Jillian’s brows twitched with annoyance when her infernal ‘partner’ was cut short so rudely. His projected visage gone, the witch turned around to face Crone, who was approaching. Arms crossed, she listened to the old woman muttering about how unpleasant she thought the Grand Master. Initially, Jillian might have agreed but now, after their exchange, she was not so sure anymore. The Ancient One did not seem that great an evil to her. A schemer, devious and perhaps a bit malicious, but he had been relatively forthcoming considering both the circumstances and his obligations to them. For all this talk of how demons are meant to be these chaotic, villainous monsters, this one seemed quite reasonable indeed, which was more than she might be willing to say about certain human individuals. Although she might never admit it, she was in fact looking forward to speaking with him again. Perhaps out of mere curiosity, perhaps in order to strike another, more personal deal. She didn’t know, but she was not entirely dishonest when she said she was ‘enthralled’. Jillian wondered what Gerald thought of their partner; was he similarly intrigued, perhaps willing to use his demon prison to help free him? Maybe they wouldn’t have to go all the way – they might be able to use the demon prison, once it has been filled, as part of a trade with the Grand Master. They could give him his general and gain something powerful in return. Risky, perhaps, but the other prisons were most likely difficult or impossible to obtain, considering that this all-powerful Fixer had not yet acquired them for his master, not even the one hanging from Gerald’s neck now. Time could tell, but she might confide the necromancer in on her idea when the time was right. Certainly not now, and certainly not in the presence of Crone and Renold.

“None of us asked, let alone agreed to summoning the Grand Master. I feel like you could have asked us,” Jillian complained in reply to Crone, “Just because you struck a deal with him does not mean you should be so willing to shove others into the same kind of contract.”

“Be that as it may”, she continued with a mild sigh, putting her hands on her hips, “I’m guessing it will work out for us in the end. And yes, we’ll help. Hazzergash is partly responsible for my present state and I’d like to return the favor.”

“Gerald? What do you think? You haven’t said anything in a while,” the witch remarked, gesturing towards him and gazing expectantly.