Overlord Rising

Shades of grey and white painted the sky. Sunlight pierced through the fleet of clouds; blessing the land with some amount of light. Cold wind drifted in the air; sending shivers under the skin. It may have not been the finest of days, but at least the storm had passed.

Several maps lay scattered across the table. Uriel scanned each one of them. A few look very similar to those she had used before, while others appeared so ancient and different that she almost did not recognize the realm itself. Regardless of familiarity, they all had one thing in common. All these maps proved that Uriel had not yet even encompassed half of the realm.

These maps revealed a vast and great amount of land; almost twice the size of any human nation. Uriel found areas and locations that she had stepped upon, but they only covered a small fraction of the entire realm of Ebonus.

"How old are these maps?" Uriel asked, examining the map more thoroughly.

"Some are centuries old," Mycelia replied, as she poured herself a cup of wine. "We Dark-Elves used a few of these to find our way to Nul Hunur."

"Are any of these maps complete?" Uriel extended her question.

"I do not know myself, to be honest," Mycelia answered, shaking her head. "The map only shows the places where the previous Overlord had set up structures. We never explored beyond his territories."

Uriel almost jumped when she heard this. Just how much of Ebonus remained unexplored? Just how many secrets and discoveries have yet to be revealed?

For as long as most people remember, kingdoms and individuals have travelled into Ebonus; hoping to uncover its secrets and resources. Much has been uncovered, but apparently that much wasn't even one-fourth of what Ebonus had to offer.

Taking a deep breath, Uriel pressed her forehead and examined the routes. She found small notes scribbled on the map, providing extra morsels of information.

"Pardon my lady, but why the sudden interest about Ebonus?" the sorceress asked curiously, piling a few books on top of one another.

"While I do not plan on returning any time soon, I do wish to return home one day," Uriel answered, as she continued to examine the map.

Mycelia held her breath for a moment. "What will you do in the mean time?" she then asked.

"I will explore this land," Uriel replied, her eyes stuck to the maps. "I have been presented with a very rare opportunity to further uncover this mysterious realm, and unlock more of its secrets."

"That would be quite an endeavor to accomplish," Mycelia remarked, as she crossed her arms. "A diverse array of creatures and horrors exist in this land. You may need a few extra hands to assist you in this plan."

Uriel hummed. Options ran through her mind, like a stream of rushing water. Considering their current situations, manpower from the Dark-Elves seemed off the table. Grandstark and its allies did not seem like possible choices either; not for the time being at least. Perhaps if she could acquire mercenaries or goblins. Then like a bolt of lightning, an idea struck.

"You mentioned that there are many creatures in Ebonus," Uriel said. "Are there any that can be reasoned with?"

Mycelia rubbed her chin, and thought for a second. "Well, frankly speaking, I am unsure if-,"

Suddenly, a mighty sound cut Mycelia's words short. A loud roar blasted from outside, demanding their attention. Mycelia looked out the window and stared for a while. The sorceress's jaw lowered, as she glared with a stunned expression.

"Speak of the devil," she uttered in a low voice.

"What is it?" Uriel asked.

"My lady, I believe we've found ourselves potential allies," the elf answered, grabbing her cloak on the chair.

"Who?" Uriel asked curiously. She stood to follow.

"Lizards," Mycelia answered. Uriel gave a look of complete confusion. "Just follow me for now, my lady. We need to hurry."

Just as Mycelia grabbed the doorknob, she froze. The Dark-Elf turned around and began to mutter herself, as she shook her finger. "No, no, this won't do," she mumbled. "We need to make a good first impression!"

Uriel frowned. The elf seemed to be making more questions than answers. "What is it?" she then asked.

"My lady, please stand here."

Mycelia pulled Uriel to the center of the room. She pushed aside a few chairs and tables, to give a bit more space. Reaching into her pockets, she pulled out a handful of violet sand and drew a large circle around Uriel.

"Alright my lady, please do not panic with what I am about to do," Mycelia spoke at a rapid pace. Her heart thumped several beats per second.

A drop of sweat ran down Uriel's face, as she stared at Mycelia. A long and restless smile rested on the Dark-Elf's face, while a flare danced in her eyes. Expressions like these often led to bad things. Bailing would have been a logical choice, but Uriel cast aside her better judgment, and answered Mycelia with a hesitant nod.

Mycelia giggled through her teeth. She jumped into the circle, and then recited a spell. Invisible energies spiraled around them; carrying a certain heat in the air. Upon saying the final part of the spell, the circle of sand ignited into a wall of violet fire and engulfed them.

Uriel froze, while her heart twitched. She inched back. Having been immolated recently by a dragon, it was only normal to be overcome by fear. However, before she could experience the nightmare a second time, the flames exploded into embers. A ring of ash marked the ground. Looking around, Uriel found herself standing in a different location.

It appeared to be the courtyard of the citadel. Just like the interior, junk and debris littered the area. Brittle bones, either broken or whole, lay scattered like trash. Several weapons and equipment rested among these bones. Their surface now consumed by rough coats of brown and red.

Within the courtyard, Uriel spotted the metal golem that she had revived. It stood in a rather defensive manner, raising its weapon and shield, waiting to be attacked.

Before the golem, Uriel spotted the so-called lizards that Mycelia was referring to. About six anthropomorphic reptiles faced them. They stood on two feet, and had arms that reached past their knees. Long tails slid from side to side.

Yellow scales covered their lower jaws and c.h.e.s.ts, while shades of green covered the rest of their bodies. Bulging golden eyes sat in their sockets. They wore tattered clothes made from animal skin, and carried spears of wood and stone.

Although they brought weapons, none of the lizards appeared eager for a fight. In fact, they had brought something else with them. Three of the lizards carried woven baskets on their backs.

As soon as they saw the two women appear behind the violet flames, these lizards stepped back a few steps. They hissed and rattled defensively, but they didn't seem all that hostile.

Eventually, one of the lizards approached. It snarled and snapped its jaws. At first, Uriel thought it was trying to be intimidating, but she quickly noticed its hand movements and gestures. This creature seemed to be communicating. It produced a series of growls and snarls that sounded like pure gibberish, rather than any comprehensible language.

"I don't suppose you understand any of this?" Uriel nudged and whispered.

"The lizard is Ragosh from the Ovoo Clan," Mycelia replied, translating the lizard's speech. "Apparently, he and these others have travelled from their village, seeking aid."

The response caught Uriel by surprise. "You can actually understand them?"

"Well, this isn't the first time I've met these creatures," Mycelia replied. "A few similar creatures have attacked this place before, and I noticed them actually speak to one another."

"And from there, you learned their language?"

"No, not exactly. In truth, I concocted a potion that allowed me to both understand and speak their tongue. They can be reasoned with… sometimes."

"How convenient." A hint of sarcasm touched her words. Uriel felt a little stupid for not expecting such a thing. "Why are they here?"

Mycelia continued to listen to Ragosh. After a few growls, the lizards brought their baskets forward. Each basket contained something different. The first basket contained hunted rabbits, the second had the pieces of a dismembered boar, while the last was filled with black and red berries.

"They're asking for my help, apparently," Mycelia translated. "Their clan is currently engaged in a dispute with an enemy clan, and they want the assistance of the stone witch."

"Stone witch?" Uriel looked away and covered her mouth, but failed to hide her amus.e.m.e.nt.

"It's a moniker they have given me apparently. Regardless, they offer these foods as payment for my services."

"Will you help them?" Uriel asked.

Mycelia didn't answer. Instead, she began to speak to Ragosh. She spoke in a number of rough growls and grunts, while retaining her usual tone. After a few words, the lizards looked onto each other. They did not speak, but merely stared; each sharing expressions of surprise, confusion, and concern.

"What did you say?" Uriel asked.

"I told them that I was your follower," Mycelia answered. "And that I would not assist them, unless I had your say."

A firm grimace appeared around Uriel's face. "You don't need my permission for everything. If you wish to help them, you are free to do so."

Mycelia sighed and pressed her forehead. "Pardon my lady, but you miss my point," she replied. "You wish to tame Ebonus, but you will need forces. Instead of provisions, we can have the lizards join our cause as payment."

"I understand what you are saying," Uriel said, rubbing her chin. "However, I do not believe that they would be so willingly accept the condition, and I'm honestly not sure if I could trust them either."

"Then what do you propose, my lady?" Mycelia asked.

"We roll the die," Uriel said, as she crossed her arms. "Accept the request."

Mycelia gave Uriel's answer. The lizards' expressions softened a little. Ragosh growled and bowed his heads many times. Although Uriel couldn't translate a single word, she understood his response through the gestures.

"Ragosh thanks you for accepting," Mycelia said. "He said that he would wait out here, until we're ready to leave."

"Very well, but I wish to speak with them a little more," Uriel said.

Mycelia called the lizards. They gave her their attention.

"I want to know if they have any other weapons besides those spears," Uriel said.

Mycelia translated Uriel's question, and then the lizard's answer. "It is their only weapon," she said. Her eye shot a glance at the spears. "These creatures appear to be very primitive, my lady. I don't think they know how to forge metal."

"That is unfortunate," Uriel sighed. "Do they at least know how to fight?"

"As far as I can tell, lizards don't have any fighting styles or techniques," Mycelia said. "However, they are fast. They can strike like snakes, and flee just as fast as regular lizards do."

"Really?" Uriel remarked. "I'd like to see it."

"M-my lady, I do not think that is necessary," Mycelia stuttered, waving her hands. "I have faced these creatures before, and I can assure you that they're quite dangerous."

"Perhaps, but I want to see for myself just how dangerous they can really be," Uriel replied. "Besides, if we're going to be helping them fight another clan, I need to know exactly what we're getting into. A simple spar, nothing more."

Mycelia wished to argue against this, but noticed a determined look of steel in Uriel's eyes. Mycelia's hands shook with resistance, but she eventually stopped quivering. With one heavy sigh, she requested that Ragosh duel her Overlord.

Again, the lizards appeared surprised. They clearly did not expect it. They spoke to each other for a moment, and then answered Mycelia with a nod. That didn't need to be translated.

Mycelia and the five other lizards stepped back for safety and space.

Uriel stepped forward and drew her sword. She examined her opponent. The spear in its hand may have been primitive, but it remained dangerous. The length itself already put her at a disadvantage, and his long arms made it worse. Uriel scanned the rest of Ragosh's body; searching for a twitch to hint the first move and step. All she noticed was his c.h.e.s.t, which inflated from deep breaths.

The Dark-Elf raised her hand, and then dropped it to signal the beginning.

As soon as she saw Mycelia's hand down, Uriel raised her sword and protected herself. It was a correct decision. Ragosh's spear lunged faster than the blink of an eye. If Uriel had not trusted her instincts, she would have had a hole between her eyes.

Realizing his failed attack, Ragosh retracted his weapon almost as quickly as he thrust it. It took a step around, and waited for another opportunity. The battle truly began.

Mycelia did not exaggerate about the lizard's reflexes. Each thrust felt like a snake thrusting and recoiling its body. Its strength was nothing to take lightly either. Great power hid behind every strike. Lastly, Ragosh also used his tail like a thick whip. Ragosh could have easily overwhelmed a common soldier. Unfortunately for the lizard, Uriel was not just a common soldier.

After an exchange of strikes, Ragosh found himself frozen. Loud beats pounded from his c.h.e.s.t, while his spear throbbed in his hands. Looking down, he saw Uriel's sword pointed against his throat. The position left him with little to no options. There was only one thing he could do.

Reluctance sank in his throat. Exhaling through his nostrils, Ragosh calmed his palms and released his fingers. The spear touched the ground with a resounding thud. He snarled. Triangular teeth tightly gritted in his mouth.

"I take it he surrendered?" Uriel asked.

"He has, my lady," Mycelia nodded.

Uriel pulled her sword away, and stepped back to Mycelia's side. The lizards rushed over to Ragosh, and then inspected him for any injuries.

"What do you think, my lady?" Mycelia whispered.

Uriel crossed her arms. "I may need to teach them a few things," she replied.