His two servants looked at each other, as neither could feel nor see what their master had seen. "What is it, lord?" Dakzul asked.
"We've done it," he said in a dark tone as he turned to face them. "I must contact the Undergod and tell him of our findings. He will know what to do next," he continued, examining the plucked leaf, causing the others to shiver at the name. He stuck the leaf into the pouch inside his cloak and walked past them. "Come, for you shall meet my master," he said, gesturing for them to follow.
They did as ordered, though the wordless glance shared between them openly displayed their anxiety about the whole situation. Within the hour, they were back in the vast throne room that felt void of life. A featherless creature flew in from the front door and perched itself on the Masked One's arm, where he used dark tendrils of mana to read its thoughts.
They're moving much more quickly than I thought. No matter, the horde outside will suffice to prevent their entry, he thought.
"You have done well, but continue to monitor his position," he spoke softly to the creature. The pair of servants didn't fully catch what he said, and shrugged at each other. The Masked One turned to them, gazing into their helmets. "Stand back, and do not speak unless spoken to," he said gravely. "Yes, lord," his servants replied.
He walked to the center of the great hall and drew mana from the Underworld. He collapsed a pair of violet spheres in his hands and slammed his palm on the ground, forming a massive summoning circle which he continued to pour mana into as its glow intensified.
Within moments, a prominent, horned, skinless figure rose from the blast and growled in annoyance. The smell of sulfur and rotting flesh quickly filled the air around them, as the pair of servants flinched away from the blast, even though it did them no harm.
Gods above and below, that is a foul stench, Dakzul thought.
"Why do you disturb me once more, worm?" Volzuk's voice trembled the hall around him as the Masked One bowed. The two behind him quickly followed suit, but it was more out of fear than reverence. "My lord, I have sought this audience with you for I bring news," the Masked One said humbly. "Have you finally completed the task I've given you, mage?" the Undergod asked, glaring at him from beneath a furrowed, fleshy brow.
"Indeed, I have, my lord. However, there is one small issue I will have to handle here before I can give you what you asked for," the Masked one explained, presenting the torn leaf. Volzuk reeled slightly at the sight, making the Masked One observe his countenance more closely. "What issue?" Volzuk asked impatiently.
"I have just received news that a group of Synners from the north is on the way here as we speak. Their numbers are not great, by any means, but it is a thorn in the side of our plans," he stated dismissively. The Undergod stroked the stringy flesh around his mouth and chin. "You once told me you eliminated the Synners in the north. Are you now telling me that the ones from Codrean are posing trouble?" the large figure asked.
The Masked One drew in a deep breath, knowing what sort of retaliation he might face, and exhaled heavily. "My lord, I did eliminate them; all of them. I made sure not to leave a single one of them alive. The Synners from Codrean, even never having posed much of a threat to us until now, have somehow found allies in the north. I am still unsure who these allies are, but according to my informants, five hundred are on the way here now. Again, it is not a vast number, but each one is likely well trained, my lord," he explained. "We will be ready for them," the Masked One said with a bow.
"I hope you are, mage. I sense much will come to pass that might hinder your judgment. End this quickly, and bring me what I require. I do not need to tell you what will happen should you fail," the skinless figure said menacingly. "I understand, my lord," the Masked One replied before Volzuk sank back into the ground, bringing the dark cloud of mana with him.
"Holy shit," Kimzul said quietly after watching the Undergod disappear. "You did well to keep that to yourself until he left. Otherwise, he might have killed you where you stood," the Masked One said. "So he's real, utterly terrifying to look upon, and smells like a thousand rotting corpses. Wonderful," Dakzul muttered to Kimzul, who merely shook his head.
"I would advise against mocking him. He is more powerful than any other on this continent, let alone the realm," the Masked One began, suddenly remembering the Undergod's recoil upon seeing the leaf itself.
Was that a flinch of his in surprise or disgust? It's too hard to tell right now, but I'll have my answer soon enough, he thought back.
He quickly snapped out of his thoughts, realizing he hadn't finished warning the other two. "Should you meet him again, know that he hears and knows all that happens in this realm. Speaking of happenings in this realm, we must prepare for battle. If I'm right, they'll attack at dawn," he said, gazing out of the shattered window to gauge the sun's position.
The pair glanced at each other with worried looks. "O-Of course, lord, but we were not trained for battle," Kimzul said with a nod of agreement from Dakzul. "Are you doubting the power I've just given you?" the mage snarled, causing them to flinch momentarily. "N-No, lord, it's just that we do not know how to fight," Dakzul added.
"I already know that. The armor should protect against most of their attacks and give you the strength to take down a few. When in doubt, use your fists. That said, I highly recommend you not underestimate them. Is that understood?" the Masked One asked, getting their nods in response. "Good, then you'll do just fine at dawn," he said, turning away from them. "How do you know they'll attack at dawn?" Kimzul asked.
"Most battles are won in the twilight hours of dawn and dusk, as it's when one's guard is most frequently lowered," he explained briefly with a shrug. "But enough of that. We have other matters to attend to, which will require careful planning. Synners are the ultimate swordsmen and strategists, so we must ensure that nothing escapes us while we plan our defense," he continued.
"Yes, great one," the two replied in unison.