I rose from the throne in surprise I couldn't mask.

"My lord... is something the matter?"

I turn my head in an impression of disdain, trying to hold back my urge to slaughter the fool that dares question me at all.

The new minister, Asmodeus K'neth, shrinks from my gaze; and I steel myself.

"Kerkyon La'brys is dead." I pronounce to the assembly.

The hall of assembled demons starts to murmur.

But as if to mirror my proclamation, a large black banner behind me to my left sets ablaze and burns to ash in mere seconds, which silences them once more. Truly a saddening loss, I could not have asked for a more capable retainer.

"So he has failed after all. I told you he would not be able to handle the Sages. Detestable as they are, their pillaging of the world's bounties grants them exceptional power."

I give Marchosias S'lein a glare. Even as my close advisor, there is a limit to the disrespect that can be allowed in the council chamber.

"I mean... it was unfortunate that he could not match up to his reputation after all. He was a great choice, but..." He quails, realising his error.

Goodness, I rue the day that came into power, if only because it means dealing with the two-faced machinations of politics and other demons always scurrying for favours. We like to think we are vastly superior to the scum of humanity because of our democracy, but is this so different from their courtly intrigue?

"No. I will allow it. My choice was mistaken this time. I, and all those assembled, were aware that this was a risk laden operation." I state.

"But it was an opportunity we could not miss... yes, we understand, Lord Principal N'vstvr." Agares G'dnihk, the Shadow Chancellor states.

"And what of the human's seventh summoning?" Shax Rog'neth, the Treasurer asks.

"A trifle, unfortunately. The blood of the Saint of Saulm was weak in the third princess. It will not serve our purposes. The individual summoned male was from a strange, magic-less world, and lacking in any power." Furfur Yik'saldik, the Magic Minister replies.

"So they decided to return the hero?" I ask.

"Strangely, no. He decided to aid them regardless, and King Legato allowed it for some reason."

"Are we certain the death of Kerkyon is not instigated by this man? Was he perhaps more than expected?" I query further.

"Do you doubt my appraisal, my lord?"

Oh for heaven’s sake... I don't want to deal with Furfur's pride right now. These demons may call me paranoid, but I did not get to my age and proficiency in necromancy by being a fool. It is common sense to consider things like this, no? Well, whatever... I will have to find another way as usual.

"Of course not, Minister. I trust your appraisal more than anything." I smile. He scrutinises me with a gaze, but nobody has ever been able to read me, even him, so he swallows and nods.

"I believe we should adjourn for now whilst we consider the next movement of the military."

I fold all of my six arms across my chest, and dismiss the congregation.

After they leave, my close aide, Raum, clears up the paperwork and hands me a tankard of chilled holewasp mead.

"Good work, my lord N'vstvr."

I nod my appreciation and down the honey coloured liquid.

"Bring me Barbatos Si'vesj. I have an urgent mission for them."

This new hero is useless he says... I don’t believe that for second… so it is appropriate I dispose of them with my own right hand before they become dangerous.