"Koschei Delta?" a voice said from the doorway, but upon seeing his state started to back away. "Sorry, sorry, I'll come back later". It was a soldier, one of the lower ranks, judging from his nervousness. He had a sleek head of dark brown hair with two bright green eyes staring from underneath his helmet.

"No, just... what do you want?"

"The Lord President Rassilon asks for an audience with you. He requests you come immediately".

"What would he want with me? I'm worth nothing".

"What you're worth is no matter to me", he said with a tiny smile. "I guess you'll find out when you get there". He walked away, gesturing for him to follow.

"When did you join?" Koschei asked, just to fill the silence that had now taken hold.

"Two months ago. I was a scouter for a couple of years before, but I've only just been promoted". The military ranking system completely baffled Koschei on his first week. First there were scouters, then the Chancillory Guard, then it split into three different sections, the Ushtre (Ability Level 3), Dengiz (Ability Level 2) and Tsoma (Ability Level 1). After that you could apply for commanders and generals, but neither Koschei nor Theta ever dreamed of getting that far.

"Ah, here we are", the soldier said at the doors of a tall, temple-like building. He gestured Koschei inside and was immediately met by the sight of Rassilon lounging in a red velvet chair.

"Could it be? Has he finally come to attention?" he started, looking over at the figure standing in his door.

"Yes, sir".

"Koschei Delta", he lulled, sliding out of his chair to stand face to face with him. He was young, only taken the throne five hundred years ago, but his eyes were grey and dull, like storm clouds. "How I have waited for this moment".

"You knew where to find me".

"No, no, but not without your precious Theta, hm?" he smiled, slightly patronisingly. "I did hear that the little urchin has flown the nest. But you are here. He left you behind, didn't he? And you still think that he's going to come along and save you from this terribleness".

"He means nothing to me".

"Good, good! That's the spirit. Because you know what you are, Koschei". He shook his head, trying to stay blunt in his actions. "A monster. But, but, don't think that's a bad thing, because I'm a monster. In fact think of me as a king monster. Yeah, yeah. I have killed and slaughtered millions of creatures, and do I feel bad? You bet I don't".

"What's your point, sir? Or isn't there one".

"You want to 'move on' from Theta, correct?"

"Ho-how do you know that?"

"Trust me, I can hear your thoughts from a mile away. Anyway, you know what you can do to 'move on'?"

"What?" Koschei asked, slightly interested.

"Be. Like. Me".

"I don't want to be like you. But thank you anyway", he said, starting to walk out the door.

"Koschei", Rassilon called, making Koschei turn to see him. "Fine, don't be me. But be who you want to. Be a master of all, and let no one be a master of you".