Meet the Villan: Nassus Televokov

Interview between Nassus Televokov and Fairy Lord Kilan. Setting: Fairy Fortress of Tammil, Revunia. 

The double-doors on the other side of the room banged open. Two fairy guards entered, carrying between them in chains the one fairy who was easily by now the most hated on the island. Lord Kilan's people had once supported Televokov, but now that the invasion had taken its toll they showed him only minimal favor. Televokov, everyone knew, was more of a serpent than a fairy: a cunning, ruthless manipulator who now thrived on his profits from Revunia's tragic downfall. Kilan had heard that much about him, but he had never had to deal with him personally.

Yet here he was, bound in magical chains, stripped of arms and armor, clad in only breeches and a long under-tunic, silver hair disheveled, staring hatefully at his captor with cold gray eyes. He knew that Televokov was sizing him up. Kilan was plainer in his appearance than most fairies. He wore his dark brown hair to his shoulders and kept it combed straight. His tunic of mustard yellow, dark trousers, and boots, were undecorated, and his dark cloak was clasped with a simple bronze brooch. The sword at his side had a handle of dull silver, and hung from a belt of dark leather. The two fairies stared at each other for a moment, before one of them finally spoke.

“Well, well, well, Lord Televokov at last,” said Kilan, trying to sound casual.

“My lord Kilan,” Televokov spat through gritted teeth.

Kilan looked up at his guards. “Release him. You are dismissed.”

The two fairy guards undid Televokov's chains and departed. Televokov stretched as he rose to regain his balance.

“I trust your stay has been comfortable,” Kilan commented calmly.

“Yes, my lord, it has been—for a dungeon cell, at least.” Televokov rubbed his wrists with visible discomfort.

“I see,” Kilan replied, retaining his level tone. He walked over to a small table on the side of the chamber, laden with refreshments. “Have a seat, my lord,” he commanded, indicating two chairs near the table. Without a word, Televokov walked up to the table, and the two fairies seated themselves on either side. “Would you care for something to drink?”

“Absolutely,” Televokov said coolly. Kilan raised a flagon of fairy wine and poured them each a goblet full of red liquid. Televokov watched the fairy general drink and sample some of the bread and cheese on the table before partaking himself.

“Now, tell me, Lord Televokov,” Kilan began after his prisoner had eaten some, “why you were out in our southern fields the other night after there had been a considerable uproar at Toornath Crater?”

“I am sure you know, my lord, what the uproar was all about,” Televokov answered scathingly.

“I do know, somewhat, but not everything.”

“Do you mean to interrogate me?”

“In a way, yes,” Kilan answered playfully, “but I also mean to inquire this of you as your honorable host.”

Televokov made a face, then relaxed. “I see you mean to gain my trust. I suppose you shall have it then,” he replied, eying Kilan mysteriously. “I suppose there's no need to suppress the fact that the incident at Toornath was a bit of, er, a fiasco.”

Lord Kilan stroked his chin thoughtfully. “The word is you led an attack on the Opposition's camp followers. What objective were you trying to fulfill by doing that?”

Televokov dropped his goblet to the table impatiently. “The objective is, and remains to this day, to strike out and destroy the Opposition in any way possible. With the guerrilla tactics they have been employing it has been difficult to implement any strategy.”

“Please forgive me, my lord, I am largely unaware of your forces' movements' in the recent battle.”

“Quite. In any event, we engaged the Opposition just as their main forces were entering the crater. We were planning to finish them off quickly, but the rebels were doing their best to drag it out. So I...engaged the prince in hope I would put an end to it.”

“But I heard he bested you, and the troll lord.”

Televokov's pale face began to redden. “Armalut's ferocity comes second only to his stupidity, General. Any fool could have bested him that day. But as for me,” Televokov sighed ruefully, “no one should have. The boy is a coward. The Opposition are not killers: their policy is secrecy and no mercy.”

“But what did happen?” Televokov did not reply, but, acting distracted, took a long swig of his wine. “My lord, does this have anything to do with the rumors about a unicorn being involved?”

Televokov choked and coughed. “No, this has everything to do with it!” he gasped angrily.

“Are you all right, my lord?” Kilan asked, feigning alarm.

“No, I am fine,” said Televokov as he choked down his cider, casting a venomous glance at General Kilan.

Kilan glanced nervously back. “Very well then, my lord, I will have to assume that the rumors are true.”

“Yes,” Televokov growled as he wiped his face with a napkin. “I was no match for his powers. He did a basilisk entrapment spell on me so I couldn't escape, but he was too noble to finish me off then and there—you know how unicorns are.”

“I see,” Kilan commented. “To brings us nearly back to the point, what were you doing in the fields outside our fortress?”

“I was getting to that,” Televokov sneered. He took a sip of wine and continued, “My horse was my best chance to get back to Ramalsk in a timely manner, but it had run off during the battle. I found its trail running north out of the crater, and then east toward your fields. I was there when your guards apprehended me.”

“Ah, I see. Well, since your only need by trespassing in independent fairy lands was to return to your home, it seems only fair to send you back to the goblins first thing in the morning,” said Kilan.

“Have you found my horse?” Televokov inquired over the rim of his goblet.

“No, but I'm afraid we have some unfortunate news for you,” Kilan responded.

“Oh. Do tell.”

“Lord Pintath and his goblins have moved in to seize total control in Revunia.”

“Oh, really? Now that's shameful of him.”

“Yes, it is a shame,” said Kilan. “He has declared himself sole ruler of Revunia and there is now talk that he is considering taking the throne as well.”

“Really?” Televokov raised an eyebrow. Kilan was surprised he was handling this so calmly.

“Well, I wouldn't know all the specifics, of course, being so far from the capital, but there has been some uproar in Ramalsk over this development.”

“Really, then? Well, I'd better get home, hadn't I?”

“Ahem, yes, you probably should.” Kilan continued, “I am sorry we have not been able to arrange this sooner, but I have been busy tending to my people's, er, security. I would encourage you not to feel that you have been treated unfairly; frankly, you're being repaid for all the waiting my people have done to have our petitioners admitted to your grace's presence.” He gave a knowing smile to Televokov, who, oddly enough, returned it.

“I see,” said Televokov finally, after they had stared in silence for a second. “I would not dare hold such a measure against you. In fact, I think I would like to stay here a little longer—provided, of course, I am given more appropriate accommodations.”

“That you may,” said Kilan, nodding approvingly while trying to hide his surprise. “You are welcome to stay on as my honored guest.”

“Naturally,” said Televokov, who quietly toasted the general. Kilan mirrored the gesture.