Widhbo entered the projection room escorted by Munaci but parted company immediately, not wanting to be associated with the colonel. The conference had not yet begun. Widhbo recognized Lieutenant Cratus and then spied an elder who was different in appearance from the others. He was smooth shaven; his long blond hair was bound by a black cord and he wore a black dress uniform with gold insignias. Widhbo headed toward a chair near him as he seemed more pleasant than the others.

There were a lot of new faces around the table. Many wore exotic clothing instead of standard uniforms. There were several women among the elders present. One group was comprised entirely of women dressed in matching uniforms and carrying heavy weaponry, suggesting they were an elite fighting unit.

"Please forgive my tardiness," Munaci said to the others. "I was rounding up this bird on the admiral's orders."

"We're still waiting on Admiral Bethon and the ancient," Cratus said. "I would like to introduce everyone to Lord Anakron, ruler of the Hellsaxe star system and planet Beldora."

The blond elder stood, his height quite nearly matching Widhbo's, and addressed the room. "As you have been informed, Beldora was the initial landing point of this entity referred to as a demon. He was introduced into this sector by way of a few mortals who left the planet without my knowledge."

Munaci added, "The mortals were assisted by this creature known as Widhbo, who brought the thing here and failed to notify anyone of the danger."

Widhbo spoke without invitation and said, "I've already been put on trial for these circumstances and would remind you that all charges have been dropped. I would appreciate it if we could stop pointing fingers and stay on topic, namely, how to deal with the threat."

A murmur of discontent went through the room as Widhbo sat down taking up three full seats with his wings draped to either side.

"Ah, there's Admiral Bethon now," said Munaci.

Bethon entered the room followed by Tajlon who was wearing a black and gold uniform which matched the colors of Anakron's. The guardchev was clearly visible suspended from its chain and glowing faintly against his chest sending a clear signal that he was under the direct protection of the ancients. It was a rare gift and granted him a special status most often reserved for an elder.

"I'd have thought Bethon would be bored of his plaything by now," Munaci murmured to another officer.

"Greetings, Lord Anakron. Good to see you again and thank you for coming," Bethon welcomed him.

"Admiral, it's a pleasure,"Anakron replied. He was still standing and looked to Tajlon, fixing his gaze on the guardchev. "You are wearing my colors, but I don't believe we've been introduced."

"Tajlon Castonea at your service, Lord Anakron," Tajlon said with a deep bow.

Anakron gave Tajlon a slight nod as he sat down to indicate Tajlon may be seated.

Bethon whispered into Tajlon's ear before taking his own seat, "You should allow Anakron, and only Anakron, access out of courtesy. The guardchev is under your telepathic control."

Bethon found a chair next to Widhbo's three chair expanse. Widhbo lifted his wing on the other side, patting the chair between Anakron and himself. "Saved you a seat," he said looking to Tajlon.

Tajlon looked apprehensive as he took the chair next to Anakron, his true Master and High Lord of Beldora. He made an attempt to connect with his guardchev. It responded readily. He willed it to permit access to Anakron. The elder god moved into his head the moment the guardchev was opened to him. He swept through Tajlon’s memory and files. An echo of past experiences with Bethon passed through Tajlon and his body responded with every hair follicle standing erect. Tajlon fought to maintain his composure and avert a flashback. Anakron pulled back without completing his inspection and looked at Bethon with disapproval. Tajlon’s his breath quickened, and a chill went through his body.

Anakron's voice in his head said, "Thank you, Tajlon. Close it now."

The guardchev snapped shut and Tajlon breathed a sign of relief. Widhbo casually draped a wing around Tajlon’s shoulder and shifted to block him from Bethon's line of sight. Tajlon avoided looking directly at any of the other elders, but their eyes were all on him. He doubted there were any secrets here and was thankful for Widhbo's familiar presence.

The elders began discussing things among themselves in their language that neither Widhbo nor Tajlon could comprehend. The lights dimmed, a hush fell over the room and a wave form oscillated in the center of the room. The image of the visiting ancient formed, represented by a huge holographic bust of a man. His face had a regal countenance. He wore a helmet gilded in gold and tipped with fire. He was obviously angry by the set of his jaw and brows.

"I am Balvendro, all rise!" The room responded immediately. "What is the meaning of this incompetency?"

"Ancient and Blessed Balvendro, we beg your forgiveness for our inadequacy," Munaci began.

Balvendro silenced Munaci with a look. "Someone, answer my question." His voice had a deep metallic quality which rang out and echoed around the room.

"We've never run across a similar problem and don't know how to control this demon," Bethon offered. "He devours everything in his path, probes and ships. He vaporized an asteroid. I have reason to believe he can absorb energy on the molecular level and doesn't need a power source as we know it."

Balvendro swept the room with his immense mental power and probed the minds of all present. Tajlon's body jolted when his entire being was known to Balvendro within a flash of the golden helm. His guardchev would not hinder the ancient who had created it

"But you have made no attempt to actually fight this demon. Feeding it a hapless ship and a servile probe is pathetic,” Balvendro said to Bethon. “What is your plan?"

The room was silent. "Anyone? No battle plan? I'm disappointed."

"And you, son of the demon, what have you to say?" Balvendro demanded.

Tajlon felt as though the floor were falling out from under him, but somehow found the power to remain upright. Anakron placed a hand to his back and prompted him, "Step forward."

"I am not the son of a demon, Blessed Balvendro," Tajlon managed. " My father was destroyed. The demon used him as a vessel for its purposes."

"Still, it chose your father. Why?"

"I... I don't know unless it was because... " Tajlon hesitated.

"Speak. I want everyone to hear you say it."

"Unless it was because he was more advanced than the other mortals."

A general amusement and muffled laughter filled the room.

"As you are?" Balvendro prompted, ignoring the lack of decorum.

"I was given some advantage by having a processor chip implanted in my brain as a young child."

There was more laughter and murmurs regarding the pretensions of a primitive. The guardchev activated to a higher level, spinning with a high-pitched whir as the room full of elders tried to examine him. Tajlon might as well been surrounded by a pack of hungry wolves. If not for the guardchev he would have been consumed.

Without warning Balvendro lifted Tajlon high in the air and suspended him there.

"Behold, an example of truth and fealty, " Balvendro said as he glared about the room of sneering elders, "This creature, this sapling with dirt still clinging to his heels, has only recently evolved past the beasts on his world. He knew he would be a subject of ridicule and humiliation, yet he obeyed me and spoke truthfully." His voice boomed out louder, "As should all my subjects."

The amusement came to an abrupt halt.

Tajlon was visibly trembling in Balvendro's invisible hold.

"I admit to negligence, Blessed Balvendro," Anakron said. "I left Beldora unattended for too long a time. Their progress was accelerated without my knowledge. I don't know what I might have done to stop this demon, but I was unaware and ask your forgiveness."

"Who will admit responsibility for their accelerated evolution?"

"It was me, "Widhbo said. "I did what I could, your Giantness. The demon was far too powerful. Have pity on me. I only wanted to salvage the ship and return to my home dimension”

"If you had the means, what would you do now?" Balvendro asked.

"Why, I suppose I would toss him down a black hole of course. It's the only thing to stop him."

"At least the bird has a plan," Balvendro's said. His words sliced through the room like a dagger aimed at every elder in the room.

"Let him down please," Widhbo pointed up at Tajlon.

"I'll put him down when I'm ready."

"Of course. It's just that he's had such a rough time these past few days. The lack of hospitality here is horrendous at times and altogether shocking."

"I am aware," Balvendro turned his attention toward Bethon. "I would advise this council to be ready with a detailed plan when I return."

The elders all bowed to acknowledge his command.

Balvendro lowered Tajlon to the floor, placing him back beside Anakron. "Train him to my service, Lord Anakron. I find him worthy.”

He gave Tajlon a a kind look. “Dismissed."