The ghoul had fled back into the wall as soon as the king cried out, too quick for the alerted guards to actually see him. They suggested that it must have been a secret passage, that the intruder had been mortal. They searched the entire room for a way to open the passage again, ripping the wallpaper to shreds and tearing up floorboards, but they found nothing. The king shouted that he could no longer stay in this castle, that he would sleep in a cave if need be to be relieved of these specters. His knights obeyed, but the king noticed the look they had given him.

The court found a suitable site not far from the castle, a natural, dry cave with only one entrance. The king went as far back as he dared, and lay down to sleep.

It was midnight when the king suddenly heard the voice above him say, "Your majesty, you are still in danger."

The king's eyes fluttered open and darted around, seeing only blackness. "Who's there?"

"Your only loyal servant." A translucent shape seemed to float before him, softly coiling about itself.

The king covered his eyes and shook himself. "You--you are another demon! Just leave me be! I shall not go mad!"

"I am no demon, your majesty. Mark me well, the plot which nearly extinguished your majesty's noble life is still in motion." The shape unfurled itself, a serpent of smoke. "All your trusted warriors now conspire with dark spirits."

"How--how do you know this?" It made sense. The guards had been right outside the door, yet had not entered until the ghoul had escaped.

"I see more than most," the figure purred floating closer. "You are still king. Take heart and smite your enemies."

"Who? Who are these enemies?" The king's heart beat faster in his chest.

The smoke enveloped him in a sickly sweet scent and whispered, "Everyone."

---

Sequel to this.