The General

"Alright, guys." Daemon said as the group reached a set a stair that led up to the first main tower, "This is it. Behave." 

The tower they were at was massive, dwarfing each and every single person that was there. It was unlike the first few towers they saw, that were tall and had a glowing light at the top. This one was wider, bigger, and much taller than those. It was made from black stone bricks much like the other towers, buildings, and even the bridge itself. 

Zaphira looked at Daemon, "Can we go in already?" 

Daemon glanced at her, "We have to wait till they open the door and let us in." He said

As he said that, they heard the massive doors open, and a woman wearing a dark blue dress and a golden yellow hood walked out. She had red hair and green eyes that pierced all of them; her beauty took the majority of the group by surprise. 

She stood at the top of the stairs as she looked at them without saying a word. 

"Who's the pretty one?" Zaphira whispered

"I feel a strong amount of magic power..." Invidia said as she shifted nervously

Daemon took a step on the stairs, "It's been a while, Lady Jade." He said with a smile, "How are you?" 

The woman didn't change her expression, "Daemon." She said with a monotone voice, "So it is you who decided to take this job. Come, The General and The Noble are waiting for you." 

She gestured for them to go inside as she took a step back. 

Daemon nodded and looked at the group, "Let's go." He said

They all then proceeded to walk up the stairs, following Daemon walk through the doors. 

Immediately upon entering, they were hit by the scent of freshly cooked meat, something that caused their stomachs to grumble. 

"Forgot we didn't eat breakfast...." Lydia said as they walked through a large hallway

The hallways were but a simple one, had black bricked walls, and was only decorated with sconces with flames on it, giving them light. 

"Through here." Lady Jade said as she led them inside a room, 

Inside, there was a massive table with nothing but food on it, from freshly baked bread, to steaming piles of steaks on a platter. The group stood still, seeing the amount of food on the long table. 

Daemon looked at Jade, "Having breakfast?" 

Lady Jade nodded, "The General has eaten already." She said, "This is for you." 

Azael looked at her, "Ma'am, my I ask why you give off a powerful pressure of magic power?" He asked

Daemon looked at her, "Lady Jade is one of the 5 Royal Court Mages." She said, "She was appointed as The General's personal assistant." 

Lady Jade nodded, "I serve my King and only my King." She said, "His orders were to assist The General in his current station." 

Lydia looked at Daemon, "Is it okay if we just sit and eat?" She said, "I mean.....we-" 

"I insist." A powerful and firm voice said

Across the room, standing in front of a massive window, stood a massive and tall man clad in full armor. The group were surprised by this, not feeling their presence prior to him speaking, but now that they noticed him, they felt nothing but overwhelming power. 

This was not an exaggeration; they all froze in fear, the pressure exuded by the armored man, it was suffocating.

"W-Who....." Invidia stammered as she widened her eyes, "T-That man...." 

"General Rickard." Daemon said taking a step forward, "It has been a while...." 

Daemon was the only one unaffected by his pressure, seemingly unfazed.

The General turned around, revealing the details of his armor. From the back, they were only able to see his dark grey armor, outlined by black, and his massive black cape that was draped on its back. 

From the front, they were able to see a simple sigil on the breastplate of the armor, it was that of a stag. The General's face was covered by his full helm, which had two massive sets of stag horns that were colored black and grey. He merely stood there, looking at Daemon who stood in front of the table that was set up for the group. 

Even from a distance, it was notable that the General was a tall and imposing man, slightly taller than Azael who stood at a staggering 6'7. 

"Daemon, The Black Dragon." Rickard's deep and powerful voice said, "Sit. Have your companions eat until they're full. You have an important job to do after this." 

Daemon looked around, "Where's the Elf?" 

Rickard took a step forward, something that unsettled the other, who winced at this. 

"The Elf, you say? The Noble from Teo'varna, hailing from House Thoron...." He said as he gestured at a door at the end of the room, "He's waiting. An impatient man, that one. I told him that as long as he's here, he answers to me. He wanted to send you lot down as quickly as possible." 

Daemon raised an eyebrow, "Down?" He said, "So its true....the job is...." 

"That is correct." Rickard said as he placed his hands behind his back, "The Job is but a dangerous journey down to the Death's Gullet...." 

"What?" Zaphira spoke up, "You're joking?" 

Lady Jade looked at her, "General Rickard doesn't jest." She said simply, "It is the truth. The details shall be given to you by the Noble." 

Lydia cleared her throat, taking a step forward, "G-General Rickard?" 

The General looked at her, "Yes?" He asked

The imposing figure of the massive warrior intimidated Lydia, who slightly trembled, unable to keep a firm grip on her sword. 

"Y-You are Master Roland's brother?" She asked

"Hm." Rickard said, "Is that the first thing an Adventurer asks me? If I'm related to the Great Paladin Knight of the Darkmoon Sect?" 

Daemon crossed his arms, "She was his Sword Apprentice." he said

"Is that so?" Rickard said looking at Lydia, "This one? She's..." 

"Small?" Daemon said with a smirk, "Yea, that's what I said." 

"Frail. Weak. Scared." Rickard said seriously, "What does Roland think when he takes in strays? That brother of mine is but a fool." 

Lydia took a step back and looked down, "I...." She said softly

Zaphira and Invidia grimaced, wanting to say something but knew that any sort of antagonizing will spell trouble when in the presence of the General.

Daemon tilted his head, "Hey prick." He scowled, "Don't talk to my Party Members like that. You may be a KIng's General, but you're in the presence of The Black Dragon, asshole. Could you remember who saved your army from the Draugr Overlords? And who the hell do you think freed the kidnapped nobles from those damned Goblins that even you didn't want to head into the caves?" 

This took even Lady Jade by surprise, everyone widened their eyes at Daemon, who was still scowling at the General. 

"I speak my mind when I wish to." Rickard said, "Sit down, eat, and keep your mouths shut. If you wish to fight, Daemon, say the word...." 

He was surrounded by a thick and crimson aura, the room slightly shaking as he looked at Daemon. 

"Oh...?" Daemon said as he placed his hand on the handle of his sword

"Ahem." Lady Jade spoke up, "Right now is not a good time for this, Daemon. Do you wish for me to call your Grandfather?" 

Immediately, Daemon looked at her with a serious look, "Don't you dare." He snapped

"And General." Lady Jade continued, "How many times has His Majesty told you not to challenge Adventurers that you deem worthy? Please restrain yourself. I know it's been a long month without any action, but please don't give Lord Glavius a reason to come here and break stuff." 

The General then eased up on his aura, relaxing his pose, and turned around. 

"Hm.....My apologies." He said as his back was turned to him, "Please, eat your breakfast and enjoy it. I am sorry for my behavior. It is unbecoming for a General." 

Daemon looked at the group, "Let's eat." He said, "Don't mind him. Trust me, he's the good one. We don't want Glavius here." 

"You do not." The General said, "He is a dangerous man. His Majesty was right to keep him on the border to the Shadowlands, you need someone like him to keep those Drow out." 

"Eat your fill, we shall discuss your journey after."