Dudák lay in bed, next to the strange creature that slept now, after its exertions. Dudák had once again diffused a little energy into the creature, and it had reacted as it always did, writhing in paroxysms of frenzied pleasure and pain, before finally collapsing, sobbing and spent, into an exhausted sleep.
Dudák had felt nothing, a different kind of energy would have been necessary for that, but the creature was useful, and needed to be kept compliant. It could have been forced to do Dudák’s will, but, it was simpler if it co-operated freely.
First, of course, the creature had made its report.
The first target had arrived, as expected, and been pushed in the right direction. It seemed to suspect nothing, not that it would make any difference. Its course had been decided, and it would not be possible to change it, even should it try.
There was no sign of the second target, and it might prove more difficult to ensure its presence, but Dudák was confident in the arrangements which had been made. Not that the arrival of either target would affect his enjoyment, but it was important that the plan succeed. Failure might have unpleasant consequences, even for one as powerful as Dudák.
Dudák needed no sleep, and was not conscious of the passing of time while the creature slept on. At a new time, it would wake and be given fresh instructions.
The creature was his slave.
But Dudák too was little better than a slave in all this.
There would always be those with more power.