"[color=yellow]Engaged in combat? This is not according to plan![/color]"

Grhesus almost yelled at a minor demon who, although being weak in almost every way, was proficient enough in portals and observation.

"[color=yellow]He's become far too bold. He said himself the group was a threat, yet he engages them in combat. Prepare Craxis and send him to the town immediately. The Lord Marshall's dead, Zargon should be back, not engaging a group with such diverse a crew![/color]"

He almost collapsed into his demonic chair, wondering what impulse prompted Zargon to attack. It no longer mattered; he had to deal with the situation appropriately. The minor demon was still there.

"[color=yellow]Go, dammit![/color]"

The demon almost tripped in leaving the room, vanishing out the door. Grhesus signalled to a knight standing at attention.

"[color=yellow]Find Artholath. I sent for him over an hour ago.[/color]"

The knight nodded wordlessly and walked out.

[hr]

Zargon found himself pressed on all sides, even as he felt his sword in his hand. Immediately, he felt sharp tearing sensations that went at a deeper than physical level.

[i]What is this?! Do I face an angel?[/i] Zargon was being wounded, more than he had expected. More than he should have been.

He kept low to the ground, attempting to maneuver by the Lord Marshall's body, while swiping upwards to keep his foes back. He almost sent a mental signal for assistance, but opted against it. [i]I am Zargon... you fools will not endure...[/i] He began shifting while moving into his demonic form, a form which would prove much more effective in combat - if he endured long enough.

[hr]

Artholath gazed at the bleak, empty desert of grey sand ahead of him. The Border. His research in Zargon's library indicated that it was the place between the Abyss and Hell proper. It was the only place he could expect to have this meeting.

"[color=silver]You wished to meet with me... I am here, but not for long.[/color]"

Artholath turned around and saw only a shifting mass. Not physical... but not insubstantial. A humanoid figure was in the middle, obscured by dark energy flowing around it and the dark blue "sky" that the border realm seemed to have.

"[color=blue]Indeed I did. I will get to the point, if your time is short. I would like to align with you... rid myself from the faltering shadow of a demon whom's time is past.[/color]"

A rasp that was probably supposed to be a chuckle came from the figure before him. "[color=silver]You must be meaning Zargon... indeed, his time is coming. If not very soon, then by the powers that move against him. Why should I bring you in?[/color]"

Artholath considered the question for a moment.

"[color=blue]I believe we have things to discuss. Things to learn from each other. Things to offer...[/color]"

"[color=silver]Very well... walk with me...[/color]"

Artholath followed the figure as it turned and walked along the vast, grey desert...