(A/N): As promised, the next chapter. This one's a little slow, but it builds suspense towards DOOM.
Disclaimer: Everything I create is my eternal property. Touch and I keel you! Overlord belongs to Codemasters.
Chapter XVIII: The secrets of supermodels revealed
The Capital City buzzed in excitement at the King's announcement. There hadn't been a tournament in five years; messengers were sent to every corner of the kingdom to invite nobles and knights to compete or attend. Even though he had his reservations, William sent an invitation to the man he knew as Ryrin as well, hoping to appease his daughter.
A tournament field was going up in the field in front of the capital city that could hold an army. William believed in helping the common man, and saw no reason to shirk his beliefs now. Even now, food merchants were fighting for the best positions near the stadium, hoping to outsell their competition.
As news of the tournament spread, the flow of suitors increased to unprecedented levels. William began to worry that if s fight broke out, an entire war could begin. The necessary ingredients were there: lots of young, arrogant men, alcohol, and a prize for which to die: his daughter.
Elizabeth watched the stadium going up from her chambers in the northernmost tower of the castle with elation. She could barely keep still as excitement bubbled within.
Hanson leaned against the tree under which he had been sitting for the better part of three hours, awaiting his audience. At last, the druid returned and motioned the Overlord to follow. "Remember to show the utmost respect, she is not one to be trifled with." Hanson nodded and followed, the dying sunlight glinting off of his armor.
"Be on your guide sire," Gnarl cautioned. "There's no telling what could be waiting for you." Hanson silently followed his guide to the throne room at the top of the Father Tree. Along the way, he saw what looked like honor guards standing at regular intervals, some with the curved swords favored by the elves, some without any. The Overlord assumed they were mages.
"One final word of warning," the druid said as he reached for the door handle. "Do not attempt to use magic here. She is quite intolerant of any magic that isn't natural." Hanson mutely nodded and stepped inside.
It was dark inside the hall, not surprising considering the deep shadows cast by the bows of the Father Tree. What was unusual was the green fire burning in the middle of the floor that didn't seem to affect the floor or the tree at all. It was smokeless and odorless, but as Hanson neared, he could feel its heat radiating outward.
"Welcome stranger, I know why you have come," a soft voice said from the shadows. Hanson almost rolled his eyes. "These druids are quite the performers aren't they sire? I wonder if there is any substance to their powers…" The druid queen made her dramatic entrance from the shadows. Hanson saw a delicate being of average human height, but with features that no human could possibly ever have. The sharp cheekbones and elegant facial structure gave her the appearance of a princess from some ancient tale. Her midnight-dark hair was artfully placed to frame and conceal part of her face. Gnarl suppressed a snigger as the elf raised her eyes to meet the Overlord's gaze and curtsied. Hanson took note that her dress was made from green silk and woven with flowers where there normally would be jewels. Her voice sent shivers down his spine. When she smiled at him, Hanson knew that no woman could ever compare to the elf in front of him. "You fool…" the Darkness within him whispered. "She is charming you…Soon you will be completely under her sway. Fight it! Draw strength from your hatred!"
"My name is Illyra," the elf continued, oblivious to the almost imperceptible change in the Overlord's stance. "If you wish to wed me, you must accomplish a series of tasks, as per custom."
Deep within, a burning hatred built up within the Overlord and frothed to the surface. His hand shot out and grabbed Illyra by the neck. She was lifted into the air, unable to call out for help. "I came here for one reason only, but now you have given me another. I feel the green minions nearby. Where are they?" The elf, realizing that struggling was useless, relaxed and spoke. "They belong to nature, with us." The Overlord snorted and slung Illyra over his shoulder and carried her to the door. "Show me," he said as he opened the door. She pointed to a patch of plants that seemed to give off a particularly pungent odor, if the green fumes coming off of it were any indication.
"That's the green hive sire!" Gnarl said, his elation evident. "The green minions should be drawn to your powers soon. As if on cue, ten greens climbed over the railing to hail their master. "Sire!" they chorused. The Overlord turned without a word and began the descent, drawing his sword as he went. The first few guards to try and stop him were slain almost instantly. The rest took the hint and fled.
"Pah, elves. Once the fighting starts, they have no backbone," Gnarl said with disgust. "Let them run, their over-inflated sense of honor needs to be punctured." The Overlord gestured for the minions to pick up the green hive and proceeded towards the tower portal.
Assira felt like she was being pampered now that she had passed Gnarl's test. She could go anywhere in the tower and do whatever she wanted. Being a thief, she naturally went to the treasury first, and spent some time looking critically at the gold and jewels that pooled the stone floor. She heard a commotion in the throne room, so she descended the stairs to see what was happening.
Gnarl was commanding the minions to carry the druidess queen to the dungeons and lock her in one of the cells. "Come on Grubby, pull your weight you lazy sack of pus!" The Overlord sat next to one of the columns and pulled off his helmet, revealing yet again his surprisingly young face. "Ah, my lady," he said as he noticed Assira at the top of the stairs. "I shall see you at dinner." Hanson got up and descended to the armory. "Dinner?" Assira asked Gnarl. "Yes, I thought it would be appropriate for you to get over your 'concerns' as soon as possible." "But, I have nothing fancy to wear…" Gnarl stared at her for a full second then doubled over laughing. "Oh you'll be fine," he said in between his chortles. "I'll have something brought up to you."
(A/N): Well, this is what I was referring to in terms of DOOM. The dreaded first date. Enjoy the awkwardness in the next chapter. :D ~RussianOverlord~