The Web of Iron

Chapter Four: Negotiations

Baltoth's Retribution had been a shining castle of beautiful white stone. There had been soaring towers and elegant curves the last time Kiyora had seen it. Well, it had been a pile of rubble. But the last time she'd seen it complete, it had been elegant.

Now it was half complete in its reconstruction. It towered instead of soared and had noticeably more spikes on it. Satyrs were working busily around it, and even a few dwarves. These Kiyora took to be those who had gone over to the demons.

Amidst all this, Arraxia lounged at the top of one of the towers. Her tail was flicking as she basked in the rays of the sun. Her dark hair had fallen around her shoulders, and her eyes were closed as though asleep. The demoness' frankly enormous bust was rising and falling. Kiyora reappeared next to her, suspecting she had been noticed.

"So this castle looks a bit different from last time," Kiyora said.

"Oh yes, I decided I ought to make a few changes," said Arraxia. "I spent some decades with my spirit bound to this castle, doing Melchious' bidding. I thought it might look better in black."

"Does it work?" asked Kiyora.

"But of course," said Arraxia. "With Baltoth's Retribution, I will be able to manipulate the terrain around it once again to do as I like."

"So you're going to bind your spirit to it again?" asked Kiyora.

"No, of course not," said Arraxia. "That degradation was forced upon me by Melchious. No, I shall find a way to use it without any bother. So do tell me what brings me the pleasure of your company?"

"The High Elves are planning to invade you," said Kiyora, tone conversational.

"Yes, I had heard some reports from Doltier," mused Arraxia. "Satyrs don't usually dare cross over the river to raid; I expect it may prove troublesome to defeat them. Are you here to suggest an alliance?"

"No, I'm here to get whatever I can," admitted Kiyora. "Alchara has offered me half of your territory if I help her wipe out the satyrs. If I assist them, my Nakmar can show them all the secret ways, and I can overwhelm you. The thing is, I don't trust Alchara not to betray me any more than I trust you."

"My, you do seem capable of intelligent thought," said Arraxia, opening her eyes. "I suppose you wish me to make a counteroffer, do you?"

"Well, it does seem reasonable," said Kiyora.

"I offer nothing," said Arraxia. "Take it or leave it."

"Are you sure about this?" asked Kiyora.

"Why yes, yes, I am," said Arraxia. "We both know you cannot afford to let the High Elves gain a foothold here. They are the superior power and a far greater threat to both of us than either of us is to the other. An alliance is the natural course of action, and I know you need to be more stupid to submit to Alchara. And even if you were, you blame her for trying to marry you off.

"You could never bring yourself to submit to her."