Chapter 13: The Farmhouse Raid (Part 1)

Underneath a ruby-red sunset, two creatures slept under a rock's cool shade. They were so deep in slumber that they did not notice an enormous figure approach them.

The figure hovered over them for what seemed like forever, and then boomed, "WAKE UP!"

The two creatures snapped awake immediately. When they looked up and recognized the figure, they bowed down to it, with much respect and fear.

"King Muzen! How unexpected of you, Your Majesty!"

"What brings you here, Highness?"

"Shall we kiss your feet? Or perhaps you would like to feast on some of the small dead thing I found earlier? 

"We'd been saving it for later, but-"

"SILENCE!!!" King Muzen roared. "The Masked One has requested to meet with you both."

"And why would that be, Your Majesty?" the first creature asked. 

"He has received reports that the green-dressed woman has been sighted in your area," King Muzen explained. "You are to report back to our camp immediately." He turn around and started to walk away. "Next time, do not force me to fetch you both myself, and most certainly, do not keep the Masked One waiting."

"Yes, Your Majesty." The two creatures said, before following in suit.

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By the time the three creatures returned to their territory, the sun had set, and it was now night. They entered the camp, and made their way towards a dark, torch-lit room.

The room was big, long and mostly dark, save for the many torches lining the walls, emitting an intimidating glow. At the end of the room, a hooded figure sat on a stone throne, a scythe in his left hand. His wooden mask obscured his face, decorated with red and blue ancient markings.

His icy blue irises observed the two creatures bow before him with much seriousness and a hint of impatience from the eye-holes. 

"So," the Masked One began. "You are the ones who sighted the green-dressed woman, were you both not?"

"Indeed, O Great Masked One..." the first creature spoke.

"Then...." The Masked One rested his hand under his chin. "Why did you fail to capture her?"

"She resembled the green-dressed woman, O Great Masked One," the second creature explained. "But she does not wear a green dress..."

"And did you not think this was of importance?"

"No, O Great Masked One..." the first creature answered meekly.

"We cannot even get close to her," the second creature said. "She is under the protection of the Desert Spirits and the old farmer and his grandsons of Tumbleleed Village."

"I see..." The Masked One said.

"What shall we do now, O Great Masked One?" King Muzen asked.

"Quite a dilemma, yes..." The Masked One stood up. "It would not be wise for the Spirits to know about our plans." He looked towards Muzen. "I want you to organize two parties. One shall roam the areas north of the farm, to distract the Spirits, while the other shall attack the farm directly."

"When?" King Muzen asked.

"Now." The Masked One walked down the steps to his throne. "But first, have them gather within the center of the camp."

"Yes, O Great Masked One." King Muzen bowed.

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In a matter of moments, a huge crowd had gathered around the center of the camp, the excitement confusing and riling them up for whatever was about to happen.

Right on cue, the Masked One stepped onto the platform. The crowd cheered.

"Attention, everyone!" the Masked One announced. "The green-dressed woman has been sighted by two of your fellow comrades."

The crowd cheered even louder.

"However, she is under the protection of the Tumbleed farmers and the Desert Spirits."

The crowd booed with hatred upon hearing those two words.

"But, we can capture her, for I have thought of an excellent plan! One group shall distract the Spirits within the lands located north of the farmhouse, while the other group shall directly attack the farmhouse!"

The crowd screamed and hollered in excitement.

"I want the green-dressed woman brought back to me alive! Kill the farmer and his grandsons, and leave them to rot!" The Masked One outstretched his arms. "Now go! Attack! Destroy! Kill all who get in the way of capturing that green-dressed woman!"

The creatures cheered and roared. The ground rumbled and thundered as they charged out of the camp and into the chilly dark night.

Under the mask, the Masked One's mouth curved into an evil grin that reached from ear to ear.

"You'd best sleep with one eye opened, Kenneth," he muttered. "You and your grandsons shall suffer greatly tonight."