Adolf hand almost smashed the phone in his hand. The speaker on the other end cautiously asks, “Sir, are you alright?”

“Yes. I want an update every hour,” Adolf growled.

“Yes, Sir,” the speaker said before ending the call.

Adolf eyes are furious and filled with worry, bitterly cursing in his mind. The Queen Mother was systematically culling her own people and weeding at their spies. At best they would be left with only one or two low-level spies. It would be impossible to receive clear reports on the Conclave’s movements after this. But even more so, the Conclave’s defenses had been doubled in direct response. And now, they would be left in the dark and blind.

Adolf sighs in frustration as no doubt his grandfather is aware of the situation. Debating whether to call his grandfather or not, a soft click is heard from his closet. Warily Adolf rises to his feet and pulls the door open. Nothing is out of place, but a dark rag on the floor. For some reason, Adolf does not touch the rag and firmly closes the closet door shut. Adolf turns around as he reaches for a pen when the hair on the back of his stands on edge.

A soft rustle is heard as the pen softly falls to the floor. The door opens as the secretary enters without knocking and says, “Sir, a report is in.” Not hearing a response, the secretary glances up to see the office is empty. Baffled, the secretary strides over to the desk and places the report on his desk. Frowning in confusion she mutters, ‘I swear I heard him in here.” But not too worried, the secretary returns to her desk certain that her boss would soon return.

*

The Queen Mother sits in her ivory throne in pensive thought. “We can’t have anyone believing we owe them anything. Can we my pet?” The Queen mused out loud as she caressed her hounds head with the tip of her fingers. The man in a shadow cowl lets out a happy whine in response. “I think so too,” The Queen Mother muttered in agreement as the doors open.

An old man limps slowly forward heavily leaning on his cane as the doors shut loudly behind him. It takes the old man some time to cross the full length of the courtroom. But the Queen Mother was gracious and patiently waited his arrival. The old man comes to a stop before her and says, “Forgive me, Queen Mother, but my age makes it unable to properly bow before you.”

“That is fine, I am perfectly aware of your ADVANCED age, Master Ferguson,” the Queen Mother kindly said. Her hands tighten in eagerness around the ivory throne as she leans forward. “Master Ferguson, you have something that I very much want. And you will answer my question in exchange for you precious grandson.”

Master Ferguson pales and says, “I fail to understand your words, Queen Mother. I have no living children.”

The Queen Mother waves her finger at him and says, “Tut, tut, Master Ferguson you disappoint me. As usual your carefully spoken words betray you, Master Ferguson.” Master Ferguson stiffens at the insult implied. “Your carefully chosen words merely state that you have no living children, but they do not declare that you have never had children nor have any living grandchildren. Tread carefully, Master Ferguson, I will not forgive another lie,” The Queen Mother firmly stated as she confidently leans back in the ivory throne. Master Ferguson face remains emotionless but his rapid heart beating gives him away.

“I had rumors that Atlas Starr’s woman bore twins, but the younger twin died in childbirth. But, by the graciousness of the Goddess, a little thing told me, that so-called dead child yet lived. So, tell me, Master Ferguson, where did the council hide the second child of Atlas Starr?” The Queen Mother demanded to know.

Master Ferguson stiffens and croaks, “Queen Mother, I am not at liberty to say. I am bonded by my oaths to the council.”

The Queen Mother tilts her head in laughter until she stops. A cold smile is on her face as the Queen Mother says, “You are no more tied to those oaths than I am.” The Queen Mother narrows her eyes and hisses, “Do you take me for a fool, Master Ferguson?! Did you truly and most foolishly believe I was unaware of the pact your faction made with Lady Clarise? I know all there is to know that is pertinent for the Conclave for I am the Queen Mother.”

Master Ferguson chokes as the Queen Mother continues, “You word is of no value to me, Master Ferguson. You have already betrayed your council oaths for your own personal gain and that of your faction. And you will tell moe or I will announce to the whole world the identity of your grandson, Adolf, and of your hidden pact with Lady Clarise. And though this may affect my people in the meanwhile, it will be nothing in comparison to the wave of destruction that will be headed towards you and your precious council. An entire lifetime’s work destroyed in mere seconds.”

Master Ferguson swallows and desperately pleads for clemency, “Have mercy, Queen Mother.”

“I am being most merciful, Master Ferguson, never forget that. Now, answer my question,” the Queen Mother ordered.

Master Ferguson is in deep thought, before carefully answering, “The child was hidden among the Cross Household.”

The Queen Mother pleasantly smiles in thanks and says, “Thank you, Master Ferguson. Now, you may take your leave.”

“And what of my grandchild?” Master Ferguson wildly asked.

“Ah, yes, the grandchild.” The Queen Mother motions to her hound to release its new chew toy. Shadows pool near Master Ferguson and spit out a body covered in ink like blood. “Master Ferguson, never forget I am always true to my word as the Queen Mother,” the Queen replied with great relish.

Master Ferguson goes pale and falls to his knees with anxiety. Tears creep down Master Ferguson’s horrified face as he shakes the limp body of his only grandchild, Adolf. Master Ferguson grunts with effort as he pulls his only grandchild in his arms. Master Ferguson raises his tear faced eyes and says, “You will pay for this Queen Mother. Mark my words, you shall.”

The Queen Mother snickers loudly, “Oh, I think not, Master Ferguson. Time and time again have proven that the Conclave will always stand, while its enemies perish.” The Queen Mother frowns and says, “Master Ferguson, do not stare at me with such blatant hatred in your eyes it is unbecoming of a man of your great status. This is the way it has always worked between the council and the Conclave. Last time around the council gained the upper hand and the Conclave lost precious grounds, but this time around the Conclave won the battle, while the council lost. Besides Master Ferguson, I kept my end of the bargain to the letter and told no lies nor made false promises. There is nothing to be frowned upon in this battle of wits for it was an honorable battle.” A forewarning, one must be careful when bargaining with demons. Because a demon is always true to their word, but the question that is rarely ever asked is did one ask all the right questions?

Master Ferguson hatefully glares at the Queen Mother as power gathers around him. The dog of the Queen growls but the Queen Mother consolingly mutters, “It’s fine, my pet. No harm shall come to me.” Her hound relaxes at her side as Master Ferguson uses his abilities to lift his grandson in the air.

“Now depart from my presence with thy dead, Master Ferguson, I would hate it if you were to outstay your welcome and my guards were to be forced to take action,” the Queen Mother innocently stated. Master Ferguson flinches at the Queen Mother’s words, but limps away with a stiff back as the corpse of his grandson trails behind him. The court doors open, and the figure of Master Ferguson and the corpse swiftly disappear beyond the corridor.

The Queen Mother fondly pats her hound and smiles in excitement. It had been some time since she had been so excited to trade wits with her enemies. Yes, soon, very soon, her boredom would be alleviated as the games for the world's survival would commence and determine the fate of humanity.