Four Elements Book 3 - Sacrifice

Part 14

The Demon Lord wasn't usually one to stroll his home in search for someone or something. In fact, it was one of the (many) things he despised. How dare he be forced to do something when someone of lesser rank could do it for him? Either he knew where it was, or he ordered it to be brought to him. After all, that was what those Umbras were for in the first place. But he didn't trust his dark minions to successfully bring Zarias to him. So he would just have to it himself. Not to mention that seeing his father face to face would have a better chance at discouraging Zarias from running away in shame. He was being offered an opportunity for redemption, after all. And anyone who knew him was very aware that he was not one to offer redemption often.

Zorak searched the palace for several long minutes, growing each second more impatient. Where was that idiot? He wasn't in his chambers, which was his usual hiding place. He wasn't in the throne room either, nor the balcony. After finding nothing for an hour, he decided to check his room once more. And this time, he saw something he hadn't seen before. Lying on the mahogany desk, neatly folded, was a letter.

Zorak paused, his brow creased in thought. How had he missed it earlier? The great Demon Lord did not miss things like this, such a thing was unthinkable. He probably hadn't been paying attention, because he'd been looking for his son, not a cursive. He crossed the room and snatched it up. It was indeed Zarias's handwriting, that much was certain. The letter read:

Father,

I must apologize for failing you. Again. These repeated defeats make me a poor excuse for a son. You told me they were my fault, and that is the truth. I simply hope you have not completely lost faith in me or my abilities. And better yet, that you will give me a chance to restore your trust in me.

You were absolutely right to punish me the way you did. I realize it, now. And in fact, it might have been the best thing you ever did.

Zorak stared at the letter, trying to make sense of the words scrawled across the page. While he was pleased that his son saw he was right, the Demon Lord couldn't deny he was perplexed. Zarias had never looked at reprimands in this way, before. He certainly hadn't done so when he'd been young. Quite the contrary, he'd taken a distinct amount of disciplining when he'd been a youth. It was refreshing on the one hand, but slightly disconcerting on the other. He wasn't certain what to think of it, in fact. And what did Zarias mean by "the best thing you ever did"?

You see, after our discussion, an idea came to me. I was inspired by your scheme to pose as the Guardian to trick them into willingly giving your powers to them. As we know, that plan, while ingenious, didn't work as planned. But I have, I think, thought of one that will work just as well.

You see, I believe that the fire Guardian wants to believe I have – and I shudder to even think the word – humanity inside me. While I admit I am, at times, envious, I would never turn against you, father. But we could use the humans' naiveté against them. Adrianna seems to be, with Bane, the leader of the group. If they believe, the others will follow.

My plan is quite simple: I still bare marks of your punishment. It occurred to me that we could use that to our advantage. If I were to pretend to have left your side to rejoin theirs, I would lower their guard enough so that you could trap them and take their powers. So I have left for Earth and will claim I was injured by you and couldn't stay out of fear for my life. I shall report back at night, when the humans are asleep.

I hope this will allow me to at least begin to redeem myself in your eyes. All I have ever wanted was your approval and affection.

Your devoted son,

Zarias

Zorak read the letter. Then read it again, slowly analyzing the meaning behind the words. This plan was far from brilliant, or foolproof. It was clearly not even all that thought out. But in spite of that, there was no arguing with its merit. In fact, it was – and it was deeply frustrating to admit it – perhaps – only perhaps, of course – better than his plan of impersonating Bane. All Zorak could do now, was hope Zarias didn't mess that up as well. Eventually, he folded the letter carefully, thinking. Perhaps his son wouldn't be such a failure or a traitor after all...