Ch 6. The Keys To The Castle

[Elvie POV]

Standing at the shores of Lake Mariett I look out into the darkness. What had been my home laid nestled behind me, sleeping in the morning dew. Little more then a collection of hills was all that betrayed the existence of my extensive fortress.

Looking up to see the moonless night above me, I chuckle. Tonight is a good night for a raid. Turning away from my home, I give the command.

"Our hunt begins."

[Argos Art: Phantom Wings]

[Argos Art: Flicker]

I shudder as wings unfold from my back. I feel them flex and then we're aloft. Gliding through the air, we Flicker in and out of reality. My Asura's power still giving me a cold chill. I smile, the air is good up here. Closing my eyes I allow myself to be steered by his will, my Doppelgangers feeding Asura all the information he needs. I squeal as he performs a barrel roll. Laughing, I ride the winds, trusting My Asura never to drop me.

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[Doppel Asura POV]

I triangulate our position via our Doppelgangers, their very presence and senses providing me all the information I need. Each Flicker is coordinated by 20 minds, as we all take on the privilege of keeping our Princess safe. I feel her joy as we shoot through the air. I do a quick spin just to hear her squeal within my mind.

We have three targets tonight, each under the control of Duke Duchatt. In the short time the Doppelgangers have been active they've acted exactly as the princess wanted. Now is the night for her debut.

"Heh, when the emotions and memories of others are your playthings a lot can get done," I share with the darkness.

[Collouge Art: Shared Whispers]

[Collouge Art: Command]

Activating the first unit, I pilot them into position, One takes the shape of the princess, another obtains the dungeon keys, a third and fourth put the administrators to sleep, while the last two lose the key to the Armory.

"The First target is prepped and ready princess."

"Proceed,"

The Next Target requires an extra step, guard dogs need to be taken care of. So while the other six are performing their tasks, a seventh makes sure the puppies all get a good night's sleep.

"The second Target is ready," I report.

I can feel the Princess sigh, "Prep the final target."

Joy flows through my mind, at last, I can prove my worth to My Princess. Once more 6 go out into the night and work My Elvie's will. Within moments the last keep is ready for our arrival, it was all so easy.

Each of those that wears the princess's form descend into the dungeons upon receiving the keys. Elvie's people will be released. Her hands will do so.

"Last target is secure, we are ready to begin the show. Waiting on your command Princess."

I hope Elvie's subjects enjoy the show, we all put in so much work.

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[Princess Elvie's POV]

Circling Duchatt's fortress, I can not help but feel a rising pride. I and Asura worked as one this night. Little planning and much preparation have made this possible. The word looks so small from up here. I feel like the hand of God, bringing judgment to the wicked. This shall be a grand show. I watch as tonight's execution is about to take place. How dare they take my stage?

"Waiting on your command Princess," My Asura's voice rings, but still I hesitate. I must wait for the precise moment, won't get another shot at this. I have to grab all their attention in one shot. My Entrance upon my new stage must be perfect.

The executioner takes his position, the ax is raised, the condemned excepts his fate, and I give my command.

"Do it now!" I shout into the night.

[Argos Art: Tempest-Rider's Canceler]

I feel my wings sharpen as I descend upon the executioner, then I am past and it is his head that lands in the basket. I hear the condemned gasp at being splattered with blood. I chuckle. It is true that I take insult that Duchatt is executing those that swore allegiance to my father, but their failure resulted in the occupation. This is their reminder. That all good things descend from my family.

"Perfect entrance, but the show must go on," I mutter.

I stand upon the podium, with my back to my people. Pausing for a moment more, I wait till I hear murmurs within the assembled crowd. I need to get them primed. Turning, I greet my people for the first time in a year. My wings of raven black silk folding and disappearing.

Glancing down at the few guards that are on duty I snarl, "I have no quarrel with Duchatt's swords, but I will not permit those that swore allegiance to me to be injured. Swords are always needed, men like Duchatt that hide behind them are not."

These men are not those that brought my family low. We were lax in our watch, assured by our magic that we were unassailable. That was how the High King brought us low. By our own arrogance. The enemy was within our walls before we knew he was there.

[Fascinate: All Eyes On Me]

[Shadows: Eyes Beyond The Fire]

Activating a few rituals, I smile as the fear sweeps through Duchatt's men. One by one they place their swords on the ground. Turning, they flee the Demon Princess Elvie.

"I do like the ring of that," Asura comments, "Almost as well as I like Demon Queen Elvie."

Such a flirt, that does have a nice ring to it. But first business than pleasure.

"And to all my people!" I shout, "Know that I do care for you. I regret and mourn that you had to suffer while I gathered my strength. Duke Duchatt needs to pay for what he is done!"

I shout, my echoes fading into the night. Pausing I sigh, then soothe the masses.

"But we must seek justice, not vengeance. My argument is with him, not those that have to live under him. If they do not stand in my way, then I will spare them. And when I reclaim my kingdom they will have nothing to fear from me."

Gesturing to the headless corpse behind me I uttered my last lines.

"But to any that raise a hand to my subjects, a swift death awaits."

[Shadows: You Can't See Me]

My final ritual of the night hides me from their eyes, just as the prisoners run into the square. The Doppelganger that freed them Flickering on to its next task. My Agents completed their tasks splendidly. As a one, the townsfolk and former nobles moved to greet their loved ones. I strode through them, listening to them praise me. Listening to them talk of my mercy towards the guards, many of whom were decent folk. They marveled at my ability to be in two places at once as they hear that I was the one that granted the prisoners freedom.

"I love a good audience," I chuckled, "I hope they appreciate the performance, those rituals have drained me. They took a long time to set up."

Unnoticed, I left the crowd behind. Beginning my journey home.

"I happen to think it was a stellar show," My Asura assured me, "I wonder what happened that made the Duke miss your debut?"

[Argos Art: Phantom WIngs]

I giggled as I felt Asura stretch forth out wings, I appear to be a little giddy. Drunk on the high of tonight's performance.

"Oh, I am sure Duke Reginald Duchatt had plenty of reason to not attend," I quip, "So many things to do."

Laughing I flew away into the night. The wind lulling me to sleep. Asura will get me to bed. Tomorrow the insurrection begins. It is time for Duchatt to fall. My Will Be Done, Blessed Be.

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[Fortress Asura POV]

Once more I hover over the new children. These are not Spies or Assasins, like the Doppelgangers. These are proper shock troops. Beings of Rage and Spite. True Monsters. Heralds of the Storm. Their general screams in his tank. He is impatient, but he must cook for a short time longer. They will be ready for the next campaign.

"But not in time to assist with Duchatt, unfortunately."

I chuckle as I await the return of Princess Elvie, she has grown so much in my time with her. That growth I want to see continue. Tonight began Duke Duchatts dance with death. After that scum is broken under her feet, I wish to see her at the head of this world, me always at her side. Blessed Be.

I laugh as I think how proud I am of Elvie. We are following her plan. Duke Duchatt does not understand what is coming for him. She is going to unmake him and there is nothing he can do to stop it. Elvie is inevitable, she is the only one fit to be My Queen.