All His Wrath

Finally, Kahrnahrgx folded his massive arms across his chest, apparently having come to a decision.

“Very well, Lement-Nor,” Kahrnahrgx said, articulating slowly. “There can be no mistake.”

“Yes, my master. This is known to me. There is no mistake. He has no reason to doubt me, nor does he harbor any awareness that he has succumbed to my will.” Lement-Nor spoke as one with supreme confidence.

“Indeed.”

“Yes, Lord. Even now his rage deepens and expands, like blood stains water.”

“And the others?”

“This, too, is known to me, my liege. The female’s mind was easily thrown down. She fully believes me to be the other.”

“She doesn’t concern me, Lement-Nor,” Kahrnahrgx hissed. “What of her companions? Not all of them are as simple and weak as she.”

“My master,” murmured the obsidian, bowing his head slightly. “It is for this very reason she is such an effective weapon. None of her companions have cause to suspect she is nothing more than a tool now. It is their love for her that provides such fertile soil in which our ruse grows. It is from their love that their undoing comes swiftly.”

“Make it so, Lement-Nor.”

“As you wish, my liege.”

In a twinkling, the obsidian transformed into a gargoyle less than a third in size, pearlescent in color, with bright, copper-colored eyes. A low murmur erupted from those encircling Lement-Nor and Kahrnahrgx. Most knew of a special plot their supreme commander had implemented, but only a handful knew of the hybrids, and none had seen their transformation. So thorough and convincing was the result that those less intelligent in the assembly felt compelled to attack the now fully exchanged obsidian. With a flick of his head, Kahrnahrgx commanded them to stop.

With a nearly imperceptible nod, the Zarentil hybrid parted and was gone.