Prologue
Entangling Alliances
"You think I can be blackmailed so easily?"
The dust that stirred up from the barren plain caught on the edges of a torn, violet cape, turning the hem brown. Dust coated the demon lord's hair turning it's natural black a shade of brown like the bark of the oak trees that hadn't grown on the country side of Mah Laou for nearly three decades. His eyes were riveted on the demon before him, his opponents hair like ash and his face creased with a rotting smile though scars carved deep rivers in the planes of his cheeks and jaw.
"You have no other choice. Do you think you will be shown mercy when you choose to ally yourself with demons?"
The lord bristled, dark hair flaring about his face with a cloud of sand like steam around his features. "There are no longer human in Mah Laou. We keep our distance from each other and those who cross our borders know their lives are forfeit."
"And yet…" the ash haired demon's tone was mocking, striped with condescending respect. "your own daughter has mortal blood running in her veins. Not only that but you've recognized her as your heir."
Ivory teeth clenched in a growl of rising rage. "You dare insult my daughter?"
"Not at all. I've heard she's quite gifted…for a half breed. My question is, that faced with the proof of your obvious mortal sympathies do you really believe that Prince will accept your word of loyalty without proof."
"I recognize Lord Kougaji's rank among the demon nation. But I am not one of his lackeys to be moved about like a piece on a chess board."
"How unfortunate. Tell me, do you think Mah Laou can stand against an attack by the entire demon population?" Light flashed off the massive blade of his sword, arching into a gleaming ray that formed a line between himself and the dark haired demon lord. "Can your daughter?"
And intense moment of silence followed, one charged with challenge where the two demons pitted will and resisted against each other. It was a futile battle—one had nothing to loose and the other everything. The desert wind rustled scarce foliage and in the distance was the symphony of military sounds and unified devotion. Into this backdrop of prophetic eulogy the demon lord's voice was a clap of thunder.
"What do you want from me?"
"Destroy the Sanzo party."