I thought about that statement. “Everybody drew their own conclusions about our involvement. We never actually said we were working for the Dominion. But I have no problem with keeping that lie alive. I have no intention to talk to you about my past, sorry. At least not now, maybe in time. As for working together, what did you have in mind?”

  Loriel looked a bit disappointed. “You are going to remain a mystery? Such a shame.” She shook her head. “I suppose I will have to tease the information out of you, in time. As for working together, for a start I would like you to appear at the summit. I presume the duke would ask the same of you but it would help our image if you are there on my behalf. I would like you to present your findings. I would also like your opinion beforehand, on everything you encountered.”

  She took a short break to sip her coffee. “Afterwards maybe you could help against the Empire. I have no idea how you collected information but anything you can give us would be appreciated. We know they had plans to invade Beravis. I have no idea if those will continue now.”

  “Both of you are a powerful force and I would like you on our side. I know that the Empire is conducting research into enhancing people. Personally I suspected the emperor of working with some powerful being for a time. I am afraid if left unchecked the Empire will become a threat to the Dominion.“ Loriel said.

  “But the demons sacrificed the imperial soldiers.” Lucy argued. “It did not seem like they were working together.”

  “I am not sure it is a demon that the Empire is working with.” Loriel answered. “It could be, there are several demon lords and they have their own fights. But I suspect it might be something else.”

  “What makes you think that?” I wondered. “What evidence do you have of them working with something?”

  “We have discovered people that were experimented on. The magic was strange and had similarities to a warlock pact. It would be impossible to create an army of warlocks, powerful beings cannot bestow their gifts that frequently. But I think they have been studying the process and are trying to use it differently. I think they are summoning creatures, like demons, and try to transfer their powers to mortals, killing the demon in the process.”

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  “What?” I was shocked. I knew that the creation of a warlock required you to place a part of your soul into the recipient of your power. Not many beings were capable of doing that. You needed a strong soul. “To achieve what you described they would likely have to tear the soul of a demon apart and then stuff what they ripped off into a human. That would kill the demon in a cruel way and twist the human into… something.” I said.

  Loriel’s eyes widened. She looked really surprised. “But… how do you know that? The creation of warlocks is generally a secret. Only very powerful beings seem to know the details. That is why I figured they have to be working with something…”

  Lucy smiled. “I am a warlock actually.”

  Loriel looked uncertain now. “Who is your patron, if I might ask?” Then she glanced at me. “Are you…? No. The orb showed that you are not disguised. You are an elf. And you seem to be a sorceress. Do you carry the same blood as her patron? Are you a descendant of the creature she pacted with?”

  “You could say that I share blood with her patron, yes.” I said. “But that is all we can say.”

  Loriel thought about that for a moment. “I see. I suppose I did learn something about you after all. That would explain a lot about your mysteries. I assume your patron is opposed to what happens in the Empire?”

  Lucy answered: “Yes. I can safely say my patron is not a fan of the Empire. I can also say that we are acting freely here, without orders.”

  I was amazed she managed that with a straight face. It was also the truth. Loriel was digesting all the information. Meanwhile Elnora looked rather pale. I was wondering what theories she came up with in her head.

  A thought occurred to me. “Loriel, are you a warlock yourself? Or a sorceress? Your eyes are unusual for an elf. So you must have either changed due to a pact or you carry the blood of a different creature.”

  “I am a sorceress.” She replied. “The blood of a shadow beast runs in the royal family.”

  “Oh, can you transform into an animal? We need to play some time!” Lucy said enthusiastically. Then she blushed a little, probably remembering that she was talking to a queen.

  “You can transform into animals? I don’t think I saw that in a report…” Loriel said.

  “I can become a black panther and Lucy turns into a fox, unsurprisingly.” I answered.

  Loriel seemed a bit overwhelmed with all the information. I assumed she was desperately trying to figure out where our power came from. How many lightning aligned beasts were there that would offer a warlock pact?

  Finally Loriel said: “You have given me a lot to think about. I would still like to work with you. Can we meet again soon? I might have to contact the high queen with a messenger stone…”

  “Sure.” I said. “You know where to find us.”