Alerster was surprised that after many years of doing research for Belos, he was finally being summoned him to his throne room in his castle. It felt like ages since he had invited to meet with him.
He wasn't sure what he could have possibly wanted, but he knew well that it wasn't wise to decline a request from the emperor.
After all, it was about time that he delivered his findings to him.
He stopped at the edge of the chasm that prevented him from reaching the castle by normal means. It seemed that the guard on duty for watching the bridge was not informed by anyone of his impending arrival.
Just as he was about to use his staff to fly over, the bridge finally began to form and reach towards over the chasm.. On the bridge was a young man cloaked in white with a golden bird mask covering his face from view.
He knew this was the Operative that worked closely with Belos. Even though Alerster had spent many years in service to Emperor Belos, he never did learn the Golden Guard's true name.
"Alerster. It's good to see that you're alive and well!".
"A couple of feral demons has never stopped me from my goals," Alerster said sarcastically, "It's good to see you as well, you've grown a lot since I last saw you".
He shook the Golden Guard's hand and then followed behind him across the bridge.
"So tell me, what brings you to the Emperor's castle?" the young teen asked.
"I found some information that may be of use to the emperor, " Alerster replied, "I've made some discoveries that should be able to help with his plans for the Day Of Unity".
The Golden Guard sighed. "Yeah, he never really shuts up about it. I know it's supposed to be important, but I rarely get any good sleep these days because I'm always looking out for-"
"And what have you been doing?"a familiar voice made them both look to see that it was Kikimora, she looked quite angry as she marched up to the Golden Guard, "You're late for your meeting with the coven leaders!"
"Relax Kiki, I'm sure they can wait a bit longer. I am the right-hand man of the emperor and the newest leader of the Emperor's Coven".
Kikimora grumbled under her breath and walked away in anger, not even bothering to make eye contact with Alerster.
"When did you become the leader of Emperor's Coven?" Alerster asked, surprised by this revelation.
"About a half a week ago, Belos caught Lith trying to free her sister with a-"
"GO TO YOUR MEETING, NOW!" Kikimora interrupted harshly before the Golden Guard could finish his sentence.
The Golden Guard sighed, finally giving up with a groan. "I'll see you later". He was quick to take out his staff and disappeared in a flash of red light, leaving Alerster alone with Kikimora.
She looked at him with disapproval in her eyes. "You're getting too soft on him Alerster, he is nothing but trouble!"
"I'm sure you're just overreacting. He's a good kid. Maybe if you were less strict on him, he might be a bit kinder to you".
She still didn't look like she believed him one bit.
"Here," Alerster said taking out a scroll from his bag and gently placing it into her small hands. "This scroll has all of my findings inscribed in it. Since you are his closest advisor, I've sure you will look after it while I'm in my meeting with Emperor Belos".
Kikimora nodded. "I'll be sure to give it to him after you're done with your meeting.
Alerster dipped his head. "Good, I'll be sure to let you know when I'm done".
It didn't Alerster long to walk through the corridors of the Emperor's castle to reach the doors to the emperor's chambers.
He took a deep breath and entered the room.
It was quite a large room with pillars on each side. Nothing had really changed since he had last been summoned to Belos's throne room.
Underneath the beating heart of the titan, Belos sat on his throne watching Alerster approach him. He was quick to kneel before Belos.
"My lord, I have come at your request. What is it that you wish of me?"
"Ah, Alerster. I'm glad to see that you've been doing well. I've presumed your research is going smoothly?" Belos asked.
Alerster nodded. "It is, my lord. The information I've discovered should be some use to you and our coven.. I've passed on my findings to Kikimora, she has everything that you'll need".
"Yes, that will do nicely," Belos replied.
"If I might ask my lord," Alerster said, getting to his feet, "Is there something else you requested of me?"
Belos nodded. "Yes, I have an important task for you for your next mission. I need you to do a bit of undercover work for me," Belos replied.
Alerster was surprised, it had been quite a long time since he was tasked with doing undercover work for the emperor.
Belos got to his feet and used his finger to draw a magic circle in the air in front of Alerster. The circle revealed an image of a humanoid that looked like a witchling, but lacked pointy ears.
"Half a week ago, I underestimated a human child that was able to aid Litlth free her outlawed sister, Edyalin Clawthron".
This was the first time he had heard about a human being on the boiling isles. Left alone one strong enough to escape the clutches of the emperor and free one of Belos's most wanted criminals.
This must have been what the Golden Guard was trying to tell me.
"With my operative busy with aiding me with preparations for the Day Of Unity, I will need some extra spies to keep an eye on this human child and any other traitors. If not stopped, she may ruin my plans for the Day Of Unity".
Alerster hesitated. "And what should be done if she does try, my lord?"
"You will take her down and bring her to me, alive. I will decide what should be done with her. Is that clear Alerster?"
He nodded. "If that is what you wish, then it shall be done, my lord".
Alerster turned away from Belos and was about to exit the room when he heard the loud thump of the emperor's staff.
"One more thing," Belos said when Alerster looked back at Belos's masked face. "If all else fails, you have my permission to summon the coven leaders. But do not underestimate this human girl".