Demon King: Awakening

Chapter 14

Kobel walked from the stage, leaving behind him a trail of blood. Tension creased his expression. The crowd slowly made their exits away from the stage and out of the courtyard. He could hear the complaints that were spoken under their breaths. He may have just given them more disdain for him that had been accumulating over the recent months. The doors closed behind him and he continued on to his room. Slumping against the door, exhausted. He had murdered six demons by his own hand and allowed for about two dozen to be shot down. He looked down at their blood, still dripping from his hands. Sighing, he walked over to the fireplace and fired a fireball into it out of anger. He took off his bloodied clothes and thrust them into the fire. He went to the washroom and began to wash off the blood in his large shower room. As he showered off, he felt something strange, his heart had begun to beat, just for a moment, but a moment nonetheless. Then it settled back down into its beatless existence.

Deciding to ignore, he finished washing and wrapped a robe around himself. He went back into his room, before he could change into fresh clothing, there came a knock at the door. Straightening himself, he then beckoned the person in, “Your Majesty, I'm sorry to intrude on you.” A small imp demon bowed deeply.

“What do you need?” He asked, trying to get straight to the point.

Shaking slightly, the imp responded, “The remaining advisors wish to meet,” he spoke, barely audible.

“Not today, I will meet with them tomorrow mid-morning,” Kobel responded, exhausted with the day's events.

“Yes, your majesty. I will inform them that you have prior engagements and will not have time until tomorrow mid-morning.” The imp rushed to speak and escape the room.

“Thank you, Jamal. You do know how to explain things.” Kobel complimented, trying to ease the tension in the room.

“Of course, your Majesty.” He smiled slightly, bowed, and then quickly took his leave of the room.

Kobel dressed in more relaxing clothes, before sitting down at his roll-covered desk and taking out ink, a feather pen, and paper. He began to write out a message addressed to the king of Zendora expressing his desire to not go to war. He continued to explain that the attacks that had been happening in Zendora had not been perpetrated by the demons of Slamenda.

Standing up, he pushed open his window and whistled for a bat that had a mouth opening both vertically and horizontally, large claws, four eyes, and a long spiked tail. It soared over to the window, landing somewhat gracelessly. He handed it the paper, rolled and wax sealed with the Slamenda Kingdom's emblem. He told the bat where to take the parchment and who directly deliver it to.

He closed the window once the bat had gone. Sitting back down, he watched as the bat flew away, with the sun setting, the day was coming to an end. He hoped the letter would persuade the king to back down, but he also knew it was highly unlikely. He sat there until the sun had completely dipped behind the mountains and then slipped into bed, his room consumed by darkness. He pulled his covers up and closed his eyes, exhaustion from the day, catching up to him. He gazed up at the darkness above and was soon fast asleep.

* * *

A few hours later, he was awoken by the sound of something slithering across the floor of his chambers. Waiting until the demon was close enough, he rolled to the opposite side of the bed and drew his sword, which was hidden from view along the side of his bed. He raised the blade to the throat of the demon only to hear a giggle as a response.

“Your majesty, is something wrong?” Melonica all but purred her question.

“Yes,” he said with great agitation, “what are you doing here?” he sighed.

“I came to check on you. You have had a long day.” She hissed, happily. “It was exhilarating to see you put those fools in their place.” She spoke as she placed her hand on the blade in front of her, slowly lowering it.

He set the sword aside before speaking to her, “Melonica, why are you really here?”

She feigned hurt from his words, “Your majesty, how could you suggest I have an ulterior motive. I simply want to make sure my king is in a good state of health and mind.” She said, pausing for a moment, “you have changed, your Majesty, since you brought in that... that...” She stopped herself from continuing when she saw his eyes reddening.

“Why have you come here in your nightgown? You have something more on your mind.” He stated, skeptically, already knowing what she wanted.

“Well, I thought you may need some comfort since you appear to regret your actions today. Which I must say were quite necessary to instill confidence in the demons about your leadership abilities.” She spoke in a silky smooth voice as she gingerly slid forward, batting her eyelashes.

He gritted his teeth, “I'm fine.”

“I don't believe so, ever since that human came here your heart has softened. I think it would be best to send her back to the other humans before she affects you too much.” She spoke gently, trying to convince him to do as she wished. Her eyes began to glow yellow, as she tried to ensnare him.

“Melonica, it would be best for you to leave now. We have already had this conversation and I have made my intentions understood.” He spoke in a low threatening tone, glaring at her. “Now, leave before either of us do something we regret.” He warned.

She let out a flirty sigh as she danced her fingers across his shoulder, “I'll leave, but only if you insist.” She batted her eyelashes as she started to slither away from him.

“I insist.” He growled.

“Fine.” She huffed, clearly upset with his rejection.

He watched as she left, waiting a few more moments for her slithering snake tail's sound to disappear before he laid back down in bed, placing his sword next to his bed once again.

Morning came all too quickly, he dreaded meeting with the remaining advisors. He was tired of their meddlesome ways and wished they would simply leave well enough alone. If they had only done as he'd planned, then no one would have needed to die. He groaned as he rolled over and slid out of bed. He quickly washed, dressed, ate, and prepared for whatever awaited him in the meeting with the advisors.

A few moments later, there was a knock at the door and a servant came in. “Your Majesty, the advisors are ready to meet with you, if you are ready to meet with them.”

He sighed, putting on a small smile, “Yes, I will meet with them now.”

“I will inform them that you will be in the war room shortly.” He bowed and exited swiftly. Kobel waited a few moments before leaving his room as well.

He went toward the war room where the advisors awaited him pondering how to approach the meeting. Entering the room, the advisors stood waiting for him to reach his seat. They bowed and Kobel took his seat motioning for them to sit as well. Everyone settled and silence filled the room until a large bird-like demon spoke. This demon had claws like a bird for both feet and hands, large dark wings extending from his back, a short golden beak extended from his face, with green shimmering eyes. The demon was covered in dark feathers, holding onto a long cane as he stood to face the king.

“Your Majesty, I, Akana, wish to speak for the advisors. We wish to firstly apologize for our actions and all our parts in yesterday's trial. We would like to take this moment to state that we all stand behind you, now. We would never try to take the throne from you.” He glanced around the room, checking that he had the support of his fellow advisors. When he saw that he did, he cleared his throat, “Thank you for listening, your Majesty.” He bowed and then took his seat again.

Kobel allowed silence to take over the room once more as he gathered his thoughts. He watched as the advisors started to become nervous, shifting in their seats, waiting for the king to say something, anything. He cleared his throat to draw all attention to him before speaking. “I will accept your apologies, please feel at ease.” He watched as they relaxed a bit. “But I am disappointed that you have allowed such an event to happen and sway the demons' opinions of me.” His eyes, hardened. “If this were to happen again, it would not matter who initiates the rebellion all of you will pay the price.” His energy emanated around him, the air becoming thick with tension, causing breathing difficulties for all. “Am I understood?” His eyes shifted red for a moment, as he tried to get his point across.

“Yes, your Majesty.” They choked on the air itself.

“Good.” As his mood lightened, the air lightened with him, making it easier for all the advisors to breathe. All relaxed, the tension released from the room. “Now, what is the true reason for you calling for me?” Kobel asked, clasping his hands together, appearing manacing.

A serpent with two heads and tails stood up to speak. “Your Majesty, we have just received scout reports on the progress of the humans. They have almost completed their journeys and gathered in the kingdom of Zendora. We believe that once they have all arrived it will take a week at most before they make their assault on us.” He took his seat after he finished speaking.

“How are the new recruits doing in their training?” Kobel inquired, hoping he would receive good news.

A lion-like demon placed his front paws on the table to pull himself up to his full height. He stood about seven feet tall, a large mane circling his face, dark yellow eyes staring at the king. “I, Brong, will tell you of the training sessions. I have witnessed several sessions myself, but I fear they are not nearly ready. It even appears that our trained knights do not have the will to prepare for this fight, either.” He sat back down after his report was given.

Kobel thought for a moment, formulating a plan, “Send for the captain of the knights and the one in charge of training. I wish to have a word with them.” A servant standing at the far wall of the room raced from the room.

Not a word was spoken until the servant returned, accompanied by the captain of the knights and trainer of the new recruits. Both demons appeared deadly, but as they stood before the king they seemed to shrink in stature. “It is my understanding that not only are the recruits not ready, but neither are our trained knights, is this correct?” He narrowed his gaze, practically daring them to lie to him.

The captain cleared his throat, “Your Majesty, I, Vicousord, apologize that I must agree with your account on this matter. The demons have lost their will to fight.” He spoke with defeat lacing his voice.

“Your Majesty, we have done all we can to give them motivation. However, they can not understand the need to prepare. We are facing humans after all.” The trainer quickly added.

“Who are you?” Kobel asked, narrowing his gaze.

“Sorry, your Majesty, I am Endor, the trainer of the new recruits.” He bowed deeply.

“If what you say is true, I believe I can help them to regain their strength and desire for this fight.” He smiled devilishly at Vicousord and Endor.

“Your Majesty?” They spoke simultaneously.

There was a glint of mischief in Kobel's eyes. “Don't worry. I will do my best to leave the demons mostly unharmed.” He smirked, clearly knowing he was going to enjoy what he was about to do.

“Of course, your Majesty. We are thankful that you will take the time to visit with the knights and help in their preparations for the coming battle.” Endor responded with a gracious bow.

Kobel thought for a moment, trying to decide what he actually wanted to do and how he wanted to proceed. “Endor, Vicousord, please gather your knights in the courtyard. I will join you there within the hour, is that understood?”

“Yes, of course, your Majesty.” They both said with a grateful bow.

“I will have the demons ready within the hour, as you have asked. Is there anything more that you wish for us to prepare?” Vicousord questioned.

“For now, that is all. I will inform you if there is more that I require,” Kobel answered, thoughtfully.

“Understood, we shall take our leave now,” Vicousord said.

“Thank you for your hard work,” Kobel said, watching as they bowed once more and then exited the room. He waited a moment before turning his attention back to the advisors, “Now, is there anything else that you wish to discuss with me, or was that all?”

“No, your Majesty.” Replied the two-headed serpent.

“Then I have inquires of my own.” He leaned back in his chair, hands clasped together as he looked over the remaining advisors, who shifted uncomfortably in their chairs, waiting for him to continue speaking.

The two-headed serpent was the first to respond for the advisors, “We will do our best, our best to answer all you ask.”

“How are the preparations coming along?” Kobel inquired.

The two-headed serpent stood before Kobel, “We are on schedule. It would appear that we have gathered enough food rations and water for a month-long siege. We are also setting precautions and preparing an additional two weeks' worth.” He smiled, pleased with his accomplishments.

“Well done, Siltor. This is nothing less than what I had expected from you.” Kobel nodded, encouragingly.

“Thank you for such high praise, your Majesty.” He bowed before taking his seat.

Kobel smiled, “I only give praise where it is due.” He said, clearly satisfied with how plans had been moving along. “Now, what is left? I will be dealing with the knights, the preparations for food and water are just about to be completed, and the human army will advance on us within a few weeks.” He paused for a moment, recounting what had been spoken about. “Ah, yes. Have the palace knights, servants, and advisors prepared for battle as well?” He instructed.

Their eyes widened in shock. “Your Majesty, the servants have never been trained for battle. The palace knights of course have been prepared for battle every day. As for us, advisors, we may be a little rusty, but if you call on us, we will fight for you, your Majesty.” Siltor quickly responded to the king, so as to make sure he could put his trust in them. If they had not spoken quickly, then it would have appeared that they were continuing the plot against his throne. Siltor was sure that some were still making plans, but after the last interference by the king, they had been halted for the time being.

“That is an acceptable answer.” He smiled, looking around the room, carefully examining the expressions laid across the advisors' faces. He was searching for any signs of those who still had the bravery to stand against him. “I will call on you all when the time comes and therefore, I would recommend that you all pick up your training again. Secondly, I believe that we need to prepare the servants for the coming battle. I would like a schedule to be prepared that will allow for servants to join the knights in their training.” He paused for a moment, “Since we all stand as demons, fighting is within our nature, no matter the rank.”

“As you have stated, we are all demons and fighting is in our nature. Therefore is it absolutely necessary to take time to train the servants? I believe that your knights are more than enough to face the human army. They are weak and we are demons. We have strengths and skills that they can only dream of and fear. I do not think that it is necessary. As well as it will exhaust them more than they already are.” Spoke up a lioness-like demon. She was nearly split in half, one side was more human with a single horn on her head, while the other side was a lioness. She had a set of wings folded against her back.

“Your name?” He asked her simply.

“Kena, your Majesty.” She quickly bowed.

“Kena, are you implying that your king does not know what is best for the kingdom. That I would choose useless tasks to be completed?” He smashed his fists against the table, causing many of the advisors to jump in their seats.

The advisors quickly straightened themselves, silence replacing any of their criticisms of the idea of allowing servants to have military training for the upcoming battle. Finally, one stood to address the king, Kena cleared her throat, “My apologies your Majesty, I do not mean to overstep.” She said, bowing her head submissively, trying to show her genuineness in her apology. “We are well aware that you would only do what is best for your fellow demons.” She quickly took her seat, waiting on bated breath, unsure of how he was going to respond. Fearing his anger.

“I am pleased that we now have an understanding.” He smiled as he stood. “I will be meeting with the knights in the courtyard in forty minutes, I expect for the first group of servants to be standing among them when I do.” He explained.

“Of course, your Majesty.” The advisors quickly responded in unison, standing to bow, watching as the king exited the room.

Kobel made his way down the hall toward his bed chambers. He immediately slipped into his military attire, red poofed pants, draping a sleeveless white shirt over his torso, and sheathed his sword around his waist. He pulled his hair back into a low ponytail, wrapping it with a red ribbon. He paused for a moment, thinking of how he was going to 'encourage' his army. He smiled to himself as ideas flooded into his mind. He then turned to leave his bed chambers.