When the Land meets the Sky: A Tail of Two Mages

Chapter 35 - Hunting the Demon (Battle Pt. 6)

Leyla's POV

"Baal, report in," I spoke into my black scepter. The demon I have in control of Trodaí's body materialized into view through a projection.

"You called, majesty?" Baal replied.

"Progress report? I have heard nothing from you in a week. Surely it is not too difficult a task to find one single shrine?" I demanded an answer.

Baal seemed irritated. "You do realize just how big this island is, right?! The size of Tír na nÓg pales in comparison to this place!" Baal shouted
.

Rose was leaning against the wall, but at this show of insubordination, she shifted forward toward the projection. My sister's brow furled. "Watch your tongue, demon," Rose growled at the projection. "You understand who it is you are speaking with?!"

"Yes, I am aware," Baal returned and sighed. "But yes, I've found the shrine. However, it is built with strong wards. Problem is at this point; it will take me two days of infusing the shrine with hellfire to break the seal on it."

"Useless pawn!" Rose scowled. "If you were half the demon you claim to be, we wouldn't be having to wait for—" I put my hand up, gesturing her to stop, which she did. She snorted, then leaned back against the wall, visibly annoyed.

"Very well," I continued. "I trust you to do what needs to be done. But know this... fail me and I will end your immortal existence. Do I make myself perfectly clear?"

"Perfectly," Baal answered, then he cut off the transmission.

I slouched back in my seat and rubbed my head, warding off the headache that began to form. "I'm hoping that he really succeeds," Rose told me. "At least both of us are on the same page. Have faith, my sister. I firmly believe nothing can stop your plan from coming to fruition. And when it does, you'll be queen of this land and I will be your personal guard." I'm not surprised to hear her say that. Royal life is not in her blood as it is in me. On the contrary, she loves battle and combat. With both of us handling those roles, we make a rather good team.

"Anyway," Rose continued. "While Baal is doing his duty, I have another bit of information you'd be interested to hear."

I turned to look at her. I rose my brow with interest. "Do tell," I responded.

Rose moved away from the wall with her arms crossed. "I learned that Oiamh and Rosetta took a large force as well as recruiting other armies. They have already arrived on the mainland. Their goal is to hunt for Baal. This leaves the royal castle ripe for the taking if we strike now. As it stands, it is relatively unmanned and vulnerable."

I couldn't help but smile at the opportunity. "Very well. Let's seize the palace at once. Time to show these mortals that the daughters of Pandaemonium are worthy of respect and fear." Rose and I set out to plan our attack immediately.

~~~~~Meanwhile in Ireland~~~~~

Rosetta's POV

I noticed Jason approach me with intention. "My Lady, our scouts have returned with information for the commander," he told me.

I nodded and beckoned him to follow. I instructed our most loyal Lieutenant in charge of the palace force. Out of earshot of others, I sighed and looked over at him as we walked. "Jason, you do realize you can address me by my name, right?"

"Aye, I know Rosetta. It's just funny hearing 'my lady' roll off my tongue."

I furled my brow slightly in irritation. "And here I thought you were trying to follow protocol to the letter in front of the troops. We've been best friends since forever. We rose through the ranks as rivals. And at this point, you're my second in command. Hearing you be so formal sounds absurd," I mocked. I happened to glance Jason's direction for a moment and noticed him roll his eyes.