Veil and Dagger
Not everything has a name. Some things lead us into a realm beyond words.
Alexander Solzehnitsyn
Names are not always what they seem. The common Welsh name BZJXXLLWCP is
pronounced Jackson. Mark Twain
The interior of the underground citadel blazed brilliantly with a clever trick of reflected light. On the walls hung hundreds of mirrors variously shaped that echoed the flames from constantly burning lanterns and candles. The resulting light produced was ten fold of its source.
The marble palace was built right into the cavern walls giving it a sense of growing right out of the rock. The huge structure sported columns that rose higher than the eye could see, but then again, perhaps the columns didn't end at all.
Sonya flew into her palace, shed the hawk form and shivered in her nakedness. She then adorned herself with the all-encompassing black veils of her true nature and prepared to meet her king. She pricked her thumbs with a sharp dagger that drew and dripped the needed blood. She then rotated South, West, North and East, knelt and touched her head to the floor.
The one she summoned also possessed many titles: Satan, Dark Lord, Prince of the Air and Dragon were but a few. His creation name was Sarial, a name that was lost for all time when he rebelled against the heavens.
Sonya lifted her veiled head when she heard him as he walked toward her. Sarial was magnificent to behold. While God had condemned him eat dust and walk the earth, He had not taken away his incredible beauty.
Sonya always felt heady in the presence of the raw seductive power and intelligence that emanated from him. Sarial extended his hand and helped her to her feet holding her eyes with his. "My king" Sonya greeted. She could not help her haughty tone as she continued on, "Jareth grows more like us everyday. He is yours."
Sarial smiled at her ignorance. His deep resounding voice was but a whisper. "Perhaps your silks hide the danger of losing him from your eyes."
Feeling challenged the veiled apparition stepped closer to him and demanded, "What do you mean?" Sarial grew tired of her overconfidence and grabbed her by the back of the neck and pulled her within inches of his face.
"Listen carefully for your future depends on it. The one who comes from Aboveground is His chosen. She brings the light. She must be prevented from being with Jareth or all could be lost." Sarial then brought his lips to her ear and quietly warned, "Beware Queen, the Shepard comes for his sheep."
Sonya gasped, "A human is the chosen one?" Sarial released her, "He always delighted in using the least of his creations to defeat me." "Have no concern, I shall take care of it." Sonya boldly replied. Looming over her he reminded, "You know the price of failure."
Sonya's black eyes watched Jareth as he gracefully poured her another glass of wine. Although solicitous of her comfort as usual, he seemed distracted tonight. Breaking the silence Sonya asked with a hint of concern in her voice, "I was wondering what kind of security we would have for the ball?"
Jareth looked at her questioningly, "Why do you ask?" Sonya let the slightest bit of nervousness enter her motions and voice as she replied, "As of late I have received quite a few threats from humans and the ball would be the perfect place for unguarded attack." To reassure her Jareth covered her hand with his own, "Then I will engage the hooded ones to stand guard at every entrance. Rest in knowing that no threat or human will enter."
Sonya was impressed. The hooded ones were employed only when the highest level of security was necessary. All inhabitants of the Underground feared their species for they could read minds. With that ability they could be commanded seek out and devour individuals based on intention, background or any other criteria one wished. No disguise could fool them, as many who had been digested could attest.
Sonya gave Jareth a rehearsed dazzling smile, "Thank you my Lord."