The Hidden Danger

By Bekka Mouri

Mehrunes looked into the mirror, straightening his uniform. Hircine had just given him Captain Dragon’s memory. It had been a long process but he wasn’t worried. The sleeping gas he had set off in that wing of the castle would not wear off for some time yet.

Behind him stood his five recruits who were to help him retrieve the woman he lusted for with every fiber of his being. Four of them wore uniforms that would help them blend in with the guard corps perfectly. Unable to find a uniform large enough for Molag, they decided to put him in with the slaves. As Malacath had explained, it would be better for them to spread out through the palace to work more quickly.

“ But what if we don’t blend in? “ Peryite looked to his older brother for an answer.

Before Malacath could speak, Hircine stepped forward, materializing a huge staff in his hand. He smiled and looked at Peryite, “ It will be simple. Not only am I telekinetic, I also have a vast knowledge of magic and wizardry. I will cast an illusion over all of us to make us look like we belong here. Anyone who looks at us will think we are just one of the other non-descript guards that roam these halls every day. Since I am feeling charitable today, I will also heal all of us since we missed a night’s sleep. “

Mehrunes chuckled, “ Is there anything else you have not told us about yourself, Hircine? You seem to have many talents. “

“ I will keep my secrets until I need to reveal them, “ Hircine’s voice sounded cold and foreboding. Everyone visibly shivered at his remark.

Clavicus stepped up, “ Get on with it then. It will be morning before long. “

Hircine narrowed his eyes at the cocky young man. Clavicus stepped back as he took a step towards him, “ You do not order me around, whelp. Only Master Dagon can. “

“ I am sorry, Hircine, “ Clavicus bowed deeply.

Mehrunes looked very amused at the little scene but he knew Clavicus had been right. Time was of the essence and the illusion would have to be cast before anyone in the castle woke up. “ Now, that was very entertaining but he is right. Hircine, whenever you’re ready. “

Hircine nodded and began to chant some magic words. A dark purple light began to glow in the huge quartz like orb at the top of the staff. It began to pour out into the room, covering everyone present. A few moments passed before the light faded and died. Hircine smiled at he looked at the men, “ It worked. No one will be able to tell we don’t belong here. “

A most wicked grin creased Mehrunes’ lips, “ Very good. Now, out to the castle. According to the information I have received from my dear distant cousin, dawn patrol starts at sunrise and he is part of it. “

“ What did you do with him, anyway? “ Peryite asked.

“ He is enjoying the hospitality of some very large rats in a very dark and abandoned part of the dungeon I found when he was giving me the castle tour. I don’t think anyone will find him for quite a while if at all, “ Mehrunes smirked.

“ So, are we just to go? “ Malacath looked like he was getting uncomfortable standing around.

Mehrunes looked at him, “ We will be going momentarily. Don’t be too anxious. From what I know, patrol starts at the north wall then moves around the whole palace. “

“ What about me? “ Molag picked at his slave clothes, which basically consisted of something that resembled a thong (pause for hard-core laughing fits I know this image will inspire) and little else.

“ The slave quarters at just down the hall, Molag. I am sure they are already up and started their chores. Try to blend in the best you can, “ Mehrunes tried not to look at the huge Drule for he knew he would be laughing. The other bounty hunters were also trying not to laugh at the sight.

Molag looked at everyone, “ Oh all right. But, aren’t you going to leave first? “

Mehrunes cleared his throat, “ No. You go first. We don’t have to be out until later. “

“ Okay, “ Molag sighed and walked out the door. Once it had shut, his companions collapsed to the floor, unable to control themselves any longer. Mehrunes leaned back against a wall and laughed deep in his chest for a minute or two before commanding the others to their feet. They then went out the door to being their charade.

**

Samara sat up in her bed and stretched. She sighed, looking at the spot where Anubis usually slept next to her. He had to go back to the Nether Realm on some important business and she did not know when he would return. She decided not to agonize over him being gone and go check to see how Bekka was doing.

The horrible panic attack she had in front of everyone had scared them. It was almost like she was having a seizure. Samara shook her head, trying not to see the scared look Bekka had in her eyes as she said someone was coming to get her. When she blinked, she could still see the girl clutching herself and gasping for breath.

After she had gotten up and dressed, she slipped out the door. As she made her way to towards the hospital wing, a handsome guard caught her eye. He was one she knew well. She smiled and called out to him, “ Captain Dragon! Yoo-hoo! “

The man stopped and turned. For a moment she could swear he didn’t recognize her. A slow smile crossed his lips, “ Samara! It’s been a while! How have you been? “

Samara stepped closer, “ Yes it has! How are you? “

~Hmmm, so my cousin has good taste in women. She is a nice one! Maybe I could use some of my Dagon charm on her,~ Mehrunes thought, looking Samara over. “ I’m doing good. How about you? “

“ I’m doing alright, “ Samara put her arms around him and hugged him. When he didn’t return the hug right away, she pulled back from him. “ Is there something wrong? “

Mehrunes shook his head, “ No. I just have my mind elsewhere right now. “

Samara let him go, brushing his suspicious behavior aside momentarily. “ I would love to chat but I am on my way to see someone in the hospital wing. “

“ Then I don’t want to keep you, “ Mehrunes stepped back. His memories he had received from his cousin were coming very slowly and he was becoming uncomfortable.

“ Right. Well, I’ll see you later then. You know where to find me, “ Samara said, silently wondering if Dragon had been bonked on the head or something.

Mehrunes furrowed his brow then the answer came to him, “ Oh yes! The harem! Maybe I will pay you a visit there later. We have a lot to catch up on. “

“ Ja ne until later, “ Samara stepped back and watched Dragon go down the hall and turn a corner. ~Odd.~ She thought, turning to continue on to the hospital wing.

**

Mehrunes turned the corner and leaned against the wall. This time it wasn’t to laugh; it was to catch his breath. Hircine warned him it would take quite a number of hours to access the memories of his cousin but he didn’t think it would take too long. Meeting that Drule woman in the hall could have blown his cover.

~I must study my cousin’s memories of that woman before I see her again. She might be able to see through me,~ He thought. He had been lucky enough to call up the location of the harem from the implanted memory. He smiled, hoping that Bekka would be there. The longer he stayed, the chances he would be exposed increased.

**

Bekka stared at the ceiling. Sarah wanted to keep her in the hospital for a day or two as she tried different medications on her to control her attacks. During the night, she had three almost as intense as the one she had in the harem. She clutched her necklace’s amulet tightly as an overwhelming sense of dread filled her.

~Please calm down, my child. You have me to protect you, remember?~ Hermaeus spoke gently to Bekka’s mind but he still sounded dark and evil.

~But you can’t do anything to anyone unless they hurt me, Hermaeus!~ Bekka screamed back, squeezing the amulet.

~Shhh, there is no need to shout or hold me like that. I can hear you just fine. The only thing I can suggest right now is for you not to go anywhere without me. Mehrunes is in the palace somewhere.~

“ What? “ Bekka whispered, “ What did you just say? “

~You heard me. He is in the castle and looking for you with five others who are all in disguise. I can sense his evil intentions for you.~

A tear slipped down Bekka’s cheek. She knew the only way Hermaeus could harm anyone was for her to get hurt first. He fed off of the evil emotions of people as well as his master’s pain and that gave him the power to manifest himself outside the amulet long enough to slaughter the one or ones responsible for the injury. It had been part of the spell that trapped him inside of the talisman.

“ Just once, “ Bekka whispered, “ Can’t you protect me without me getting hurt first? “

~Speak to me with your mind. Someone might come in and wonder why you are talking to a necklace.~

~Are you going to answer me?~ Bekka went back to using her mind although she was starting to get a splitting headache.

~No, I can’t unless you are hurt first. It takes the energy from your pain and the evil energy of the one who is hurting you. How many times do I have to explain how powerful the spell that holds me here is?~

~I’m sorry, Hermaeus. But, isn’t there a way to break the spell?~ Bekka loosened her grip on the amulet a little.

Hermaeus was silent for a long moment. ~Yes, but I wouldn’t recommend it.~

~How, Hermaeus?~ Bekka held the necklace closer to her face. Her eyes grew wide as a face materialized in the dragon’s eye stone. It was the face of a very handsome man with red eyes and long cinnabar hair. Intermingled through the locks were several snakes that were writhing.

~Are you frightened to see me?~ Hermaeus chuckled as Bekka stared at him with a gaping jaw.

~No. Please tell me how to break the spell,~ Bekka barely got the message out.

~All you have to do is break the necklace but I would not suggest it.~

~Why?~

Hermaeus chuckled, ~Silly girl, you would have to become my wife if I were to come back to the material world. Either that or kill you.~

~What if someone else breaks the necklace?~ Bekka was reeling in shock. She couldn’t imagine being married to a demon lord from another planet but she didn’t want to die either.

~I will have to kill them and I will be free to do as I wish.~ Hermaeus smiled as smile that sent a chill down Bekka’s spine.

~I understand,~ Bekka sighed.

Hermaeus’ face faded away, ~Hide me. Someone is coming.~

Bekka stuck the necklace under her pillow just as the door opened. “ Are you awake? “ Sarah poked her head in.

“ Yeah. What’s up? “

“ You have a visitor, “ Sarah pushed the door open a little further, revealing Samara standing next to her.

Bekka smiled, “ Samara! “

“ How are you today? “ Samara stepped into the room.

“ Tired, “ Bekka looked at Samara, “ I bet I scared everyone yesterday, huh? “

“ Not really, “ Samara sat down at the foot of the bed.

Sarah leaned against the doorframe, “ I have other patients to check on so I’ll leave you two alone. “

“ When you come back, can I have something for a headache? I think I’m getting one, “ Bekka said.

“ Sure. Do you need anything else? “ Sarah asked.

Bekka shook her head, “ I don’t think I will need anything else.“

“ See you later then, “ Sarah shut the door and left the two women alone.

Bekka could sense something odd about Samara. She placed a hand on her shoulder, “ Is everything okay? “

“ Well, I just ran into someone I know but he was acting odd. Do you want to hear about it? “

“ Sure, “ Bekka placed a hand under her chin and listened to Samara’s tale of her meeting with Captain Dragon.