Cole shimmered into what appeared to be a warehouse. The place looked deserted but Cole knew that was only an illusion. The place had been abandoned for years. No one ever visited this place. No one human, at least. There would be guards about. Guards keeping a watchful eye out for any intruders that might learn of the small group that inhabited this place.
Cole moved silently through the abandoned crates stacked haphazardly in the building. Crates containing long forgotten items. None of the items would be of any use to any one now. But they would make an excellent place for someone to hide behind and keep an eye on the entrances to the building.
As Cole moved through the building he suddenly stopped. He was still obscured by the shadows in the unlit place. But just ahead he could see the silhouette of a creature standing in the shadows as well. A creature that, in the dark, appeared to be human.
"I'm here to see Caprick," Cole announced into the darkness.
The figure ahead suddenly spun and faced Cole. Although its features were still obscured by the darkness, its eyes glowed softly. Cole instantly recognized the glow. It was the glow created by a demon known as a Darknell demon. A demon with the ability to see in the dark nearly as well as humans see in the light.
"Who's there?" demanded the Darknell demon.
"I'm not a threat," said Cole, not moving from his spot. "I'm here to see Caprick but I don't want to have to fight my way to see him. If I wanted to I could have vanquished you. I didn't. I'm just here to talk."
"Who are you?" demanded the Darknell demon.
"I'm called Belthazor," said Cole.
"Belthazor?" questioned the Darknell demon. "You betrayed the Source. He's ordered your death."
"That's right," said Cole. "It's something we have in common."
"Wait here," said the demon.
It disappeared back into the darkness. Cole didn't hesitate. He shimmered and appeared several feet away at a new location. Outcast demons were notoriously cautious. They might not believe who he was. If they should decide to attack instead of talk, he wanted at least some advantage. Suddenly the Darknell demon reappeared.
"If you're really Belthazor," said the demon, "you can pass freely. But don't try anything. I'm not alone."
"I figured as much," said Cole.
The startled demon spun to face the new location where Cole now stood.
"As I said, I'm just here to see Caprick," said Cole. "But know this. If you know who I am then you know I'm not to be trifled with."
"Step out where I can get a better look at you," said the demon.
Cole moved forward until he appeared in a small circle of light created by the moon shining through a broken window. The demon looked him over.
"You're in human form," said the demon.
"That's right," said Cole. "Is that a problem?"
"No," said the demon. "Go to the back of the building. There you will find a crate that looks like..."
"I know the way," said Cole.
Without another word Cole turned and headed for the back of the warehouse. When he got there he saw a crate that looked like it was turned up on end. Cole reached out and pushed on the crate. Below it was an opening with a ladder leading down. Cole quickly descended the ladder and began to walk through the passageway beyond.
He knew that several demons were even now watching him. They would be the advanced guard for this place. They wouldn't attack unless Cole appeared to be a threat. Confidently, Cole continued down the passageway until he came to a large room.
Sitting in a chair at a table was what appeared to be another human. He was about sixty with graying hair. He was as tall as Cole but less bulky. There were eight more men sitting and standing around the room. This, Cole knew, would be the main force of this complex. The most powerful demons here.
"Belthazor," said the man sitting at the table as Cole walked in, "it's been a long time, my friend. It's good to see you again."
At the friendly greeting, several of the other men turned and left the room. Three remained and simply stood watching Cole closely.
"About thirty years as I recall," said Cole smiling. "I see you're no worse off for being outcast."
"Well, not doing as well as I used to," said Caprick. "Having bounty hunters after you tends to make you a bit jumpy. But then I'm sure you're aware of that. We heard you had betrayed the Source. Vanquished the Triad and everything. All for the love of a witch?"
"All true," said Cole. "I can hardly believe it myself. But times change. I would have visited earlier but I didn't think it was a good idea to come here what with you being hunted and all. I couldn't risk that a bounty hunter might follow me and find out where you were hiding at."
"I do appreciate it," said Caprick. "Which begs the question. What are you doing here now? Come to join us in our exile? We could use a demon with your skills and abilities. With you added to our ranks most bounty hunters would think twice before trying to collect the rewards we represent."
"No, I'm happy where I am," said Cole. "But I have come because I need your help."
"My help?" questioned Caprick. "Now, what kind of help can I give you? You always were more powerful than me. And higher in the hierarchy. I'm just an outcast, like you. What could I possibly have to offer you that you would be interested in?"
"There's a new player in town," said Cole. "A very powerful player."
"I know," said Caprick. "We've all sensed it. Whomever this new player is he's very powerful."
"More than you could possibly imagine," said Cole. "And he's going to get more powerful. That's why I'm here. I want you to help me stop him."
"Stop him?" questioned Caprick. "Belthazor, have you taken leave of your senses? Who is this new player? He's extremely powerful. And if, as you say, he's going to get more powerful, is it even possible to stop him?"
"I don't know," said Cole. "His name is Damonculous. He's an ancient being. I can't tell you how he got here because I honestly don't know. He's after the Elders."
"The Elders?" Caprick asked. "Why should I be concerned with that? The Elders are our sworn enemies, you know that. If this Damonculous is here to destroy the Elders, that would make him an ally."
"It's not just the Elders he's after," said Cole. "That's just the start of his plans. When he's done with them, he'll come after anyone that poses a threat to him. How long do you think you'll be safe when that happens?"
"We don't pose a threat to him," said Caprick. "We're outcasts, remember? Marked for death. Why should he be concerned with us?"
"I have it on very good authority that once he's finished with the Elders," said Cole, "Damonculous isn't going to stop there. He'll move on to anyone who might possibly be able to challenge him. That means demons. All demons. And trust me. The Source and his bounty hunters may not be able to find you here but this guy will."
"Good authority, huh?" Caprick asked. "Just how reliable is this good authority?"
"The word of an Elder," said Cole.
"An Elder?" questioned Caprick. "Okay. What do you have in mind? I'm listening."
"I have a plan," said Cole.
"I have no doubt," said Caprick. "Your plans are legendary in the underworld. Just how do we figure into these plans? And what's in it for us? Let me know what you have in mind and I'll decide if we're interested."
"I'll start with your last question," Cole said. "What's in it for you? How about having your outcasting lifted? Returning to the underworld to pursue whatever goals you have in mind."
"Keep talking," said Caprick. "Now you really have my attention. If you can come through on a promise like that."
"If we're successful," said Cole, "I can come through. Now, here's what I have in mind."