Summoned to a Shattered World

Birthright Chapter 29 - Chance Allies

The soldier standing guard outside the tower drew his sword as we approached, he'd been watching us for a while now. "Who goes there?" He paid particular attention to the ogres behind us that were closing in. "Are they with you?"

Elmidath smoothed her hair and drew herself up. "Yes, they are. I am Lady Sarinknell, here at the personal invitation of Lord Biustarn."

The soldier narrowed his eyes. "I see. Wait here."

A section of the tower swung inward at his approach and he vanished into the tower. While I waited, I stared up at Lord Biustarn's home. The perfectly square structure was carved from semi-transparent crystal that seemed to trap the sun's light within, turning the otherwise colourless crystal into a riot of faux flame.

A few minutes passed without any sign of the guard before the crystal split open again and he emerged. "He'll see you two now. The... others will have to wait outside."

"One moment then." Elmidath turned to the ogres. "I'll have food sent down for you."

She drew me along, into the tower, before the ogres could respond. I was all too happy to avoid another drawn out discussion and hurried inside.

The tower was even more spectacular on the inside. Light played across the inner walls, creating all manner of patterns. I stood there, fascinated, as the door disappeared behind us. Everything inside, including was, was dyed a deep red. The soldier allowed both of us a moment of amazement before he interrupted. "Lord Biustarn awaits you on the roof."

Following him up the stairs through the sea of shifting red light made for a slightly bewildering experience. It felt a little as if I'd stepped into another world. A silly thought, given that I had literally entered another world so recently.

As advertised, the Demon Lord was waiting for us on the roof. Seated in the only chair, he was leaning against the battlements, looking out at the countryside. The tower concentrated the light far less up here and our surroundings took on something resembling their normal colour.

Biustarn's guard announced Elmidath and was then dismissed. Once the guard was gone, Biustarn stood up. Looking us over, he smiled. I could hardly call it a warm smile, but there was at least a little joy to it. "I take it, based on your presence, that you were successful?"

Elmidath inclined her head and gave a little nod. "Indeed."

"Excellent. Then allow me to formally welcome you, Lady Sarinknell."

"Thank you, but I haven't come here to be welcomed. I've come about your offer of alliance. Does that offer still hold?"

Lord Biustarn's features drew together, becoming all business. "It does."

"What are your terms? You were rather sparse on the details in our last meeting."

"I'm aware. My terms depend on what you require from me..." he paused to glance at me, "and what you have to offer." There was a flicker of desire as he looked at me. Which I dearly hoped was purely to do with my perceived worth rather than anything sexual. A rival Demon Lord being attracted to me, particularly a male one, was one of the last things I needed right now. I was probably just being dramatic; the idea was too farfetched to be real.

Elmidath paid not the slightest intention to my internal strife. "Then I'll be blunt. I need soldiers to defend my newly claimed territory and I need them as soon as possible."

Biustarn tapped the gold ring on his finger against the stone while he thought. "I can provide that but what do you have to offer in exchange?"

"What do you want?"