Yep here it is, it's a short one this time but I'm sure you'll all cope.

There was totally something else I was going to say here but I completely forgot so just read and enjoy.

Disclaimer: ... I do not own the stuff Garth Nix created...

FLAWLESS EVIL

Preparation

The sun was rising, again. Impatiently Reece stood on the steps to the stronghold and watched as the townsfolk brought in more loads of peat soil. It was somewhat frozen, having been dug up from the surrounding moors in the bitter cold; although it may have been early spring, it still snowed nightly.

Finally there were eight piles that met his requirements. He would have liked more but eight would have to do for now. Walking down into the square again he gestured to the guards who stood terrified holding their prisoners. Reece chuckled to himself; if they think they are afraid now just wait till I give them something to be afraid of.

Eight elderly people were led forward into the square; five of them were barely conscious, not even aware of their surroundings so far had their minds deteriorated. Another one of them stood there drooling while the other two lay on pallets, normally attended by loving family members these two were now held out in the cold on his whim.

Each one was laid or placed on or next to a pile of peat, once this was done the guards moved out of the way quickly. Surveying the scene in front of him Reece's expression wrinkled with distaste. Old people, he hated them, he would never become old. He had made sure of that a long time ago.

Behind him the spirit boy reached forward and placed a hand on his shoulder. He raised his hand and spoke, eight charter marks glittered in the air before suddenly transforming into little silver blades and flashing across the intervening space to execute all eight of the elderly standing in the square. As their blood drained across the piles of peat Reece drew two of his bells, Mosrael and Saraneth. Simultaneously he rang both bells and recited an ancient free magic incantation. At first little happened but then a gout of fire burst up from one of the piles. This was quickly followed by fires on the other seven and slowly the peat began to take form, the bodies and blood of the deceased being absorbed into the dark fibre of their being.

Moments later as the last echoes of Mosrael and Saraneth died eight mordicants stood tall in the square. It wasn't until one of them exhaled a breath of fire though that someone screamed. People fled the square in chaos, soon only the toughest few remained. Chuckling Reece descended the steps and looked at each in turn, he selected the two largest and sent them into the stronghold. He then gave the rest of them over to the spirit boy who waited as one by one, via the stone spire in the middle of the square, they stepped through into death. Silently, Reece then turned and walked back into the stronghold.

Out on the walls sentries saw five of the mordicants reappear and take up positions around the town but the spirit boy, as well as the smallest mordicant did not reappear.

***

Sameth stood exasperatedly on the docks as he waited for Nick and Lirael to finish saying their goodbyes. They had taken a boat at the first river town they came to and travelled at speed by magic to arrive quickly at High Bridge where he would now be left behind with Nick while the rest of his family went off to see some action. Bored, he scuffed his feet on the woodwork of the docks. He was saved from further boredom though by a certain lieutenant arriving to greet him.

After the lieutenant had finished explaining his lack of preparation for the prince's arrival and Sameth had finished assuring him that it wasn't his fault because it was unexpected much to Mogget's amusement.

That was one thing Sameth figured he could be grateful for. The frustrating old cat would be travelling further north with Sabriel so at least he would have some peace while he carried out his 'thrilling' duties of organising the garrison.

Finally Nick and Lirael finished their intimate moment and Sabriel steered the boat back into the river where it whizzed off upstream again. They would probably keep going until quite late, Sameth did not envy them the sleep they would be missing out on.

Trudging up the steps Sameth resigned himself to what he thought was surely going to be a very boring stay.

Told ya it was short didn't I? As promised though Reece did some necromancy, hope you like it. Muahahah! Oh and in case you haven't noticed my chapters are littered with little hints about the nature of Reece and his allies and about the past where he first appeared. See if you can piece them together.

Thankyou again to my two devoted reviewers.

Chapter 6 will come very soon so keep your eyes peeled (hint hint lol)