"The most ancient beings in the known lands are trolls, and it is telling that even they speak of this Demon King in their most ancient lore. He is therefore ancient as the hills and the sea are ancient, and may perhaps be likened to a force of nature, even before he is considered a living being.
"It is said that it is his intent to tear apart the very foundations of the world . . . to release Evil altogether from the Good that binds it to the world we live in. If there is truth in such tales . . . if he were to succeed . . . the world would end. Existence as we know it would end."
He looked kindly at Lily, who, though no longer looking at the old wizard with scepticism, was clearly frightened and clutching Anest's arm for support. "I wish I could have told you otherwise, but the truth is the truth, and it does get worse."
"How could it possibly get worse?" she ached, almost choking on the words.
"The Demon King, as you well know by now, has a keen interest in you."
Lily burst into tears, and buried her face against Anest's shoulder. He wrapped his arms around her to comfort her as best he could. But after a few moments, she raised her head . . . squared her small shoulders, and faced him.