Ralph and the Pixie

To their horror, however, Cyphallus was not so easily got rid of. To their utter astonishment, once taken into the King’s confidence, the nasty little vermin began to thrive with a vigour scarcely to be believed.

The reason? His lack of understanding and his inept scholarship made him the ideal foil to execute the King’s plans. Where those of greater knowledge and understanding refused to tread, Cyphallus blithely proceeded. Where those whose knowledge and experience dictated caution, Cyphallus went ahead without conscience, and, it must be said, without full cognizance of the consequences of his actions. Where other’s motives were dictated by scruple, or at the least, necessity, Cyphallus acted for reasons entirely his own.

Being a small man, the King’s madness he accepted as he would a force of nature. Rather than dream of thwarting or controlling it, he thought instead of ways that he could make use of it, to serve his own ends. He imagined that he would ride the King’s coattails, gaining power, control, and respect in the bargain. He would even aid in the capture of the Book of Elven Lore, and he would see to it that the full power of the Lore was invoked, in granting immortality.

But for himself; not for that old dotard who held the world hostage to his madness.