“You.” I pointed to one of the oldest-looking demons. “Come here.” The demon leaped from the line and ran forward. It went to its knee as soon as it was close enough and kept its eyes to the floor. This one was draped in the customary black leather and silver armor that said it was almost ready to be moved up the ranks. If it lived, then it too would wear the gold that was customary of all those representing me in my ranks.

“Master, how may I be of service? I live only to serve you.” I raised my eyebrow at the demon and marveled at just how well they were trained, but it had also spoken in English. I could see a curl of a smile on Brill’s face. I would’ve understood any tongue, but to choose the one I was most comfortable with spoke volumes. The lengths Brill was willing to go to…these warriors were exactly what I wanted.

“Brill, tell me how well are your warriors trained in all forms of war and battle tactics?”

“This group still needs a bit of work, but they are admirable. The oldest are nearing final testing, some may not survive, but that is the nature of the weaning out process. Jukur here is one of the top students to date. I have high hopes for him, and if he lives up to the standards I have set, he will become a breeder and my successor when the time comes.”

“Is that so? Very high hopes for you indeed, Jukur.” I tapped my chin as I contemplated my request. “Juker, I want you to steal a red ruby from Pride’s castle and bring it to me. I don’t care which one, but you must not be caught or seen by any demon.”

“Yes, Master. Shall I leave now?”

“Yes, and make it quick. I’d like it in my hands before I leave.”

The demon stood and turned, sprinting for the end of the hallway. Jukur disappeared out the door, and as he left, I turned to Brill. “You impress me, my friend, and that is not easy to do.”

Brill’s dog-shaped head smiled wide, his large fangs showing as his lips pulled back. “You honor me with such words, but I promise you, you will be even more impressed when the young one returns.”

Stealing from Pride’s castle was a fool’s errand. If he was caught, he would be put to death instantly for trying to steal from Lucifer. But my brother had many, many guards and those strange fucked up angels he made flitting about, not to mention the dragon that lurked on the property. But, if the young demon could pull it off without Lucifer being the wiser, I’d wear that fucking gem around my neck and smile. Would Luci notice it was gone? Most likely not, that was more Leviathan’s thing to count and fawn all over the pretty gems, but that wasn’t the point. The point was not to be noticed, to become one with the shadows and those that protected his palace. If he could do that, the sky was the limit for the potential with these demonies.

I rubbed my hands together at the prospect. If I had my way, this army would march on Heaven one day and finish what Luci started. He’d been right that day. It took me a long time to understand his motives and what it cost me, but I did. The war was brewing once more, and we’d be ready this time.