Author Notes:  The third chapter in my series!  YAY!  Ok, this is rather short, but I promise to have chapter 4 up soon.  I already have it outlined and partly written.  Constructive criticism welcome!

Disclaimer:  I own all of these characters, actually.  Enchantment and all its lands belong to me too.  So, you CAN’T sue me!  HA HA HA! 

Chapter 3

            “Are the witches here?”  The king was dressed in long black robes that seemed to flow like liquid onto the floor.  His head was topped with a large gold crown engraved with dark jewels.  The throne itself was massive with intricate carvings sketched into the wood base.  The red fabric lining the in-back cushion and seat had various gold lines interweaved in the sewing.  The king’s voice was deep and echoing as he was very confident with the power he held.

            “Yes, your majesty,” the cloaked figure almost whispered.  His head was lowered in a half bow, making his hood look parallel with the ground, though his body was fully erect.  “I have begun your plan.”

The king sat completely still in thought for a few seconds, then slowly nodded his head.  “Very good.  Then I expect the rest of the plan to go just as flawless.”

The figure hesitated to speak, but finally found the courage to say, “And what is the rest of the plan, King Thoren?”

Thoren snapped his head up with almost a playful grin on his face.  “You will know when the time is right.  But, since you are my most loyal servant, I suppose I could tell you my main goals.”

The figure bowed fully this time, pleased that he could be trusted with such a secret.  He rose back up, but his head was still slightly lowered.  He waited eagerly for Thoren to begin speaking again.

“As you know,” Thoren started.  “The ruler of the five lands, Azbeth, has died recently.  He has been ruler for a very long time—longer than any of the kings have been alive.  But now that he is dead, the kings will need a replacement ruler.  That ruler is usually of nobility, but they must prove themselves worthy of taking the position.”  He stopped in the middle of his story and rose from his throne.   He took his long wooden scepter from beside his chair and started pacing in front of his servant.

“It is because of this that there has become a power struggle in the lands.  There are talks of war from King Lavatic of Fire Rock and every kingdom is preparing their forces for attacks.  Alliances are being formed and we would never stand a chance.  However,” he suddenly stopped and stared directly at the figure, “if we were to prove ourselves by taking out the most powerful beings on Earth, I would gain respect by all and become heir to the ruler.”

“Genius your heinous,” the cloaked figure said without ever lifting his head.

“Yes,” Thoren said, admiring his own plan.  “Now, go fetch the witches.  I want to get this over with fast so I can show their carcasses to the other kings.”

“The servant slowly lifted his head, but still careful not to reveal any face.  “Sir, I do not know where the witches are.”

Thoren’s eyes widened as his pulse started to race.  “What do you mean you don’t know where the witches are?!”  His voice boomed louder than ever now, shaking the rafters of the cave, sending a few bats flying downward, but finally resting once again.

“Sir, I was only told to bring them to Enchantment.  I could not control where they landed.”  He paused briefly while his mind raced to come up with an excuse.  He silently cursed the invalid demon he had hired to do the dirty work.  “Besides,” he said, finally.  “The witches are in a new place with no knowledge of what is in store for them.”

The king thought for a moment, still fuming over his servant’s stupidity.  This could not ruin his entire plan.  He had to come up with someway to get them back in his possession.  He finally came up with the only suitable plan for the time being.  “Go into the lands and hunt them down.  Do whatever you have to do to bring them here alive.  Use the dark powers given to us to keep a constant search, but you must hurry.  Who knows when the other kings might try to attack us.”

The servant bowed, solemnly thankful he still had his life.  He turned quickly and walked towards the left wall of the cave.  The king sat back in his throne and watched the figure walk through the cave wall out of the sight.  Thoren sighed and rubbed his forehead.  His plan was not out to a good start.