The Path of the Adventurer

Chapter 24

Lightning crackled and thunder boomed around the dark tower.

"This must be done..." Diablon whispered in the darkness. "This power took me from the burning mountains of Drowheim and forced me to work here in this tower. I gained eternal life and spent years studying this unique magic... for this sole purpose. For as long as I carry this power, I need to ensure the destruction of this kingdom. If I fail to... I will..." He paused. "...Die."

"Milord," Thazardan said after he slammed open the door to the chamber. Thazardan observed a hallway lit with torches and candles and decorated with gargoyles. On the ground painted circle for Diablon's evil magic. Diablon was sitting on a throne at the dark end of the dim candle-lit room. The hooded mage held his staff tightly in his hands.

"Thazardan, my faithful servant, what news do you bring me?" The evil mage asked. "This better be good!"

"I just received a report from one of our spies," Thazardan replied, in his gruff voice. "Those adventurers you put in that swamp have been spotted near Pelagia."

"Is this your idea of a joke?" Diablon snapped. "My plan was foolproof!"

"I assure you, master. I am certain."

"Damn it... Damn it all!" The mage's rage increased, so much that he crushed the crystal in his hand, causing cerulean streams of mana to briefly crackle around his hand.

"Calm down, milord. I'll place a bounty on their heads on the double. Whoever kills or captures them shall receive a high share of the gold. We will slaughter them and keep their heads as heirlooms!"

"Yes... Our plans will come to fruition. We shall be victorious in our conquest, and this whole continent will fall. But leave that to the troops." Then, Diablon's arm swung forward, pointing a blue, wrinkly finger at his minion. "Your role in my army is to command each and every one of our troops, so you must take Aldrir and head back to Yggdrasil at once! And should you ever come across those adventurers again, you can forget about me bringing you back. Now that you've become stronger, I will leave it up to you to kill them on your own! Understood?!"

"Yes, Lord Diablon!" Thazardan responded.

"Now - gather up the troops and go and slaughter those who defy us!"

"At your behest. I shall slaughter every one of them, the men, the women - even the children."

Diablon preceded to his bed in the corner, heavily groaning.

"Is there anything the matter, master?" Thazardan asked.

"Go." The mage hissed.

"Yes master, you just told me to-"

"JUST GO!!"

"At your behest!" Thazardan responded.

The strong orc stormed out of the chamber, and followed a spiraled staircase downstairs to a hall, where dozens of orcs roughhoused and slammed each other into the walls. Mesmerized orcs observed the brawl.

"ATTENTION!" Thazardan called in the orcish tongue.

The orcs ceased their recklessness and stood firmly in respect. Thazardan glared at every one of them with a sinister gleam in his eye.

"WHAT ARE WE HERE FOR?" Thazardan boomed.

"WAR!" The orcs shouted, raising their weapons.

"WHAT IS THE PURPOSE OF OUR EXISTENCE?"

"TO SLAUGHTER!"

Thazardan took a pause, and he gave attention to four shivering orcs. "Two-hundred years ago, we orcs came to this puny land the humans call 'Briarbeth' to bring forth a war to prove our strength. However, our mission was a disgraceful failure, when that bastard imprisoned us in this wasteland. Since that day, we had been desperately awaiting a savior to liberate us - and serve him under his command. And now, finally he has come in the form of Diablon, the great warlock. And what is his command?!"