Part 9: Jewel of Darkness

--Hecate sat in her chamber of spells, weaving incantations around the Jewel of Life. Astarte, Kali, Gilgamesh, and Loki entered.

--Astarte came forward. "I have the Warrior of Tundra, Hecate. He is now mine to command." Hecate did not answer, but continued with her work. "The Warrior of Gaea proved more elusive and was able to escape. The four of us could capture him if we attacked now. They will not expect us so soon."

--Hecate finally looked up at them. "That will not be necessary."

--"But I thought these Sentinels were essential to our plans."

--"It would have made things easier for us having them to keep the Ronins at bay while I ready the spell of darkness. But they’ve still served a great purpose--they’ve kept the Ronins distracted. Instead of searching for the Jewel, the fools have been running after the Sentinels, thinking that would somehow hinder us."

--Astarte was angry. "Then we have also been on a fools errand."

--"Do not be so enraged, child. Your mission was important. With the Sentinels at our sides we would have been even stronger, but I made plans with contingencies in mind. This turn of events was not wholly unexpected, nor will it hurt our efforts overmuch."

--Astarte was somewhat mollified, but she disliked Hecate’s condescending tone. At least Astarte had succeeded in her part. "What next?"

--"This!" She passed her hand over the Jewel and it turned dark. "I have twisted its character to our purposes. We will be able to use it. The alignment of the stars and planets will be perfect for my spell of darkness in three nights. Then we will be ready to take our places as rulers of the world once more."