Lamar did not want to listen to his daughter. He was sure that his spies would bring him happy news, and he had no intention of going to the world. His wife, who was as proud as she was arrogant, supported him and said she was sickened by the thought of even nagging pathetic people for peace. And only their daughter realized that as soon as the human army surrounding the walls of Røvann received reinforcements, (for the capital of Flammehav was difficult to take, even though it could not defend itself with magic) a battle would begin that would be the last for the once prosperous and majestic demon kingdom. But Sylvia was only a young girl, and while her father had always listened to her opinion in matters of politics and running the kingdom, this time he would not consider anyone's opinion, not even that of his favorite daughter. And the Flammehav heiress knew that her father's stubbornness would lead them all to their inevitable doom, but she could not change his decision.
***
– Reinforcements have arrived, Your Majesty," Bergil announced loudly as he entered the king's large black tent, where he and his warlords were discussing a plan to capture Røvann.
There was merriment in the human camp: the warriors knew that after they had destroyed Røvann, slit the throats of everyone they could get their hands on, hung the bodies of the Rossi family – the lords of Flammehav – and taken with them all the vast wealth of the royal palace without leaving even a copper coin, they would cleanse Vakkerland of demons, those vile Satanic spawn. They will do all races a great favor and be glorified in songs and ballads for all ages. Besides, back home in their native Kaldwind, their wives and children are waiting patiently for them.
– How many? – Derek tossed to Bergil, standing surrounded by the men of war.
He had no map of Flammehav, nor did any of the other kings of Vakkerland, for none of them had been able to cross the borders of the demon kingdom that terrified their enemies until now. Derek Merkswerd – King of Men was the first and last to reach the walls of his capital.
– Thirty thousand, my king! – shining like a polished coin, Bergil replied.
– Excellent. Just think: perhaps tomorrow we will free the world from demons! – The king laughed, and his commanders shouted with one voice: "Hail Derek, King of Kaldwind!".