Defeating From Within the Lair

The knights will be able to smell them. They’d be able to identify one of Radix’s minions from afar, unless he was careful to constantly conceal the scent. Which took a depth of concentration Radix had little patience for.

“I need you to find the knights or the Watcher children. If you sense them or find them it’s your duty to track them, watch over them until I’m ready to hunt them. If you’re able, seduce them, or traumatize them so I can lend my comfort. Twist them to our side. Send me word through the Nonis.” He nodded to the floor littered with the skittering black rodents. “They’ll tell me of your doings…And” His tone turned coaxing. “You’ll be rewarded for your efforts dependent upon your successes.”

“That’s all we need do?” One man murmured fearfully.

“Find them. Find them all!” Radix repeated in aggravation.

“Yes, yes, My Lord.” One announced. Others echoed the sentiment. They began shuffling toward the opening en masse. Ready to splay out in every direction.

Like a plague.

Radix waited patiently. Teeth grinding as he longed for them to move faster. “Okine!” He commanded when that one moved to leave as well.

Okine turned a thick wrinkled yellow neck to look at Radix.

“Not you. I need you. You must find me more.”

“Not enough?” He gestured to the crowd filtering through the cave corridor, agitatedly.

Radix looked at Okine as though he’d said the most foolish thing Radix had ever heard. “Are you incompetent?”

Okine looked to the floor.

“There will never be enough! Find me more. If you find me enough, I will reward you by letting you bleed Chavias for me.”

Son-of-a-bitch. Chavias grimaced. The demon commander loved nothing so much.

Okine’s pointed teeth flashed gleefully, and his black eyes glinted at the prospect. “I detest.”

“I know.” Radix nodded. “I will let you torture him near to death if you impress me.”

“I will. I will, My Lord.” He reiterated cheerfully. Bobbing his square head as he went purposefully out of the caves. Step quick with his mission.

“Now where in the Hell is Calisto’s bleeding cape?” He was spinning in circles looking for the little item he’d possessed. The item which forced her to return to the Black Mountains.

To Radix.

Chavias quietly retreated around the wall and returned to his prison chamber. The barred gate still swung open on rusted hinges.

I need to practice Spirit Running. I need to be much better if I’m going to help combat that bunch.

I’m going to defeat Radix from within his own lair. The thought made Chavias’ gray eyes shine with hope. Anticipation and a sick sense of triumph.

The first bit of joy I’ve felt since the day I helped Savage Jaxson escape Radix.