| Alliances In His Master's Name by Darknight |
| Korren watches the threesome head off, silently cursing their foolishness. They don't realize the risk they are in, or the mood Malekariel is no doubt in. However, as much as he would like to, Korren cannot do anything to aid the beautiful Ibybeth. He's already risked too much, and lost too much just in speaking to her when he should have kept his attention on the matter at hand. And, too make matters worse; with Molluk and his allies closing in on Malekariel along with Ibybeth's friends, Malekariel has no doubt become paranoid enough to scan any mind within reach to uncover any other plot against his life. Which could very well mean the Korren and his Master are found out, something his Master had not wanted known yet, if ever. Sighing in frustration, Korren flies away; mentally preparing himself for whatever fate he has walked himself into. In one hand he doesn't want to even begin to contemplate his Master's reaction to this disastrous turn of events. In all of his years of service he has never failed his Master, but he has known those who have, and witnessed what failure gained them. On the other hand, due to what he has seen, he cannot help but to contemplate his own punishment. All too soon Korren stands before his Master, his head bowed in respect, giving the far larger demon lord a full report of all that occurred, including his own distraction. There are others who would have lied, or found away to cover their mistakes, but Korren knows his Master well enough to know the end result to such an act. Finally finished, Korren remains where he is, waiting tensely for his Master's response. "So, not only do Mawhar and Molluk hunt Malekariel, the human heroes do, too. To what end, Korren?" his Master asks softly. "I'm not sure, my lord. I believe vengeance for what he did to them and theirs." Korren answers just as softly. "And, this Ibybeth. She trusts you?" "Yes, my lord. I believe she does." Korren states. "Well enough to allow you to walk by her side, as her ally?" his Master asks. "Yes, my lord. Her friends, however, are another story. I'm not sure if they will." Korren answers. "I care not for her friends. By any means necessary, Korren, walk by her side. I don't care if you have to give your heart to the wench, you will do it, if that is what it takes. And, from there you will watch over them and their now enemies, Molluk. I would know what all of them intend to do. They could very well stir the rages of those above and start a war between us again. If this is the case I will know of it well in advance. Understood?" his Master orders. "Yes, my lord. But, what of Malekariel?" Korren asks. "Even if the fool survives this, he will be a thorn in no one's side for some time. Until I know how that is to turn out I will not move. His knowledge of my own plans means nothing. Malekariel and I have never been allies, and there is no secret to my hatred of him. If those hunting him fail, I will take advantage of his weakened state and end him for all eternity." his Master decides. "You will remain with the other's until I state otherwise." "Yes, my lord. Have you any further need of me?" Korren asks, dread building in his gut. "No." Korren bows deeply, turning to leave before his Master's wrath descends upon him. "Korren." his Master whispers softly, a gentle tone that turns Korren's blood to ice. Korren stops, slowly turning to face his Master, hiding his fear behind a stoic mask. The massive fist crashes into the side of his face, sending Korren flying across the large room to slam into a black marble pillar, ribs shattering. Biting back the pain, Korren staggers to his feet, vaguely aware of his Master's elite guard surrounding him, removing his beloved sword from his back. "Before you leave you will be punished for your failure. Never, Korren, have you failed to perform any task I have set before you no matter how hard or tedious. That you do now, at a simple enough task, disappoints me greatly. Your own loyal service as well as your father's, and father's father has granted you merci. It is the last time I grant you this." his Master growls, his booming voice echoing off the walls. "Take him to receive his punishment. And, show him no merci there. I want Korren to remember this day for all eternity." More than three hours later Korren stands above Jag, Rein, and Ibybeth, the other's who were taken from the battleground earlier having rejoined them. He stands ramrod straight, his expression closed and unreadable, his mouth shut firmly against the pain. Every shallow breath he takes grinds painfully, the shattered ribs still untended. The side of his face, though not swollen, is turning a dark, mottled blue, his one eye aching painfully. But worse than either injury is his back, the raging fire consuming it, the agony every breath starts afresh. Thirty lashings he'd received, tied helplessly between to pillars, facing his peers in shame, his own father watching as they flayed the flesh from his back. Not a sound had he uttered, his pained gaze locked with his father's, not even when the spiked whip had torn across his sensitive wing. Even now the wing is held tightly in place, though if any look close enough they will see the tiny tremors wracking it, and the beads of sweat gathering on his forehead and above his lip. Still, it is the shame that tears through his heart with deadly accuracy. He failed his Master, a mistake he'll never make again. And, that means, pain or not, he will do his duty to the best of his ability, or die trying. Turning away from them, Korren steps off the roof, gently gliding to the ground below, barely stifling the pained groan. Setting his jaw firmly, he faces them, knowing they are still unaware of him. Once his is certain he has the pain under control again, he heads for them, intent on joining their ranks. He can only hope that he is fit for any battle they face, for he must fight for them and with them as he would his Master. After all, it is for his Master. |
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