Arrival

Several days had passed since the group from the Kingdom of Anavir had arrived at the village. According to Raphael it was likely they would arrive any day.

Using this time to continue training Dah had learned two new spells:

[Conceal] a rank two spell that allowed the caster to blend in and move like a shadow. Invisible to normal eyes a mage rank two or higher with discerning eyes would be able to see him.

The other spell was

[Emotional Manipulation] a rank three spell that allowed the caster to manipulate the emotions of a single individual. While it did have limitations as it could not force someone to love, it could make them have intense positive emotions towards them. It also could only be used within reason, for example a brother couldn't be made to hate a brother. If the two brothers were close then the manipulation wouldn't have any effect. However if it was likely that they were often at each others throats Dah would be able to manipulate them easily. This spell also worked best on dim or weak minded individuals.

Dah has slowly been getting stronger with his spell casting. Now able to cast over eight rank three spells in a row. After discussing with Raphael though he had discovered that he was still nowhere close to being able to cast a rank four spell even once. By Raphael's rough calculations he would need to submit another 1,000 souls. A number that most would balk at, Dah had readily accepted it as an absolute. After all in his goal for obtaining power and world conquest he would need to submit likely tens of thousands of souls.

Xarros had been called out to the east towards the Territory of Kilore to be on standby in case anything unusual happened. It was unlikely that anything would go wrong but there had been rumors of the beastmen having tamed a mysterious beast that they could use to attack fortified cities and villages. While just a rumor Dah had chosen to send Xarros to determine if their was any truth to it, and if there was to report back immediately. A single creature with the strength to raze a fortified city would be a fierce foe indeed and every precaution should be taken before entering into battle.

With Xarros gone, Catera had stepped up as the sole instructor for this portion of his training. He had felt himself growing closer to her as the days passed. She was unlike what he would have expected as a demon general. She certainly held breath taking power and the force of her gaze was something to be both admired and feared. Dah had been learning well under her one on one instruction and was disappointed that he would soon have to enact his plan. The plan that involved leaving her behind.

...

It happened late in the evening as the sun was on its downward descent. A group of soldiers arrived within eyesight of the Demon Lord's Castle. Raphael having been alerted to their presence by one of the minions guarding the perimeter had immediately gone to Dah for his instructions.

Dah nodded, 'Exactly as I planned' then instructed, "Allow them safe entry, begin preparations for a feast, as soon as they arrive have them come to the throne room for an audience with me."

Raphael unaware of Dah's intentions complied swiftly with a bow. Passing on the word that they were to be allowed safe entry he paused looking out a window at their approach. It had been a long time since a human had set foot into the halls of the castle, let alone a group of humans that was invited in by the Demon Lord himself!

...

Princess Mai eyed the Demon Lord's Castle warily. She had only heard tales of it in passing. Peasants that had claimed to see it stated its walls were painted red with the blood of their enemies, gargoyles patrolled the rooftops eating the bodies of anyone foolish enough to get too close and the walls were made of skeletons fitted together using every race in the world to create a seamless and impenetrable barrier.

While what she saw was indeed terrifying it was not that. Instead the castle itself was huge, the walls outfitted with rough stone and mortar. Large towering steeples and a huge courtyard were clearly seen from their vantage point. The outer walls were made of the same material as the walls of the castle. A wrought iron gate intricately tooled to depict a demon warrior was currently being opened by a minion.

'Are they going to attack?' Mai thought her face scrunching in concentration.

Saul leaned over and whispered to her, "Are you sure about this? I've heard the castle itself is nothing but a large torture chamber."

Steeling herself Mai refused to show any fear in front of her company. Onwards they headed towards the gate that at this point was now wide open.

Arriving within a stones throw she called out, "I am here in peace I wish to speak to the Demon Lord."

Rufus, the minion who had opened the gate smiled a wishful grin. If it had been up to him he would have loved to slaughter the intruders. Cutting all but the girl down rapidly so as to claim all the glory as his. No the girl he would keep. She was pretty and would make a good gift as a slave to a potential mate.

Alas his lord had other plans, "Wel-come. Meet with Lord." Doing his best to enunciate the words his hand pointed in past the gate.

His intentions understood Princess Mai and her company walked in. While they had been instructed not to draw their swords without reason their hands hovered near the hilts.

…