THEN.

The doors to the throne room of the elven Queen Lita SongStar flew open. That feat alone was impressive as the massive entrance required a dozen of the strongest elves in the land on both sides to open.Even then, the doors were pulled slowly and with maximum effort.Rolling into the room and bouncing on the marble flooring were several objects quickly identified as heads. Each one was nearly identical - human, male, bald and each with a tongue hanging out their mouths - a forked tongue.Each head was also covered in scales and warped with reptilian features.Another surprise soared into the room. This time, it was a collection of elven warriors.They were alive albeit beaten and bound together.The guardsmen in the throne room fell into combat ready positions.They split into two squads - one at the ready by the entrance, the second contingent surrounded their queen.

"Hold your ground," ordered Lita SongStar. "I have been expecting our guest."Queen SongStar, like most elves, had pointed ears that jutted out from under her long silver hair. She wore a royal suit of armor woven from leaves, twine and crystals. A large cape of fine material covered her shoulders.A crown of jewels sat on her head.What entered the room behind the gruesome display was nothing less than a giant man covered in dark armor from head to toe. The horns on his helmet nearly scraped the doorway upon his entrance. The ground shook with each step. His shoulder pauldrons were spiked and one was molded in the shape of a skull. Chain mail covered his form where the armor plating met at the joints.His helmet completely obscured his face - only shadow resided inside with two glowing eyes staring out from within.Every guard in the room held his or her breath.Queen SongStar narrowed her eyes and a wry smiled crept across her face."Greetings, Blackstone," she began."The heads belong to the Spawn of Apophis," and the armored man's every word was a whisper and a growl. "I was dealing with them when your warriors interfered and got in my way. I gave heed, they did not listen. However, they live."

The elven queen nodded her silver head gracefully. "For their interference, you have the apologies of the court. For sparing them, you have my gratitude."Blackstone was silent for a moment until he took a large breath."I have my reasons for slaughtering the serpent worshipers. I am unaware of any grievance between the Jewel Elf Kingdom of SongStar and the Spawn.""I have the greatest of grievances, warrior. They have my daughter and they plan to sacrifice her in two nights."Again, the warrior was quiet."My daughter, Princess Tapia is the elvish embodiment of Afton Ex Mas.""Your fertility goddess."The queen nodded. "You are as intelligent as your are formidable, Blackstone. My soldiers are loyal, brave and a force to be reckoned with by any army.""But this is not the work for an army and your soldiers are not me." The burning gaze of the horned man simmered as he apparently submerged into deep thoughts. "As I said before, I have bloody business with the Spawn of Apophis. I will see my dealings completed...and I will return to you your daughter. Your kingdom is to stay out of my way...your highness."

The queen nodded. "My daughter is a thing of beauty, warrior. I would prefer she be returned in her...pristine condition."Blackstone looked the woman in her eyes from across her throne room. "I am seeking bloodshed not bedding."The warrior turned and exited.The SongStar warriors looked from their perches on the windows to see the armored man hop atop a crimson steed and ride it out of the elvish land.