The Balinor Chronicles: The Celestial Herd
Chapter Thirty-Seven: Lotaringe
There is a particular game played by many, children and adults alike, on one particular world. It is called Dominos, and it seems that the most fun is had when not playing with the rules. Rather, the players take the pieces and line them up on their edges in the form of a snake or whatnot. Then, by knocking one single piece over, a chain reaction is started, causing all the Dominos to fall over and knock the one in front of them. The really serious and skilled players of this game can cause the Dominos to knock into other objects, with an interesting end result, like say, popping a balloon. Watch carefully, for something along those lines is about to occur.
The sentries were tired. Their four-hour shift was almost over, and it was the middle of the night. They struggled against sleepiness, trying valiantly to fight off the dreams of deep sleep. One was pacing trying to keep his mind from wandering. But wander it did right across the field and almost right over the back of an approaching Unicorn. The sentry caught himself in time and nickered to his friends on night watch with him. Carefully they arranged themselves to surround the Unicorn, using their dark coloring to blend in with the night itself.
The Unicorn approached the front lines of the Twilights directly, not bothering to sneak around or attempting to conceal himself. He was spooked when some of the Twilights suddenly appeared at his side; his ears pricked forward and his breath came out in grunting snorts. But that was his only reaction.
And then, in a way very reminiscent of Arioch's wish, the Unicorn demanded to see Moloth.
And, in a way very reminiscent of Mulciber's actions, his wish was granted.
But, is the result merely a repeat of the past?
Lotaringe leaned in closer to Moloth, not wanting the guards surrounding the two to hear his words. "I can assure you the loyalty of the Storms. That is over a quarter of the Rainbow. They will never recover from such a blow."
Moloth's eyes bored into Lotaringe, who shifted uncomfortably under the weight. His arrival was not as receptive as he would've liked, and Moloth, being Moloth, was suspicious of all and any who entered into his domain. And his eyes! So like Mulciber's, Moloth's eyes were fiery rubies, full of calculating calmness that barely hinted at the temper and power contained beneath. He shuddered again. He played his last card.
"And, I bring you a gift."
Moloth gave a derisive snort. "Heh, heh, and what can you give to me? I can send my men out and anything in the Valley that I want, is mine. Why should I even listen to you?"
He turned and began to walk away. The Twilight guards, horns lowered, eyes glittering, moved in on Lotaringe. But the Water Unicorn never flinched. His voice, as he called out to Moloth's retreating tail, was hardly more than a whisper, yet it was powerful enough to start avalanches, shifts of power, and knock over dominoes.
"I can give you Orcinus."
Moloth looked behind him. His voice was full of his grandsire's temper, power, and malice for fakers. His voice is filled with scorn, disbelief and ridicule. "What did you say?"
Lotaringe cocks his head at an angle. His voice is full of delight; his eyes are dancing that Moloth is wrong. "I can give you Orcinus."