Having Gramble censure me as speaker for House Sawall is one thing. But the gall she exhibits in trying to have me killed is quite another. Does she not realize that I have lived with the threat of death for over a millennium now? I have seen the petty fall, those who would use the black of night to slit Swayvill's throat and assume the throne.
I have secured Swayvill's hold on Chaos for over 400 years now, even though he declines in both body and mind. Sadly, his traditionalist values have doomed his house to die without an heir. Many a time did Despil or Jurt or Merlin ask me why I had not taken pains to secure that throne for my own self, seeing the influence that I had over our leige.
The answer is simple, really. Often times the seat of power is only the reflection of what is power. True power comes from darker places; true power drips from the blade of an assassin's knife; true power denies a rightful claim; true power knows murder and graft and the damnation of the soul.
Then why is it, that my black heart has soaked in this bile for a thousand years, that it could be stirred by a woman as many years younger than I?
My position depends upon me not being able to feel remorse, pity, or honor. But the vision of the Fire Angel looming over Jessica's shoulder enraged me. I am a fool -- showing one of my most vaunted talents to an Amberite. If they knew I could summon the Primal Chaos I'd never be allowed on their side of Ygg again.
Alas, I find this an interesting time for me. Not in many decades have I had problems and concerns such as now. Dara will pay for her insolence, petty girl. You want power, I will show you the power of many Hells. I will hold it in my hand, and tease you with it, all the while leaving it just outside your grasp. I will burn you with it, cut you, penetrate you... and you will want more, more, and yet some more...
And when I just as brutally absent you from it, perhaps your insanity will be complete.