CHAPTER 1
DEAL WITH THE DEVIL
"You have journeyed far Fingle; come, sit." A large muscular hand waved from out of the shadow of a throne to a chair near by.
The invitee bowed, "Thank you my Lord Bowser."
"No, no, just call me Bowser," a kind voice from the darkness assured. "I take it my attendants have seen to your needs upon your arriving?"
"Yes my Lor...yes Bowser. Excuse me."
The mighty koopa rose from his throne and strode proud fully to the vacant chair adjacent to his guest's.
"It's quite alright." Bowser held out a tray of delicacies particular to Toads to his guest and smiled, "Something to eat?"
Sheepishly, the Toad replied, "No thank you. If you prefer, Bowser, I'd like to discuss what I've come here for."
With raised eyebrow and smooth voice, Bowser said, "Ah yes. The matter of our agreement. What exactly is it you wish for in exchange for your most needed services?"
The Toad was silent, hesitant to answer. The image of the huge creature before him was more than he had expected, for he had never seen Bowser in person. His eyes too, adjusted to the darkness of the room. He could now see the great love for luxury, power and strength his new master had. Everything was of the finest materials, and yet it was so dark that the kings trappings could hardly be seen save for the flickering of light upon them from the torch stands spread sparsely throughout the room.
"Well?" Bowser continued, "Don't be afraid to answer."
"I want power."
"Hmm, yes. Don't we all? The very idea of it is intoxicating, is it not?"
"Yes. But there's more."
"Oh, do go on."
"I want respect. I want wealth, and slaves, and a room of females at my call."
Bowser chuckled to himself in his low guttural voice. "My, I was not aware that Toads were desirous of such things."
The toad become nervous and began stammering over his words. "If, if it's too much, I-I-I, don't have to..."
"Relax, relax. All those things and more come with the power you seek. Just fulfill your sworn duty to me, and all shall be yours," the koopa cooed.
Bowser stood up and walked to the back of the nervous guests chair. He placed his huge hand on the Toad's shoulder, nearly covering his entire body, and said ever so friendly, "It's so easy. Never let the princess, my Peach, out of your sight."
Bowser was silent for a moment before his voice sank into bitter irritation. "More importantly though, never, ever, let those two accursed brothers slip out of your view. You are to know where they are, and what they are up to at all times."
Bowser realized his angry grip on the Toads shoulder was too tight for the creature to bear, and quickly let it off with a half-hearted laugh.
The wide eyed Toad answered back with only, "I understand."
"And don't forget," Bowser's voice lowered as he spoke into his guests ear, "If you ever have second thoughts about our little agreement, or if I am ever to contact you, and you do not know where those three are, or what they are doing; not only shall you lose all I have promised you, but I shall expose you as the traitor you are. Yet more importantly, you shall die by my hand the next time I pay the Mushroom Kingdom a visit. Understood?"
The Toad said nothing, immovable with fear.
Wearing a smug grin while piercing the Toads terror-struck mind with his molten red eyes, Bowser slowly said, "I know you do."
The king slowly walked back to his throne amongst the shadows while the Toad sat motionless with his back to him.
"Now be at your task!" the koopa barked.
The toad jolted and then slowly slid off of his seat and hurried for the door, never turning around to face the mighty king. As the guards opened the throne room doors, he heard Bowser's mocking pleasure filled voice echo from across the chamber.
"Goodbye Fingle."