'Listen, demon,' Grimm snarled, forgetting his fear of the titan as a nascent thought coalesced into crystal clarity. 'I think I know how Starmor defeated you, as he did my party. If the Baron is so powerful, why did he tarry so long before attacking us, instead of crushing us in an instant?
'I'll warrant he spent time in insulting you, belittling you and enraging you before he finally attacked you. He seemed to take considerable pleasure in encouraging our fury before he at last subdued us. His loathsome city of men and women constrained to live out their lives as helpless puppets seems designed to ensure that anger, despair and terror are maintained within the walls of Crar. Why should Starmor expend such effort on the preservation of negative emotions? For the purposes of idle amusement alone? I think not. He maintains this foul mockery of a thriving city because he needs the hatred his control over his subjects inspires. His awful tower, with its wailing images of imprisoned souls; is that only to deter the casual thief? A strong set of locks and some dogs would surely achieve the same end.'
Shakkar's tail whipped to and fro in frenzy as the demon considered Grimm's words. 'The figures in Starmor's tower are not images,' he said at last. 'They are the imprisoned souls of those foolish enough to oppose him. Starmor burnt them to death, and stole their spirits as they expired, imprisoning them within the walls of his castle. This was another reason why I chose to rebel against the Baron.'
Grimm gaped. What kind of monster chose to torture his foes, even after they were dead?
'You were correct in your assumption,' the demon admitted, hanging his huge head. 'Starmor took control after he had spent much time excoriating me and rousing me to the heights of rage.
'Perhaps you have divined the source of his power, man; even so, I fail to see what you can do to thwart him. You are human, with the complex, overpowering baggage of emotions all humans possess. Even should you escape this turret, how will you hide them from Starmor?'
Grimm shrugged. 'I have a few powders, potions and herbs for medicinal treatment, and I have a little skill in Herbalism. I know the leaf of the Trina bush has the power to calm a man raving with the most manic rage. Under its influence, I might remain calm and placid in the face of the most terrifying peril. Starmor's powers against me would then be useless. I have some Trina leaves with me.'
Shakkar bared his fangs in a ghastly parody of a smile. 'I have seen such men in the grip of like substances,' he growled. 'Such a man would laugh while his arm was sawn off, but he would have no thought or will of his own while the drug's effects persisted. The gutters of your cities are full of those who have given their lives over to such herbs.'
Grimm nodded, feeling hope blooming within him. 'That's true, Shakkar. However, I carry also some powdered Virion. This herb is used to clarify the thought processes and strengthen the will of the addled and senile. It can cure confusion and torpor, but it does not affect the emotions. With a combination of these two substances, I believe I could ignore Starmor's taunts and still keep a clear vision of what needs to be done.
'You have my sworn word as a Guild Mage that, having made the trip back to the human world and defeated Starmor, I will rescue you from this dire pillar. Once I was back in the real world, I would know the astral route from here to there. I know I would have more than enough energy to bring you back. If, however, you are not prepared to let slip even a small morsel of meat, so as to prolong your miserable term here, I invite you to eat well, at my expense.' Grimm folded his arms and bowed his head before Shakkar, offering himself to the towering demon.
Long moments passed as the underworld creature considered the young Questor's offer. Grimm wore a calm visage and forced himself to stand still, his head bowed, but he trembled inside, fearing Shakkar might prefer to ease a grumbling stomach rather than entertain a dubious offer of freedom given by a mere mortal. Although he had read many books on the summoning, control and vanquishing of minor demons, he knew nothing of their mores, morals and inner drives, and still less of those of towering monsters like Shakkar.
Finally the gargantuan figure opened his fanged maw to speak, and Grimm tried to prepare himself for the possibility that these words might be the last sounds he would hear, apart from the crunching of his bones as the demon consumed him.
'Human, I have considered your offer, and I feel the chances of success are slender at best. My inner self insists I eat you to quell the growing pangs of hunger I feel.'
Grimm drew a deep breath, preparing himself for death. His innate fear of displaying cowardice forced his face to remain calm, whilst his inner being screamed at him to fight or run.
An age seemed to pass before Shakkar spoke again, and his words filled Grimm with relief, although he did not betray this on his face either.
'Very well, mage. I am no slave to my inner drives, unlike many of my kind. One more meagre repast does not compare with the chance of release from this dismal imprisonment, no matter how slight it might be. We will try your plan. The core of my being screams in protest at the prospect of putting my destiny in the hands of a mere human, but my higher self yearns to be free, whatever the chances of success.'
Relieved at the success of his speech, Grimm forced himself to keep his voice sombre and calm. He raised his head to look the demon in the face. 'Thank you for my life, Shakkar. I intend to attempt to keep my side of the bargain in full, as well as I can. I swear on the ring I bear as a Guild Mage that I will release you from this vile turret, or die in the attempt. You must know no Acclaimed Mage gives his oath lightly.'
Shakkar nodded. 'I have faced many a powerful mage in my time, and few even of these have chosen to fight me. None succeeded, save for Starmor, but not even that foul-hearted bastard son of a jackal ever gave a false oath to me. He lied to me often, but never in the form of a solemn pledge.
'I will… I will trust you, Questor Grimm.'
Grimm paused for a moment, noting the demon's clenched fists, guessing at the effort such an utterance must have cost Shakkar. He knew what he needed to say next, but he felt diplomacy and tact must be of paramount importance.
'Shakkar,' he said, 'I know well from my studies that the word of a demon is always good. Our species are all too often brought into conflict, but treachery has never come from your kind. It is for this reason I would ask for your solemn word on two matters.'
His eyes hooded, Shakkar gave a noncommittal nod. Grimm forced himself to look the gargantuan creature in the face. 'Firstly, if I am successful in my attempt to rescue you, you will not attack my companions or me for any reason, should we in turn act in good faith. I swear my companions will answer to my wrath, should they choose to act against you.'
Shakkar nodded again. 'Granted; I so swear. However, I reserve the right to succumb to the needs of my stomach should you be returned here. I trust this corollary is acceptable to you?'
'I agree,' Grimm said, 'even if I find this a fearsome prospect.'
'What is the second of your conditions?'
Grimm drew a deep breath before continuing. 'The second of my conditions concerns the fact that my colleagues are also doubtless held captive in similar situations. I may need to grant Starmor his life in order to secure their release. Could you bear to forgo your vengeance against him under these conditions? It goes without saying that I will bring you back from here, no matter what your answer may be. Nonetheless, I cannot leave my companions to their respective fates. I trust we can reach an amicable settlement on this issue.'
Shakkar's tail thrashed in a blur of motion; Grimm guessed the demon was struggling against the strong grip of conflicting emotions.
At last, the demon said, 'It is a… a difficult condition, but I will condescend to this stricture, should you agree that under no circumstances will you countenance the granting of Starmor's freedom. You may spare his life if-and only if-he demands it as a strict condition for the ransoming of your companions. You must also demand that he offer no treachery, on his sworn word. The least deviation from his complete submission must void all other conditions.'
'I agree, Shakkar,' Grimm said, maintaining a stern expression. 'Should Starmor deviate by one iota from the terms offered him, you may wreak your rightful vengeance upon him, if you are able to do so. Otherwise, he will die at my hands and those of my friends.'
'It would seem I have little choice, young human,' Shakkar snarled, swinging his tail in a manner that reminded Grimm of Crest's deadly whip.
'Very well,' the demon said at last. 'My power is at your disposal. Do what you must.'
'Thank you, Shakkar,' Grimm replied, forcing himself to hide the blessed relief he felt. 'I must perform the spell whilst my mind is clear. Be so kind as to kneel before me. I do not ask this in order to humble or belittle you,
