A/N: sorry about the lack of updates I've been really busy with exams. However, now that summer is on the horizon, anticipate more frequent updates.
Chapter IV.5: The Founding of the Anti-Overlord Coalition (AOC)
Ruborian Desert/Golden Hills Border
King William's army came to the rendezvous point agreed to by the Dwarves in record time with the assistance of their desert guide. His job complete, the raider had disappeared into the desert without a word, leaving William's forces staring at a cliff wall, waiting for the dwarves to appear.
"Sire, we haven't the food or water to stay here for long," Sir Tomas said. "We only took light provisions with us, because we assumed we would be able to resupply at the Golden Hills."
"Once again, patience Sir Tomas," William said from where he was sitting. "The dwarves have agreed to be our allies. There is no reason for us to doubt them because all of us, no matter our past relations, have to unite as one against the Overlord's dark reign."
"Too right, William," a voice said from nearby. William leapt to his feet at the sight of the dwarf, no mean feat as the paladin was wearing heavy plate armor.
"Goldo!" he said. "You're alive!"
"Yes, I'm alive, despite the Overlord's numerous attempts to get rid of me," the dwarf king said with a grin. "My forces are already gathered for our march on the Overlord's stronghold." William nodded and waved to his troops. The men quickly packed their equipment and followed their king into the mountain.
After William and Goldo's forces had assembled deep within the mountain they marched through underground passages dug by Goldo's engineers. In only a few hours, the passageways had taken them directly to the border between the Dwarven realm and the forest of Evernight. There, as the army marched and the siege machines squeaked and clanked out of the tunnels, several companies of elven rangers appeared along with their king, Oberon Greenhaze.
"Welcome friends," he said with a bow. "We have come to guide you with great speed through our forest and to assist you in your fight against the Great Evil that dwells in the North."
William got off of his horse and clasped the elf's hand in a firm shake. "Your assistance would be most welcome my friend," he said with a smile.
The Dark Tower
Hanson awoke to find himself in his bed in the Dark Tower, his armor neatly stacked in one of the corners. He noticed that it had been skillfully mended and that someone or something had re-sharpened his axe. Hanson put on his armor and noticed a small black mark in the shape of a ball of fire on his left palm. He hastened to put a glove over it so that nobody would notice. Once he did, he heard a snort so loud he wondered if a dragon had decided to take up residence outside his window.
"There is no need to hide it," The Voice from the mine said. "If you will it, your powers will hide themselves even to the righteous paladins, whose Light magic supposedly overcame my own."
"Who are you?" Hanson asked.
"Me? There is no need for you to know me yet… I'm sure we'll speak in person soon."
With that, Hanson felt a presence withdraw from his mind and felt a strange tingle in his left arm. He looked down and almost yelped. His arm was covered in black flames which were threatening to erupt in an inferno. Remembering what the voice in his mind had said, Hanson focused on his arm and the black flames receded into the black mark, which then receded into his skin. Hanson began to fasten his armor into place, making sure that he wore gloves.
"Ah," Gnarl said as soon as Hanson entered the Throne Room. "Now that we're all here, the second test will begin."
"This task will test your abilities to tax your subjects. Each of you shall be assigned three farmsteads to tax with the goal of generating the maximum amount of gold. Feel free to use any means necessary, but be wary of killing them for dead peasants don't grow crops or pay taxes."
Each candidate stood silently contemplating on how to proceed.
"If you're all ready, then we will go," Gnarl said. The four candidates walked towards the Tower Portal, each deep in thought.
"Red!" Gnarl said. Hanson walked forward and stepped into the portal.
Hanson opened his eyes to find himself in the middle of a lush, green pasture, cheerfully lit by the morning sun with a multitude of sheep grazing all around him. One of the sheep nuzzled up against him, and Hanson promptly set its behind on fire without noticing. The flaming sheep ran back and forth across the pasture and then flung itself into the water of a nearby lake. The splash and the wave of water that followed woke the sleeping shepherd who had been napping beside a tree. Cursing, the boy grabbed his shepherd's hook and began to pull the sheep back onto the bank.
"Stupid animal," Hanson heard him mutter. Hanson strode up to the shepherd and lifted him by the scruff of his tunic until they were at eye level.
"Where is your farm?" Hanson asked.
"Back thataway," the villager gestured frantically.
Hanson let the shepherd drop and began walking in the direction the youth had pointed when the familiar cry of "master!" went up from a score of minions. The fifteen browns and five reds bounded up and down excitedly as they greeted Hanson. The Overlord-to-be scratched a few of them under their chins, causing their tongues to roll out and then raised his left hand. The minions instantly took up position behind him, ready to begin the taxation.