– Your Majesty, there is a demon at the castle gate," Bergil said as he entered the king's chambers and bowed slightly.
Derek carefully ran his finger along the sharp blade of his heavy, broad sword, making sure it was sharpened properly, and then looked at his friend.
– Demon? – he grinned. – Another one? What brings him to us?
– He demands an audience with you," Bergil answered with the same grin.
– Demands? – The word made the king raise an eyebrow.
– Not just demands, but insists that you 'want' him.
– He does! – Derek laughed at that. – Well, that's a performance I don't intend to miss! Show him to the throne room.
– As chief of the guards, I must warn you of the possible consequences," Bergil frowned. – You know as well as I do what damned demons can do.
– I know, my friend, but rest your soul: from now on, the Devil's magic does not work here in Sturfjell or in all of Kaldwind. – The King put his sword back in its scabbard and added: "You're not used to the power of the White Talisman, are you?
– I remember the Talisman. Andrada did her best," grumbled the head of the guard. – But I did not know that all of Kaldwind was safe from those devilish creatures.
– My friend, you are the head of my castle's guard, and you should know everything that is going on around you," Derek smiled.
– My fault, Your Majesty. – Bergil bowed low, frustrated at his ignorance.
– Stop it," the king said to him briefly. – And I have told you many times that you may call me by my name in private.
– That's something I'm going to have to get used to. To the Talisman is fine, but after eight years in the service of King Juris, it's hard for me to call the king, that is, you, by his name.
– I may be king now, but to you I'm still the same Derek you fought alongside for eight years. Enough idle chitchat. Bring the demon to me: I'm curious," the king said as he approached his friend.
He bowed again.
– Whatever you say, Derek, but be on your guard.
– Without dark magic, demons are worthless. They're good mages, but they're not warriors," King Derek said mockingly, and headed for the throne room.