The call up

Lord Nyxthorn's heart pounded in his chest as he rode toward the capital, flanked by his elite guards. The towering black spires of Kinkland's grand citadel loomed in the distance, a foreboding sight even for a man as ruthless as he. The summons from the Overlord and the Council of Lords had come swiftly after his report on the prisoners' execution, and he knew this meeting would be far from routine and normal.

The Overlord, feared by all, even the most powerful lords was known for his merciless nature. A single mistake in his presence could mean death. Nyxthorn had crafted his lie well, but would it hold under scrutiny? Would the council believe him he couldn't help but wonder.

As he approached the massive iron gates of the citadel, they slowly open with a deep, ominous creak. The city's elite guards, clad in dark armor adorned with the sigil and banners of the Overlord, stood watchful as he passed. His escort was dismissed at the entrance of the grand hall, leaving Nyxthorn to face the council alone.

Inside, the chamber was dimly lit by towering braziers, casting long shadows on the stone walls. At the center sat the Overlord himself an imposing figure draped in dark, regal robes, his face obscured beneath the hood of his ceremonial garb. Around him sat the Council of Lords, each one a figure of authority, wealth, and bloodshed. Their piercing eyes fell upon Nyxthorn as he stepped forward, his boots echoing against the marble floor.

"Lord Nyxthorn," the Overlord's speakers voice was a low, guttural command (the overlord never speak directly to subjects). "You stand before us to answer for the prisoners taken during the last blood moon. You reported that they were executed immediately. Enlighten the council.

Nyxthorn bowed deeply, keeping his expression unreadable. "Yes, my lord. The prisoners were weak, unworthy of the effort of transport. I ordered their execution on the spot to serve as an example to the Delian people to instill fear and hopelessness my lord. My actions will spread fear among the rebels and any who dare dream of defiance."

A murmur spread through the council. Some nodded in approval, while others exchanged glances of doubtfulness. One of the lords, a shrewd and calculating man named Lord Ravion, leaned forward. "Strange," he mused. "We've received no reports of Delian unrest over these executions. If such a mass killing had taken place, surely the whispers of terror would have reached even our ears."

Nyxthorn felt the first prick of unease but masked it well. "The fear is still settling in," he replied smoothly. "The Delian vermins hide their panic well, but make no mistake they know what awaits them should they resist." And who are you to question me lord ravion you've just been elected to the council pick your words well.

Another lord scoffed. "And what of the bodies? Surely you brought proof of their execution Lord nyxthorn? "

Nyxthorn met the man's gaze coldly. "The desert devoured them. We left them to rot as a warning to any who would stumble upon their remains. Kinkland does not waste time burying the dead of lesser men."

Silence fell over the chamber. The Overlord remained still, his fingers idly tapping against the armrest of his grand chair. Then, he let a deep, unsettling sound.

"A bold decision," he finally said. "Lord nyxthorn has once again proven his usefulness to the council."

Nyxthorn allowed himself a brief moment of relief, but it was short-lived.

"But if I discover deception in your words, Lord Nyxthorn," the Overlord continued, his voice turning to ice, "I will flay the truth from your skins myself and lay chaos on your household".

A heavy silence filled the air. Nyxthorn bowed once more. "I understand, my lord. My loyalty is to Kinkland, and I assure you, the prisoners are no more."

The Overlord stared at him for a long moment before finally waving a hand. " For your selfless duties and love for kinkland I name you Lord nyxthorn governor of Delia from henceforth you shall oversee all activities in Delia.

Nyxthorn turned and smiled " oh my lord you honor me I lord nyxthorn keeper of the ancient scrolls of death promise to uphold the overlord interest and authority as I govern Delia all will fear and bow to kinkland.

There was an uproar in the council many surprised. Then came the drum beats " The session has come to an end" yelled the overlord speaker.

All nobles and lords of kinkland slowly move out to their various destinations with different emotions displayed on their different faces.