After landing servants brought them to the Compound of High Imperator Ondska where they would be staying for the next three days. Most of the royals in attendance would have suites on site, but the Imperator’s estate took up nearly half of the western quadrant of the large island. High walls met at a large gate emblazoned with the Ondska Empire’s seal. As the large metal gates swung open the Imperator and his entourage awaited them, and Boshak admired his long blood-red robes, and while he was an old man he looked strong enough still to hold his own in battle. As the Imperator hugged his nephew he quickly ushered the entire party inside the estate. At the doors of his mansion, he turned towards the crowd of people, and with a simple “leave us” the entourage dispersed leaving the Baron and his Shocktrooper guards alone with Ondska.
“My boy, it’s good to see you…” the Imperator paused and looked around before speaking again” …the cultists you have asked me to let pass through Imperial lands have all but taken over the Kingdom of Balmonway as planned, and the next phase of the Ondska Empire’s takeover of Jalldoon is ready to begin” the smile that crept over Ondska’s face was one of pure evil as the small group entered the ornate mansion. As they made their way through the lavishly decorated hallways Boshak listened as the Imperator droned on about border disputes and running the largest empire on Jalldoon, but he chuckled to himself at the thought of the old man’s death and replacement by The Baron if their plans went through. Yes, the old fool thought the Baron was helping the Empire, but in reality, he was playing his own evil game. Leaving the two Shocktroopers stationed on either side of the door, the Baron entered the room his uncle had provided, and after washing up he snacked from a bowl of fruit provided by the servants. It had been a long day, and the Baron would need his energy for the sure-to-be-long and drawn-out Covenant meeting in the morning. As the Baron snored Boshak practiced his spells in his head while he drifted off to sleep.
The trail of steam billowing behind the Doom Buggies and the faint wisps of energy dissipating slowly from Kandross‘ jet pack formed a strange sight as the gang of villains crossed the Inari Grasslands. As they crested a large hill they saw below them a quaint farm bustling with the usual activity of any number of farms dotting the Grasslands. General Skale shouted “Halt!” as the Shocktoopers controlling the Doom Buggies activated the braking systems with a loud hiss. Skale turned to Kandross with a grin” Let’s give you a proper welcome to the Baron’s forces my friend” As he said this he signaled the two Doom Buggies forward. Barreling down the hill the Shocktroopers fired laser blasts setting the barn and nearby stacks of hay ablaze as the family of farmers scattered in every direction. Skale cackled with delight as he took the form of one of his blood legionnaire Shocktroopers “ Take the strong destroy the weak” he yelled as he chased a farmer down before stunning him with a blow to the back of his head.
Kandross looked around at the death and carnage surrounding him and smiled. These creatures shared the Kung-Los ethics and their reveling in destruction. If this was how Baron Dracktholme conducted himself then his queen had chosen the perfect lover. Lost in thought he was snapped out of it by a farmer charging him with a simple wooden rake. Kandross chuckled to himself as he whipped around with his large club-like tail which he wrapped around the farmer’s waist and used it to toss the boy against the barn. As Kandross stepped towards him the boy threw his hands up in defense, but Captain Kandross felt no mercy as he ran the boy through with his sword before licking the blood off the tip with a smile that showed his rows of razor-sharp teeth.
As the group left the farm with three new slaves for the Shocktrooper pens being dragged behind in nets Kandross flew up next to General Skale “My friend, I think I’m going to like this place. If everyone is as brutal as you then the Kung-Los empire has found a worthy home until we can return to the stars” as he said this Skale’s skull adorned face lit up “Yes Captian if brutality is your currency then you will find yourself rich here in the service of Dracktholme” the evil Slime Exclaimed. After a short time, they saw the spire of the Dark Citadel in the distance. General Skale radioed ahead letting the Shocktrooper wardens know they had new recruits for the Program. Kandross looked up at the black tower with awe, and he was almost shaking with anticipation of his queen breaking the spells holding her in the Northern Asylum and crushing Jalldoon under her foot. All that would have to wait, for now, there was much work to be done.
The three days of Covenant meeting passed by rather quickly with the majority voting to extend The control of the Ondska Empire into Balmonway, but the minority had voted vehemently against the extension of power granted to the Imperator. The Warrior Queen of Balmonway herself made an impassioned speech against turning control of her lands to Ondska that had brought the opponents of the motion to a loud rumble of agreement. Votes as always were final, however, and after the delegates had settled down the meeting of the Covenant was over. On the way out Imperator Ondska, and Baron Dracktholme were stopped by Emperor Pullo and King Valdar who looked angry. Emperor Pullo poked his finger into the Baron’s chest “We know you two are up to something, and we won’t stand for it. Just because you have power doesn’t mean you can just take over another’s lands.” The Emperor said with scorn dripping from his words as he turned and left. Dracktholme chuckled to himself as he replied under his breath “ We’ll see how tough you are when you’re in irons Pullo” as the Imperator’s entourage left the hall.
After saying his goodbyes the Baron entered his Sky Yacht, and as it took off Master Boshak left the form of the amulet. After a few days stuck in that cramped position, Boshak went right to his villainous full body form as he turned to his conspirator “ Those do gooder fools know you’re plotting Dracktholme, we need to do something” his words dripping with scorn. The mechanical echo of the Baron’s laugh sounded especially loud in the confined luxury quarters of the yacht as he spoke “ Fear not my friend, my love has a plan that will ens….” Boshak cut the Baron off mid sentence “Yes Baron, as you continually say…however if I KNEW this plan maybe I could be of better service to our goals” he said with obvious annoyance at being kept in the dark about what that forsaken witch had planned. Dracktholme placed his hand on the slime’s shoulder “My love prefers to be the only one with full knowledge of her plan. She wants no chance of the forces of good…or even worse, the Gods themselves knowing what she’s up to” Boshak hated to admit it, but the Witch’s logic couldn’t be faulted. Spies lingered in many corners of Jalldoon, and if anyone caught wind of the Baron helping a prisoner of The Northern Asylum they’d all be locked up beyond the mountains. Sighing Boshak replied “Fine, but I will need to know something at some point if we are to succeed at conquering this Planet” with this he left the cabin to get some fresh air on the decks. As the clouds floated by Boshak fumed, his plans were being overtaken by this Witch and the Baron’s love for her. Damn her to an eternity in the Asylum, but in his heart he knew she’d get out eventually…you can’t hold ambition like that down for long, and with her advanced magics it was an inevitability that plans would come to fruition. As the Slime was lost in thought he saw the spire of the Dark Citadel sticking out of the landscape of the Inari Grasslands as he heard he crackle of the speakers “Prepare for landing” the voice said with another crackle as the speaker cut out. Boshak composed himself and headed back into the cabin for landing. He’d need Skale to bring him up to speed on this new ally in the war on Jalldoon as soon as possible, and as he sat down he and practiced his spells in his head he tried to think of a way to outwit this Witch throwing a kink into his plans.
Kandross winced at the crackle of static emanating from the speakers as landing announcements were made. There was Shocktrooopers running every which way preparing for the return of their master. General Skale nudged his new friend “This will be Master Boshak and the Baron then, back from Crown Isle” the Slime said with a wink. The loading ramp of the Sky Yacht hissed open, and Kandross saw his masters love for the first time “That’s Baron Dracktholme? I expected someone less imposing from the way she speaks of him “ he said under his breath to nobody in particular as he marveled at Dracktholme’s armor. The Baron made his way to Kandross and shook his hand “You must be Kandross? My love has spoken at length about your skills and brutality, my friend you are truly welcome here in my court” he said waving his arms over the assembled Shocktroopers. Boshak had made his way off the yacht with a nod towards Kandross, but he headed directly for General Skale and after hushed words, the two Slimes made their way out of the room. Kandross sensed anger from Boshak but thought little of it as the Baron ushered them up to his private quarters. After closing the door he turned to Kandross with excitement in his voice “Please tell me all about my love. How is she holding up out there? What’s her disposition like? Is she still as beautiful as she once was?” The Baron asked. Kandross chuckled “Baron, I must be honest with you…I do not find her species very pleasing to the eye, but her disposition and machinations are both strong. It will not be long before she is here, and the Planet belongs to the two of you.” His sharp fangs glistened underneath his sinister smile as he reassured Dracktholme. The Baron sat on a small couch as he clapped his hands together “excellent my friend! However you say the planet will be ours, but what of you Captain? Surely you’ve been promised somewhere for you and your people on the planet?” He asked having to look even further upwards to make eye contact with the imposingly tall Kandross. An even wider smile showing far more fangs spread across Kandross’ face before speaking “Oh she has promised us much…the ability to leave this place and return home after helping the two of you with your goals. I have been away from my people too long, and those pathetic Khanians have surely taken over some of my territory while we have been stuck here all these years.” With this, he leaned back on his tail as none of the chairs looked like they could hold his weight. Baron Dracktholme thought for a second “ I’ve no idea where you are from, but your service to my beloved means I will do everything in my power to help you get home. It’s the least I could do to repay you for reuniting me with my heart and soul”.
As Baron Dracktholme gave him a tour of the grounds Kandross was amazed at how different things were outside of the Northern Asylum. The Dark Citadel was a vastly different world from the Pyramid that had been his home for so long. Technology was everywhere,and the Baron had created most of it himself. The Witch had told him of the Baron’s mind… supposedly one of the sharpest on all of Jalldoon, but seeing all the machines he had created filled Kandross with awe. He was intimately familiar with advanced tech, but on this backwater planet all he had seen before the Doom Buggies and Shocktroopers had picked him up was a world full of simple beings living simple lives, but With the machines of the Baron, and the Witch’s spells there was no way any force this planet could muster would stop his master from achieving her goals. After being shown a good portion of the tower, Kandross was led into the dining room of the Dark Citadel. A long table piled high with food sat before them, and a large chair was set on one side. Kandross licked his lips as the light glinted off his fangs “Finally! Something to eat!” The captain thought to himself as he sat down. Even the drug-addled minds of the Shocktroopers recoiled at the horror of Kandross feasting.
After satiating his near-endless hunger Kandross sat back fulfilled, and as he stood up from the table Baron Dracktholme walked into the hall “Ahhh Captain, I see you have enjoyed your feast” the Baron said with a chuckle at the messy remains of the once great feast he had prepared for his new compatriot. With a clap of his hands servants rushed out to clear the table, and Dracktholme sat in the chair they had brought over before continuing “Now, the matter at hand my friend. Your master has sent you to aid me in returning her to these lands, but we must remain cautious. The Covenant of Crowns is the highest law in the land, and if they catch wind of anything even our combined might cannot stand against their forces. So we must practice caution until the pieces fall into place. My love’s servants run free on Jalldoon as we speak, and they are collecting the magic artifacts we need to free her. Until that time you will need to keep yourself hidden from the general public, but that’s not to say you won’t be having fun…” The Baron was cut off as one of his scouts entered the hall and handed him a parchment. He quickly read the message, and as he put it down on the table he clicked his gloved fingers together with a melodic rhythm as metal hit metal. Sliding the chair out he spoke, “As I was saying Captain, you will have plenty to do, in fact, this very moment I have a mission of urgency that someone familiar with traveling in space such as yourself would be most suited for.” Kandross stood up and flexed his tail as he grabbed his rifle and sword “Anything my liege” he said with a smile. The Captain followed the Baron out of the hall, and as he walked he knew that he was going to enjoy the rest of his time on Jalldoon. Boshak closed the door to the dungeons as he and Skale entered the long hallway to the General’s quarters. The sadistic nature of his most capable follower was a trait Boshak admired greatly, but why anyone would want to live down in the dank depths of the Citadel was beyond him.
Once they were safely inside the confines of Skale’s office Boshak spoke ” General, the monarchs of the Slime Kingdom, and Karnok know that the Baron is up to something. We must distract them, and we need a plan” As he said this he pounded his fist on the table. Skale smiled “Ahhhh my lord. I recently met just the fellow. I happened upon him in a clearing beside the road late one night while picking Nightmoss for my poisons. He was walking down the road with a sack of loot of some kind. Damn near scared the life out of me. Sneaking up almost silently, but he seemed friendly enough as we talked in the moonlight. He said he had a band of brigands willing to do anything for coin, and should I ever have need… how to contact him. We could pay them to create a disturbance in the Kingdoms of good. Murderous brigands killing and looting will take the attention away from us.” The grin of Skale’s skull face seemed even wider than usual at the thought of bloodshed. Boshak had always trusted Skale, and this was exactly why. He clapped his hands on the table “Yes! General, you are truly my most valuable servant! Contact these brigands, and unleash them upon Karnok. We…or rather the Baron will pay any price they ask.” Boshak said as he stood up. He would need to alert Dracktholme to this plan immediately so he clapped Skale on the back and made his way up the tower to the observatory at its highest point. Boshak found the Baron locking Captain Kandross into some kind of pod. He decided to see how this played out. As Dracktholme finished tightening the seals holding the door closed he tapped on the glass of the round porthole and gave a thumbs up. Kandross gave a thumbs up back and the Baron stepped back to a control panel. It was only then that Boshak noticed five other pods containing Shocktroopers. Dracktholme hit a button and all six pods launched up into the sky. As the portals they shot out of closed the Baron made his way over to Boshak ” My friend, I’ve sent Kandross to Space! He is off on a mission for my love!” He said as he put his arm around Boshak before adding “What brings you all the way up here to my observatory?” With a squeeze of Boshak’s shoulder. Boshak slyly stepped out of the Baron’s grip with a bow “My lord, General Skale and I would like to hire some brigands to attack Karnok. We aim to distract the forces of good from our plans” Boshak said pulling over a chair before slumping down in it and putting his feet up on the table in front of him. The Baron’s metallic laugh rang out as he raised his arms to the air “Yes my friend, it would be wise to throw Pullo off our scent.” With this, he clapped his hands together menacingly. The two evil men laughed at the thought of their plans coming to fruition.
Later that night Boshak sat in his room practicing spells as further down the road from the Dark Citadel General Skale tied a bound villager to a post at the crossroads doing exactly as the strange man he had met instructed. He left instructions in the ragged pocket of the villager, and with great satisfaction sliced the side of the man’s cheek letting out a trickle of blood. Skale wasn’t sure how the brigands knew this poor fool was out here, but when he returned in the morning the villager was gone. In his place was an ornate dagger securing a note to the pole. The note instructed a sack of gold to be left at the crossroads that night, and all would be taken care of. One more night was all it would take for the plans of his master to be forgotten in the eyes of those who would stop him. One more night until terror would hit Jalldoon.
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