A tall wooden gate standing roughly six metres in height. Spiked at the top, the gate is connected to a palisade surrounding a bustling village. Behind the wall are wooden towers, about twice the size of the wall dotting the circumference of the village. Each one contains a few goblins, each brandishing bows and arrows.

An archer seated within the left guard tower, just beside the gate looks down towards the pathway. Spying on two individuals existing from the forest. As soon as these strangers come into view, he springs to action. "Halt, who goes there?" Shouting from atop his tower, the two strangers cease their advance. Peering down, he carefully examines the two. One appears to be a familiar goblin while the other is a mysterious hooded man.

The goblin on the left casts his gaze above. He replies to the inquisitive fellow goblin. "I am Rothgar son of Voron, I have come home with this human captive!" Shouting his reply, he maintains a crooked bestial expression.

The archer turns his gaze behind the wall, calling out to unseen comrades. "I see, open the gates Rothgar has brought us a new human pet to play with!" Carrying his voice along the wind, several footsteps resound in response to his voice.

The gate slowly rises, and the sound of a pully rope and creaking wood carries to the pair. The young Rothgar, turns to his prisoner, quickly adjusting his voice to a meek whisper. "Did I do good master?" He asks, with his head slightly bowed.

Orpheus responds with a malicious look in his eyes. "Yes, very good, I am most pleased." The goblin's face becomes awash with absolute bliss, at the mere thought of obeying.

The gate opens just before a group of warrior goblins come to greet them. “Ah, fresh meat, well done young one." The goblin at the front speaks with a petulant sneer, ready to savage any prisoner he can get his hands on.

Just before he can, the hooded man draws his staff and brings it to bare against his foes. "Imperium Autem." He chants loudly before a shining light glow from the stone. The light descends upon the group, enthralling them all to his will.

With their eyes glowing, they prostrate before him, declaring their allegiance. "Command us, master!" They all say in unison before directing him to the village square, smiles on their faces.

The goblins within the village sport confused expressions as a human walks in unmolested, flanked by a goblin entourage. The sight dumbfounded them, as most humans appear in chains, as per the norm. Reaching the centre and raising staff as high as he can. Proclaims to the entire village with a loud and commanding voice. "Greetings ladies and gentlemen, I am Mavrath, powerful sorcerer and now your absolute ruler. So, rejoice as you now have a purpose in life. To serve me with unquestioning loyalty.” Pausing for effect, he continues. “Unfortunately, it is non-negotiable." Leaving with that last statement, they all gasp as if in unison. They appeared akin to frightened children, rather than savage tribesmen.

A critiquing thought flash past his mind, following his speech. "Hmm Mavrath is a good evil name and I hope that speech was good, I practised it for days." Once his self-indulgence ends, he chants his spell a second time. "Imperium Autem." The light shone from his staff, enveloping the entire surface of the village and all of its occupants. "Kneel!" His voice rings out to every goblin in the village. Without a second thought, they all kneel in unison before him,

"Now let's begin, take me to a place befitting of a ruler." Ordering his new mind compelled minions, he glances around the shabby-looking village.

The platoon of goblins then guided him to a wooden hut. Leading him through the doors he notices a goblin in steel armour with a bone crown kneeling. Next to the apparent goblin king is likely his own wooden throne. "Master your throne awaits!" The king says, gesturing for him to sit. Witnessing the ruler's fidelity, Orpheus's joy is tainted with a bitterness at the feeble throne provided.

Despite the situation, he swallows his pride and seats himself upon it. His staff firmly grasped in his left hand. "You my predecessor, what is your name?" He commands, the kneeling goblin.

"Thorog, my master." He replies, his head still bowed.

"Well, go out and gather the soldiers and be quick about it." Rushing the former goblin leader to fulfil his request. "Now I'll inspect the quality of my new troops and mobilise them as soon as possible." The thought passes, setting his mind to wander. Soon after, two goblins come pouring through, the sounds of dangling chains can be heard behind them.

They push their way through their kneeling kin. Three chained and dishevelled human women followed just behind them. "Hmm, what is this?" He muses to himself while inspecting the new additions.

The goblins pull on the chains, attached to collars around their necks forcing them to the ground, just before the throne. The collars are yanked violently, and two of the apparent slaves let out a soft shriek of pain. "Master here are some female slaves, we offer them to you in recognition of your ascension, oh great one." One of the brutish-looking goblins speaks, a ruthless edge to his voice. He seemed quite accustomed to brutality, at least that’s how Orpheus saw it.

Curious as to who these women are, he ascends from his throne leaving behind his still-shining staff. Looking down at the visibly terrified women he points to the one on the left. "You, what is your name?" He asks with an even tone, half expecting a reply.

The woman seated to the left has blonde hair and light green eyes. Her skin is pale similar to wax. She has obvious scar tissue and bruises on her wrists and chest. She continues to look down in fear, refusing to speak as if the act of looking up and forming words was just too terrifying.

"Speak up before I lose interest." Still maintaining his moderate voice, he reaffirms his query.

"Her name is Aria!" The woman on the right speaks up, lifting her head with contempt in her eyes. She possesses tanned skin, dark hazel eyes and dark brown hair. She has similar bruises and scars as the rest. She glares angrily at Orpheus, before pointing to the woman in the centre. "She is Susanna and my name is Yvette." Yvette states firmly before returning a glare.

Orpheus smiles, impressed by her courage and so leans down to eye level. "My name is Orpheus, I am the new absolute ruler of these gentlemen." Shedding his character for a moment, he speaks to them honestly. Yvette's face now flushed with anger, raging at the notion of these goblins being seen as gentlemen. "Ah, I see they haven't treated you very well, from the looks of it, hmm... " Just at the end of his sentence, a memory breaks free, from the restraints of time.

The image of a young girl, around twelve years old with blonde hair and wearing rags. The visceral sight of her being beaten by a well-dressed man as other children and men watch. The man turns away from his dark deed. "Wait your turn Orpheus, I will teach you obedience just as she will learn." Disturbed by this, he quickly calms himself. Replacing the mild panic with a malevolent smile.

In a moment he comes back to his senses. "It seems you three have gone through a special kind of hell. But you should know when you come out the end. You can either cry with the angels or rise as a devil." Leaving that comment to simmer, his wide grin is all that remains. "So let me ask you... Tell me which of these fine gentlemen gave you any special attention, give me their names please?" Making his request, he leans back upon the throne and inspects his fingernails. Exuding an air of indifference on the surface, but within, his curiosity was peaked.

Stumbling over her words Yvette affirms her resolve to speak, all but spitting their putrid names. "Zurx, Halreg and Jumen that's their names!" She listed with every name, further enraging her.

His grin widens as faint traces of excitement, lick the edges of his mind. "Excellent, you whatever your name is, bring these goblins here, the rest leave us." Instantly delivering his commands, all the goblins in the vicinity quickly act in accordance with his will.

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Orpheus now pleased with the efficiency, turned his gaze to the chains. Chanting softly with a flick of his wrist. "Resigno." The collars around their necks unlock with a soft click. Soon after they fall to the ground with a clank of metal. Their faces flash confusion and soon joy emerges. The feeling of relief and the absence of their bindings felt euphoric.

Just as happiness fills their hearts, just like a twist ending, they are replaced with dread. The three goblins they hate and fear arrive only a moment later. Their figures seem to darken the room, with their disturbing presence. "We are here master what do you need of us?" They spoke in unison, akin to automatons that know only obedience. Soon after they knelt, their heads bowed in supplication.

Each of them is wearing light armour and wielding weapons as if they are hardened soldiers. "You’re here, excellent, please stand up and lift those heads." He commanded and so the goblins complied. "Now by my command.” He spoke with a voice as sweet as honey. “You on the left take out your dagger and place it on the ground. Then all of you stand still and do not move a muscle." His voice was steady, revealing not a moment of anger or impatience.

A dagger crosses the distance, falling upon the ground halfway between the two groups. The goblins then cease their movements. "Now one of you, pick it up and let's see..." Just before he can finish, Yvette cuts him off. Tearing the dagger from the ground, she lunges at the rightmost goblin, pushing him to the ground. With ferocity akin to a savage beast, she plunges the dagger into his chest.

Blood and gore follow the savage act as she continues to stab him over and over. The blood stains her clothes while fury blinded her gaze to red. Savagely slashing the now-deceased man, acting on impulse as if unaware of his death.

The two goblins that yet live, are filled with dread, recognition dawns on them both. "Interesting." Uttering only a single word, he gazes upon the tableau, with keen interest. Ascending from the throne he walks over to the exhausted Yvette, desperately trying to sink the blade into his flesh.

Easily he pulls the dagger from her fatigued hands. Once done so he turns back and offers the blade to the others. "Anyone else?" He asks, wondering if another will take up the dark deed. The two remaining women, still afraid, refuse the offer all the same. "I guess not, well no matter." He said before returning the blade to Yvette.

Withdrawing his sword, he decapitates both goblins with two, quick and ruthless strikes to their necks. Their heads fell to the ground with a dull thud. "You out there come in here!" He commands the goblin stationed outside. Quickly the denizen arrives through the door and kneels before him. "Take these women and give them baths and proper clothing, treat their wounds and ensure their safety... They are no longer slaves." Passing down this proclamation, he returned to his throne. Soon the three women were shuffled out of the tent without a fuss. "Oh, and send someone in to clean this up." Adding an additional command, he reclaimed staff before exiting the hut.

Leaving its confines, he is greeted with a few hundred, fully armed goblins all prostrating themselves. Inspecting his new army, he muses upon his accomplishment. "This will do." He mutters softly before speaking up. "Attention... Tomorrow morning as the sun rises, we will attack the nearby town of the Theavalon kingdom! We will lay it to waste, burn they're buildings and crush any opposition that dear to stand against my might!" Speaking in an operatic fashion, announcing his intentions to the assembled force. The goblins raise their weapons, releasing a battle cry. Their faces are awash with forced loyalty, the staff glows ever brighter and so do their cheers. The piercing light commanding the obedience of each and every soldier, binding them to his will.

His face gleams with joy, the prospect of absolute destruction exciting him. Despite the fires and toppled buildings glimpsed behind his eyes. Hesitation threatened to force his hand away from the task. Shaking his head, he resumes his speech, regaining a grip once more. "Let chaos reign supreme, my will brings it to their very doorstep!" Making the final proclamation, his staff ascends to the sky shining like a second sun.

Orpheus seated upon his newly acquired throne, eyes brimming with contemplation. His legs crossed and his staff seated beside him. "Hmm, five hundred soldiers in total, one hundred archers, one hundred pikemen, two hundred and ninety warriors and ten battle ready ogres. Those numbers should be sufficient enough to break through the town's major defences. The guardsmen should be no trouble neither the militia. The population is about six hundred and can muster at most three hundred soldiers almost entirely composed of militia." Pondering upon the newly acquired forces, he plans for the upcoming conflict. "There is a potential for reinforcements from a nearby garrison. That will take roughly two hours journey for sufficient forces to arrive. The battle will be well over by then, but what could I really do with these goblins and ogres. They're mentally malleable but there is a reason for that. But is suppose since they follow my every word, tactics would be quite easy to implement." His train of thought is interrupted by a voice through the door,

"Sire, may I enter?" A gruff voice requests entry.

"Yes, you may." He answers quickly, not even raising his head.

A goblin enters with Yvette, Aria and Susanna following. "Sire, we have completed your will, the humans have been bathed, clothed and treated per your orders... Is this sufficient?" Bowing his head in supplication, the goblin queries meekly.

All three women appear, almost entirely new. Their former dishevelled appearances have vanished, in place of fine clothing and genuine care for their well-being. Yvette has tied back her hair in a ponytail, wearing a black surcoat. Her newly acquired dagger was attached to her belt. Susanna with her long flowing hair, cascading down her shoulders. She is wearing a red and white kirtle. Aria has short hair, down to her neck and is wearing a white and green kirtle.

Nodding at their appearance, Orpheus speaks. "Well, you ladies look much better, a bath can work wonders don't you think?" He asks, inspecting their dramatic change.

"Thank you very much, sir." Aria meekly replies, showing gratitude.

"No Aria don't thank him; he didn't do this out of the kindness of his heart." Yvette cuts in, expressing her firm opinion, and questioning his motives.

Nodding a few times to acknowledge her words. "Very good, you are correct I didn't do this out of the kindness of my heart, there is little if any there to begin with." He replies, his face turning blank and emotionless. Visibly disturbed, they continue to stand their ground. "But you are right to be suspicious of my motives, Yvette, please keep that quality, it will take you far in life." Ascending from his throne staff in hand, he approaches them slowly. "I confess, I saved you all basically on a whim.” Inspecting his palm, he continues his explanation. “A slight flicker of altruism amidst a sea of misanthropy. But more so I hate to see good talent go to waste, so I will offer each of you a deal." Letting his words simmer for a moment, he steps back, lending the stage to them.

They all are taken aback by his statement. "What are you offering?" Susanna asks out of curiosity, this potential deal intriguing her.

Smiling softly, he steps forward. "As I see it you all have two choices. You can leave now and return to whatever pathetic lives you had before, I won't stop you. Or stick with me and I'll teach you things that will ensure, no one will ever lay their hands on you again. If they manage, well... Then they won't live long enough to savour it." Ending his speech, he awaits their reply, eagerly.

All three look at each other, their faces a mix of emotions. Intrigue, fear and then ultimate desire won over their hearts. "What do we have to do?" Yvette inquires, with the others signalling each of their agreements.

"Yes, I would prefer this not happen again." Susanna interjects, making her position plain to see.

"Yes, never again!" Aria says with more confidence than initially had before.

"Excellent now I just need to do one thing." He states with a broad smile. "Veni Forth Reditus Porta." Raising his staff, he chants a spell. Aiming the stone at a spot behind them, the stone shines and soon a portal forms from nothing. "Well, ladies first." He directs them towards the tear in reality.

"What is that?" Yvette asks, her gaze moving from the fissure to Orpheus.

"Incredible, that is truly amazing!" Aria marvels at the sight of the dimensional doorway. Her eyes widen with a glistening glow. Soon she circles the gate as if trying to debunk the trick.

Orpheus shrugs as if this was no great feat. "It's a shortcut to my place, it was annoying to set up. But the prep work was well worth it." Gazing at the portal he nods in recognition of his own feat.

All four of them then walk through the portal, disappearing on the other side. Once passed through, they arrive inside a well-light cave. Below their feet is a metallic platform, runic symbols are etched in a circle.

Looking around, they spy a room with various furniture and paraphernalia, littered around. "You guys make yourselves comfortable, I'll be back soon, I've got something to do first so... See ya." Orpheus steps back into the portal just as it closes, leaving three confused young women.

Returning to his throne he proceeds to walk outside, encountering his now-prepared army. The soldiers were ready to march at a moment's notice. The legion of goblins, all lined up in rows awaiting their master's orders. Noticing the sunrise from the distance, his path is now made clear. "Give the command." He orders Thorog the former leader now a follower.

Accepting the command without question, he turns his gaze to the army. "Forward march!" He bellows before raising his sword and commanding the legion to advance. The sounds of their boots hitting the ground. Orpheus smiles broadly, his plans are coming to fruition, before his very eyes.