Gallivur struggled against the bonds, grunting to emphasize the vigorous endeavor. Given that it had been well over an hour and the situation hadn't changed, it served only to emphasize a lacking intelligence than to impress any sense of brawny prowess. The silken threads held tight. The great champion of the land hadn't managed an escape.

"Give it up," I said, lounging across my throne. "You've been bested."

"Fiend," spat Gallivur. "You'll never get away with this."

I cackled, tipping my head back, my ghutrah nearly displaced. "How many times have I heard that from you?" An unfortunate number. Gallivur had the nasty habit of spoiling my plans and painting me incompetent. I lifted a finger and motioned for my drink. As a servant slithered over to accommodate, I continued, "There's nothing you can do. Make yourself comfortable and enjoy the show."

"I won't let you destroy Fourmikari." Gallivur never listened to anything I had to say. I had explained the situation clearly. Through study of ancient texts, I had determined the location of a long dormant magical artifact and using said artifact, I was going to eradicate anyone impeding my will. Fourmikari, the nearest kingdom with a military that could match mine, had refused to submit. What else was I to do?

It had nothing to do with my long-standing feud with the kingdom. Yes, this marked my fifty-seventh campaign against the domain, but it was a matter of geography over spite. The Hailferno Sphere had a range of approximately forty-kilometers. I could relax, enjoy a chilled beverage, torture a nemesis, and destroy Fourmikari from the comfort of my own home.

I was practical, not petty.

"I've offered you an unobstructed view," I said, gesturing with my free hand as I imbibed with the other. Situated atop the tallest of five towers, my throne room offered a wide view in three cardinal directions. The mid-opening gazed westward over the crags and derelict landscape of my own realm to the horizon where the Central Palace of Fourmikari stood silhouetted in the moonlight. "When the sun rises, the flames will consume everything." I snickered into my goblet and had another mouthful of wine. "I simply cannot wait."

"You'll never get away with this!" Gallivur declared. "You've said that." I flexed my unoccupied palm. A bolt of violet lightning sprang forth and shocked the bound prisoner. "Come up with something new, Galli."

Aside from an initial gasp, Gallivur remained silent. I relented in time, finding no joy in wasting magic on a mute. I finished my beverage and set the goblet upon stone. It was collected, the servant disappearing as quickly as he had appeared. I sighed.

"What's wrong?" taunted Gallivur. I glared. "Can't keep it up?"

I crossed my arms across my satin-draped chest and frowned at the attempt for witticism. "Are you really the champion of the common citizen? I'm beginning to think I've fallen victim of a vicious rumor." Experience dictated otherwise. An unrestrained Gallivur wasn't someone with whom to trifle. I was fortunate my trap had succeeded and the interloper held in place. Hopping to my feet, I folded my hands behind my back and sauntered slowly down the steps from the throne platform. "Perhaps I'll confirm your popularity through an experiment I've just this moment devised." I clapped my hands. "I'll stick your head upon a spike and parade it throughout the remains of Fourmikari. If you are properly mourned, I will give the possibility credit."

"You're jealous," said Gallivur.

"Of what?" I snorted. "You? Don't make me laugh."

"Do you ever get sick of the worms? Ever wish you had real subjects again?" If it was meant as an appeal to loneliness, it missed the mark. Any fondness I held for my own kind had dried up long ago. My kingdom was ideal, devoid of annoyances and inconveniences. The worms thrived and served me unconditionally. Their population multiplied exponentially with every season. With it, so did my power.

I knelt, scooping a crawling attendant into my arms as I stepped before of the mouthy prisoner.

My liege, demurred the servant in a voice unheard by Gallivur. I cradled her as if she were a larva and tutted softly.

"Don't listen to Gallivur," I cooed. "Gallivur mistakenly thinks I care for the opinions of court jesters."

Gallivur put forth a slight chuckle. "Have I told you lately you're insane?"

"Not today." I considered. After a moment's rumination, I amended, "Wait, perhaps you did."

"You know, most people our age--"

"I'm not your contemporary," I interjected. "Whatever point you intend to make, save it." Gallivur was unaffected by the decree. "Most people our age don't spend their days fantasizing about world destruction."

"Most people our age," I countered, "Haven't the means to make their dreams a reality. I am not 'most people'."

Another laugh. "I suppose everyone's got their thing. Yours happens to be an unhealthy obsession with large worms."

"You think I'm obsessed with the worms, Gallivur?" I lifted my head. Our eyes met. I stated firmly, "There is only one thing I'm obsessed with."

Gripping the servant tightly around her midsection, I wrenched her form in twain. Her limp and useless halves were discarded upon the floor, swallowed swiftly in a sea of dark green as my remaining staff moved to devour. There would be no mess. They knew better than to carry out an inadequate job. Gallivur wore an expression of disgust. From the action or the end result, I could not say.

"Everyone will bow to me," I said. I turned away, clicking my heels together as I did. "Or they will die." I returned to my throne as Gallivur called my name. It wasn't until I had amenably settled back into my seat of power that I finally acknowledged. "What now, Gallivur?"

"You're going to have a hard time ruling when everyone is dead."

"To the contrary," I replied. "That will make it easier."

"You don't think you'll get bored? Your worms can't speak. They can't read. They can't hold intelligent conversation."

"Is that what you imagine this is?" I jeered.

"Stop and think, Lordavis." I had thought. Some days, it felt as though I did nothing but think. I didn't have Gallivur's advantages. I wasn't born with a strong physique or shapely appearance. No one, even when the kingdom had consisted of what others referred to as 'proper subjects', looked upon me with anything other than disdain. "Is that really what you want?"

"Yes," I said without hesitation. "It is exactly what I want."

We didn't continue the conversation. Gallivur had more to say, no doubt, but it was not to be. We were interrupted by a loud, reverberating bang. The decorated doors were kicked in and a party of three adventurers, companions recognized as regular collaborators of my prisoner, appeared in the entry. A large figure with a long sword pointed the blade my direction. "Give it up, Lordavis! You're next!" I tilted my head. "Where...did you come from?" I had a number of magical beacons throughout my land. I wasn't easily invaded, much less taken by surprise. As one of the other adventurers knocked aside the remains of a former guard, a third raised a pair of orange glowing hands.

Ah. They had come with a caster. "Your magic was no match for mine," replied the mage in an infuriatingly monotone voice. "I won't let you get away."

I let a blast of black fire speak for me. The mage stumbled, throwing up a shielding spell at the last moment. Any slower and the three interlopers would have been thoroughly dispatched.

Pity.

My liege. The servants scattered throughout the chamber raised their heads. They peered at me for guidance and direction. I pointed emphatically.

"Don't stand there! Get them!"

Gallivur chortled. I regarded him with vexation. "Looks like you won't be getting your wish today, Lordavis."

"On the contrary," I scowled, leaping over my minions as they rushed at the intruders. "The destruction of Fourmikari will go on as scheduled but you won't be around to watch it." I gripped the champion by the neck, leaning in close as I hissed, "Any last words?"

Gulliver whispered back, words dripping with venom. "You'll never get away with this!" Incoming metal separated us before I could enact my intentions. I was not interested in suffering disfigurement nor was I keen to die. I retreated several steps as the larger adventurer took up post between myself and Gallivur. "How are you holding up, Galli?"

"Think you could arrive sooner next time?" beamed the hostage. Gallivur was sliced free with minimal effort. I observed impotently, seething inwardly. "Any later and it would be daybreak." "What happens at daybreak?" asked the oversized rescuer.

I extended my arms outward and cackled loudly. It was moments like these that made the audience invaluable. The fallen worms were easily replaced. My triumph would be known worldwide. "You're too late! Any minute now, Fourmikari will be overwhelmed by unquenchable fire! You've lost, Gallivur!"

Gallivur, my ever-stalwart nemesis, responded in the way only Gallivur could. There were no further words exchanged. Before I could act, a foot tendered by years of combat training came from the right. The blow connected in a blur that sent me bouncing across the dense stone. My inclinations were split between two warring factions. I needed to rise if I meant to engage the trespassers and stop them from ruining everything. On the other hand, the floor was appealing and agreeable.

"Ow," I mumbled. "Quick," barked Gallivur. "Follow me! We might still have time!"

"Should one of us stay with the magus?" Monotone inquired distantly amidst retreating footsteps.

"This is more important," asserted Gallivur. "Lordavis isn't going anywhere."

With their departure, a serene quiet descended. It was nice.

"Ow," I reiterated. I toppled over several times before finding the necessary footing to remain upright. I dragged my bruised body to the window and let out a short whistle. Steadied against the frame, I held firm as the tremors began. They were soft at first. They were always soft at first. Abruptly, two colossal worms exploded from the bedrock of the nearby cliff face. Stretching as long as a road and covered in spines, they would serve well to drive back the merry band of uninvited visitors.

Today would be another failure, a pyrrhic victory at best.

My liege? boomed the pair of voices in silent communication.

"Go to the west tower," I commanded. "I don't care if you have to raze it. Do not allow anyone to leave."

Sighing, I pressed my back to the wall and slid downwards. My warriors rumbled away. I could hear the faint cacophony of the clash. I turned to press the swelling against the cool architecture. The sun would be up shortly if it hadn't already crested while I nursed my wound. Everything within the path of its rays would heat to an almost unbearable temperature. I would appreciate what remained of night's chill while I could.

I nodded off, reviving to the light of midmorning. The sounds of battle had ceased. Mumbling somewhat incoherently, I called out, "Rott!"

My liege, came the answer from beside me. The crafty worm had crept in while I slept. It was something of a comfort. Rott was not a creature suited for combat. His flesh was smooth and pulpy, a dark green that hovered close to ebony. If he had emerged from his hiding place, it meant immediate threats were absent.

"Rott!" I exclaimed once more. I reached out and patted him firmly on the clitellum. "You're here!" Affection was not my practice. I withdrew, pondering my enthusiasm.

My liege, observed the annelid, I think you have a concussion.

I put a hand to my brow. "That wouldn't surprise me." I struggled to recall the source of my malady. "Gallivur kicked me. I think."

Did I not advise you to slit Gallivur's throat and be done with it? "Did you?"

Yes, my liege. Rott shook his head. I remarked upon your tendency to gloat and boast your every intention. I advised that should you like to see your plots come to fruition, you had to return to your previous methods--

"Hold on." I held up a hand. "I have to tell Gallivur."

Why?

"Because," I slurred, a product of my trauma. "Gallivur has to know exactly how I've won."

My liege, therein lies the problem. If you would put aside your distaste for Gallivur, you would find very little to impede you. The Kingdom of Ever-Worms is strong enough to take on any land, save for--

"Fourmikari!" I clamored up with sudden urgency and rushed to the western window.

My liege.

"Still standing!" I cried with intense anger as I spied the Central Palace. "Fourmikari is still standing!" If you would focus your efforts beyond Fourmikari and Gallivur, you would find victory.

"It's meaningless if I don't destroy them both," I sulked. I sunk to my knees. "If the Hailferno Sphere didn't work, then I will send an army."

Fourmikari is accustomed to your acts of aggression. You would lose before you ever breached the walls.

"I would lead the charge," I said.

My liege, I think you would do well to recover first. Any planning is best done with a clear head.

My desire for direct attack did not diminish with rest. I had many dreams, each with the same purpose. I dreamt of riding a large worm and leading a hoard of lesser worms, throwing lightning and fire at those whom my servants didn't eliminate first. I dreamt of standing upon the fortified ivory walls of Fourmikari and laughing with glee at a scene of total destruction and carnage. I dreamt of looming over Gallivur as the champion tried to crawl away, severely injured and leaking life. The bodies of recent companions littered the ground, strewn amongst the bodies of previous companions.

"What's the matter?" I purred. "No smart comments today, Galli?"

"You can't do this!" A whimper. Gallivur was incapable of anything more.

I howled with amusement. "I can do whatever I want!" I recovered with a renewed vigor for annihilation. Rott was less than enthusiastic. What could he do? For all the sage wisdom he offered, he was subservient to me. He knew his place. He tried with unsuccessful pleas to sway my determination. My liege, he exasperated as I peeled a piece of fruit. You must be as tired of losing to Gallivur and Fourmikari as I am watching you lose. "Then It will be especially glorious when I succeed," I said.

What if you started a campaign against Esopterah? They shouldn't pose much of a challenge to someone with your magical abilities. Then, There is something to be said for the sense of accomplishment that would come along with a guaranteed victory.

"I've made up my mind."

Yes, said Rott. But why not build up to it? Why not start by enslaving a lesser kingdom?

I scoffed. "No. Fourmikari expects that."

Rott tapped his tail. They expect you to enslave their neighbors? I feel as though they might have taken action to prevent that if they truly thought you capable. To do so would not only take them by surprise, it would prove to them that you are a very real threat and not someone to be taken lightly. I discarded the peelings. Rott stooped to nibble them. I popped the sweet prize into my mouth. "Nonsense," I said, gnashing my mandibles audibly. "They see me as a young and inexperienced ruler, mired in the traditions of my predecessor. It means nothing to them that I've usurped the throne and single-handed depleted the kingdom of its populace. They don't care about any of that."

They care quite a bit about that, my liege.

"Imagine, Rott, that you are a citizen of Fourmikari. Imagine the Great Lordavis, Ruler of the Kingdom of Ever-Worms declares death upon you and your neighbors. What do you imagine that entails?"

Death, said Rott.

Flatly, "I mean, specifically, how do you imagine they'd imagine I'd do it?"

Well, you set us upon your subjects. "Precisely," I nodded. Fourmikari was wrapped up in the matter of worms. It was no concern of mine if others couldn't communicate or command the slithering masses as I did. I had earned the right for such power. "Fourmikari anticipates more of the same."

You murdered Revergnols, Rott continued.

I shot him a look of warning. "Do not speak that name."

Apologies, my liege. It's common knowledge that worms did not play a role in that affair. As a citizen of Fourmikari, I might also worry about possibly encountering you myself. He mused. I think, my liege, that is the more terrifying scenario. With irritation, I snapped, "What is more terrifying, Rott? Facing me and the worms on the other side of the walls or facing an unexpected and unknown army?"

Rott considered. What sort of unknown, my liege?

"You haven't an inkling. They're unknown."

'Unknown' doesn't mean 'more threatening'. When you are truly enraged, my liege, there isn't a force in nature that can stop you.

"You're missing my point," I sighed. There was nothing to discuss. Rott couldn't be made to see my view. "You're dismissed."

My liege?

"I must think. My next attempt to subjugate must be a success." I folded my hands and folded my fingers upon themselves. "I have to determine what sort of unknown to use."

Rott wriggled. My liege, you must decide whether you act for your own entertainment or if you act with intention. When you took control of the throne, did you do so while showboating for Gallivur?

I nearly choked on my indignation. "Showboating? I'm not showboating!"

I hear there is a troupe of traveling performers in Fourmikiar. If it's entertainment you seek--"

"I'm not seeking entertainment," I asserted. "And lest you forget, I'm trying to destroy Fourmikari."

That should have been the end of the matter.