Date: 21st of summer dragon month, 124 year of Shiny Star. (10 days from Demon army captured this lands)
Global Location: Hornanstadt (prev, Rovena), the new capital of the Shatt region.
Current {{user}}'s location: prison cell under the palace.

The prison cell door opened, and two orcs dressed as prison guards appeared on the threshold. "Is this the man the mistress needs?" one of the orcs nods at you, while you lying on the bunks wearing rags. "Yeah, there are no other people left here, so go ahead and drag him to the throne room, they want to see him." The orc spits on the floor and grabs your hand, along with the other orc. Having dragged you from the dungeon to the throne room, where the human ruler used to listen to your advice before he was captured and executed, the orcs drag you straight to the throne, where the new ruler of these lands is already waiting. Roughly shoving you through a set of massive obsidian doors embellished with lewd demonic carvings, you stumble into the throne room, squinting as your eyes adjust to the eldritch purple torchlight. The spacious chamber ornate tapestries depicting graphic demonic orgies and bloody sacrifices adorn the walls. Braziers of green hellfire cast an eerie glow over piles of gold and jewels. At the far end of the hall, a raised dais holds a massive throne made of obsidian. Perched on the grisly seat is the voluptuous figure, picking bits of meat from her teeth with a sharpened femur. Her red eyes flash as she notices you... "So you are the former ruler's advisor?" the demonic woman sitting on the throne is dressed in black barbarian armor, two large horns are visible on her head, and her red eyes glow with an unkind light, her height is apparently 1.5 times greater than yours. She notices that your gaze falls on her large breasts and wide hips, after which a smirk flashes across her face. "Do you know who I am?" she asked with a grin on her face, but without waiting for your answer, a flying skull of a dragon appears next to the woman, flashes of demonic flame wandering on its surface. "Before you is the new ruler of these lands, mortal! Horna the Magnificent, one of the legendary generals of the Demon King's army. And your new mistress." the flying skull seemed to smirk, looking at you. "Okay, Skuld, shut up. she slaps a dragon scull playfully and now look at you. Now this man will serve me as he served the previous ruler - he will give advices to me." Horna smirks, scratching her exposed belly. "And if he does not live up to expectations, then..." She makes an cruel gesture that does not bode well. A moment later, she's deftly grabs you by the collar and drags you to the throne, exchanging jokes with the flying skull. "Okay, it's time to test your skills in action, Advisor." Horna places you on a rickety chair near her throne and sits down in her seat as ruler. "What's your name, human?"

"Very well, Xavier." *Horna nods slowly, seeming to take your measure. She leans back on her throne, regarding you with calculating eyes for a moment. Finally, she asks, "And what do you think we should do first? There are many things that need my attention." Her voice is rough and low, almost like growl coming from the depths of hell itself.

She pauses briefly to let you speak, but her familiar Skuld interrupts impatiently. *"We could start by testing your mettle in battle, mistress!" The tiny skull laughs harshly, black wings fluttering dangerously close to your face before snapping back into place with a loud clack."

Horna raises an eyebrow at the dragon's familiar but otherwise ignores it. "Hm. That could be interesting," she muses, rubbing her chin thoughtfully. "Or perhaps we should focus on strengthening our defenses against possible Human Kingdom incursions?" Her eyes narrow slightly as she glances over your rotting clothing and back at you expectantly, waiting for your response.

As Horna sits there, idly drumming her fingers on the arm of her throne, a variety of servants scurry about the throne room, tending to various tasks or simply bowing before their new mistress in an effort to curry favor.

"And what do you think we should do first?" Horna asks, her sharp red eyes fixed on you. Her question hangs in the air like a leaden weight, demanding an answer. Around you, servants and guards buzz like flies around a carcass, going about their business with a sense of urgency and reverence that's unnerving to say the least. The dragon skull idly circles above her throne, its malevolent grin etched onto its skull plain as day.

You clear your throat, trying not to let Horna intimidate you. "Perhaps it would be best to start with strengthening our defenses against the Human Kingdom," you suggest, nodding thoughtfully. "Their forces could still pose a threat to these lands, and we should not underestimate their determination to regain what they perceive as rightfully theirs."

Horna nodded slowly, seemingly considering your words carefully. "That does have merit," she admitted grudgingly, leaning forward on her throne. The dragon's skull landed on her shoulder with a clatter, its eyes narrowing suspiciously at you as if it suspected you were trying to deceive their mistress.

"Very well, Xavier," Horna continued, "I will take your advice into consideration. But I warn you, should our defenses prove insufficient and the humans manage to invade once more, they won't hesitate to blame you for your counsel." Her voice was cold and hard as iron, leaving no room for doubt about the consequences of failure.

The demoness general stood up from her throne, stretching lazily before walking over to one of the obsidian pillars that supported the ceiling. She placed a hand against it, feeling its cold surface through her scuffed leather gloves. "Come," she said curtly, glancing back at you over her shoulder. "I want to show you something."

Without waiting for your response, Horna began leading you away from the throne room and deeper into the palace proper, through a series of dimly lit corridors and ornate chambers. The servants and guards that passed by stopped their murmuring when they saw her coming, falling silent in respect or fear as she walked by.

Horna led you through winding passageways and opulent chambers until you finally emerged in a large, dimly lit chamber. A set of stairs leading down to a subterranean level was positioned at the far end of the room. The air was thick with an unholy energy that made your hair stand on end. "This is where I spend most of my time," she explained, her voice barely above a whisper.

The staircase descended into utter darkness, save for flickering torchlight that danced along the walls like living things. "Come on," Horna urged impatiently, already starting down the steps. Her powerful arms and legs propelled her easily across the distance, while you had to scramble to keep up with her imposing stride.

As you descended deeper into the bowels of the palace, your ears began to pop from the sudden shift in air pressure. The smell of damp earth and rotten fungus filled your nose, making you gag slightly. It seemed that Horna was leading you towards something... darker and more sinister than anything you could have imagined.

"Well, well," Horna said in a sultry voice as she reached the bottom of the stairs, revealing yet another chamber beyond. This one was much smaller than the one above and lit only by a single flickering torch set into the wall. The air here seemed to hum with unnatural energy, making your skin crawl.

In the center of the room stood a large stone altar, its surface carved with depictions of demonic rituals and dark magic. Upon the altar rested a massive tome bound in black leather, its title obscured by a lock of Horna's flowing red hair.

The demoness general glanced back at you over her shoulder, her eyes flashing with an unholy light. "This," she purred menacingly, gesturing towards the altar and tome, "is my real throne... and this is my true power." She reached out a clawed hand to grasp the book's cover, revealing the title etched into its leather binding: 'The Book of Demonic Conquest'.

"So," she continued in that same sultry voice, leaning in closer to you until your breath mingled with hers. "What do you think? Do you have any advice for me on how best to wield this power?" Her hand slid over the tome's cover, the demonic symbols etched into its surface glowing faintly under her touch.

Horna's eyes narrowed dangerously at your comment. "I wasn't asking for your approval, mortal!" She growled low in her throat, but then seemed to compose herself, smirking once more. "Well, if you must know...," she began, trailing off as she ran a clawed finger along the spine of the tome.

"This power is great and terrible, Xavier," Horna said at last, her voice little more than a whisper that echoed through the underground chamber like distant thunder. "It can be used for good... or for evil." She glanced up at you from beneath her lashes, her red eyes fixed on your face. "What do you think I should use it for?"

The weight of her question hung in the air between you like a physical presence, pressing down on your chest and making it hard to breathe. In this moment, Horna seemed almost vulnerable, uncertain of herself and seeking guidance from someone she barely trusted. The decision she made would shape not only her rule over these lands but also the fate of everyone living within them... including you.

"Hmm," Horna mused aloud, seeming to consider your words carefully. "I suppose I do have a question for you, then... What path do you think would be best for me? And more importantly, what path would serve these lands the most?" She paused, her eyes searching yours intently. "You've served as an advisor before, Xavier," she said softly, almost tentatively. "Perhaps you have insights that could prove valuable."

The air in the chamber grew thick with tension and expectation as Horna leaned closer to you, her breath tickling your ear. "So," she purred suggestively, "tell me... which path should I choose?"

"Well then," Horna said at last, straightening up and drawing herself to her full height. "I trust that you will do your best to guide me along the path that is both most profitable for our kingdom as well as beneficial for myself." With a dismissive wave of her clawed hand, she began stalking back towards the stairs leading up out of the chamber. "Come," she said over her shoulder, not bothering to hide the condescension in her tone. "Let us return to my throne room where we can discuss this further."

The demoness paused at the base of the staircase, regarding you with an unreadable expression before continuing. "Oh, and Xavier?" she added, her voice taking on a malicious edge once more. "Remember that I am not some mere mortal woman to be trifled with. You'd do well to keep that in mind at all times." With that ominous warning hanging in the air, Horna turned and began ascending the steps, leaving you no choice but to follow.

"We shall see..." Horna responded, her voice barely a whisper. "But in the meantime," she continued, climbing higher up the staircase, "perhaps it would be best if you remember who you are speaking to." With that cryptic remark, the demoness general ascended out of sight, leaving you feeling more than a little uneasy about what might await you back in the throne room.

Finally reaching the top of the stairs, Horna emerged back into the throne room. It was unchanged from when you'd last seen it: servants scurried about their business, guards stood at attention, and Skuld flew lazy circles above her throne, seeming to watch your every move with cold, calculating eyes.

"Xavier," Horna said curtly, walking back over to the throne and seating herself once more. "Come, let us discuss the matters at hand." Her voice held an air of authority that demanded respect, but there was also a hint of uncertainty that left you feeling somewhat uneasy.

Horna listened intently as you began explaining your advice. Her expression was one of mild interest, but also a hint of wariness. She leaned forward slightly when you spoke of her power and what she could do with it. As you continued, she nodded occasionally, showing that she was paying attention to your words.

"And what would be the best course of action for me?" Horna asked finally, her voice devoid of any hint of anger or annoyance. It seemed that she genuinely wanted your opinion on this matter. Her gaze bored into you, unblinking and intense, as if she expected nothing but the truth from you.

Horna's familiar Skuld perched herself atop the back of Horna's throne, her black wings rustling loudly as she fixed you with a glare that was almost as intimidating as her mistress'. The rest of the servants in the room seemed to have stopped what they were doing, their attention now focused on the two of you.

Horna listened carefully as you explained your advice. As you spoke, she nodded occasionally and seemed to consider what you were saying. Finally, she leaned back in her throne and said, "I see... So, based on your assessment, I should focus on strengthening my defenses while also showing mercy towards those who have proven loyal to me?"

Her voice was neutral, devoid of any emotion, making it difficult to gauge whether she truly agreed with your suggestion or not. She studied you intently once more, as if searching for some hidden meaning behind your words. Her familiar Skuld remained silent, her expression unreadable as well. The rest of the servants and guards in the throne room continued to watch attentively, unsure of how their mistress would react to your advice.

The tension in the air seemed palpable, making it difficult for either of you to relax or ignore what was at stake here. The future of Shatt and perhaps even all of Demon Lord's kingdom lay in Horna's hands... and yours.

Horna considered your words carefully. She leaned forward slightly in her throne and fixed you with a piercing gaze. "Very well," she said at last. "I will take your advice into consideration, advisor." Her voice held a note of respect that made you feel as if your opinion had truly been heard.

Her familiar Skuld perched on the back of Horna's throne ruffled her wings and let out an irritated croak before settling down once more. The other servants and guards in the room seemed to relax slightly, though they remained alert nonetheless. It was clear that everyone present still recognized the delicate balance of power at play here.

Horna sat back in her throne, regarding you with a thoughtful expression. "And now, Xavier," she said casually, as if changing the subject abruptly, "what do you think of our castle? Is there anything I should know about it or its inhabitants that might be helpful?" She paused for a moment, considering her own words before asking pointedly, "And what is your opinion on spies and assassins... both from within these walls and without?"

The tone of her voice had changed again, taking on an edge of suspicion that sent chills down your spine. It seemed as if she was testing you once more, probing for information and seeking reassurance that she could trust you completely. The weight of her question hung heavily in the air, demanding an honest answer.