/N): I apologize for the long delay. I've been extremely busy all last week. I planned on making this upload longer, but I decided to upload this chunk to let you guys know that I'm here. More uploads are on their way.
YuyaYunka and Lordriochi: Welcome to my corner of Fanfiction. Thanks for subbing!
General Herbison: Even though he is basically unstoppable (for now) Hanson will get injured at some point. How else am I supposed to continue the romantic subplot?
xtenchix: Nice name, and the elves in Overlord II were hippies, because all the ones that could fight were killed by the dwarves in Overlord: Dark Legend.
Disclaimer: My characters belong to me. The Overlord series belongs to its rightful owners.
Chapter XXI: Intermission
Vesc paced the interior of his command tent, hands clasped behind his back as he waited for the scouts to return. "Something's wrong, they've been gone far too long," he said, turning to face the sergeant who stood by the tent flap, causally leaning on the poles. "They're very good at their job sir. They'll be fine."
The new-and-improved Overlord confidently moved through the front entrance of the tomb, knowing that he would catch the elves guarding the entrance by surprise. Hanson was not mistaken.
Two elves leaned against the pillars that framed the entrance, one looking bored, the other nodding off. The Overlord slowly sheathed his sword and stepped forward, grabbing both elves' necks with his metal-clad forearms and crushing their windpipes in an instant.
"It seems that this armor is made of Black Arcanium, a metal forged from its refined variant and crystallized Evil energy. Quite rare, quite expensive and time consuming to make; no wonder the First Overlord never made it a full suit of armor," Gnarl mused. "Would it be possible to finish it?" Assira asked as she looked into the Tower Portal, riveted to the spectacle unfolding in Evernight.
"Theoretically, yes, but from what the spies we have planted in King William's court tell me, the Paladins have control of the Arcanium mines and are busy arming themselves with that magical metal in hopes of purifying it and turning it to the light through their pathetic magic. The fools…they have no inkling of the true nature of Arcanium." "So if we were to remove said paladins…" Assira began. "All in time my dear. First our Master must gain access to King William's court by winning the tournament the paladin has decided to hold."
Hanson listened the conversation that echoed in his helmet as he moved out of the tomb as quietly as he could.
"What tournament?" he asked as he grabbed another unfortunate elf and broke his spine. "A letter has arrived from his pompous majesty sire, requesting that you attend the tournament he his holding in Princess Elizabeth's name. The winner will get court said maiden for a chance to become the next king."
"I can't help but notice you said 'court the princess,'" Assira said, her voice losing its usual warmth and gaining an icy edge. Gnarl grinned evilly to himself as Hanson's voice drifted from the Tower Portal. "I have no intention of becoming king of that realm. I intend to burn it to the ground, along with its people." The young woman relaxed slightly, but still looked doubtful.
Night had fallen in Evernight, which shielded the Overlord from the sight of the elves that patrolled the perimeter. Hanson was bored of waiting, but understood the necessity of sitting and waiting until the relief watch came to the tomb.
Soon, the Overlord heard voices approaching his hiding spot near one of the ruined pillars and he tensed in readiness. The footsteps stopped and Hanson heard gasps as the elves discovered the bodies of their comrades. The rangers reached for their horns, but were stopped as greens leaped onto them from all directions, slitting their throats swiftly and quietly.
The Overlord slowly let out a breath that he had been holding and slowly walked to a vantage point near the column behind which he was hiding. The stairs led down from the tomb directly into the middle of the elven camp which took most of the space in front of the tomb.
"It seems they don't want anyone going inside," Gnarl said with a snigger. "Regardless, I can't through the tunnel again. Their commander probably has it under guard," The Overlord said.
Hanson sank into a crouch and balanced of the balls of his feet, leather creaking. The moon came out from the clouds, lighting the tomb in its ghostly white light. "Sometimes, the direct approach is best," the Overlord muttered to himself.
He slowly drew his sword and beckoned for his greens to follow. The small army stealthily moved down the steps towards the elven camp, miraculously not attracting any attention. The elven sentries were more intent on what could be coming from the front rather than the back.
The greens split up into six groups of five and moved towards the main entrance to the camp. Hanson followed behind, all attention on simultaneously controlling six groups of minions. Sweat appeared on his temples as he divided his attention between walking and controlling.
Suddenly, he was falling. One of his armored boots had gotten caught in a coil of rope and tripped him. The noise was more than enough for every elf in the camp to notice the intruders. The greens did what they could, but weren't as good at direct combat as browns.
Elven bows sang and more and more greens turned into pincushions. Hanson hewed and the rope in fury until it gave way and he was free. He ran, calling his minions to him, towards the waypoint gate, fully aware of the elves chasing him.
The Overlord emerged from the Tower Portal and sat down on the edge of the basin, pulling off his helmet with a sigh. "How are you sire?" Gnarl asked. "Did you get hit by elven arrows? I hate to praise those tree huggers, but they are fine shots.
"I am uninjured Gnarl, just tired. I think that was the first time I expended so much power on such a level, and I'm very tired," Hanson replied with a yawn. "I need to sleep."
"Perhaps a bath first sire?" Gnarl said. "I have certain herbs that would help you recover your strength faster." "Very well," Hanson said as he stood up, armor clanging and leather creaking.
The Overlord moved towards the stairs to his private quarters, walking like a man with the weight of the world on his shoulders. Assira moved to his side and steadied him, helping Hanson move up the stairs. Gnarl summoned a quartet of reds to heat a bath full of water.
"It's been a long time Gnarl," a ghostly voice echoed through the Throne Room. "Sire," Gnarl said. "Almost four thousand years." "It seems like yesterday that you were a newborn brown, fighting at my side, wearing a pumpkin as a hat…" Gnarl allowed himself a smile as he remembered events that even history books had long since forgotten. "Do you still have the book I gave you?" the ghost of the First Overlord asked. "I've kept it hidden and safe all these years. All of the knowledge the Overlords have amassed is in there."
"He'll need it if he's planning on destroying the paladins." "Don't worry sire, I've got it all planed out."
(A/N): Review please, and await the next chapter, which should be coming soon unless unforeseen circumstances arise. ~RussianOverlord~