The Quest for Normania #1: The Door of Andrios

49. Changing Loyalties

Somewhere in Ahala

Nik was never one to be late to his appointments, and neither was he now, to meet him.

He knew that. He was just testing him all along, ever since his spy found him to be the best for the part he was seeking.

A guard entered his throne room, where he sat upon the throne and bowed. "Your majesty, there is a man outside who said he was summoned here to meet you. His name is Nik Ronin."

He smiled, his features becoming that much more dangerous-looking. "I see. So, he did come, after all. Very well, send him in."

The guard gave another bow, before he disappeared and reappeared with the man in question. Then, the guard left.

The man on the throne stared at him in complete silence for about two minutes. There was just one other person that night, so it was easy to assess his guest's comfort levels. Nik didn't seem perturbed and even stared back at him with some arrogance.

At last, he decided to break the silence:

"Welcome to my kingdom, Nik. I am very glad you have decided to join us."

Nik's smile turned into a cocky grin as he bowed. "The pleasure is all mine, oh mighty majesty. I am now the king of a land, much like yourself, so I'm your equal."

The man wanted to scratch his hair in annoyance, but controlled it. "I see. I was told you're a minister to a king. How is it that you came to inherit a kingdom? Was there no heirs?"

The grin turned wicked. "Oh, there were. She just decided she didn't want to rule anymore."

"Ah, a coup. I love them so much! That is why Marina fascinates me so. Did you know that Mihaad had been ruling it for three decades now?"

"Yes, I do." His face turned serious. "I also know that Ahala has a new ruler." A pregnant pause. "A queen to be precise."

His expression only changed mildly; Nik wondered if he already received the news. "A eurana? In Ahala? That ought to be interesting."

"She appears to have inherited the kingdom from her dying father. I wonder if that's true."

"Are you suggesting she might have usurped it?"

Nik shrugged. "If she did, then she's a force to reckon with—a tough enemy to cross."

"I hear she's not all tough on her own; she's got an entourage to help her." A pause as he let this sink in. "An entourage ready to kill the man who brings winter!"

Nik's smile became smug again. "And I think I know who that is."

He pretended the man didn't speak. "A rather formidable plot, indeed – if not for a bunch of newbies leading the mission. I say, Ronin sama, why don't we join together – forge an alliance? Surely, you're on the side of the Magister?"

Nik's grin remained intact. "I intend just that, your majesty." He bowed. "I would readily forge an alliance with you and destroy the new eurana. I assure you, she won't last long, her and her entourage!"

'Um, he's definitely confident – no problems there.' He cleared his throat. "Definitely. So, let me know when your army is ready. We shall combine our forces and slaughter them all!"

Nik grinned wider, if that was possible. "Oh yes, most definitely, your majesty!" He bowed. 'Oh Cassandra, you have nowhere to go now. You'll be all mine!'

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Earth

Andrea Fletcher was in a fix.