Meeting the King

Hekate stepped back through the portal, carrying the body of the sacrifice, into a small chapel of a temple only a young demoness priestess present. “Welcome back, mistress, we thank you for your service.”

Hekate just ignored the demoness, waving a hand as she walked purposely out of the temple and into the sprawling streets of the city at the center of the Abyss. Frowning, she grumbled, “ungrateful humans, if you offer a sacrifice, it should mean something to you. What’s next will they be snatching bums off their streets.”

She quickly made her way through the streets of the capital, to the large cathedral at its center. As she began to march up the steps towards the large iron doors the two Bull Demons stood guard, upon seeing her, they uncrossed their axes allowing her access to the temple. One of the large demons greeting her, “Hail, Mistress Hekate, daughter of Eisheth Zenunim, we welcome you, your father awaits your return in the throne room.”

She offers an absent smile as she adjusts the lifeless body across her shoulder, then enters as the doors creak and moan as they slowly swing open.

Marching through the foyer and through a ballroom she then enters the throne room. When she arrives, she sees her father is dealing with one of her older half-brothers, and seemed to be annoyed by the demon kneeling before him. The demon stammers, “But my lord, I did just as you requested, what more could you desire?”

Belphegor just growled, “Fool, I offered you responsibility, a chance to prove yourself and all you can offer me is you did what I told you to. What use are you too me if all you can do is follow orders and not act upon my desires. I could find any number of demons that could do that. You are supposed to be of my blood, I expect more of you and your kind.”

The demon attempted to speak again, but Belphegor cut him off, “begone child, I have had enough of your excuses, go back and do your job, I no longer have use for a useless child like you. Be thankful I don’t remove those responsibilities from one as unworthy as you.”

With that the demon rose and quickly rushed out a side door, his head held low.

The demon lord now turned his attention to Hekate at the door of his chambers, “Aww my dear Hekate, hopefully you have brought me news and to prove yourself more worthy than that fool.”

Hekate approached the throne upon which he sat, kneeling and carefully laying the body of the sacrifice on the floor before her. “My lord, I have accepted the sacrifice from the group known as the five families, as they wished to have another of their children join the pact. This is the sacrifice they offered to you, my liege.”

He frowned looking at the corpse upon his floor, “Is that all dear, or is there more you wish to say.”

She shifted nervously, “My lord, if I can be so bold, I don’t understand why you aide these disgusting humans, they are not worthy of your gifts, and do not appreciate all that you offer them.”

He shifted in his chair, bringing a hand up to run through his beard, “In what way, my dearest? How do they disrespect my gifts I offer them? Please speak freely, I am very interested to hear what you think on this matter.”

She blinks looking up for a moment, “Um, father?” Then catching herself and returning to professional demeanor, “I mean my lord, I meant no disrespect. These humans they offer up these bodies and souls to you, but what does it mean to them. They don’t know or care about these humans they give us, to them they might as well be offering up cattle as it was done in the ancient times. With all the power and influence you allow them should not the sacrifices be something just as important to them as what they gain?”

Displeasure crosses the king’s face, “Child, I don’t think you fully understand, the humans know the pact, and obey the very letter of it. They are creatures that will always act in their own interests that they believe shall benefit them the most. I know that of them, and still allowed the pact to be written this way. Unlike the humans, we are beings with honor, with pride in our word, so we shall honor the pact as long as they stick to it. Do you understand, child.” His voice raised at the end to emphasize the world child.

She quickly looked back to the floor, “I…. I’m sorry, my liege, I shall never question your wisdom again.”

The king laughed as she continued to look down, “You know you must report everything from your encounter at the sacrifice to me, is there anything you are leaving out? Even if it is insignificant, or personal and not directed towards me, tell me of everything.”

Hekate shifted nervously, “Yes, your highness, I know, one of the humans, a Scooter Webster, offered to take me and **** me to serve him as I picked up the sacrifice. I cautioned him of course of his actions, of course.” Her eyes still glued to the floor between her and the corpse.

Belphegor chuckled, “that would have been interesting to see him try, although I guess it might be time, I put not only my children in line but my pact bearers as well, well perhaps, although if they keep entertaining me like this I might wait.”

Hekate tensed at that, gritting her teeth.

He continued though, “You don’t have a point dear, what use would I have for yet another meaningless sacrifice. I’ll tell you what, Hekate, I will give you this body and soul that was sacrificed to me to do with as you see fit.” Pausing to rub his chin for a moment, “Perhaps you could even find a way to teach those humans the respect you feel they owe us?”

She stammers as she slowly looks up to him again, “Thank you, my lord.” Aspersion evident on her face as she begins to process what he would want of her in this situation.

He then waves a hand, “Now take your toy and be gone child, I’ve wasted enough time on this matter.”

With that Hekate quickly scooped up the body of the sacrifice and hurried from the throne room pausing only once in the hall to look at the corpse and muse, “And now what should I do with you?”