If they believed they were going to have the chance for a few hours rest, they were crudely mistaken. No sooner had 789, 777 and 669 landed to the stable courtyard, they forced to the ground by an intense downward energy field.

SUMMONED ALL CANNON FODDER 4HIRE PERSONNEL.

A god-like voice bombed over their heads, which was making their bones ache with threats of being shattered. Near insufferable pain caused throbbing to temples and eyes to water so they could barely stay open.

No matter who 669 tried to push himself up and free from the invisible force, he felt it push him down harder.

“What is the meaning of this?!” Peacock angrily squawked in his bird form and yelped when the invisible force yanked him toward 669 and pressed him down to the ground.

Soon everyone was facing dirt on the stable’s clearing.

MESSAGE FROM OUR MAGNIFICENT ESTEEMED OVERLORD RULER OF ALL TESHA. RISE AND BOW.

The pressing force lifted: everyone could catch their breath and recover senses.

“All hail our mighty Grand Demon Overlord. Rightful ruler of all Tesha.” 777 respectfully led the official chant, which everyone copied with the same inflections of absolute reverence.

Stolen from its rightful author, this tale is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.

The entire company bowed before a red-golden scroll that appeared midair, high above their heads. It shone brightly to penetrate every nook and cranny of the stable’s space, so nothing could be hidden from its view.

OUR ESTEEMED GRAND DEMON OVERLORD BY PROXY OF THE ADMINISTRATION REQUESTS ALL DEMONKIND TO REPORT ON SIGHTINGS OF A FORBIDDEN ARTIFACT THAT HAS BEEN FOUND AND IDENTIFIED IN THE CROSSROAD VILLAGE DISTRICT….

Everyone listened with no one daring to interrupt the edict being read to them regarding the artifact that appeared as a simple jade ring, but was laced with off worldly sigils that affected world elements. Of course, the edict didn’t tell them more than what they needed to know on the matter. But this assignment was simple enough. However, the second command had everyone gasping and struggling for breath in a horrified silence.

OUR ADMINISTRATION HAS NOTED THE CANNON FODDER 4HIRE COMPANY’S DISOBEDIENCE OF A DIRECT ORDER TO DISENGAGE FROM THE INVESTIGATIONS OF MARCUS POIROT’S MURDER…

Color drained from faces when the edict outlined a punishment assignment they had to complete within the remaining 72 hours or face extreme and insufferable consequences. The least seeing the company dissolved forever.

THAT IS ALL. ALL HAIL OUR MIGHTY AND EVERLASTING GRAND DEMON OVERLORD.

Groans and sighed relief were uttered once the edict had winked out of sight and the Skeleton Palace’s presence was no longer felt.

“Let’s get into the barroom and talk more on this.” 777 ordered everyone, who didn’t complain.

They peeled themselves off the ground, dusted their bodies clean and ambled inside.

Tonight was a good night to have a few drinks.