Well here's the second chapter. Enjoy.
One year after Zeck's birth…
"So while the attack did not do as much damage, it did weaken the defenses of the city, and Green scouts have reported in that the Halflings have set up a campsite guarded by trolls. And more of there forces our coming in."
As Gnarl kept explaining the situation, Kaylek was only focused on his new map of the world in his Dark Tower war room. When the Fourth Overlord was still fighting the Glorious Empire, a power had formed across the Ocean. The Holy Imperium, an empire whose purpose was to bring order and justice to the world. Unlike the Glorious Empire, the Imperium allowed and taught magic, so long as it was not dark, to help its people, and to be use against evil beings, like Kaylek. It consists of three races: humans, dwarves, and elves. So far they have not bothered them, whether they thought he was not a threat or they were simply biding their time.
Another power rose during the reign of his great-great-grandfather. The Red Claw Horde, an alliance of three races just likes the Imperium, though not as well organized. They only wanted money, land, and power. Also their kingdom was only a few miles on land away from his own.
The orcs are one of the races and great warriors despite their lack of intelligence. They consist of orc war band, orc clans, nomadic orc groups, and small orc kingdoms that are lead by war chief Bacoon a respected, feared orc warrior who ruled a bigger orc kingdom.
The Halflings are the second race and the ones who dealt with the financial and money business for the Horde. Halflings slave sellers, powerful merchants, powerful bankers, armory dealers, and sea traders. The Halfling ruler, King Gido, led them all.
Finally the last race, humans who use dark magic and who have wicked souls. Lords, powerful crime bosses, warlords, bandits, raiders, mercenaries, secret magical orders, rich corrupted families, they were all under the banner of a powerful, rich, king named Marguel who wielded a magical sword Bloodstain.
If he wasn't wearing his helmet, the Minions gathered at table would have seen his frown. He knew the Marguel very well. During his teenager years, his father, the current Overlord at the time, had declared war on the Horde, stating that there could only be one true evil in the world. At first things went well. His father caught them by surprise and took much land from them, he even managed to start a little war inside the Horde. But during a battle His father faced Marguel in single combat. Though he managed to injury him severely, Marguel was still able to kill him. So Kaylek swore on his father's helmet that he would personally take Marguel' s head one day.
The Horde had already engaged the Inquisition and both sides were ignoring him for now, which worked perfectly for the Overlord. From what he could tell the Inquisition had control of eight continents and some islands.
The Horde, after the battles they had with Kaylek's father, had control of seven continents, a couple powerful businesses, clans, and smaller countries.
It was true that the Overlord Empire's dominating process had slowed down a bit for preparations of invading, meaning he had, excluding his own personnel land, the Wasteland, five continents, a few separate countries, small islands with fortresses built on them. But he also had the Netherworld at his control, plus the Abyss, which gave him wraiths to control. And he used what his predecessors left behind along with his own creations. And unlike the other two sides, he had an endless and loyal army at his command.
His thoughts were interrupted when he heard "Daddy!" He and the minions turned to see Zech clumsily walking to his father, a rattle in his hands, and his minion guards behind him.
Almost one year old and his birthday today, but he could already walk a little and say one word at a time. Though he was innocent as any baby is, Kaylek could see the evil inside him growing. He also knew if he didn't get a birthday gift in time, Felicia would have his head. Conquering and fighting terrible beings were no problem, but angry Mistress were another.
Picking up his son and placing him on his lap, he let Gnarl continue and watch both the Minion champions listen and his son cooing at the sight of the map.
The Minion champions were by accident formed during the Fourth Overlord's rise to power. Brown Minions who became bigger then others and wore rare headgear, showing them what they've done to make them champions. The sixth Overlord made them a little bit smarter so they could command minions as well but remained blindly loyal to their master. The oldest and most skilled one was Sores, the Surviving Champion, who as the name implies, survived many battles. A bit bigger then the others, he wore a skull of a fallen warrior as a mask and a black bandana over it that covered the right side of his face.
Between the regular minions and champion minions were minion veterans. Minions from the four different tribes who survived many battles and gotten bigger like the champions. They too had their intelligence increase a little, command minions but in smaller groups and took orders both from the champions and definitely the Overlord.
Gnarl said, "So as I was saying, I think it would be wise for your dark Majesty to send some Red and Greens to take out those who are in the campsite. Then you can send more along with Browns and Blues lead by a warmaster to set up a larger campsite and ambush their troops who are coming."
Warmasters were wraiths, undead warriors that served as the Overlord's elites. An idea invented by the tenth Overlord (A/N Kaylek is the nineteenth Overlord) Minions would go through graveyards or other places with bodies. The Minions would carry a Netherworld stone and if glowed brightly enough when near a body, it meant that the person had a large amount of evil. Many of them were probably infamous people during their time amongst the living and were usually humans although there were the occasional elves, dwarves and even orcs. The Minions would then bring the corpses back to the Netherworld, where the Overlord would use dark magic to bring it back to life to serve him. The body would repair itself and missing parts would grow back and be fully restored. They would then be given armor similar to the Overlord's but be different to suit their frames as well as be given different types of weapons, depending on if they were magic users or warriors when alive. The Warmasters would lead the armies into battle so the Overlord could practice new dark arts to help him in his future conquests.
Kaylek started to speak. "One of their gold mines is at least three miles from the camp. If a gate can be set up near it, I can bring more minions to take it over."
"That would declare war." Said Gnarl, though his tone made it sound like he was hoping for it to come to that.
"Exactly. Its time I completed my father's work. Show them who the true evil is and have my revenge on that human king of theirs. Once I have done that, their subjects will have no choice but to serve me."
As he was saying this, Zeck managed to get onto the table. Hyper, he swung his rattle around, surprisingly hitting pieces that were not his father. When he approached the Horde capital, he brought his rattle down hard while yelling "Smash, Smash, Smash!" bursting into a fit of giggles.
"Or" said Gnarl, clearly amused. "We can do what master Zeck has suggested and simply smash them." While the other Minions, including the champions, were laughing and yelling stuff as:
"Smash!"
"Smash fake evil!"
"Little Master Smash!"
"Little Master good Smasher!"
The constant praising made Zeck laugh more, even Kaylek had to smile, happy to see his son already showing signs of evil violence. Just then Quaver came into the room, along with Felicia who came to get her son.
Quaver bowed before speaking. "Oh great Evil One, a Secret Eye has come requesting an audience with your magnificence. He says it's urgent."
Getting up and after seeing his Mistress, who reminded him of his son's birthday, taking their child through a different corridor, went to put on his armor, as he always does when someone wants to see him.
He wore the traditional Overlord helm, red cape, and gauntlet. He wore chain mail under his armor, which was, including the gauntlet and helmet, pitch black with dark red lines over it and covered his whole body. On the chest plate was the picture of a demon minion. His shoulder plates had three Netherworld spikes on them. He wore black metal gloves to protect his hands. On his fingers were metal claws used for hand-to-hand combat.
The weapon he had in his hands was on of his three favorites. An ancient sword called the Conqueror with the blade itself forged from the same material used to create Kaylek's armor. It was a two-handed handle long-sword with a pitch black blade with red trims on it and at the bottom of the handle was a small black diamond. The blade had glowing yellow writing on it too. The guard for the sword was the image of a demonic black dragon with glowing red eyes and two dragon wings sticking out, which was also part of the guard. The face was upside down with the blade looking like it came out of its mouth, like a dragon breathing fire. The sword had the ability to unleash powerful magical energy blasts in the shape of either lightning, fire or wind and for melee combat it could use the magic around it too sharpen the blade too cut through thing easily.
The other two weapons were the Devourer and the Obliterator. The Devourer is a long black and grey battle-axe with two blades. At the end of each blade are fangs that point outwards for additional stabbing. At the middle part that holds the two blades is an eye that is red with a yellow pupil and a white fang at the top pointing upwards with a similar one at the bottom of the handle pointing downwards. It is two handed with the round small guard with six small spikes sticking out of it. As the name suggest, the Axe can absorb souls and mana upon each kill or from a corpse. It could use those souls and magic too heal Kaylek and restore his magic or strengthen him too. The axe could even absorb magical spells by swinging the axe's blade directly at the spell.
The Obliterator is a large two-handed grey mace with the guard looking like four demonic faces, each one looking in a different directions with glowing blue eyes and horns too. The pommel at the bottom of handle looks like a mini-mace, with it being round and mini-spikes sticking out. It has four blades at the top around a wider part of the mace. The blades mentioned stick upwards and goes down the mace ending at the handle with the parts in between them have shorter blades but flat, meant too be used as blunts rather then slashing. The mace has a powerful magical impact that when in contact with an object or person, creates a powerful shockwave that sends anything near it flying or crushes it. The impact of the weapon can cause shockwaves upon contact, sending large groups of enemies flying in an instant.
Kaylek soon sat down on his throne that was in the tower (He has two throne rooms, one in the tower the other in the Netherworld). Gnarl was soon by his side staring down at the kneeling man before them.
Secret Eyes were people, usually the ones who've had their minds controlled, were spies for the Overlord. They would walk through towns and cities acting anonymous. They would report to their master if they hear anything that might threaten him. They wore regular clothing and the only way to know who is one if they wear a black bracelet on their left wrist.
The man spoke in a monotone voice. "Oh great dark one I have news that is most disturbing. A few days ago a large group of hunters, larger then I've ever seen came ashore in the North, a few miles from the city of Borgani. There they began to kill wolves, the mounts of the Browns." He said
Kaylek raised an eyebrow. The Fourth Overlord created a law stating that animals that were use as mounts for the minions couldn't be killed. The minions would leave them in the wild so they could be more ferocious in battle and were herded to the tower to be tamed and suited up for riding once a year.
The city of Borgani was a special case. One of the most largest cities in the North part of his empire and not enslaved by the Evil Presence spell, the people there were rough and good warriors, no doubt because of the environment they live. They were also well known for their weapons making and boats as well.
The family, who ruled the city and named it after themselves, welcomed Kaylek's ancestors with open arms. For whatever reason they did Kaylek didn't really care. The current lord, Marcus Borgani, was a well decent lord and actually became friends with the Overlord. A tall muscular man, he was kind to his people and ferocious in battle.
Shaking this out of his head Kaylek asked. "And why would this be odd?"
The spy replied. "After they killed a large amount of wolves and set up camp, they invaded the city."
This caught his attention as he motioned the spy to continue. "At first the city held, but soon they were overwhelmed. The hunters had such military discipline that the city never had a chance. Lord Marcus and some of his men escaped and headed to the nearest gate."
After dismissing the spy Gnarl spoke. "Hmmm this is quite odd Master. Killing wolves is one thing but invading a city is another. My only guess is maybe to they use the city as a base but I highly doubt that."
As Kaylek prepared to travel to the gate he told Gnarl. "Contact any minion outposts near the gate and the city. Tell them to come to the gate and the others hide near the city so I can have more at my command. Also have a minion veteran lead a group of minions to their campsite if its still there. Kill any hunters they see and bring anything they find. And since it sounds like they came by boat, send another to inspect the boats as well."
Gnarl bowed as his Overlord teleported to the gate.
(With Kaylek)
When Kaylek got there, he already saw the minion guards welcoming him. Every gate was surrounded by a 100 meter wide fortress (The ones in cities were smaller) to protect them incase someone managed to use it.
A Brown Minion Guard came up to him and bowed. "Master, more minions come. Browns riding wolves. Ready to kill enemy. Lord guy is outside waiting for you."
Nodding Kaylek made his way outside the fort, followed by some minions. Outside he could already see them readying there weapons, speaking to one another in their weird language, and bowing as he past by them. Browns were already on wolves that were running around, obviously hyper and lusting for battle.
A little further ahead was a tent for humans with two banners. The smaller banner had a grey wolf, the symbol for the house of Borgani. The larger one was red with the Overlord helmet in it, symbolizing Borgani's loyalty. The soldiers were wearing the usually Borgani armor, three spikes sticking out of their helmets. They also had fur in between their armor, so not to freeze in the cold weather. Some watch him walking by, others were talking or sparring, some were feeding the horses, and some were readying weapons. In total there was about 400 men here.
In the center was a bigger tent. Marcus came out of it wearing similar armor except had a dark blue cape on and gold lines over the armor. He was taller then some of his men. He had blue eyes and dark brown hair that went down to his neck. With a sword on his waist he bowed to Kaylek, as did his men.
"Greetings sire." Said Marcus. "I'm glad you could make it. Please come into my tent so I can fill you in on the situation."
The two went into the tent and sat on more or less comfortable chairs. Once they were the only ones Marcus spoke.
"Forgive me if its not comfortable. I didn't have enough time to take my belongings. Anyway I'm suppose you're wondering about the hunters." He took out a map of the land and laid it on the table. "At first I thought they were just passing by or trying to get food. But when they attacked I only brought a few of my men, thinking this wouldn't take long. But then they started using strategy you would see a king's army use. They used grappling hooks and latter to get up and over the wall from the other side of the gate. They even had one who could use magic. We were overwhelmed and I was force to fled. More importantly we discovered that they aren't hunters."
He gave Kaylek a cloth that he got from a hunter he killed. The cloth was pure white with a picture of a silver shield with angel wings on the sides. It was the symbol of the Holy Imperium.
Now understanding everything, Kaylek tucked the cloth into his armor before speaking.
"Prepare you're men. I'll have the greens climb onto the walls and open the gate before they noticed. While my minions deal with them, you and you're forces will go and free the rest of the soldiers and secure the city. I'll also deal with the spellcaster that they brought."
A few hours later the Overlord and his army were only a mile away, hidden by the snowy hills. He saw sentries on top of the walls, armed with bows and arrows. No longer wearing the hunter clothing, they now wore the shining silver armor of the Imperium. Though it was hard to see he saw Greens climbing up the wall killing any sentry just incase.
The Minions have been upgraded during the past decades. They all carried shields for protection. The browns along with their first weapon, carried a secondary weapon when able too. Reds could now use slingshots to shoot fireballs along with bows and arrows and javelins. Greens now wielded their claws, along with poison daggers and poison darts too. Blues were given long daggers to defend themselves better.
Just as the greens were about to open the gate, Kaylek yelled and charged, his minions behind him. He even brought three yetis to help as well as they smacked away soldiers and threw carts and other objects at archers on the wall. Reds and greens took down sentries and archers while blues revived the dead and browns and wolves knocked down soldiers and ripped them apart. Kaylek swung his sword downward and a gust of magic came out, blowing away several soldiers. He used his other hand to cast a lightning spell, frying some horsemen. Marcus soon arrived with the rest of his army.
Then out of nowhere, some invisible force came at Kaylek. It was weak so it didn't affect him, but the minions near him were blown away. The Overlord turned to see a man wearing a green hood and had his hand out and sword strapped to his waist. Kaylek knew this was the sorcerer. Also by looking his right and hand seeing a gold and silver ring on the ring finger that he was a Paladin, the elite knights of the Imperium. The Paladins consisted of elves, humans, and sometimes dwarves who were very skilled, used different kinds of weapons and could use magic.
'He's definitely a Paladin.' Said Gnarl through Kaylek's helmet. 'But from that attack he's probably just joined. Why would they send a novice here?'
'Because they didn't think I would know about this.' Replied the Overlord. The Imperium probably was under the impression that the Overlord was just a mindless brute. For once, he was grateful rather then insulted. It would make this fight quicker and he could act quickly before the Imperium could respond.
The Paladin attacked again which Kaylek merely held against it with his armor. Then he raised his left hand towards the Paladin and fired a lightning bolt at the warrior. The warrior tried to create a barrier but the attack was too strong. The lightning bolt broke through the barrier and the Paladin along with anyone men nearby were quickly turned to ash, electrocuted too death while others who weren't so close were paralyzed and quickly finished off by the Minions.
Soon the fighting was done and all that remained of the enemy were five soldiers, one of them a captain. The citizens were free and were cheering after they were free, which really much of imprisonment. They were only told to stay in their houses, which made Kaylek curious.
'Master, the minion groups you've sent have found many interesting things.' Reported Gnarl.
'What kind of things?' Asked the Overlord.
'Some weapons I've never seen before, a map that shows your dominion during the time of fourteenth Overlord, a few magic books, some odd stones that allow you to communicate from far away distances interesting, battle plans, and two Skrrgs.'
'Skrrgs?' Kaylek asked as the minion guards were reorganizing themselves.
'Evil black fur magical wolves Sire, I'm actually quite fond of them. They are very rare and very ferocious. They are much bigger as adults and have a longer lifespan. Skrrgs can also smell the amount of evil inside a person. If the evil is low, then the person is as good as dead. If the evil is very high then they're your new best friends. I have no doubt they'll take a liking to you Dark One.'
"How many were there?' Asked Kaylek
Gnarl paused for a moment and then replied, 'Two Sire, an adult male and his pup that looks like he's only 4 months old. He seems to have already taken a liking to master Zeck.'
'Excellent.' Said Kaylek. 'I've already told Marcus to prepare his city's defenses. Also I'm bringing the captain of the army back with me to be interrogated. Another thing is that put all minion outposts on alert. Have blues disable any more Imperium ships so my ships can board them. I think we are about to expand big time.'
Gnarl voice was filled with happiness at the sound of war. 'Yes Sire.'
(Back at the Tower)
The moment Kaylek came back into the tower he was tackled by a giant black blob. The adult Skrrg licked him like crazy, stating that Kaylek had enough evil for them to be friends. As he got him off Kaylek saw his Mistress watching their son play with his new friend. He saw that the magical beasts had dark yellow eyes that looked more menacing then regular wolves.
Felicia helped him up and gave him a kiss. "So I guess everything went well?"
Kaylek nodded as he took his helmet off. "Yes, we lost almost no lives, and the Templar they brought was easily taken down. Apparently they didn't think I would know about them and come so quickly."
Felicia was looking at Zeck while speaking. "You're probably going to go to war with them aren't you?"
"Yes Gnarl just informed me he finished interrogating the captain and apparently they thought the residents of the city were under a spell. So I can use this attack on non-mind control people to attack. Also I think its time to deal with the Red Claw as well." Kaylek said
He then walked and bent down to stare at his son, who stopped playing with his new friend to look up at him.
"You like your new friend Zeck?" He asked.
To which the child replied. "Yes."
Kaylek nodded happy he found a birthday gift for him in time and a new friend. He picked his child up as they and his Mistress went to enjoy a good party.
A few days later Gnarl announced VIA Netherworld communication rock that the Overlord had declared war on the Holy Imperium and the Red Claw Horde. Lord and Ladies in his domain began to form armies to assist his own and build war machines along with magic they might know. More lifeforce was gathered to create more minions. Giblet and Grubby set to work in arming minions, creating war machines and more ships for their fleets. Mounts were gathered for minions to ride, and Yetis were brought from the North. Minions marching brought lifeforce stones, large Netherworld rocks that absorb lifeforce in a ten-mile radius.
The boundary lines were fortified with defense towers and traps. Cities, towns, and villages were now well defended. Minions patrol the roads, rivers, and forests. Armies on land brought Yetis, pulled catapults, and other devices for war. While on sea, huge fleets of ships from small to big sailed towards enemy lands, blues swimming ahead, to sabotage any sea defenses.
Areas with mind-controlled people started to cut down trees for towers, build weapons, and some even marched to war. Secret Eyes were spread around the world to ether assassinate or bring useful information about the enemy. Warmasters came to the tower to receive orders and ride their fire breathing dragon mounts to war. Wraiths were called from the Abyss to increase the fighting force of the army as well.
As Kaylek looked down at the Wastelands from his Towers, highest balcony, he could see torches light the ground below as Minions worked and marched to battle. With Felicia joining him holding their son, along with his new pet/friend and his pup, and Sue and Gnarl joining as well, Kaylek knew that now was the time for the Overlord to show the world true evil.