Commander Braghaman Larethian

The Delay

“What is the delay?” 

The death knight strode into the cave as the snowstorm behind him created a curtain over the opening. His metallic voice echoed into the deep cave, even though he hadn’t spoken loudly. The death knight’s boots rung as it stepped around the loose stones on the ground.

“I am trying, master,” a quiet voice answered. From the back of the cave, a forsaken wearing deep purple robes with a hood stepped forward.

“That is not good enough,” the death knight responded. He took off his helm and held it under his arm. His pale skin and dark hair seemed to glow in the light of the torches that were lit around the cave.

“The incantation has been difficult,” the undead warlock offered. “I have tried, but part of it still eludes me.”

“Try harder,” the death knight said. His voice was calm but the threat was still obvious.

“I thought the intention was to attack the paladin head on?” the warlock asked. But when the death knight turned to glare at him, the warlock shrank back.

“Others have unexpectedly gotten involved. They have complicated the issue.”

“We could try sending the assassin again,” the warlock offered cautiously. 

“He would have little success breeching the home’s security. And it seems that there may be people keeping watch on him. The two that the assassin sent to kidnap the boy were prevented and are now imprisoned. Luckily, they know nothing more than they were hired to do a job. Not for whom or why.”

“Then patience would seem to be the wisest course of action.”

“It would appear we do not have the luxury of time,” the death knight answered, a hollow ring to his tone. “Another has decided to intervene. It is likely only a matter of time before they come looking for us.”

“We could simply blow up the entire village. Then it would not matter if others are watching. They would die, too.”

“The paladin will know why he is dying before he meets his fate.”

“Why is that so important?” the forsaken asked.

“Because I remember. He is the cause of this existence. He cost me my life.”

“So it is vengeance.”

“It is. I was once as he is. But he is responsible for the Light casting me out. He shall be cast out as well.”

“I will continue my studies,” the warlock said with a bow as he backed away from the death knight.

“See that you do.”