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Chapter 46 - A Hint of Betrayal

The Wolf Queen was a formidable enemy to the night creatures and a potential threat to Mephiles's power. Naberius and Godbrand were put into a situation that would determine the fate they shall endure. Nothing could save them from being pushed into the rage that Lagertha would bring them. The only thing she ever wanted was to find the demonic king of Midland and bring his reign to an end. The two demon generals decide what to do and how they should accomplish it as the night comes quickly.

"The Wolf Queen? The king's daughter? How can someone kill a creature protected by the king's magic?" Naberius asked.

"She's not who you think she is. She is a being who has transcended the mortal coil. She is much stronger than any human I've ever known," Godbrand answered.

"What does any of that mean? How can you know such things?"

"Because I have foreseen it. My other servants came to me with this news. They say that she travels with a man they believe to be the son of King Harald. They call her the queen of the wolves. And I believe she will come here to kill the king and usurp his throne."

"You're mad, Godbrand. Our numbers grow by the thousands. Soon we'll have enough in our army to tear down every region and have this entire world for the taking. What could be the problem with that?"

"Oh, Naberius. You know many things, you have the mindset of scholars, and you are a formidable ally in our council. But you don't seem to understand the problem we have, nor do I expect you to understand. Lagertha may surely come here and overthrow Mephiles. Who knows? She might have this entire kingdom for herself if our king fails."

Godbrand had many ways to make Naberius understand the problem they have in the castle. But Naberius had other plans that the Viking did not know about, yet he knew the mad demon was having suspicious thoughts. Then the demon started walking away from Godbrand after paying no attention to his words. The Viking spoke the truth, yet his truthfulness was second to none when speaking with Naberius. Godbrand started following the mad creature and started bringing up fateful encounters if they are not careful.

"I don't think you will understand my words, Naberius. You must hear me out, otherwise, a troublesome day shall fall upon us. A day of reckoning shall come and Lagertha is the one who will bring it," Godbrand said.

"Is that all the news you have for me, or are you going to go back to bragging about your earlier days as a raiding captain? That is one of many things you will bring up to the war council. You're not even thinking about our common situation and it's getting annoying," Naberius said.

"What situation? What problems are you having other than the greatest thing that will fall upon us if we're not prepared for the inevitable? Is it that one thing that forced Mephiles's hand against you?"

"Of course. We are starving. We are dying of thirst. That man wants to bring us all to Hell with him. We're gonna die without having a strategic plan against all who oppose us!"

"Quit acting like a spoiled child, you gobbing little imp. If we're gonna be taken care of, that's the end of the matter. We can have all the meat and wine we could think of if we stick to his plan."

"His plan? What is his plan other than making us stay up and be reminded of all the things that will happen to us? We're all gonna be washed away without ever thinking about ourselves and how we got here!"

"Thinking about ourselves? Do you think we're gonna die because we're not strategic enough? No, we will all die if we're not loyal enough to our king. It's the only way for us to survive in this castle."

"No! We are the generals of Mephiles. The lord of the earth! The conqueror of worlds! And we deserve a proper drink, do we not?"

"Are you wanting to go this route? Are you trying to stoop so low as a general of King Mephiles? You would betray your lord and master?"

"It's not betrayal... unless the old man is tough about it."

Naberius had nothing more to say to the Viking after telling him his actual plan to survive. The Wolf Queen was not as much of a problem as everyone else was pointing her out to be. Godbrand watched him walk to the main hall and had all kinds of surprises enter his mind as the afternoon came. The sun was always known for being unmerciful to those who serve Mephiles; they all had lots of time to prepare. Naberius was going somewhere where nobody of relevance could find him, but he would never successfully hide from his king.

For a moment, he feared that the Demon Wolf and the vampire heard him and his evil intentions. Lenora knew she needed to keep the castle intact and make sure all the generals were doing as they were told. Mephiles was always tired from doing anything in the morning, but he moves in the late afternoon. Godbrand follows the scheming creature from the shadows so that he does nothing suspicious. He followed him and remained silent until something more major stood in front of him.

A few seconds later, Naberius turns around to see if he was being followed by someone he may or may not know. Godbrand was always an expert in hiding from anybody who may understand stalkers. He was always too fast to be labeled a stalker and too slow to explain where he came from. The castle itself was filled with many hiding places and obvious traps for the unlucky wanderer. Naberius began imagining that he was seeing things and was more cautious about what he bumps into.

He continued walking to the place where his plans lay before him, and he was still silent. The silence was always a preferable thing while doing whatever the king tells his servants. Naberius was still very loyal to the king, yet he knew he could not keep his obedience for much longer. Godbrand walks behind the scheming beast and traces his every movement, and he notices someone else. He had strong ears and a strong nose to sniff obvious smells that may seem offensive to his taste.

As the Viking walks behind Naberius, he sees more paintings that he never knew existed. To his knowledge, these were paintings that took place long ago in the days of old. Only a few people knew the events that happened in the days when gods and titans walked the earth. Unexpectedly, he was too fascinated with ancient histories and events long forgotten by humanity. Without hesitation, he stops following Naberius and looks at the many pieces of art in front of his face.

He was very shocked that Mephiles could collect such fine artwork and place them on his walls. His hallways were always filled with the most beautiful artwork and decorated with gold statues. Suddenly, Lenora walks to Godbrand from out of nowhere while nobody else is being seen. The Viking always knew the delightful scents whenever he could smell them, and he was not surprised that the vampire was following him. Lenora already made Godbrand submit to her power; the Viking had no other choice but to obey her.

"Fascinating, isn't it? Events that happened in ancient days. Titans, gods, and dragons ruled all civilization with iron hands," Lenora said.

"Is there something I can help you with, Lenora? Did you forget something in the lobby? Do you need an escort?" Godbrand asked.

"I'm fine, Godbrand. But I would much prefer to ask you why you're in this hallway as you're most needed in the lower levels. I will always be needed near the throne," she said.

"Are you sure you're not noticing anything different from some generals in the court? I believe we may have a case of treason brewing around. It could be anyone."

"I'm sure we haven't been receiving such mixed signals from your comrades. What makes you say that? Surely, everyone is loyal to their one and only king."

"That's the point, Lenora. We need to keep both eyes open, and we need to expect the unexpected. Especially when the Wolf Queen will march on our doorsteps someday."

"Have no fear. You serve me, and you will be taken care of. If Lagertha ever enters this castle, we will be more ready than ever. Even if we have traitors lurking around here, we have to do whatever is necessary to survive. You will keep this in mind, won't you?"