UL1 - Book 11 - Chapter 99a

“It only took three years,” Sog said as he slid of gold cup toward Sharazael on the obsidian table. “Tell me, how goes the unrest?”

“It is almost stamped out,” the queen of the demons replied, moving the cup closer toward her. “It would appear that each of the races, minus the dwarves, has been suffering from a bit of… racism. Though ours was much easier to deal with.”

“Deal with or exterminate?” Sog asked, leaning back in his chair as he studied the demon he had selected for what now seemed like an impossible job. “Tell me, how are they handling the… new creations?”

Her mouth puckered slightly, those black lips pressing against each other as one of her hands picked up the cup and she dipped a finger into it.  Slowly, she let the wine he had poured reach her tongue via a nail.

“I will admit that many were not excited at the mixing of races. Some are still openly not happy about it, but those who sought harm have been dealt with. I would be foolish to believe that this is far from over, yet I know in time that our bloodline may be watered down more than some believe.”

“And why is that?” Sog asked, already believing he knew her answer.

“Most of those who are born are a mix of human and demon. Only two elves have intermingled and I believe one dwarf is currently in the process of managing two wives…” A chuckle came from the queen as she said those last few words. “When word got out that our kind were open to unions outside our race, there was a bigger rush than I had expected to come.”

“I spoke with the other gods,” Sog said, summoning a journal from storage. “We were all in agreement that if those who desired to pursue another race wanted to they could. His kind has been the most abundant one and I understand the potential desire they may have for doing so. Only time will tell how the races evolve and adapt. I, for one, am interested in when the first dragon gets involved in the equation.”

Sharazael’s dark eyes sparkled and she set her cup down, leaning forward. “You know something, I can see the way your cheeks are bunched up.”

Sog nodded and opened his journal. “There are two dragons who are currently engaging with a different race. Rakonath has been… supportive as his relationship with Cordellia set the path for many of the others.”

“That lucky elf,” Sharazael sighed. 

Rolling his eyes, Sog shook his head. “You’re not the first to say that but I’m not so certain who the lucky one is. Regardless, I will be gone for the next few months. I’m headed to another continent with Cordellia and searching for a new place for our people to settle.”

“Speak of the devil,” Sharazael teased, grinning the entire time. “You sure this is god related or personal?”

“I do not ask you about your life outside of this,” Sog said, his tone losing the playful edge. 

“And that is because we both know you do not care about what I do outside of running your kingdom,” Sharazael replied. “For me, this is a rare chance to tease someone I know would turn red if his skin allowed it.”

Not giving her the pleasure of seeing that she was right, Sog shrugged and then tore a piece of paper from his journal.  “Here are the things I’ll need ready to go in a week.  I’ll be stopping by to pick them up before heading to Skyheart and then traveling beyond the sea.  Is there anything in particular you think I need to be on the lookout for our people over there?”

Sharazael tapped four of her hands against the table, setting a steady beat as she looked up for a moment. “Find us… a piece of land that is less barren and more fertile. I know the dwarves are seeking more places with stone and while we can always use the materials, we need to consider more land to farm and raise livestock on. You apparently did not think that was as important when determining our home.”

Wincing, Sog nodded. “Jazzjak… er Voktraz, told me that but all I knew was the world I lived upon. Yet another thing that demon has been right about.”

“He is wise, if not a bit hard to pin down. At the moment, that is the only thing I could think of. I will give it some more thought and have a list of other things that might serve our people well.”

Nodding, Sog rose and began to walk away.  “Take care, Sharazael. Remember, someday when you find someone, I’ll tease you about them also.”