Dark Lord Agapetus sat at his table, his servants setting the food and drinks around him. Unlike the feast from earlier, only one other person sat with him. This person was the chief of the largest clans in the Great Swamp, a woman with a black stump for an arm. She was very quiet and tended to not talk for very long, preferring to have silence over the table.
"I must thank you for helping my nation in the diplomatic arrangements," stated the Dark Lord sipping a glass of water, ignoring the reflection of the shadow inside. "It must've been difficult, convincing the others my nation was not one of brigands and murderers, especially after the incident with the ambassadors."
"It was," said the woman simply. "But they were willing to forgive. Everyone but Thorolund. But it appears you murdered the hypotenuse in that equation."
"They were detrimental to the alliance," insisted Agapetus.
"I did not oppose your decision. I supported it in earnest. Those people took my arm from me, labeled me a heretic, just because I looked oddly. I am grateful, however, you did not kill them all."
"I kept their civilians," he murmured glancing out the nearby window. "They have integrated well enough into my society."
"Good. You will need those people for any treachery that may pass onto you."
The Dark Lord paused. "I get the feeling you know something I do not."
The woman leaned forward, lowering her voice to a whisper. "That cleric, Petrus, he is a liar. I know it just from his voice and his smile. I may be crippled, but I am not stupid. He is also from Thorolund, so he cannot be trusted."
"I am well aware of that," stated Agapetus lowly, hoping no one else heard him as well. "But he is a politician where I am not, a necessary evil. When he is no longer necessary…"
He sliced into his roast beef, splitting it open with his knife and causing a small amount of blood to pour out. The symbolism behind that was obvious.
The woman gave a small smile. "I like the way you think."
"Yes, I knew you would. We both think on similar terms."
"The best course of action is that with the best results."
"Exactly."
The woman glanced at the food. "Also, there is something else you should be aware of."
Agapetus listened intently, not believing the foolishness of this woman. He merely opened his court to her and sent an invitation, and she had just walked in like they were friends. She was a treasure trove of information, something he could not underestimate in this game.
"Astora is uneasy about my people," explained the woman. "They freely use our magic, but they were still part of the exiles of my people. There is much tension between us."
"Are they threatening violence?"
"No. But I know that our alliance is not without its unease."
The Dark Lord nodded. "Yes, I understood that. Perhaps there could be a way to exploit this…"
The woman stopped dead. "Pardon?"
Agapetus chuckled. "Think about it. The two of us are alike-minded, and we're ambitious people. Not everyone agrees with us. The simplest motive is to get rid of them."
"That's…"
"Awful? Immoral? Wrong? Nothing is wrong if it helps our people."
The woman nodded, digesting his words. "…your words are true, but that does not make them any easier to swallow."
"I understand. But I came to you because we are the most similar in this alliance. Together, we can strength this alliance and truly make a difference. You see what's going on. Any of the remaining bonfires are gone, the bare minimum being alive at this point. We must keep this world together."
"The Age of Darkness is rapidly approaching, and we are unprepared."
"Exactly. That's why this alliance must keep the world together, or we are all going to die."
The woman looked at him confidently. "If that is the case, we must work together to be rid of the weak links. I shall back you with my clan, and all other clans that answer to my call. We will support you, King of Lordran, in all your exploits."
He nodded, smiling appreciatively. "I thank you for this gift, and I shall not waste it." Internally, he was laughing hysterically. This woman had so easily bought his words, barely questioning his will. He didn't even have to use his persuasive powers on her, meaning he could still use it on her if the need arose.
"Clever, very clever. This lying thing is getting easier for you."
"Shut up."
"You'll become like that greedy rook at this rate if you keep it up."
"Just shut up! I am using it to keep the world together."
"The world, eh? You're doing it only for your throne, your power. Who says you have to be the head of this alliance, to lead the world into the Age of Darkness? Someone else could do it, why you?"
"Because I'm the only one who is willing to do everything to win the game."
"Oh, even go against the set rules?"
"Rules are irrelevant. The game ends when you win, it doesn't matter how you get there."
"But when you hold the broken shards of the world in your hands, and you're surrounded by endless Dark, what will you do then? What will you do when frost rains from the sky and your blood freezes in the sun? That is what awaits you if fail."
"What if I succeed? What if I truly can keep the world together?"
"Well than…I don't know what will happen. I've never seen a true Age of Darkness."
"Then you should wait and see."
"Oh, your typical fiery attitude. I always loved that attitude."