"I never said I wanted to kill him!" Lexi spluttered, choking on her own saliva in panic as she groped for a justification, "I just figured that because I didn't know much about him or his race, that I should make sure that I'm well informed moving forward…"
"Mmm. Pity." The Djinn hummed slyly as he continued at a slower pace along the corridor, leaving Lexi wondering just exactly what he meant..
Her mind whirled with questions as they followed behind him in silence until finally, she couldn't take it anymore.
"Hey…erm, Djinn." She began, grasping wildly in her mind trying to remember if he had told them his name or not, "I'm sorry, I know that sounds rude, but I don't think I know your name."
"That is because I did not give it to you." He answered matter of factly as they entered a room lined with shelves from floor to ceiling that spanned at least four floors that she could see.
"Well, then how about we exchange names?" Lexi offered, knowing that Djinn were often secretive about their true names because it held the key to controlling them if a person so desired.
The Djinn cocked his head with interest.
"You would exchange your name with me?" He asked curiously, peering at her closely, "Are you sure that is wise?"
"I don't see why not," Lexi shrugged, "Do we have a deal?"
The Djinn considered for a moment before a toothy grin spread on his face.
"I of course, cannot deny our new Queen," He simpered, offering his hand, "As a sign of respect, I shall offer my name first. My name is Maerifa."
Lexi watched closely, waiting for his eyes to reveal whether or not he was telling the truth. If they flickered amber, then she would know that he lied to her, but they didn't. Instead, his eyes flickered an electric blue as he spoke, indicating that he was telling the truth.
She extended her own hand and clasped his own.
"My name is Lexi, Maerifa. Daughter of Lord Brarthroroz and Ximena."
His face paled suddenly, as recognition crossed his expression, his fingers stiffened around her own.
"But…Lord Eromaug and Lord Brarthroroz…"
"Yes. I know. Technically speaking, my Eternal is my uncle. He apparently disagrees and holds different values towards his family than you Djinn do." Lexi snorted in disgust as she released her grip.
"That explains why he needed a soul dragon in the beginning," Maerifa muttered thoughtfully as he tapped his elongated fingers on his chin, "It also explains why you need this information."
He seemed to wrestle with his own thoughts for a moment before a look of acceptance followed by determination settled over his face.
"I have decided." He said with a nod of his head, his expression serious, "I will help you in this, but you must know, he cannot be killed. It is impossible."
Lexi's heart sank and she could feel Aoife's eyes turning to her in despair.
"Okay, so is there a way to immobilize him for any length of time?" Lexi asked as Maerifa ushered them further into the room and towards a dark recess, lined with scrolls that looked as though they hadn't been disturbed in centuries.
"If I recall correctly there is a way, but I am a little hazy on the details," he mumbled as he searched through the scrolls sending dust flying up into the air around them.
Orynn trilled a little inquisitive noise as they watched, his hand resting gently on Lexi's shoulder briefly and when she turned to him, she saw the worry in his eyes.
"Maerifa," Lexi said softly, "Why are you helping me?"
He paused as he turned to look over his shoulder at her and his face was suddenly clouded by sadness.
"I do not have the time to tell you the long history between the Djinn and Eromaug but I will say this. Long ago we walked a realm of our own and not long after Eromaug discovered our home, we were subjugated and bound here, to his realm. His crimes against my kind are many, but he holds all of our names so that none will ever move against him." He answered matter of factly pulling a scroll from the shelf and taking a seat at the table next to them, "Although I cannot raise a hand or weapon towards him myself, I can provide the information to those who might."
Lexi nodded in understanding as Orynn rumbled an almost sad sound. She reached for Maerifa's hand and covered it with her own.
"I will do what I can, Maerifa, to set your people free from here or at least make it so that you can come and go as you please. No one deserves to be held against their will."
He smiled sadly and chuckled.
"That will only happen with his death, my Queen and that will never happen, at least not permanently."
"Then I will do whatever I need to to make sure that he no longer has control over this realm."
They exchanged a meaningful look with each other, before Lexi removed her hand and Maerifa unfurled the scroll before them.
"Ah! Yes. Do you see? Right here. This is the only way to stop Eromaug, but to do this you must catch him unawares and I do not think that will be so easy to achieve." he whispered excitedly.
"Can I see that?" Aoife said, leaning across the table as Maerifa handed the scroll over, indicating the passage that contained the information they sought.
She frowned a little as she studied it, chewing her lip thoughtfully before lifting her head to look at Lexi's serious face.
"You need to sever his head?!" she exclaimed in a harsh whisper, "How the hell are you going to get that close to him?! Let alone get through all of the scaling on his armor!"
"I may be able to procure you the blade that you will need," Maerifa answered quietly, "But the rest will be up to you."
"Even with the blade it's…it's…" Aoife spluttered in a panic, "Lexi! You cannot be serious! This will never work! How will you even get that close to him?!"
Lexi's face seemed to harden as a dark look settled across her features.
"I know exactly how I'm going to do this, Aoife. You don't need to worry about that,"