Turning to Stone 5: The Shadows Fall

Chapter 6: All Systems Go

"We have a visitor."

Vidaloc looked up at the Ghazt messenger. A former rebel, but the King had put him to good use. Hellfire's initiation into his army had been a roaring success.

"Send them in. I would like to speak to them." Vidaloc gestured as he spoke, and the Ghazt floated away. He snapped his fingers, and another "corrupted" Ethereal, a Grumpyre, brought him a platter of food.

Soon enough, the messenger Ghazt had returned, with a Rare Ghazt next to him. This Rare Ghazt wasn't from around here, and had a cloak covering most of his features, but Vidaloc knew him well.

"It's an honor to see you again, Orriyus." Vidaloc spread his arms wide in a welcoming gesture. "I could say the same, King Vidaloc." Orriyus gave a small nod.

"I'm assuming you came to talk business, correct?" Vidaloc beckoned him closer. "Yes, indeed. I had a particular target lurking around the island, so I sent one of my best hunters after 'im. However, she hasn't returned yet, so I was wondering if you'd seen him. Either the target or my hunter."

"The Silent Flame?" Vidaloc inquired. "That's the one." Orriyus nodded. "I've seen them both. The Flame came to visit, although she had a Xyster and a Glowbe with him. I don't suppose either of them were under your teachings either?"

"No." Orriyus hissed. "If Split's been fraternizing with outsiders, I'll-" Vidaloc held up a finger to silence him. "Patience, patience. I'll have you know that this 'Split' of yours took out my greatest soldier's left eye." He snapped his fingers, and Hellfire shambled into the room. The Epic Kayna was even more intimidating with the missing eye, although the worsened sight made missions harder for it to complete.

"My apologies, my liege." Orriyus dipped his head low. "I shall see to it that you are paid for the mistake, and that my hunter is fairly punished. But what about the target? Where have you seen him?"

"Look behind you." Vidaloc smirked, and Orriyus turned to see the Ghazt messenger, the monster formerly known as "Felix", still obediently waiting. "There. You will not have to kill him now. He will not bother you again."

"But-" Orriyus made a clearly displeased noise. "Are you not happy with my solution? You dare doubt your king?" Vidaloc raised an eyebrow. "No, no, your majesty! I was merely hoping for some... satisfaction?" The Rare Ghazt looked up with a guilty smile.

"Ah, you want the satisfaction of doing it yourself. Very well. Kill him then, he's right there." Vidaloc waved his hand, and Orriyus launched on Felix, using his teeth and claws to rip the poor common Ghazt to shreds. The remains didn't stay solid for long, melting into a strange black liquid that stained Orriyus's cloak and fur.

"Thank you. Thank you, your majesty." The Rare Ghazt bowed down. Vidaloc laughed. "Ah, 'tis but a gesture of my hospitality. I always reward my most loyal subjects. ...You have proven loyal to me, Orriyus. How would you like to join my army?"

"Me?" The Rare Ghazt lifted a finger to point at himself. "Yes, you. All my soldiers are treated well, you could be one of them." Vidaloc held out his hand, concealing his expressions. Orriyus couldn't read his face.

"Yes! Yes, my liege! Please!" He eagerly grabbed the king's hand with both of his, and Vidaloc smiled. Orriyus looked down in shock, seeing his fur turning black at the hands, and even when he pulled away, the transformation continued. It spread out from his hands, along with all the spots where the fur had been stained with black.

"I do need a replacement for the Ghazt that you had your fun with." Vidaloc said, but everything was already becoming blurry to the Rare Ghazt. That was the last thing he heard before his very consciousness was sacrificed to his king.