Hi sorry for the long wait lots of things have happened will try to update more often anyway here is the next chapter
The Reds had settled nicely back in to the Netherworld, they had found a lake of lava in the spawning pits in which to settle in and soon new red minions were being born. The construction of the tower was coming alone as well as it could, with minions doing the work, scaffold had been put up and lots of the ruble had been cleared with only 13 minions dying in the proses. The forge was up and running now they had the reds to power it, the sound of hammers on metal and the odd minion screaming when they hit their own claw could be heard. The Overlord was in the forges armory trying on his new armor that Giblet had made for him.
"Master like?" asked Giblet "It better armor, stronger armor and made just for you."
It was true this armor fit the Overlord much better then the last set he had worn, it had been the last overlord's armor, now this one fitted him like a glove. He moved around in it, it felt easy to move in and conferrable,
"Yes Giblet its good, this is some fine armor" said the Overlord.
Giblet swelled with pride at his master comments; he then turned to two minions that were stood watching "You, Mud, Oh-no go bring master's axe!" Giblet shouted the Red and Brown minions ran of and came back with a new axe for the Overlord.
He took the axe from them and examined it, it was the same size as his last one but had two blades on it instead of one, and the handle had some carvings of the minions on it as well as some old evil runes. The Overlord took up his stance and swung the axe round imagining fighting people, after a few swings he rested its head on the floor and leaned on it "this is good to Giblet. It's lighter then the other one," said the Overlord,
"No master you stronger now" replied Giblet.
The Overlord shrugged his shoulders and turned to the sound of some one walking into the room, he saw Gnarl suddenly appear from the shadows smiling,
"How do you do that Gnarl?" asked the Overlord "you just seam to appear out of no were some times." Gnarl looked at the Overlord and his grin got wider
"Now sire I don't know what you mean I just walk to places just like everything else"
"Right what ever you say old man I will find out one day you know," said the Overlord,
"I bet you will master" chuckled Gnarl.
"So you want something or just here to inspect me in my new armor?" the lord asked,
"Both my lord, the armor really looks good on you quite imposing." answered Gnarl "Also there is some one here to see you" that shocked the Overlord who would know how to get down here
"Who and how did he get here?" He asked,
"A peasant from Nordberg I think sire and he said he asked one of our gate to speck to you and it brought him here." Gnarl explained,
"Hmm lets see what he wants then shall we," said the Overlord walking to the floating rocks to take him up to the throne room.
The Overlord sat on his throne looking down at the peasant standing in front of him on the portal trap door. The man was definitely from Nordberg he was dressed in nothing but fur. The man kept looking around him at all the minions and was clearly scared of being here he kept glancing at the Overlord then quickly looking away and back to the minions. After long enough silence, to make the peasant panic a bit, the Overlord spoke "What bring you to my Netherworld? Speak!"
The man gulped then started to speak with a hint of fear in his voice "Forgive the intrusion but your visit to Nordberg has not gone unnoticed. The Empire is trying to dig down to the Netherworld. I sneaked out to tell you, I thought after you have dealt with Borius you might see your way to rewarding me for this information by maybe making me mayor of Nordberg once you concur it. You know when your not busy your magnificence, maybe just on Sundays, Sunday afternoon maybe."
The Overlord just stared at the peasant as he spoke, when he was done the Overlord stayed silent watching the fear built in the man's face. After what felt like an eternity to the man the overlord nodded and relief washed over the man.
"Thank you I can't wait to start my...I mean our mayoral duties" the man turned to leave when the floor beneath him open and dropped him in to the fire pit below.
The minions laugh as the man fell, the Overlord turned to Gnarl "As if I would trust a snitch." chuckled the Overlord, Gnarl stroked his beard and replied
"Quite right sire. Now we can't let the Empire hold Nordberg they will start to think the place belongs to them."
The Overlord picked up his axe and walked to the portal "Get the minions ready Gnarl, it's time I paid my old home a visit" with that the Overlord vanished into the portal and Gnarl ordered Quaver to bring some snacks this was going to be a good fight to watch.
The lord and his minions crept through the snow covered forest towards Nordberg, doing this brought back memories of the day he and the brown had fled from the village, they had even passed the bolder he had launched form their catapult squashing a whole platoon. Coming to the edge of the forest the lord looked out at the village of Nordberg, the village had grown the roofs of lots of houses could be seen over the big wall surrounding the place, it was even bigger then the one he was thrown from, the empire must have rebuilt it. It was not yet sunrise but the village was covered in different colored lights and lots of bunting hanging from everything in sight, this too brought back memories 'It's mid-winters eve' thought the Overlord 'How fitting that today is the day I return'. Gnarl then spoke up
"That gate won't be easy to get past Dark One. Maybe if we find their dig site we can find something to help open that gate."
The Overlord looked around to see if there were any sings of were the dig site could be, he and his minions walked along the forests edge till just a bit away from Nordberg's sentry's sight, one of the minions pulled at his legs and growled in a low voice
"Master shinnies".
The Overlord look and saw a group of Empire foot soldiers guarding a mountain pass, he then saw some rail tracks under their feet and he could just make out a broken mine cart behind them. This was it that pass would lead to the dig site as he was getting his minions ready a man in golden armor came up to them and shouted
"Stand up straight from ranks come look lively are you Empire men or Gnomes" at this the troops formed up and looked ready for anything, not that they were expecting anything but it seamed like the golden one was in-charge.
"Hmm like minions the brains of these humans seam easy to manipulate their leader is the key take him out and they will fall into panic sire," Gnarl advised.
"Any suggestions?" asked the Overlord
"Well sire humans can't stand to see other humans on fire, something about the smell" Gnarl said confused why someone would hate the smell of burning humans.
The troops guarding the dig site were not in a good mood, they had to work on mid-winter eve and their centurion was taking it out on them since he was stuck here to unable to get with the drunken girls in town. As the centurion was shouting orders out of nowhere he burst in to flames. As he fell to the floor others in the troop burst into flames this coursed the others to panic and break formation, as they did a black demon and his brown friends charged at them slicing them to ribbons. Those that weren't cut open were burned alive by some red things in the woods. When all the troops were dead all that could be heard was the giggling from the minions.
After looting the bodies of everything useful and sending the rest back to the Netherworld the Overlord and his horde made their way to the dig site. The dig site was a big hole in the ground with tracks for carts round the edge slowly crawling its way round the hole getting deeper as it went. The hole itself was about as deep as a large house with and upstairs and loads of boxes and tools were scatted around but no people were there, probably dreaming of the mid-winter's eve party thought the Overlord.
"Gnarl send Grubby out with some minion gates. I want this place searched for anything useful." Ordered the Overlord
"Of course sire," answered the old minion.
A few moments later a red and brown minion gate appeared beside the overlord, who quickly called lots of minions to loot the place. As the rest of the minions were running around the site a few Reds came up to the lord and pulled on his legs to get him to follow them. The minions led him to a shed with lots of red barrels with a big black E painted on them.
"I suspect that your Reds and those explosive barrels with get on like a house on fire or a solider on fire hehe" Giggled Gnarl "if we can get them into some mine carts we can use them for some selective destruction lord."
"Yes Gnarl, I bet that door to Nordberg will look lovely with these next to it." replied the Overlord "Browns load these on to as many mine carts you can find and get them ready to go to Nordberg, Reds you stand back I don't want any to go off before its time. Gnarl bring the wolves and any minions that I haven't got with me that a skilled at riding them and have the saddles and weapons been finished?"
"Yes of course dark one, the forge has been busy, I will send everything up to you right away" said Gnarl the excitement building in his voice.
The minions jumped straight to their new tasks of getting everything ready, the wolves arrive just as the last mine cart was loaded and were soon fitted out with the new saddles and their minion riders. Just as the sun was starting to rise over the horizon the Red and Brown leaders approached the Overlord,
"Browns ready Masta" Said Gloob, "Reds read" said Blaze
The Overlord looked at his horde, he had 3 units of minions set up, the Reds ready to set the barrels alight and then anyone who got in his way, wolf riding browns and some browns that would push the mine carts to Nordberg then become foot soldiers' afterword's. He stepped towards the path that lead away from the dig site calling all the horde to attention, lots of glowing eyes looked at him each one filled with mischief and hunger for the fight to begin.
"Okay boys! Lets give Nordberg our own Mid-winter's Eve present!" he shouted, the minions cheered and growled in approval as they all set off towards the awakening town.
Kelda was doing her morning task of cleaning, picturing Borius' face as she scrubbed, when a huge explosion shuck the building and knocking her on the floor. As she was getting up a solider rushed in and went straight to Borius' room, wondering what was happening she followed him. Soon after entering the solider rushed back out followed by a scantily clad slave girl, who spotted Kelda standing there and went over to her.
"Kelda, the governor wants you." The slave girl said she started to walk way Kelda grabbed her arm.
"What's happening? Come on you were in there!" Kelda asked eager to know what's going on.
"Some barbarian is attacking the town and on Mid-Winters Eve to, they truly have no class do they" she answered looking at Kelda like she wanted her to agree with her.
"They sound fun," Kelda said wondering if she could sneak out to see the blood shed, deciding she couldn't get out unseen she headed to Borius' room, ignoring the disgusted look on the other girls face. As she entered his room she did her best to breath through her mouth, to avoid the smell of rotting food and sweat. Looking round the room she saw the leftovers form his midnight meal covering his bed and the blob of fat him self sat on the edge of the same bad waiting for her.
"There you are slave come and help me to the bath. I must get ready of the festive tonight" said Borius his many chins wobbling.
"What about the attack?" she asked as she heaved him up and held him as he waddled towards the bath.
"Oh its just some barbarian they will be dealt with soon," he replied not a hint of worry in his voice "I really can't understand way they are attacking. I mean the Empire has given you lot peace, culture, refinement and a purpose in life to serve us. I mean what more could you ask for?"
Before Kelda could reply with something that could get her whipped the bedroom door burst open and Lieutenant Darius came charging in a panicked look in his eyes, his face pale and sweat poring from him,
"Sir! The invaders have broken through and are making their way towards the temple on the hill" he stammered
"For Heaven's sake its only a few barbarians!" snapped Borius
"Their not barbarians sir, its a horde of...of d..Demons." stuttered Darius
Both Kelda and Borius looked at the man with skepticism in their eyes. Borius rolled his eyes and said "Don't be daft man! Slave take me to the baths"
"But sir, we need you!" Darius said looking frantic
"So no time for a bathe then?" He asked, Kelda couldn't believe her ears demons might be attacking the town and the fat-so wanted to bathe.
"Sir please!" pleaded the lieutenant
"Fine! Slave help me get dressed" Borius grunted, Kelda dropped his arm and started to help him into his toga trying not to touch him, as she was dressing him Borius kept mumbling "Can't get the staff, superstitious simpleton its just some costume!"
Fully dressed Borius, Darius and Kelda walked out the front and were hit with the smell of burning and blood, the air felt charged with electricity. Kelda look towards the battle to try and see what was going on, in-between some of the houses she saw a giant man in black armor cutting down everyone that got in his way and surrounding him were brown and red demon that looked very familiar to her. Borius had seen this to as he had gone white and broken out in a flop sweat,
"Demon! Their are demon"
"I did say sir," said Darius "now what are your orders sir?"
"Slave pack my things I'm leaving!" Borius shouted
"Sir you can't leave we need you," stuttered Darius as he looked at fat man who looked like he was going to faint.
"But I must inform the Emperor" shouted Borius
The invading army had made it to the temple and the big man in the dark armor was looking down at them. Kelda looked up at him, she couldn't see his face but his eyes were glowing 'it cant be' she thought she tried to get a better look at the demons with him to see if they were what she saw that day 13 years ago. Borius shouting up at the man interrupted her thoughts,
"You have ruined my Mid-Winter's Eve! We will see what Emperor Solarius has to say about this!"
The man just continued to look down at them. Suddenly there was a bright blue light behind her and a man in a red and white toga was standing there. He was skinny and tall, his face was angular with a pointy nose, his eyes were sunken in and he had a monocle over his right eye. He had grown his hair out the back but was losing it in the front. He looked down his nose at the three of them and spoke in nasally voice
"Borius!"
"Marius, my brother where did you suddenly come from?" asked Borius shocked at his brother's sudden entrance,
"Emperor Solarius is quite concerned brother that you allowed Nordberg to be most violently raided by a magical barbarian." Marius said with distain in his voice.
"Err...the situation is under control Marius." Borius stammered, "My men are rooting out the source" he looked at Darius who looked back blankly after a beat he clicked they were talking about him. He saluted and ran off to join the fight.
"Well they better had do. You where sent here to prove yourself as a governor and show you have a back bone beneath that blubber!" scoffed Marius
"He hasn't," chuckled Kelda "it's blubber all the way through." The man looking down seamed to be looking at her like he was trying to figure out who she was, which made her hope she was right in her guess of who he was, the man then turned to the temple and started to destroy it.
After her comment Marius looked at her down his nose as if she was an animal that learned to talk,
"That one needs more whipping" Marius said
"Yes but I can't find any one who will do it" Borius explained
"Then do it your self, you blubbery fool," snapped Marius
'I would like to see him try' thought Kelda, she turned her attention back to the fight in the distance and was just in time to see Darius be set on fire then cut in half, she chuckled at that. The man and his horde made their way to the town center when Borius' voice brought her back to the bickering brothers,
"Crush him, crush him its almost time for my lunch time bath!" Borius shouted at the remaining soldiers
"Honestly Borius I thought you could handle Governorship of one tiny town" sighed Marius
"This is my town and I am not at home to Demon!" Borius snapped back. The two men were to busy auguring to notice that the sounds of fighting were fading away, Kelda kept trying to see if she could catch another glimpse of this man to confirm her thoughts on who he was.
"Marius it was you wasn't it? You sent me here didn't you?" said Borius
"I don't know what you mean Borius"
"You did just because you knew Solarius favored me!"
"You big blubbery fool no wonder mama left!" snapped Marius, Kelda raised her eye brows at that 'wow we are ruled by children that's great to know' she thought
"Don't you bring mama into this," shouted Borius "That's it I not speaking to you!"
"Fine" replied Marius
Now the noise from the fighting had completely stop Kelda looked around then heard the sound of grating stone above her. She looked and the giant statue of Borius was moving over the edge of the house she ran out the way, Marius saw her and looked up as the statue fell and jump out the way. Borius wasn't so lucky he got crushed and caught under one of the statues fat arms. Kelda looked back to where the statue had been place and saw the man in the armor and his demons up close and clearly for the first time. 'It's him it really is him' she thought. A feeling of joy and happiness washed over her, he was alive and she was free form being a slave.
"Witch-boy? Witch-boy is it really you?" she shouted up to the armored man. He looked at her his eyes glowing; she wondered if he recognized her, "You came back!" The man and his demons, Minions she remembered, started to walk down towards her and the statue "Get me out of here before he makes me start scrubbing again" she laughed, some thing flashed in his eyes, was it a smile she thought. By now Marius had recovered and was shaking with rage,
"How dare you!" he shouted "You have insulted the Emperor and my family! This will not go unpunished!"
The man looked at Marius and took a set towards him, making Marius go pale and vanish in a blue light. The man shrugged and turned towards the statue and Kelda again
"Slave!" Borius' voice suddenly cried out "Slave get me out of here at once!"
"No," replied Kelda 'how is he still alive' she thought, "No way even your crevices have crevices" Her heart was soaring.
The man now stud over Borius looking at the trapped man, Borius extended a quivering hand towards him pleading
"I..I surrender maybe we can make a de...ugh!" Borius never got to finish as the armored worrier swung his axe down cleaving Borius' head in to he then ordered the minions to destroy the statue, it took them less then a minute to get rid of it. He walked to the platform in front of the villa where Borius made speeches from,
"Nordberg!" he shouted, sending shivers down Kelda's spine, "I am the Overlord! I am your new lord and master! You are mine!"
The town look at him with fear in their eyes, 'They recognize him to' she thought, one by one they all kneeled looking down at the floor. The Overlord stepped down from the platform and walked to Kelda and stopped in front of her. She looked up at him and into his eyes, she reached out to touch him but stop before making contact and pulled her hand away.
"It's really you," she said, "they said you had died, drowned in ice water, but I guess they were wrong."
"Kelda?" the Overlord asked
"Yes," She said tears of joy coming to her eyes "How come you didn't let me know you were alive?"
"It was complicated and It's a long story." He replied
"Take me with you" she asked as she reached out and grabbed his arm "I want to go with you"
"You want to come with me as a conquer the world? What about Your family?" He asked
"They passed away years ago" she answered "and that sounds fun, I want to see parts of the world that aren't covered in snow"
The ground started to shake then a huge claw burst from the ground destroying most of Borius' villa, then opened up into a gate.
"What's that?" asked Kelda looking form it to her Witch-boy.
"It's a magic gate that leads to the Netherworld, my home." answered the Overlord
Kelda smiled up at him, linked her arm with his and walked to the portal and her new life with the Overlord.