Chapter 33: A Council of War
The air in the Throne Room was thick with anticipation.
Ragnar sat on his throne, tapping a long, pale finger on the armrest, the rhythmic sound echoing in the cavernous space.
Pixia floated anxiously near his shoulder, reviewing data on a glowing screen only she could see.
Smashy the Orc stood guard by the entrance, his massive form as still and silent as a mountain.
Even Gary the kobold seemed to sense the tension, forgoing his usual butt-sniffing activities to sit quietly at the foot of the throne, his tail giving only a slight, nervous twitch.
They were waiting.
A full day had passed since Ragnar had sent the recall order.
Chloe and her squad had been deep in enemy territory, on the far side of the city. Now, they were on their way home.
Suddenly, the air at the entrance to the Throne Room shimmered.
A faint hum of power grew, and a swirling portal of black and purple energy opened. From it, five figures stepped forth.
The transformation was astounding. They had left as a squad of elite, but recognizable, monsters. They returned as something more.