Chapter 9: Unknown

  In an uncharted dark part of the world of Kaneon a dark gathering of monsters was preparing for their next strike against the Kingdom of Equestra.

  A congregation of monsters sat around a long rectangular table all looking towards one end of the table where a prominent seat sat vacant as they all waited for it to be filled. Each of the monsters was unique in their appearance, but the unmistakable spark of intelligence could be seen reflecting within their deep red eyes.

  One was tall, with a stocky build and huge muscles outlined in shadows, hinting at the great strength they possessed. Another had a sleek feminine outline that radiated an air of aristocracy as she took a sip of something from a champaign glass. One was sitting on the table itself hunched over like a gargoyle showing off how small this monster was. And many other forms that occupied the space around the table.

  The room they had gathered in was shrouded in deep shadows except where candles lay lit to brush what little of the darkness they could away. However, none of their revealing light touched upon the shrouded figures making it impossible to see the exact details of the monsters and what they were.

  Suddenly, a door that was hidden by the darkness banged open with authority causing all those assembled here to rise in reverence to the silhouette that now entered the room. The profile of a large, imposing, and authoritative figure walked into the room with purpose as an oppressive aura trailed in their wake. All the figures that had risen, tensed up barely making a twitch, as if doing so would spell their end.

  The embodiment of authority then reached the empty seat at the front of the table and sat down. Their deep crimson eyes looked around at the others in the room before a deep, dark, and intimidating voice said, “Sit.” In response all the risen figures sat down quickly and directed their eyes to their king.

  “What is the status on our movements within the Kingdom of Equestra?” The tone with which this was spoken, was in the same as the one before, only with a no-nonsense air that implied, ‘speak swiftly and precisely.’

  At once the stocky built figure rose and proclaimed, “Our forces have been pushing the Kingdom’s warriors on all sides for weeks now. Though we have lost many, the enemy warriors are starting to lose their ground and are weakening from fatigue.” Their tone was deep and crisp making sure to get to the point of their report quickly.

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  “What is the status of the most troublesome skill wielder within their forces?”

  “My liege, the Kingdom has been moving her around to the various places that we have sent our forces. While her presence does tip the battles in the Kingdoms favor, Rax’s scouts have reported that she is beginning to become tired after weeks of repeated incursions.”

  The imposing figure nodded their head in approval of this news and knowing this was an indication to return to their seat, the stocky figure followed suit.

  “What is the status of the interception of all missives from the battlefield to the Council?”

  At this the small figure that had been hunched on the table rose up and answered in a raspy voice with a hint of nasal laugh at the end. “Sire, my operatives have intercepted all messengers leaving the battlefields. Once they were unconscious, my operatives used their abilities to copy the letters and then change their contents to omit any mention of any deviation of our force’s behavior.”

  “They then tampered with the messenger’s memories before sending them on their way to deliver the doctored messages. Furthermore, if sensitive information was found, the ‘original letters’ were then sent back here to be compiled for use in future strategy meetings.”

  Again, the imposing figure nodded in approval of the monsters’ report before speaking again, “What is the status of our Breeding Farms and Tempering Pits?”

  In response the feminine figure placed their champaign glass on the table before rising to answer the question. “Our numbers continue to be replaced with fresh stock from the Breeding Farms and the Tempering Pits continue to produce forces that show a greater intelligence then previous generations of our kin.” Her tone had the same air of aristocracy behind it that their aura projected, with a hint of superiority that she felt for herself.

  “Furthermore, if suitable kin emerge from the pits, they are tested and then placed within the proper unit of our forces.”

  The feminine figure then sat back down and retrieved their glass from the table before bringing it to their lips. “All good things to hear. Now what is the status of the undercover operation in the Night Glen Forest?”

  With that question a figure that could not be seen melded out of the shadows behind the head of the conclave. This figure was completely shrouded and gave no hint as to what it was or if it even had a physical body to begin with. The shadows around the figure just undulated, swirled, and morphed to dissuade any hint as to their true form.

  A voice then came out of the shadows, but it was as if the shadows was its voice as the tone was low and terrifying. “My lord, my subordinates have secretly been monitoring the humans for months now and have finally identified all the mages within the Township. We are now ready to begin the slow removal of these obstacles before we proceed to the second phase of the operation.”

  “Once the second phase is achieved, our military forces will then have a back door route open to the Capitol from the occupied Star Providence.”

  With that the figure retreated into the shadows and disappeared entirely. The lord of the gathering then rose, placing both hands upon the table and leaning over so that their crimson eyes stared forward. “All good news. Continue as you have and soon this retched Kingdom of Equestra will be ours after so many years.”