Chapter 14 #3
I would hit that goal in 5 short days, but I couldn’t risk running my DP to zero. I needed to leave myself a cushion so I could summon an army if I needed to.
But soon.
By all accounts, the opening night of Penny's was a success.
Solara visited me in the rectory as I prepared for my trip to Minsic to see Lord Ulric.
Even though it was finished, I decided I wouldn't stay in my Sanctuary South bedroom until the city officially opened. The city was gorgeous, but I didn't like looking at it when it was empty and lifeless. I wanted to have a view of my boundless success, and I hadn't earned that yet.
“I thought you might be interested in this,” she said, setting a book on my desk.
When I turned to open it, Solara came up behind me and began rubbing my shoulders. We had known each other for a while now, and I still couldn't decide if she brushed her boobs across the back of my head on purpose or by accident. I liked both possibilities for different reasons.
If she didn't mean to do it, then I was getting a free touch. Like seeing a glimpse of a woman's panties in public, the sensation was a forbidden surprise.
If it was intentional, that was sexy too. I liked flirting and foreplay.
When the initial euphoria of my shoulder massage and all that it entailed passed, I gave the book my full attention.
“This is a strange source,” Solara said, as if sensing I was ready to shift my focus. “This wizard assembled these stories by summoning countless demons and asking them questions.”
An Oral History of the Hells. The topic was worthwhile reading, but hearing the methodology gave me concern.
“How would you ever fact-check something like that?” I asked. “I would bullshit my ass off if a strange man ported me to another plane to ask me boring questions.”
I could hear the smile in Solara's voice. “That's the strange part. I haven't decided how to navigate the potential of it all being lies, but I thought you should see this.”
Solara leaned forward to turn to a bookmarked page. Now that had to be intentional. Her bending over put a breast next to my cheek, and I felt the gentlest push, as if she pressed herself into my face.
I looked at the page and read where Solara indicated:
“Abaddon, the King of the Abyss and one of the most feared demons across multiple planes, has held power in part because of his harem. His nine wives manage the kingdom and are shrewd, powerful demons in their own rights.”
“Maybe we could get to him through one of his wives?” Solara suggested.
“Do you mean to arrange a meeting?”
“I was thinking more along the lines of getting them to deliver the biggest Podni bomb in history. Whether that’s a normal bomb or an Intoxicate+100 Bomb is up to you.”
I laughed. “That option is on the table. You were right to bring this to me. Even if none of this is true, it highlights an angle we haven't explored. There might be an opportunity in his inner circle.”
I continued to skim. This book listed their names, their demon types, and their responsibilities in the abyssal kingdom.
Sneaking a bomb close to Abaddon wasn't a terrible idea.
I would certainly prefer to eliminate him from a distance, but I would need a plan that was exceptionally slick to pull off a covert bomb delivery.
Abaddon was likely well-practiced in countering as well as preventing sabotage.
He would have effective security measures in place.
That didn't mean a bomb-based plan was not still a possibility. I just had to acknowledge what the realistic challenges would be.
“Do you think we can find a way to pull a win out of this fight?" I asked.
“Yes,” Solara answered without hesitation.
“His level is probably deep in the hundreds.”
“I knew the plan would never be a head-on assault,” Solara said. “We win the biggest fights because you’re smart enough to not go after levels. You win by making the battle about something else.”
“I've been searching for an angle like that.”
Solara kissed the top of my head. “We’ll find one soon.”
“For all the times he has invaded the heavens, I don't understand why they never killed him,” I mused.
“I have yet to find any detailed descriptions of the wars he supposedly waged. Three possible explanations for that: the scope and scale of those wars are grossly exaggerated. He never put himself near enough to the fighting to be in actual danger. Or he had a failsafe like a phylactery or something similar if he did fail.”
I sighed. “I hope it's not because he's cautious. Of all the possibilities, that would be the hardest to work with.”
“Can't get him if he never leaves the hole.”
“Exactly. You're right, though. An opportunity will present itself.”
“You delude yourself, viceroy.”
“I'm not deluding myself.”
“You were always a fool. Always destined to fail.”
“How do you still underestimate me?”
Solara shook me. “Byron. Who are you talking to?”
“What?”
“Who were you talking to just now? Was it Aurketzu?”
I shook my head. “No. I’m just tired and thinking out loud.”
Solara frowned but didn't argue. “Get some rest. I'll let you know when I find more.”