Book 7, Chapter 62 - Controlling Belial (1/2)

Book 7, Chapter 62 - Controlling Belial

Chapter 62: Controlling Belial

Belial awoke to find his hands and feet bound. Before him loomed a figure, who the Elder greeted with a scowl steeped in hatred.

His appearance was human, however the truth was very different.

The Elder artisan was a master, wearing skins like one might change clothes. The one called Wolfblade, however, used a different method. His transformations were far more clever and complete, turning him for all intents and purposes into a human. However, the sinister chill of his soul could not be hidden. Legion’s dark presence was unmistakable.

Wolfblade sat opposite Belial with a cup of tea in his hands. Three more stood behind him; a god, a demon, and a man – The Cloud God, Abaddon and Frost de Winter. As Belial looked them over no thought of escape crossed his mind. This was not because he lacked confidence in his abilities, nor because he thought the others were stronger. Rather, Belial knew himself.

Even though Wolfblade possessed only a tenth of his former power, and had transformed himself into a mere human, the sense of oppression the Elder felt was just as strong. It was the same feeling a mouse felt when faced with a cat. Sitting before him with such calm and poise, Wolfblade must know he has the situation well in hand.

“Good. You’re awake, and I won’t waste time with nonsense pleasantries.” Wolfblade set the cup aside. A small blue bead surreptitiously appeared in his hand. “You understand the plight you’re in and the decision you have to make. All that remains is whether you will make the choice yourself, or if I will have to help you.”

His tone was even, but the implications cut like icicles. Belial felt cold to his bones.

Legion’s methods were in no way inferior to Belial’s. He could deprive the artisan of wisdom, intelligence and power. If he wanted, the creature known as Wolfblade could turn Belial into a mindless husk to do his bidding.

But a husk like that held no value. Belial wanted to avoid that dire fate as much as he wanted to avoid being Legion’s enemy. All he did was merely for his own betterment – he cherished his will, intellect and life above all else. For this reason, his choice was clear.

The pearl Legion held was an item from Gehenna. A relic, but also a kind of medicine.

When used, the bead dissolved into subatomic particles which permeated one’s spirit. Once it infected the host there was no cure. It became a permanent shackle. With it Wolfblade was able to accurately pinpoint his target’s location, leaving no corner for them to hide. The briefest thought, and the poison activated. Death in an instant.

In other words, Belial had to make a very difficult choice.

He was silent for a few minutes. Finally the choice was made. The bead dissolved into countless motes of light and entered through the pores of his hand. Pain wracked his body as the particles spread through every inch of him.

Thankfully, it was over quickly. When he opened his hand the pearl was gone.

Demons showed no expression through their armor, but it could be seen in their eyes. Grief. The virulent poisons from the pearl seeped into his soul and became part of him. From this moment forward, Belial was wholly under Legion’s control.

He was master.

Belial’s body contracted as it shifted once again from demon to human. The elderly skin he wore was renewed. With a respectful expression he approached Wolfblade and awaited instruction. After all, he was a creature who had lived for more than a thousand years. He knew what was proper. “What are my orders?”

The artisan was at least more willing to follow his kin than the brash and unreasonable successor to the Demon King. Legion’s prestige was not tied to who held the mantle of leadership. Were he to return to Gehenna now, his followers would far outweigh anyone who would swear fealty to this human King.