Gnarl: Hello readers. For some reason that bumbling human Maraxus isn't here to do this introduction. He said something about his moment of destiny or something like that. This story was created by the lovely Sunjinjo (Iris) and I hope you enjoy it as much as we do. Now where did he go?

An Overlady's Audiences Part 9

The command was quickly passed on and obeyed, but what came down in the red light next made Jinx widen her eyes and tense up involuntarily, despite the fact she knew very well how safe she was here, on the throne and surrounded by Minions.

A raven-haired Imperial, but not a rotund noble or fearful citizen. No, this tall man was clad in the uniform of a centurion.

He caught her gaze. "Forgive me, Milady, I wanted to arrive with clear intentions."

"You certainly did," Jinx nodded. "All too clear. Do I have to have you removed?"

"No, it's different," he spoke agitatedly, glancing around at the approaching Minions. "I come in peace!"

Jinx narrowed her eyes and leant back. "What's your name and what do you want of me?"

"My name is Maraxus. I want to join you, Milady. My loyalty lies with the Dark Domain, it has ever since I first laid eyes on Sayron and the Minions when I was stationed in Nordberg. I've been looking for opportunities to declare my support for him, but failed to contact him, or you, until now."

"An unusual ambition for a commander of the Imperial army."

Maraxus shook his head. "The Emperor was wrong to attack magic like that. My dislike of him turned out to be justified when he showed his true colours."

Jinx shivered, vividly remembering Florian's hideous transformation. "Tell me about it."

"And you can imagine how disappointed I was when Lord Sayron decided to leave the darkness…" Maraxus cautiously continued. "Me and my men left Arcadiopolis far behind before the battle, and then I left them to find you. I heard of your flights above Vindenis…"

"…and that way you and the others found my Tower Gate. You want to join me, you say. With your men? How many?"

"Fifteen hundred good soldiers, give or take a few, Milady. And my tame wolf, Brutus."

"Not bad," Jinx spoke admiringly. "It was clever of you to avoid the Battle of the Northern Fields, keeping them alive." She cocked her head, and realized he was younger than she'd initially thought. "You're more clever than your comrades in general, Maraxus, joining the winning side." She smirked. "I imagine you rose through the ranks swiftly."

"Well, that no longer matters now. I'll be what you say I am."

Jinx grinned and leant forward. He didn't back away seeing her fangs. "And I say you can rise a little further. I name you commander of my human troops. All the commanders my brother installed are dead, and I'm too busy in the Netherworld to properly watch over my people in Nordberg at the moment. You'll return to your old post, Maraxus. And when the time is right, you'll ride out with me."

"Milady," the young centurion bowed, grinning just as wide. "You have no idea how long I've wanted… how long I've tried…"

Jinx leant back and looked him over with a smile. "I recognize a loyal follower when I see one. It's a pity we didn't meet earlier, General Maraxus. I think we'll have quite a few adventures together, you and I… you and I and our respective troops."

"I can hardly wait, Milady."

"Our first mission will probably lead us to Ruboria to scout and cleanse the area, so you'd best start preparing the men for that. I look forward to working with you."

Maraxus bowed again. "Until our next meeting, Milady."

Jinx nodded to him and let the fire descend. To her pleasant surprise she saw him looking up at the flames, as if to get a good look at the magic. A good sign, especially for a former Imperial. He'd been honest about his opinion on magic, and Jinx knew he'd also been honest about everything else.

Gnarl turns to Maraxus: You finally got accepted. How do you feel?

Maraxus grins: I am so overwhelmed. She is beautiful and scary at the same time. The power radiating from her is incredible, I'm really glad I didn't mess that up.

Gnarl: Now you're commanding human forces for her. Looks like you made an impression.

Maraxus: Good grief I'm relieved. I look forward to proving myself under her rule.

Gnarl: Smart man, anyway that will conclude this segment. Please review and all credit goes to Sunjinjo (Iris) for her story.

Maraxus: And I want to say personally thank you for including me.