Chapter 4- Turbulence

"Now that introductions are over, stop standing there. Gods almighty, we have much to do. Chop, chop!"

Pascal gave out a yawn, as he trailed behind Meinmarc. Seeing his liege's usual demeanor, Horse simply shrugged his shoulders. He'd seen stranger during the first wars. Though meeting the literal King of the Underworld was at best an honour. He decided that just for this moment he'd be exactly like Pascal... Indifferent.

As they descended ever further underground, the orbs of light had gotten less and less till none were left. With their source of light gone, Pascal and Horse had an even harder time keeping up with Meinmarc. The only thing the two could see were glimpses of purple light which lingered in the air as Meinmarc led the way.

"How much longer Marc, Horse is stepping on my heels."

"I am not, ye cocksucker. My steps are just wider."

Meinmarc ignored the two as he maneuvered through the underground maze.

Pascal having had enough of this farce, snapped his fingers. A small orb had appeared floating over his palm.

It was much smaller than the luminescent orbs from before but the light emitted was much brighter. Casting shine upon the mazes walls; one could see intricate carvings and runes engraved on the walls.

Meinmarc stopped, as he saw the bright glow of light from Pascal. "A wonder of wonders you are. An excellent fighter but also an adept mage."

"Nope, wrong about the mage bit. It's the only spell I know. The others are too flashy." Pascal's dreary voice seemed none too proud about the compliment. But Marc sneered at him, an archdevil such as himself could tell what exactly that spell was, 'Arke's Star'. A higher spell meant for torturing undead. However, he was confused at one thing, the output of magic as well as the all around aura around Pascal as he used the spell was strange. 'Magic with no particular attribute. Heh even the bastards magic is like him... Bloody indifferent.'

After what seemed to be like a good twenty minutes they had arrived at their destination.

A large wooden door bare of any carvings and runes was in front of them. "We're here." Meinmarc's velvet voice bounced around the walls, echoing throughout the empty maze, "Who wants a try at opening the door?"

"You Kings really are lazier than I am... Horse get it open or his highness will throw a literal hissy fit."

Acknowledging the command with a simple grunt, Horse stepped forward. Taking deep breaths, he took in an incredible amount of air into his lungs. Veins bulging at his neck, and his chest full he blew with all his might. Out from his mouth a whirlwind contested with the door. Seconds had passed but the door hadn't budged at all.

"Sorry mate..." Horse sounded grainier than usual after taking in that much air, "You'll have to get it open lad."

Meinmarc chucked slyly, he was curious to see how his Guttersnipe would do. Only he knew that this door was enchanted with a very intricate binding spell. It was his inner sanctum a Hollowed place much like his true residence in the Underworld.

"Horse, mate it's just a door... And with doors," Pascal's words were cut off as the spell he was using vanished. The same hand that held the orb, was now covered in a thin grey tinged membrane, "You simply push." With the end of those words, the door opened. Meinmarc let out a simple ooh, his purple eyes however betrayed immense surprise and joy. He truly had picked the best Guttersnipe.

With the simple wooden door open, the trio could finally get some rest. A simple orb of light suspended in the air cast a warm light throughout the room; a single large table in the center and lounge chairs placed elegantly to suit the rest of the rooms simple furnishing.

"So how'd you think of my sanctum?"

"Was honestly expecting more boss, with the whole maze of stairs and King bullshite."

Meinmarc glared at Horse. Horse however couldn't give two shits. Being born in a small family and then enlisting in the army, he could swear like a fishmonger in the morning markets plus not care at all about etiquette... King or not.

"Leave the poor king be Horse. Told you he'd throw a hissy fit, and Marc, open the damn room already I'm done with walking."

Horse gave Pascal a bewildered look as Marc snorted.

'No fun this Guttersnipe not at all,' though he thought it, Meinmarc was smiling. A simple wave of his hand and the barren room in front of the trio vanished and instead a large study had taken its place.

The ceiling had a beautiful chandelier made out of different skulls of various species; human, elf, dwarf, even an angels skull was hung upon it. Walls lined with an array of bookshelves and cases. A window that portrayed the neverending night sky and finally a desk made out of white gold, three single lounge chairs surrounding it.

Taking the main seat, Meinmarc unfurled a large map of Vastro, the country where Hilver City resided in. Pascal sat on the left seat with Horse on his right. The box was placed directly atop the map where Hilvers was at.

"This little trinket is gonna help us a great lot you know, my young talented Guttersnipe."

Pascal gave a glance at Marc before motioning with his hands to open it.

He smiled at Pascal and Horse, opening the box, a simple silver locket lay inside. Small elvish engravings were etched into the top of the locket.

"Had to sell my ass to get that... Better be fucking worth it."

"Haha lad. It wasn't too bad a small fortune here, a couple of idiots killed...."

Pascal ignored Horse as the trio stared at the locket. Finally Meinmarc broke the silence that had enveloped the study.

"Hehehe, my boys it's time to stir up the melting pot."

An amused smile plastered on Pascal's stoic face lightened the mood considerably.

"No no, Marc, you mean it's time to cause a lot of turbulence...."