Whistling a tune, Overlord Kuran Yuma returned to his tower from the meeting with Lua and as he was strolling towards his throne, he grins as he saw his minion advisor Gnarl waiting there, "Ah, Gnarl! Good to see you! Just the minion I need right now."
"Welcome back master. I take it your meeting brought desirable results?" was the old minions question and Kuran nodded, "Indeed! While it takes us some investment, mostly goods for construction and mining, in return, we got quite the force regarding espionage and… item liberation."
"Ah, I understand" nodded Gnarl. While making a note that he really should find a way to get back to his original duty… to advise the Overlord while he is out of the tower. But with all the workload on him, he barely finds the time doing that. Especially since he could trust his current master to handle himself.
Oh sure, his past masters were a capable bunch as well, at least those who didn't die quickly and in embarrassing ways, but most of them were clueless what to do next without him telling what the next step was. Still… he misses those things. Perhaps it is really time to get a right hand himself. Not too smart but enough brains to understand what to do.
Kuran handed Gnarl a scroll and upon reading it, the Minion Master knew what those people's plans were. At least what they revealed to the Overlord. "Quite crafty those humans. Wouldn't have trusted any of them to get that level of intelligence… current master and selected of the past not counting."
"Sorry, Gnarl but you're mistaken. Those aren't humans. They are Fenneks. A fox-like humanoid species." Chuckles Kuran "I'll explain more at a later date. See that those supplies reach the former home castle of Lord Minus as fast as possible. And then come to my office with the schedule for tomorrow."
"My Apologize Mylord, but you are facing a change in plans as well. We got an unexpected visitor who wants to see you, and I believe it would be difficult if we turned her down now."
Kuran's head slowly turned to the much smaller minion and had a look that made Gnarl thankful looks couldn't kill. Else he doubts even dust would remain. Tapping his throne with a finger, a sign Gnarl wasn't also not liking to have been directed at him, the Overlord wondered, "Gnarl… who came and why didn't you send the person off?"
"It's Bloodthorn herself." Stated Gnarl while his arms were spread, "While you were gone, she showed up in the capital and requested an audience. She even brought forward a present for you. Three fossilized Dragon Eggs. One red, one yellow and the third white. I have told her you were gone for most of the day but she did humbly request to see you as soon as you return."
Kuran took that new surprise and rubs his chin, taking in the circumstances. Normally he would now retreat and tell Gnarl to excuse her until tomorrow… but given the circumstances of her appearance and the feeling tomorrow he would come back with quite a headache if his experience with his Skeith "host" earlier was any indication, he decides to jump that one now and at least try to mediate his busy schedule to integrate that unexpected development.
"Prepare dinner and invite her in." He decided, "While it will be on short notice make it as grand as you can get it."
"After what we experienced with that fool, Friendfist? Are you sure master?" countered Gnarl and rose one of his eyebrows.
"I am." notified the Dark One. "I doubt she would be here now with three dragon eggs as present if Friendfist's actions were authorized by her. I think he did act on self-interest and now she is mediating the damage." to which he grinned, "To which we can take that to our advantage if we play our cards right."
Gnarl began to grin as he realized what his lord is thinking, "You want their bit in technology for your own?"
"indeed." said Kuran while leaning back, "Considering what we know of the current civil war of the dwarfs, Bloodthorn's own positioning and goals, I am sure she wants our minions as canon fodder. While she got the best defensive position in the dwarf lands, the annexation of Tight Todir solidifies it, not to mention her personal bout with Goldshield."
"However, if the merchants are to be believed, she lacks the fighting force to throw around her weight against the 7 other clans at the same time and needs additional forces." added in Gnarl, continuing his master's line of thought, "So she is trying to gain forces from us. Easily throwaway forces."
"Given that we have all four tribes since Friendfists appearance and now, AND the number of minions we have gotten since then, it would be quite a force we could theoretically give her." keeps Kuran on and stands up, "However that could also draw the other Clans attention to us. And given WHO killed their last king, no matter how the opinion of this king was, I have little doubt they might go and put away their differences for a combined strike against us."
"Which in our current state would be bad news." mused Gnarl while walking in a small circle, "If we were striking head-on." and a grin formed on his face and he looked at his master who had the same grin on his face. Causing the two to start laughing heartily.
Overlord: Kingdom's rise
Cassandra Bloodthorn did expect a number of things as she had arrived at the capital, to which she still wonders why it doesn't have a proper name despite its age of nearly 1000 years, and learned that said ruler was not available at this point though would return late afternoon. To be excused to the next day to outright send back.
While accepting the first, given that such trips can be tiresome, and ready to leash out if she was just sent home, the last thing she expected was a sudden invite to dinner.
Personally hating those political discussions and dinners, normally deciding something and having her advisors figure out how to get that done when it comes to pure politics, she was currently in her given guest room in the most expensive place of the capital getting ready.
Looking out of the window while getting her dress on, she saw the castle under construction and while the queen was handling the daily events of the kingdom from there, the dwarf knew that the true centre of power of the overlord lies in his tower. A tower whose location she doesn't know… Friendfist might have but she doesn't want to have that idiot, especially after punishing him, anywhere NEAR this kingdom to risk her chances any more.
Once in her garb, she looked over herself and had her maids dealing with the rest of her appearance. Cassandra has no hand in those female touches, preferring to grab a weapon and smash her opposition. Or tinkering on machines.
Anyway, she was glad that she recalled that under the many riches that fool Goldshield possessed, were three fossilized dragon eggs. Giving them over as present should smooth things out as she really wants those troops from the Overlord.
Minions that fight without fear, can be resurrected and are willing to do what their masters tell. That kind of fighting force is too good to not try and use. Too bad there can be only one Overlord and even if she manages to kill him, here is no guarantee that she will take that spot. Not to mention not even one of her sources did mention one female master.
On the other hand, beyond the Black Baron, most of the Minions' past masters went quite into obscurity or were turned heroes, as she found a diary that explains that one of her ancestors, Barn the Dragonslayer was in truth a former master of the minions. Who knows how many past great heroes and rulers were in truth masters of the minions?
Shaking her head she cleared her mind. She needs to leave a good impression to the Overlord today if she wants to achieve her goals. Not to mention be ready to adjust her planning in case.
Well, at least she got one little thing ready for every case that he might never say no too. She chuckled to herself.
Overlord: Kingdom's Rise
In the city hall of the capital, that also serves as a temporary ruling place until the new castle is finished enough that everything could be moved over there. Right now in this hall was now a table that was set for several people though the two centermost chairs of this table were the best chairs that the hall could offer. The table itself was decorated with white sheets and silver platters, ready to hold eleven people on each side of the table.
On the side were their servants standing holding plates with silver cups and bottles of wine. As well several barrels of beer are standing at a wall, ready to be moved in to open and take its liquid out.
Kuran stood in front of the table with Gnarl at his side as well as Lehid and Halbert. And eight other people, all representatives of the other lords or important people.
The main entrance of the hall was opened by two servants and Cassandra Bloodthorn walked in with her followers. Following an unspoken and unwritten procedure, she moved forward with pride with her followers behind her and soldiers sliding in at the sides. In unspoken command minions and soldiers were moving in from the backrooms, in equal numbers to the dwarf soldiers. All dressed in an honour guard like manner but without a doubt each weapon they carry are of battleworthy quality.
As the two rulers were only standing a few meters apart, a dwarf moved forward and gestured to his clan leader, "In the name of my clan, I represent the leader of the Bloodthorn Clan. Cassandra Bloodthorn."
To which Lehid stepped forward, "And in the name of our kingdom, I represent our ruler, the Dark Overlord Kuran Yuma."
Following the introduction, the Overlord speeded closer to the female dwarf and gave a respectful bow, "I welcome you to my kingdom and glad that you could accept my sudden invite for dinner. I also excuse myself for how small it is. Your arrival was sudden for me and due the short time, I couldn't have a grand dinner prepared."
"That is forgiven. As you have said yourself, I did appear without any announcement and I am positively surprised that despite that disadvantage I gave you, you managed to have something arranged." she spoke to him and looked over the other people on the rulers' side. "Though that development seems not to be so sudden that representatives of your lords were able to appear. Though I am not seeing the queen among you. Which I must say does rather strike me as odd."
"Queen Arlene is already in bed. The pregnancy is taking a lot out of her and I do not wish to stress her more than she already has to endure." explained the male human.
Cassandra nodded in understanding. While never been a mother herself, she has seen it on other women often enough and was forced to help out as well to know the details. "Understandable." she replied.
Clapping his hands twice, the servants brought the silver cups and filled them with wine. And with the distribution, they ensure that both sides have equalled the number of cups from each used bottle.
"For now I wish for an evening that we might enjoy before in the coming days we are to discuss for the reasons why you wish to meet with me personally."
Cassandra nodded to that and raised her own cup. "For a good evening." and each of them took at the same time their first gulp… or at least one as some dwarfs are drinking down the wine in one go, earning a disapproving glance from Bloodthorn but refrains from lashing out at them. The lesson to give those idiots who ignored proper etiquette has to wait until she is back in her territory.
Overlord: Kingdom Rise
Several hours have been passed since the formal beginning of the dinner was done. And Cassandra must say, despite the short notice of the dinner it was quite an exquisite meal and the wine was of good quality. While she is stereotypical for her race, enjoying beer much more, she does not say no to the occasional good bottle of wine. Too bad her fellow dwarves only took that first cup and only drank beer in large amounts.
Are those minions bringing in the 17th or 18th barrel of beer this evening? Doesn't matter. During that dinner which was underlined by the music of the kingdom, too bad she barely heard it by the loud voices of the other dwarves… she really needs to throw the bunch for a few days into the torture chambers just to ensure they learn finally that outside their own lands they have to behave more, she got to talk with the Overlord.
Being aware of him as a former hero beforehand thanks to a highly paid source, she was still surprised about the wide knowledge of places he possessed thanks to the many travels he has done. As well that he already has guessed her intentions. This will make him do what she needs him for much harder but she trusts her skills to find a solution.
Given his build and overall success rate so far, Cassandra could see why he has already three mistresses, formerly four, and bet if she were a weaker willed dwarf she would have made a serious consideration of proposing a political marriage. However, she doesn't let a guy dictate her fate. Hence her late husband had an accident.
What she didn't miss however as they talked was that the Overlord and this old minion were having a scheming look on their faces the entire time. As they are calculating their options and how to operate on her. To which she began her counter thinking.
Only to realize soon that she has little to no knowledge about their goals regarding her people. All she could offer was the machines of her race and the passage to the dark elves. It is known widely that her race would never accept an outside ruler. Advice, yes. Ruler, no.
She gave a weak laugh at the Advice part though… The distrust of outsiders grew as her people realized that one of the reasons why their last king was slain by the third Overlord was that he had to follow the advice of the great mage. Why that ill advice was given despite the wisdom that mage should have she properly will never know. And she isn't really interested in that.
All she wants to know for now was how to handle that Overlord and ensure he is doing her biddings. Well… at least so far that she achieves her goals. What to do with him afterwards is a matter for later. But she doubts he grows so strong until then that she has to accept his long term existence.
Overlord: Kingdom's rise
Kuran was standing on a field, his shirt slightly unbuttoned to let the cool and fresh airflow over it while he was waiting for somebody… and he didn't have to wait long as he heard some rustling. It didn't take him long to understand it was intentional and smiles as he turned around, "Hey. Thank you for coming on such short notice."
The leathers of the figure that had seemingly appeared before him were familiar, though this time the silver mask was already off, tucked into one of the straps of her armour. "One may lose business if one is late." she declared softly as she looked over him and then the area.
"Don't worry. This time I didn't even bother to bring Minions along." Kuran started simply with a wave of a hand. "After all, you won't bite the hand that feeds you. Well… in this case, the hand that intents to feed you in the long run." Then he got serious, "For this reason, I will keep it brief and not bother to go into the political details: Cassandra Bloodthorn, the clan leader of the Bloodthorn clan has shown up today. And for us the intent is clear: She wants the minion troops to aid her army in the civil war of the dwarfs. However… while I do think about aiding to end that war, I am not intending to do it by sending thousands of minions into the battlefield."
Then he moves over to her and puts a hand on her shoulder, "I plan to use your people for it. Think of an opportunity to show your skill." and pulled out a scroll. "This is a list of the eight great clans that fight over the dwarf throne. Including Bloodthorn. While there are nearly 100 clans, those eight are the most powerful ones." and holds out the scroll. "The task is simple: Find every dirty cloth and secret skeleton, every useful secret they might have. And if you can manage it, as many riches and barrels of beer as possible. Including artefacts. But the highest priority is that nothing of this can be traced back to me." then he pulled out a second scroll… the most accurate map of the dwarf lands he could find.
She would cut him off here with a hum as she took the papers and looked them over, "Shouldn't be too hard, we were just starting to list your allies an hour ago, so good… Bloodthorn?" She seems to cringe, "That name is so… cringe, do they have… never mind that's off-topic." She shuffled the papers slowly, "We will remove the items requested, the beer we don't care for, so either you may take custody of it or we can sell it ourselves." She rolled the papers and tossed the roll into the tall grass, a rustling and a critter later and the papers were gone.
"Just leave enough of everything for me to use them for my little plans." he chuckled to Lua, "And don't forget the info. That's very important. Also in the next few days, the first supplies of food, tools and material will be delivered to the castle."
She cut him off again, "Don't worry little lord, I say only in kind, the requested items you will get the best of and be allotted a list and view of the rest to sort and select the rest that is wished to be kept by yourself, the remainder is what we will be selling ourselves through 3rd and 4th parties." She seemed amused, "We will be taking much more than what you listed, if only specific items and information go missing it makes it harder to hide one's intent."
With that, she was leaning up to look at the larger human. "I take that won't be an issue?" She smirked up at him.
"Let's say… I don't care what you do as long goals are met and my own plans not harmed." and looks at her eyes, "That conducts the official bus-"
She cut him off a 3rd time with a kiss, she was far smaller then he was, but somehow was able to effortlessly pull herself, in all her heavy leather armour, up to kiss the lord. Lips met a soft female fox muzzle as she kissed him very very deeply, her tongue daring to slip into his mouth.
They were alone, her people left with the scroll and he didn't have anyone here to stare.
She purred into the kiss, and slowly broke it with a passionate murring. He grinned at her, having enjoyed it. And somewhere in his mind was a voice that shouts that it's way too early for that deep of a relationship with a new girl.
Another part just mused. Screw it. She is throwing herself at him. And he can see her obvious reason for doing so. He will enjoy her little game with him. As if she read his mind she purred softly, "I wouldn't mind If my new lord fulfilled his second part of our contract now."
"Well.. then we shouldn't waste too much time." he agreed with her while holding her close.