Seven figures were sitting at a long stone table in what seemed like the darkest room deep in a massive stronghold. Six of them were all talking about their concerns and what they needed from each other while the seventh just sat patiently, observing a massive argument. One of them started raising his voice as he was getting angry at another for the comment they made about their lack of product just as the double wooden doors swung open to reveal the eighth figure.

“I suggest you all calm down before I have to start replacing you.” Said a disguised voice through the dark hood. “I apologize for being late. I had another meeting that went a tad bit longer than I had expected.”

“It’s about time,” said the seventh figure as he pulled his feet off the table and started to stand up out of respect. Their voice was also masked but sounded a lot deeper than the newly arrived one. “I was beginning to believe that you wouldn’t show up and that I’d have to kill one of these idiots myself.”

“And how were you expecting to do that?” The sixth one that was getting angry stood up. Their voice sounded higher than the other two. “Are you going to use your mysterious ability that the rest of us haven’t been informed about?”

“I don’t need that to kill you,” the seventh said as they started walking towards the sixth unsheathing their sword when an unseen force stopped them.

“No need for that,” said the eighth as they held up their hand. “I want you all to behave yourselves.”

The sixth starts enchanting their spell when they’re suddenly cut off in the middle as the eighth raise their other hand and slams both their hands on the table forcing the two to sit down.

“Quit this behavior! Any outbursts like this and we’ll get unwanted attention. I don’t need to remind you of what happened to our most recently deceased member, do I?”

“Of course not.” Says the seventh as they turn towards the table.

“No.” Says the sixth with reluctance in their voice that the rest could hear through the disguise.

“Good. Now First and Second, give me your updates.”

Two of the figures stand up simultaneously and speak in unison sounding like one voice, “The so-called beasts you wanted us to watch have started moving into the upward territories. They have destroyed every village in their path. We have tried to direct them but all of our attempts have been fruitless so far. We have patrols monitoring the pack as we speak. Waiting to hear back from them at our rendezvous point in two days.”

This story originates from Royal Road. Ensure the author gets the support they deserve by reading it there.

“That’s not the news I was hoping for but I appreciate the update. Keep watching them and tell me everything that happens. You may have a seat. Third, what news do you bring?”

The two sit down in unison as the next hooded figure beside them stands up and starts to speak in a masked raspy voice. “I have acquired all but three ingredients for the ritual. I just need the heart of an adult Mudernum Mandrill, the root of a Middlemist Red, and the soul of a death dragon. I’ve located the mandrill and I’ll be heading there personally tomorrow. Some of my men have been having trouble acquiring its heart.”

“That’s good. Once you have gathered them all, bring them straight here at soon as possible. We’re going to need those for what’s to come. Fourth, what do you have?”

The next figure stands up, seemingly to be the smallest of the group, and pulls out a long tan bag and turns it upside down to dump its contents all over the table.

“What are these?”

The fourth reaches down and picks up what looks like a small tin box with a button on its top. He presses the button and a dark cloud begins to seep out as he places it on the table. The box begins to hum for a few seconds as a small black creature jumps out and starts hopping around the table until it turns and looks at the one who pressed the button.

“What is that monstrosity?!” The sixth had asked out of disgust.

The fourth then pointed at him and the small imp-like creature turned and screamed and started running towards the sixth. The sixth then screamed and fell backward in his chair, knocking it over and falling to the ground. The imp then stopped at the edge of the table and began to point and laugh at the sixth as he was laying on the ground.

The eighth clap their hands together and chuckles to themselves. “Very good Fourth. I’m looking forward to more of your creations. Fifth, tell me the news in the west.”

The fifth member stands up, hunching forwards and leaning on a cane as he starts to speak, “In the west, the Palos and Garza kingdoms are arming themselves for what looks like the beginnings of another war. A new group has surfaced who are called the Prowlers. Their leader is calling themselves Excalibur.”

“Do you think that this Excalibur will get in the way of our plans?”

“I highly doubt it, but it would be wise to keep our eye on him and his Prowlers.”

“Alright. Thank you. Sixth, how are the finances?”

“Your little ritual is fully funded. We’re currently gathering enough to cover any extra expenses but I’m expecting our quota to be reached by the end of the week.”

“Good. All of you have given me good news. Now let me introduce the latest addition. Seventh, stand up.”

The seventh member stands up and takes a bow.

“He will be assisting in acquiring the soul of a death dragon. I’m sure his special talents will be of great use to us. Third, make sure to tell him everything you know.”

The third turns and nods his head.

“Now, we all have a part to play and I’m proud that we have gotten this far without too much conflict.”

“Too much conflict? Your new addition threatened me. How is that not too much?” The sixth asks in a defensive tone.

“Well if you weren’t provoking everyone in the room, that wouldn’t happen.” The fifth says.

Eighth raise their hands and the room quickly goes quiet. “All this bickering must end. It will be our downfall if we keep it up. Seventh, go with Third and once he tells you everything he knows about the soul, then use what you have to get it. And keep your identity secret. Secrecy has been our greatest asset in this. This is how we must keep it.” They lower their hands. “Now, everyone, you’re free to leave whenever you please.”

The moment the eighth finishes that sentence, a flash of black light shines and all that remained were three members.

“Third, have your men keep an eye on Sixth. I’m beginning to doubt his loyalty to our cause. Seventh,” the eighth turns their head, “good luck.”

The seventh chuckles, “That’s all I have and it’s gotten me this far.”

Another flash of light and the remaining three all disappear…