The King's Knights

Prologue:

Within the domain of fate, the image flared before Rioletta.

It showed a vessel flying through the empty void of space with a world in the distance. A vast and varied world of green and blue with a few continents. Clawed fingers pulled upon white threats of silk. Violet's lips smiled to reveal sharp canines as the Weaver of Fate set to work on her newest tapestry. Long, violet air fell over beautiful features and slender shoulders. The image shifts to a myriad of fates led by the inevitability of destiny.

The threads were drawn, and the hand pulled across the ample bosom. Rioletta's spider legs clicked in irritation as it was ultimately.

"And so the thread is placed," said Rioletta. "The web is spun. The fly approaches."

"You seek revenge for Narvan?" asked Serena, trapped within the webs as all things were. Red was... new to this tapestry; she had been present but only in the background. Like so many others, she had taken time to bring to prominence.

"Yes," said Rioletta, pleased at the question. Now that her duties to Tuor were done, she could finally act freely. "The Demoration ignored the Dreamer Empire as it invaded my world."

"Then why help take Calisha?" asked Tef.

"Living up to one's obligations is the first mark of greatness, my darling Saphra," said Rioletta. "If you cannot even perform the bare minimum of what is expected of you, how can you go beyond?"

Saphra's blank expression did not change. Only one of her violet eyes could be seen through the black bang in front of half her face. A necklace of blue shells was around her bare neck, leading down to shapely breasts—very near Rioletta's equal in that regard. A dress of fur and black leather hid her clothes.

To drink blood from this one was tempting, and Rioletta was within her rights. But not now.

"There must be another reason," said Saphra.

"There is," admitted Rioletta. "Tuor is not a man who can be easily controlled, nor are any of his subordinates. The Demorations underestimated him. And in their obsessive haste to access Calishan markets, they aided without question.

"They will not get a partner or a puppet from him. Indeed, what greater harm could I have done them than to let their plans succeed?"

Saphra seemed to consider this as Rioletta continued to bind her spirit. "So the operation was a mistake."

"Yes," said Rioletta. "I chose to assist in that mistake and benefit on the side. And now, I am free to pursue my desires." She bustled around Saphra, banishing the vision, and began to work at her from behind. The webs of fate continued to bind Saphra's spirit in place, securing her for what had to come.

Using webs as a medium was optional, but Riloletta liked them. Red was meditating, and from her perspective, this was a dream.

"What is your will?" asked Red.

"The prophecies of old are being fulfilled," said Rioletta. "A new High King has arisen in Antion.

"We are living through a happily ever after. This means the time has come for the disappointing sequel. Beginning with the arrest of this man.

"Artulkan.

"He was exceptionally unwise in his conduct before High King Relma. He now resides in prison alongside many of his compatriots. The Demoration can do nothing for them."

"A poor situation," noted Saphra.

She was an exceptional listener but not much for conversation. It is always so straightforward and practical. "Indeed. And we are going to make it much more painful for them. Even as we speak, they are scrambling around like rats fleeing from a sinking ship. Everyone seeks someone to blame in the hopes that no one will blame them.