The Monster Empress Part 1
*Telónia's POV*
It had been two months since Her Majesty entrusted me with the mission to unite and dominate all the monster tribes in the forest. Surprisingly, things have been progressing better than anticipated. I have successfully taken over all the hobgoblin, High Orc, kobold, and ratmen villages in the forest, enlisting the able-bodied male hobgoblins, High Orcs, and Kobolds as my foot soldiers, and the ratmen as my spies.
This marks my first significant engagement on battlefields of this scale. While I have fought before, those encounters were against human enslavers or arrogant individuals from more powerful monster races.
"Excuse me for my rudeness Lady Telónia, but we have a messenger from the Lizardmen requesting an audience with you!" a hobgoblin soldier shouted as he entered my tent.
"Hmm...bring them to me," I replied while gesturing for him to proceed.
As the hobgoblin soldier hurried off to fetch the messenger, I took a moment to gather my thoughts. The progress we had made so far was promising, but there was still much to be done. Uniting the various monster tribes was no easy task, but it was a necessary step towards Her Majesty's goal of world domination, a goal that seemed ridiculous to me. However, if there was anyone capable of achieving it, it would undoubtedly be Her Majesty.
As the messenger approached, I noticed a hint of apprehension in his demeanor, a clear indication of the respect and, perhaps, even fear he held for me. It spoke volumes of the influence I had begun to wield over the forest's inhabitants using the power her majesty graciously gifted me with.
"Greetings, My Lady," the messenger spoke, his voice tinged with deference. "I bring word from Chief Sarrak of the Lizardmen tribe."
I inclined my head in acknowledgment, a subtle gesture of authority that didn't escape the messenger's notice. "Continue," I urged, my tone conveying both confidence and expectation.
"Our tribe has observed your efforts to unite the monster tribes," the messenger continued, his words carefully chosen. "We recognize your strength and wish to offer our allegiance to you, but on the condition that you help us beat the ogres who have been attacking and enslaving us for decades now."
"Well, let's start with the most important detail," I interjected, my tone firm and commanding. "You should offer your allegiance not to a mere servant like myself, but to my master, my queen, and my benefactor, Her Royal Majesty Celeste Valentine. It is she who has bestowed upon me the power to unite and dominate the monster tribes of this forest. It is she who has elevated me from a mere weakling to a figure capable of instilling fear in even the most powerful races among us."
"So you are saying that a powerful being like you is serving someone?" asked the lizardman in shock.
"Yes, and I am not even the strongest being serving her," I replied in a smug tone, relishing the opportunity to assert my position of power.
The lizardman's eyes widened in disbelief, clearly struggling to comprehend the hierarchy at play. It amused me to see the effect of Her Majesty's influence on those who dared to challenge her authority.
"Nevertheless," I continued, adopting a more serious tone, "your request for assistance against the ogres is not unreasonable. I will relay your message to Her Majesty and seek her guidance on the matter. If it aligns with her interests, then rest assured, we will offer our aid."
With that, I dismissed the messenger, watching as he departed with a mixture of relief and uncertainty. It was clear that my words had left an impression, and I couldn't help but feel a sense of satisfaction at the display of power and authority I had demonstrated on behalf of Her Majesty.
"Kuro," I said with a commanding tone.
"Yes, my lady?" a figure with rat ears replied from my shadow.
"Go to the ogre village. I want all the information you could possibly gather," I ordered, my voice firm and resolute.
"At once", Kuro nodded and melted into the darkness, his form blending seamlessly with the shadows. As my spy, I trusted him to carry out his task with discretion and efficiency.
With Kuro dispatched on his mission, I turned my attention back to the matter at hand. The allegiance of the Lizardmen will make taking over the forest so much easier, so I need to formulate a plan that will help us beat the orcs with as little casualties as possible.
*Kuro's POV*
As I slip into the shadows, my senses heighten, attuned to the subtlest movements around me. The darkness embraces me like an old friend, concealing my form as I move with silent purpose toward the ogre village. My mission is clear: gather intelligence, assess their defenses, and report back to Lady Telónia.
The journey through the forest is swift and silent, my ratman senses guiding me through the dense undergrowth with ease. My keen eyes catch glimpses of a village with wooden houses, their sloping roofs and paper-thin walls a stark contrast to the ruggedness of the surrounding wilderness. Strange symbols adorn the doorways, their meanings lost on me but undoubtedly significant to the inhabitants within.
[Image of Village here]
As I draw closer, I notice the unmistakable scent of roasting meat wafting through the air, mingling with the earthy aroma of the forest. Shadows dance across the ground as flickering torchlight spills from the village, casting patterns on the forest floor.
Peering through the shrouded veil of foliage, I observe the ogres, their massive forms tower over the village, their bodies bulging with muscles and their skin a reddish hue that speaks of their formidable strength. They move with a brutishness that belies their power, their heavy footsteps echoing through the night.
Careful to remain unseen, I take note of their numbers, their weapons, and the layout of their defenses.
The ogres seem organized, their village fortified against potential threats. Sturdy Wooden barricades surround the perimeter, while guards patrol the outskirts, their eyes scanning the darkness for any signs of intruders.
As I continue my reconnaissance, I encounter a towering structure atop a hill, its silhouette looming over the surrounding landscape like a silent sentinel. The building stands out amidst the rustic wooden houses of the ogre village
Drawing closer, I see that the structure is constructed of intricately carved wood and paper, and it could easily be burned which will give help us put the enemy in chaos
With caution, I approach the building, mindful of its fragility and the potential consequences of any misstep. As I reach the entrance, I pause to survey the surroundings, ensuring that no prying eyes are watching my movements.
The area appears deserted, the ogres preoccupied with their nightly activities and unaware of my presence. Satisfied that I am not being observed, I slip inside the building, moving with the stealth and precision honed through years of fighting for the survival of my race.
The interior is dimly lit, shafts of moonlight filtering through the paper walls to cast eerie patterns on the floor. The air is thick with the scent of incense, its cloying sweetness masking any other odors that might betray my presence.
Careful to make no sound, I glide through the building, my senses alert for any signs of danger. Shadows flicker and dance around me as I move, the silence broken only by the faint rustle of paper and the occasional creak of floorboards beneath my feet.
As I reach the heart of the building, I come upon a chamber that exudes an air of importance.
"My lord, have you heard of the recent events happening in the forest?"asked a noble voice in a respectful and coaxing tone
The voice echoes through the chamber, its roughness tempered by a tone of deference that suggests the speaker is addressing someone of higher rank or authority. Intrigued, I press myself against the wall, straining to catch every word of the conversation unfolding before me.
In the center of the chamber, seated upon a raised platform, is an ogre adorned in elaborate armor, his massive form silhouetted against the dim light. His features are obscured by the shadows, but his presence commands attention, radiating an aura of power and authority.
Before him stands a large figure, another figure smaller than the one on the ornate chair. Though I cannot see his face I can see that he has swirling horns and gray feathered wings on his hips, I can sense that he has a relaxed posture, the indeference in its voice as it addresses the ogre lord.
The ogre lord grunts in response, his voice betraying a hint of confusion. "Huh? What recent events?" he rumbles, scratching his head with a massive hand. "Oh, you mean those noisy critters stirring up trouble in the woods?"
The figure nods quickly, eager to clarify. "Yes, my lord. there is a new monster trying to challenge your authority"
The ogre lord's brow furrows in thought, his expression shifting from confusion to irritation. "Well, ain't that just typical," he grumbles, his voice thick with frustration. "Them little pests think they can take on us? Ha! We'll show 'em who's boss!"
The figure bows low, its movements quick and deferential but it had a creepy and calculating smile. "What are your orders, my lord?" he asks, with a scheming tone
The ogre lord leans back in his seat, a self-satisfied smirk spreading across his face. "Orders? Ha! Smash 'em! Crush 'em! Make 'em regret ever trying to challenge the great I !" he bellows, pounding a fist into his open palm for emphasis.
The figure's smile widens, eager to carry out the ogre lord's commands. "what a fool," he murmurs, his voice barely audible above the rumble of the ogre lord's booming laughter.
With that, the conversation comes to an end, the figure leaving to relay the ogre lord's orders to the rest of the tribe. Left alone in his chamber, the ogre lord grins wickedly, relishing the thought of the impending battle and the chance to prove once again that might he's the strongest in the forest.
As the figure leaves, I realize the gravity of the situation. The ogre lord's arrogance and disregard for any potential threats could prove to be a fatal mistake. If he underestimates our strength, it will only hasten his downfall.
With this knowledge, I retreat silently from the chamber, making my way back through the building with caution. Every step is calculated, every movement deliberate as I navigate the shadows, determined to relay this vital information to Lady Telónia.