Gorthaur bowed deeply to hide the scowl crossing his face. He kept his countenance hidden as his next words ground out from between clenched teeth. "Yes, Master. I will leave immediately."
Morgoth had tasked him with another mission. The two malicious presences stood alone in a large shadowy chamber. Their voices resonated deeply off the high vaulted ceilings and the firelight from the few torches within the room reflected off the polished black stone floor. Morgoth stood tall with his back facing his servant as he commanded the details of his newest plot. This time his instructions were to infiltrate a large village of men in the far east.
How Gorthaur was tired of such frivolous tasks. What did any of this gain? A sharp pain shot through his skull and his master spoke, "You know nothing."
The simple words revealed Gorthaur's thoughts with blatant clarity. "Your servant is a worm compared to the majesty of his master." He lowered his posture in respect to the tyrant before him.
Morgoth was silent and for a very brief instant Gorthaur was afraid his words had not been enough. Silence was his dark master's most potent weapon. Gorthaur pulled his emotions back into a calm equilibrium. He could not let anything else slip.
Gorthaur stayed deeply bowed in dead quiet for what felt like a millennium. Gorthaur could not see his master but felt his presence. A heavy footstep sounded. The single footstep was followed by another till the void surrounding Morgoth's aura passed over Gorthaur. Out of nowhere, a large heavily armoured hand smashed into his cheek, splitting flesh and sending the Maia sprawling.
Gorthaur should have known a strike had been coming. The Maia bit his cheek hard to keep from crying out. He remained on the floor pressing his palm against the burning wound and feeling the blood ooze between his close fingers.
His master spoke harshly. The words came out as twisted whispers. "You have no idea." The dark master fixed a penetrating gaze onto the prostrate Maia. His voice came out silky smooth as he said the next words. "What would you do, pet? Tell me."
Gorthaur knew the question was a trick. There was no correct answer and anything would most likely lead to a beating. He did not answer but contemplated the inquiry.
Morgoth put more steel into his voice. "Tell me. That is what you wish for? Is it not? You desire choice."
That was a statement. And its truth left the Maia naked and mute. Ambition ignited his heart with flame and Gorthaur's reply dripped poison. "Yes. I desire choice."
Morgoth gave a cutting bark of laughter that bounced and multiplied off the high ceiling. "I've known it ever long." His voice dropped back to a chill whisper. "You can hide nothing from me."
Morgoth stepped before Gorthaur, who was still laying prone upon the black stone. The evil master outstretched a claw and ran it smoothly down Gorthaur's raven tresses, sending bolts of ice darting throughout the Maia's body. The touch was the most violating thing Gorthaur had ever experienced. Gorthaur felt a deep hatred begin to scorch his heart, hatred for the only one who promised to give him what he wished.
Morgoth smiled a terrifying smile. "All rebellions begin with a seed of doubt, Gorthaur. You will learn that soon enough." He rose. "Go."
That was all Gorthaur needed to hear. He was done being in the presence of his master. The Maia scrambled off the floor and dipped his head. "Yes. Master."
Quickly, he left the chamber. Gorthaur's steps echoed off the silent walls as he left to finish his master's mission. The Maia brought his hand to his still throbbing cheek. It had been worth it. He had learned a lesson. Smiling, he filed the information far away into the depths of his mind.