Reincarnated! A Tale of the Sorceress Amaya

While we waited for the duke to return, Dalroc and Loriel remained silent. I wondered if this would change our relationship. The demon lord had reminded everyone of the difference in power between us.

Duke Witmore returned after a while. He had changed his clothes and looked presentable again. His face was pale and showed a mixture of fear and anger. He bowed when he entered.

“I apologise, honourable queen. You made your point.”

Lilith smiled. “Good, then let us continue.”

I decided to start by explaining the mind control: “The Inquisition uses runes to control people. Those appear like tattoos on the skin and are often concealed with makeup, or illusions. What makes them problematic is that they are essentially added to the soul.”

That certainly got a reaction from the duke. He looked genuinely shocked.

“Which makes it impossible for us to remove them. I can break their magic, in which case they are dormant until someone reactivates them. This requires a ritual and can’t be done remotely. Still, anyone who has been freed could be captured and put back under their control again. We do not know exactly how they managed to alter the soul. Alchemy seems involved.”

I let him ponder that for a bit, then I continued: “Altering the soul is not something easily done. But it is part of creating a warlock. Something no mortal can do. We expect the Inquisition to work for a creature on our level.”

“Something that was further confirmed when Amaya encountered a wizard on the battlefield, who claimed to serve a mistress. Have you noticed anything suspicious during the siege?” Lilith asked.

The duke was still staring. He needed a moment to process the information. We all waited patiently.

“I am sorry, this was a lot to take in. I can hardly believe it…” He swallowed. “I am not accusing you of lying!” He added.

“It is fine.” I assured him. “I know that is a lot to take in and hard to believe. But this is the reason why we are here. We will crush the Inquisition and whoever they work for.”

“And now you understand why we call a demon lord our ally.” Dalroc said. Then he pointed to Lilith, Lucy and me. “They are here because we share an enemy. We are not here to conquer the Empire. We even offered to work with the emperor. He refused.”

“Maximilian is prideful.” The duke said.

“He is an old fool hiding behind ancient wards in his palace.” Lilith commented.

“He is making a stand in the capital. We are going there next to confront the main force of the Inquisition.” Dalroc said.

“And you want my soldiers?” Duke Witmore asked.

“Mostly we want the north secured. It is vital to feed the people and can provide a place for the refugees fleeing the south.” Loriel said.

“I can send the 3rd army to help keep the peace and rout any remaining Inquisition troops. We are here to help, if you let us.” Dalroc said.

The duke looked thoughtful.

“Yes, it means you will have to disobey the emperor.” Lilith said with a smile. “It also means an opportunity. The north will be relatively untouched. You can strengthen your position here. Have a friendly relationship with your neighbours, feed the people, become a hero… Become a king.”

“I am loyal to my nation.” Witmore responded.

Lilith’s smile grew even wider. “To the nation. Not the emperor. A man hiding in his palace while the world burns. What is a nation? The nobles? The land? The people? They will look for guidance. They will look for leadership. You can give them a future.”

Lilith was good at this. She did not even lie. I did wonder though if it was only her words or if she used some of her powers as well.

“What… What would be the price?” He asked.

“Price? Leadership has its own burdens. But there is no price. We have already liberated your city. All you need to do is go out to your people and declare victory. Tell them about the alliance you forged. Tell them how their emperor left them but you did not. Tell them how you secured their future.” She said.

It looked like she had him. Some life was returning to the duke’s face. “Yes. I will do it. For my people.”

“Splendid! I suspect the Dominion and the Dwarven Kingdom will be delighted to enter trade negotiations. And maybe offer some help with rebuilding. If you excuse me, I have other business.” Lilith said and got up. Erin followed her.

“Hey, we could leave too.” Lucy suggested. She seemed bored with the politics. I suppose she had a point. An agreement was reached, sort of. And it did not look like there was any fighting. Also, I did have a question for Lilith.

“Sure.” I said to Lucy. “We shall leave as well, it was a pleasure meeting you.” I said to the others.

Iris decided to stay, which was fine by me. Lily came with us. Once we left the building I asked Lilith: “What do you gain from this? What is your plan?”

“Oh? Why would I have a plan?” She smiled.

“First you broke the duke, then you built him back up. You talked him into seizing power. This is not just about the war. All we needed him to do was keep the peace while we fight in the south. No, you wanted him to rule.” I said.

“Of course my dear. He will make a useful puppet. He will deliver a speech using my words. He will get a cheering crowd looking at him with hope. He will get loyal followers. And he will want more. He will need advice. I already have a nice succubus in mind to become his advisor.” She explained.

“And likely his spymaster. You are making sure that you have a lot more information and control over the next Empire.” I mused.

“The Inquisition caught me off guard. I will not make the same mistake again.” Lilith said.