The Dragoso Series 2: Strength in Darkness

Screeching echoed through the chamber as eight pairs of red eyes watched the end of Cenod. Talons drummed on the armrest of a throne before the owner of the talons intertwined his fingers together and hold them at his beak.

“What kind of lame defeat is that?”

“Silence.”

“No seriously, what kind of fight was that? I thought you said he would stop them?”

“I said quiet!” In the firelight, a humanoid bird creature stood, his talons clenched into fists at his sides. The wings protruding from his wrists twitched in annoyance. His feathers were pitch black, accented with red. He wore a purple tunic and slacks with a purple scarf and collar around his neck. Black gloved hands slid across his shoulders before arms wrapped around his neck and a pale face appeared at his neck.

“Agony dear, do relax,” the female requested, her sharp fangs gleamed in the light of the fire.

“Not now, Lust,” the bird, Agony, stated, shoving the vampire away from him. Lust fell into the throne to Agony’s left and pouted. She adjusted her large breasts barely covered by the shirt she wore. She crossed one knee over the other, clearly displaying her...assets.

“I must ask what you plan on doing now, Agony,” the elf on Agony’s right asked. He wore black and gold armor adorned with sea green jewels. He wore a sea green cloak as well. His long blond hair was tucked behind his pointed ears.

Agony returned to sitting upon his throne, his eyes on the pool in the middle of the circle. The liquid that flowed in the pool was as red as blood, showing the spot that Cenod had once been, but was now nothing. He looked among the rest of the Council as they watched him patiently. All except the Troll, Sloth, who slept soundly in her throne. Agony rolled his eyes at her, he never understood how she could sleep anywhere. One second she was watching Cenod’s death, the next she was fast asleep.

“Do you all have your minions together and ready?”

“Of course, dear,” Lust swooned.

“Mhm” the orc mumbled. He looked to Sloth before kicking her leg.

“Wah! Yeah mon! Let me sleep...” Sloth exclaimed before falling back asleep.

“Let’s do this!” the goblin cheered, flipping a coin on his thumb.

“Aye, lad,” the dwarf stated, sipping his ale loudly.

“As I’ll ever be,” the werewolf snapped. He folded his arms and glared at the pool, not looking at the others.

“Ready as always, Agony,” the elf replied. He flipped his hair and grinned. Agony smirked and leaned forward, looking at the pool as the image became distorted and changed to reveal a black and white dragon flying over a forest.

“Then it’s time we put Operation: Nightmare into motion,” Agony stated and he stood. “You all know what you have to do should Nightmare fail. Do NOT fail our master like Cenod failed me.” Agony looked to the werewolf who looked up at him. “Make sure you influence that dragon the right way, Envy. Play into his hopes, not your own.” Envy nodded, grunting as he did.

“What of the Marauders?” the goblin questioned.

“There is a reward in it for them should they succeed. They are much like your namesake, Greed.” Agony chuckled and stepped away from his throne towards a swirling black portal. “Keep watch on our friend there. Should Nightmare fail, proceed to the next operation. Should the next fail, move to the next. We cannot fail Master again.” The Council nodded and Agony stepped through the portal. He came to a grassy plain with a few hills. He looked among the life around him before crossing his arms. He lifted a hand after a moment, an orb appearing and showing the Archangel Dragon in it.

“Apologies, Archangel, you will prove useful in our quest.” Agony snapped his other talons and watched as Archangel was bombarded with dark magic. The dragon fell to the trees and disappeared beneath the leafy canopy. “Now to begin preparations for battle.” Agony cracked his knuckles before holding his hands out, summoning portals that released Demonic Hellhounds and other demons.

“Master Rakasa, we will not fail you again.”