"Oh yes, my sweet imp, such loyalty," the voice mocked.
"It is as deep and endless as the sea."
"More like as deep and endless as my coffers."
The imp offered a half bow. "We all have our weaknesses, do we not?"
"Bah." The shadow stirred with a restless impatience. "I want that demon. Awaken your pet."
Damocles straightened, his thoughts racing at this most unexpected turn. He prided himself on preparing for every eventuality. On reading the future with uncanny skill.
He was never caught off guard, never unprepared.
On this occasion, however, he had to admit mat his cunning wiles had failed him.
Most annoying.
"My pet?" He lightly touched his golden chain. "Surely not yet, my lord? It is bound to stir unwelcome attention. I have several—"
His words were choked off as a pressure encircled his throat and cut off his air.
"Have you forgotten who is master here, imp?"
Black flecks were dancing before Damocles's eyes before the pressure at last eased and he was allowed to suck in a lung fall of air.
A fury raced through his blood but with the ease of long practice Damocles lowered himself to his knees and bent his head as was expected of a proper servant.
His plans could be altered. He was nothing if not resourceful.
"Of course not, my lord. It shall be as you desire." He slowly lifted his head. "Still, there is no guarantee that there will not be casualties."
"What do I care as long as it is not the Shalott?" the shadow demanded.
"The vampire—"
"A necessary sacrifice."
Damocles deliberately paused. "Necessary perhaps, but I do not believe your Ravens will be so understanding."
That painful hiss echoed through the cave. "Which is why they shall not learn of my plan. Is that clear?"
He hid a smile. At least he need not concern himself with that meddling band of jackasses. They had done their best to interfere in his plots and schemes and he had promised himself a proper punishment. He was very good at punishment.
But not now. Not yet.
"Perfectly, my lord. Indeed I shall go along to ensure that there are no unfortunate mistakes."
"A wise decision."
Damocles slowly rose to his feet, his thoughts racing. "But first I believe I shall pay a visit on the troll."
There was a suspicious pause. "Why? He is meaningless."
The imp smiled. "Not so meaningless. He holds the curse that binds the Shalott."
"So?"
"If he dies, she dies. I think it would be wiser to have him in our care to keep him out of the hands of our enemies."