Cole appeared in the chamber of the Seer. She was busy staring into a pool of water and turned when he appeared.
"Welcome, my Lord," said the Seer.
"We have a problem," said Cole unceremoniously. "Shelack and Quintor tried to vanquish me. They didn't know my true identity. They thought I was still Turner."
"Obviously they failed," said the Seer. "And I assume you punished them properly."
"That's not the problem," said Cole. "They were hired by Wolf. He, Tennack, and Keltock are making a serious bid for the throne. They actually had a reasonably good plan. Fortunately I was the first step in their plan. Now that their plan has failed I'm sure they'll think of something else."
"I do not see the problem," said the Seer. "Simply vanquish them. You have enough power to do that even at this stage."
"But if they know about me," said Cole, "they might have told others. Vanquishing them would only delay the inevitable. We need to push our plans up. The underworld needs to know I've returned so that any demons vying for my throne will give up."
"That would not be prudent," said the Seer. "You are still weak. Until you have regained all of your power you could still be at risk from some of the higher-level demons. If we reveal your true identity and they should discover you are not at full power you could find yourself in the middle of exactly what you wish to prevent."
"Then we convince them I am at full power," said Cole. "None dared oppose me before because I was too powerful. We simply have to show them that I still possess that power. That none have the strength to oppose me and live."
"And how would you suggest we do that?" the Seer asked. "Other than killing the Charmed Ones. And you have said that is not an option."
"It still isn't," said Cole. "You have to come up with a plan. Something that will convince the underworld that I have returned."
"I have all ready thought of that," said the Seer. "I have spoken to Malevant. Once he is convinced that you are who you claim he will vouch for you. No demon would dare challenge you then. You know Malevant will remain loyal. The rest of the underworld will not wish to challenge both you and him."
"Yes," said Cole. "That will work. Malevant corroborates that I have returned. Once that happens my reputation should keep most of the hierarchy in line. And if there are any who wish to challenge me we will just have Malevant dispose of them. Until I my power has completely returned."
"Exactly," said the Seer. "But first we must convince Malevant. He has said if he is not convinced he will vanquish us both. And he is more than capable of doing it at your reduced power. The question is how to convince Malevant beyond any doubt of your true identity. It must be something that will convince him utterly."
"That should be simple enough," said Cole. "I shall simply tell him things that only he and I know. That should be enough to prove to him who I am."
"Perhaps," said the Seer. "But whatever you tell him must be something that is indisputable. Something that no one else could possibly have learned. Otherwise he will just assume that Turner discovered the information."
"There is one thing," said Cole. "Enough to convince even Malevant of my true identity. Something that is unquestionable."
"And what is that, my Liege?" the Seer asked.
"Never mind," said Cole. "This is too important to risk it getting out at this stage. Simply bring Malevant to me in my private chambers as soon as you can arrange it. Let me know when he's ready and I'll go there. Then I'll prove to him my true identity."
"As you wish, my Lord," said the Seer. "I will contact him right away."
"Good," said Cole.
Cole shimmered out of the chamber leaving the Seer alone. This was a dangerous move. Malevant's anger was legendary in the underworld. Whatever Cole was planning could backfire. And if that happened, the Seer had no doubts that Malevant would vanquish them both.
She turned and left her chamber heading for the lower levels. She would need some guarantee that Malevant would not vanquish them if Cole's proof proved not to be substantial enough. Even as powerful as Malevant was even he was vulnerable to sheer numbers. She would need Malevant's aid in the near future but she needed Cole even more. If it came down to a choice, Cole would have to survive no matter the cost. Her selection from the lower chambers would have to be very specific.