Elantarr growled in frustration as she lounged upon her velvet chair, focusing into the viewing mists. Gripping the armrests harder, Elantarr forced herself to watch her champion blunder across the playing field. The mists allowed her to observe her champion only. She could not interfere. Mentally she cursed the rule to which she was bound.

She had regretted her choice of champion for years. Delar had seemed the obvious pick, so full of promise. He was the strongest youth of his city and respected by all. Elantarr had provided him with great power and many boons, he had been given every advantage! Yet he squandered all she had given. Ungrateful human. He had failed her. Soft, weak, LAZY. Together they should have dominated the world. Instead, she would be the least among her siblings.

And now the last bastion of your followers falls to my champion.

Hot rage filled her. The telepathic boast from her brother Tolor coincided with her champion’s demise. Impotently she watched as Tolar’s champion stood holding the head of her former hope. Her champion had fallen, now the rest was inevitable. Her faithful would be destroyed, her city burned, her last orb of power stolen.

Pausing to calm herself, Elantarr responded. This is but a temporary setback. I will replace him with a wiser champion who will not only reclaim my orbs, but yours as well.

If you repeat that enough, you may even grow to believe it. She could hear the mocking laughter through his thoughts. Slamming her mental defenses in place, she ended the conversation. Elantarr dare not allow her true thoughts to slip. After all, what else could she say, she failed and he had won? ‘No” she resolved. “Not ever. I will see the world burn before I concede defeat.”

But how? Glancing back at the mists, she shuddered as his champion paraded around the arena. I need someone different, someone who will push. Someone who needs this as much as I do. Yet, where can I find a champion who is bold and strong enough to return me to my glory? Humans do not show their true worth until they are challenged. I must force them to show their mettle, to struggle as I have and stand victorious.

Contemplating, she turned her back on the mists. My last orb has just been stolen from me. Without its power, what can I offer a champion? Pacing the room, she paused.

They will have to be as desperate as I am.