FOUR
"The Brotherhood of the Thorn is a very special order," Baldasor said. "Actually, we don't serve the Source of all Evil. We serve the Circle of the Black Thorn. The Source controls the underworld. The Circle is responsible for demonic activities on the mortal realm. Their normal base of operations is near Los Angeles."
"Then why are they serving the Source?" Peter asked.
"We are on loan, so to speak. The Source contacted the Circle and asked for the use of the Brotherhood. For the past few decades we have been helping to further the ends of the Source."
"Okay," said Peter. "I don't see why the Source would ask for outside help."
"As I said," said Baldasor, "I have an understanding of humans most other demons do not have. That's because of my brother. He taught me a great many things about humans that only someone with a soul can teach. It's why the Source asked for us."
"Is that what surprised everyone?" Peter asked. "That Cole was able to understand humans better than most demons?"
"Hardly," said Baldasor. "As I told you, one does not petition to join the Brotherhood. They ask you to join them. When Belthazor was about your age he had distinguished himself enough to warrant the invitation. Demons of any area may be requested to join. In 1942 he was asked to join the Brotherhood."
"I hadn't realized he had belonged for that long," said Peter.
"He hadn't," said Baldasor. "He was asked to join then. For the next three years he performed a series of tasks designed to prove he was Brotherhood material. A great many demons fail these tasks. But my brother always excelled at his chosen profession."
"Three years?" Peter questioned. "That's a long time to be an initiate."
"The Brotherhood has a long and distinguished lineage," said Baldasor. "We are extremely careful to choose those who will not disgrace us. That requires unusual methods to weed out those who are not fit."
"So what was so surprising about Cole's assignment?" Peter asked.
"It wasn't so much the assignment," said Baldasor. "It was how Belthazor handled it."
Cole walked into the chamber of the Circle of the Black Thorn. For three years he had performed every task they had requested of him. And they seemed pleased with his performance. Very soon he hoped the test would be over. And he would become a full-fledged member of the Brotherhood of the Thorn.
"Belthazor," said Baldasor, walking up to greet him. "Raynor asked me to meet you. He felt it might make it a bit easier for your next assignment."
"Baldasor," said Cole, "how much longer is this going to go on? I've performed a dozen tasks over the past three years. And I've successfully completed all of them. Haven't I proven by now that I'm fit to be one of you?"
"Patience, brother," said Baldasor. "You know of our proud heritage. All members go through this. And your tasks are nearly complete. You have only one final task before the final decision is made. Although from your past performance I believe that decision is a foregone conclusion."
"Just one more task?" Cole asked. "Good. Some of the tasks haven't made much sense. Maybe someone will explain why I had to perform some of them when this is over."
"We will," said Baldasor. "But right now you need to concentrate on the matter at hand. This will be your most important task. Even considering your performance to date, if you fail at this one you could be refused admittance to the Brotherhood. This is very important."
"Don't worry," said Cole. "I'll do fine."
"I'm not so sure," said Baldasor. "The task will be extremely dangerous. And it will not be a simple task, either. I don't know what it will be but you can rest assured it will be something that will test all of your powers and abilities."
"Okay," said Cole. "So, when do I learn about this task?"
"In a few moments," said Baldasor. "A representative from the Circle will meet with you and tell you what the task will be. If you refuse the task, you will not be given admittance to the Brotherhood."
"I understand."
"Okay, when you go in to see the representative, you must be in demonic form. It is traditional. He is a member of the Circle so be sure to show the proper respect. And you will be allowed to ask any questions you need to clarify the assignment."
"I understand."
Suddenly a robed figure walked up to them. Who or what the figure was Cole couldn't identify. But it wouldn't be the person he would be speaking with. This would be only a servant of the Circle.
"Shalson will see you now," said the figure.
It turned and Cole followed. Shalson was a warlock of some renown. As a member of the Circle of the Black Thorn he would speak for all of them. The figure led Cole to a single door at the end of a corridor. It then turned and told Cole to assume his demonic form and enter the room. Then the figure walked away.
Cole changed to his Belthazor form. He was seven feet tall and blood red all over. A small set of horns circled his forehead. His eyes were a dull yellow. He had no markings or identifying features. Those were normally reserved for demons that had distinguished themselves.
Belthazor entered the room to find a single figure standing in the center. The man didn't appear very imposing. He was short for a human and not particularly memorable. But looks were deceiving with demons. Sometimes the most innocuous looking ones were the most dangerous.
"Welcome, Belthazor," said Shalson. "I've looked forward to meeting you for a long time. I've followed your progress in the trials with great interest. You seem to have done quite well."
"Thank you, sir," said Belthazor. "I have strived to prove I am worthy to join the Brotherhood."
"In that you have been successful so far. As I'm sure Baldasor has told you we have only one more task for you to complete. You may refuse the task if you wish. But if you do refuse your invitation to join the Brotherhood will be withdrawn."
"I haven't come this far to back out now. I'm sure whatever task you have for me I'll be able to complete it to your satisfaction."
"I wouldn't be so quick to jump at it. You don't know what the task is yet. You spent most of your life prior to this working for demons in the underworld I understand."
"Yes. My mother is a demoness in service to the Source. It was her desire that I serve him as faithfully as she has."
"Of course. Then may I assume you are familiar with most of the demonic hierarchy of the underworld?"
"Fairly familiar. I've worked for many of them at one time or another. And they all seemed pleased with my work."
"Yes. It was one factor in our decision to offer you the invitation to join the Brotherhood. We've gotten very good reports on you from demons such as Beelzbor, LaTarrin, and many others. Even demons you haven't worked for seem to have high praise for you. Demons such as those on the Triad and Malevant, one of the personal advisors to the Source. I understand their reports are based largely on your services to some of their major underlings."
"I appreciate that, sir," said Belthazor. "As I said, I'm only trying to prove my worthiness."
"So, tell me," said Shalson. "Since you are familiar with the demonic hierarchy, how would you feel if you were asked to vanquish one of them?"
"My feelings are unimportant," said Belthazor "I've been a mercenary long enough to not let my personal feeling interfere with my work. And it wouldn't be the first time I was hired to vanquish someone I knew. The second rule in the mercenary business is 'business is business'. Never let personal feelings interfere with the job."
"That's good to hear," said Shalson. "As it happens there is a particular demon in the hierarchy that the Circle of the Black Thorn would like removed. We've decided that it will be the perfect final test for you. Complete this assignment successfully and I can almost guarantee that you will be granted membership in the Brotherhood."
"I see. Baldasor said it wouldn't be easy. But I'm sure I can complete the mission. I know many of the hierarchy quite well."
"You understand, of course, that word of our involvement in this matter must never come to light. Regardless of what happens it is vitally important that the Circle not be associated with this vanquishing. Ever."
"I understand. I can probably arrange it to appear that a rival demon was responsible."
"That would be most beneficial. "So am I correct in assuming that you have agreed to take the assignment?"
"Yes," said Belthazor. "I need only know which of the hierarchy it is to know the best way to proceed."
"That is quite simple," said Shalson. "Your target is Malevant, one of the advisors to the Source of all Evil."