King of the Tempest

Chapter 3

Darkness descending

Awoken powers

A moment of change

Cain sat on his throne in the dark castle. It had been almost a month since that fateful day. The day Magic arrived on the world. No reason whatsoever for its return, but already, some had mastered their power. And some, like Cain, wished to use their power for their own purposes. He stood, his black armor reflecting the little light in the room.

Logan, his advisor, stood behind his throne. "Sir? May I ask your plan?"

"We have waited long enough, Logan, my friend. I am ready, don't you think?" Cain smiled evilly, slowly walking across the large courtroom. Loud crunches cracked through the room as he stepped. His smile grew bigger with every crunch underfoot. "Don't you think the world is ready for Cain of the Daemons?!" Cain turned to face Logan, holding his arms out as if he were a champion. Fire burned, illuminating the room.

Logan grimaced as he saw the room again. It was disgusting. The room reeked of decayed flesh. Bones were scattered across the entire room. The results of dozens of men and women Cain simply didn't like. Blood covered the floor and stone walls. I think I'd prefer the plain stone walls than this decoration, Logan thought. "You and your army is mightier than that of the king. You, with your magic, could probably wipe the capital. It is certainly within the realm of possibility. I must recommend you stray your hand when using your power. If you wish to be a king, you should refrain from killing citizens or workers."

Cain continued smiling, twisting rings of fire around him. "I will not raze the city. I have some restraint." He frowned. "I am the better king. I am a god!" The fire flared again, and the stench of burning blood penetrated the air. He turned and abruptly shoved open the doors. He marched out into the courtyard of his castle, the sunlight illuminating the room. The guards cringed, turning away, pretending to be oblivious to the sadistic nature of their warlord.

Logan made his way through the room, trying to keep his shoes clean. I loathe this environment. It is unlivable. "My lord, when do you plan to move out?" He followed Cain through the castle, up onto the battlements.

Cain ignored his advisor. He walked to the north side of the castle. In the distance, he could barely see the capital city, barely two days' march away. He and his army would make it in one. "We set out tomorrow, dawn. The capital will be in suitable hands, for a change."

Cain turned to Logan. "I leave it to you to make sure everything is prepared. I have other matters to attend until then." Cain turned and walked back towards the main section of his castle.

Rotham is weak. I will replace him. I must. The Arainite bastards... They deserve annihilation. I will do what I must to get in a position where I can wage war on them, while they are distracted by the Ravarian and Bruzian war. They will be no match for my armies. Especially once I have become the king. He smiled, the action chilling his guards to the bone, and they look away, afraid. I am stronger than the king. I am his better.

Cain flung open the door to his magus, a type of fortune teller. The woman looked up at him curiously.

"I have a task for you."