The Devil's armour

41

In the netherworld between life and death, Kahldris watched Baron Glass with eyes of ether, studying him through the prism of their planes. He was pleased that the bond between them had sealed, pleased that Thorin Glass had accepted him so readily. But the demon was concerned, and so probed the baron’s mind for answers, even as he once again made love to the woman in the bed.

What was this machine?

A powerful thing, certainly. Powerful enough to interest the woman and make her move armies for it. Kahldris had already known of the library. A great place of learning, full of books and secrets. Like the Diamond Queen, Kahldris had his own designs on the place. Now, though, he was even more intrigued. What was this thing that could think for itself? Had Baron Glass hidden it from him, or had he simply thought it unimportant?

As the baron again fell upon the woman, Kahldris seeped deeper into his mind, hiding there behind the lust, blowing the dust off the hidden corners of Glass’ brain. He whispered the word again and again, trying to focus Glass’ unconscious there.

Machine. .

The baron gave him very little. It was a thing Baron Glass had never seen, but the description had impressed him enough to remember it. The boy Gilwyn Toms had told him about it — a machine that could think. Kahldris, dredging ever deeper, found this remarkable. Ask it a question and it gives you an answer? It could find things, he realised. It had helped to find the amulets.

Kahldris paused, completely detached from the lovemaking he had earlier enjoyed. His ancient mind considered his findings. The Eyes of God, those hated things of Amaraz and his sister, had been unearthed by this strange machine?

Like a diver the demon submerged again, looking for clues, but found mostly emptiness. He discovered only what Thorin had already said — only Gilwyn Toms could operate the machine.

The boy had been a threat to Kahldris. He was beloved by Baron Glass, and Kahldris was glad he had not joined the Bronze Knight in his search. Surely, someone Glass cared for so much would be a danger. But the notion of the machine tantalised Kahldris, for the Akari had not really told Glass everything about his Devil’s Armour. There was one thing that could scratch it, one thing alone that could penetrate its magic metal. Kahldris, however, did not know where it was hidden.

Excitement bubbled up in the Akari being. Even as Baron Glass neared his lustful release, Kahldris considered things. In his mind was a game board with many pieces to be moved, each one consequential. He needed Gilwyn Toms now. How, then, to move the boy to action?

The question consumed Kahldris. He watched in curiosity as the lovers finished their dance, soon falling back into each others’ arms. The sight of them together sparked the spirit’s thinking.

Soon, he had forged a plan.